A properly maintained boat can provide years of enjoyment, and getting back on the water in Michigan after a long winter is something every boater looks forward to with real excitement. While year-round care matters, a thorough spring commissioning helps ensure your first trip of the season goes smoothly.
Here are a few key reminders you may have overlooked while focusing on oil changes, impellers, and waxing.
Our Spring Boat Maintenance Recommendations
Review Your Boat Records
Reviewing your maintenance records is a great place to start. While you may remember in detail what work has been done to your watercraft, remembering exactly when it was done can be trickier. Checking your owner’s manual will help you stay aligned with manufacturer recommendations for your boat, motor, and generator.
Keeping a detailed log of boat maintenance and repairs helps eliminate guesswork and will help keep your boat running reliably throughout the season.
Check Battery Fluid and Charge
Make sure your battery fluids are at the proper levels. Low fluid levels can cause internal damage and disrupt your boat’s electrical systems. If you’re using AGM batteries, remember they require a slow, deep charge, especially if they weren’t maintained on a charger during storage. Taking the time to properly recharge them now can prevent frustrating electrical issues later.
Inspect Deck Hardware and Seals
Deck hardware and thru-hulls rely on sealant that can deteriorate over time due to sun exposure, cleaning chemicals, and general wear. Make sure to check areas like:
Hatches
Windshields
Rails
Thru-hulls
Snaps
Sealing these areas properly can prevent water intrusion, structural damage, and costly repairs down the line. From an insurance standpoint, this kind of maintenance matters because damage caused by long-term wear, deterioration, or neglected seals may be denied under “wear and tear” or “lack of maintenance” exclusions.
Inspect Hoses, Shafts, and Critical Components
Rubber hoses, propeller shafts, and rudder packing should all be inspected before you launch. Over time, hoses can chafe against engine components or develop cracks. If left unchecked, these issues can lead to:
Water leaks
Engine damage
Just like with seals, failures caused by worn or poorly maintained components may not be covered by insurance if they’re tied to gradual deterioration rather than a sudden accident. If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, it’s always a good idea to have a mechanic take a look before you put your boat back in the water. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t Forget About the Trailer
Trailer maintenance is one of the most overlooked aspects of boat ownership, but it’s just as important as the boat itself. Before heading out, check:
Brake fluid
Wheel bearings
Lug nuts
Trailer lights
Tire condition and pressure
Trailer tires, in particular, can dry rot even if the tread looks fine. Checking the manufacturer date and replacing aging tires can help you avoid being stranded on the side of the road on the way to the lake.
Before You Launch: Don’t Overlook Your Insurance
Once your boat is mechanically ready, there’s one more step that often gets overlooked: reviewing your boat insurance coverage. Many boat owners assume their policy is still accurate year after year, but that’s not always the case. If you’ve made upgrades, added equipment, or your boat has increased in value, your current coverage may no longer reflect your actual exposure.
It’s especially important to understand whether your policy is written on an “Agreed Value” or “Actual Cash Value” basis. With an Agreed Value policy, you and the insurer agree upfront on what the boat is worth. This means you’ll know exactly what you’ll receive in the event of a total loss. With an Actual Cash Value policy, however, depreciation is factored in, which can lead to significantly lower payouts based on the boat’s age, condition, and remaining useful life.
It’s also important to understand what your policy does and does not cover. Issues like gradual wear and tear, certain types of water damage, or mechanical breakdowns are not always included in standard policies. As we’ve covered in previous posts, these gaps often only become apparent at claim time.
Work With Someone Who Understands Marine Claims
Most insurance agents can quote a boat policy. But not all can walk you through what actually happens when something goes wrong. With years of experience as a marine claims adjuster, Troy VanderMeer has seen firsthand how small issues like a worn hose or a slow leak can turn into major claims. He’s also seen where policies fall short when coverage isn’t structured correctly.
That experience helps ensure Navisure clients have coverage that performs when they need it, not just when it’s quoted.
Get Your Free, No-Obligation Policy Review
Before you launch this season, take a few minutes to make sure your coverage is as ready as your boat. Contact Navisure Insurance Group today for a Complimentary Marine Risk Audit. Send us your current declarations page, and we’ll review your policy to identify potential gaps, including hidden depreciation from Actual Cash Value coverage and insufficient liability limits.
Our goal is to make sure your boat, equipment, and exposures are properly protected before you launch this season, so you can relax and enjoy the upcoming boating season with confidence. Lake life in Michigan in summer is about as close to paradise as it gets, and you want it to be as stress-free as possible.
TROY VANDERMEER | VICE PRESIDENT
Troy attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI, and obtained a degree in Business and Technology. After graduating, he began his career as an insurance adjuster for a large-scale carrier. This included almost 10 years of experience, with roles such as property catastrophe, marine, and recreational vehicle claim handling. Troy learned the ins and outs of how insurance companies operate while also perfecting the technical aspects of the industry. This gives him an edge when working with clients regarding what coverage best fits their needs. As a proponent of leveraging technology, his goal is to simplify the process of getting insured without clients having to sacrifice their time.
In his spare time, Troy coaches high school soccer, enjoys golfing, fly fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.