🧽 Dust Off The Boat & Get Ready For Summer

Top 5 Must-Do Checks Before Hitting the Water

After months of sitting idle over winter, your boat is probably longing for sunshine just as much as you are. But before you launch into the first trip of the season, it’s crucial to get your vessel summer-ready. A quick wipe-down won’t cut it — proper prep ensures safety, performance, and peace of mind all summer long.

Whether you're cruising the coast, fishing offshore, or heading to your favourite spot on the river, here are the Top 5 must-do tasks to prepare your boat for summer.

🔋 1. Check Your Battery and Electrical System

Cold and damp winter conditions can be tough on batteries and electrical connections.

• Test your battery voltage (should read 12.6V+ when fully charged).

• Inspect terminals for corrosion and clean as needed.

• Check that all electronics work — bilge pump, nav lights, GPS, radio, and switch panels.

• Charge or replace batteries if necessary.

✅ Pro Tip: Use dielectric grease on terminals to protect them from summer humidity and salt spray.

🧼 2. Clean, Flush & Inspect Your Engine

The heart of your boat deserves some post-winter attention:

• Flush the engine with fresh water if it hasn’t been run in months.

• Inspect spark plugs, fuel lines, and filters.

• Check oil and coolant levels, and top up or replace fluids.

• Look for cracked hoses or brittle belts.

✅ Tip: Run the engine on the hose before heading out — listen for strange noises or slow starts.

⚓ 3. Inspect the Hull, Prop & Safety Gear

Don’t let a minor crack or forgotten lifejacket ruin your day on the water:

• Look over the hull for damage, blisters or signs of wear.

• Inspect the propeller for dings or fishing line wrapped around the shaft.

• Check trailer rollers, winch, and lights if towing.

• Clean and restock safety gear: flares, fire extinguisher, lifejackets, and EPIRB.

✅ Pro Tip: Replace expired flares and test your EPIRB or PLB as part of your annual check-up.

💧 4. Test Bilge Pump & Plumbing Systems

A failed bilge pump is one of the most common (and dangerous) issues in summer boating:

• Turn on the bilge pump manually and test the float switch.

• Check all hoses and clamps for signs of rust or leaks.

• Flush the freshwater system and inspect the water tank if you have one.

✅ Pro Tip: Add a moisture absorber or vented cover to reduce mould build-up in bilge areas.

⚙️ 5. Review Your Dash & Switch Panel

The dashboard is your boat’s nerve centre — give it a thorough check:

• Test all switches: nav lights, deck lights, horn, anchor, wipers, etc.

• Inspect for corrosion, loose wiring, or backlighting issues.

• Replace worn labels or upgrade your custom switch panel for a more intuitive layout.

✅ Tip: Custom marine-grade switch panels not only modernise your boat but improve safety and function.

☀️ Ready, Set, Launch!

Once you’ve ticked off these top 5 must-do's, you're ready to enjoy everything the Aussie summer has to offer. A properly prepped boat means more time on the water and less time on repairs.

If your switch panel looks tired or isn’t performing, check out our range of custom marine-grade dash and switch panels here. Designed for Aussie conditions, built tough, and backed by expert support.

📋 Pre-Launch Checklist Summary

✅ Battery tested & charged
✅ Engine flushed & fluids checked
✅ Hull, prop & safety gear inspected
✅ Bilge & plumbing systems tested
✅ Dashboard & switches working perfectly

👋 Don’t Just Dust It Off — Prep It Like a Pro

Spending just a couple of hours preparing your boat now can save you costly breakdowns or unsafe situations later. So dust off the cobwebs, give your vessel the care it deserves, and get ready for a long, sun-soaked summer on the water.