Pre-Season Boat Checklist for Southern California

Southern California boats run year-round, but most still sit through a slow winter. Before the first serious trip, work through this list at the dock or on the trailer. Most items take minutes and prevent the calls that end weekends.

Fuel system

• Inspect fuel lines for cracks or stiffness; replace any hose that is not marked USCG Type A1 or B1 as appropriate.
• Squeeze the primer bulb: it should firm up and hold. Replace soft or cracked bulbs.
• Change the fuel/water separator element and the engine-mounted filter; check the bowl for water.
• Treat fuel with an ethanol stabilizer if the boat sat more than 30 days.

Engine and drive

• Replace the water pump impeller if it is more than two seasons old or the telltale stream is weak.
• Change engine oil and gear lube; look for milky gear lube, which means water intrusion.
• Inspect and replace sacrificial anodes at 50% wear. Use zinc in salt water, aluminum in brackish.
• Check spark plugs, belts and the backfire flame arrestor on gasoline inboards.

Electrical

• Load-test batteries; clean and tighten terminals; verify the battery switch operates in every position.
• Test navigation lights, anchor light, horn and bilge blower.
• Look for green corrosion on terminals and replace with tinned, heat-shrink connectors.
• Confirm the onboard charger cycles through to float.

Pumps and below the waterline

• Lift the float switch: the bilge pump should run. Then run the manual switch. Check hose clamps (two per hose end below the waterline) and the discharge for kinks.
• Exercise every seacock; a valve that will not move should be serviced before launch.
• Inspect thru-hulls, transducers and the transom for cracks or weeping.
• Check bottom paint; ablative paint that has worn through to primer needs recoating.

Safety gear

• Count PFDs against your usual crew; check straps, buckles and inflator cartridges.
• Confirm flare dates (42-month life) and extinguisher gauges; replace disposable extinguishers older than 12 years.
• Restock the first aid kit and check the air horn.
• Verify registration decals and the operator's California Boater Card.

Deck, docking and trailer

• Inspect dock lines and anchor rode for chafe; replace lines with broken outer strands.
• Check fenders hold air and cleats are tight.
• Trailer: repack or check bearings, test lights, inspect winch strap, tie-downs, tires and the bow stop.

Everything above is stocked in our catalog. Service shops and yards can order pre-season consumables by the case at dealer pricing.

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