The Complete Boat Maintenance Checklist (Daily, Monthly, Annually)
Every boat maintenance task you should be doing — broken down by daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual frequency. Print this list or track it digitally.
Every dollar you spend on preventive maintenance saves you ten on emergency repairs. This is the complete checklist owners use to keep their boats running and hold their value.
Before every trip (5 minutes)
Check oil level. Check coolant. Verify battery charge. Check bilge for water. Confirm safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguisher, flares not expired). Test bilge pump. Verify drain plug installed.
After every trip (10 minutes)
Flush engine with fresh water if used in salt. Wipe down vinyl and gelcoat. Empty trash. Check bilge again. Lock up and tarp if outside.
Monthly
Check engine zincs and replace if more than 50 percent corroded. Inspect prop for damage or fishing line. Test all electronics. Lubricate steering. Wash hull thoroughly. Check all hose clamps. Inspect raw water pump impeller (especially in heavy use).
Quarterly
Change engine oil and filter (or every 100 hours, whichever comes first). Replace fuel filter. Inspect belts for cracking. Check battery terminals and clean if corroded. Inspect through-hull fittings.
Annually
Replace impeller (regardless of condition). Service the lower unit (drive lube change). Replace anodes throughout. Service the propeller (re-pitch if needed). Bottom paint touch-up or full repaint. Compression test on engine. Full battery test or replace if more than 3 years old.
Every two years
Full hull survey if insurance requires it. Replace flare and safety equipment that expires. Inspect rigging on sailboats. Drop the engine for inspection and re-bedding if applicable.
The cost of skipping maintenance
Skipping an impeller change ($200) can blow your engine ($15,000). Skipping bottom paint ($800) can sink hull resale value by $5,000. Skipping anodes ($150) can eat through your shaft and transducer ($3,000).
How HullBook helps
HullBook builds your maintenance schedule automatically based on engine hours and calendar. You get a reminder when each task is due — and a full PDF record when you go to sell.