LAYING UP AFTER THE SEASON

• Service your engine/s before laying up for the winter. This includes replacing the oil, oil and fuel filters, impellers and engine anodes. Check belts and replace as required. If you have an auxiliary outboard motor, service this as well with new oil, plugs and impeller.

• Give the boat a good wash and note any slight damage for attention over the winter.

• Clean the interior and especially the bilges, making sure they are dry.

• Check the battery electrolyte level wherever applicable. Are the terminals clean and corrosion-free? Clean and protect as required.

• Check for any play in rudder and shaft bearings. Also check for pitting or corrosion.

• As far as possible always keep your fuel tank/s full over the winter, to avoid a build-up of condensation.

• If you own a sailing boat, check your sails and if they need attention over the winter, remove them while the boat is still afloat.

WINTER CHECKS AND MAINTENANCE

• Check the boat covers, make sure you have no window leaks.

• Sand the hull from old antifouling.

• Polish and wax the entire exterior.

• Lubricate anchor and sail winches. Check your anchor and chain.

• Does your life raft need servicing? Is your tender still in good shape?

• Service all seacocks and check that all hoses are double-clipped with good quality pipe clips.

• Check all bilge pumps including automatic switches.

• Check all lights, especially anchor and navigation lights.

• For sailing boats, check all your rigging, blocks and pulleys, lines, sheets and lubricate all moving parts, not forgetting sail track, sliders and deck fittings.

• Check your gas lines and replace if in doubt.

• Ventilate the boat as much as possible to prevent condensation and mould.

PREPARING FOR THE BOATING SEASON

• Make sure you have spare oil, oil and fuel filters, engine coolant, belts and at least one impeller on board. Also carry some spare fuses, bulbs, and an assortment of screws, nuts and bolts.

• Check your first aid kit (you DO have one on board right?).

• Check and service your fire extinguishers.

• Check your toolbox – are your pliers rusted solid? Replace as necessary and lubricate with a penetrating oil or corrosion inhibitor.

• Replace all zinc anodes.

• Flush water tanks and check for any leaks.

DURING THE BOATING SEASON

• Enjoy your boat safely. Respect others around you and you will be respected.

• Keep a note book on board and take note of any repairs, maintenance or modifications that need to be done over the next winter.

• If you have a trailer, check it, lubricate the bearings and inflate the tyres well before you need it, not on the day you are hauling the boat ashore, to avoid nasty last-minute surprises.

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