Get your boat ready to launch!

WITH the boating season fast approaching and restrictions set to lift, it’s time to gear up and get your boat ready for the water and the forthcoming summer season staycation!

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.

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.

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. If going to the trouble of full removal, it pays to apply a protective epoxy coating before re-anti-fouling.

Advice from the local chandler or boatyard and fellow boat owners in the same area will ensure the best decision on product.

Deck gear and rigging

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. Inspect rigging 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.

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.

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.

Fuel tanks should be full from laying up. 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.

Safety equipment

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. The RNLI will carry out a free safety check on your boat equipment and

Lifeboat stations will check your lifejackets – this is really worthwhile.

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

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 so book a slot early to get sails checked over and repaired or replaced as required. 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 2021 season!