Get your boat ready to launch!

With the boating season fast approaching, it’s time to gear up and get your boat ready for the water and the forthcoming summer season.

Many owners want their craft launched for Easter weekend in early April and have booked slots with their boatyard. Getting a time for launching should be planned well in advance to avoid disappointment at this busy time of year. So contact the yard and co-ordinate to get a launch date if not already booked.

The poor weather over the last couple of months may have delayed essential maintenance being carried out on boats. With an improving prospect and better temperatures on the horizon, it’s now time to ‘bite the bullet’ and get moving. There’s nothing like a deadline to work to!

For many, fitting out is always last minute and it’s important to prioritise jobs. If work is required from one of the boat professionals get in touch as soon as possible to book a slot since this is their busiest time of year.

Set your workload list down alongside tools and specific materials required. Add to this a general array of rags, silicone and grease, petroleum jelly, lubricating and penetrating oils, cleaning products, brushes, wet and dry sandpaper, rollers and tray, degreaser, rolls of tape, engine spares and treatments for your water and fuel tanks. It’s often the best idea to work from the outside in so that if you run out of time to launch any work required inside can be done when the boat is in the water.

OUTSIDE – HULL, TOPSIDES, KEEL ETC

Take a close look over the keel and keelboats for signs of rusting or pitting and wear at the keel to hull joint that may be more evident after winter layup. Deep pitting on the keel may indicate anode problems and will need taken back to bare metal and an epoxy protective coating applied before anti-fouling. Call in the professionals if anything looks suspect, for example movement between the keel and hull. It may be necessary to check the keel bolts.

Look over the rudder and skeg fitments as well as the propeller and check for any play in bearings, stock or quadrant. Make sure the bonding wires from the anode are sound and replace the anode as required. Grease the shaft, steering cables and the log’s paddle wheel.

If antifouling has built up then removing it is difficult and time consuming. However, it pays off since it improves the efficiency of boat movement in the water. A variety of scrapers are available but care needs to be taken not to damage the hull, whether this is gel coat or wood or other. If going to the trouble of full removal, it pays to apply a protective epoxy coating before re-anti-fouling. There are a number of products on the market so seek advice from your chandlery for the best one. If not fully removing the anti-fouling, then sand over the surface with wet and dry to give a good key for the new paint. A smooth surface will pay dividends for re-application and help reduce fouling for the season. Remember to wear fully protective clothing and a face mask.

The choice of anti-fouling products on the market is huge ranging from powerboat finishes to cruising and racing coatings. The choice will depend on boat type and use and location of mooring. Advice from a chandler or boatyard and fellow boat owners in the same area will ensure the best decision on product.

Apply according to instructions with a stronger build-up in high impact areas – the leading edge of the keel and skeg and the keel to hull joint. A long handled radiator roller can be a good option to give an even finish with a paint brush to reach more inaccessible points. Some antifouling requires only one appli

cation; others need a few depending on longevity required. If stored on a cradle or stocks, leave some antifouling for painting the underside of the keel and cradle support points before the boat is launched while in the hoist.

The topsides will require a thorough clean up and polish. Repair any problem area such as chips or crazing in the gelcoat as required. Where gelcoat is older it may need hard work to get the original finish back. Then apply a protective wax and polish well to keep the boat looking pristine throughout the season. Again, an extensive range of products is on offer for all requirements.

DECK GEAR, RIGGING AND ANCHORS

Over the winter, dirt, debris and verdigris will have built up on deck if the boat is outside and will need a good scrubbing with perhaps an anti-mould treatment. Teak decks require their own specialist treatment and there is advice on what best to use from the chandlery and on-line forums. Deck gear needs checking for wear and tear if this was not done at layup. Check the stanchion bases for any cracks and any corrosion in lifelines, particularly under plastic sheathing. Replace if suspect. Inspect rigging on for broken strands and any cracking at terminals and renew if necessary. Remember if any aspect of rigging is dangerous, boat insurance could be invalid. Your local sail rigging firm specialist will carry out a rig inspection for you if you are in any doubt. It’s good to have a check over from the professionals since they can correctly tension the rig which improves efficiency under sail.

Instrumentation and furling equipment at the masthead should be checked in case work is required before the mast is stepped.

Winches need to be overhauled. Strip down any that are seized – soak components in degreaser and re-grease. If warps and sheets were removed for winter then this is the time to check over, renew and replace as required.

