SPRING
BOATING CHECKLIST
GENERAL:
- Do
a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
- Make
sure drains and scuppers are clear
- Put
on a good coat of wax
- Clean
and polish metal with a good metal polish
- Clean
teak and oil
- Clean
windows and hatches
- Clean
canvas, bimini and dodger
- Clean
interior including bilges
- Check
spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
- Make
sure registration is current and onboard
- Check
and replace wiper blades if necessary
HULL
- Check
for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
- Check
and replace zincs
- Check
for blisters and refinish is necessary
- Check
rub rails
- Check
swim platform and/or ladder
- Inspect
and test trim tabs
- Check
shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
- Check
rudder and fittings
- Touch
up or replace antifouling paint
DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
- Check
stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
- Check
ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
- Check
chainplates and cleats
- Check
hull/deck joint
- Check
deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
- Inspect
anchor windlass and lubricate
- Clean
and grease winches
- Check
and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
- Check
dinghy, and life raft
BELOW DECKS:
- Check,
test and lubricate seacocks
- Check
condition of hoses and clamps
- Make
sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
- Check
bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
- Check
for oil in bilges
- Check
limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
- Check
battery water level
- Check/recharge
batteries
- Check
terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
- Check
bonding system
- Inspect
all wiring for wear and chafe
- Test
all gauges for operability
- Check
shore power and charger
- Check
for spare fuses
- Check
all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you
have spare bulbs
- Check
all electronics for proper operation
- Inspect
antennas
REQUIRED
AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
- Sound
signaling device
- Check
distress signals and expiration date
- Check
Pfds
- Inspect
life rings and cushions
- Check
fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
- Check
and adjust compass
- Check
navigation lights
- Check
charts and replace as necessary
- Check
radar reflector
- Check
and replace first aid supplies
- Check
bailer and hand pump
INBOARD
ENGINE(S):
- Change
oil & filters - have spare onboard
- Check
and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
- Check
and change engine zincs
- Check
cooling system change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
- Record
engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
- Check
belts for tension
- Check
transmission fluid
- Check
and clean backfire flame arrestor
- Check
impeller
- Check
and clean water strainer
- Check
bilge blower
HEAD
SYSTEM:
- Checked
for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
- If
equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
- Y-valve
operation checked, valve labeled & secured
WATER
SYSTEM:
- Flush
water tank
- Check
water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
- Check
hot water tank working on both AC and engines
- Check
for tank cap keys on board
- Check
and clean shower sump pump screens
GALLEY:
- Fill
propane tank, check electric & manual valves, check storage box
vent to make sure it is clear
- Check
refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
- Clean
stove, check that all burners and oven are working
- Check
microwave, if fitted
OUTBOARD
MOTOR:
- Replace
spark plugs
- Check
plug wires for wear
- Check
prop for nicks and bends
- Change/fill
gear lube
- Inspect
fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
- Lubricate
and spray moveable parts
TRAILER:
- Check
for current registration
- Check
rollers and pads
- Check
and lubricate wheel bearings
- Clean
and lubricate winch
- Lubricate
tongue jack and wheel
- Test
lights and electrical connections
- Check
tire pressure and condition
- Check
brakes (if equipped)
- Check
safety chains
- Check
tongue lock
It's been suggested
that
we add three more items to the spring checklist. They are as follows:
- Lubricate
stuffing
boxes, shaft and rudder logs
- Empty water
separator
filters
- Shock the
drinking
water tank. Mike suggests pool shock not bleach. Pool shock breaks down
in a few days and then can be flushed out.
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