You and your boat
On this page:
1. Get your engine serviced
Make sure your boat’s engine is up to the job. Schedule an annual service and make regular visual checks.
Check if your engine needs to be compliant with the Marine Protection Rules to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.
2. Check and change your fuel
If your boat has been out of the water for a while, it pays to replace old fuel with clean, fresh fuel.
Refuelling
Maritime New Zealand ©2023
See our refuelling tips and precautions for on-board and portable fuel tanks.
Never assume your trip will run exactly according to plan - always plan to use a third of your fuel for the trip out, a third for the trip back, and have a third in reserve for unexpected events.
All petrol, diesel or gaseous fuel (CNG/LNG/LPG) sold at retail outlets in New Zealand is low sulphur fuel to limit the emission of harmful sulphur oxides into the environment.
3. Check your battery
Make sure the boat’s battery is professionally checked so that it will be capable of operating all electric equipment and have enough strength to start the motor.
After lying idle over winter, batteries have a habit of providing a start or two before failing completely.
4. Do a good once-over
Take a thorough look and make sure everything on your boat is in good working order.
Start in one place and work your way around the boat, checking everything, inside and out. If you find anything that is damaged or worn, repair it properly or replace it.
