Twice a year we recommend going through our checklist to insure you boat is in great shape. It is a good idea to do this when you bring it out and get it ready for the season and prior to winterizing your boat for the winter again .
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- Check for wear or abrasion, weak or torn seams, secure straps and buckles. For the PFDs onboard for children, try to assess whether they will still fit in the spring. Perhaps a new PFD would be a great Christmas gift. Some types of PFDs are equipped with inflation devices; check to be sure cartridges are secure and charged.
Fire Extinguishers
- Do you have all required quantities and types of fire extinguishers?
- Have they been checked within the past year?
- Are serviceable units tagged by a licensed facility?
- Are units accessible?
- Is at least one accessible from the helm or cockpit?
- Are you and your crew familiar with their operation?
Fuel System
- Is the system properly grounded at the filter, tank, deck, pump, etc.?
- Is the fuel tank free from rust or contamination?
- No leaks from tank, hose or fittings.
- Hoses U.S.C.G. approved and free of cracking or stiffness with adequate slack to account for vibration.
- Is tank secured?
- Fuel shut-off valve on tank and at engine.
- Engine compartment and engine clean and free of oily rags or flammable materials.
- Blower switch at remote location.
- Is your fuel system protected from siphoning?
Safety Equipment
- Lifelines or rails in good condition.
- Stanchions or pulpit securely mounted.
- Hardware tight and sealed at deck.
- Grab rails secure and free of corrosion or snags that may catch your hands.
- Non-skid surfaces free from accumulated dirt or excess wear.
Ground Tackle
- At least two anchors on board.
- Anchor and rode adequate for your boat and bottom conditions.
- Tackle properly secured.
- Length of chain at anchor.
- Thimble on rode and safety wired shackles.
- Chafing gear at chocks for extended stays or storm conditions.
- Anchor stowed for quick accessibility.
Stoves
- Labeled and designated for marine use.
- Properly ventilated to remove carbon-monoxide from cabin.
- Retainers or rails for pots and pans while underway.
- If built-in, properly insulated and free from combustible materials, CNG and LPG (propane).
- Stored in separate compartment from boat’s interior and engine room.
- Tightly secured shut-off valve at tank.
- Proper labeling and cautions in place at tank location.
- Hoses, lines and fittings of approved and inspected type.
- Compartment is ventilated overboard and below level of tank base.
Electrical System
- Wiring approved for marine applications.
- System is neatly bundled and secured.
- Protected against chafing and strain.
- Adequate flex between bulkhead and engine connections.
- Clear of exhaust system and bilge.
- System is protected by circuit breakers or fuses.
- Grounds to Zincs if required.
- Wire terminals and connections sealed to prevent corrosion.
Bilge Pumps
- Will pump(s) adequately remove water in emergency? Do you have a manual backup? Are bilges clean and free to circulate (clear limber holes)? Do you check bilges frequently and not rely on automatic pumps?
Corrosion Prevention
- Through-hulls, props, shafts, bearings, rudder fittings, and exposed fastenings free of non-destructive corrosion.
- Zincs are adequate to provide protection.
- Through-hulls are properly bonded.
- Inspect the steering cables, engine control linkage and cables, engine mounts and gear case for corrosion.
- These items are properly lubricated or painted to prevent undue corrosion.
Through-hulls
- Strainers, intakes and exhaust or discharge fittings are free from restrictions such as barnacles, marine growth or debris.
- Inspect sea valves for smooth operation.
- Handles are attached to valves for quick closure.
- Hoses are in good condition and free from cracking.
- Double hose-clamps below the waterline.
- Anti-siphon valve fitted to marine toilet.
- Through-hull plugs are near fittings or attached to hose in case of emergency.
Batteries
- Stored in non-corrosive, liquid tight, ventilated containers.
- Non-conductive covers are fitted over posts.
- Batteries are well secured.
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