Now that warmer weather is finally upon us here in Minnesota, boat owners are gratefully getting ready to take their boats out of storage and preparing for good times on the lake. But before we take off our boat covers and set a course for summer fun, it’s important to make sure your boat is ready for the season.
At Canvasworks in Cokato, our boat seat upholstery and Bimini top manufacturers love helping Minnesota boat owners make the most out of their watercraft. We’ve put together this guide to help you get your boat ready for the summer months before you take off this year. When you’re ready to set sail for summer adventure, give us a call for customized sun tops, Bimini tops, and boat seat upholstery before you head out on the lake this season.
1. Check All Mechanicals
One of the first things you should do is to inspect your boat’s mechanicals thoroughly. The last thing anyone wants is to end up stranded out on the lake or stuck at the landing with an engine that doesn’t work. Check all of your electrical connections to make sure they’re free of corrosion and make sure your battery is functioning properly. Don’t forget to check all hoses, gauges, and cables to make sure they are in good repair and working correctly. This is the time to replace anything that is worn or cracked and to clean anything that is dirty. Make sure moving parts are lubricated if necessary and aren’t sticky or loose. Go over your motor thoroughly, change your oil if needed, and check the levels and condition of all of your fluids. Taking the time to go over your boat’s mechanicals now could save you time, money, and a lot of frustration later.
2. Inspect and Clean Your Boat
Look over your hull and the rest of your boat for cracks and signs of distortion. You should also clean the hull, the deck, and any other hard surfaces in your boat using a gentle cleaning solution. If you have carpeting, vacuum it first and then clean it with a gentle brush and cleaner. Whatever you do, DON’T reach for the powerwasher, it is a sure way to ruin your carpet’s protective coatings. Last of all, clean your upholstery following your manufacturer’s instructions. If you’ve lost them, contact us for our general marine upholstery care instructions. We’re always happy to help!
3. Examine Your Boat Upholstery
Ideally you should check your boat upholstery in the fall before storing your boat. This allows you to repair or replace your boat upholstery over the winter months when your boat is not in use. If you didn’t have a chance to do so, you should check it over now for signs of wear and tear. If you’re in need of boat seat upholstery repair or custom boat upholstery, our marine product manufacturers can restore it to its original look or replace it with new upholstery. Keep in mind that the spring season is often the busiest season in the marine world, so it’s best to get your upholstery in right away so you can have it back before any special occasions.
4. Inspect the Propellers
Ideally, you gave your propellers a thorough inspection at the end of the last boating season. But it’s still important to check them again before you take your boat out on the water. Check for any sign of cracks, dings, or other propeller damage.
5. Update Your Safety Equipment
Make sure there are enough life jackets and flotation devices in your boat and they’re all in good working condition. Check your fire extinguishers and flares to confirm that they are up to date. If your boat has an enclosed area, you will need to check the carbon monoxide detectors as well. If you have an emergency radio check to make sure it is working correctly and any batteries are still in good condition.
Contact Our Cokato Boat Upholstery Manufacturers
If your boat needs new upholstery or a sun top, our marine product manufacturers at Canvasworks are here to help. We offer a number of completely customized solutions to help Minnesota boat owners get more out of their time on the lake this season.
Visit our online gallery to check out our boat upholstery. Then give us a call at 320-559-0165 to order your boat seat upholstery or contact us online to find out how we can help you get ready for summer fun this year.