Boat Owners Spring Time Checklist
It is important to conduct some maintenance checks before setting out the boat to
sail as this helps prevent any damage that may occur or lead to the boat sinking.Pre launch
i. Papers for registration need to be on board
ii. The signaling system or horn should be present and in good condition
iii. Both the front and back lights need to be checked to confirm if they are lighting well
iv. Replace the cramps that are corroded
v. Inspect the sea cocks, lubricate and test the valves that are connected via the hull
vi. Add more hose clumps especially those of stainless steel. These hose clamps must be tested for efficiency.
vii. Ensure the propeller shaft and the propeller are in good working conditions
viii. Check for any leakages on the doors and hatches by use of a garden hose pipe.
ix. Refill or replace the fire extinguishers if need be.
Outboards and Outdrives of engines
i. Any deteriorated zincs and anodes need to be replaced
ii. Corrosion on the cable jackets is an indication that one needs to replace the cables. This is because the corrosion may result to cracking or swelling of the cables.
iii. The fluid level should be sufficient for the trim and power steering systems
iv. Grease in the lower outboards needs to be changed ensuring that the grease used is not milky and a minimal amount of water is present.
Fuel and engine systems
i. Inspect condition of all the lines for fuel onboard the boat. These are tank vent hoses, hoses for filling and any hoses that connect the engine to the fuel tank.
ii. For boats that use ethanol blended fuel. The lines should be suited for use with alcohol. Check for any leaks of fuel in the fuel pumps and in the areas that near the fuel gaskets.
iii. All the batteries need to be inspected and cleaned. Once this is done the fluid level of the batteries need to be checked. Make use of only water that has been distilled
iv. The batteries also need to be charged before sailing off
v. Check on the flexibility of the bilge blower hoses
vi. Test the boat before leaving the shore so as not to be embarrassed later. The motor should be allowed a few moments to warm up before one runs the boat.
Boat trailers
i. Check the pressure and condition of the tires and also the tread that has been left on the tire.
ii. Once you have inspected the trailer wheel, they can be repacked if the need arises.
iii. The boat trailer should also be checked for corrosion and rust
iv. Ensure the bunks and the side boards are in good working condition the trailer tie downs need to be inspected so as to be sure that it is working appropriately
v. The wheel bearings of the trailer need to be greased and one needs to be cautious to avoid over greasing that damages the buddy bearing rear seal.
Sailboat rigging
i. The turn buckles needs to be cleaned and lubricated
ii. The chain plateshould be removed and inspected if there is any suspicion that the chain plates are allowing moisture up the decks or the side decks
Boat Owners Spring Time Checklist
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