Sailing boat preparations, preventative maintenance and organising to undertake before the summer sailing season:
– Wash the boat with fresh water and soap.
– The hull should be polished once a year.
– Sails should all be raised and checked, mast tuned, and rigging checked by qualified rigger.
– Test deck, fittings and safety equipment. Free-up with water and or WD40 or similar. Check fire extinguishers and flairs are in date, service or replace as required.
– Check below deck and clean the bilges, toilets, fridges and all soft fittings.
– Check electronics for latest software updates in manufacturer’s website. Inspect and test.
– All main equipment should be tested before each sailing season.
– Inboard engines should be serviced every year, or every 100 hours of use.
– Outboards should be serviced every 12 months.
– Toilet should be checked before every outing.
– Fresh water should be pumped out of the tanks and changed at minimum every year.
– Clean the galley after every outing to eliminate mould build up.
– Check registration and insurance for yacht and trailer are fully paid and up to date.
By Norman Ambrose
