Spring and fall are the hinge points of the boating year — one ushers in adventure, the other demands careful closing. A few hours of seasonal maintenance keeps your boat safe, reliable and ready to enjoy. Here’s a practical checklist and answers to the common questions every boater asks.
How to maintain a boat?
Start with a routine: inspect, clean, lubricate and test. Visually check the hull, deck, and hardware for cracks, corrosion, or loose fittings. Clean salt and grime off surfaces and rinse the engine after saltwater use. Change engine oil and filters per schedule, and replace fuel and fuel filters when needed. Test batteries and charging systems, exercise bilge pumps, and inspect all wiring for chafe. Check safety gear (life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, nav lights) and ensure paperwork and registration are up to date. Keep a log of services and repairs so nothing slips through the cracks.
Top things to do on a boat (seasonal essentials)
Safety audit: life jackets, fire extinguishers, signaling devices, VHF radio.
Engine checks: oil, coolant, belts, hoses, and filters.
Lower unit and propeller inspection: look for dings, fishing line, and seal leaks.
Electrical: battery condition, terminals, and charging systems.
Hull and through-hull fittings: look for blisters, cracks, or loose seacocks.
Cleaning and corrosion control: wash, wax, and replace sacrificial anodes as needed.
Top upgrades for boats
Upgrades boost comfort, value and safety. Consider:
Modern electronics: chartplotter, GPS, AIS and a combined fishfinder.
Lithium or upgraded deep-cycle batteries with smart chargers or solar panels.
LED lighting inside and out for efficiency and visibility.
Upgraded bilge pumps and automatic float switches.
Comfortable canvas, Bimini tops, and improved seating.
Trim tabs or joystick controls for better handling.
How often should you do maintenance on a boat engine lower unit?
Lower unit gear oil should be checked and changed regularly — a good rule is every 100 hours of engine use or at least once a year. If you boat in shallow water, debris-prone areas, or saltwater, consider more frequent inspections. Always check for water intrusion or metal shavings in the gear oil after any run that may have exposed the unit to contaminants.
What is changed in a 100-hour boat service?
A 100-hour service is a routine tune-up: engine oil and oil filter, primary fuel filter replacement, spark plugs inspection or replacement, lower unit gear lube change, inspection and likely replacement of the water pump impeller, belts and hoses check, and general systems inspection (battery, cooling, exhaust). It’s preventive care to keep things running smoothly.
What is changed with a 300-hour boat service?
A 300-hour service is more comprehensive. Expect everything in the 100-hour service plus deeper checks: valve adjustments, compression tests, possible timing belt replacement (if applicable), fuel system cleaning or injector service, thermostat and major cooling system components inspected or replaced, and a thorough lower unit teardown/inspection if needed. Manufacturers differ — always consult your engine manual or a certified mechanic.
Finish both spring and fall seasons with documentation: note what you did, parts replaced, and schedule the next checks. A little seasonal TLC extends life, avoids costly breakdowns, and keeps every launch a joy.