As spring edges closer, boat owners across the UK are excited to go boating again after the cold winter months. It is important to spring commission your boat before boating season starts. It ensures your boat is safe and ready for the new season. In the guide that follows, we will go over the steps required for spring commission.
Spring commissioning is important for a few reasons. One reason is that winter storageO can deteriorate your boat. This can happen because of differing temperatures and moisture as well as your boat getting no use. We at Spring Commissioning, Inc. believe spring commissioning can spot potential problems that can threaten your boat and your family’s safety.
Starting the engine is the first step to spring commissioning your boat. Be sure to check your oil and, if the oil looks dark or smells like burnt oil, replace it. Inspect your fuel lines. With old fuel, it is possible for some of the lines to crack or break. If your boat was stored over winter without starting the engine, change the fuel and use new fuel mixed with fuel stabilizer.
The next step involves your battery and electrical systems. Boat batteries can lose plenty of charge over winter. If you do not see a fully charged battery with a reading of 12.6 volts on your multimeter, change it.
Check the battery connections and through-hulls for corrosion while checking the electrical system. Clean them with a wire brush and apply an anti-corrosion compound.
Hull and Through-Hull Fittings
Check the hull for signs of winter storage damage. This may include cracking or blisters. Check all through-hull fittings. Lubricate the seacocks by moving them. Ensure the hoses do not have cracks and are clamped correctly. Through-hull fittings can cause dangerous and expensive leaks.
Cooling System and Impeller
If the engine uses raw water cooling (takes water from the sea/lake for cooling) then the cooling impeller needs to be checked annually and more than likely replaced. The cooling impeller is a rubber part and can break without any signs of wearing out. Also flush the cooling system to eliminate any salt or sediment that had the chance to build up and cause blockages.
Safety Equipment
Check the life jackets, first aid kit, flares, fire extinguishers, and warning devices and see if everything is present and working properly. Check the VHF radio to see if it is functioning. You also need to see if your navigation lights are all working and functioning properly to keep you safe when shifting from daylight to nighttime. Test your bilge pump, it is critical to have a working one.
Here is a preview of what you need to do as we enter winter. First, let’s talk about rigging and hardware.
Hardware and rigging get a lot of wear and tear from the elements in the winter, so you need to inspect them for any potential issues. Look for fraying and damage on all the lines. Make sure your anchoring gear (anchors, chains, and rode) is in working order and stored properly. All sailboats should be inspected for corrosion of hardware, especially stainless steel. Test all of the hatches and portlights for water tightness and look at all of the seals.
Now let’s talk about the interior.
You will want to open all of the hatches so you can remove moisture that has formed in the boat from storage. You will need to check all below deck areas for mold and mildew. You also need to check for moisture to determine where water is getting in. Clean all areas of mold and moisture to prevent the spread. You will want to check all systems in the cabins to see if they work properly. You will also want to check the water supply to make sure it is clean from sitting still.
Now for the paperwork.
Your documentation should be good to go and you should confirm your insurance coverage will be good for the entire season. You should also check your contact information for your emergency documentation to make sure it is still valid. You should keep records of any maintenance done to the boat to make sure it is in good condition. This also helps for someone to be able to buy it in the future.
This is just a forewarning to make sure you do this all before launching.
Engine oil and filter should be changed. The fuel system should also be cleaned and newly fueled. The battery needs to be tested and charged. Check for any corrosion on any electrical connections. Make sure you hull is checked for any damage. Through-hull fittings Check the integrity of seacocks. You also need to check the cooling system. Check the impeller if necessary. Make sure all safety equipment is in the boat and in good working order. Look at all of the lights for navigation.
- Lines and rigging examined
- Interior Dry, Inspected for Water
- All systems Operational, Tested
- Current Documentation, Insurance
When to get Professional Help
There are various parts of a yacht that owners can take care of themselves, and there are some that require professional assistance. A marine engineer should be consulted for anything relating to concern for the engine or the electrical system. If you require specialised equipment for inspections, call a marine engineer.
Conclusion
The spring commissioning process adds to the longevity of your vessel, and most of all, its safety. Planning the preparation of your boat to go out for the season also eliminates the possibility of an unforeseen mechanical failure. Take your time to do this. The few hours you spend will save you the trouble of having to spend a lot later. Safe travels!