THE SUN IS actually giving off heat and the spring melt has finally started. Now it’s off to the boatyard to check on the boat. Perhaps it’s the elation Canadians feel at the end of winter, but every spring boats get launched only to reveal problems large and small that will plague the owner over the summer, delay the boating season, or worse yet, the boat just heads straight to the bottom, all for the lack of a proper check-up before launch. Aircraft pilots always use checklists; even the most experienced person can overlook something and in the case of an airplane, it can have deadly consequences.
While getting a call from the marina that your boat is on the bottom may not be life threatening, it is, none the less, a very big disappointment, to say nothing of potentially very expensive. While this list is just a general outline, you can develop a checklist specific to your boat and have the peace of mind that at least the most obvious problems have been addressed.
Hopefully the hull was properly cleaned on haul-out!
HULL INSPECTION
1. Inspect the hull for stress cracks or distortion. These can be caused over the winter by improper placement of jack stands, or by the hull not sitting in the correct position on the cradle. Look carefully for any signs of blistering due to water absorption.
2. Replace anodes if they are more than 33% oxidized.
3. Clean and inspect prop(s) and shaft(s) for dings, pitting and distortion
4. Move the rudder to be sure the shaft is free and not bent. Lubricate.
5. Check all intake strainers (especially the engine) to be sure they are clean and free from debris.
6. Be sure the depth sounder transducer is clear and be careful not to get anti-fouling on it. The same goes for knot log impellors.
7. If a bow thruster is fitted, make sure the tunnel and propeller are clear and replace the zincs.
DECK INSPECTION
1. Look for stress cracking, especially around stanchions and cleats.
2. Make sure the cockpit drains are clear of leaves, etc.
3. Check that the helm is operating smoothly.
4. Make sure the anchor windlass is operating properly and inspect ground tackle.
ESPECIALLY FOR SAILBOATS
1. Carefully clean the mast. Make sure not to use any harsh chemicals which can damage the aluminum.
2. Inspect the spars for cracks and check fittings, tangs, etc.
3. Check winches; clean and lubricate as needed.
4. Check wire halyards and standing rigging for deterioration. The most common sign of wear is small wire ends or “fishhooks”.
5. Clean and lubricate the turnbuckles.
6. Take a careful look at the chain plates for any sign of movement as this can cause serious damage. Leaking or cracks in the fiberglass means that the chain plate should be removed and reinstalled.
DOWN BELOW
1. The first thing to do on entering the boat is to check the bilge. If it is full of water, you’ll be needing a longer checklist. Look around for obvious signs of leakage around windows, hatches or more seriously around thru-deck fittings or chain plates. If the boat was too tightly wrapped, condensation can cause a surprising amount of water to collect. Taking a hose to the deck will show up any problems in short order.
2. Hopefully you removed the cushions and other odds and sods and left lockers open and ventilated. Clean inside lockers, always checking for any signs of leaking or movement.
3. Remove all floorboards and inspect, clean and lubricate seacocks.
4. Check all hoses for missing, loose or deteriorated hose clamps. All hoses below the waterline should be double clamped. Make sure to use proper stainless steel clamps. Also check the hoses themselves for any deterioration as they can become stiff and cracked with age.
5. Inspect the sea water strainers for damage. Freezing can cause the bowls to crack if they were not properly winterized.
6. The stuffing box should be checked and repacked as needed. It should only drip a bit when the shaft is turning.
7. Check the galley stove and propane tank fittings.
8. Make sure the bilge pump is operating and that the float switch is in good condition and clear of any obstructions.
9. Be sure the toilet hose fittings are properly connected and the intake and discharge lines are clear. The same goes for the holding tank. While you are in the head, make sure the shower drain is not clogged.
10. Give the bilge a good scrub with a disinfectant cleaner. On a hot summer day, you’ll be glad you did.
ENGINE OUTDRIVES AND OUTBOARDS
1. Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracks, or other damage.
2. Check power steering and power trim oil levels.
3. Replace all anodes with fresh zincs or magnesium anodes for freshwater.
4. Check the control cables for cracks or distortion.
ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEMS
1. Inspect fuel lines, including vent hoses for softness, brittleness or cracking.
2. Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Make sure the clamps are tight and in good condition.
3. Clean or replace fuel filters.
4. Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of the heavy battery cables.
5. Check battery water levels.
6. Check the bilge blower and blower hose. The lightweight hose is easily damaged by chafe, etc.
TRAILERS
1. Inspect tires for wear. Check air pressure and don’t forget the spare. And check wheel lug nuts to be sure they are properly tightened. Loosing a wheel while towing can ruin your day!
2. Also make sure bearings are greased.
3. Make sure lights are working.
4. Check the frame for rust, cracks or distortion.
5. Check brakes and brake fluid level.
SAFETY
1. Check the expiration dates on your flares (they should not have been stored aboard as condensation can cause deterioration).
2. Check the expiration dates on your fire extinguisher(s).
3. Inspect the dock and anchor lines for wear.
4. Check shore power cables and connections; any sign of heat damage means they should be replaced.
5. Make sure the boat’s license and registration are up to date and be sure the inspection sticker is up to date.
6. Check lifejackets for excessive wear, broken straps, etc.
7. Make sure smoke, fume, carbon monoxide and bilge alarms are working properly.
8. Fenders should be inflated and checked for leaks.
9. Check your insurance against your summer plans to be sure you are properly covered. Most marinas now require proof of insurance and a minimum amount of liability coverage.
LAUNCH
1. If the boat has one, make sure the stern drain plug is installed. Perhaps this should be in large red letters. I have seen too many boats end up half-swamped for the lack of this seemingly obvious item.
2. As soon as you’re afloat check below for any signs of leaking at thru-hulls, shaft, etc. Much of what is listed above can and should be done at haul-out so proper repairs can be made. Boat yards are usually overwhelmed with work in spring so even simple repairs may cause serious delay and expense.
LISTS ARE GOOD Some years ago one the large English Channel ferries came to grief because she headed to sea and someone forgot to close the huge bow door! 193 people died. So it’s not just about “senior moments”, anyone can overlook the obvious. A good idea is to develop a checklist for the all various operations of your boat. Prelaunch, launch, start-up, cruise, etc. These can be kept brief and on handy cards: a pre-startup list by the helm for example. It will make for a much more relaxing summer on the water and avoid some potentially embarrassing and expensive moments.