As summer approaches across New Zealand and Australia, thorough preparation keeps your boat safe, reliable and performing at its best. Beyond engine service and safety gear checks, the helm and seating are your vessel’s physical control centre. Use this checklist to get ready for the water.
Essential pre-season checkpoints
- Hull and mechanical integrity
Inspect steering linkages, throttle cables and electrical connections for corrosion or stiffness.
Check bilge pumps, through-hull fittings and battery health under load. - Safety equipment audit
Verify lifejacket inflation mechanisms, flare expiry dates, and fire extinguisher pressure gauges. - Seating and ergonomic inspection
Pedestal and hardware security: Check seat mountings for play, fractured parts, and loose deck bolts. - Upholstery and foam condition
Look for UV-degraded vinyl, split seams, and collapsed foam that compromises posture and support.
Shark FLEX Suspension: A Quick
Pre-Season Check
If your boat has Shark FLEX suspension seats, pre-season care takes very little time. The system is built for ultra-low maintenance from composite FLEXANITE® and marine-grade 316 stainless steel. Unlike gas-charged shocks, Shark shocks need no regassing, greasing, or pressure monitoring. All you need is a simple annual check to confirm the hardware is in good shape.
Before you head offshore, watch our short video covering the full inspection sequence:
Start your boating season off right with a helm upgrade.
Pre-season is the perfect time to upgrade your helm. Fitting Shark suspension lets the system absorb the rough water, so you can ride in comfort, stay focused at the wheel, and make the most of every day on the water.
