With Lake Erie and inland water temperatures on the rise, boat owners' attention is turning to the days they can leave land behind for a few hours, a weekend or a long vacation.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a helpful list of preseason tips for boat owners. Take a look, take action and enjoy a safe season on the water
"Now is the time to ready your vessel, large or small, for the water. If you did a proper job of winterizing your boat, spring maintenance should be minimal. Boats stored outdoors are inviting homes for critters that love to gnaw on wires and make nests out of PFD stuffing. Doing a thorough preseason inspection of your boat can prevent problems and surprises on the water and unnecessary embarrassment at the launch ramp that first time out. Any local boat dealer or repair facility can help you with a preseason check if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. The following suggestions will provide a basic guide however, be sure to refer to your owners manual for your particular vessel."
GENERAL:
Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
Put on a good coat of wax
Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
Clean teak and oil
Clean windows and hatches
Clean canvas
Clean interior including bilge
Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
Make sure registration is current and on board and that numbers are legible
Check and replace wiper blades if necessary
HULL:
Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc., and repair
Check and replace zinc's
Check for blisters and refinish is necessary
Check rub rails
Check swim platform and/or ladder - be sure they are secure
Inspect and test trim tabs if applicable
Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
Check rudder and fittings
Touch up or replace anti-fouling paint
DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
Check chain plates and cleats
Check hull/deck joint
Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
Clean and grease winches
Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
Check dinghy, and life raft
BELOW DECKS:
Check, test and lubricate seacocks
Check condition of hoses and clamps
Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
Check bilge pumps for automatic and manual operation
Check for oil in bilges
Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
Check battery water level
Check/recharge batteries
Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
Inspect all wiring for wear and chaffing, replace anything questionable
Test all gauges for operability
Check shore power and charger
Have spare fuses on board
Inspect all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs on board
Check all electronics for proper operation
Inspect antennas
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
Check that boat is currently registered if necessary and that insurance is in order
Be sure that sound signaling device is working
Inspect visual distress signals and expiration date (Required on Lake Erie)
Check PFDs, be sure there is one for every potential person on board and that they are out of their wrappers
Inspect life rings and cushions (A throwable device is required on boats over 16' in addition to required PFDs)
Inspect fire extinguishers and recharge or replace if necessary
Check and adjust compass
Check navigation lights for proper operation
Check charts if used, and replace as necessary
Check radar reflector
Inspect and replace first aid supplies as necessary
Check bailer and hand pump or bilge pump operation as applicable
Change batteries in all portable devices such as flashlights, hand-held GPS units and marine radios Inspect anchor lines for fraying, fish hooks, and weak spot
INBOARD ENGINE(S):
Change oil and have spare filter on board
Check and change fuel filters - have spares on board
Check and change engine zincs (anti corrosion devices)
Check cooling system, change coolant if necessary
Inspect belts for tension and wear
Check power steering and transmission fluids
Inspect and clean backfire flame arrestor (required in Pennsylvania)
Check bilge blower operation
HEAD SYSTEM:
Checked for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured
WATER SYSTEM:
Flush water tank
Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
Check for tank cap keys on board
Check and clean shower sump pump screens
GALLEY:
Fill propane tank, check electric & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear
Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
Check microwave, if fitted
OUTBOARD MOTOR:
Replace or clean spark plugs as necessary
Check plug wires for wear
Check prop for nicks and bends
Change/fill lower unit gear lube
Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
Lubricate and spray movable parts per manufacturers instructions
TRAILER:
Check for current registration
Check rollers and pads
Look for broken springs
Check and lubricate wheel bearings
Clean and lubricate winch
Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
Test lights and electrical connections
Check tire pressure and condition. Tires with excessive dry cracks should be replaced
Check brakes (if equipped)
Check safety chains
Check tongue lock
If you are new to trailering, spend a little time in an open lot learning how to maneuver.
SAILS:
Check general condition
Look for wear and chafing
Check battens and batten pockets
Check all sail attachments
Inspect bolt rope
MAST AND RIGGING:
Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage
Inspect spreader boots and shrouds Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
Check reefing points and reefing gear
Clean sail track
Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
Inspect stays for fraying and "fish hooks"
Check forestay and backstay connections
Check masthead fitting and pulleys
Check and lubricate roller furling
Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end