Preseason preparation makes the difference in whether we have a safe boating experience or enjoy an unwanted adventure. If you followed the suggestions described in the article Boat Winterizing and Dry Storage, you are well on the way to getting back in the water today.
Here are some suggestions for spring boat preparation and links to articles on these topics at Boating and Sailing. Talk to your boatyard operator and mechanic, they may have additional suggestions for maintenance that is appropriate for your boat. Remember to exercise the concepts of Clean Boating as you get ready for the new season.
Spring boat preparation is hard work, but certainly within the capability of most boaters. Many commercial boatyards happily provide these services for your boat. Schedule yard work well in advance and avoid the rush that comes with the first nice spring day. Boat preparation involves several areas of interest. They are:
- Vessel Exterior
- Hull Condition
- Vessel Interior
- Emergency Equipment
- Electrical Systems
- Outboard Engines and Outdrives
- Inboard Engines
- Boat Trailers
- Galley
- Head and Waste Treatment Systems
- Water Systems
- Sails and Rigging
This article begins with discussion of the first three topics.
Vessel Exterior - Scrub down your boat with a mild detergent. Use a detergent that causes minimal environmental impact. Remember that in some states, it is illegal to allow wash water back into the harbor without treatment. Apply a coat of wax to the boat. Clean and polish all metal fittings. Ensure cockpit drains and scuppers are clear, they are easily blocked by leaves and winter debris. Check the operation of hatches and windows, clean and lubricate their hinges. Clean and check the condition of canvas.
Hull Condition - Lifting and storing a vessel can cause minor damage. Look for scratches, blisters, and abrasions to the hull. Check transducers, pitot tubes, and exterior surfaces of thru-hull fittings. Ensure the engine sea strainer is clean, free of corrosion, and secure. Arrange for repairs and refinishing of hull defects. Once hull maintenance is complete, touchup or apply a new coat of bottom paint as needed. Replace your zincs. New zincs are inexpensive and prevent costly damage from corrosion and electrolysis. Inspect the condition of the vessel's shaft, cutlass bearing, supporting struts, and propeller. Check the swim platform and boarding ladder.
Vessel Interior – Inspect the condition of thru-hull fitting, work attached seacocks (valves), check the flexible hoses and clamps. Consider proactive replacement of clamps and hoses. A failed thru-hull fitting can cause a major emergency. Look for oil in the bilges. If oil is present, identify its source, take prompt action, and fix the leak. Clean the bilges and stock oil adsorbent pads and pillows for use in the engine spaces. Check operation of bilge pumps and switches. Lubricate stuffing boxes, shaft and rudder logs. Your boat should be equipped with a good water separating filter that can reduce ethanol fuel problems. Drain any water present in the filter and check the condition of all flexible fuel lines.
Visit the other Boating and Sailing articles on spring boat preparation at Suite101:
- More Spring Boat Preparation - Spring boat preparation depends on the proper maintenance of many vessel systems. This article addresses emergency equipment, electronics, and outboard engines
- Further Spring Boat Preparation - Spring commissioning involves many different systems found on your boat. We explore maintenance of inboard engines and boat trailers in this article
- Preseason Boat Preparation - Proper preparation of the different systems found on your boat will ensure a successful boating season. We explore care of head, galley, and water systems in this article
- Preseason Sailboat Preparation - Get your sailboat ready for the new boating season with a little care and maintenance. Here are a few things that you should look at on your vessel
