BOAT ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST - END OF SEASON

Trailer:

Wash trailer
Lubricate bearings and spindles
Lubricate coupler mechanism
Lubricate tongue pivot & pin
Lubricate winch spindle, handle and gears
Apply conductive protectorant to light connectors (same stuff you use on spark plugs)
Spray light coating of oil on the safety chains to hinder rust
Unwind and inspect the winch strap for wear, then re-wind
Touch up paint chips, rust spots
Apply auto wax (do not wipe was off of surfaces)
Apply tire protectorant and wax wheel surfaces, if desired (don't wipe was off of surfaces)
Apply rust inhibitor to corners where water tends to collect
Jack boat/trailer up off of the tires and set trailer on blocks
Disconnect tie-downs & straps, loosen the winch strap

Boat:

Wash and wax the hull (do not wipe wax off of surfaces)
Clean and vacuum carpet; work out any stains
Clean out storage bins
Polish chrome cleats
Oil locks and hinges
Lubricate steering/throttle cables
Lubricate ignition module
Clean windshields
Clean and apply protectorant to the seats and consoles
Lubricate seat & pedestal post pins
Charge & remove batteries (store inside off of the floor, or on wood blocks)
Clean and protect the battery terminals with conductive grease
Apply conductive grease to electrical connections to protect from corrosion
Fill oil reservoirs
Fill fuel tank, adding gas stabilizer as you go to mix
Clean livewell and allow to dry
Wipe down fuel & oil in bilge area
Re-pack, stow personal gear
Store with compartments open
Install travel/storage cover & snug down the straps

Motor:

Fog carburetor
Run down w/o gas
Flush cooling system
Replace fuel filter
Remove plugs & oil pistons
Inspect or Replace spark plugs
Inspect lines, belts, cables
Inspect fuses; replace as needed
Lubricate steering cables and connections
Inspect manual starter rope
Spray motor block with corrosion protectorant
Remove prop & lubricate shaft
Replace lower unit oil
Replace prop, nut & washer
Inspect or replace sacrificial anodes
Lubricate motor mount & trim unit
Add or replace Power Trim Fluid if needed
Verify lower unit is drained of water
Raise motor onto transom saver
Touch up paint surfaces
Wash & wax all exterior surfaces of the motor (do not wipe wax off of surfaces)

(For those in Northern climates, shrink-wrapping your boat may be desirable)

In the spring, you should be able to take the cover off of your boat, wipe off the dried auto wax residue (which added an extra layer of weather protection), re-install your batteries, and be ready to hit the water!