Top Tips: Getting your boat ready for spring

By Elite Marine Services

So your boat got through the winter season OK?

Now you’re ready to bring her back to life for
what we hope will be a long and warm boating
season.

Here’s our spring checklist for getting your boat back on the water:

1. EXTERIOR CHECKS
   • If you’re boat has been out of the water at all give her a good scrub down before you put her back in the water. Check the hull for any signs of cracks or weakness before applying a good coat of antifoul that will take her to the next time she is lifted.
   • Now’s also a good time to check your canvas for any damage that might have appeared over the winter – in particular check the seams for tears.
   • Cleaning down your teak and woodwork will also help protect your boat by preventing any grime from becoming ingrained, causing problems later in the season.
   • Before putting your boat back into the water check the prop, rudder and shaft for any signs of damage. If any part of the mechanism looks as thought it might not last through the season have it replaced now and if you’re not sure what you’re looking for ask an engineer for a second opinion.
   • Check all ropes, lines and fenders for signs of fraying and replace if necessary.
2. INTERIOR CHECKS
   • Thoroughly check your seacocks, hoses, clamps, bilge pumps, all galley appliances, light fittings, TV aerials, antennas and batteries. Ensure the water level in your battery is sufficient and that no corrosion has appeared over the winter months.
   • Make a general check of all wiring and electrical appliances to ensure that shore power and chargers are working correctly and supply is not interrupted in any way. Check all connections to make sure nothing has come loose.
   • When inside, check for any leaks that have appeared over the winter as a result of window cracks or broken seals and repair. Don’t wait until the poor weather returns to have these tended to.
3. SAFETY CHECKS
   • Take special care to check your safety equipment, including your fire extinguishers, flares, signalling devices, radios, life jackets and rings and replenish first aid kit.
   • Check your lift raft or dinghy and make sure your anchor is working correctly.
4. ENGINES
   • Have your engine recommissioned and ensure that all filters have been replaced. Depending on your engine type check impeller, oil, belts, transmission fluid, spark plugs and fuel lines.
   • If you’ve had your engine serviced ensure your service book is stamped and up to date and log when your next service is due.
5. WATER AND HEATING
   • Flush through your water system and check for any leaks, making sure you check your water bag/waste tank. Check your sump pump and all pipe connections.
   • If your heating has been on intermittently throughout the winter without being serviced book in to have your annual service now. Ensure that your service intervals are maintained to keep your heating from failing when you need it most and keep your service log up to date and stamped.
6. ACCESSORIES
   • Don’t forget to check your trailer to make sure that it hasn’t been damaged during the winter. Make sure any electrical connections are working and that the wheel bearings are oiled and tyre pressures are correct.

If you need more advice on getting through the winter, you can talk to us by calling the ELITE Marine Services office on 01684 294017.