Warmer weather is on the way and there’s no better time than now to start preparing your boat for spring. After months in winter storage, giving your vessel some attention will keep it performing at its best. Whether it’s cleaning, maintenance, or safety checks, preparing your boat for spring ensures smooth sailing, protects your investment and keeps your time on the water safe and enjoyable. Below is a list of the types of products we recommend using to ensure your boat is ready for the season.
1. Cleaners
Start by giving your boat a thorough spring clean as part of preparing your boat for spring. Winter grime, salt and oil residues can accumulate on decks, hulls and engines.
A proper clean makes your boat look fresh again, but it also helps you spot any problems you might’ve missed before or during winter storage. As you’re going around, keep an eye out for anything that looks off: loose fittings, cracked sealant, corrosion, or marks on the hull. Use professional cleaners and degreasers to remove tough stains safely without damaging surfaces.
Checklist:
- Give the decks and cockpit a full wash down to shift salt and winter residue
- Tackle non-slip areas carefully so you don’t damage the finish
- Wipe down lockers and storage areas where grime and damp build up
- Degrease where needed (especially around engine bay areas)
- Clean windows and check seals around hatches and ports
2. Ropes
Once things are clean, it’s a great time to go over the bits you’ll rely on straight away, especially the stuff that makes mooring and docking easier. Inspect your ropes when preparing your boat for spring. Check all lines for wear, fraying, or UV damage.
Run your hands along your lines and you’ll quickly feel if they’re stiff, rough, or starting to give up. Pay extra attention to any sections that sit over cleats or run through fairleads, because that’s where lines tend to chafe first. If anything looks tired now, it’s worth sorting before your first outing, the last thing you want is a line snapping or slipping when you’re coming alongside.
Checklist:
- Check mooring lines for fraying, flattened sections, stiffness or UV wear
- Pay attention to chafe points (cleats, fairleads and anywhere lines rub)
- Check splices, knots and attachment points
- If you’ve got spare lines onboard, check those too (they often get forgotten)
- Replace any lines that feel weak, stiff, or noticeably worn
3. Fenders
Next, inspect your fenders and replace old fenders to protect your hull while moored. Proper fenders make docking safer and stress-free. After winter storage, fenders can lose shape, go brittle, or pick up small splits that only show up once they’re under pressure.
Give them a proper look over now and think about whether your current setup still matches how you usually moor, if you’ve changed berth, raft up more often in summer, or do more visitor pontoons, you may need a different size or a couple of extras.
Checklist:
- Inspect fenders for splits, tears or perished material
- Check valves/ends for damage and make sure they hold air if inflatable
- Look for scuffing or weak spots where the fender sits against the pontoon
- Make sure you’ve got the right number and size for your usual setup
- Replace old fenders to protect your hull while moored
4. Anodes
Replacing worn anodes is crucial when preparing your boat for spring as they prevent corrosion on metal parts such as propellers, shafts and trim tabs. Check for wear and replace anodes as needed to avoid costly damage.
Anodes aren’t the most exciting job, but they’re one of the most important checks you can do. If they’ve worn down, that’s actually a good sign, as it means they’ve been taking the hit instead of your expensive metal parts. The key is making sure there’s enough left to protect you through the season.
Checklist:
- Inspect anodes for heavy wear or uneven erosion
- Replace anodes that are significantly worn
- Make sure they’re securely fitted and making good contact
- Check nearby metalwork for early signs of corrosion
- Confirm you’re using the correct type for your setup and conditions
5. Antifoul paint
One of the first steps in preparing your boat for spring is applying a fresh coat of antifoul paint. Inspect your hull and remove any old growth (if you’ve given your boat a good clean in step 1 then you shouldn’t be able to spot any), then apply an antifoul paint suited to your water type, sea, freshwater, or brackish.
A decent antifoul job helps keep growth under control and improves performance. Take your time with the prep, it can make the difference between a job that lasts and one that needs sorting again sooner than you’d like.
Checklist:
- Check the hull for damage and areas where antifoul has worn away
- Remove any old growth and prepare the surface properly
- Work methodically in sections for even coverage
- Apply an antifoul paint suited to your water type
- Double-check coverage around areas that foul more quickly
6. Pumps
Functional pumps are vital for safety when preparing your boat for spring. Test automatic and manual bilge pumps, check hoses and replace any brittle or damaged components. Properly functioning pumps prevent water accumulation and keep your boat ready for anything.
Pumps are one of those things you don’t think about… until you really need them. So, it’s worth doing a proper test now while you’ve got time to sort anything that’s not quite right. When you’re checking pumps, give the hoses and connections a look too - winter storage can be hard on rubber and fittings.
Checklist:
- Test automatic bilge pumps and confirm they activate correctly
- Test manual bilge pumps and check operation feels smooth
- Inspect hoses for splits, brittleness or loose connections
- Check clamps and fittings for corrosion or looseness
- Make sure outlets are clear and water flows as expected
7. Lifejackets & buoyancy aids
Safety cannot be overlooked when preparing your boat for spring. Ensure all crew have correctly sized lifejackets and buoyancy aids and check for wear, buckle issues, or UV damage. Comfortable, well-maintained safety gear is essential for enjoyable boating.
Checklist:
- Confirm you have enough lifejackets / buoyancy aids for everyone onboard
- Check sizing and fit for all crew
- Inspect straps, buckles and stitching for wear or damage
- Look for UV damage, tears or obvious deterioration
- Store everything somewhere accessible and easy to grab
Optional: IBS products (if you use an inflatable or tender)
If your setup includes an inflatable, tender, or RIB, add this to your spring checks when preparing your boat for spring. IBS products are designed for inflatable boat maintenance and repairs, helping you deal with small issues like leaks, lifting seams, scuffs, or worn fittings before your first trip. Stock up on essentials such as PVC or Hypalon repair kits, inflatable adhesives, solvent cleaners and inflatable boat paint so your tender is ready for the season.
Checklist:
- Inflate fully and leave it for a while to check for slow leaks
- Check seams and stress points for lifting or separation
- Inspect valves and caps and make sure they seal properly
- Look over tubes for scuffs and abrasion
- Restock the basics so you’re ready for quick fixes during the season
Marine scene spring boat collection
Start your season with confidence, knowing your boat is safe, and ready for smooth sailing. Explore Marine Scene’s bestselling products across all these categories and make spring boating effortless. Begin preparing your boat for spring today!