![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/05\/Machine-Shop.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
A Step-by-Step DIY Spring Boat\u00a0Servicing G<\/strong>uide<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s much more to boat servicing than just ripping the wrap off and vacuuming out the critter residue (or removing the raccoons). Spring Boat Maintenance<\/span> is a necessary rite for boaters in Canada. You don\u2019t get to hit the water until your hands (or your mechanic\u2019s hands) have seen a little grease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re the DIY type, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and use this checklist to get your boat in ship shape before it hits the lake this season! A little elbow grease will pay off big time when you have peace of mind on the water.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Check your owner\u2019s manua<\/strong>l for any service instructions from the manufacturer that may apply specifically to your boat model.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the hull and bilge for any damage, <\/strong>like visible cracks or blistered-looking areas that will potentially leak on the water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition and operation of the outdrive <\/strong>(i.e., the shafts, propellers, nuts, and pins). Look for any dings, cracks, distortions, or pitting in the prop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition and operation of the fuel, electrical, and cooling systems.<\/strong> Drain and top up any fluids, if needed (i.e.fuel, power steering, and power trim reservoirs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change the engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants<\/strong> (unless this was done when the boat was winterized).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition of the hoses and lines.<\/strong> Replace them if there is evidence of softness, cracking, or brittleness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition of the throttle control.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clean and tighten the electrical connections<\/strong> and check for looseness or corrosion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check your navigation lights . . . <\/strong>and your boat trailer lights! Make sure your trailer is in good shape for a flawless launch<\/a> this season. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inspect and clean the engine\u2019s flame arrestor<\/strong> with soap and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Run the engine,<\/strong> check the operation of the gauges, and check the alternator for charging capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition of the battery<\/strong> (Note: a fully charged battery should hold its charge for 24 hours).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Put the drain plug in for launch . . .<\/strong> or you\u2019ll sink.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Last but not least, check the condition of your lifejackets<\/strong> and your other boat safety equipment<\/a>! Make sure each life jacket is clean, undamaged, buoyant, and you have enough onboard\u00a0for a full boat of passengers. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you have all of the required boating safety gear on board before you hit the water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/05\/Prop-Repair.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n15. Prepare For a Great Boating Season with Boater Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPerhaps the most important pre-season task to mark off your list is to take a boater education course and get your boater education card \u2014 if you haven’t done so already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t let a breakdown on the lake ruin a great day of boating! Make sure your boat is good to go, and you are, too, by obtaining your required boating license<\/a><\/span>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAlready have your Canadian boating license (or Pleasure Craft Operating Card)? Well, boater, the truth is, your boating skills have been hibernating all winter, too. Visit the BOATsmart! website<\/span> to check out animated, narrated, and free boating lessons. <\/p>\n\n\n\nRefreshing those boating skills is always a good idea before the start of a new season on the water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Bother with Boat Servicing and Maintenance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou should regularly service your boat to check that all mechanical and technical systems are functioning properly. Why bother? It\u2019s the law \u2014 the Criminal Code of Canada<\/strong><\/span> requires boaters to keep their boat and equipment in “seaworthy condition<\/a>.” <\/p>\n\n\n\nSo, be an all-star DIY boat maintenance person and give your boat and safety equipment a good inspection before every boating trip<\/span>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/04\/Summer24_3U9A8736-crop-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKeep Your Boat Seaworthy and Stay Safe This Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re all thumbs when working on machines with wires and engines, you should take your boat to an authorized marine dealer for service. But give it a shot; if you can maintain your own boat, that\u2019s one less thing you\u2019ll need to pay for this year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One other super cost-effective way to stay safe on the water is Item #15 above \u2014 taking the Canada boater safety course and getting your boating license. After passing the exam and getting your card, you don’t have to take the test again! It’s a one-time requirement, and there’s no better way to learn and get your card than through BOATsmart! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re the DIY type, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and use this checklist to get your boat in ship shape before it hits the lake this season! A little elbow grease will pay off big time when you have peace of mind on the water.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Check your owner\u2019s manua<\/strong>l for any service instructions from the manufacturer that may apply specifically to your boat model.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the hull and bilge for any damage, <\/strong>like visible cracks or blistered-looking areas that will potentially leak on the water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition and operation of the outdrive <\/strong>(i.e., the shafts, propellers, nuts, and pins). Look for any dings, cracks, distortions, or pitting in the prop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition and operation of the fuel, electrical, and cooling systems.<\/strong> Drain and top up any fluids, if needed (i.e.fuel, power steering, and power trim reservoirs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change the engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants<\/strong> (unless this was done when the boat was winterized).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition of the hoses and lines.<\/strong> Replace them if there is evidence of softness, cracking, or brittleness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition of the throttle control.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clean and tighten the electrical connections<\/strong> and check for looseness or corrosion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check your navigation lights . . . <\/strong>and your boat trailer lights! Make sure your trailer is in good shape for a flawless launch<\/a> this season. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inspect and clean the engine\u2019s flame arrestor<\/strong> with soap and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Run the engine,<\/strong> check the operation of the gauges, and check the alternator for charging capacity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Check the condition of the battery<\/strong> (Note: a fully charged battery should hold its charge for 24 hours).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Put the drain plug in for launch . . .<\/strong> or you\u2019ll sink.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Last but not least, check the condition of your lifejackets<\/strong> and your other boat safety equipment<\/a>! Make sure each life jacket is clean, undamaged, buoyant, and you have enough onboard\u00a0for a full boat of passengers. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you have all of the required boating safety gear on board before you hit the water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n15. Prepare For a Great Boating Season with Boater Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the most important pre-season task to mark off your list is to take a boater education course and get your boater education card \u2014 if you haven’t done so already. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t let a breakdown on the lake ruin a great day of boating! Make sure your boat is good to go, and you are, too, by obtaining your required boating license<\/a><\/span>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Already have your Canadian boating license (or Pleasure Craft Operating Card)? Well, boater, the truth is, your boating skills have been hibernating all winter, too. Visit the BOATsmart! website<\/span> to check out animated, narrated, and free boating lessons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Refreshing those boating skills is always a good idea before the start of a new season on the water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Bother with Boat Servicing and Maintenance?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You should regularly service your boat to check that all mechanical and technical systems are functioning properly. Why bother? It\u2019s the law \u2014 the Criminal Code of Canada<\/strong><\/span> requires boaters to keep their boat and equipment in “seaworthy condition<\/a>.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, be an all-star DIY boat maintenance person and give your boat and safety equipment a good inspection before every boating trip<\/span>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKeep Your Boat Seaworthy and Stay Safe This Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re all thumbs when working on machines with wires and engines, you should take your boat to an authorized marine dealer for service. But give it a shot; if you can maintain your own boat, that\u2019s one less thing you\u2019ll need to pay for this year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One other super cost-effective way to stay safe on the water is Item #15 above \u2014 taking the Canada boater safety course and getting your boating license. After passing the exam and getting your card, you don’t have to take the test again! It’s a one-time requirement, and there’s no better way to learn and get your card than through BOATsmart! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Check the hull and bilge for any damage, <\/strong>like visible cracks or blistered-looking areas that will potentially leak on the water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n