As we pointed out in the first article of this series, Spring Boat Preparation, proper boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the safe performance of your boat in this upcoming season.
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 discusses emergency equipment, electrical systems, outboard engines and outdrives.
Emergency Equipment - Spring is a good time to ensure your vessel's safety equipment is in good order and that you comply with regulatory requirements. Life jackets and floatation cushions left in boats during the winter can mildew, check the condition of this safety equipment. Check the expiration dates on your visual distress signals. Have your on-board fire extinguishers inspected. Many harbors have fire extinguisher maintenance contractors visit each spring, ask about their scheduled maintenance. Having a Vessel Safety Check performed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary is an excellent way to prepare for the upcoming season.
Electrical Systems - It is good idea to remove lead-acid storage batteries from boats in winter storage. Ensure the battery is charged, its case is clean, terminals are clean and cables connections are tight, and that battery cables in good condition. Check the condition of the vessel bonding and electrical systems. Defects here can cause corrosion and electric shock drowning. Ensure your navigation lights are operational. Check the operation of on-board electronics like GPS chartplotters, VHF radios, radar, and their external antennas.
Outboard Engines and Outdrives - Replace spark plugs and check the condition of plug wires. Drain and replace gear oil in the lower unit. Check the condition of rubber bellows around cables and sealing an outdrive. Failure of these bellows is a major cause of sinking in inboard-outboard equipped boats. Inspect the condition of fuel lines, primer bulb and fuel tank for leaks. Change out your fuel filter element and drain any water present in the filter bowl. Check to functioning of your boat engine kill switch. Check cables jackets for cracks and splits, ensure cables move freely. Finally inspect the propeller for nicks and dents.
Visit the other Boating and Sailing articles on spring boat preparation at Suite101:
- Spring Boat Preparation - Proper spring boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the safe performance of your boat in this upcoming season
- 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
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
