The 2026 Boat Restocking Checklist: Everything to Inspect, Replace, and Refresh Before Launch

A new boating season is the perfect excuse to do something most boaters delay too long: a full restock and inspection. Gear wears out. Supplies run low. Safety items expire quietly in lockers until the day you actually need them.

This checklist is designed to help you walk through your boat and make sure everything is ready before the first trip of 2026. Even if your boat was winterized properly, time, moisture, sun exposure, and salt still take their toll.

Use this as a practical guide you can revisit every spring.

 

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1. Safety gear: inspect dates, condition, and accessibility first

Before worrying about comfort or convenience, start with safety. Many required items don't fail visibly - they simply expire or degrade over time.

☐ Fire extinguishers

• ☐ Verify charge status (needle in the green)
• ☐ Check manufacture and service dates
• ☐ Inspect for corrosion, cracked hoses, or missing pins
• ☐ Replace immediately if expired or questionable

Fire extinguishers are often forgotten until inspections or emergencies.

☐ Life jackets (PFDs)

• ☐ Confirm you have the correct number and sizes
• ☐ Inspect straps, buckles, and flotation material
• ☐ Look for mildew, sun damage, or stiffness
• ☐ Replace inflatable PFDs if cartridges or bobbins are expired

☐ Visual distress signals

• ☐ Check expiration dates on flares
• ☐ Replace any damaged or water-exposed signals
• ☐ Confirm storage is dry and easily accessible

☐ Sound-producing devices

• ☐ Test horns or whistles
• ☐ Replace air horns that no longer hold pressure

☐ First aid kit

• ☐ Replace expired medications
• ☐ Restock bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and eye wash
• ☐ Check waterproofing of the container

☐ Emergency and backup items

• ☐ Flashlights or headlamps (replace batteries)
• ☐ Spare batteries
• ☐ Knife or line cutter
• ☐ Throwable flotation device (inspect rope and buoyancy)

Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't trust it in rough conditions, replace it now, not mid-season.

 

2. Docking and deck hardware: small failures cause expensive damage

Docking gear quietly degrades from UV exposure, abrasion, and salt. A few minutes of inspection can prevent gelcoat damage, or worse.

☐ Dock lines

• ☐ Look for fraying, stiffness, or discoloration
• ☐ Replace lines that feel brittle or fuzzy
• ☐ Verify correct lengths and diameters for your boat

☐ Fender lines and fenders

• ☐ Inspect knots and splices
• ☐ Check fenders for leaks, cracks, or deformation
• ☐ Replace damaged lines and fenders showing UV rot or hard spots

☐ Boat hook

• ☐ Confirm locking mechanisms work
• ☐ Inspect threads and attachments
• ☐ Make sure it's stored where you can reach it quickly
• ☐ A good boat hook isn't expensive, but gives you an extra hand when you need it most

 

3. Maintenance & cleaning supplies: restock what actually gets used

This is where most boats fall behind. Supplies run low, brushes wear out, and cleaners get stretched longer than they should.

☐ Boat brushes & tools

• ☐ Inspect bristles for bending, flattening, or splitting
• ☐ Replace brushes that are past their prime
• ☐ Confirm handles lock securely and aren't cracked
• ☐ Check drying tools (shammy, drying towels, water blades)

Worn brushes don't save money. They scratch surfaces and take longer to clean.

☐ Boat soap

• ☐ Check remaining volume of boat soap
• ☐ Replace soap that's been diluted excessively or frozen
• ☐ Confirm wash mitts and sponges are clean and intact
• ☐ Clean or replace buckets and dirt traps

☐ Specialized cleaners

Restock based on what your boat actually deals with:

• ☐ Deck cleaner
• ☐ Hull cleaner
• ☐ Rust remover
• ☐ Mildew remover
• ☐ Salt remover (soap and/or spray)

If a bottle is half-used from last season, assume it won't last long once the season starts. There are some great cleaner bundle deals you can find that will save you time and money.

☐ Bilge maintenance supplies

• ☐ Replace oil absorbent pads
• ☐ Check bilge cleaners or degreasers
• ☐ Inspect and test pumps
• ☐ Clean float switches

Bilge pads are one of the cheapest preventatives you can keep onboard-and one of the easiest to forget until it's too late.

 

4. Fishing-day essentials worth checking now

Even if your core gear is dialed in, the little things add up fast on the water.

☐ Storage and organization

• ☐ Inspect tackle storage for rust or water intrusion
• ☐ Replace cracked boxes or broken zippers
• ☐ Check lead storage bags and straps

☐ Utility items

• ☐ Gloves (deck or fillet)
• ☐ Rags and microfiber towels
• ☐ Trash bags or liners
• ☐ Zip ties and basic spare hardware

 

5. Seasonal prep checklist: quick final walk-through

Before calling your boat "ready," do one last sweep:

• ☐ Test navigation lights
• ☐ Inspect electrical connections for corrosion
• ☐ Replace missing labels or faded safety markings
• ☐ Confirm all cleaning and safety gear is accessible, not buried

If something takes effort to reach at the dock, it'll be worse on the water.

 

Why restocking early matters

Waiting until the first busy weekend of the season means:

• Limited inventory
• Higher prices
• Rushed decisions
• Getting caught without the gear you need

A clean, well-stocked boat lasts longer, performs better, and is simply more enjoyable to use. Most mid-season frustrations can be traced back to things that were ignored in the spring.

 

Save this checklist for every season

The smartest boaters treat restocking as routine - not reactive. Bookmark this checklist and run through it every year before launch. Your boat, your time, and your wallet will all benefit.

If you want to simplify the process, stocking up on quality maintenance supplies early ensures you're ready for everything the 2026 boating season throws your way.