SPRING COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST

 

 

GENERAL:

  1. Check for ice damage if boat/rig/gear stored uncovered (particularly mast & furling gear)
  2. Check for rodent/bird nests in openings (mast, exhausts etc.)
  3. Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
  4. Inspect deck for excess crazing, soft spots etc.
  5. Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
  6. Clean and polish all exterior metal items with a good metal polish (such as Autosol)
  7. Clean teak and treat (oil, Cetol etc., as you find best)
  8. Clean windows and hatches (toothpaste gets rid of minor scratches on plastic)
  9. Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
  10. Clean interior including bilges
  11. While it is likely you will meet a few nuts on the water this summer, now's the time to find out where the loose bolts, nuts and screws came from on your boat!
  12. Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary.
    1. Lubricate the tools to prevent rust (WD-40)
  13. Check and replace wiper blades if necessary
  14. Ensure applicable registrations/licenses etc. are current and onboard
  15. Has your insurance has been renewed?
  16. Book a launch date with your Yacht Club/Marina
  17. Arrange for friends to help at launch
  18. At the Yacht Club/Marina, check you have everything ready for launch, put all the pieces in a safe yet readily accessible location on the boat/in your vehicle
  19. Before launch, install hull plugs if needed
  20. For sailboats, have clevis pins at the ready to save crane time
  21. Install long bow and stern lines to control boat when lifting
  22. Before launch, launder and press your CPS & Shediac Squadron pennants
  23. Pay your CPS dues!!

 


HULL

  1. Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
  2. Check and replace zincs
  3. Check for blisters and repair if necessary
  4. Check rub rails
  5. Check swim platform and/or ladder
  6. Inspect and test trim tabs
  7. Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
  8. Check rudder and fittings (watch for rudder cracks from frozen water over the winter)
  9. Touch up or prepare/fair bottom and replace antifouling paint
  10. After cleaning hull apply a coat of good wax (don't leave it too long before buffing)

 

DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

  1. Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity, ensure base pins are installed
  2. Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
  3. Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
  4. Check cleats, bitts and chocks
  5. Check hull/deck joint and chainplates, watch for rust indicating leaks
  6. Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
  7. Clean and lubricate winches as needed
  8. Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
  9. Check dinghy and life raft

 

BELOW DECKS:

  1. Check, test and lubricate seacocks (white waterproof grease)
  2. Check condition of hoses and clamps
  3. Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
  4. Check bilge pumps for automatic and manual operation
  5. Check for oil in bilges, where did it come from?
  6. Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris
  7. Check fir extinguishers

 

GALLEY:

  1. Fill propane tank, check solenoid & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear, same for overboard drain.
  2. Check gas detectors
  3. Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
  4. Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
  5. Check microwave, if fitted

 

WATER SYSTEM:

  1. Flush water tank (Shock the drinking water tank using swimming pool shock, not bleach -
  2. Pool shock breaks down in a few days and then can be flushed out)
  3. Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
  4. Check that hot water tank working on both AC and engines
  5. Check for tank cap keys on board
  6. Check and clean shower sump pump screens

 

HEAD SYSTEM:

  1. Check for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
  2. Flush out antifreeze
  3. If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
  4. Check Y-valve operation, label valve & secure

 

INBOARD ENGINE(S):

  1. Replace spark plugs if required
  2. Change oil & filters - have spares onboard
  3. Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
  4. Empty water separator filters
  5. Check and change engine zincs
  6. Check cooling system, flush antifreeze, change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
  7. Update engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
  8. Check belts for tension & wear
  9. Check transmission fluid
  10. Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
  11. Check water pump impeller
  12. Check and clean water strainer
  13. Check bilge blower
  14. Check I/O bellows if applicable

 

OUTBOARD MOTOR:

  1. Replace spark plugs
  2. Check plug wires for wear
  3. Check prop for nicks and bends
  4. Change/fill gearcase lube (should be done in fall)
  5. Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
  6. Lubricate moving parts and spray interior with water repellant (though not an exceptional lubricant, WD40 is an excellent water repellant)

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:

  1. Check battery fluid level
  2. Recharge batteries
  3. Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
  4. Check bonding system
  5. Inspect all wiring for corrosion, wear and chafe
  6. Test all gauges for operability
  7. Check shore power and charger
  8. If fused, have spares aboard
  9. Check shore power cables
  10. Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and ensure you have spare bulbs
  11. Check all electronics for proper operation
  12. Inspect antennas

 

MAST AND RIGGING:

  1. Check mast and spreaders (especially mast/spreader mounts) for corrosion or damage
  2. Inspect spreader boots and shrouds
  3. Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
  4. Check reefing points and reefing gear
  5. Inspect furling systems for damage
  6. Check and lubricate roller furling as per manufacturer
  7. Clean & lubricate sail track
  8. Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
  9. Inspect stays for fraying and "fish hooks"
  10. Check forestay and backstay connections
  11. Check masthead fitting and blocks
  12. Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end
  13. Check chainplates, watch for rust indicating leaks, same for stay/shroud hull fittings
  14. Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders, don't overdo it on the tape, don't use duct tape

 

SAILS:

  1. Check general condition
  2. Look for wear and chafing, have restitched as needed
  3. Check battens and batten pockets
  4. Check all sail attachments
  5. Inspect bolt rope or slugs

 

TRAILER:

  1. Ensure registration is current and available
  2. Check that your insurance is paid
  3. Check rollers and pads
  4. Check and lubricate wheel bearings as required
  5. Clean and lubricate winch
  6. Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
  7. Test lights and electrical connections
  8. Check tire pressure and condition
  9. Check brakes (if equipped)
  10. Check safety chains
  11. Check tongue lock
  12. Got the right size ball on your vehicle?


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