What is a Monthly Captain’s Check and why is it important?

A Monthly Captain’s Check is a routine inspection and operational run-up of your boat’s key systems. It helps prevent mechanical failures, battery issues, and system deterioration caused by inactivity.

What systems are checked during a monthly run-up?

We inspect and operate engines, generators, batteries, bilge pumps, electrical systems, steering, controls, and safety equipment to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Do you actually start and run the engines during the check?

Yes, engines and generators are started and brought to operating temperature. This circulates fluids, charges batteries, and helps identify potential issues early.

Can Monthly Captain’s Checks prevent costly repairs?

Absolutely. Regular system run-ups catch issues like weak batteries, leaks, overheating, or fault codes before they turn into expensive breakdowns or dockside failures.

Is this service useful if I don’t use my boat often?

Yes, it’s especially important for boats that sit idle. Regular operation prevents corrosion, fuel degradation, seal drying, and electrical issues caused by inactivity.

Do I receive a report after each monthly check?

Yes, you receive a detailed condition report outlining system status, findings, and any recommended maintenance or repairs for transparency and peace of mind.

Can Monthly Captain’s Checks be scheduled year-round?

Yes, we offer flexible monthly schedules year-round, tailored to your vessel, marina location, and usage to keep your boat ready whenever you are.

Breeze Marine technician holding a digital checklist tablet at the helm of a yacht

Monthly Captain's Check & Systems Run-Up

The worst thing for a boat is disuse. As a monthly boat watch service, we visit your vessel to start the engines, bring them to temp, cycle the systems, and verify battery health, sending you a "Green Light" report so you know she's ready to go.

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$150.00

Licensed & insured: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: Marinas from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

Always Ready

Turn Key.
Go Boating.

The #1 cause of marine failure is neglect, and a regular monthly boat maintenance service prevents it. Our monthly "Captain's Check" exercises your engines, tests your batteries, and runs a full boat systems check so you never arrive to a dead boat.

The Run-Up

Engines need to run. For the engine run-up, we start your mains and generator, bringing them up to operating temperature. This circulates oil to prevent rust, charges batteries, and keeps seals flexible.

Power Assurance

Every boat battery check covers the charger status and electrolyte levels. We verify that shore power is secure and that your house bank is holding voltage, so your fridge never stops running.

Bilge Watch

Bilge pump testing is hands-on: we physically test every bilge pump and float switch. During the engine room inspection, we look for new leaks and verify that high-water alarms are functional. It's security when you aren't there.

The Monthly Checklist.

A rigorous routine for vessel health.

Fluid Analysis

Before starting, we check oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and steering fluid levels, looking for any discoloration or sudden drops.

Systems Exercise

For seacock maintenance, we cycle seacocks (open/close) to prevent seizing; we also run the AC/Heat, check navigation lights, and test the horn and wipers.

Warm Up

We run engines at the dock until thermostats open (approx 160°F-175°F), verifying water flow and checking for exhaust smoke.

Digital Report

You receive a PDF report via email with photos of gauges, fluid levels, and a "Green Light" status or notes on any issues found.

Peace of Mind.

Your eyes and ears on the dock.

Helm station run-up during a monthly captain's check

Engine room inspection with a flashlight

Testing batteries and the onboard charger

We Check It All.

Comprehensive systems coverage.

Propulsion Mains, Genset, Thrusters

Safety Bilge Pumps, Alarms, Lights

Comfort AC, Heads, Fresh Water

Common Questions

What if you find a problem?

We document it immediately. If it's urgent (like a leak), we call you. For minor issues, we include it in the report with an estimate for repair, catching it before it ruins a trip.