The very first journey of the New Year is usually thrilling. It is an excellent idea to plan for it with a simple schedule about where to go, what places to avoid and what are sigh seeing spots, so that you may fully enjoy your stay on board from the first day.
The task begins a few weeks before the booking or when you get the boat from the yard: is the boat and cruising apparel in good enough condition? What is the state of the life jackets? What is the state of the mast and railings? Is the boat clean or does it need service?
Above all, maintain the batteries in life jackets for personnel, locating beacons or radios before each water recreation season. Devices like GPS, navigators and radars should be maintained. Update all the security systems to prevent any theft or trespassing. Install the cameras on the upper part of the boat and adjust the underwater cameras to view the bottom of the sea for any rocks or obstacles. The are also heat sensor cameras that detect things and livings species, you can get cameras with different distance ranges.
If your life jackets require thorough servicing, just send them to SVB for service. There are additional inspection stations for life rafts. Check the life rafts for air pressure and any holes.
Personal items like apparel, life jackets, hygiene items, and toiletries, and first aid items etc.
Marine charts with up-to-date paths and routes for navigating during the season
Comfortable swimwear that can allows you to protect yourself from UV rays and allow you ease for application. For a untroubled season start on your BAVARIA boat, make a brief list of spare components and supplies before the season begins. Boat parts from partsVU can be very useful for you. As you’re on the journey in the middle of the ocean, you will not be able to get anything you want, as there are obviously no sellers or shops on the sea! This checklist should include the specifications and dimensions of all filters and other commodities on board, as well as the order of the numbers.
While genuine replacement parts are swiftly sent through the SVB store, having spares on hand is always a sensible move. There are many spares that are not genuine but extremely great quality and durable. During the season, replenish this store on board without having to wait at a harbor for a shipment.
PREPARATIONS AFTER WINTER
Organizing the Boat, Yourself:
Before the boat reservation, the spring check begins on the boat. When you require maintenances, they are usually simpler to do on land due the easy access of hardware stores and tool shops. You have easy stepping and balance, with advice from experts on boats and yachts. In order to accomplish this, evaluate the boat from front to tail and write a list of everything you see, from minuscule damages to the greater ones. Special care should be taken with sections that are prone to corrosion, water damage, sun bleaching and strong loads, such as boarding rail brackets. It is recommended to buy important boat parts from partsVU.
Railing brackets are usually held when one is loosing their balance. Mostly we tie ropes and knots on the railing to keep the boat at harbor or align with other boats. Replace the railing if they are bending, not only for cosmetic reasons, but also because hairline fractures in the bends frequently weaken the braces!
Rigging:
A detailed visual check of the rigging is an integral component of the preparation for sailing boats. Maintenance is very difficult once the mast is on deck: are all fittings securely fastened? Is there evidence of micro cracking or wear? Is it the correct size and strong enough to bear the piercing wind? Did you tie the ropes correctly and securely? The more thoroughly you perform this examination, the more at ease you will be when the weather gets bad at sea. And weather at sea it extremely unpredictable. All rigging accessories are available online through our partner SVB’s BAVARIA store. By the way, spare cuffs and turnbuckle substitutes should always be on board.
- Inspect the quality of the mast and fittings
- Are all halyards free to move, and are the links coiled?
- Corrosion to the halyards?
- Install the antenna and dogvane.
- Are there enough replacement parts?
Engine
After all repairs have been completed, review the engine: change the impellers once in every season, replace the diesel filters, and check the fuel level, cooling water amount, and Vbelt tension. A torch inspection shows an infrared visual of the micro level organisms inside of the tank. This torch reveals whether bacterial muck has accumulated in the diesel throughout the winter. Diesel becomes mucky and thick if left for a long time. Thoroughly empty and clean the tank if slimy lumps are visible. Bacterial growth can cause engine failure even on the short drive from the crane to the mooring. The first day on board is then unduly rushed by a power outage somewhere in the port basin.
- Batteries charged?
- Change filter and impeller
- Replace oil level
- Tank check
- Open cold water sea cock
- Crane operations
Other than the engine cooling water, shut down all sea water cocks immediately before the BAVARIA boat is hauled to the crane. Attach two long lines to the stern and bow and use these to control the motion of the boat when raising with the crane; then quickly dock the boat using all these lines during installing the mast to the decks. Fit the attachments strongly, to bear the weight of the boat and prevent it from falling off.
Make a quick scan to see if there is any leakage of holes in the boat surface and if the water is penetrating the boat once in the water. Pay close attention to the engine’s cooling water pipe. The cooling is important because the engine may shut if it gets over heated. Then you may untie the ropes and sail the boat safely towards the dock for the first time this season.
Crane operations are never dull. Enjoy the lapping water, mild roll, and seagulls for a bit before proceeding with the rig and getting the boat prepared for sea. You won’t face any problems during the journey if your boat is perfectly maintained. You’ll enjoy your trip without any halts. Inspection before the start of the journey is the best step to take.