Article by Capt. Steve Katz
Welcome to the 2016 fishing season, while some readers may operate their boat year-round here or in warmer climates, many boats sit dormant over the winter. Before you head out for your shakedown trip, there are a few items that should be checked before venturing out onto the water.
Batteries
Regular readers of this column will note we review batteries often since they are an important part of keeping your boat afloat and running.
Clean all the battery connections, remove the cables from the battery terminals and clean the battery terminals and the matching cables with a wire brush. Label the wires if necessary. If your batteries are not sealed, check the electrolyte level and add distilled water if needed. Connect the batteries to your on board charger or portable charger and recharge before using. If practical, load test your batteries either in the boat or remove them and bring them to a shop or retailer equipped with the proper test equipment. Learning the condition of your batteries and knowing if replacement is necessary will help you have a more reliable boating season.
If you would rather replace batteries as preventative maintenance, check the date code of your exiting batteries and plan on about 3 years of useful life. If replacing your batteries, get the largest capacity and size that fits into your battery mount. Be sure the battery is secured so that it can’t move more than 1-inch in each direction and that the battery terminals are covered to prevent accidental contact. Marine batteries come in popular sizes such as 24, 27, 31 and 8D. The size will usually be on the manufacturers label on the top of the battery. Retail prices range from $80 to $200.
Lights
Check your navigation lights for proper operation along with your anchor light. While you are checking the lighting be sure your set-up meets USCG requirements. There are different rules for different size boats. When checking your lights, walk around your boat and be sure the lights are not blocked by equipment and accessories added after the boat has left the factory. If you have upgraded to LED navigation lights, be sure you have the correct light (nautical mile range and visible arc) that meets USCG requirements for your boat.
Bilge Pumps
The typical bilge pump is connected to two different power sources and both methods of operation should be checked before the start of the boating season. One source of power should come directly from the battery (using a fuse) to the automatic switch, usually a float style switch. When water in the bilge rises too high, the automatic switch turns the bilge pump on. The automatic switch shouldn’t be connected to a panel or switch where it could be accidently turned off. The second source of power is through the manual bilge pump activation switch. This source of power is often at the helm, with power going through the main power distribution panel. Check and be sure this manual switch is also functioning properly. A good bilge pump system will include an indicator light to let you know when the pump is running. Check the bilge pump wiring in the bilge because during the winter, temperature swings and moisture can easily cause corrosion of wiring and connections.
If your boat has an enclosed accommodation, there should be a high water alarm installed and functional. If your boat does not have a high water alarm, it is an easily installed accessory that is a nice safety feature.
Fuel
Check your fuel lines, looking for leaks, cracks or chafing on the lines and hoses. If you have a gasoline engine, and especially if you use ethanol fuel, the lines can deteriorate from the inside out, so a quick visible inspection may not be sufficient. Diesel fuel lines can also deteriorate, often due to tight bends and corrosion from the internal wire reinforcement built into some hoses. While we are on the subject of fuel, check for water in the fuel. Winter storage temperature swings can cause condensation in the fuel tank, resulting in water accumulation in the bottom of the fuel tank. Changing fuel filters is a good preventative measure to take before heading back out on the water.
Electronic Systems
While at the dock or on the trailer, test all of your systems where possible. Power on all of your marine electronics, confirming they all work properly. Remember, do not run a CHIRP style transducer out of the water since it can overheat without the water to cool the internal elements. Check the operation of your VHF radio, electrical accessories, lighting, safety devices and other critical systems.
Steering System
If you have hydraulic steering, check oil level and pressure where applicable, look for oil leaks at connections and seals at helm wheel and steering ram. If you have mechanical cable steering check cables for easy movement in both directions, check for worn cable jacket and grease as necessary. If you have an inboard boat, check the rudder arm connections, tie bar, clevis and other hardware for wear.
Safety Gear
Don’t forget about your safety gear. Check the expiration date on your flares and the charge on your fire extinguishers and replace/ recharge as necessary. Check and service safety gear such as life jackets and MOB gear.
Spending some time in the beginning of the season for preventative maintenance will help to ensure you have a long and trouble-free season on the water.
Captain Steve Katz is the owner of Steve’s Marine Service and holds NMEA, AMEI and NMEA2000 certificates along with ABYC Master Technician certification and factory training from many manufacturers.