Spring is here and its time to get your boat back in the water. Spring is a critical moment for you as a boat owner when you make many decisions that will dictate how your entire summer season will play out. Every spring BT Marine de-winterizes countless boats for the summer season. We have witnessed that boat owners who take the time to carefully check their boats for problems early in the season have fewer problems during the season and consequently more time to spend on the water. Here are a few steps that you should take to save yourself costly expense, time, and frustration this season.

Check for Mold

Remove all items from your boat, open all hatches and cargo areas so that you can thoroughly inspect your boat for mold. Mold will start growing in the darkest most humid corners of your boat and cause smelly, ugly, unhealthy conditions. If you find mold on a hard surface it can be easily removed with bleach and water. If however you find mold in your boats carpet or other hard to reach areas it can be removed professionally via high temp steam. At BT Marine we have an array of  steam equipment that can sterilize and extract mold and other contaminants from a number of surfaces including carpet, upholstery, and inaccessible areas of the engine bay and inner hull. It's a simple step that can save you expenses down the road.

Have a Mechanical Inspection Performed.

Before you put your boat back in the water you should have your mechanical systems professionally checked. This will not only potentially save you money on costly mechanical failures but is a safety concern as well. Here is a list of items that should be checked before your boat hits the water again.

• Change Crankcase Oil and Filter
• Change Sterndrive Unit Oil
• Check Engine Alignment
• Lubricate U-joint Cross Bearings
• Clean and Inspect Flame Arrestor and Crankcase Vent Hose
• Re-torque Gimbal Ring Clamping Screws
• Lubricate Swivel Shaft and Gimbal Bearing
• Lubricate Engine Coupler and Prop-shaft Splines
• Clean and Inspect Condition of Ignition System
• Lubricate and Check for Loose, Damaged or Missing Parts on Steering System
• Check for Loose or Damaged Wiring
• Check Ignition Timing and Adjust
• Check Continuity Circuit for Loose Connections, Broken or Frayed Wires
• Lubricate and Inspect Shift and Throttle Cables
• Inspect Cooling System Hoses and Clamps
• Inspect Exhaust System
• Replace Fuel Filters
• Inspect Drive Unit Bellows and Clamps
• Check Battery Connections
• Check Battery Electrolyte Level and Top Off
• Clean Sea Strainers

Check Your Trailer

Often over looked your trailer is a crucial component to your boating experience. 

• Check your tires for wear and replace if needed.
• Check wheel bearings every 1k miles and before every season.
• Check trailer wiring connections and all lights for operation.
• Check and tighten the tongue lock.
• Have your brakes inspected by a professional if your trailer has a braking system.