Get ready for Summer!

Nearly there! A few more checks and you're off enjoying yourself. Picture by courtesy of Fred.

Two things happened first thing this morning. The SUN woke me. And my outside thermometer rocketed into double figures for the first time in forever. Both of which mean I can start to thaw. Better still, I can start getting ready for summer instead of just thinking about it. Fred is ahead of me of course, all virtue with his Vertue - anti-fouling done and ready to go back in the water.

Ah-hah. But is he ready to cast off and disappear? Well yes, with a bit of homework. So here's a little checklist. Maybe I'll be able to sneak away before him.

Dewinterising

Start with the engine. There's lots of fun to be had out there, but this is the thing that will get you home if you run out of wind.

• Cooling
  (Sea water systems) Close the cooling system drain taps and open the sea water inlet valve. (Other systems) Again, close drain taps and fill cooling system with coolant. Oh yes, and put the sealing cap back on.

• Impellers
  Make sure the impellers are not damaged - and remember to keep a spare on board!

• Lubricating System
  Drain out any inhibiting oil, replenish the sump with lubricating oil. When you get to doing a start-up, run her up to temperature, switch off, check the level and top up gain if necessary.

• Fuel System
  Check the fuel lines for damage at kinks and bends - cracks, hairline splits, they have a life of their own when not used - then bleed them. This is probably essential - and just one bubble can ruin a whole day at sea.

• Exhaust System
  Go round the system and take out any newspaper plugs or tape you may have put in to stop moisture. Make sure you get them all. Reconnect the exhaust hose.

• Electrical
  Get the batteries out of storage and check their condition. If they're not already charged, recharge them, test they're working properly, then refit making sure they're securely stowed. Check all fuses and breakers are off and reconnect. Now go live and ensure the system is working properly.

• Intake system
  Pull out any plugs or blanks you may have put in, fit new air filters.

Once you're back in the water, fire her up, let her run in neutral, then go round checking that running is smooth and even, idling is not too high, she's charging properly and exhaust runs without clouds of blue smoke. If she doesn't run clear, shut her down and check - unburned hydrocarbons cost you money.

Nice and clean now the anti-fouling is done. A few more dockside checks and you're away. Photo courtesy of Fred.

Changing filters. Diesel engines continuously return fuel not used for combustion back to the tank. Repeated exposure to heat and pressure in the injection system hastens breakdown of fuel quality

Running checks

Before casting off:

Make sure your steering system is unobstructed and operating properly.

Check battery electrolyte levels and that the terminals are no corroded.

Check the engine is charging properly and you're sufficiently fuelled.

Examine the stern gland for leaks and give the greaser a tweak.

Check water systems for leaks. Go round all pumps and valves and make sure they're working properly. Don't forget to include the toilet and waste pipes from the head and galley.

Be sure your gas system is OK and leak free - it's heaver than air so it gathers in the bilge. Remember to switch on your detector too, carbon monoxide has no smell.

Regular & End of voyage checks

1. Go round the engine feeling for loose leads and filler caps. Look for leaks and drips, make sure air filters are clean and unobstructed, verify batteries are charged and secure, away from seeping water.


2. Examine all running rigging, replace if worn.


3. Examine all standing rigging, looking for chafing or wear. Replace immediately.


4. Inspect and grease rigging screws.


5. Inspect mast, boom and spinnaker pole for wear, corrosion, etc. Clean and rinse with fresh water.


6. Make sure the reefing system works freely. Lubricate all moving parts.


7. Check all ropes for wear or damage.


8. Check all sails for wear or damage.


9. Smear all aluminium fittings and anodised surfaces with wax polish.


10. Check winches and windlasses for security, wear, corrosion and correct operation. Lubricate where necessary.


11. Check anchors and ground tackle for security and working order. Lightly grease all shackles.


12. Check sacrificial anode for erosion and all bonding cables for security and condition.


13. Check all bilge limber holes are free from obstruction.


14. Check water system for correct operation of water pressure pump cut-out. Lightly smear water filler cap thread with Vaseline, to stop water getting in and make it easier to undo in future.


15. Check gas bottles for corrosion. Examine regulators for corrosion and damage. If in doubt, have them checked by a gas stockist. Test all gas taps and controls. Ensure that gas bottle locker is clean and drainage holes are free from blockages.


16. Check all exposed electrical plugs, sockets and connections for security and corrosion. Lightly smear with a silicone grease.


17. Check electronic systems, particularly nav-aids, are securely mounted, free from corrosion and operating correctly.


18. Go round all safety equipment thoroughly. Check inspection and replacement dates. Be thorough. If you're unsure about the condition of any safety equipment, have it checked professionally.


19. Check the date on your flares. They go out of date very quickly and moisture makes them very vulnerable. Replace if they're even a day overdue, it's not worth getting caught when they don't work.


20. Check the date on your liferaft. When was it last packed? Was the gas cartridge replaced? Did the professional people who inspected it sign-off OK?

These are just the ones I can think of. I have no doubt that Chas Underhay or someone will remind me of a whole stack I have left out - so remind me to check the Forum regularly. Basically, just use your common sense and keep your eyes open. You don't want anything to go wrong at sea, or if it does, you don't want it to be serious.

Enjoy your sailing.