Get your boat in the water

Fitting out for 2019

Winter is about to disappear and the time for getting boats ready to launch for the summer season is fast approaching.

Many owners want their craft launched before Easter. It may be that work that needs to be done has already been completed over the winter but, for many, fitting out is always last-minute, so it’s time to prioritise jobs and get down to work.

The quality of de-winterisation can affect the life-cycle of a boat massively, so as a first step it’s always useful to find out from the yard when they want to launch your boat, so you can work to a deadline.

If you need any work carried out by the boat professionals, get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, since this is their busiest time of year.

Set your workload list down alongside tools and materials required. Add an 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 are pushed for time, any work required inside can be done after the launch.

It is also important to note that each make and model of boat is different, so the procedures for equipment testing will vary. Individual owner’s manuals should be consulted in conjunction with the advice below, for in-depth instructions specific to each boat.

HULL AND TOPSIDES

Removing all the old anti-fouling is a time-consuming task.

This is an important job, especially if it has built up over the years, since it reduces efficiency of a boat’s movement in the water.

Wood and gel-coat scrapers are available but care has to be taken, so that the hull does not become damaged. A smooth surface will pay dividends for re-application and help keep fouling at bay for the season.

This is a good time to inspect 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 lay-up.

If anything looks suspect, ask the experts for the best course of action. 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.

Check the rudder, skeg fitments as well as the propeller and look for any play in bearings, stock or quadrant. Ensure that 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 where fitted.

An extensive range of anti-fouling products is available on the market from powerboat finishes to racing and cruising coatings. Choice will depend on boat type, use and where it is kept. Your local chandler or boatyard will advise on what suits best. Follow instructions for application 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 application; 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.

Topsides and deck will require a thorough clean up after lying for a winter. If a polish was applied before layup, this will make the process easier.

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.

Ask the chandlery for advice on the extensive range of products that are available for all requirements.

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 undertaking on your own oil, filters and anodes should be renewed and exhaust fitments checked. Impellers and engine belt tension and mounts should also be inspected as well as the underside of the shaft – re-bed if any leaks are apparent. Keep spares of everything you think you may need on the boat during the season. With sail-drives the oil level and gaiter seal need checked as well as the earthing wires from the starter motor. Replace if there is any wear on hose and electrical connections.

Before launching, all batteries need to be up to charge and holding. The typical battery life is between four and five years. The battery should be refilled with dis-

tilled water and checked for charge. If they have not been on trickle charge over lay-up, recharge 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.

ELECTRONICS

It is essential that the switches, dials and any other electrical equipment on the boat be tested. All electrical systems are interconnected, so ensure that every switch in the cabin and the helm are tested as one faulty one could cause a lot of trouble.

BILGES

Inspect bilge 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. Seacocks need serviced. When the battery is running, switch it off and see if the automatic bilge pump float switch is working.

DECK GEAR, RIGGING AND ANCHORS

Dirt will have built up over the winter on deck and will most likely need cleaned with an anti-mould treatment. Deck gear needs checking for wear and tear.

Check the stanchion bases for any cracks and any corrosion in lifelines, particularly under plastic sheathing. Replace if in any doubts. Inspect rigging for broken strands and any cracking at terminals and renew if necessary. If rigging has not been kept in good condition, this can invalidate boat insurance in the event of a claim. Your local sail rigging firm expert will carry out a rig inspection for you if you have any doubts.

Check all instrumentation and furling equipment at the masthead in case work is required before the mast is stepped.

Overhaul winches and 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 them.

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 oiled or varnished and paintwork touched up and stainless polished. This is an ideal time for maintenance of spray hoods and other cockpit coverings.

INTERIOR

The cabin will need a good clean up if not already attended to over the winter. Most owners have a dehumidifier and heater installed to keep mould at bay so this will help greatly in the fitting out preparation.

Clean all the lockers before replacing everything and remember to display a list of where everything is in the boat. Clean the galley and check burners on gas cookers. Inspect any soft furnishings such as berth cushions, checking for any damp if they have not been taken off for the winter for storage. Reinstall for the season ahead and keep everything well aired to ensure a fresh start come summer.

WATER TANKS, GAS TANKS, FUEL LINES AND HEADS

Any water in the water tank should be pumped through and a purifier added before refilling for use. Flush through the heads adding washing up liquid/ vinegar to lubricate the hoses and pumps. Check the boat’s central heating system if there is one. All communication, navigation and other equipment that was removed for winter storage must be re-installed. Gas tanks and fuel lines are prone to rusting over the winter. Check to see if fuel lines have cracked during the cold temperatures as they often do during the winter, and replace. The cooling system should be filled up with water and antifreeze in equal measure. If the mixture has been lying there all winter, then the cooling system needs to be drained and refilled with a fresh mix. The hoses should be inspected in case of cracks and leakages.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Lives may depend on the safety of your equipment. Now is the best time to check that everything is in working order, so that there is enough 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, life-rafts, life-jackets and rubber dinghies should be inspected with items needing replaced or repaired if in any doubt as to condition. It is also vital that you check to make sure your vessel has the correct amount of flotation devices. 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 life-jackets – 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. Horns, flares, whistles and other signalling equipment should all be checked. Finally, all paperwork should be organised because you never know when you might need it.

SAILS AND SPRAYHOODS

Sailmakers are on hand for advice and since sails are the powerhouse of the sailing vessel, it’s important they are kept in good condition. Get your sails checked over and repair or replace as required, if you haven’t done so already. Sprayhoods and other outdoor canvas should be checked for wear. If new sails are needed, order as soon as possible, since sail lofts are always extremely busy at this time of year.

EXPERT ADVICE

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 and when it is required. The maintenance of your boat is a full-time commitment. It is important to follow all the advice, and not cut any corners when it comes to getting your boat ready to go back out onto the water after winter. What could save money now could become a costly error in the future. Whatever your plans are for getting out on the water – whether it be cruising, racing, fishing or just pottering about for leisure, we wish you a safe and successful summer season in 2019.