Leisure Boating — December 2017

December 2017 Leisure Boating (^31)
S
ummer is upon us, so let’s take
the covers and tarps off our boats
and get them ready for action.
Let’s look as some of the best
tips to getting your boat out on the water
without a hitch.
GENERAL INSPECTION
After getting your boat out of storage,
the first step is to undertake a general
inspection to ensure that everything is
intact and in prime condition. Check bolts,
fittings, anchor, dock lines and examine
the hull for cracks. Check everything that
does not require mechanical knowhow and
check thoroughly.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
While some boaters have the capability
to do minor mechanical work on their
boats, the tougher jobs such as major
services and other mechanical or engine
related work is best left up to the servicing
dealer. Qualified dealer mechanics will
check all the major things and the more
subtle problems that might occur, such
as degradation of the fuel lines and
checking for fuel leaks. What’s more is
that dealers have the necessary diagnostic
tools that can pick up anomalies such
as compression variances which is very
difficult for the boat owner to pick up
without the required diagnostic tools. All
motors and boats under manufacturer’s
warranty must be serviced at an authorised
dealer to maintain the warranty.
SAFETY COMPONENTS
Once the boat has had its general
inspection and service if required, it’s time
to stock up on the safety requirements
such as life jackets, fire extinguishers,
dry bags and radios. There should always
be enough life jackets for the guests on
the boat, and the life jackets should be
regularly checked for wear and tear.
CLEAN BEFORE USE
During the colder winter months, when
the boat is not in use, it will collect dirt and
grime. Take yout time to thoroughly clean
the boat by polishing the metal, cleaning
the seating, washing the windows and deck
and hoovering the interior. It would be wise
to now also wash your boat cover to prevent
ruining all of your previous hard work.
BOAT ON THE WATER
Once all the cleaning and maintenance
checks have been done, you are ready to
take your boat out on the water. What you
don’t want to do is go full throttle as soon
as the hull touches the water. Rather, let
the motors warm up slowly and “settle
in”. Going at a slower pace also allows
you to notice any other inconsistencies,
anomalies, tracking problems and steering
problems that might crop up. Be cautious
on your first trip all the while looking and
listening for any signs of trouble.