Spring Safety

After this winter’s record cold temperatures, boats need special care this spring. Time spent with this spring checklist can save you time and money later. ACBS safety officer, Goody Thomas, and Hagerty Classic Insurance have prepared a safety checklist to help you re-launch your boat this spring. Keeping your boat in good working order is as much a part of the boating experience as boating itself. Following are some general recommendations applicable to most ACBS boats:

General Maintenance:

• Keep the hull and decks of the boat clean and properly waxed. This not only protects the hull from deterioration from the sun but a clean hull will give you better fuel efficiency and protects the finish from developing hairline cracks.

• Check all screws, bolts and other fittings to keep secure.

• Keep all electrical fittings dry, free of corrosion, and coat with a water repelling, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor such as Pertox.

• If at all possible keep your boat in a covered garage, carport, or enclosed storage unit. At a minimum keep a cover on your boat to protect the topsides, floors, seats etc…from the effects of the sun and rain.

Miscellaneous:

• Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.

• Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.

• Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.

• Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up-to-date and stored in a safe place.

Engines and Fuel Systems:

• Inspect fuel lines, fill and vent hoses for softness/brittleness or cracking.

• Check all joints for leaks.

• Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. (Clamps should be snug and rust free). Replace all rusted clamps.

• Inspect cooling hoses for leaks, rots, stiffness, cracking. Make sure these are double-clamped, when possible.

• Every few years remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.

• Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of the battery cables. Don’t forget to check the battery water level.

Trailers:

• Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure.

• Inspect bearings and repack as necessary because they do run dry after being in the water time and time again.

• Test tail and back-up lights.

Before Getting Wet:

• Hoses and hose clamps should be reinspected and replaced, as needed.

• Inspect the prop for dings, pitting and distortion.

• Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.

• Make sure the engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion and properly secured.

• Inspect the outer jacket of control cables: cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and could mean that the cable should be replaced.

• With your boat on the trailer, swell the planks or strakes by (wetting) spraying the bottom preferably from the outside to be sure that you won’t overtake the capacity of the bilge pump when you first launch your boat.

Don’t forget your ACBS Membership Benefits! All ACBS members receive a 10% discount on their policy from Hagerty Classic Insurance.