Owning a boat comes with it a responsibility to ensure that it is safe to protect your family and friends from danger. We have put together 8 Steps To Getting your Boat Ready For Summer to help make your Summer boating safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone!
Winter has come to an end, the Spring sun is starting to shine and you are thinking about getting your boat out of storage and on the water. Here are several basic maintenance and inspections items you should attend to before heading out.
General Overview:
The first thing that you do is just walk around your boat and check the boats canvas cover, the trailer tyres, and the trailer hitch and lights. Check the brake fluid reservoir and the winch. Make a note of any items that need servicing or repair.
Inspect the Hull and Exterior:
A closer visiaul inspection is required of the hull checking for any cracks, blisters, or other damage. Clean the exterior of the boat, removing any algae, barnacles, or debris. You can find the majority of your cleaning supplies at Boat Accessories Australia.
Being proactive in this area not only ensures the safety of your passengers but also saves you from costly repairs down the track.
Mechanical Check-Up:
Check the main drive chain components of your boat. Check your engine for oil leaks, deterioration of hoses and pipes, fuel leaks, drive belts and engine housing components.
Check the main drive shaft (if applicable), your propeller/s, the shaft log (if applicable), the engine leg on an outboard and that the steering is in good working condition.
Every year on my old boat I would change the engine oil, filters, water pump impeller and spark plugs if necessary. The cost for these items is relatively low so worth the effort.
Electrical System Check:
Test all lights including the trailer, navigation equipment, and the battery. Most batteries if they have been sitting around for a period of time will probably need charging. The day before I embark on getting my boat ready for the Summer I would put the battery on charge overnight. The battery is often the majority of failure points when out on the water so if its old replace it.
Make sure you clean and tighten electrical connections to prevent corrosion. You should use a Dielectric Grease or similar on the terminals to prevent corrosion.
Safety Equipment:
One of the most important things to do is to check life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares for expiry dates.
Ensure that the boat’s horn and nav lights are operating correctly. Check your bilge pump to ensure it is operating and not clogged with leaves or other material.
Fuel System:
Fuel can become old and stale even after only 6 months. This may cuase difficulty in starting your boat. To help prevent this you can use a Fuel Stabiliser added to the fuel before you store it.
Inspect fuel lines, hoses, and the fuel tank for leaks.
Fires and explosions caused from escaping fuel fumes are of a serious concern with boats. They often occur after a long lay up or after re-fuelling. If your boat is fitted with a fuel blower or similar, make sure it is working and that you use it. Petrol is more likely to explode than other fuels due to its low ignition temperature and high fumes. Petrol fumes are heavier than air and end up sitting in the lowest compartments of your boat. If you have an inboard petrol engine it is essential to air out the engine bay before starting.
Having a Fire Extinguisher on hand and removing all persons from the boat prior starting for the first time or after refuelling is good practice.
Fluid Levels and Cooling:
Check and top up fluid levels like coolant and power steering fluids. Make sure the water pump and cooling system are functioning correctly. Over heating engines is a common problem with boats.
Interior:
Clean the interior by wiping down seats, dash’s and vacuum and shampoo carpets. Check for rips and damaged upholstery and repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Conclusion:
By following these 8 steps, you’ll ensure that your boat is in excellent condition and ready for safe and enjoyable outings on the water.
Don’t forget to keep good records of your maintenance and other documentation. If you are renting your boat out on a boat rental marketplace then good record keeping is essential. I have been using Tracket.com.au app to record my maintenance and other documentation. Worth a look!
If you are not comfortable undertaking the above basic maintenance items then get a professional in! It isn’t as expensive as you might think and it might just save you from the embarrassment of breaking down on the water or worse, injuring family or friends.
If need help or advise contact SeaWorthy Inspections who area a professional national organisation – their team of surveyors are happy to provide you a professional inspection with their mobile service that come to your boat whether it be a marina birth vessel or a trailer boat in the backyard. Michael at SeaWorthy Inspections is a true professional and would love to help you out.
MatesBoat™ – Boating For Everyone!
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