Over the winter the marina’s have been quiet. The same faces have been pottering about on their yachts and heading out on the river for the occasional calm winters day cruise. There have also been the fanatics, who go sailing in rain hail or shine!

Salus maritime and Salus marine survey Tasmania offers some tips on how to get your boat ready for summer. If your boat is out of the water already or if you plan to come out of the water a pre summer survey or insurance survey is an excellent way to make sure your boat is ready to go for the season. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company as they may require a 5 yearly insurance survey by Salus Maritime.

Last weekend the sun was out and the marina became a hype of activity again. Like animals out of hibernation, crews were peeling off the covers, opening the hatches and finding out how much damage the cold damp winter had done.

It is an excellent idea to get down to your boat and do a few simple checks to make sure everything is ready to go for the first warm sunny day of the season.

• Give the boat some air. Open up the hatches and bring onboard the cushons, or, if your cushons have been onboard all winter, tip them up so they can dry.
• Check your bilges. Pump out the bilges and give them a clean. This is a good opportunity to check all your bilge pumps work in auto and manual.
• While the deck is up and you are checking your bilges check all your sea cocks work correctly. Ensure they open and close easily and are well greased. If your boat is out of the water, make sure the ball valves are in good condition.
• Check Fuel levels. Check fuel tanks and fuel filters for any contamination or water.
• Check safety equipment – Note the AMSA safety alert 01/2019 to raise awareness regarding the use of old kapok filled life jackets. You can swap your old life jackets for new ones in most states with participating chandlery

• Check your engine. Do the Wobbles
  1. Water – Check your sea cocks are turned on. Ensure they are not blocked. Check coolant levels and colour. check for any discolouration due to contamination.
  2. Oil – Check for any oil leaks
  3. Belts – Check belts for wear and correct tension. You should be able to turn the belt 45 to 90 degrees.
  4. Batteries – Hopefully your batteries have stayed on charge all winter. Depending on the battery they should be sitting at 13.2V with no load. Check your battery specs to ensure they in good condition.
  5. Lubrication – Check oil levels are correct in engine and gearbox. Check moving parts are lubricated.
  6. Electronics – Check your wiring for loose connections and corrosion.
  7. Shaft – Check your shaft from the gearbox. Check stern gland for leaks and grease if required. If your boat is out of the water check the prop

• Engine checks complete, it is now ok to start the engine. Once started check you have cooling water flow, check the colour of your exhaust gas, check your engine for leaks, gears and controls. Run the engine for at least 30 minutes to make sure everything is ok.

• Check Steering. Move your wheel or tiller from lock to lock. Check your steering cables for frayed wires or poor terminations. Lubricate your rudder gland.
• If you have gas onboard test your gas alarms and remote activation solenoid. Make sure that the solonoid opens and closes, and your gas valves open and close easily. Most insurance companies now require a gas compliance certificate so it is a good opportunity to make sure you have ne. Turn your stove on and make sure all elements are working correctly. This is a good opportunity to make your self a nice cup of tea or coffee.
• Check your fridges are operational. Let your fridge run for at least an hour and make sure it is regulating pressure correctly.
• Winches and rigging will require a good checking over before any sails are hoisted. It is always a great social occasion to get the crew togeather for some winch servicing.
• Check your mooring Marina berth or trailer are in good condition by checking all mooring lines, fenders, securing straps and dont forget to check your registration is up to date
• Check your insurance. Most insurance companies now require a insurance risk survey to be completed every 5 years. Salus Marine Survey offers an exelent price to get your survey complete and while we are at it we will advise you on any items on your vessel that may require attention.

Now its time to give your vessel a final clean, polish and make sure she is ship shape and ready to show off over the summer season.

If you are considering purchasing a vessel then Salus maritime not only offer marine insurance surveys but also specialise in pre purchase surveys to make sure your dream continues.

If you would like any advice on getting your vessel ready for summer please feel free to call Salus Maritime do discuss the best way to get your vessel ready for a summer of safe, fun, boating!