Article By Chris Robertson
Chris Robertson, Operations Manager of Q Service at The Quays Marina on Sydney’s Pittwater, shares some expert advice regarding regular vessel checks and routine maintenance.
1. Check your bilge pumps
We’ve had our fair share of rain of late, and boats like to be on the water, not in it. So, have you checked your bilge pumps are in good working order? If you don’t know how to test them, it’s time to learn. If you have a switch, turn it on. If not, manually lift the float switch and see if it works. While you’re there, clean out any debris near or under the float switch. If it’s still not working, it’s time to bring in the experts.
2. Lubricating your transducer
These handy little devices need some TLC too. Especially for the yachties, who take them out often. No, don’t just pull them out and leave them in the bilge until next time. Keep some grease handy and put some on when next you’re swapping out the blanking plug.
3. Stay a-head
Imagine a big day out on the water is planned. Your smiling guests arrive with arms full of food and liquid refreshments and you head off. Then when someone wants to go to the head (toilet) and it doesn’t work, what a pain! A malfunctioning head can certainly put a dampener on your day. Like everything else on a boat, the loos need to be maintained. We recommend you don’t delve into the plumbing, this is best left to the experts. Just test them regularly to ensure they’re properly functioning, and if you have any issues consult your shipwright for advice.
4. Check your skin fittings and valves
Just like the loo, valves need to be checked routinely and can seize up when not used regularly. There are some people that systematically turn every valve off and on as part of their prep to go out on the water. That could be a little over the top, but it may well be better than the checks you’re doing at the moment. So, spray some lube on the fittings at least twice a year and if you see something out of the ordinary, its best you make contact with your shipwright.
5. Watch out for electrolysis
‘Electrolysis’ and ‘bonding systems’…those couple of words can leave some boaties either scratching their head or in a mild state of panic. If you notice any corrosion on your running gear, sail drives or even on your outboard engines, get this seen to as soon as you can. Marine electricians are the experts for this.
6. Check your engine
Everyone says this, but do you know what to look for, even if it’s just a quick once over each time before you head out? Well, here’s a start: open up the engine hatch and have a good look around. No oil or fluids in the bilge? That’s a good start. Then find the dipstick and check the oil level. Have a look at the sea strainer and make sure nothing is in there, except seawater. It’s best not to tinker with this, both engine repairs and routine engine maintenance are always best left to the experts. So, if you’re in doubt, always contact your marine mechanic or engineer.
7. Check your sea strainer
Speaking of sea strainers, these little gems are there to protect your engine from ingesting all manner of sea life and/or rubbish. A blocked sea strainer is not healthy for your engine at all. To clean it, your first step is to close the relevant seacock. Then remove and clean out the basket, give it a quick wash, then reassemble. Don’t forget to open up the seacock once you’re done. It’s a good habit to check this every time you’re on the boat.
8. Liquid in the bilge?
How often do we jump on a boat and don’t bother to check the bilge? All too often. So, every time you get on your boat, you need to have a good look to see if there is anything there. If there is water in there, mop it up and you’ll be happy you checked. If there’s fuel in there, that’s trouble. Clean it out without delay and get in touch with a qualified marine mechanic.
9. Is your engine pumping water?
All too often we are so focused on having a lovely day on the water, and we forget the most basic of checks. Everything is ticked off your list and you’re ready to go, so it’s engine-on time. Turn it on, and now just pause and wait until you can hear and see the water pumping out of the boat. Count to 10 while you’re watching it, and if it’s still pumping out, you’re good to go. No water? Check that the raw water intake seacock is open. Still no water? Call in the marine professionals!
Visit quaysmarina.au
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