Spring Checklist: Get Your Boat Ready Before Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer on Lake Bridgeport. Don't be the person who launches on Saturday morning only to limp back to the ramp with a dead battery or overheating engine. Here's the 15-point checklist we use at Bridgeport Ski Daddies to commission boats and jet skis every spring.
The 15-Point Spring Checklist
#### Battery & Electrical (Points 1–3)
Reconnect and test the battery. Check voltage (12.6V+ is good), clean terminals, check for corrosion. Replace if the battery is more than 3 years old or won't hold a charge.
Test all electrical systems. Gauges, horn, navigation lights, bilge pump, trim/tilt. Fix any issues before you launch.
Check the kill switch / safety lanyard. Make sure it's functional and properly connected.#### Engine & Fluids (Points 4–8)
Check engine oil level and condition. Top off or change if it wasn't done during winterization. Use marine-grade oil — not automotive.
Inspect the fuel system. Smell the fuel (varnish = bad), check fuel lines for cracks or swelling, replace the fuel filter if it's been more than a year.
Check coolant / antifreeze. Flush the winterizing antifreeze and refill with fresh coolant (closed-loop systems) or verify raw-water flow (open-loop).
Inspect spark plugs. Replace if fouled, worn, or older than one season. Fresh plugs make starting easier and running smoother.
Check gear oil (lower unit). Pull the drain plug — if the oil is milky, water got past the seals. This needs immediate attention before launching. Lower unit service.#### Cooling & Propulsion (Points 9–11)
Inspect the impeller / water pump. This is the #1 cause of overheating. If it's been more than 200–300 hours (or 2 years), replace it.
Check the prop. Look for dings, bends, or missing chunks. A damaged prop causes vibration that wears bearings and shafts.
Inspect steering and throttle cables. Check for smooth operation, no binding or stiffness. Lubricate if needed.#### Hull & Trailer (Points 12–14)
Inspect the hull. Look for cracks, gel coat damage, or repairs that may have deteriorated over winter. Check the drain plug — it's the most forgotten item at the ramp.
Check trailer bearings. Spin each wheel — grinding or wobbling means the bearings need repacking or replacement. Trailer service.
Test trailer lights and check tires. Ensure all lights work and tires are properly inflated. Check for dry rot if the trailer sat all winter.#### Safety & Final Check (Point 15)
Verify safety equipment. Fire extinguisher (charged), throwable flotation device, whistle or horn, registration current, and insurance valid.The Test Run
After completing the checklist, do a test run before your big Memorial Day trip:
- Start the engine and let it warm up
- Check for overheating, unusual sounds, or warning lights
- Test throttle response, steering, and brakes (iBR/RiDE if applicable)
- Verify water flow from the tell-tale indicator
- Check for leaks or drips
Don't DIY? We'll Do It For You
Bridgeport Ski Daddies offers a complete spring commissioning service that covers this entire checklist — plus a professional test run. We come to your dock, driveway, or storage location.
Book early — spring is our busiest season. Call (817) 915-3266 or request spring commissioning online. Get your rig lake-ready before the Memorial Day rush.
