With the 2013 Launch just around the corner, we all have been hoping for a little warmer weather to get our boats ready for launch. Not sure what each of you do in getting ready but I tend to cram in as many “Spring Commissioning” articles as I can find to create my own list of To Do’s in getting ready for the season.
This year I found some helpful safety tips from last springs Telltales Newsletter and from Canadian Yachting magazine, written by Andy Adamswith. The following is a summary checklist from both publications:
- Check the boat registration. Check that the boat registration numbers on your bow are in good condition and legible.
- Check your safety equipment. Look at the required equipment chart to make sure you have all the equipment needed on your boat after it has been stored. Check flare expiry dates.
- Inspect your life jackets. In addition to making sure you have a properly sized wearable life jacket for each passenger, check each life jacket for mildew, rot and tears in the material, seams and straps. Discard and replace any damaged life jackets.
- Check fire extinguishers. Make sure the fire extinguishers are properly charged or buy new ones. Ensure that the fire extinguishers have not expired.
- Check the first-aid kit. Replace any supplies that were used last season or have passed the expiration date.
- On the Hard: Check your bottom paint. Is there any white showing through? Good time to wax the boat to protect Gel coat from the summer elements.
- Anodes: Watch for signs of stray electrolytes. Sail drives can be eaten away when their anodes become corroded.
- Check fittings. Thru-hull fittings below the waterline should be tight; sea valves should operate freely. Make sure the boat plug is plugged in and in good condition before you launch.
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Check for winter damage. Inspect nonmetallic thru-hulls; they get brittle with age and winter ice can crack or loosen them. Look for hoses that have been forced off or split from freezing. Every spring, boats sink at the dock when these problems go undetected until the first heavy rain.
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Check the fuel system. Inspect fuel fittings and hoses; replace if cracked or showing other signs of stress. Probably good to replace the fuel filters as well.
- Drive Systems: Check & replace impellers as required. very inexpensive to do but usually forgotten. Check any universal joints, bearings, stuffing boxes and clean your bilge.
- Batteries and Power: Check them with a voltmeter and charge accordingly.
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Check electronic gear. Get fresh batteries for portable electronic gear, radios, handheld GPS and flashlights. Inspect connections on lights and the horn and other equipment wired in to the boat.
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Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing. Replace lines if they show signs of wear.
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Check the oil. Change your fuel filters. Diesel contamination can cause bacterial growth that clogs filters. Creamy brown or gray engine or drive oil has water in it and a mechanic should find the source of the leak before you start the engine.
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Plumbing Systems: check your bilge pump (auto & manual) for proper operation. Fill & empty the head three times checking for leaks on both intake and outtake.
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Galley: Check your propane lockers and all water lines for leakage and or plugged lines.
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Examine sailboat rigging. Check for signs of corrosion and wear and for leaks where chain plate mountings come through the deck.
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Check charts. Do you have a current chart aboard? Channel markers and buoys may be out of position due to ice movements so take extra care.
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Engine. Ensure Engine is Working prior to lift in.
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After Launch. As soon as your boat goes in the water, before the slings are removed, go below and check your through-hulls for leaks.
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After lift-in try to get your mast up within two weeks.
In summary, a little thought and maintenance in the spring makes for a great boating season.