Boat maintenance scheduling has gotten complicated with all the conflicting advice flying around. As someone who has maintained cruising vessels for decades and learned most lessons the hard way, I learned everything there is to know about keeping a boat shipshape year-round. Today, I will share it all with you.
January: Planning and Preparation
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Use the quiet winter months for planning your boating season. Review last year’s maintenance logs and identify recurring issues that need permanent solutions—not just band-aids. Order parts for known repairs while suppliers have full inventory and before the spring rush makes everything back-ordered.
Update your safety equipment inventory. Check expiration dates on flares, fire extinguishers, and first aid supplies. Many items have specific lifespan requirements that insurance and Coast Guard inspections verify. Create a shopping list for replacements needed before launch—nothing worse than realizing your flares expired last month when you’re already in the water.
Review your insurance policy before renewal. Boating patterns may have changed, affecting your coverage needs. Navigation limits, storage arrangements, and vessel value all impact premiums. Discuss any planned changes with your agent before the season starts.
Consider education opportunities during the off-season. Many boating organizations offer classroom courses in winter months. Navigation, weather interpretation, and diesel engine maintenance courses improve your skills before returning to the water. Plus, it scratches that boating itch when you can’t be on the water.
February: Engine Systems
That’s what makes proper engine maintenance endearing to us cruisers—do it right and your engine starts every time. Focus on propulsion systems while access remains easy. Change engine oil and filters if not done during winterization. Replace fuel filters and inspect fuel lines for deterioration caused by ethanol-blended gasoline.
Inspect cooling system hoses for cracks, softness, or swelling. Check raw water pump impellers by removing inspection plates and examining vanes for wear. Replace impellers every two years regardless of visible condition, as they can fail suddenly without warning signs. Ask me how I know.
Service transmissions according to manufacturer schedules. Check fluid levels and condition. Dark or burnt-smelling fluid indicates internal problems requiring professional attention. Top off fluid to proper levels using specified products only.
Examine exhaust systems for leaks and corrosion. Wet exhaust risers deteriorate from inside out, making external inspection insufficient. Consider having risers professionally inspected if older than five years—this is one area where you don’t want surprises.
March: Hull and Bottom
Inspect hull bottom before spring launch. Look for blisters, cracks, and damaged areas needing repair. Schedule bottom painting early, as boatyards book quickly in spring. Allow adequate time for proper preparation and multiple paint coats.
Check through-hulls and seacocks for proper operation. Work valves back and forth to prevent seizure. Replace any that show corrosion, cracking, or difficult operation. This is the most important safety check for preventing sinking—I’m not exaggerating.
Inspect zincs and replace any more than half consumed. Proper zinc protection prevents galvanic corrosion damage to expensive underwater metals. Check bonding system connections for tight, clean contact.
Examine propellers for dings, bends, and edge erosion. Minor damage causes vibration that stresses cutlass bearings and shaft seals. Professional reconditioning restores efficiency and prevents secondary damage that costs far more than the reconditioning.
April: Electrical Systems
Test all batteries under load. Voltage readings alone don’t indicate cranking ability—I’ve seen batteries read perfect voltage and fail to turn over the engine. Marine batteries degrade over three to five years even with proper maintenance. Replace any questionable batteries before they strand you away from the dock.
Clean and protect all electrical connections. Corrosion increases resistance, causing voltage drops and overheating. Apply dielectric grease to terminals and connectors after cleaning. Check wire runs for chafe points that could cause shorts or fires.
Test navigation lights and all onboard lighting. Replace any dim or intermittent bulbs. LED upgrades reduce power consumption and increase reliability. Verify that masthead lights are visible from required distances.
Check bilge pump operation by pouring water into the bilge and watching the automatic switch engage. Clean float switches of debris that could prevent operation. Test manual override at the helm station. Your bilge pump is your last line of defense against sinking.
May: Deck and Rigging
Inspect all standing rigging for broken strands, rust staining, and fitting corrosion. Running rigging should be free of chafe, stiff spots, and UV damage. Replace any suspect lines before failure occurs during use—rigging failures rarely happen at convenient times.
Check deck hardware for loose fastenings and corrosion. Rebed any fittings showing water leaks. Stanchion bases and lifeline fittings deserve particular attention as they’re safety-critical components that people trust with their lives.
Service winches by disassembling, cleaning, and relubricating. Check pawls and springs for proper engagement. Reassemble carefully, verifying correct operation before use. Dirty winches fail under load when you need them most—usually when bringing in an anchor in 25 knots.
Inspect canvas and covers for UV degradation, mildew, and failed stitching. Clean with appropriate products before damage spreads. Schedule repairs or replacements to have protection ready for the season.
June: Safety Equipment
Conduct a complete safety gear inspection. Examine life jackets for proper flotation and working buckles. Test inflatable mechanisms according to manufacturer schedules. Replace any worn or damaged equipment—this isn’t where you cut corners.
