Now that summer is just about here, it's time to get your boat ready for action. This is particularly important if you haven't used your boat during the off-season. If your boat has been docked for an extended period of time, there could be issues with the maintenance that would interfere with optimum performance. Before you head out this summer, take care of the maintenance steps described below.

Start with a Clean Hull

Now that you're getting ready to take your boat out on the water, you'll need to start with a clean hull. Even a small amount of dirt can interfere with performance. In fact, a dirty hull can lead to inefficient fuel consumption and cause excessive smoking from the engine compartment. For maximum efficiency, you should clean the hull at least once a month during the summer. You can find great cleaning supplies from a shop like Slimy Grimy. 

Keep Your Strainers Clean

If your boat was docked in the marina, it could have collected algae and sea life in the open compartments, such as the water mains or air conditioning unit. Strainers can be used to make cleanup easier. However, it's important to note that they do need to be cleaned out before using your boat. If you have installed strainers on your boat, you need to clean them before the start of the summer season. After that, you should clean them out at least once a week. A good rule of thumb is to inspect them each time you return from a boat trip. That way, you can clean them before debris has a chance to build up.

Monitor the Coolant Level

Your boat depends on fresh coolant to prevent the engine from overheating. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the middle of the lake – or ocean – when your boat overheats. The best way to protect your boat and prevent overheating is to monitor the coolant on a weekly basis. Weekly monitoring of the coolant level will ensure peak performance of your marine engine.

Test the Carbon Monoxide Detector

If you have an enclosed cabin on your boat, you need to have a carbon monoxide detector. If you don't have one, you should install one before you start using your boat this summer. If you have one, you should test it to make sure it's working properly. It's a good idea to conduct a safety test on your detector once a month. This will allow you to identify problems as soon as possible.

Don't take chances with your boat. The tips provided here will ensure it's ready for water fun as soon as the weather warms up.