pre-launch checklist
Cut & keep or go to sailmagaine.com to download your a printable PDF
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKLIST ENGINE q Drain off any water at the bottom of the fuel tank. q Inspect, drain and clean fuel filters. q Replace or use last season’s spare fuel from containers. Remember, condensation can form in a fuel container as easily as in the main tank, so keep them all filled to the brim. q Inspect the raw water pump housing and impeller. Replace the impeller if necessary and keep a new spare on board. q Check the alternator drive belt for wear or play and adjust the tension if needed. q Service the raw-water seacock and clean out the strainer. q Check anodes where applicable. q Change oil and filter. q Top up freshwater coolant. q Top up gearbox and/or saildrive oil. q Inspect saildrive seals. q Check throttle/gear and stop cables for wear and lubricate where possible. q Run engine on launch until warm, checking exhaust water, pump and filter seals, injector leaks, drive belt adjustment and alternator charging system.
PLUMBING q Remove any protective rags from through-hulls and exhaust, and check that they are clear. q Sterilize and then flush the freshwater system and refill the tank with clean water. q Clean, pump and drain filters. q Inspect hoses and connectors, including hose clips, and replace where necessary. q Service all seacocks and ensure the correct size softwood bungs are attached via a lanyard.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM q Top up battery water (if applicable) and fully recharge to 100 percent. q Clean and re-grease battery terminals.
q Look out for cable wear or damage and retighten connecting cables.
q Check furling headsail UV strip for wear.
q Clean and lightly smear Vaseline on your navigation light bulb terminals.
q Clean, lightly grease and seize shackles and fittings before hoisting headsail.
q Replace/recharge batteries in torches and spotlights. q Check the function of all electrical systems and instruments.
PROPANE SYSTEM q Check all pipes and fittings for wear. q Replace rusty bottles or regulators. q Consider installing a gas alarm (CO2 and LPG) if you haven’t already.
SPARS & RIGGING
Spars
q Inspect the masthead, step, spreader ends, gooseneck and vang fittings for signs of excessive wear, cracking or corrosion. q Check shroud tension and look for any mast distortion. q Test boom and masthead sheaves for wear and ensure they run freely.
Standing rigging q Check all end fittings, turnbuckles and backstay adjusters for cracks or corrosion. q Clean, lubricate and adjust/return the turnbuckles to keep threads clear. q Replace split pins/rings and tape over to prevent snagging. q Inspect wire closely for broken strands and signs of corrosion.
Running rigging q Wash all lines in simple detergent, rinse and hang to dry. q End-to-end halyards and sheets where possible or trim off worn ends. q Re-do end whippings if working loose or damaged. q Check running rigging, blocks, shackles and pins.
SAILS q Inspect sails after laundering, especially at highwear points such as reefing cringles, headboard, tack and clew, and batten pockets.
q Inspect the tell-tales; replace if necessary.
DECKS q Check for deck leaks from fittings, portlights and hatches. q Check guard wires and stanchions for corrosion. q Wash and spray all canvas with protection fluid. q Varnish all brightwork.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS q Inspect your steering cables/chains/rods for wear and excessive play. q Ensure autopilot fittings aren’t excessively worn (very common). q Check rudder bearings for excessive play. q Check the nut on the end of the propeller and replace split pin if necessary. q Check the cutless bearing for wear/play. q Ensure anchor is on board with bitter end attached and is ready to deploy.
HULL q Wash and polish topsides paying particular attention to the waterline area. q Check for any chips or cracks and repair—especially on the leading edge of the keel and rudder. q Check anode condition and continuity. q Renew antifoul coatings a few days prior to launching.
SAFETY GEAR q Inflate all lifejackets using a pump (not your mouth) and leave overnight to confirm bladders are airtight. q Service all lifejacket inflation mechanisms, weigh gas bottles and clean/grease their threads. q Check the liferaft service is in date and attached firmly to the deck. q Clean, rinse and test MOB kit, including Dan buoys, horseshoe buoys and throwing lines. q Replace batteries in MOB lights.
q Lubricate mainsail slugs as you hoist.
q Clean bilge pump strainers and test the pump.
q Give the headsail furler a thorough hose down.
q Check expiration dates on fire extinguishers.
