As the weather warms up, it’s time for the usual pre-season maintenance. This spring it’s worth checking your boat thoroughly to help avoid any costly surprises once you start sailing more often.

Prepare your engine

Check the engine often, rather than waiting until there’s a problem. As part of these checks, keep a close eye on fluid levels: oil, water and gearbox oil. Look for signs of corrosion, especially hose clips, linkages or lose bolts and terminals.  

Examine fuel lines and hoses for cracks and other damage, and the bilges for any leaks. Grease the throttle control mechanism and the stern gland, to prevent stiff, sticky, or unresponsive handling caused by corrosion and water intrusion. Check the exhaust to make sure there are no blockages.  

Ensure all belts are tightened correctly. Operate and grease the seacocks, checking for damage. Once all this is done, runt the engine: check raw water discharge from the exhaust and that all warning lights are extinguished. Test the gearbox by engaging forward and reverse gears.

Check cooling systems

Examine the coolant level and antifreeze concentration. Antifreeze helps prevent corrosion all year round, by reducing rust, preventing micro-growth, and promoting efficient engine cooling. So, make sure there’s enough.

Primary fuel tanks

Condensation can build up in the fuel tank over winter, which can cause corrosion and diesel bug, a microbial contamination that clogs fuel filters, corrodes tanks, and can lead to engine failure. (If a boat’s going to be in constant winter use the fuel tanks should be kept full to help avoid condensation, or you should drain the fuel system.) If you don’t have a water separator, now may be the time to fit one. Otherwise drain the primary fuel filter if necessary.  Ensure the fuel supply and return valves function properly.

Charge your batteries

Check the alternator output and that the batteries are holding charge. (If your boat isn’t used much during the winter, a battery charge system will help as the charge declines even when disconnected.)

Check the alternator is working properly, the output voltage should be between 13.5 – 15V on a 12V system. You can use a digital multimeter to do this, they can be bought for under £10 and have many other uses onboard. Batteries should be replaced every four or five years.

Don’t forget your water supplies

If you drained down the domestic water system in the autumn, close off the taps, replace drain plugs and fill the tank. Turn on the water pump and check for leaks. Don’t run the water pump and the engine together, you won’t be able to hear if the water pump is trying to work. Remove air locks then turn the taps off. If your water pump keeps running there could be a leak in the system. Check the skin fittings on all outlets for frost damage.

By completing essential spring boat maintenance ahead of the season, you’ll keep your boat safe, reliable, and ready for the water. For more guidance on staying safe afloat, visit our water safety hub and discover a range of boat maintenance tips.

This article was first shared in the Spring 2022 edition of the RYA magazine, as an RYA member you can login and access all previous editions of our magazine.