Boat safety & Boat Preparation

[Duffy]

Its about this time of the year that I see many boaties with the cowling off peering starry eyed into their motors after launching.Most motors need a service just like cars----even moreso as salt water is so unforgiving.A correctly serviced motor is about safety on the water.People who cut corners are foolish.

[Steve-G]

Too right, this is the time to service the motor and check the expiry date on everything in the boat, top shot all of the reels and throw out all rusty hooks nthings.

[triman]

Given that the snapper are just starting to make their presence known and we are entering the peak fishing season it could very well be too late to be thinking of getting the engine serviced now.
Given that a lot of boaties prefer to have their donk worked on by mechanics who are invariably idle in winter that is the time to get the servicing done.
NOW, you may as well join the queue because any reputable spannerman will have boats stacked to the rafters getting an overhaul.

[Nemesis]

ey, I have gone to 2 guys in Frankston, I have asked them to take a look at a boat i was going to buy. But they said the wait was 4 weeks.

Anyone know of anyone decent guy round Mornington, Frankston area? I dont mind the wait. I can wait a few weeks longer to buy a boat.

[hillbilly]

I cant get my boat in till November 5th, I was given a number of a boat mechanic that come out to you but am worried bout letting anyone that doesnt know my boat work on her, eventhough I was put onto this guy by a very trustworthy source and Im very thankfull for the number I cant decide what I should do.

Kaz

[hillbilly]

Nemisis, I can pass the mechanics number onto you if you like , he is from Mornington.

Kaz

[Duffy]

Triman is right I always put mine in for service in July/August.And to copy Triman's checklist
The Pre-Snapper Season Get-Your-Boat-Ready checklist
Note that this list is generic and will include items you do not have on board, as well as missing some that you do have. Take what you need from this list and use it as a guide to getting ready for the season.
GENERAL:
o Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
o Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
o Put on a good coat of wax
o Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
o Clean teak and oil
o Clean windows and hatches
o Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
o Clean interior including bilges
o Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
o Make sure registration is current and onboard
o Check and replace wiper blades if necessary
HULL
o Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
o Check and replace zincs
o Check for blisters and refinish is necessary
o Check rub rails
o Check swim platform and/or ladder
o Inspect and test trim tabs
o Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
o Check rudder and fittings
o Touch up or replace antifouling paint
DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
o Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
o Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
o Check cleats
o Check hull/deck joint
o Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
o Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
o Clean and grease winches
o Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
BELOW DECKS:
o Check condition of hoses and clamps
o Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
o Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
o Check for oil in bilges
o Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
o Check battery water level
o Check/recharge batteries
o Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
o Check bonding system
o Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
o Test all gauges for operability
o Check shore power and charger
o Check for spare fuses
o Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
o Check all electronics for proper operation
o Inspect antennas
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
o Sound signaling device
o Check distress signals and expiration date
o Check Pfds
o Inspect life rings and cushions
o Check fire extinguishers and recharge or replace if necessary
o Check and adjust compass
o Check navigation lights
o Check charts and replace as necessary
o Check radar reflector
o Check and replace first aid supplies
o Check bailer and hand pump
INBOARD ENGINE(S):
o Change oil & filters - have spare onboard
o Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
o Check and change engine zincs
o Check cooling system change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
o Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
o Check belts for tension
o Check transmission fluid
o Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
o Check impeller
o Check and clean water strainer
o Check bilge blower
o Empty water separator filters
WATER SYSTEM:
o Flush water tank
o Shock the drinking water tank. I suggest pool shock not bleach. Pool shock breaks down in a few days and then can be flushed out
o Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
o Check hot water tank working on engine/s
o Check for tank cap keys on board
o Check and clean shower sump pump screens
GALLEY:
o Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
o Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
o Check microwave, if fitted
OUTBOARD MOTOR:
o Replace spark plugs
o Check plug wires for wear
o Check prop for nicks and bends
o Change/fill gear lube
o Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
o Lubricate and spray moveable parts
o Empty water separator filters
TRAILER: o Check for current registration
o Check rollers and pads
o Check and lubricate wheel bearings
o Clean and lubricate winch
o Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
o Test lights and electrical connections
o Check tire pressure and condition
o Check brakes (if equipped)
o Check safety chains
o Check tongue lock


_________________
I always empty my boat mid-winter and do where appropriate do these checks.It saves much heartache in summer

[triman]

Things I write tend to be reviewed reaso***ly regularly and there's one notable ommission from this list I compiled, loosely based on a US site.
With all the changes in PPB I forgot to mention to ensure that your charts, if paper-based, or your GPS card is up to date.
The Geelong Channels have been re-marked, there have been large changes in the top end of the Bay and a few amendments in WPB so it is possible for you to meet buoys and beacons unexpectedly.
Charts are amended regulalry and I try to keep this site up to date with posted notices to mariners, but GPS cards may not be re-issued except on an annual basis. The pre-season checks should include the current status of your navigation tools.

[bdo]

Charts are amended regulalry and I try to keep this site up to date with posted notices to mariners, but GPS cards may not be re-issued except on an annual basis. The pre-season checks should include the current status of your navigation tools.

On that note, do any of the GPS manufacturers have a service for updating their cards? eg. Navman's C-MAP cards? Or is it a case of having to periodically buy a new one if you want / need to stay up to date?

cheers,

- b.

[triman]

On that note, do any of the GPS manufacturers have a service for updating their cards? eg. Navman's C-MAP cards? Or is it a case of having to periodically buy a new one if you want / need to stay up to date?

cheers,

- b.


I don't have a plotter yet, relying on paper charts and a basic GPS for positional info, but I beleive some of the card makers offer a perioic update service and may also have the provision to add new info to the card. I'm not sure if you can deleete original data or move a mark.

[Nemesis]

Nemisis, I can pass the mechanics number onto you if you like , he is from Mornington.

Kaz

Cheers man that would be awesome.

[hillbilly]

Nemesis, check yr PM.
cheers
Kaz

[downunderxx]

Can anyone advise how often you should change the fuel/water seperator filter. Mine is a large filter which looks like a car oil filter, so you can't see if there is water in there. Do you just replace it or empty it?