Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing your boat for the fun! This is especially important if you put your vessel in storage for the winter months. If you’re not sure how to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Mountain Valley Motorsports has created this helpful boat summerization guide with everything you need to know. Read on to learn more. If you’re still shopping around for the perfect boat to take on the water this summer, be sure to swing by our dealership and check out our inventory. We’re conveniently located in Cody, WY, near Yellowstone National Park.

We know just how excited you’re going to be to get your boat in the water, but there are some things you’ll need to take care of first. The boat summerization process starts with an initial inspection. You want to cover all of your bases and ensure your vessel has not suffered any damage while it was in storage. Whether it’s damage from harsh weather or a critter infestation, you’ll want to address this before you hit the water.

Check all of the carpets and cushions for any signs of mold or mildew. If you find pests during your initial inspection, you should eradicate them immediately. Don’t forget to open up your hatches and the motor bay so you can give everything a close look. Another key step in the summerization process is to check the hull for any cracks or other repair needs. If your boat construction consists of wood, you’ll also want to check for any signs of rot.

Even if you removed all of the items on your boat before you put it in storage, now is a good time to make sure that it is fully stocked with essential safety gear. Take a look at all of the lifejackets and other personal flotation devices to confirm they are in good condition and properly stored. You also want to have a fully stocked first-aid kit. It should have fresh supplies, including medications, ointments, bandages, and so on. If anything has expired, get rid of it and replace it. During the boat de-winterization process, it would also be wise to stock up on new emergency flares. Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they are up to date.

This may not be a usual step in the process, but it is a good idea to check your boat registration and tags. If anything is up for renewal with your paperwork or licenses, you’ll need to get that all squared away before your first boating trip. The last thing you want to do is get fined when you’re enjoying the sunshine and open water!

The last step of our boat summerization guide is to give your vessel a good cleaning. After all, it’s likely been sitting idle for several months collecting dust. Now is the perfect time to show your boat some love and make it nice and shiny. This is even more important if you stored your boat outdoors during the winter season. It will have taken a beating from the elements and other debris. You may have used a boat cover, but you still want to clean off the dust and confirm all of the glass areas are clear for visibility purposes. Not to mention that you don’t want any debris affecting the controls and electronics in the console.

We hope that our boat summerization guide has come in handy as you gear up for boating season. If you have any questions or if you’d like to browse boats for sale in Cody, WY, visit us at Mountain Valley Motorsports. We also serve those in Powell. Need help with parts or service? We’ve got you covered there, too!