One thing to consider is updating your cool box. Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant. BEFORE LEAVING STORAGE AREA WITH BOAT ALWAYS VERIFY THE MOTOR STARTS AND RUNS. Spring has sprung and for millions of boaters in the U.S. that means it’s time to take their boats out of winter storage and put them in the water. Minor injuries can easily occur when out on your boat, therefore as part of your boat safety requirements you should carry a first aid kit will help ensure you and your loved ones can prevent the injury from worsening.
GJW Direct is a trademark of Groves, John and Westrup Limited.Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – Financial Services Register 310496. Replace components when necessary and verify all fittings and clamps are properly secured. By Jim Hendricks.
For any enclosed or semi-enclosed area, ensure you have at least one properly installed and working carbon monoxide detector, Consider an EPIRB for situations of distress to ensure you can be found. Ensure your marine safety is up to standard with top of the line supplies such as an anchor and chain for when you want to dock your vessel.
In nauticalknowhow. Ensure you’ll enjoy another season of carefree boating and make your annual boat preparation more manageable. Make sure the propeller is secured properly, and replace bearings when needed. Check belts, cables and hoses because they can become brittle and may crack during winter storage. Take a look at our online portal MyBoat to discover exclusive offers and safely store all your boating information. Learn how to save space on your boat with our top tips. It also comes in handy for storing any fish caught along the way.
Cool boxes can be used for a variety of things such as storing food and drink for an afternoon trip on your boat. Boat Maintenance Checklist. Boat prep checklist: Preparing your boat to go back out on the water Posted by: GJW Direct | May 19, 2020 Despite the impact Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on the world, and these uncertain and troubling times we find ourselves in, we want you to look forward to a future of taking your boat … Get the new boating year off to a great start. Updated on November 23, 2019. No matter the size of your vessel, you can always find ways to make the best of your layout with a few simple tricks. Ensuring you have safety equipment onboard your vessel should be an essential part of your pre-departure checklist. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3915868, '5186d13e-cab2-4f39-8355-9fd5b3b58502', {}); Topics -
Remove corroded terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with all cable ends. Don’t fill your tank with fuel that contains more than 10% ethanol (E10) as it will damage your engine. Because there are so many variables depending on the size and type of boat you have, we have categorized this list for your convenience. Ensure life jackets are not damaged and retain their optimal buoyancy, or consider purchasing a replacement. Trailering Checklist; Pre-Departure Checklist; Semi-Annual While you’re waiting to get back out on the water, you can ensure you have those simple but essential items such as docking ropes and breakaway cables as these can fray and become damaged after time when left out to the elements. Here are our top tips to basic maintenance, check: If you’ve spent most of your lockdown hours ensuring your boat is in top condition, the next step would be to personalise your vessel; particularly effective if you own a narrowboat or a yacht. Safety For many boaters, annual preparation and cleaning projects are necessary rites of spring that help prevent problems that could keep them off … Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
Barry suggested that we add three more items to the spring checklist. Required fields are marked *. Are you a current boat owner? Your toolbox should include basic items such as screwdrivers, hammer, Stanley knife and WD40.
Including striking paint colours with a minimalist design is a way of exuding elegance and charm, whilst adding potted plants immediately brightens and brings life to a room. Patch up any minor scrapes before they become a larger problem further down the line. Though life jackets themselves do not expire, the materials used to make the vest can lose their buoyancy over time, therefore it’s extremely important to check the tank replacement date of your vest before purchasing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Narrowboat Corroded connections can be dangerous. RIB Are you up to date on all your boat equipment? Electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician. Evidence of a damaged fuel hose includes softness, brittleness or cracking.
THIS WILL ALSO INSURE YOU HAVE THE BOAT KEYS. Yacht Purchasing a fender is advised to prevent damage to your boat while berthing. You can tailor it to your own style and level of comfort; the more your boat resembles an extension of your home, the more likely you and your family will be to enjoy explorations on the water.
Investing time, energy and yes, money in preparing your boat now for the season ahead can help minimize breakdowns and disruptions later in the year, when fishing activity peaks. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – Financial Services Register 310496. Cracks or swells on the outer jacket of throttle, shift and steering control cables may be of internal corrosion and immanent failure, Inspect all electrical connections for clean, tight, corrosion free connections. Despite the impact Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on the world, and these uncertain and troubling times we find ourselves in, we want you to look forward to a future of taking your boat out on the water. Tips Also, make sure the drain plug is securely in place before every launch. Similarly, keeping a fire extinguisher aboard is crucial for your safety to prevent accidental fires. Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent, Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish, Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary, Make sure registration is current and onboard, Check and replace wiper blades if necessary, Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. When inspecting the hull, look for blisters, distortions and cracks. Basic Boating Checklist. Be sure to change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants if these tasks were not done prior to winterizing your boat. Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. A worn belt may leave a black residue near the pulley and will fit loosely. A guide to prepare for the boating season ahead. Be sure all onboard fire extinguishers are the correct class for your vessel, and are fully charged and stowed in the proper place. Because there are so many variables depending on the size and type of boat… TRAILERING . All rights reserved. Whether your boat is docked at a marina, in a dry stack or sitting in your personal garage, we’ve put together a list of actions everyone can take to prepare for post-Coronavirus enjoyment. Something to be aware of is understanding that saltwater can significantly reduce the lifespan of your boat, therefore flushing the engine of your RIB with freshwater is an essential part of maintaining your boat.
Preparing Your Boat for the Season Pre-Season Checklist In order to assure a safe and uneventful season make sure that you go through the list below and make a note of any discrepancies that need attention. Look before you pump. Check your life jackets to ensure they are in good condition and that there are enough on board for all potential passengers. Be sure to clean the hull, deck, and topsides using an environmentally safe cleaning solution. Your vessel is just like anything else you own, we naturally personalise our houses and cars according to our own specific tastes, and your boat should be no different. Marina In order to assure a safe and uneventful season make sure that you go through the list below and make a note of any discrepancies that need attention. They are as follows: Your email address will not be published. Charge your battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge. Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning properly. Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped, Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation, Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris, Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate, Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs, Check all electronics for proper operation, Check distress signals and expiration date, Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary, Change oil & filters – have spare onboard, Check and change fuel filters – have spares onboard, Check cooling system change coolant as necessary – have extra onboard, Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes, 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, Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation, Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines, 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, Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks, Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage, Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion, Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion, Inspect stays for fraying and “fish hooks”, Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end, Lubricate stuffing boxes, shaft and rudder logs. Take advantage of any safety inspections offered by the US Coast Guard (USCG), USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons. GJW Direct is a trademark of Groves, John and Westrup Limited. Maintenance, Since lockdown restrictions were lifted, canal boat holidays have risen in the UK by, ©2020 GJWDirect All rights reserved.Website Design by Prodo. You can use your time in lockdown to your advantage by ensuring you’re prepped and ready for when we get the all-clear to return to our daily routines. For many boaters, annual preparation and cleaning projects are necessary rites of spring that help prevent problems that could keep them off the water once the season is underway. Equipment You can purchase a first aid kit online, or source your own supplies. Belts should fit tightly around pulleys to prevent slipping. Items such as non-slip footwear, lifejackets and first aid kits are items each and every boat owner should have aboard at all times.
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