22 Apr 2021
With the arrival of spring and the calling of the sea, boat owners want to get back into the water as soon as possible. However, before setting off it’s crucial to ensure your vessel is ready for the new season. Here’s a checklist guide to prepare your boat for another round of adventures afloat.
Even if you’ve conducted maintenance at the end of last season, don’t skip a quick inspection now. Your engines have been idle for months. So look for signs of wear or damage, check and refill all fluids, and inspect cables. Start the engine to ensure it’s functioning smoothly. This could make the difference between a stress-free trip and an unplanned breakdown out at sea.
Safety isn’t just a routine check, it can save lives! So ensure lifejackets, life belts, fire extinguishers, flares, whistles and your first aid kit are all in top condition and quickly accessible. If an emergency occurs out on the water, preparation is key.
As we all know the sea can be unpredictable, so a reliable electrical system is essential. Carefully examine all wiring, lights, and battery connections. Replace anything frayed even if it is relatively new. Better being safe than sorry, and make sure the battery poles are tightened correctly and have the proper voltage.
Damaged fuel lines are not just inconvenient, they’re dangerous. Take these steps to ensure they’re in good working order – Turn off the fuel valve (unnecessary for most modern engines). Inspect hoses for cracks, leaks, or wear. Tighten any loose connections and check fittings for damage. Clean the fuel tank to avoid clogging.
Barnacles and algae may thrive in our beautiful waters but they are no friends to your boat. Antifouling your hull is essential to prevent drag and maintain performance. Do your research to ensure you pick the best product for your vessel type and the waters you’ll be cruising in. Talk to us if you need advice.
Whether you are cruising, or exploring, an accurate navigation kit is a must. Test your compass, GPS, and depth sounder to make sure everything works perfectly and is up-to-date for the season ahead.
An often overlooked task is replacing your boat’s zinc anodes annually. This protects it from electrolysis and corrosion. Delay the small and essential job, and you risk costly repairs. Remember worn out anodes are equal to a vulnerable hull.
A winter’s worth of leaves, dirt and debris will ruin the enjoyment of your first outing of the season. A pre-season scrub down only improves your experience but also prevents grime buildup affecting your boat’s components. Plus a pristine vessel looks great moored alongside all the other boats and you will feel proud to welcome friends aboard.
Before setting off, always inform someone about your route and expected return time. Whether you’re navigating familiar waters or trying a new route. Let them know if you’re going to be late so they don’t panic and call the Coast Guard. Keep a fully charged phone and VHF radio on board to call for help should it be needed.
If you’re going to be in Majorca waters, it is famous for bustling boating hotspots, but don’t overlook quieter corners. New skippers may find crowded marinas challenging, so consider exploring locations a little less busy where you can, to gain confidence and refine your skills.
It’s a false economy to skip any of the above steps. Luckily if you don’t want to do everything yourself, there’s lots of help out there and we would of course be very happy to assist you.To find out more and reach out to us, go to www.tot-nautic.com
