Boaters must care for their vessel's head, galley, and water system before returning the boat to service in the spring. As we pointed out in the first article in this series, Spring Boat Preparation, proper spring boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the enjoyment and safe performance of your boat in the 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 galley, head, and water systems.
Galley - Fill propane tanks on vessels that use it for cooking or heating fuel. Remember fuel dealers will not fill tanks that are not equipped with an Overfill Prevention Device (OPD). There are still some of these tanks floating around out there. Check the operation of manual and electric gas valves. Inspect fuel supply lines for leaks and ensure that tank locker vents are clear. Propane is heavier than air and leaking propane can settle into the lower parts of your hull, creating an explosion hazard. Clean the stove and check the performance of the burners. Clean the refrigerator, then operate it on both shore and ships power.
Head - Fill the head with water and check for leaks. Check that the holding tank has been pumped out. Restock chemicals required for onboard treatment systems, holding tank deodorant and toilet paper that is compatible with marine heads. Exercise the Y-valve, ensuring its positions are clearly labeled and the handle is cleared in the proper position while in port.
Water System - Flush the fresh water system by turning on the water pump and draining the entire contents of the storage tank. Refill the tank with fresh water and run water through every hot and cold water faucet on the vessel. You want to flush out any traces of the non-toxic antifreeze you used to winterize the boat. Double check the deck filler caps for the water system to ensure they are in place and well sealed to keep out contaminants. Check the operation of the hot water heater on all sources of power.
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
- More Spring Boat Preparation - Spring boat preparation depends on the proper maintenance of many vessel systems. This article addresses emergency equipment, electronics, and outboard engines
- 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
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
