Spring Into Boating and Get Your Vessel Shipshape for the Season
When the ice melts and the sun starts warming up the water, boat owners across Indiana start itching to get back on the lakes. But before you back down the ramp at Monroe or Geist, there's some work to do. A little prep now saves you from headaches later and makes sure your first outing is smooth sailing instead of a tow back to the dock.
- Spring boat prep includes checking your engine, battery, safety gear, and hull for damage or wear from winter storage.
- Testing electronics like GPS and VHF radios before launch can prevent communication problems when you're out on the water.
- Professional service helps catch issues early and gives you peace of mind that your boat is truly ready for the season.
Start With a Complete Walk-Around
First things first: give your boat a good once-over before you do anything else. Walk around the hull and look for cracks, blisters, or any spots where moisture might have gotten in during winter. Check the gelcoat on the topsides and see if anything looks off.
Inside the boat, pull out the cushions and open up the storage areas. You're looking for mildew, musty smells, or signs that critters made themselves at home while your boat was tucked away. Mice love to chew through wiring, which can cause all kinds of electrical problems. Better to find that now than when you're trying to start the engine at the launch.
Engine and Mechanical Checks
Your engine needs attention after sitting all winter. Oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels all need checking. Belts and hoses should be inspected for cracks or soft spots. Fuel filters need replacing, and the fuel lines deserve a close look too.
The battery is another important item. Clean off any corrosion from the terminals and verify that the connections are tight. Test the charge and replace it if it's been a few years. Batteries always seem to die at the worst possible time, usually when you're trying to get home before a storm rolls in.
Outdrives and lower units need their oil levels checked as well. Low fluid in drivetrain parts can wreck expensive components fast, and nobody wants to deal with that kind of repair bill mid-season.
Safety Equipment Comes First
The Coast Guard requires certain safety gear, and you need to verify that everything is in working order. Life jackets are the obvious starting point. You need enough for everyone who'll be on board, and they should be Coast Guard-approved and in good shape without torn straps or damaged buckles.
Fire extinguishers should be fully charged and easily accessible. Visual distress signals need to be current and in serviceable condition. A throwable flotation device should be ready to grab in a hurry. Sound-producing devices like horns or whistles are also required.
EPIRBs and strobe lights need testing before you actually need them. The same goes for your first aid kit. Restock anything that's missing or expired.
Electronics and Communication
Your VHF radio might be the most important piece of equipment on your boat. It needs to work, and you should remember how to use it. GPS should be tested with updated maps. Radar and fish finders need to be powered up to verify they're functioning correctly.
All wiring deserves inspection for exposed spots or damage. Faulty wiring causes fires, and that's the last thing you want to deal with on the water. Everything should be properly mounted, sealed when not in use, and meet current code requirements.
Bottom and Running Gear
Flipping your boat over lets you inspect the prop for dings, bends, or missing pieces. The shaft, struts, and rudders need checking for any damage. Boats staying in the water at a marina should get bottom painting scheduled now, before the spring rush hits.
All through-hull fittings and seacocks need testing for leaks, damage, and proper function. Clamps should be secure with no sign of corrosion. Once the boat's in the water, another check below the waterline can catch any leaks you might have missed.
Plumbing and Bilge Systems
Reconnecting your plumbing lines and running water through the system helps spot any leaks. Bilge pumps and float switches need testing. You want to know this work before you actually need it. Freshwater tanks should be clean with clear lines.
Prepare for Spring Conditions
Early-season boating in Indiana means dealing with cooler water temperatures and unpredictable weather. Canvas and enclosures need checking. All the snaps and zippers should work properly. Longer trips or overnight stays require inspecting your anchor setup and windlass.
Spring Into Boating means being ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you, so weatherproofing checks shouldn't be skipped.
When to Call in the Pros
You can handle a lot of basic prep yourself, but some things are worth having a professional look at. Weird engine sounds, electrical issues, or anything that just doesn't seem right deserves professional attention before launch day. A qualified marine tech can spot problems you might miss and prevent bigger issues down the road.
Most insurance companies want a professional survey anyway, especially when you're looking for better rates. Having experts examine your engine, running gear, and generators gives you confidence that everything's working the way it should.
Get Spring-Ready at Reeder-Trausch Marine Indy
Getting your boat ready for spring is easier when you've got experienced help. We offer full service and maintenance to make sure your vessel is in top shape before you hit Monroe, Geist, or any of the other great lakes within an hour of Indianapolis. Our service team handles everything from winterization reversal to complete system checks, and we can tackle repairs you might not feel comfortable doing yourself. Whether you stored with us or kept your boat somewhere else, we'll make sure it's ready for a reliable season on the water. Stop by and let our team help you get back out there with confidence.
