Five things to do before taking your boat out of hibernation

Whether you are an experienced boatie or someone who only ventures out occasionally, performing a thorough pre-water check can save you from costly repairs down the track and minimise the risk of unexpected problems.

A little diligence goes a long way, so let’s touch on the five most important pre-checks.

This is an important one as stale fuel is the biggest cause of outboards not starting, which is the last thing you want when you’re on a boat ramp with a queue behind you.

After a boat has been stationary for consecutive months, the fuel starts to oxidise and form a gum-like substance in fuel lines, ultimately causing engine problems. Within a month, fuel can start to degrade, especially if you live in a warm climate.

This author lives in warm Queensland, and if I’m not using a petrol treatment I only get a month’s life out of my fuel. It is a shame to waste fuel, especially in the current climate, so what’s the solution?

Well, there are fuel stabiliser treatments to help stop oxidisation, which work best when treating fresh fuel before storage. They cannot be used to treat old fuel that’s been sitting for ages, which is milk-like and cannot be restored.

Various products are available to help with this, including a deep-cleaning fuel system cleaner for periodic use during boating season – and especially beneficial for older two-stroke outboards.

You can also opt for a regular fuel treatment such as Quickare. This helps control corrosion and gum build up. The third option is a marine fuel stabiliser. This helps remove water from fuel, preventing ethanol fuel-related damage, as well as cleaning up deposits and keeping stored fuel fresh.

The battery is responsible for powering everything from navigation lights through to the sounder and, most importantly, the engine. To ensure the battery remains in good condition, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Check the voltage by using a voltmeter. If the voltage drops to 12.4 volts or below, it needs charging. Check for corrosion around the battery terminals, and ensure your battery is testing at 12.5 volts or higher before heading out. Check that your navigation lights are in working order and replace bulbs that aren’t working.

All states and territories have slightly different regulations when it comes to safety gear on board a vessel. Be sure to familiarise yourself with your local boating laws and ensure that you have everything on board before heading out.

Check your life jackets are in date and meet the current Australian standards, which also applies to flares, EPIRB and fire extinguisher. Ensure safety gear is in an easily accessible spot.

Check that the steering wheel is turning smoothly and look for any resistance that could signify potential problem(s) with the cables or hydraulic system.

If the boat has trim and tilt functions, it is a good idea to check they are operating as they should and there is no hesitation in movement. Also check the throttle is working smoothly, as sticking throttles can be dangerous.

It is very important to check that your bilge pump is operating correctly, as it’ll be working its butt off to remove unwanted water.

You can test a bilge pump a few different ways, however I simply fill a bucket up with water and submerge the pump to make sure it is pushing out water.

Check that you have the bungs in the boat and that they’re in good condition to keep water out. It is also a good idea to check that the anchor and rope are holding up. A rope can be frail if it has been sitting for an extended period.

Once these checks have been ticked off, you are good to launch the boat for some summer fun. Happy boating and stay safe on the water!