10 Spring Run-Up Tips for Canadian Boaters

As spring is approaching, anticipation builds for Canadian boaters eager to get back on the water. However, before launching into a new season of marine adventures, one vital process stands in your way: the spring run-up.

When done properly, it ensures safety and performance and extends the life of your investment—especially when powered by an industry-leading Mercury outboard or MerCruiser sterndrive.

Whether you own a center console fishing boat or a family cruiser, this guide focuses on how to prep your engine and systems for the season ahead.

Why Spring Run-Up is Crucial

During the off-season, boaters store their boats at personal or professional boat storage locations. Months of non-usage demands a complete boat inspection before hitting the water. The checkup includes the boat’s hull, outboards, bilge pump area, marine electronics, interior, and other components. If you skip this process or do it haphazardly, you might face mid-season breakdowns, costly boat maintenance, or even replacement of essential components.

A reliable boat dealership with expert marine mechanics can help with the proper startup routine for your engine to maintain optimal performance during summer boating.

Here are the key points of what to inspect, upgrade or repair to make your every outing count.

How to Do Spring Run-Ups Efficiently

1. Begin with a Visual Check

Start by taking a responsible walkaround of your vessel. Check for cracks in the hull and any signs of corrosion or wear or tear in the external parts. If you find anything unusual, contact your nearby boat repair services provider for a detailed assessment and solutions. Look for damaged rub rails, swim platforms, winches, and safety chains. It’s better to resolve minor issues before they turn into bigger problems.

2. Check the Battery System

Marine batteries often lose charge while unused for longer periods. Before reconnecting the battery, clean the terminals with a wire brush and apply a corrosion inhibitor. Test the charge level and monitor for swelling or damage. Faulty batteries are one of the top causes of spring startup issues, so it’s recommended to replace them if yours is older than three years or has major issues.

3. Check the Electrical System

Test all switches and ensure the bilge pump, interior lighting, navigation lights, GPS, and other marine electronics are working properly. Mercury’s SmartCraft digital systems, which are found on many modern Mercury outboards and sterndrives, can flag issues before they escalate. You just need to power and connect them properly with the system.

Connect with a local boat dealership to upgrade or replace the electrical components when required.

4. Replace Fuel & Filters

Old fuel can cause startup or running problems. Drain the remaining fuel from the boat if you missed doing it when storing your boat, and refill it with new, stabilized gasoline. Check the fuel lines for cracks or leaks, and change the filter. Inspect the engine oil, gear lube, coolant for an inboard motor, and hydraulic fluids to replace if needed.

5. Inspect Propellers and Steering

Remove the boat propeller and look for a fishing line or other debris. Check for dings, dents, or warping, as even the smallest imperfections can reduce performance and fuel economy. Lubricate all the moving parts and test the steering system for responsiveness and maneuverability. Ask the boat repair professionals to restore or replace damaged parts and keep things running smoothly.

6. Inspect the Outdrive or Lower Unit

For MerCruiser Sterndrive powered boats, your attention to the below components is necessary:

• Anodes – Requires replacement if more than 50% depleted

• Bellows for trim, shift, exhaust

• Drive shaft seals

• U-joints and gimbal bearing for grease and play

7. Check Cooling System

If you have winterized your outboard engines using antifreeze, you need to flush and refill the system during spring run-ups. An underperforming impeller leads to overheating, which is one of the most common springtime issues with outboards. If the impellers are older than two seasons, replace them even if they look okay. Inspect coolant hoses for leaks.

8. Legal Compliance and Safety Gear

Safety is essential. Make sure that all the safety equipment are available and up to date. Fire extinguishers, life jackets, flares, horns, other signalling devices, fenders, a first aid kit, etc., should meet the marine regulations in your area. Check your fishing license, boat insurance, and other documents for renewal. Replace any damaged, expired fishing gear and components.

9. Inspect Boat Trailer

Your trailer needs a spring checkup, too.

• Inspect the tire for wear or tear and air pressure

• Check the bearings

• Test the trailer lights and brakes

10. Test the Engine Thoroughly

Last but not least, your boat engine needs close attention. Inspect for signs of corrosion, damage, or loose wirings. Clean the dust, debris, or grime, and examine the below parts:

• Fuel lines & primer bulb: Look for cracking or brittleness

• Spark plugs: Replace them if found worn or old

• Gear lube in lower unit: If you didn’t replace it at the time of boat & outboard winterization, change it now

• Prop - Look for dents or nicks, as damaged boat propellers reduce overall efficiency and can strain the engine

For a thorough outboard inspection, repair, or boat repowering, contact a reliable Mercury dealership in BC, like Alberni Power & Marine. Their expert team will help identify any issues present in the current propulsion system and solve them to avoid future costly repairs while providing the best price-to-performance ratios.

Conclusion

Before hitting the throttle, ensure you’ve covered your spring checklist. A little prep now means fewer headaches later.

If you’re looking for expert help, trusted parts, fishing boats, a new Mercury outboard, or a boat outdrive, visit Alberni Power & Marine. As a trusted British Columbia boat dealer, the team can help with everything from basic marine services to a complete performance check and ensure you enjoy peace of mind whenever you hit the water.