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With Labour Day approaching, it’s the time of year again to clean out the bait bin, dust off the fishing gear and blow the cobwebs off the outboard. It’s boating season! This means it’s also time to take care of that essential pre-summer maintenance and ensure all your gear is up to scratch to have a long and safe summer on the water. A few key suggestions are:
Fuel: Flush out the system to ensure any old stale fuel has been removed from the fuel lines and fuel tanks (be careful), also remember to check, clean or replace the fuel filters.
Battery: Charge or consider replacing old batteries with new ones. Check with your local marine retailer to ensure you get the correct ones.
Electrics: When was the last time you had them checked? It’s a good idea to have them looked over every few years to rule out any damage or possible issues that may arise.
Lines: Check all your lines and ropes, chuck out ratty old rotten lines and replace them with an appropriate alternative. While you’re there, it’s also a great idea to check the anchor shackle and the windlass. Of course, if you’re not much of a DIY professional, there are many marine service specialists to take care of all of this for you.
Radio: Be aware, some of the marine channels changed last year. The local Coastguard channels for trip reports are now 64 for the inner Hauraki Gulf and 60 for the outer gulf – for all emergencies it’s still channel 16. Also, if you’ve recently purchased a new boat, make sure your call sign details are fully up-to-date.
Trailers: Check the lights and tyre pressures including the front jack wheel, and if you haven’t had the bearings or brakes serviced recently consider having this done, especially if you anticipate a journey over summer.
Safety gear: Check the condition of your lifejackets, especially the air canisters (for inflatable PFDs) in case they have depressurised. Also, check that you have a bailer, torch, first aid kit that your VHF is working, fire extinguishers are charged and easy to access, and your bilge pumps are pumping. It’s also a good idea to prepare a dry bag with warm clothes, fresh water, a few muesli bars and snacks, and a waterproof sleeve for your mobile phone.
Lastly, check your coastguard membership is current just in case you need to give us a call. It’s much cheaper to be prepared than to be caught out. Be safe everybody!
