Is Your Boat Seaworthy? Some Tips From BOAT US


To help boaters have a trouble-free summer boating season, BoatU.S., the nation's largest recreational boating association, has a spring commissioning checklist. Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, following this checklist is an easy way to get ready for the boating season.

BEFORE YOU LAUNCH:
* Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary.
* Replace deteriorated zincs.
* Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft - if it's loose, the cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.
* Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn't been bent.
* Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
* Make sure your engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion and properly secured.
* Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness.

After the boat is launched, be sure to check these as well as through-hulls for leaks.
* Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.
* If equipped, ensure that stern drain plug is installed.

OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES:
* Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds), and replace if suspect.
* Check power steering and power trim oil levels. Replace worn-out zincs.
* Inspect outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable has to be replaced.
* Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.

ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS:
* Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Clamps should be snug and free of rust. Clean fuel filters.
* Inspect cooling hoses and fittings for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and are double-clamped.
* Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.
* Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables. Wire-brush battery terminals and fill cells with
distilled water.
* Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.

SAILBOAT RIGGING:
* Inspect fittings for cracks and rust. Inspect wire halyards and running backstays for "fishhooks" and rust.
* Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape.
* Recaulk through-deck chainplates as necessary (generally, once a
decade).

TRAILERS:
* Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure. Don't forget the spare!
* Inspect bearings and repack as necessary.
* Test tail and back-up lights. Test winch to make sure it's working properly.
* Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration.

MISCELLANEOUS:
* Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
* Check stove and remote tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses.
* Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make sure it's working properly.
* Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.
* Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.
* Check shore power cable connections for burns, which indicates the cable needs to be replaced.
* Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date. Don't forget your trailer tags.
* Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.
* Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids and pets.

The checklist is also available at http://www.BoatUS.com/freebies

Posted: Sun - April 24, 2005 at 10:58 PM      

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Content Copyright 2004-2006, Johnson Lake Property Owners Association, Inc.