Spring Commissioning Checklist for Great Lakes Boats

On the Great Lakes, a good season starts with a good spring commissioning. Rushing it is how people lose the first few weekends to problems a checklist would have caught on the hard. Work through these before splash.

Hull and running gear

• Inspect the hull, keel and rudder for damage and blisters.
• Clean and, if needed, refresh antifouling paint.
• Check zincs and replace anything worn.
• Inspect the prop, shaft and cutless bearing.

Engine and systems

• Change oil and filters; check belts and hoses.
• Service the cooling system and inspect the impeller.
• Test the bilge pumps and float switches.
• Charge and load-test the batteries.

Safety and paperwork

• Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
• Inspect life jackets and update the ditch bag.
• Test navigation lights, VHF and electronics.
• Confirm registration and insurance are current.

Not sure what needs doing now versus what can wait, or what it should cost? That is exactly the kind of straight answer our repair and maintenance guidance provides.