SAIL MAGAZINE
57
PRE-LAUNCH CHECKLIST ENGINE q Drain off any water at the bottom of the fuel tank. q Inspect, drain and clean fuel filters. q Replace or use last season’s spare fuel from containers. Remember, condensation can form in a fuel container as easily as in the main tank, so keep them all filled to the brim. q Inspect the raw water pump housing and impeller. Replace the impeller if necessary and keep a new spare on board. q Check the alternator drive belt for wear or play and adjust the tension if needed. q Service the raw-water seacock and clean out the strainer. q Check anodes where applicable. q Change oil and filter. q Top up freshwater coolant. q Top up gearbox and/or saildrive oil. q Inspect saildrive seals. q Check throttle/gear and stop cables for wear and lubricate where possible. q Run engine on launch until warm, checking exhaust water, pump and filter seals, injector leaks, drive belt adjustment and alternator charging system.
PLUMBING q Remove any protective rags from through-hulls and exhaust, and check that they are clear. q Sterilize and then flush the freshwater system and refill the tank with clean water. q Clean, pump and drain filters. q Inspect hoses and connectors, including hose clips, and replace where necessary. q Service all seacocks and ensure the correct size softwood bungs are attached via a lanyard.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM q Top up battery water (if applicable) and fully recharge to 100 percent. q Clean and re-grease battery terminals.
q Look out for cable wear or damage and retighten connecting cables.
q Check furling headsail UV strip for wear.
q Clean and lightly smear Vaseline on your navigation light bulb terminals.
q Clean, lightly grease and seize shackles and fittings before hoisting headsail.
q Replace/recharge batteries in torches and spotlights. q Check the function of all electrical systems and instruments.
PROPANE SYSTEM q Check all pipes and fittings for wear. q Replace rusty bottles or regulators. q Consider installing a gas alarm (CO2 and LPG) if you haven’t already.
SPARS & RIGGING
Spars
q Inspect the masthead, step, spreader ends, gooseneck and vang fittings for signs of excessive wear, cracking or corrosion. q Check shroud tension and look for any mast distortion. q Test boom and masthead sheaves for wear and ensure they run freely.
Standing rigging q Check all end fittings, turnbuckles and backstay adjusters for cracks or corrosion. q Clean, lubricate and adjust/return the turnbuckles to keep threads clear. q Replace split pins/rings and tape over to prevent snagging. q Inspect wire closely for broken strands and signs of corrosion.
Running rigging q Wash all lines in simple detergent, rinse and hang to dry. q End-to-end halyards and sheets where possible or trim off worn ends. q Re-do end whippings if working loose or damaged. q Check running rigging, blocks, shackles and pins.
SAILS q Inspect sails after laundering, especially at highwear points such as reefing cringles, headboard, tack and clew, and batten pockets.
q Inspect the tell-tales; replace if necessary.
DECKS q Check for deck leaks from fittings, portlights and hatches. q Check guard wires and stanchions for corrosion. q Wash and spray all canvas with protection fluid. q Varnish all brightwork.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS q Inspect your steering cables/chains/rods for wear and excessive play. q Ensure autopilot fittings aren’t excessively worn (very common). q Check rudder bearings for excessive play. q Check the nut on the end of the propeller and replace split pin if necessary. q Check the cutless bearing for wear/play. q Ensure anchor is on board with bitter end attached and is ready to deploy.
HULL q Wash and polish topsides paying particular attention to the waterline area. q Check for any chips or cracks and repair—especially on the leading edge of the keel and rudder. q Check anode condition and continuity. q Renew antifoul coatings a few days prior to launching.
SAFETY GEAR q Inflate all lifejackets using a pump (not your mouth) and leave overnight to confirm bladders are airtight. q Service all lifejacket inflation mechanisms, weigh gas bottles and clean/grease their threads. q Check the liferaft service is in date and attached firmly to the deck. q Clean, rinse and test MOB kit, including Dan buoys, horseshoe buoys and throwing lines. q Replace batteries in MOB lights.
q Lubricate mainsail slugs as you hoist.
q Clean bilge pump strainers and test the pump.
q Give the headsail furler a thorough hose down.
q Check expiration dates on fire extinguishers.
SAIL MAGAZINE
57
