Boat Maintenance Calendar by Season

Discover Boating, the industry's consumer program, points out that modern fiberglass and aluminum boats need far less upkeep than the wooden boats of decades past. Still, a little regular care prevents most breakdowns and protects your boat's value. This calendar groups the jobs by when to do them: after every trip, monthly, each season, and once a year. Adjust it to your climate. In warm areas where you boat year-round, the "spring" and "fall" jobs may happen at your annual service instead.

Your engine and boat owner's manuals come first. They set the service intervals and procedures for your equipment. If your manual is missing, Discover Boating notes a dealer can order one, or you may be able to download it from the engine maker's website.

After every trip

• Rinse and clean. Discover Boating says the most basic upkeep is keeping things clean and, where needed, lubricated. Dirt on canvas and upholstery lets mold and mildew take hold.
• Flush the engine after saltwater use, following your engine maker's instructions. Discover Boating calls this an important after-trip task.
• Look over all systems. Do a quick visual check after each outing so you catch problems early, then decide whether to fix them yourself or take the boat in.
• Keep the bilge clean. A dirty bilge can hide fuel or fluid leaks and clog the bilge pump.
• Before each trip with enclosed spaces or a generator, follow the Coast Guard's carbon monoxide checklist:
  • know where the exhaust outlets are;
  • tell passengers about CO symptoms;
  • confirm water flows from the exhaust when engines and the generator start;
  • listen for changes in exhaust sound;
  • test each CO alarm.

Every month (in season)

The Coast Guard's carbon monoxide checklist calls for a monthly look at the exhaust system:

• check that all exhaust clamps are in place and secure;
• look for signs of exhaust leaks, such as rust or black streaks, water leaks, or corroded or cracked fittings;
• inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burned, cracked or deteriorated sections.

Also:

• Check batteries. Make sure the terminals are snug and free of corrosion. Discover Boating recommends a maintenance charger if you use the boat infrequently.
• Check the fuel. If you won't use most of your fuel within a week or two, Discover Boating suggests a fuel stabilizer, because modern gasoline can start to form deposits in a few weeks.

Spring: commissioning (before launch)

Discover Boating's spring checklist:

Engine: follow the manufacturer's steps for your engine type.

• Inboards: reconnect hoses, check belts and the cooling system, and flush any raw-water system before starting.
• Outboards: reinstall the drain plug, check the fuel line for cracks, inspect the propeller, and grease fittings and change the lower unit oil if needed.
• Sterndrives: check the bellows for cracks or leaks, lubricate moving parts, and check the power steering and trim fluids.
• All engines: run the engine on a flusher before launching.

Plumbing:

• flush the antifreeze out of the freshwater system;
• check hoses and fittings;
• pump out and sanitize the holding tank;
• test the bilge pump and float switch.

Batteries and electrical:

• reinstall or charge the batteries and check that they're secure;
• replace weak batteries;
• test the lights, pumps, radios and electronics;
• clean any corroded terminals.

Fuel system:

• inspect the hoses, tanks and fittings;
• replace cracked or soft fuel lines;
• check the clamps and the fuel vent.

General:

• wash and wax the hull;
• check the upholstery and canvas, and treat them with UV protectant;
• check the hull for damage;
• clean the deck and compartments.

Paperwork: check that your insurance is active and covers any upgrades, and that your registration is current. Renewal timing varies by state; see State Rules.

Safety gear: check the dates on fire extinguishers and flares and the condition of life jackets. See Required Safety Equipment by Boat Length.

Shakedown cruise: a first short run helps catch issues such as a weak battery or a small leak.

Summer: mid-season

• Wash and wax. Discover Boating notes gelcoat oxidizes and turns chalky if you don't wash and wax it regularly.
• Keep up the after-trip and monthly checks above.
• Watch the hour meter. Discover Boating says most outboard, sterndrive and gasoline inboard engines need basic service every 100 hours or once a year. Check your manual for which comes first. Heavy users may reach 100 hours mid-season.
• Get a free Vessel Safety Check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary if you haven't yet. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Fall: annual service and lay-up

Many owners combine the annual engine service with winterizing. According to Discover Boating, basic annual service typically includes:

• an oil and filter change (four-strokes);
• a gearcase lubricant change (outboards and sterndrives);
• a new fuel filter element;
• possibly new spark plugs;
• a water pump impeller change on schedule.

A good shop will also check the accessory belt on sterndrives and inboards, inspect and replace sacrificial anodes as needed, and check the power steering and hydraulic trim fluids.

Then winterize if you're in a freezing climate. See How to Winterize a Boat.

If the boat comes out of the water, Discover Boating suggests:

• pressure-washing the hull;
• cleaning the running gear;
• cleaning the through-hulls and strainers;
• checking for blisters.

Winter: storage

• Cover with ventilation, or store indoors.
• Keep batteries charged, aboard or ashore on a maintenance charger.
• Check on the boat periodically, especially after storms or heavy snow.
• Plan spring projects and book service early.
• Review your budget for the coming season in the True Cost tool.

Trailer maintenance

If you trailer, add these to your calendar. Discover Boating recommends inspecting the trailer at the start of every season, and many owners leave trailer maintenance to pros. Check:

• tires (pressure and condition);
• wheel bearings and seals;
• lights;
• brakes and actuator;
• the coupler and safety chains;
• bunks and rollers;
• winch strap and tie-downs.

See Trailering Basics.

What does maintenance cost?

Discover Boating gives a rule of thumb that annual maintenance rarely exceeds about 10% of the boat's cost, and that it's often far less in the early years. That's a guideline, not a measured average. Costs depend on the boat's size and complexity, how much you do yourself and local labor rates. Our True Cost tool uses this 10% figure only as a labeled default you can change.

One-page calendar

Sources

• Maintenance basics, after-trip tasks, saltwater flushing, clean bilge, gelcoat oxidation, professional annual service, trailer maintenance, 10% rule of thumb: Discover Boating, "Boat Maintenance." https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/maintenance
• Owner's manual, fuel stabilizer timing, battery care, 100-hour/annual service contents, impeller, anodes: Discover Boating, "Boat Motor Maintenance & Engine Care." https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/maintenance/marine-engines
• Spring commissioning steps: Discover Boating, "How to Get Your Boat Ready for the Season." https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/maintenance/spring-commissioning-checklist
• Haul-out tasks: Discover Boating, "Winterizing Your Boat." https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/storage/winterizing
• Trailer inspection each season: Discover Boating, "Boat Trailer Tips." https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/boat-trailer-tips
• Carbon monoxide trip and monthly checklists: USCG Boating Safety. https://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/carbon-monoxide-checklist.php
• Vessel Safety Check: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. https://www.cgaux.org/vsc/