Apr 26, 2023

Spring is here and there is no doubt you’re excited to start making waves on the water because like most boaters, you’ve been fantasizing about your dream anchorages since haul out. But, before you head out on your first adventure, it’s important to make sure your boat is in tip-top shape to ensure your adventure goes off without a hitch from start to finish. Here are some areas you can check prior to launch to keep you afloat:

Batteries
Your battery bank is only as strong as your weakest battery. This means if you have a dead cell in your battery, it will lessen your available cruising hours and possibly prevent your vessel from starting. To avoid issues such as this, we recommend you inspect the health of your batteries by checking the voltage using a multimeter, ensure the battery terminals are free of corrosion, and look for signs of damage or leakage. You should fully charge your batteries at the start of each season and replace old ones when you start noticing signs of age.

Fuel Filters
Fuel filters are an essential component of your boat’s fuel system as they help remove impurities before the fuel reaches the engine. With our hot and cold Canadian weather, it’s likely that water will form in your fuel and if not properly filtered out, this can prevent your boat from performing at its top capacity. To prevent impurities from reaching your engine, it is recommended that you replace filters annually.

Impellers
To prevent overheating, all boats have impellers that bring cool water into your engine. Impellers can deteriorate over time due to exposure to heat and water, causing them to become less effective and increasing your risks of overheating. It is recommended that boaters change their impellers every two years.

Bellows
Bellows are often overlooked during spring inspections but are an important component to keeping you above water. If your bellows are not properly sealed, water can get into your boat which can lead to engine damage, issues with your electrical system, or in extreme cases, sinking. Regular inspection and maintenance are important to ensure they remain in good condition.

Safety Gear
Last but certainly not least, inspecting your safety gear and replacing anything that is outdated will help keep you and your family safe. Some of the items to regularly inspect are flares, cartridges on your self-inflating life vest, and fire extinguishers. For more information visit www.csbc.ca

By performing regular maintenance and having your boat serviced by a reputable marina, you will have peace of mind when heading out on your adventures this summer. Head over to www.mlmarinas.com to find a marina and service team that can help keep you worry-free.