Engine
It doesn’t matter if you have an inboard or out board engine, the basics are the same. If you didn’t change the engine oil before parking the boat, now is the time to do it. Oil is the life blood of an engine and needs to be able to efficiently lubricate and cool the engine. Oil is also cheap when compared to an engine over haul. Reference your engine service manual for recommendations as to the recommended oil change intervals. 
If your engine was winterized and treated for storage, you will need to clean or replace the spark plugs and change the fuel filters. It is easiest to just replace the old spark plugs with new ones. But if you are saving a few bucks, you can also clean and re-gap the old ones. All you need is a small stiff bristled wire brush and gapping tool.
Don’t forget to change the fuel filter before you head out on the water. Also make sure you have the tools and extra fuel filters on board before you go out for your first run. Many a boater has made it out on the water just far enough not to get back and had crud plug the filter stopping the engine.
Cooling systems should be checked and the fluid replaced or added to as necessary. All hoses, wires and belts should be inspected and replaced if dry or cracked. It is a good idea to carry an extra belt or two with you along with the appropriate tools to change the belt. Belt tension should be adjusted per the factory service manuals recommendations.
Transmission fluid, hydraulic fluids (power steering, power tilt) and oil injection tanks should all be inspected and refilled. While you are at it, check the bellows on the stern drive, packing or stuffing boxes hinge points, U joints etc. Fittings, cables and connections should be lubricated. Many of the components will have grease fitting so that they can be lubricated using a grease gun.
The lower unit, drive shafts and propellers should be inspected for nicks and damage. Basic aluminum propellers (especially on lower horsepower engines) can have minor nicks filed by hand. Paint can be touched up with a spray can of paint from a home supply or auto parts store. 
But if you have brass, stainless, adjustable blades or any other type of high performance propeller, don’t take the chance of trying to fix it your self. Take the propeller to a good prop shop and have it repaired and balanced.
Make sure that when you remove the propeller that you lubricate the shaft to prevent corrosion and assist in removal in the future. It is always a good idea to have a back up prop on hand along with the appropriate nut or cotter keys.
Category Archives: boat parts
Finally, Spring is here. Time to start getting the boat ready.
The boat has been stored waiting for the first signs of spring. Depending where you live, now might be the time to start preparing for the boating season.
First let me start with a quick outline of what I think makes a good spring checklist for boat owners. In the next posting I’ll go into more detail.
This is just a very brief overview of the preparation a boat owner needs to go through to get ready for the season. Each boat will be a little different depending on the specific systems. If any of this seems like something the boat owner doesn’t want to undertake, call the boat service center and have them get the boat ready.
Before you take the boat to the water
1. Exterior inspection
a. Wash
b. Fitting and cleats
2. Interior
a. Clean and patch cushions and carpet
b. Clean and protect wood
c. Bilges, tanks and through hulls
3. Systems
a. Head
b. Water
c. Galley
4. Engines
a. Oil change
b. Fuel systems
c. Cooling systems
d. Drive units
e. Propellers
5. Trailer
a. Couplers
b. Tires and wheels
c. Bearings
d. Lights
6. Extras
a. PFD
b. Fire protection
c. Registrations
d. Insurance
What are the most common boat claims ?
There are a few claims that keep popping up. One marine insurance claim department I contacted felt that about 80 percent of their claims are the result of hitting a submerged object.
Think about it. The more storms there are, the more rivers that flood, the more stuff is floating in the water and under the surface. Submerged objects will result in damage to lower units, propellers, keels, and hulls. Sometimes sinking does occur. If you think or know you hit something, make sure you check bilge area and monitor the bilge regularly to make sure there is not any damage that could result in submersion or, in other words…sinking.
Using information from marine insurance claim departments and organizations like Boat US, a few of the other common claims I discovered are:
Theft of assorted boat equipment and parts (portable or permanent). Items like out drives, electronics, outboard motors, and trailers are some of the most popular parts. Leaving the trailer unattended in the parking lot or the cockpit uncovered is an invitation for a thief. Check your policy, many do not cover items stolen from your boat unless it was permanently attached or in a locked compartment.
Grand theft boat. Snatching the whole boat is another big claim. While there are cases of theft from a slip or mooring, trailer-based boats are the ones that are usually turned in on a claim. Boats, like cars, are often stripped and the parts sold a piece at a time. Remember the phrase “the sum of the parts is worth more than whole” well that’s true with boat parts. Plus if you take all the parts off the boat, the parts are harder to track down.
Collision claims. Collisions with anything are bad. Collisions with pilings, docks, and other boats can be deadly. Collisions are not the same as hitting submerged items. Collisions are just that, colliding with something else either moving (another boat) or stationary (like a dock). You can help stop collisions by watching where you are going, learn the rules of the area and use your charts.
Grounding or running aground. Most claims departments indicate that often more damage is caused by trying to accelerate through the sand, mud or rocks than by just stopping and waiting for help. Using a tow service or an alternative method to get unstuck like air bags, reduces the risk for further damage. .
Now is a good time to repeat – carry up-to-date marine charts and plan your cruising routes to avoid accidental grounding.