As temperatures rise and summer arrives, New York boat owners have to think about safely preparing their vessels to hit the water. Experts have the tips to prepare your boat like a professional.

Unwrapping is the first step in "summerizing" a boat.

“It protects it from weather, bugs, birds, leaves,” said Oneida Lake Marina Sales and Service Dock Hand Garry Porter. “Keeps the inside clean for the winter, so when you’re opening it up in the spring, you can be ready to go.”

Oneida Lake Marina Owner Ron Renslo has some more steps you can take for safety. He recommends starting with the boat’s battery.

“Check to make sure it’s not corroded. Make sure your terminals are all hooked up and tight,” Renslo said. “The new batteries now, just tightening the wing nuts [to] hand tight is not sufficient. You need to wrench tight the batteries on the terminals.”

Renslo also recommends:

  • Checking oil and fluid levels before the boat hits the water. “Make sure everything is new or refreshed or at least up to the full marks,” Renslo said.
  • Checking the electrical system. This includes navigation lights, blower, horn and bilge pump if you have one.
  • Checking your drain. “Make sure you have a drain plug, and make sure it is not worn or threaded strip or [the] rubber is cracked,” Renslo said. “Otherwise, you should replace it immediately. It’s a cheap fix. Replace it. Don’t sink.”
  • Checking the trailer. “Check your trailer tires to make sure they’re not cracking,” Renslo said. “Check all your trailer's lights prior to putting the boat on the road. If you can run your boat at home and you have the boat and the connections to run it, start it before you put it in the water.”
  • Checking hoses, including fuel and water lines. Renslo says this should happen before the boat goes in the water. “If you can’t run it [at] home, you might consider taking it to a dealer or when you bring it to the launch ramp,” he said. “Put it in the water. Do not take it off the trailer, then go ahead and check all those systems prior to taking it off the trailer and getting in the water with it.”
  • Check your Coast Guard kit. “Make sure it’s up to speed, that you have all the pieces you need, [that] nothing is expired like your flares or your fire extinguisher,” he said.

“And then be safe. If you follow these simple rules, as much as we love our customers, you might not have to see us the whole summer because your boat will work properly for you,” he added.