Dinghies, keelboats and multihulls - equipment to consider
Are...
Boats suitable and sufficient for the activity you are delivering and the people likely to use them?
Boats able to be rigged for the activity you deliver?
Hulls watertight, in a good state of repair and clean?
Fittings and toe straps in good order?
Halyards of sufficient length and in good condition?
Sheets of sufficient length, appropriate diameter and material?
Shrouds and rigging in good order, with no protruding strands?
Shroud pins and split rings taped?
Painters attached to a strong point?
Rudders, centreboards / daggerboards / keels in good condition?
Sails in good condition?
Systems for reefing afloat in good working order
Alternative means for propulsion and anchoring in place? (if required by the operating area)
Righting lines (multihulls) in place and effective
Mast head floats considered
Cleats, self bailers and other deck / hull fittings working effectively?
Devices for securing a keel or weighted centreboard fitted and in use?
The owner’s manual and rigging guide (or equivalent) available to everyone who uses the boat?
Boats able to be stored safely, securely and accessibly?
Launching trolleys well maintained, inspected regularly for defects, in good working order and do people know how to use them?
Keelboats - procedures could either allow for operation:
with a dedicated rescue boat capable of carrying the entire crew
or independent of a safety boat, if it is unlikely to be knocked down or capsize under normal operation. The RYA have developed a flow chart for keelboats that may inform your judgement.
