Spring Fitting Check List from the Store Mason's Chandlery

Here are some helpful tips to prepare for the season

This information is strictly a helpful checklist.
Please see you owner’s manuals for your equipment on board, as it may differ from this list.

Inspecting the Bottom

• Replace zinc anodes
• Examine hull for unusual blisters or delimitation
• Caulk or fill the keel joint
• Inspect the prop for dings as these causes vibration and reduces fuel economy
• Prop shaft should be in good condition with out pitting
• The strut bearing should be solid
• Check trim tab fasteners, make sure they are tight
• Clear strainers over thru hulls
• Make sure depth sounder thru hull is NOT painted

Up on deck

• Check and seal leaks around windows and ports with Life Seal or Bostick (they adhere to plexiglas)
• Refinish any wood trim either clean and recoat with previous or sand down and
• Air out covers and biminies, weatherproof canvas and clean vinyl windows
• Pull out your anchoring gear to inspect for line chafe that shackles are wired and in good condition
• Check the decks for spider crakes and repair as per “How to Repair Scratches in gel coat”
• Check your cleats, chocks and any other hardware, make sure it is not leaking or rusting

Inside your boat

• Clean out the bilge of all oil or debris including your limber holes
• Make sure your thru hulls and ball valves are in good condition and not frozen in place
• Check or replace packing glands around the prop shaft as well as the rudder post
• Clean your icebox with baking soda
• Empty your water tanks of antifreeze and rinse through with Fresh Tank
• Wipe down interior woodwork with teak oil or previous finish

Hull

• Wash with biodegradable boat soap
• For tougher stains use Yacht Scrub on a scrub pad
• Rubbing compound will bring out the colour and lustre
• Decide your finish –wax – polish – sealer and apply
• Be aware that household products were not made for fibreglass that has a 1/8 inch of gel coat protecting it and can yellow your finish

Engine

• Change
  • spark plugs
  • points
  • engine oil
• Examine for wear
  • Spark plug wires
  • Drive belts
  • Water pump
  • Water hoses for cracks or bulging
• Top up all fluid levels

Electrical

• Clean battery terminals and top up fluids with distilled water
• Check running lights
• Test windshield wipers and blowers
• Visually check wire connectors

Sailboat

• Inspect all rigging for frayed wire at swaged fittings
• Check halyards and shackles for wear
• Inspect masthead fitting and deck fittings for fatigue in the metal
• Meter all electrical lights and instruments to make sure they work before the mast goes up

Safety

• Inspect your PFD’s, make sure they float, are not ripped and fit everyone onboard
• Change the salt tablet in your automatic inflatable PFD
• Check your fire extinguishers to make sure the gauges are in the green and that the chemical can still be shaken loose
• Restock the first aid kit
• Check all required safety gear is still on board and in good condition

 

Thank you to Mason's Chandlery for creating this helpful Spring Fitting Check List