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Pre-season boat checklist: get ready for summer in Spain

Krautic · 6 min read

In Spain everybody wants their boat ready at the same time: the weeks before Easter and before summer. Planning the pre-season work early is the easiest way to avoid waiting lists and a boat that is not ready when you are.

In short
  • Book haul-out and engine work in winter, not in May.
  • Test everything on the dock before the first trip, not at sea.
  • Check expiry dates of flares, fire extinguishers and life raft service.
  • Finish with a deep clean so the boat is ready to use.

Two to three months before

  • Book the haul-out, antifouling and any yard work.
  • Arrange the annual engine service.
  • Order parts that take time to arrive: canvas, cushions, specific spares.
  • Check the expiry dates of safety equipment and the life raft service.

Engine and drive

After the service, run the engine at the dock up to temperature. Check water flow from the exhaust, no leaks, normal charging voltage, and that the gearbox engages cleanly in both directions.

Electrics and electronics

  • Battery condition and charging from both engine and shore power.
  • Navigation lights, anchor light, bilge pumps (manual and automatic).
  • VHF radio test, GPS and chartplotter updates, AIS where fitted.

Hull, deck and rig

  • Seacocks open and close freely; hoses and clamps in good condition.
  • Steering, throttle and gear cables move smoothly.
  • On sailing yachts: standing rigging, terminals and a look at the mast, furlers and sails.
  • Anchor, chain and windlass working.
Krautic tip

Do a short test trip with a professional on board after major work. It is the best moment to spot a problem, when the people who can fix it are still around.

Safety and paperwork

Requirements depend on the boat’s flag, size and navigation zone. Check what your registration requires, that safety equipment is in date and that insurance and any marina paperwork are current. If the boat is Spanish-flagged, check when its periodic technical inspection is due.

Finish with a deep clean

Hull wash, deck clean, stainless polish, interior clean and cushions back on board. Arriving at a clean, aired boat with full water tanks is what makes the first day of the season feel like a holiday.

Krautic can coordinate the full pre-season package with local professionals at your marina, with one fixed quote and one contact for everything.

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