Similarly, look for corrosion on anchors and chain. Clean manual windlasses, check for wear and grease. Remove the gypsy in powered versions, grease the drum, look at the foot switch for wear, clean and grease electrical connections.

All wood on deck, teak slats etc should be cleaned, or if preferred oiled or varnished and paintwork touched up and stainless polished. This is an ideal time also for cleaning and maintenance of spray hoods and other cockpit coverings.

THE POWERHOUSE - ENGINES FUEL TANKS AND GAS SYSTEMS

Both inboards and outboards need serviced and this is most often done by a professional whether by your boatyard or an independent engineer.

If carrying out your own service, the oil, filters and anodes should be renewed and exhaust fittings checked. Inspect impellers, engine belt tension and mounts as well as the underside of the shaft – re bed if any leaks are apparent. It’s essential to keep spares of everything you think you may need on the boat during the season so order two of everything and store onboard in case required.

With sail-drives check the oil level and gaiter seal as well as the earthing wires from the starter motor. Replace if there is any wear on hose and electrical connections.

Check out the state of boat batteries which need to be up to charge and holding before launching. Ideally, batteries will have been stored on trickle charge over lay-up, so if not, re-charge now and monitor electrolyte levels if unsealed. Ensure the battery tray is dry and tighten securing straps making sure all gas vents are clear. Clean terminals and coat with petroleum jelly.

Fuel tanks should be full from laying up. If not, drain water off and treat with a diesel biocide. Inspect the gas system regularly and thoroughly. A qualified gas engineer will ensure the system conforms to current gas regulations and any suspect hoses and fittings should be replaced to manufacturer’s recommendations.

INSIDE THE BOAT – BILGES AND SEACOCKS

It’s a good idea to start from the bilges up. Inspect pump impellers and gaskets, grease and replace if necessary. With automatic bilge pumps, see float switches work and the strum box is clear. Manual strum boxes should be pumped through to see hose is clear of blockages. Service seacocks.

CABIN

Most owners install a de-humidifier and heater over the winter to keep mould at bay so the interior should be dry. Clean up if not already attended to over the winter. Wash out all the lockers before replacing equipment and remember to display a list of where everything is stored in the boat. Clean the galley and check burners on gas cookers. Look over berth cushions and other soft furnishings checking for any damp if they have not been taken off for the winter for storage. Re-install for the season ahead and keep everything well aired.

WATER TANKS AND HEADS

Any water left in the water tank should be pumped through and a purifier added before re-filling for use. Flush through the heads adding washing up liquid/vinegar to lubricate the hoses and pumps. Check the boat’s central heating system is working and maintain as required. Re-install any communication, navigation and other equipment that was removed for winter storage.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

The best time to go over safety equipment is at the end of the season which allows time to store properly and replace items if there are any issues. However, if this hasn’t been done, it’s essential now to see all equipment is in good condition since lives may depend on it. Fire extinguishers, flares, life-rafts, life-jackets should be inspected with items needing replaced or repaired if in any doubt as to condition of if out of date. It is also vital you check to make sure your vessel has the correct amount of flotation devices for the crew. Invert MOB lights to see they work and change bulb and batteries if not. Some WD40 on the copper contact strip inside should ensure good connection. Silicone grease rubber seals. The RNLI will carry out a free safety check on your boat equipment and lifeboat stations will check your lifejackets – this is really worthwhile. Liferafts need to be inspected and if not already sent away for an overhaul, do so now. Similarly dinghy tenders should be blown up and checked for leaks and repaired as necessary.

Make an inventory of where safety equipment is stored and display prominently in boat – items can then be found quickly and easily in an emergency.

SAILS AND SPRAYHOODS

Sails are the powerhouse of the sailing vessel so it’s important they are in good condition and sailmakers are on hand for advice on any aspect. With everyone pushing to get their boats ready for launching, the sail loft has their busiest time of year now, so book a slot early to get sails checked over and repaired or replaced as required. Similarly sprayhoods and other outdoor canvas should be checked for wear. If new sails are needed, order as soon as possible.

EXPERT ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Professional advice is on hand from boatyards, engineers, marine service and repair firms as well as chandlers and sail-makers. Each has their own area of expertise and don’t hesitate to contact them for advice and to carry out work as required.

Whatever your plans are for getting out on the water - whether it be cruising, racing, fishing or just pottering about with your boat, enjoy a safe and successful 2020 season.