Check fire extinguisher gauges and inspection dates. Have units professionally serviced if overdue. Verify mounting locations allow quick access in emergencies. Consider adding extinguishers in additional locations—you can never have too many.
Test VHF radio by making contact with other vessels or the Coast Guard. Check DSC functionality by registering your MMSI if not already done. Verify antenna connections are tight and waterproof.
Update first aid supplies. Check expiration dates on medications. Replenish used items from last season. Consider taking a marine first aid course to improve emergency response skills.
July: Mid-Season Check
Review engine hours and schedule service if approaching intervals. Check fluid levels frequently during heavy use periods. Watch for leaks that may develop as systems work under load—things that were fine at the dock can reveal themselves during actual cruising.
Examine steering systems for play or stiffness. Check hydraulic fluid levels if applicable. Grease cable steering pivots. Loose or binding steering can lead to control problems in tight quarters when you least need them.
Inspect running gear during haul-outs for trailer boats. Check propeller shaft seals for proper drip rate. Examine cutlass bearings for wear by checking shaft play. Address issues before they cause expensive secondary damage.
Clean and organize storage areas. Remove unused items that accumulated during busy months. Check for moisture intrusion in lockers and cabins. Address any mildew promptly before it spreads—mildew is patient and relentless.
August: Systems Check
Test air conditioning and refrigeration systems during peak usage. Check refrigerant levels and clean filters. Verify proper drainage of condensation. Service or replace worn belts on compressor drives.
Inspect freshwater systems for proper operation. Check tank levels, pump operation, and heater function. Look for leaks at connections and fittings. Sanitize tanks if odors develop.
Examine head systems for proper operation. Check holding tank levels and pump-out procedures. Inspect hoses for permeation odors indicating age. Replace old hoses that allow smells to escape—if you can smell it, it’s past time.
Review electronics for any performance issues. Check radar and chartplotter updates. Test depth sounder accuracy against known depths. Address intermittent problems before they become complete failures.
September: Fall Preparation
Begin preparing for reduced usage or storage. Clean exterior surfaces thoroughly while weather remains mild. Apply wax protection to gelcoat before winter exposure. Clean and treat canvas covers.
Service engines while contaminants from summer use remain fresh. Change oil and filters. Stabilize fuel for extended storage. Run engines briefly to circulate treated fuel through the system.
Document any issues that developed during the season for winter repairs. Take photographs of problem areas for reference during repairs. Create a prioritized repair list for off-season work—you’ll forget half of it otherwise.
Schedule haul-out if applicable to your storage situation. Marinas book winter storage early. Confirm arrangements well before your desired date. Understand what services are included versus additional charges.
October: Winterization
Winterize engines according to manufacturer procedures. Fog cylinders for internal protection. Change gear lube in stern drives and outboards. Verify antifreeze concentration in closed cooling systems.
Drain and winterize freshwater systems completely. Use non-toxic antifreeze in lines and tanks. Remove water heater drain plugs. Run antifreeze through all faucets and shower heads—miss one and you’ll have a cracked fitting come spring.
Remove and store electronics prone to cold damage. Take portable items home for charging and updates. Disconnect batteries or use maintenance chargers throughout winter. Protect sensitive equipment from freezing.
Secure the boat against weather and pests. Close all openings while allowing ventilation. Set rodent deterrents. Remove food items that could attract animals. Cover expensive items that might interest thieves.
November: Storage Tasks
Check on stored boats periodically during winter. Look for cover damage or displacement. Verify moisture control systems continue working. Address any water intrusion immediately to prevent damage.
Begin off-season projects during mild days. Winter provides time for interior work that summer boating prevents. Complete cosmetic projects, upgrades, and repairs while access is easy.
Review maintenance records and update your calendar for next season. Note what worked well and what needs improvement. Adjust schedules based on actual experience with your specific vessel.
December: Planning Ahead
Research equipment upgrades and improvements for next season. Review new products at boat shows or online. Compare options and gather pricing information while you have time to consider choices carefully.
Order parts for known repairs while suppliers have full inventory. Popular items may go on back-order by spring. Getting materials early ensures projects can proceed on schedule.
Reflect on the boating season. What destinations were favorites? What would you do differently? Use winter months to plan next year’s adventures and the boat preparations they’ll require.
Year-Round Habits
Maintain detailed logs of all maintenance activities. Record part numbers, suppliers, and costs. This information proves valuable for future repairs and for potential buyers if you sell.
Address problems when they’re small. Minor issues grow into major repairs if ignored. The cost of prevention always beats the price of failure.
Stay educated about your vessel’s systems. Read manuals, attend seminars, and learn from experienced boaters. Knowledge enables proper maintenance and quick problem-solving.
Build relationships with quality service providers. Good mechanics book quickly during peak seasons. Establishing loyalty during slow periods ensures attention when you need urgent help.
Following this maintenance calendar keeps your boat safe, reliable, and enjoyable for years of boating adventures. The work never ends, but that’s part of the boating life.
