MAS Note-Guidelines for Spring Boat Refitting

GUIDELINES FOR SPRING BOAT REFITTING
by James M. Falk, Marine Recreation Specialist, (302) 645-4346

As the recreational boating season approaches each spring, boaters must prepare their boats for the season. Depending on which lay-up procedures were followed in the fall, spring refitting can be either quick and easy or time-consuming and difficult. A marina or boatyard can ready the boat and engine in a timely manner, or the owner may wish to perform some of the routine chores. The advantage of the latter is that the owner becomes very familiar with the vessel.

A first rule of thumb is to locate the owner's manual and follow any recommended procedures. Keep it handy and refer to it often. The following guidelines should also help in preparing your boat for the season ahead.

ENGINE

Change oil and filter, if not done for the off-season.
Clean carburetor and filters; adjust linkages and idle speed; check gaskets.
Lubricate all grease fittings and other movable parts.
Remove and clean spark plugs; clean threads in spark plug holes. Squirt lubricating oil in each hole to prevent rust and corrosion buildup. Make sure plugs are gapped to correct specifications.

OUTBOARD

Adjust and lubricate all cables and pulleys.
Spray light coating of water-displacing, penetrating lubricant on power head.
Inspect and tighten mounting brackets, clamps, and locks securing outboard to transom.
Apply approved antifoulant to lower unit.
Inspect starting cord; replace if frayed.

STERNDRIVE

Inspect, clean, and lubricate hydraulic elements; top off hydraulic fluid.
Check all belts, hoses, and clamps for cracking or excessive wear.
Remove air cleaner and clean as recommended.
Check stuffing box and repack if necessary.
Inspect sterndrive transom boot and replace if needed.
Repaint corroded or chipped areas with an approved antifoulant paint.

PROPELLER

Remove and inspect the propeller for dents, cracks, or corrosion. Replace propeller or take it to a qualified dealer for repairs if needed.
Check shaft for excessive wobble; inspect for leaking around stuffing box.
Clean and coat shaft with waterproof grease before reinstalling propeller.

STEERING AND CONTROLS

Cable steering: check shifting linkages and properly lubricate; adjust cable and rack-and-pinion mesh.
Hydraulic steering: clean and lubricate hydraulic cylinder rods and movable joints on tilt/trim system. Replace seals inside the hydraulic cylinders if necessary. Check hydraulic fluid level.

FUEL SYSTEM (TANK)

If fuel was conditioned for winter storage, simply make sure the system is tight and without any leaks.
Check fuel lines for cracks or wear throughout system.
Clean fuel pump bowl strainer and inspect for leaks.
Clean screens in fuel filter.
Drain old fuel from portable tanks; dispose of properly.
Repaint rusted or chipped areas on portable tanks.
Dry gas may be added to fuel to prevent condensation buildup.
Fuel conditioners designed for marine use may be used in small quantities during the boating season to help keep the carburetor clean and reduce spark plug fouling.

BATTERY

Make sure battery is fully charged.
Clean terminal posts and connectors; coat posts with grease.
Inspect all battery connections.
Clean and paint battery securing brackets.

ELECTRIC AND IGNITION SYSTEMS

Clean and spray cables, terminals, master ignition, and switches (including circuit breakers, gauges, senders, and fuses) with a water-displacing, penetrating lubricant.
Inspect spark plug wires and test for resistance.
Make sure terminal connections and all wiring are unfrayed and snug fitting.
Clean rust off friction surfaces of alternator pulley; clean terminals; adjust belt; test for output.
Clean and lubricate starter terminals and drive; check output of coil. Inspect distributor, cap, and rotor; adjust points and timing.
Test all electrical equipment including wipers, running lights, blowers, gauges, heater, etc.
Clean and reinstall stored electronic gear (radios, depth sounder, radar, loran, etc.)
Inspect antenna connections; coat with silicone grease.

COOLING SYSTEM

Remove and clean cooling water intake strainers.
Check water level in heat exchangers (freshwater-cooled engines).
Inspect oil coolers for deposits.
Check all fittings and hoses on oil coolers.
Clean rust off friction surfaces of pulley on water pumps; check tension of belts.
Check water pump and thermostat operations.

