You and your boat

Follow these tips to help keep your boat in safe working condition.

1. Prepare your boat before you go in the water 

Whatever sort of boating you are planning to do, you need to: 

  • prep your boat 

  • check your safety gear, and  

  • know the rules. 

Our boating expert provides tips to ensure your boat will get you and your whānau back safely.
Credit: ACC

2. Get your engine serviced 

Make sure your boat’s engine is up to the job. Schedule an annual service and carry out regular visual checks between services. 

Some simple preventative maintenance for your boat to help ensure it runs safely on the water.
Credit: Maritime NZ

3. Check and change your fuel 

Make sure you have enough fresh fuel before you leave the shore. 

If your boat has been out of the water for a while, replace old fuel with clean, fresh fuel. 

Never think your trip will run exactly to plan. Plan to use your fuel as follows: 

  • one‑third for the trip out 

  • one‑third for the trip back 

  • one‑third in reserve for unexpected events. 

See our refuelling tips and precautions for on-board and portable fuel tanks.  
Credit: Maritime NZ

4. Check your battery 

After lying idle over winter, batteries may start the engine once or twice then fail completely. 

Make sure the boat’s battery is professionally checked so it can run all electrical equipment and start the motor reliably. 

5. Do a thorough once-over 

Take a careful look around your boat to make sure everything is in good working order. 

Start in one place and work your way around the boat. Check everything inside and out.  

If you find anything damaged or worn, repair it properly or replace it.