Spring Thaw Boat Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Launch Season
Hi everyone,
It looks like we’re finally getting a real thaw in the Annapolis area this weekend, and we know a lot of you will be heading down to check on your boats after all the snow and ice.
Before you read, make a list.. all TRC – DIY Kits will be on Sale through February. We’ve added DIY Standing rigging to that page, so check it out. Most of kits are made up in house, so let us know if you can’t find your solution; we can make it.
If you’re making the trip, here’s a practical walk-around list while you’re there.
• Look up. Check spreader boots and tape, sail track, wind instruments, antennas, and mast lights. Do the lights still work? If your spreader boots look rough, we now stock reusable leather boots that don’t need tape and look great for a long time.
- At deck level, spin every block and move all the cars. Traveler and genoa lead cars should move smoothly and quietly. If they don’t they may just need new sheaves or bearings.
- Spin the winches. It’s still cold, so they may be stiff, but you should still hear clicks and it should only spin in one dirctions. If they sound rough or sticky, service is usually a pretty easy DIY job and takes about an hour per winch.
• Running rigging. No hard sell here, just reality. Five years is a pretty good run for most lines. You’ll usually feel wear first in traveler purchases and furling lines. If you’re still tying knots on boats over about 35 feet, this is a good time to either learn to splice or let us help clean things up.
- Lifelines. Make sure that turnbuckle and pelican hooks are pinned or have locking nuts engaged.
- Check stanchions for movement and inspect lifeline courses for chafing or broken strands where they pass through stanchion ferrules.
- Synthetic lifelines are becoming common, and a lot of boats are switching over. If you still have old vinyl-coated lifelines, consider moving to uncoated wire .
• Standing rigging. Take a look at pins and tape. Make sure turnbuckles still turn freely and nothing looks seized or out of alignment.
• Hydraulics. Test backstay or panel systems now. If anything isn’t working or you’ve noticed leaking at any point, let us know. If needed, we can temporarily install a turnbuckle while hydraulic units are serviced so your launch isn’t delayed. (We are a Service Center for Navtec, Sailtec, Harken and Selden hydraulic integrals and panel systems.)
• Boom and outhaul systems. If your outhaul has been on the to-do list, remember that repairs often mean removing the boom and sometimes replacing internal gear. If you’ve never taken your boom apart, Harken has a page with a few decent cutout diagrams. Totally manageable work, but easier to handle now than during the spring rush.
If you spot something you’re unsure about, send us a photo or give us a call. We’re happy to help now, before the phones and schedule get packed over the next few weeks.
Hope everyone’s boats made it through winter in good shape. See you around the yard soon.
— The Rigging Company
