When bears emerge from their winter slumber, do they immediately break into a healthy sprint? Nope. There’s some yawning, stretching, and general reawakening at the mouth of that cave before any serious activity occurs, right?

Think of your boat this way when it “emerges” from the depths of its winter storage space — it’s been hibernating, and it’s time for some boat servicing.

We know boaters love to save money and be handier at home, and the off-season is an excellent time to make sure your boat is in its best condition. So, we’ve pulled together a DIY Boater’s Spring Maintenance Checklist!

A shop ready for boat servicing.


A Step-by-Step DIY Spring Boat Servicing Guide

There’s much more to boat servicing than just ripping the wrap off and vacuuming out the critter residue (or removing the raccoons). Spring Boat Maintenance is a necessary rite for boaters in Canada. You don’t get to hit the water until your hands (or your mechanic’s hands) have seen a little grease. 

If you’re 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.

  1. Check your owner’s manual for any service instructions from the manufacturer that may apply specifically to your boat model.
  2. Check the hull and bilge for any damage, like visible cracks or blistered-looking areas that will potentially leak on the water.
  3. Check the condition and operation of the outdrive (i.e., the shafts, propellers, nuts, and pins). Look for any dings, cracks, distortions, or pitting in the prop.
  4. Check the condition and operation of the fuel, electrical, and cooling systems. Drain and top up any fluids, if needed (i.e.fuel, power steering, and power trim reservoirs).
  5. Change the engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants (unless this was done when the boat was winterized).
  6. Check the condition of the hoses and lines. Replace them if there is evidence of softness, cracking, or brittleness.
  7. Check the condition of the throttle control.
  8. Clean and tighten the electrical connections and check for looseness or corrosion.
  9. Check your navigation lights . . . and your boat trailer lights! Make sure your trailer is in good shape for a flawless launch this season.
  10. Inspect and clean the engine’s flame arrestor with soap and water.
  11. Run the engine, check the operation of the gauges, and check the alternator for charging capacity.
  12. Check the condition of the battery (Note: a fully charged battery should hold its charge for 24 hours).
  13. Put the drain plug in for launch . . . or you’ll sink.
  14. Last but not least, check the condition of your lifejackets and your other boat safety equipment! Make sure each life jacket is clean, undamaged, buoyant, and you have enough onboard for a full boat of passengers.

Make sure you have all of the required boating safety gear on board before you hit the water!

A man on shore conducting boat prop repair.

15. Prepare For a Great Boating Season with Boater Education

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 — if you haven’t done so already.

Don’t 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.

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 to check out animated, narrated, and free boating lessons.

Refreshing those boating skills is always a good idea before the start of a new season on the water!

Why Bother with Boat Servicing and Maintenance?

You should regularly service your boat to check that all mechanical and technical systems are functioning properly. Why bother? It’s the law — the Criminal Code of Canada requires boaters to keep their boat and equipment in “seaworthy condition.”

So, be an all-star DIY boat maintenance person and give your boat and safety equipment a good inspection before every boating trip!

A smiling man in a yellow life jacket drives a boat, good boat servicing for safety concept.

Keep Your Boat Seaworthy and Stay Safe This Season

If you’re 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’s one less thing you’ll need to pay for this year!

One other super cost-effective way to stay safe on the water is Item #15 above — 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!

Our courses are online, fun, and engaging in a way that helps you really learn the safety essentials that can save lives on the water. So, click to get started, then keep the grease off the seats, and happy boating, Canada!

Content originally published in 2020. Most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy September 13, 2024.

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