PLUMBING SYSTEM

Check for worn hoses and clamps.
Check head inlet/outlet valves for proper operation.
Reconnect freshwater hoses and pipes.
Check hot-water tank plumbing and electrical connections.
Clean and replace all in-line filters and check running system for leaks.

INTERIOR

Clean interior walls, counters, drawers, and cabinets.
Clean galley, test stove, and check for gas leaks.
Clean refrigerator/icebox; test for proper cooling.
Replace portable gear (cushions, drapes, carpet) and navigation charts and tools.

BILGE

Clean bilge and make sure limber holes and pump screens are clear.
Inspect pumps and seals for leaks; check all securing brackets.
Test operation of all pumps, gauges, and alarms.
Check operation of bilge blower.

EXTERIOR

Wash all decks; check windows, ports, and hatches for leaks.
Give boat a good coat of wax or polish -- it will help protect finish from sun, wind, and water.
Use naval jelly to remove any rust from metal parts.
Remove tarnish from metal hardware with steel wool and polish.
Clean, bleach, and seal teak. Two-step teak cleaners do a good job.
Check bottom of boat to insure clean, efficient running.
Wooden hull: clean and sand previously painted bottom surface and coat with approved antifouling paint. Wooden boats may need preswelling before launching; check with dealer for best approach.
Fiberglass hull: check for any cracks or pinholes in gel coat. Clean with acetone solvent to remove wax; sand thoroughly; prime and paint according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Aluminum hull: paint with approved antifoulant paint.

BELOW THE WATERLINE

Recaulk loose seams and replace rotted planking on wooden hulls.
Disassemble and relubricate sluggish sea-cock valves.
Check all other through-hull fittings to be sure they are properly installed and thoroughly clean; check for leaks with boat in water.
Use two clamps on all hose fittings below the waterline.
Replace sacrificial zincs on rudder, shaft, and trim tabs every year or when down to 50%.

BOAT COVER

Clean canvas covers with appropriate cleaning solution.
Remove any mildew stains with bleach solution or recommended commercial mildew remover.
Air dry all canvas and vinyl items.
Lubricate snaps with petroleum jelly before storing.

GENERAL CHECKS

Check for animal nests or other debris in air circulation vents and hoses.
Go over boat with a screwdriver and wrench, tightening all screws, nuts, and bolts.
Inspect all fishing tackle and lockers.
Check spare parts inventory (e.g., filters, belts, hoses, clamps, gaskets, spark plugs, engine and transmission fluids, electrical connectors, tape, equipment service manuals) and stock up on needed supplies.
Begin new service log and check last season's records to see what you may have missed.
Check compass by running a series of known measured courses; adjust compass as needed.

TRAILER CHECKS

Repaint chipped or rusted areas on boat trailer.
Tighten bolts that hold bunks and rollers in proper alignment with hull of boat.
Oil bearing surfaces and trailer rollers.
Check winch line or cable for wear; put light grease on winch.
Remove wheel bearings, degrease, clean, and refill with grease before reinstalling.
Check tires for cracks or blisters; check for proper inflation of tires and spare; test wheel lug nuts.
Check bolts that hold license in place; replace with nylon or stainless bolts to avoid future rust problems.
Inspect tail-light plug wires; check lights.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Check life jackets (PFDs).
Check fire extinguishers (recharge as needed).
Check operation of all sound devices, including horns, bells, and fog signals.
Check anchor and chock lines; replace worn lines.
Clean and check boat fenders.
Inspect first aid kits; review first aid procedures.
Check expiration date on flares and the condition of other visual distress signals.
Check life rafts; send to certified inspector for service.
Test fume detectors by holding sensor into a can containing a few drops of gasoline.

By following these tips, your boat should be ready for spring launch. Contact a qualified dealer or professional boat repair specialist if you encounter any problems. It is also recommended that you obtain a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary courtesy inspection prior to launching your boat.