Seasonal safety tips

As Labour weekend officially marks the start of summer boating, as well as the traditional ‘breakdown season’ for Coastguard, now is a good time to run some annual checks on the boat to minimise the chances of arriving home on the end of our Coastguard tow rope. Coastguard Hibiscus Maintenance Officer Reg Werner, who looks after Hibiscus Rescue One and 2 has put together some hot tips for boaties heading out on the water on their first outing:

Outboard Motors and Trailers

• Charge and test batteries and then actually start the outboard to be sure the battery strength will turn the outboard motor quickly. A slow cranking motor indicates the need for new batteries and/or possibly a starter motor issue (Be sure to hook-up your outboard to a water source for this test!)
• Change spark plugs or have an outboard technician service the engine, oil and filter change, and check lower leg oil condition. If the oil appears “milky” the lower leg may have suffered water ingress. Also have the technician inspect and change the water impeller if necessary.

• Check external fuel tanks for corrosion and leaks. Look for cracks in the priming bulb and test it for firmness and resiliency. If it collapses, replace it.

• If the fuel has been stagnant for over three months, drain and replace with fresh fuel. This old fuel is fine for the lawnmower or hedge trimmer, at least if they break down you won’t be stranded at sea.

• Check trailer safety coupling chain, shackles on the tow bar chain and also the safety chain securing the bow of the vessel, check tyres and trailer lights, WOF and registration.

• Check anchor warp for fraying and chain and shackles for wear.

• Check the steering turns the engine from “lock to lock” smoothly. Lubricate the end of the cable that telescopes in and out at engine end.

• Ensure the throttle control has a smooth operation – the throttle/gear cables should travel smoothly when the control lever is pushed to full, in both directions.

If Reg’s tips have inspired you to learn a little more about your motors, Coastguard Boating Education run both inboard and outboard maintenance courses, call 0800 40 80 90 for details.