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TIME TO CHECK YOUR BOAT
Yes its that time again when you have not used the boat over winter and now the good weather is upon us you want to get out on the water. Sounds good but theres a few things that need to be checked before the big event.
First of all drag it out of the shed, or from around the side and give it a good wash, warm water and detergent will be ok. As your drying check the hull for signs of damage. For ally boats particularly check along the strakes and chines, around the transom, and along weld areas. On fiberglass hulls if you spot any areas where damage has exposed the fiberglass beneath the gelcoat, at least reseal the area with resin the make it waterproof. While checking under the boat check the trailer and see that the keel and hull supports are doing their job, that they haven’t slipped or rusted. The wheels on the inside are prone to rust so check them as well. Tyres, bearings and brakes need also to be looked at.
On fiberglass boats use a screw driver to tap the transom if it sounds solid, great but if you hear a hollow sound have it checked out. While you’re down that end are the bungs ok.
Batteries tend to drop in voltage when not being used, put it on the charger for a while just to bring it up to optimum capacity. If you need a new one make sure it’s a marine battery. While doing this check the battery connections, wire brush any growth and coat with some grease. Check the rest of the wiring for cracking insulation.
Next haul out everything from every nook and cranny in the boat. Spread it all out away from the boat and cast a critical eye over everything. Discard anything you don’t really need. Laws have recently changed regarding life jackets so bring them up to date. Check that the flares and epirb( if you go outside) are in current date. While you’re there put some fresh water in those bottles. Think about purchasing a hand held GPS they are handy if you have a problem and can tell the Marine Rescue exactly where you are.
Pull the cowling off the engine and look for any signs of corrosion, use your nose to find any fuel leaks, clean out the fuel filter. If you havn’t used the fuel for some time drain the tank and refresh after cleaning the tank thoroughly. Take out the spark plugs and check them as well as the wiring for signs of corrosion. If it’s a four stroke pull out the dip stick and examine the oil level if its discolored change it. Look over the prop ensuring the prop nut is secure. Check that the steering works sometimes during periods of non use steering can bind up in the steering tube and required freeing.
Once the engine, transmission and prop look ok connect the water to the engine and start up the engine. Let it idle for a while and listen for any nasty sounds; try very short bursts of revs to check that the throttle responds properly. Place your hand under the water jet to check the temperature, it should be cold to warm but if it gets hot turn off the engine and have a mechanic check it out. Place to engine in forward and reverse gear to see if they are working as they should.
Shut down the engine and check for any fuel or water leaks sometimes old hoses can fracture under pressure and that’s not good news if you’re on the water.
Put up the bimini and make sure it’s ok.
Haul out the anchor, make sure all the fittings are ok, the rope is not frayed or broken, mooring lines as well. Clean up the docking fenders and ensure they are ready to use.
Walk around the boat and make sure all the deck hardware is tight and ready to use, check the antenna mounts, plus GPS or radar fittings on larger boats.
At the front of the trailer make sure the coupling is greased, the electrical connector plugs in and out ok, do the trailer lights work ok, do you have the winch winding handle, is the cable ok, check the jockey wheel, tyre pressure and tred ok, how’s the bearings are they greased.
Take a final walk around the boat to satisfy yourself that everything is ok.
And now go get it wet-and have some fun again on our top waterways