Your 7-Point Spring Prep Checklist for Boats & Jet Skis
The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and the call of the water in Ocean City and Ocean Pines is getting stronger. It’s finally time to get your boat or jet ski (PWC) ready for the season!
Just as proper winterization is crucial for storage, a thorough spring prep is the key to a safe, reliable, and fun-filled first launch. Before you head to the ramp, run through this 7-point checklist to make sure your watercraft is in peak condition.
1. The Battery
Your battery has been sitting for months. A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for a failed first trip.
Inspect: Check the terminals and cables. Clean off any corrosion with a wire brush.
Test: Use a multimeter to check the voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6-12.8 volts.
Charge: Connect it to a battery charger (not just a tender) to ensure it has a full, fresh charge before you install it. Secure all connections tightly once it's back in the boat or PWC.
2. The Fuel System
Old fuel is an engine's worst enemy. Even if you used stabilizer, the system needs inspection.
Inspect Lines: Visually check all fuel lines for cracks or soft spots. Squeeze them—if they feel brittle or mushy, it's time to replace them.
Replace Filters: This is a must-do. Your fuel/water separating filter (on a boat) and any inline fuel filters should be replaced every spring to ensure clean fuel delivery.
Smell the Fuel: Does the fuel in the tank smell "sour" or like varnish? If so, it may need to be professionally drained and disposed of.
3. Engine Oil & Fluids
Fluid levels are the lifeblood of your engine.
Engine Oil: Even if you changed the oil in the fall (which we recommend!), pull the dipstick to check the level and condition.
Gear Lube (Outboards): Check the lower unit's gear lube. If it looks milky or white, it means water got in through a bad seal—a problem that needs immediate repair.
Coolant (Closed-Loop Jet Skis): Check your coolant reservoir and top off if necessary with the manufacturer-specified fluid.
4. Spark Plugs & Ignition
Your engine needs spark to run. Old or fouled plugs can cause hard starting, rough idling, and poor fuel economy.
Inspect: Pull the spark plugs and check their condition. Look for heavy carbon buildup, oil, or rust.
Replace if Needed: When in doubt, replace them. They are an inexpensive part that makes a huge difference in performance.
5. Electronics & Safety Gear
Don't wait until you're on the water to find out your horn doesn't work.
Test Everything: Turn on your master switch and test your navigation lights, horn, bilge pump, gauges, and radio.
Check Safety Gear: Is your fire extinguisher still in the green? Are your life jackets (PFDs) in good condition with no rips or mold? Do you have your throwable device, flares (check expiration dates!), and sound-producing device?
6. Hull, Prop, & Anodes
Give the outside of your watercraft a thorough look-over.
Inspect Hull: Look for any dings, deep scratches, or spider cracks in the fiberglass that may have appeared over the winter.
Check Prop/Impeller: Spin the propeller and check for any nicks, dings, or bent blades. On a jet ski, check the impeller (inside the pump) for any debris or damage.
Check Anodes: Your sacrificial anodes are designed to corrode to protect your engine's metal parts. If they are more than 50% eaten away, it's time to replace them.
7. The First Start (On the Hose!)
This is the moment of truth. Never start your engine "dry."
Hook up the Water: Connect a flush hose (muffs for an outboard, hose connection for a PWC) and turn the water on full.
Start the Engine: Let the engine run for a few minutes at idle.
Check for Leaks: Look in the engine bay and around the engine for any water or fuel leaks.
Watch the "Tell-Tale": On an outboard, make sure you have a strong, steady stream of water "peeing" from the tell-tale. This confirms your water pump is working.
Get on the Water, Worry-Free
Running through this checklist can take time, but it's worth it for a smooth start to the season. If you'd rather spend your time on the water than with a wrench, let us handle it.
Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop offers complete, professional spring prep services for 4-stroke jet skis and outboard boats. We'll run through this entire list and more.
Call us today at (410) 973-2890 or click below to schedule your spring start-up!
