So
Spring is just around the corner. You find your mind wondering
while sitting at your desk. Every new warm breeze transports you
to the helm of your boat. You experience an uncontrollable facial
twitch every time you pass the marine store. There's still snow
on the ground, but you ask your wife if she remembers where she
put your shorts. You start singing Jimmy Buffett songs in the
shower. You contemplate joining the tanning salon so your white
legs won't blind the other boaters on your dock again. You buy
your first nautical baseball cap of the year. You start planning
your July cruise to the Chesapeake Bay or Catalina Island. Yes,
it sure sounds like your ready for 1999 boating season.
Well, there might just be several other minor things to think
about before setting out on that first shakedown cruise. So I
have again brought back the annual Spring Maintenance Checklist.
Download and/or print it, put it on a clipboard and use it as
a guideline for getting your vessel ready to rumble. Remember,
the most effective (and cheapest) maintenance is preventative
maintenance. A comprehensive spring maintenance program could
prevent time consuming and expensive repairs in the summer.
BE PREPARED - BE SAFE - HAVE FUN!
Engine compartment:
_____ 1. Check oil (start season with fresh oil)
_____ 2. Check coolant (verify proper mixture of water-to-coolant)
_____ 3. Check transmission fluid (change as necessary)
_____ 4. Check spark plug wires, distributor caps, water pump impellers, etc.
_____ 5. Check condition of all hoses and hose clamps (replace as soon as any wear appears)
_____ 6. Check all seacocks (lubricate) - replace any gate valves with levered ball valves
_____ 7. Test bilge pumps and float switches - verify pumps are wired directly to batteries and not to switch panel
_____ 8. Have automatic fire extinguisher inspected, serviced and tagged
_____ 9. Check all electric wires and connections (no wire nuts or tape)
_____ 10. Install mounted/covered acid-proof battery boxes
_____ 11. Inspect all tanks (fuel, water, hot water, holding tanks) check for leaks and secure mounting
_____ 12. Test gas vapor detector and/or high water alarms (if installed; if not, consider installation
_____ 13. Run engines and check for vapor and/or water leaks from exhaust manifolds or hoses
_____ 14. Closely inspect rudder posts for leaks
_____ 15. Activate and inspect trim tab pumps for hydraulic fluid leaks
_____ 16. Check engine mounts for signs of movement or cracks around mounting bolts
_____ 17. Verify flame arrestor is clean and properly mounted (gas engine)
_____ 18. Check mufflers for cracks and/or leaks
_____ 19. Replace any open AC outlets with proper hinged weathertight units
_____ 20. Inspect and test hydraulic steering system for leaks and proper fluid pressure
_____ 21. Have certified mechanic inspect/service engines (as necessary)
Decks/General:
_____ 1. Clean all surfaces - only wax "no-walk" areas
_____ 2. Examine and repair any spider cracks around stanchion bases, hatches, portholes, companionways and decks
_____ 3. Test all steaming, navigation and anchor lights - replace as necessary
_____ 4. Test horn
_____ 5. Test V.H.F. radio and all navigational electronics
_____ 6. Check date on flares - replace if outdated
_____ 7. Check throttles and gear shifters - lubricate as necessary
_____ 8. Check life jackets - if in bag, check zipper is intact and lubricated
_____ 9. Check condition of throwable life-ring or horseshoe - replace if cracked
_____ 10. Check bridge/helm seats for secure mounting
Salon/Bilges:
_____ 1. pressurize all fresh water systems and check for leaks
_____ 2. Inspect all hoses for condition and kinks - check hose clamps
_____ 3. Check bilge and sump pumps/float switches
_____ 4. Check all galley appliances - propane stoves should have electric solenoid control switch
_____ 5. Test all AC/DC lights - replace any burned light bulbs
_____ 6. Test flashlights - install new batteries
_____ 7. Test air conditioning system - check circulating pumps for leaks
_____ 8. Check all seacocks - lubricate as necessary
_____ 9. Check any salon V.H.F. radios or backup electronics
_____ 10. Check portable fire extinguishers - verify all units are properly mounted in safe and accessible locations
Bottom:
_____ 1. Have certified technician inspect bottom for blisters,
delamination or spider cracks
_____ 2. Inspect propellers - recondition if necessary
_____ 3. Inspect zincs, shafts, cutlass bearings and throughulls
_____ 4. Apply new bottom paint - remove/rejuvenate every five years
Paperwork/Inventory:
_____ 1. Check for current-dated registration and documentation
papers
_____ 2. Verify that all necessary manuals and resource books are on board
_____ 3. Verify that maintenance logs are current
_____ 4. Check inventory of spare parts for engines, pumps, etc.
_____ 5. Check all charts and navigational tools
First Aid/Emergency Gear:
_____ 1. Check first aid kit - replenish as necessary
_____ 2. Refresh all first aid techniques - renew C.P.R. certification
_____ 3. Verify that placards are posted designating location of fire extinguishers, first aid kit and emergency (radio) procedures
_____ 4. Check battery in EPIRB and flashlights
_____ 5. Verify that liferaft inspection tag is current
_____ 6. Verify that entire crew is familiar with use of flares, V.H.F. radio procedures, man-overboard retrieval techniques and all emergency response systems - PRACTICE OFTEN (UNDER REALISTIC CONDITIONS)!!!!
Sailboats (in addition to above points):
_____ 1. Check all halyards and sheets
_____ 2. Have sailmaker inspect and service sails (as necessary)
_____ 3. Lubricate all winches
_____ 4. Inspect cable-to-quadrant steering
_____ 5. Have standing rigging professionally inspected and tuned
_____ 6. Inspect and lubricate mast and boom tracks