Boat Prep Checklist Before Hitting The Sea This Season

With spring around the corner, is the sea calling you? Can you feel the craving of boating and has the fever of getting your vessel back into the water started itching you? If yes, then you should know that before you sail, you should de-winterize your boat correctly, and get it ready before going out on your first voyage. As a part of the spring ritual, you must get your boat inspected by marine supplies Perth experts, clean it and gear it up. These simple steps are not only crucial for a smooth sail, but also the safety of all during the trip. Things that you must check before hitting the water are discussed below.

Boat prep checklist before hitting the sea this season

The preparation should start much before time, to avoid any rush through at the end moment. Make sure that you inspect each detail mentioned below minutely. As a double precaution, it’s good to take the help of experts who have an eye for details and good knowledge of water vessels.

Fuel system

Start with the fuel inspection for any leaks or damage and give extra attention to fuel hoses, connections, and tank surfaces. Winters can cause damage to the fuel hose, which includes softness, brittleness, or cracks. Whenever you find any damage, replace it and validate that all fittings and clamps are securely placed. Open the engine component to check for water in the bilge. Before you go ahead with the pump, check every component thoroughly. Make sure that you do not use the fuel, which contains more than 10% ethanol (E10) – it causes damage to your engine. The engine, the ventilation, and the exhaust – each should be adequately functional before you hit the waters. 

Belts, cable, and hoses

Because of storage in the winters, straps, cables, and hoses have the propensity of becoming breakable and may start forming cracks. So, checks them thoroughly and make sure that you can abide by the safety rules during the ride. To prevent any spillage, the belts should fit firmly around the pulleys to prevent slipping. When a belt starts wearing off, it leaves a black deposit near the pulley, and a gap starts forming, which causes the loose fitment.

Electric connections

Make sure that the electrical system of your boat is sucure and in place with a neat, reliable, and corrosion-free connection. Any rusted electric fittings can be dangerous when the boat touches the water. Clean all corroded components with a wire brush. Charge your battery and make sure that it is working correctly and holds the charge for as long as it was made for. Even if you are a passionate boater, when it comes to electric fittings, get it tested by a technician. 

Fluids

Check every fluid and its container, including engine, coolant, power steering, and power trim tanks. Some people prefer to change the engine oils, lubricants and oil filters of their boats before winterizing it. But, if you have not done the same, be sure to replace them before you go out with the boat. And in case you have already made these changes, check once for reconfirmation that everything is in place.

Hull and propeller

Hull and propeller are some of the most crucial parts of a boat. Check them meticulously for any dings, cracks or bends. Even small damage in the hull can lead to more significant issues and accidents. So, make sure that it’s in the best condition. A damaged propeller will not perform properly, and the unnecessary damage will cause premature wear. 

Other safety gears

Many a time, people tend to miss out on the safety gears, But, for a safe ride, you must ensure that the following are functional:

• Life jacket for each of the potential passengers and it should be apt for their body weight.
• Fire extinguishers are in place, and they are correctly charged.
• Semi-enclosed and enclosed areas must have at least one carbon monoxide detector.
• Have an EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon device in your vessel. It becomes helpful in case you are in trouble and need help.