Spring Boating Check List....

The Lake may be still frozen here at Gordon Bay Marine but that doesn't mean we aren't thinking spring boating. 

Spring Start-up Checklist

• General
• Required and Recommended Equipment
• Hull
• Deck, Fittings, Safety Equipment
• Below Decks
• Electrical System and Components
• General Engines and Fuel Systems
• Inboard Engine(s)
• Outboard Engine(s)
• Water System
• Head System
• Trailer

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General

• Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
• Make sure drains and scuppers are clear and well secured
• Put on a good coat of wax
• Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
• Clean teak and oil
• Clean windows and hatches
• Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
• Clean interior including bilges
• Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
• Make sure registration is current and onboard
• Make sure your have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (mandatory for all by September 15, 2009)
• Check and replace wiper blades if necessary
• Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing
• Update or replace old charts, waterway guides
• Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed - including fuel spill coverage

Required and Recommended Equipment

• Sound signaling device
• Check distress signals and expiration date
• Check PFDs
• Inspect life rings
• Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
• Check and adjust compass
• Check navigation lights
• Check charts and replace as necessary
• Check radar reflector
• Check and replace first aid supplies
• Check bailer and hand pump

 

Hull

• Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
• Check and replace zincs
• Check for blisters and refinish is 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
• Touch up or replace antifouling paint

Deck, Fittings, Safety Equipment

• Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
• Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
• Check chainplates and cleats
• Check hull/deck joint
• Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
• Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
• Clean and grease winches
• Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
• Check dinghy, and life raft

Below Decks

• Check, test and lubricate seacocks
• Check condition of hoses and clamps
• Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
• Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
• Check for oil in bilges
• Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris

Electrical System and Components

• Check battery water level
• Check/recharge batteries
• Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
• Check bonding system
• Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
• Test all gauges for operability
• Check shore power and charger
• Check for spare fuses
• Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
• Check all electronics for proper operation
• Inspect antennas

General Engines and Fuel Systems

• 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
• 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.

Inboard Engine(s)

• Change oil & filters - have spare onboard
• Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
• Check and change engine zincs
• Check cooling system change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
• Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
• Check belts for tension
• Check transmission fluid
• Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
• Check impeller
• Check and clean water strainer
• Check bilge blower

Outboard Engine(s)

• Replace spark plugs
• Check plug wires for wear
• Check prop for nicks and bends
• Change/fill gear lube
• Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
• Lubricate and spray moveable parts
• 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.

Water System

• Flush water tank
• Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
• Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
• Check for tank cap keys on board
• Check and clean shower sump pump screens

Head System

• Checked for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
• If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
• Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured

Trailer

• Check for current registration
• Check rollers and pads
• Check and lubricate wheel bearings
• Clean and lubricate winch
• Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
• Test lights and electrical connections
• Check tire pressure and condition (remember the spare!) 
• Check brakes (if equipped)
• Check safety chains
• Check tongue lock
• Inspect frame for rust and sand/paint as required

Original content from Discover Boating