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A properly maintained boat and equipment is critical to continued safety on the water.

Plus, a regular maintenance program will help to save money in the long-term as it avoids issues with major repairs and faults.

Below are ten things to include in a boat maintenance checklist to ensure the boat is kept in full working order at all times:

1 – Battery

The battery should be given proper care and attention to ensure it is kept well-maintained and fully charged, while also ensuring the right fluid levels are in place. Plus, a build up of dirt and dampness can result in the battery draining much quicker than usual, so be certain to maintain its condition.

2 – Bilge pump

Give the bilge pump a regular check-up. Plus, it can benefit to ensure the battery has the capacity to operate the pump for a sufficient amount of time if required.

3 – Carbon Monoxide Detector

Any enclosed cabin can benefit from a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Give the exhaust system a regular check for signs of leaks. Carbon monoxide is a result of deficient fuel combustion, which can lead to a serious case of poisoning.

4 – Cleaning

Washing down the boat after use is a more practical job than giving a shine to the fiberglass structure. A regular clean of the hull, deck, and related equipment is critical to counteract the damage that is caused by sea water and environment impact. Plus, anti-fouling paint and waxing is a further step in the right direction to preserve the integrity of the boat structure.

5 – Cover

Use a purpose-made boat cover throughout the lay-up period to avoid issues with contaminants and ensure the hull is protected against exposure to UV rays.

6 – Electrical components

Electrical components must stay dry to operate in the correct fashion so give a regular inspection to identify issues with corrosion. An extra safety step includes applying a high-grade non-conductive and water-repellent corrosion inhibitor or grease.

7 – Fuel

Fuel must be kept water-free. A well-maintained fuel tank is certain to avoid issues with condensation. A fuel stabilizer is a reliable method to avoid issues with oxidation or fuel degradation. Plus, the addition of fuel filters can further help to avoid issues with water getting into the system.

8 – Mooring

Damage occurs to boats not only when in use, but also when laid-up or docked. Ensure the mooring lines are safe and secure and tied neatly. Give the mooring lines a regular inspection to detect early signs of wear and tear.

9 – Motor

Have the motor inspected at regular intervals to detect signs of corrosion, damage, or rust. Check on oil levels after each outing and ensure proper cleanliness and filtration. Also, monitor the efficiency of the cooling system to ensure it is functioning to the correct grade.

10 – Winterization

Before laying the boat up for the winter season, make sure to put the watercraft through an extensive winterization program to ensure it is more prepared for next season. Whether the motor-driven, sail, or PWC is kept in a lock-up garage, climate controlled storage unit, or in-water, follow the right steps to winterize the boat to protect the machinery and equipment.

Always be prepared whether it is using a Jet Ski, a canoe, or a sailboat. Statistics taken from boat incidents indicate a helmsman who has completed a boat safety or has a life jacket on is more likely to stay safe at sea.

Common causes of boating incidents include:

Insufficient experience
Lack of attention
Recklessness
Speeding

Be aware of what is needed in the event of an emergency and have an operational understanding of the major components of boating equipment.

Here are eleven safe boating tips:

1 – Avoid alcohol

Limit alcohol use on board the boat to increase the ability to boat safely. Alcohol can increase the chance of being involved in an accident by nearly 50%. Plus the effects of alcohol at sea are made worse by the sun and wind.

2 – Boating course

Whether it is a starter or a refresher course, a boater is certain to benefit if able to abide by the proper boat safety rules and regulations. Even thought the boating course might vary from state to state, it still helps to be prepared and educated on the different circumstances that might arise at sea. Boat safety courses are offered on or offline and range from basic to expert tuition.

3 – Common sense

Any boat should be safely operated within the vessels limits and helmsman’s experience. Operate powerboats at a safe and appropriate speed for the waters used. Use lights in low-light conditions. Someone on-board should keep a lookout. Plus, be mindful of potential risks while on the water, such as swamping or capsizing, crossing bars, boating alone, and nighttime excursions.

4 – Engine and fuel

Any boat with an inboard or outboard engine should be inspected before departure to ensure it is working properly. Plus, make certain enough fuel is on board to complete both legs of the journey. A fuel margin of about 50% in excess is often recommended.

5 – Inspect craft and safety equipment

Give the boat a thorough visual inspection before departing from port. Be certain the vessel, motor, and safety equipment is suited to the intended travel plan and conditions. Safety gear should be in great condition. Flares or similar distress equipment should in date (expired flares might not give the desired performance).

6 – Learn to swim

Get swimming classes if planning on being in and around water on a regular basis. Look up classes in the local area and this will help increase the confidence when boating at sea.

7 – Let others know

Notify others and let a responsible other person know the intended cruising plan and when you expect to arrive back at port. Any notified person should also be in a position to give a description of the boat.

Leave behind the follow information:

Contact details (mobile phone number, address, and name) of the skipper
Passenger information
Boat registration and type & class
Trip itinerary
Communication options on board

8 – Pre-departure checklist

Use a pre-departure checklist to help with increasing safety when out on the open waters. A well-planned departure list should reduce the chance of any safety precautions or rules being forgotten or overlooked.

9 – Safety equipment

In addition to the life jackets, other safety equipment to pack on board the boat includes:

Life ring (throwable) or similar device (use on any vessel 16-ft or more)
Cell phone or similar means to call for help (VHF radio, whistle, flares, etc.)
Charts or maps
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit
Operable boat lights (test before leaving the mooring)

10 – Use of life jackets

Wear a life jacket. A high percentage of drowning victims are those that decide to go against wearing a life jacket. It isn’t possible to know what might take place when out on the open water. A life jacket should be available for each passenger on board and at the right size (child to adult sizes). Wear the life jacket with the straps fully fasten to ensure you are kept afloat should you for any reason go overboard.

11 – Weather-wise

Before departing on sailing trip or a powerboat cruise make sure to check on the local weather forecast. TV, radio, or internet is a great source to get a complete picture of the expected weather. Avoid issues like sudden drops in temperature, changing, rough, or volatile winds, or darkening clouds. Play safe and stay off the water. Weather can change suddenly on the sea and you could be in difficulty within a short time.