I got the following list of items to check before you start boating this season from my rep at Bristol Insurance. If you can think of things to add please don't hesitate. Thanks to Fred Kempe of Bristol Insurance Group for providing this list.
Preseason Inspection Guide
Batteries
· Fluid level correct?
· Batteries age or condition suggests its time for a replacement?
· Batteries secured against movement.
· Batteries in proper boxes with covers.
· Supply of distilled water on board to refill batteries as needed.
Plumbing
· Check through hull for free operation, corrosion.
· Through hulls double clamped below water line, and elsewhere where possible
· Bilge pumps, confirm operation of float switches.
· Manual bilge pumps checked for operation.
· Sump pumps checked for clean strainer and float switch.
Review fresh water system for leaks and confirm operation of fixtures and pump.
· Confirm operation of head, holding tank, discharge pump and pump out fittings.
Engine Room and Bilges
· Free of debris that may interfere and clog bilge pumps.
· Oil clean up material in place or at the ready.
· Free of water and oil.
· tools, spare parts and other material secured.
· Sea strainer(s) cleaned, and spare service parts on board.
· Stuffing boxes tightened, spray shield if needed is installed.
Machinery
· Fluids changed and at correct levels.
· Replacement fluids in inventory for topping off as needed.
· Steering system check. If hydraulic, check fluid level and pressure.
· Engine exhaust system double clamped, hoses checked.
· Hoses and cables free from chafe damage.
· Stuffing box checked for proper adjustment, and spray deflector as needed.
· Check accessory drive belts for correct tension and if replacement is needed.
· Spare belts and hoses on board?
· Are alarm systems, overheating, low oil pressure, etc., operational?
· Engine Instruments working and reading correctly?
· Inspect exhaust system for any leaks or restrictions.
· Confirm operation of any bilge blowers.
· Spare parts and tools required.
Electrical AC
· Are GFCI units installed in heads, galley, and exterior or other wet areas?
· Operational checks made to ensure proper operation of galley equipment, water heaters, space heating, refrigerator, and battery charger.
· Check shore power cords for any signs of damage, or overheating. Make sure fittings and receptacles are in good order, and that AC adapters are on board as needed.
Electrical DC
· Using load tester, check battery condition.
· Terminals tight and clean.
· DC switch panel labeled and all switches working?
· All navigation lights, anchor, and instrument lights in working order?
· All circuits and all equipment protected by circuit breakers of fuses.
Anchor/Ground Tackle
· Anchor rode/chain markers.
· Second Anchor and proper chain and rode.
· Dock lines, spring lines, and spares.
· Confirm anchor windlass operation.
· Anchor shackles wired.
General Safety and Miscellaneous.
· Are up-to-date charts and tide information onboard?
· Radio check for VHF units.
· Operational check for depth sounder(s), GPS units, Radar and Chart Plotters.
· Owners manuals for all vessel systems on board.
· Spare batteries for units that require same.
· Spare keys.
· Propane storage within ABYC standards.
· Proper number of PFDs, and are they located where accessable in an emergency?
· Distress signals of proper type and number within current date.
· Life Sling or similar means of retrieving a MOB.
· Life lines and railing in good condition.
· First Aid kit on board and do you know how to use it?
Tenders.
· Spare parts for motor. (spark plugs, shear pins, etc.)
· Kill switch, keys, and a spare.
· Oars, paddles, cushions.
· Pump, patch repair kit, extra drain plug.
· Fuel in proper container, and safely stowed.
· Grease and lube moving parts, and check lower unit oil.
Preseason Inspection Guide
Batteries
· Fluid level correct?
· Batteries age or condition suggests its time for a replacement?
· Batteries secured against movement.
· Batteries in proper boxes with covers.
· Supply of distilled water on board to refill batteries as needed.
Plumbing
· Check through hull for free operation, corrosion.
· Through hulls double clamped below water line, and elsewhere where possible
· Bilge pumps, confirm operation of float switches.
· Manual bilge pumps checked for operation.
· Sump pumps checked for clean strainer and float switch.
Review fresh water system for leaks and confirm operation of fixtures and pump.
· Confirm operation of head, holding tank, discharge pump and pump out fittings.
Engine Room and Bilges
· Free of debris that may interfere and clog bilge pumps.
· Oil clean up material in place or at the ready.
· Free of water and oil.
· tools, spare parts and other material secured.
· Sea strainer(s) cleaned, and spare service parts on board.
· Stuffing boxes tightened, spray shield if needed is installed.
Machinery
· Fluids changed and at correct levels.
· Replacement fluids in inventory for topping off as needed.
· Steering system check. If hydraulic, check fluid level and pressure.
· Engine exhaust system double clamped, hoses checked.
· Hoses and cables free from chafe damage.
· Stuffing box checked for proper adjustment, and spray deflector as needed.
· Check accessory drive belts for correct tension and if replacement is needed.
· Spare belts and hoses on board?
· Are alarm systems, overheating, low oil pressure, etc., operational?
· Engine Instruments working and reading correctly?
· Inspect exhaust system for any leaks or restrictions.
· Confirm operation of any bilge blowers.
· Spare parts and tools required.
Electrical AC
· Are GFCI units installed in heads, galley, and exterior or other wet areas?
· Operational checks made to ensure proper operation of galley equipment, water heaters, space heating, refrigerator, and battery charger.
· Check shore power cords for any signs of damage, or overheating. Make sure fittings and receptacles are in good order, and that AC adapters are on board as needed.
Electrical DC
· Using load tester, check battery condition.
· Terminals tight and clean.
· DC switch panel labeled and all switches working?
· All navigation lights, anchor, and instrument lights in working order?
· All circuits and all equipment protected by circuit breakers of fuses.
Anchor/Ground Tackle
· Anchor rode/chain markers.
· Second Anchor and proper chain and rode.
· Dock lines, spring lines, and spares.
· Confirm anchor windlass operation.
· Anchor shackles wired.
General Safety and Miscellaneous.
· Are up-to-date charts and tide information onboard?
· Radio check for VHF units.
· Operational check for depth sounder(s), GPS units, Radar and Chart Plotters.
· Owners manuals for all vessel systems on board.
· Spare batteries for units that require same.
· Spare keys.
· Propane storage within ABYC standards.
· Proper number of PFDs, and are they located where accessable in an emergency?
· Distress signals of proper type and number within current date.
· Life Sling or similar means of retrieving a MOB.
· Life lines and railing in good condition.
· First Aid kit on board and do you know how to use it?
Tenders.
· Spare parts for motor. (spark plugs, shear pins, etc.)
· Kill switch, keys, and a spare.
· Oars, paddles, cushions.
· Pump, patch repair kit, extra drain plug.
· Fuel in proper container, and safely stowed.
· Grease and lube moving parts, and check lower unit oil.