Getting Your Boat Ready for Summer

It’s Memorial Day, which means it’s the unofficial start to summer! The kids are likely out of school, or soon will be, and you’re looking forward to a few days off from work so that you can spend some time relaxing and unwinding. If your summer plans include taking your boat out on the water, then it’s important to make sure it’s ready to go for the season. You may have been storing it all winter and spring, but now you’re ready to hook up the trailer and enjoy a weekend sailing or cruising!

At EZ Storage® in Philadelphia, our self-storage units and facilities can provide the perfect solution for your boat. If you have smaller watercrafts such as jet skis, you can store them inside one of our units, and your boat can be kept safe in one of our outdoor spaces. In this post, we’ll look at some important steps to take to get your boat ready for summer.

1. Clean, Clean, Clean

It may not be the most fun, but it’s important to clean your boat from top to bottom before taking it out on the water. You’ll want to clean the hull, the deck, and the topsides with a mild detergent, checking for any dings or other damage as you go. You’ll also want to clean all the windows and hatches, as well as the canvas on the boat. Putting a coat of wax on the boat will help protect it when it’s in the water, and you’ll want to polish and oil any wood or metal surfaces.

2. Check the Systems

Your boat has a lot of electrical systems, including the bilge pump, the battery, and the lighting. You’ll want to make sure everything is working as it should before you set sail for the first time. You’ll also want to check all hoses and clamps to make sure they’re in good condition. If you need to replace your battery, do so now while it’s on your mind. Once you’ve done that, check all of your gauges to see if they’re displaying properly.

3. Update Safety Equipment

Boat safety should always be a top priority, and before you get on the water, you’ll want to be sure that your ropes, cleats, and joints are all ready to go. You’ll also want to make sure that everyone has a life jacket that fits appropriately. If your little one has grown quite a bit over the last year, find a new life jacket that will fit them. If you’re going to be tubing or water skiing, then make sure you have the proper safety flags for when people are in the water.

4. Check the Engine

You won’t get very far with a faulty boat engine, so it’s a good idea to have a certified boat mechanic check everything before you head out. Whether you have an inboard engine or an outboard motor, you’ll want to be sure that the fuel lines are in good shape and that any moveable parts are properly lubricated.

5. Update Your Registration

It’s important to update your boat registration each year so that you don’t have to worry about being stopped by local law enforcement on the road or on the water. You’ll also want to make sure that your boat trailer is up-to-date on its registration, since that’s often more easily spotted when you’re on your way to your favorite lake or favorite spot on the ocean. It only takes a few minutes, and you won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the year!

These five things are, of course, just a few of the steps that should be taken when you’re getting your boat ready for the summer. If you have a galley, you’ll want to make sure that the propane and electrical systems are working properly, and if you have a sailboat, you’ll need to check the integrity of the mast and every piece of rigging. It can take some time, but it will be worth it when you’re out on the water, enjoying your summer with friends and family.

If you need somewhere to store your boat during the week between trips to the ocean, then let EZ Storage® in Philadelphia help you find the ideal solutions. With our self-storage units and outdoor spaces, you can keep everything safe and sound when it’s not in use. We rent spaces on a month-by-month basis, so you’ll only pay for the time you need. You can access your storage space on any day of the week, so if you’re planning to leave on Friday evening and come back Sunday afternoon, you won’t have to worry about not being able to get in!

Visit us today to learn more about our boat storage options. We look forward to meeting you!