It is officially that time of year. Lake Tahoe summer is here! BBQ’s, biking, beaching it and of course boating. As mountain winter weather can be harsh and cause system failures in your boat, it is best to make sure everything is up to speed before chancing your luck out on Lake Tahoe. If you haven’t taken your boat out yet, here are a few things to do in preparation.

Before taking the boat on the water, check the battery, alternator, starter and bilge pump to ensure all are working properly. Fuel, oils and other fluids could have become contaminated over the winter months. Make sure to check these and change as necessary. To avoid oil or water leaks, check deterioration of the impeller, seals, hose, clamps and gaskets. Also make sure that corrosion is not a problem as that can cause failures in a variety of systems, steering being one of them. Don’t forget the basic general tasks of cleaning. Use a mild detergent to do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides. Apply a good coat of wax, clean and polish the metal and make sure drains and scuppers are clear. Do an interior clean from the windows to the bilges. Make sure spare parts and tools are on board and replace as needed.

In addition to some of these boat basics, make sure that you have all the necessary safety items on board so that you are compliant with the state and federal boating requirements. Fire extinguishers, life vests, visual distress signals and navigation lights are just a few. Consider having the local South Lake Tahoe US CG Auxiliary come inspect your boat to make sure you are ready for summer waters. In addition to checking all the safety items for you, they will make sure that all the required documentation is on board in the event that law enforcement has to come aboard.

If you need extra assistance with your boat, call the Tahoe Keys Marina for launching fee’s, rentals and more. Have a fabulous Tahoe summer and a safe boating season!