As the sailing season approaches, it is important to ensure your vessel, and all of your equipment, is in good working order.
In this post we will outline all of the key maintenance tasks you should undertake to prepare for the upcoming season.
The Importance of Spring Maintenance for Sail Boats and Sailing Equipment
Dedicate a bit of time to some key maintenance tasks, and you can look forward to an entire season of smooth sailing. Regular maintenance will reduce your downtime while helping you save money on repair costs in the long-term.
Of course, it is best to think of boat maintenance as an ongoing commitment, rather than an annual task. Be sure to also read our guide to boat maintenance in winter, and our guide to where you should store your boat out of season.
Does Insurance Require Sailboats to be Serviced?
Your marine insurance policy might also require you to stay on top of certain maintenance tasks. For example, it might stipulate that your boat’s rigging must always be in good, seaworthy condition. So, if you do not commit to regular maintenance, you could inadvertently invalidate your policy.
Key Sailing Equipment to Check
- Hull and decks
- Rigging
- Sails
- Engine
- Electricals
- Safety equipment
Inspect the Hull and Clean The Decks
Thoroughly inspect every inch of your boat’s exterior, including the keel, the rudder, and all through-hull fittings. Look for scratches, gouges, abrasions, and repair anything you find.
If necessary, apply a new coat of antifoul or polish, and replace your anodes if they appear worn or corroded.
Clean your boat’s deck using dedicated cleaning products for each area. Polish your metalwork, and check the seals for leaks. Also inspect your deck equipment, including the stanchions, lifelines, chains, and the anchor system. Give all winches a clean and a grease, and test all hatches, windows, and portlights for leaks.
Check Your Sails and Rigging
Depending on where you stored your boat and your sails over the winter, you may need to clean your sails. In any case, the springtime before the sailing season begins is a good opportunity to check your sails once again for any signs of wear and tear.
Check your rigging for any weak spots, or signs of fraying or corrosion. Pay particular attention to the split pins, the shackles, and the wire guards. You may wish to hire a professional rigger for a dedicated pre-season check, to ensure that everything is working like it should.
Engine and Electrical Checks
First, give your boat’s engine a thorough visual inspection, checking for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. You may want to hire a specialist mechanic to give your engine a dedicated servicing.
Even if you do not get your engine serviced, you can clean it, check the fluid levels, and top up where necessary. You can also use this as an opportunity to stock up on engine spares, including fuel, coolant, and oil filters, so that you will have reliable backups once the season begins.
Make sure you record any engine maintenance you carry out in your ship’s log.
Finally, check all of your boat’s electrical components and appliances, including your lights, pumps, and gauging. Check all implements for signs of corrosion, and all wiring for signs of wear.
Check Your Safety Equipment
Many items of safety equipment have use-by dates. Pre-season is a good time to ensure that everything onboard is still in code and in good condition, and to replace anything that needs replacing.
Key safety equipment to check includes your life rafts, lifejackets, flares, and radio beacons and transmitters.
Are You Insured For This Year’s Sailing Season?
Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need for this year’s sailing season, and beyond.
Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.