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HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN ?? !! SPRING COMMISSIONING: You can make two assumptions when getting your boat ready for launch:
Both are especially likely to come true if you were not able to do a thorough de-commissioning last fall. Most boaters have a good To-do list of routine tasks before launch; for those who may not, there is a general check list for both power and sail below the signature line of this article. If you have questions, suggestions or corrections, or need help on a specific problem/situation while getting your boat ready, please e-mail your Editor and we'll try to see if any of your fellow members have had similar situations in their experience. ____________________________________ Happy uncovering, cleaning, fixing and tinkering ! Michael Dunn, E-SHALLOWS Editor Membership and Communications Officer Shediac Squadron CPS Squadron web site: http://www.shediac-cps.org/ ____________________________________ SPRING COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST: NOTE: Much of this work may have been either completed or substantially advanced last fall, really the best time to do certain items. GENERAL:
Check for rodent/bird nests in openings (mast, exhausts etc.) Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent Inspect deck for excess crazing, soft spots etc. Make sure drains and scuppers are clear Clean and polish all exterior metal items with a good metal polish (such as Autosol) Clean teak and treat (oil, Cetol etc., as you find best) Clean windows and hatches (toothpaste gets rid of minor scratches on plastic) Clean canvas, bimini and dodger Clean interior including bilges While it is likely you will meet a few nuts on the water this summer, now's the time to find out where the loose bolts, nuts and screws came from on your boat! Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary. Lubricate the tools to prevent rust (WD-40) Check and replace wiper blades if necessary Ensure applicable registrations/licenses etc. are current and onboard Has your insurance has been renewed? Book a launch date with your Yacht Club/Marina Arrange for friends to help at launch At the Yacht Club/Marina, check you have everything ready for launch, put all the pieces in a safe yet readily accessible location on the boat/in your vehicle Before launch, install hull plugs if needed For sailboats, have clevis pins at the ready to save crane time Install long bow and stern lines to control boat when lifting Before launch, launder and press your CPS & Shediac Squadron pennants Pay your CPS dues!! HULL:
Check and replace zincs Check for blisters and repair if 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 (watch for rudder cracks from frozen water over the winter) Touch up or prepare/fair bottom and replace antifouling paint After cleaning hull apply a coat of good wax (don't leave it too long before buffing) DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc. Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate Check cleats, bitts and chocks Check hull/deck joint and chainplates, watch for rust indicating leaks Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks Clean and lubricate winches as needed Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc. Check dinghy and life raft BELOW DECKS:
Check condition of hoses and clamps Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped Check bilge pumps for automatic and manual operation Check for oil in bilges, where did it come from? Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris Check fir extinguishers ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
Recharge batteries Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate Check bonding system Inspect all wiring for corrosion, wear and chafe Test all gauges for operability Check shore power and charger If fused, have spares aboard Check shore power cables Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and ensure you have spare bulbs Check all electronics for proper operation Inspect antennas REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: As required for your boat type/size by the Canadian Coast Guard. See CCG's "Safe Boating Guide". If you don't have the Guide it's online at: OR: You can download a copy of the 2011 "Safe Boating Guide" here (do a right click "save target as") INBOARD ENGINE(S):
Change oil & filters - have spares onboard Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard Empty water separator filters Check and change engine zincs Check cooling system, flush antifreeze, change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard Update engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes Check belts for tension & wear Check transmission fluid Check and clean backfire flame arrestor Check water pump impeller Check and clean water strainer Check bilge blower Check I/O bellows if applicable HEAD SYSTEM:
Flush out antifreeze If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand Check Y-valve operation, label valve & secure WATER SYSTEM:
Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation Check that hot water tank working on both AC and engines Check for tank cap keys on board Check and clean shower sump pump screens GALLEY:
Check gas detectors 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:
Check plug wires for wear Check prop for nicks and bends Change/fill gearcase lube (should be done in fall) Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks Lubricate moving parts and spray interior with water repellant (though not an exceptional lubricant, WD40 is an excellent water repellant) TRAILER:
Check that your insurance is paid Check rollers and pads Check and lubricate wheel bearings as required 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 Got the right size ball on your vehicle? SAILS:
Look for wear and chafing, have restitched as needed Check battens and batten pockets Check all sail attachments Inspect bolt rope or slugs MAST AND RIGGING:
Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion Check reefing points and reefing gear Inspect furling systems for damage Check and lubricate roller furling as per manufacturer Clean & lubricate sail track Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion Inspect stays for fraying and "fish hooks" Check forestay and backstay connections Check masthead fitting and blocks Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end Check chainplates, watch for rust indicating leaks, same for stay/shroud hull fittings Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders, don't overdo it on the tape, don't use duct tape LOOKING TO UPGRADE YOUR BOAT THIS SPRING?
Look closely at your electrical, the single major system most neglected on our boats How old is your rigging? Consider gradual replacement over next 2-3 years Consider replacing gate type seacocks with bronze ball valves Double up on clamps on thruhull hoses (especially below waterline) Install high vented loop on head (especially sail boats) Replacing appliances? Consider an DC/AC inverter before deciding what to buy Please have a safe and pleasuable boating summer. |
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