Coming out of lay-up: Quick reference guide

It’s spring — and time to prepare for boating season. If your boat was in lay-up over the winter, you’ll need to take care of a few things before it’s ready to go. Here are some suggestions to help you make sure your vessel is ready for a successful launch and a safe and relaxing season.

Safety first… and last! Spring is an ideal time for a safety review

• Begin by checking the life jackets, flares, and first-aid kit to make sure you and your boating companions will be safe while on board your vessel. Be sure the horn, running lights, anchor light, and searchlight work properly.
• Check the fire extinguishers and have them serviced or replaced as needed, and replace the batteries in the smoke and CO detectors, as well as the emergency radio beacon (EPIRB) if you have one.
• Make certain the boat’s registration or documentation is current, and that all the required papers, including a copy of your insurance policy with claims contact information, are on board.
• Start a “punch list” of maintenance items that will need attention before the end of the season.
• Inventory all equipment and outfitting on board, and update it during the season. List all personal items aboard as well. A complete list could come in handy in the unfortunate event of a loss.
• Replace anything that’s missing, damaged, or out of date, including fire extinguishers.

Jump to a section:

• Before the Launch
• Inside the Boat
• During the Launch
• Before the First Voyage
• Common Maintenance Errors

Before the launch

Inspect the bottom – Rule number one: While working on the hull, always let the yard employees move stands and blocking. Do a thorough inspection of all the through-hull fittings above and below the waterline, and be sure all through-hulls are clear.

Zincs – Sacrificial zinc anodes attached to the hull and underwater metal parts should be removed prior to painting. Clean the metal surfaces to which they attach until shiny, then replace the zincs.

Transducers and running gear – Inspect underwater transducers for depth sounders, fish finders, and knot meters. Check propellers and shafts for damage and straightness. Inspect swim step supports, trim tabs, thruster grates, and boarding ladders.

Rudders and steering – Check the rudders and inspect the struts that support the prop shafts. Also be sure to check shaft bearings for wear.

Outdrive hints – Those flexible rubber bellows between the drive and the transom don’t last forever. Inspect them carefully! Failed bellows are a major cause of sinking of outdrive-powered boats. Inspect the lower unit for oil leaks and change the oil.

Don’t forget the plug! – If the exhaust ports in the hull were plugged to keep critters out, remember to remove the plugs. And if the hull has a drain plug, be sure it’s in place and tightened securely before launch.

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Inside the boat 

Inner hull fittings and steering – Make sure all seacocks operate smoothly, and inspect strainers. Pull the knot meter paddle, if it’s removable, and give it a spin while watching the gauge to be sure it is working. Operate the steering gear and inspect all hydraulic and/or mechanical components.

Clamps and hoses – Inspect the hoses attached to all pumps, seacocks, and through-hulls. Replace any soft, bulging, cracked, or damaged hoses. Make sure hose clamps are in good shape and free of rust.

Bilge pumps and high water alarms – While you’re inspecting the bilges, lift the float switches and make sure your bilge pumps and high water alarm operate properly.

Engine and batteries – Check and replace zincs and impellers in engine and generator cooling systems. Check all the V-belts, too. Mufflers and exhaust lines should be inspected for signs of leaks or deterioration, including hose clamps. Clean battery terminals and be sure the batteries are fully charged.

Check for leaks and unwanted guests – Check all deck hardware for loose or degraded sealant and consider using a garden hose to test for leaks. Also, check the bilge, wiring, and soft goods for evidence of rodents and insects. Service or replace as needed.

You should also use a hose to check the water-tight integrity of deck hatches and access ports into below- deck spaces.

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