Remember – every boat and situation is different, so it’s important to consider whether you need to perform any additional checks.
Pre-season boat checklist
Ready to get out on the water? Use this checklist to help you be prepared.
Checklists
Trailer
- Check wheel bearings, re-pack with grease and new seals
- Check trailer brakes
- Check springs and axles
- Lubricate winch and boat rollers
- Check lights, wiring and connections
- Check mudguards and guideposts are secure
- Inspect the towing hitch, electrical connections and safety chains
- Check tyres, tread wear and pressure
- Check registration is current
Trailer boat
- Check your insurance is active and if applicable, remove lay up
- Inspect the hull for damage
- Lubricate moving parts including hatches, hinges, latches, winches and brackets
- Replace bungs and test bilge pumps
- Inspect and test lights
- Check steering for full and free movement
- Check propellers are secure and there is no damage, such as nicks or bends
- Check anchor chain or line is secure and attached to the boat
Engine and fuel system
- Service your engine with a marine service centre
- Discard old fuel
- Check the fuel system for leaks, loose fittings, and cracked or hardened fuel lines
- Install a bilge fan, especially if your boat has an inboard engine
Batteries
- Check your battery with a marine service centre
- Check the battery case for damage and leaks
- Ensure the battery is secured properly and can't move around
- Clean the terminals and check they're connected securely
- Inspect wiring for damage
Safety equipment
- Have your inflatable PFDs inspected at a chandlery every 12 months, and replace CO2 gas cylinders and safety pins at recommended intervals
- Inspect inherent buoyancy jackets for wear and tear
- Check distress flare expiry dates and replace them if necessary
- Check condition of distress flares and review the firing instructions
- Check the battery expiry and condition of EPIRBs and replace them if necessary
- Register or update your EPIRB with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
- Check fire extinguisher pressure is in the green range and the safety pin seal is intact
- Replace batteries in your waterproof torch and buy a spare set to keep on the boat
- Conduct a radio test call before you leave the launch area for the first time
Jet ski and PWC
- Service your PWC at a marine service centre
- Check your insurance is active and if applicable, remove lay up
- Inspect the hull for damage
- Lubricate moving parts
- Lubricate all engine components with anti-corrosion spray including the battery, steering cables, diagnostics plugs and jet pump area
- Replace bungs
- Charge the battery for 24 hours if you have not used the ski for a long period of time
Sailboat
- Service your boat's engine at a marine service centre
- Check your insurance is active and if applicable, remove lay up
- Check that all required safety equipment is onboard, in date and serviceable
- Check lifelines for signs of wire damage or corrosion
- Check all rigging, chainplates, halyards, shackles, blocks, cleats, winches, travellers, control lines, lifelines and anchor gear to ensure they are in good working order
- Check mast, boom and spinnaker pole fittings, including gooseneck and wind instruments
- Check reefing and furling gear
- Check stanchions, pushpit and pulpit to ensure they are soundly mounted and not allowing water leakage
- Check windows and opening hatches for crazing, damaged sealant or seized hinges
- Check sails for tears, delamination, frayed stitching, damaged eyelets or missing battens
- Check dodger and bimini, if fitted, for signs of wear
- Check the bilge and lazarettes for water or oil
- Check the steering system
- Run the engine
- Check the battery is securely mounted and charged
- Check the fuel and cooling systems are working
- Check navigation lights are working
- Check navigational systems are working
- Check the radio is working
- Check torches are working, manual/electric bilge pumps, all through-hull valve fittings and keel bolts and attaching plates
- Check mooring and/or mooring lines to make sure they are not damaged or need replacing
- Check the dinghy, oars and auxiliary outboard are ready for use
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Club Marine Limited (ABN 12 007 588 347), AFSL 236916 issues Club Marine boat insurance and handles and settles claims as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 15 000 122 850) AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Club Marine Limited is a related body corporate of Allianz. Copyright © 2026 Allianz Australia Limited.