The ice is cracking, the snow is melting, and the temperature is starting to climb. Finally, boat owners are able to pull their boats out of winter storage and get them ready for boat season. If this past winter was your first time putting a boat away for winter storage, you might be wondering if there are any special steps you need to take when you pull the boat out for boating season.

Check The Engine and Fuel Lines First

Before you do anything else, look over the engine. Did you change the oil and spark plugs before you put the boat in storage for the winter? If not, you may need to change them before the boat is safe to go on the water. The same is true for the coolant and the power steering fluid. Check over the engine fuel system to see if you notice any leaks. You should be looking for cracks and feeling to see if any of the hoses are brittle or soft. Make sure all of the lines are securely connected. If you notice cracks, soft hoses, brittle hoses, or loose lines, fix them. Any of these issues can cause a leak in the fuel system.

Inspect the Electrical System

Salt, water, and electronics do not mix well. Unfortunately, they can corrode the electronics on your boat. It is important to take the time to inspect the electronics for any corrosion. You can use a wire brush to clean off corrosion. If anything is badly corroded and cannot be cleaned off with the wire brush, it needs to be replaced. This is also a great time to check the battery to make sure it can still hold a charge.

Give The Entire Boat a Once-Over

Even if you cleaned the boat before you put it in storage, you should give it a nice once-over with a good cleaning. Chances are pretty good the boat picked up a little dust and grime while it sat in storage all winter. Wipe everything down and vacuum the inside of the boat. You can use a pressure washer on the exterior of the boat. If you notice scratches or dings, take the time to have them repaired. You can even apply a fresh coat of wax to the bottom of the boat. While you are performing the once-over, check the propeller for damage and replace the propeller bearings if needed.

If you did a good job cleaning and tuning up your boat before you tossed it in storage, you should not have too much work to do when you pull it out of storage. You, however, still need to check everything because it is better to be safe than sorry. For more tips, talk to a professional like Eagle Airport Car And Mini Storage.