Ahead of the summer season it is important to start thinking about preparing your boat for the new season. This is particularly important if you have not used your boat over the winter months. Some simple checks can help avoid many common and often preventable issues to ensure you enjoy your time on the water safely.
EXTERNAL INSPECTION
Clean the hull and deck to remove any growth and dirt that may have built up. This will not only improve the boat aesthetically but may help highlight any damage that requires attention. You should thoroughly inspect the boat for any damage looking out for any blisters, cracks or scratches. If the boat has not been antifouled you should consider doing this for the start of the season so you don’t lose valuable sunny days on the water later in the season. Check the condition of your underwater anodes and replace them if necessary, ensure that you have the correct anode type for the water your boat is moored in. Polishing and waxing your boat will also help to keep your paint/gelcoat in good condition.
ENGINE INSPECTION
Ensure your engine is in good working condition by checking the likes of your oil, oil filters, fuel filters, cooling system, belts, transmission fluid, impellers and water strainers. Don’t forget to check that your batteries are charged and that the fluid levels are correct.
ELECTRICS
Look over the electrical systems throughout the boat. Inspect wiring and gauges, check shore power and chargers, check your lights and navigation lights and ensure you have spare bulbs on-board, inspect your antennas and navigation equipment.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The safety equipment you hold on-board could prove invaluable at some point throughout the summer, but only if it’s all in good working order, so don’t forget to check your safety items thoroughly. Inspect your life-rings and lifejackets and ensure they still fit, this is particularly important with growing children. Cardiff Marina and Aberystwyth Marina are SeaSafe lifejacket points, you can drop your lifejackets into the Marina Office to be sent away for servicing. Check distress signals and fire extinguishers and their expiry dates, restock your first aid supplies, check you have the necessary charts on-board and that your compass is working and you have a backup hand held compass. Check you have any necessary spare parts and that you have a small tool box on-board and replace any missing items as necessary.
FITTINGS
Check the fittings throughout the boat, check seacocks, look at the condition of hoses and clamps, check your bilge pumps are working and check for oil in the bilges. Take care to check the likes of window and hatch seals, wiper blades and hatch fixings. Flush the water tanks, check and clean the fridge and oven and have your gas installation checked and certified by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. In addition don’t forget to inspect items like your trailer, sails, rigging, and ropes.
INSURANCE
It is important to check that your insurance policy is still valid; all boats moored in our marinas must have a minimum of third party with salvage. Our customers benefit from a 10% discount with Bay Marine Insurance visit www.baymarineinsurance.co.uk for more details.
ADVICE
If you would like any help or advice on preparing your boat for the new season please contact us on 02920 34 34 59 or email info@themarinegroup.co.uk . Our marine engineers will be able to advise you and provide quotes on a range of marine services including rig checks, engine checks, de-winterising, valeting and antifouling. Remember preventative maintenance can save you a fortune!
