BOATERS BLOG
Across the country, boats are being removed from winter storage and placed in the water. Boaters start their annual preparation and cleaning projects to ready their boat and prevent problems once the season is underway. Spring has arrived!
Fuel System :
- Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage while paying close attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces.
- Evidence of damaged fuel hoses includes softness, brittleness or cracking
- Replace components when necessary and make sure everything is properly secured
- Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning properly
Electrical System
- Inspect all electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness
- Look for any corrosion, which is often a sign a connection may not be safe
- Remove the terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with the cable ends
- Charge your battery and have it tested to verify that it can hold a charge
Propellers & Hulls
- Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion (damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and damage to your drive train)
- Make sure the propeller is secured properly, and replace bearings when needed (when inspecting the hull, look for blisters, distortions and cracks)
- Make certain to clean the hull, deck and topsides using an environmentally safe cleaning product
Belts, Cables & Hoses
- Check belts, cables and hoses to verify that they are not brittle or cracked
- Ensure that belts fit tightly around pulleys (a worn belt may have a black substance near the pulley and will fit loosely)
- Confirm that there are no cracks or swells on the outer jacket of the control cables (immediate action is required if there are
Fluid Levels
- Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant
- Change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants (only if these weren’t done before you winterized your boat)
Safety Gear
- Verify that all your personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in working condition
- Check all that all distress signal devices are in working condition and that you have the Coast Guard approved number about your vessel
- Ensure that all your communication equipment is in working condition
- Make certain you have a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit about your vessel
