Boating maintenance tips
Forum members,
this may have been raised before but below are some good tips for those new to boating....i'm still trying to find the windscreen wipers on my Quinnie??
This website is well worth a read as well.... enjoy.... http://www.seaschool.com.au/Boat%20Tips%2010%20-%20Launch,%20Recover,%20Anchor%20-%20Sea%20School%20240104.pdf
Boating maintenance is vitally important. If your car brakes down you can simply call for a tow truck. Out on the water, a breakdown can turn deadly. Proper maintenance and inspections can ensure many years of safe boating. Below is a list of weekly, monthly and yearly routine maintenance schedules.
Weekly:
Weekly tests should be done by the captain, before each trip out on the boat. These tests should focus on making sure the equipment needed for each voyage is working correctly. Be sure to check bilge pumps, navigation lights, bungs and washers, the steering column for stiffness and fuel level. Also make sure the radio is operating before heading out onto the water. You should also have a quick look around the boat to identify any potential problems or hazards.
Monthly:
Monthly maintenance should focus on checking engine oil levels, and other motorized equipment. Be sure to check the oil levels, monitor the ropes and lines for damage, oil the winch and check safety equipment for damage including lifejackets as well as the use by dates on flares. Give the boat a good clean and also check for any general signs of wear and tare. Inspect the blades of the propellor for damage and inspect all other electrical items such as windscreen wipers, engine tilt and anything else electrical.
Yearly:
Your motor should be serviced at least once a year or more depending on how much you use your boat. As the owner you should thoroughly inspect to exterior and interior of your vessel at least once a year. Look for cracks, chips, blistering, loose wiring, broken fittings and anything else unusual. If you cannot fix what you see be sure to raise the issue with your service agent before getting the boat serviced. Be sure to check grab rails and other fittings are secure and tightly fitted the the boats hull. Check the boats rollers to ensure they are running smoothly otherwise add grease as needed.
By abiding by these maintenance schedules, you will increase your chances of having many years of trouble free boating. Without proper maintenance you run a great risk not only to yourself but to your passengers as well. Be safe, and keep up on your maintenance and checks.
James loves to go boating and fishing. More great Fishing & Boating tips can be found at his site.
Or for more boating tips visit:
http://www.freeboatingtips.com/?p=54
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Fletcher
The Kimberley....perfect one day and more perfect the next!!!
Faulkner Family
Posts: 17867
Date Joined: 11/03/08
there is a simpler way, if
there is a simpler way, if you dont take your boat out it wont break down
. seriously, there is some good info there but unfortunately there will always be something overlooked
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
PJAY
Posts: 1005
Date Joined: 12/05/09
you are right there FF...but
you are right there FF...and this post is intended for those new to boating. :)
The Kimberley....perfect one day and more perfect the next!!!
Faulkner Family
Posts: 17867
Date Joined: 11/03/08
yeah i know , just couldnt.
yeah i know , just couldnt resist. one thing lots may not do is start their boat the day before they plan to go out. nothing worse than being at the ramp with a boat that wont start, weather it be flat battery or mechanicle probs. it can save a lot of frustration and embarrasment
RUSS and SANDY. A family that fishes together stays together
PJAY
Posts: 1005
Date Joined: 12/05/09
i have been caught out just
i have been caught out just recently.......checked everything the day before, battery electrics etc...all okay. next day went to the ramp got in and found i had lost power to sounder, guages etc...turned out to be a fuse with a bit of corrosion on it.......little things like that probably need to be replaced annually?
The Kimberley....perfect one day and more perfect the next!!!
iana
Posts: 652
Date Joined: 21/09/09
You are right PJAY
With winter just around the corner, a good time to work on servicing the boat. It is machinery standing idle that gives the most problems. Having thought about the battery problems in boats, I have decided to stay with one battery, and have spent my money on a "CTEK" battery conditioner, the battery now stays connected on charge when ever the boat is out of the water.
Inflatable life jackets need to be checked if they are your secondary jackets, or tested if they are your primary lifejackets.
Wheel bearings in the trailer will need checking or replacing.
wazzbat
Posts: 977
Date Joined: 19/01/10
That's a good tip - Check your trailer!
We found that out the hard way coming home from the ramp one day. One of the bearings shat itself and the wheel just about came right off. We didn't even notice. If someone didn't beep and flash and let us know, it could have been really nasty. When we stopped, it was only just hanging on. It was at a 45' angle!
I fish for the future - Cause I can't bloody catch anything!
Colt_Striker
Posts: 624
Date Joined: 26/07/09
That reminds me I need new
That reminds me I need new windscreen wiper blades for my tub.