De-Winterize boat check list / rituals

[IceOsprey]

What are the things that you do to get your boat ready for the open water season?

[IceOsprey]

What I did today was top off tank about seven and a half gallons ethanol free of course. I added some additive cleaner solvent stuff. Greased the wheel bearings. Put the batterie back in. Hooked up the ear muffs turned on the water and fired it up. Ran it for ten min or so. Then came in and did my online boat registration and printed off the temp registration. Next is to go through the gear.

[monovasia]

I fish a Hobie Revolution, with the Mirage Drive...here is my check list:

1.) Wash and light wax the hull
2.) Vasiline all the hatch seals
3.) Go over and check the rudder lines, including the release and drop cables
4.) Check the Lowrance power harness and transducer, especially the transducer to ensure it is still matted strong to the hull
5.) Go over thru the tackle box, WD-40 the pliers etc...
6.) Check the Ram Mounts and their hardware
7.) Check the seat mount (the most problematic component on the boat)
8.) Go over the Mirage Drive, WD 40 the hardware and check to see there are no issues with the drive function
9.) WD40 the drive mounts

I have had the Revo for 3 years now, bought it for the Big Water in SoCal, where I would routinely travel 6 - 8 miles in a trip, trolling etc, use it now on the lakes here. It has been bullet proof...

[boondox]

What I did today was top off tank about seven and a half gallons ethanol free of course. I added some additive cleaner solvent stuff. Greased the wheel bearings. Put the batterie back in. Hooked up the ear muffs turned on the water and fired it up. Ran it for ten min or so. Then came in and did my online boat registration and printed off the temp registration. Next is to go through the gear.

to add to your list
don't for get to check the air in the tires and the spare too... check for tire tread ware.  look for bubbles in the side walls were the plys are separating see if they need replaced... like if on long trips with a boat and do it before you leave every time to will save on gas driving there..  you may need a good spare tire or two  if you travel long distances... 


you already fired it up bought plate and tabs  and water craft stickers and greased and packed the bearings.. i use a huge amount of grease in mine when i do it so i don't get a dry bearings ever... still while driving to were i am going when ever i stop i check the hubs to see how hot they are and if they seem to hot i pull over and re pack them....get some bearing buddies the grease able kind have kept mine in good shape all these years...   

[rebelss]

I start at the front of boat and work my way back.

Make sure all running lights work.
Check all dash gauges/fuses/switches/mounts. Run pumps/aerators.
Check ignition/key switch, lube.
Lube shift lever.
Check wiring harness mounts and all screws, hinges, etc.
Check all cleats/hardware mounts for tightness.
Lube and clean batt terminals/ charge batts/check volts, water level. (If applicable)
Pull/check spark plugs.
Check fuel filter and all hoses/connections
Lube carb linkage/choke linkage/check carb mounting bolts.
Check starter drive engagement.
Tighten all wire connections.
Lube steering cables/pivot pins.
Drain and fill lower unit.
Pull prop and clean and grease prop shaft. Install new cotter pin.
Check trailer rollers.
Lube wheel bearings.
Check axle/spring U bolts.
Air up tires and spare.
Lube hitch ball coupler.
Check trailer winch, lube if needed.
Check tail lights,turn signals, wiring harness and plug.
Make sure boat plug is still there!

That should have you well covered.