Preparing Your Boat for the New Boating Season

Norfolk Marine
Boating Advice
31 Jan 2025
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views

As the weather improves and the boating season approaches, it’s time to get your boat ready for the water. After months of storage, it's likely your boat requires some form of maintenance to ensure it's safe and efficient. Regardless of the size of your boat, proper preparation can prevent breakdowns and ensure a smooth boating season ahead. Norfolk Marine is here to help! Join us as we share six essential product groups to help you get ready for a smooth boating season.

Marine-Grade Antifouling Paint

Antifouling paint is essential for protecting your boat’s hull from marine growth such as algae, barnacles, and slime.

If left unchecked, these can slow your boat down, increase fuel consumption, and even damage the hull over time. In UK waters, where fouling can be particularly aggressive, applying new antifouling paint before the season can help protect your boat and ensure easier maintenance throughout the year.

Please note, that there are two types of antifouling paint:

Hard Antifouling – Ideal for fast boats or boats that are frequently used, as it provides a durable, long-lasting surface.
Self-Polishing (Ablative) Antifouling – Gradually wears away, exposing fresh biocide, making it a great option for boats in high-fouling areas like UK marinas.

Boat Polish & Wax

It's no secret that the UK’s weather can change as quickly as wind on a calm day. Mix this with salt and rain, and a boat’s gel coat can quickly fade and deteriorate.

High-quality marine polish and wax help to create a protective barrier against UV rays, oxidation, and grime buildup. Waxing your boat creates a smooth, hydrophobic surface that repels water, dirt, and stains. This means less time scrubbing and fewer chances of stubborn stains forming on the hull or deck. The less time spent cleaning your boat can mean more time actually on the water.

Marine Battery Charger & Maintainer

Picture the scene; you are all set for your first day on the water. Sandwiches are packed, the thermos is full of tea, and you even got the fancy biscuits...only to find your boat battery is flat! A dead or weak battery can ruin a day out on the water.

Over the winter boat batteries often lose charge. To add to that, improper maintenance can lead to sulfation and reduced lifespan, so it's important to keep your battery charged. A marine charger ensures your battery is topped up and ready when needed, preventing unexpected failures as well as extending it's life span.

Engine Service Kit (Oil, Filters, and Impeller)

One of the most important jobs before starting the new boating season is to service your engine, it's critical for reliability and enhanced engine life span. Changing the oil, filters, and impeller ensures proper cooling, lubrication, and fuel efficiency.

Servicing your engine is not a small job, but it's a lot cheaper than buying a new engine, which can be a result of poor maintenance. To aid with the servicing, we recommend you follow the following steps.

1. Change the Engine Oil & Filter
-Old oil can become contaminated with moisture and debris, leading to poor lubrication and potential engine damage.
-Use marine-grade oil suitable for your engine type.
-Always replace the oil filter to prevent contamination in the new oil.

2. Inspect & Replace the Fuel Filter
-A clogged fuel filter can lead to poor engine performance and stalling.
-If your boat has been sitting over winter, drain any stale fuel from the system.
-Use fresh, high-quality marine fuel to prevent ethanol-related issues.

3. Check & Replace the Impeller
-The impeller is crucial for pumping cooling water through the engine.
-A worn or damaged impeller can cause overheating and engine failure.
-Inspect it at the start of the season and replace it if it shows signs of wear.

4. Test the Battery & Electrical System
-A weak battery can leave you stranded, so test it before heading out.
-Clean battery terminals and check for corrosion.
-Use a marine smart charger to keep the battery in peak condition.

5. Inspect Hoses, Belts, & Connections
-Look for cracks, leaks, or wear in hoses and belts.
-Tighten any loose hose clamps and ensure fuel and coolant lines are secure.
-Replace worn components before they fail unexpectedly.

6. Check the Cooling System
-If your engine has a raw water cooling system, ensure the intake is clear of debris.
-Flush the system and check for blockages in the cooling passages.
-Refill with fresh coolant if using a closed-loop system.

7. Examine the Propeller & Drive System
-Check for damage, dings, or bends in the propeller that could affect performance.
-Grease the propeller shaft and inspect the seals.
-If you have a sterndrive, check the gear oil and replace it if needed.

8. Run a Test Before the First Trip
-After servicing, start the engine on flush muffs or a test tank to ensure it runs smoothly.
-Look for leaks, listen for unusual noises, and check the temperature gauge.
-If something seems off, address it before heading out on the water.

Bilge Pump & Cleaner

Ideally, we want to keep the water on the outside of our boats, not inside. A working bilge pump prevents water accumulation, which can cause instability and potential flooding.

It's also important to clean the bilge pump, which can eliminate foul odours, grease buildup, and contaminants that could harm marine life. Starting the season with a clean and functioning bilge system ensures safety and comfort while on the water.

Taking the time to prepare your boat for the new season can save you money, prevent unnecessary stress, and keep your boat in good condition throughout the season.

These five points and products will help protect your boat, improve performance, and ensure a hassle-free experience on the water. Whether you’re planning weekend fishing trips or coastal cruising, a well-maintained boat will make all the difference. So, stock up on these essentials, give your boat the care it deserves, and enjoy a great boating season ahead!

If you would like and further advice on the products, please call Norfolk Marine, or come to the shop for a friendly chat.