October 7, 2026

Prepare Your Boat For Launch This Spring

Spring has arrived, which means it’s time to get the boat out and ready for the warmer months. After storing a boat in winter, your first trip should be well prepared for to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here is a list of things to check over so that you can enjoy the beauty of the New Zealand ocean to its full potential.

Hull and exterior

Get the exterior looking fresh with a hull and deck clean, checking for blisters, cracks, or any damage that may need repairing. Then remove any algae, barnacles, and debris, especially if your boat has been sitting on a mooring or in the water over the winter.

Batteries

Make sure the battery is holding a charge. Inspect the terminals for corrosion and make sure every connection is clean and securely tightened. If corrosion is found, treat it with a wire brush and dielectric grease to prevent it from getting worse.

Engine

Winter is hard on engines that sit unused for months. Investigate the fuel lines, filters, connections, and tanks for any evidence of damage or leaks. Replace the water-separating fuel filters and search for any signs of water contamination in the system.

Inspect the propeller for damage or bends, and check the shaft seals for signs of fishing line. Flush, check, and top up all fluid levels in the cooling system to confirm that it is operating correctly.

Electrics and navigation gear

Finding faults in the electrical system is considerably easier than finding them at sea. Test the VHF, navigation lights, chartplotter, GPS, fishfinder, bilge pumps, gauges, and other equipment to ensure they work and are in good condition. It is also the ideal time to inspect the steering and control cables, lubricate them, and replace any that are worn out.

Anchor system

Check the anchor, chain, rope, and connections for wear and tear, including any chafing, rust, corrosion, or damage, to avoid losing it overboard.

Safety gear and essentials

It’s very important to take inventory of the safety gear and ensure that you have everything needed for the boating season. Check lifejackets’ sizing, straps, buckles, fabric, and condition, especially if children have grown since they were previously worn.

Test the VHF, mobile phone protection, and EPIRB/PLB for up-to-date registrations and batteries. Then make sure the fire extinguishers, flares, and life rafts are ready to use.

Trailer and towing

After a winter of sitting idle and being exposed to the weather, your trailer will need some attention. Check that your trailer lights are working and that it has a current WOF and registration. And remember to inspect the tyres, bearings, coupling, and safety chains before you tow anywhere.

Retrieving your boat is an important part of boating, so check winch ropes and straps for wear or rot, and lubricate shafts and gears.

Start your maintenance

Now is the best time to get things sorted so that your boat and crew stay safe all season long. Port Nikau’s maintenance wharf is conveniently located alongside the haul-out facilities at Oceania Marine Shipyards and Harbourside Boat Works. In addition, there is easy and convenient access to the full range of marine-based suppliers and services on Port Road.

Complete your in-water maintenance at our dedicated berth before or after your haul-out, making it easy to get those jobs ticked off and your boat ready for summer.

Learn more about our facilities, on-water maintenance, and superyacht services through our website or by contacting a member of our team.