I'll bet you see a list coming!
This list is for me, but I've added a few lines that may apply to you.
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- whip or fuse unraveling lines
- I tie my dirty lines in a bundle, in a pillow case, and toss-em in the washer when Linda isn't looking, spin dry with no heat! (easy on the bleach)
- make better dock lines
- you need at least four dock lines and in my opinion two should be 1 1/2 times the length of the boat. I carry many more and some are very long.
- While you are at it, teach your self to make spliced loops, it's fun
- Note on loops: Loops on lines are not always desirable--sometimes they snag and get caught causing problems. Loops on cleats can jump off. I properly cleat my loops regardless.
- learn to tie a bowline (loop) behind your back or your eyes shut, it impresses little kids, (then try it one handed)
- patch, scrub and pump up fenders
- renew Rain-X coating on windows
- improve the bilge pumps
- get a hand pump and/or a bucket with a stout handle
- check for crevice corrosion telltale rust streaks, then actually test for weakness
- testing means to push, pull, sit, twist, and pound while trying to break it
- change oils and antifreeze and filters at end of season
- use fuel stabilizer type products if needed
- run the kicker out of gas
- grease trailer bearings, get a spare tire and bottle jack, make sure lug nuts aren't rusted in place
- make the trailer lights and brakes work, and for once do it before you need them
- get new flares, if the date is expired the coasties will yell at you
- have you got the other required stuff? (whistle?)
- check pfd's, and inflation cartridges, clean off mildew
- check your anchor tackle, and re-mark the rode at 100 foot and other lengths
- I never anchor for long in less than 15-20 feet so my first mark is at 100 feet, then 150, 200
- get a second anchor set up if you don't already have three or four like me
- switch lines/halyards/rodes end for end if your able to
- tighten screws and bolts, there are hundreds
- this is when you re-bed cleats, rails, stanchions,windows, etc.
- I use white or black polyurethane (rtv or silicones are not welcome on my boats)
- some people will let a thick bed set a day or two before final torquing. Note: this is not appropriate for all situations. Some things should not wiggle-period! (my opinion)
- clean the bilge use perfumed detergent and make it smell good
- don't let laundry detergent get in the water, it's illegal!
- check electrical connections for corrosion and remedy any issues
- get a new battery if its past it's prime or you have any worries at all
- make sure you have a trickle or smart charger maintaining battery
- check your zincs
- be very, very suspicious of zincs not being eaten up
- A West Marine employee told me he didn't think his boat had any because it was fresh water cooled. You decide if he's right! (not)
- operate all your valves, make sure they still work
- I make a point of yanking on them every time I'm near
- hoses have a life span and will need to be replaced once in a while
- re-torque all your hose clamps, this will tell you which ones are garbage
- the screw is the culprit, many are rusted and break off when used
- simply being SS is not enough, they must be in good shape
- ignoring this may sink your ship!
- Touch up the varnish
- fix those little nicks and spots before they get worse and you will have less work in the long run (maybe!)
- I use this stuff (outside) and really like it - Deks Olie D1 and D2 - made by Olwatrol, its a little hard to find, but Defender has it.
- re-sew stitched things, and patch vinyl stuff
- update ships log
- create inventory and location list for all my misplaced, lost gear
- totally empty all damp under-deck compartments and store stuff indoors
- skipped this last year and regretted it
- More to come, check back later!
This is important: You must test your boat and equipment on a trial outing before you take off for the big trip. If your like me and do all this stuff over several months, you are bound to overlook something, and you don't want to find out what it is ten miles from shore, or two hundred miles from home.
