If you read our most recent article "Market Review - Are People Still Buying Boats?", you learned that the industry is moving. Though not at our normal pace for this time of year, it IS picking up. People are ready to be outside on the water in the fresh air after being cooped up inside.
With a tight season ahead, getting your boat ready to sell has never been more important. Buyers are looking for the best deal. Make your boat exactly that. Timing is going to be everything, especially with boat yards slowly reopening. If you are willing and able, get as much work done by yourself.
Here are a few tips to get started. Even if you aren't selling, these are great tips for getting your boat summer-ready. They're always more that can be done to your boat, however this is a good bare minimum.
PREPPING YOUR BOAT OUT OF WATER
- If your boat is a northern boat, more than likely it is currently shrink wrapped. It's time to remove the shrink wrap.
- All preventative maintenance should have been done over winter, but make sure your boat is in good shape. Go through the boat and make sure your list of broken items are fixed.
- Go through your safety gear
- Update your flares if expired
- Make sure you have the right number of life jackets and they are in good condition
- Unsure what safety gear is needed for your boat? Call your local US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
- Paint the bottom if necessary
- Replace the zincs on the engines, rudders, trim tabs and running gear.
- Wax the boat from the rub rail down before the boat goes in the water.
- Test the items that you can on land that doesn't require the boat being in the water. For example: running lights, horn, bilge alarm, bilge pumps, VHF radio, etc.
- Charge the batteries
- Sea cocks are moving freely, lubricate if needed
- Clean the running gear
CHECKING YOUR BOAT IN THE WATER
Before running the boat, run the engines in idle at the dock and make sure everything sounds and looks good.
- Take the boat for a "shake down" cruise and make sure the following happens:
- Engines are warm
- RPM cycles
- Cruising speeds
- Turning right and left smoothly
- No water is coming into the boat
- Sitting level in the water
- Full throttle should be reaching max RPM numbers - IF NOT, take it to a mechanic to see what's going on
- Commission the water system at the dock or marina
DETAIL THE BOAT
- Detailing the boat after the "shake down" cruise is probably your best bet. If any mechanic work is needed, then it's good you waited after to get it detailed.
- Clean the bilge areas
- If it smells, air the boat out
- Clean out cabinets, wipe them down
- Remove any unnecessary junk or items
- Get your cushions cleaned
- Remove mold from hatches
Henry Pedroso
Love My Yacht
1-305-282-1763