5 Expert Tips to Get Your Boat Ready For the Season

Boat maintenance isn’t glamorous—neglect it, though, and you’re risking your season and your wallet. Follow these five pro tips to get your boat ready for the season, straight from Service Technician Jay Witvoet, Jr., of Bass Pro Shops in Portage, Indiana.

Witvoet’s motto? “Keep the inside of your engine as clean as you want the outside of your boat to look.” With a little TLC and elbow grease, you can avoid the pitfalls that sink unprepared boaters. Here’s how.

1. Check Battery Charge and Corrosion
   First, test your battery’s charge and clean off any corrosion before you launch. Dead batteries top the list of frantic calls Witvoet’s shop gets from the ramp. Consider adding a Megaware BatteryGuard to protect against shock and vibration damage before you launch. 
2. Clean and Wax
   Next, strip away last season’s wax and grime with a thorough wash, then apply a fresh coat of wax for protection and shine.
3. Grease the Motor and Steering
   Inspect grease levels in the motor and steering system, topping off where needed for smooth operation.
4. Inspect Gear Lube in the Lower Unit
   Then, check for leaks from winter storage. If you spot any, drain and refill the gear lube to keep the lower unit running strong.
5. Tighten All Fasteners
   Finally, go over every bolt and nut—especially those securing the motor to the boat—to ensure nothing rattles loose on the water.

Witvoet sees plenty of preventable issues in his shop. Accordingly, here are four additional steps to keep your boating season trouble-free:

1. Winterize Properly
   To begin, winterizing prevents fuel issues and engine corrosion. For inboards, skipping this step risks devastating freeze damage.
2. Stabilize Your Fuel
   Additionally, add a stabilizer (like STAR TRON Enzyme Fuel Treatment) every time you fill up to combat ethanol-related water separation.
3. Replace Fuel Filters
   Moreover, swap out filters every 100 hours or annually—whichever comes first—to maintain engine health.
4. Maintain Your Trailer
   Lastly, grease wheel bearings (2-3 pumps max) and inspect bunks for rot or loose bolts to avoid towing headaches.

When starting your motor for the first time, let it idle for several minutes before ramping up the RPMs. This simple step eases it back into action.

The Most Avoidable Problem: Ethanol Woes

Ethanol in fuel is a real threat, but Witvoet calls it “the most avoidable problem.” Specifically, ethanol attracts water, which sinks to the tank’s bottom and gets sucked into the motor first. The solution? Add a fuel stabilizer every time you refuel. “Phase separation starts in just two weeks,” Witvoet warns. “So, don’t skip this step.”

Filters, Fuel, and Oil: The Lifeblood of Your Boat

Fuel filters need replacing every 100 hours or yearly, but Witvoet also recommends an engine and fuel system cleaner twice annually. Why?  Because this prevents carbon buildup—a leading cause of piston freeze-ups, especially in 2-stroke motors. “Carbonation can burn off piston sides,” he explains, “and that’s catastrophic.”

Furthermore, when it comes to oil, don’t skimp. Stick to factory-recommended or OEM-equivalent oil. “Fuel and oil are the veins of your motor,” Witvoet says. “Treat them right.”

Excitement to hit the water can tempt you to skip these steps, but disaster looms largest when preparation lags. Therefore, take the time to get your boat ready for the season, and you’ll enjoy every moment on the waves.

Once the inside’s sorted, dress up the outside with Megaware products. From KeelGuard to FlexStep Pro, they shield your investment and boost curb appeal. Plus, you can find them on our website or at major retailers nationwide, like Bass Pro Shops.