Lymington Directory 1 June/July 2018
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OUT ON THE WATER<br />
10<br />
Whether you have a petrol or outboard powered craft, or a diesel inboard boat, below are<br />
listed a few essential checks to help you get back on the water this season<br />
Fuel: Petrol<br />
Petrol will go stale so fill up your Fuel tank to<br />
dilute any existing fuel.<br />
Replace any canister fuel filters or clean out<br />
any water traps or washable fuel filters.<br />
Replace or clean spark plugs, especially if the<br />
engine has been “fogged” before winter<br />
storage.<br />
Prime the fuel system and recheck the water<br />
traps (condensation in fuel tanks over winter<br />
months can create a surprising amount of<br />
water in fuel tanks.)<br />
Add fuel conditioner to your tanks – a well<br />
worth investment, especially when today’s<br />
petrol contains 10% ethanol.<br />
Fuel: Diesel<br />
Same as above with the filters etc.<br />
Add a biocide and water absorber to prevent<br />
“bug” in the tank.<br />
Bleed fuel through to eliminate air in fuel<br />
system.<br />
Ignition system, Electrical contact points &<br />
Air Filters<br />
Most petrol ignition systems are now modern<br />
style CDI or TCI that require little<br />
maintenance, but if you have an old distributor<br />
style system the points will need cleaning<br />
etc.<br />
Batteries should be on trickle charge, and<br />
stored off the floor in a warm environment<br />
during the winter months. Recharge, check<br />
the fluids and when battery terminals are<br />
refitted, make sure the contacts are clean<br />
and then lubricated with Vaseline or similar.<br />
Check all domestic fuse boxes or exposed<br />
connections, and check vital electrical items<br />
such as bilge pumps, navigation lights etc. A<br />
systems check on VHF and GPS would also be<br />
recommended.<br />
Replace or at least check air filters. Don’t<br />
forget to remove the rag you may have<br />
stuffed up the air intake or the bag sealing<br />
the exhaust!<br />
Steering & Controls, Gear Boxes & Propellers<br />
Check to see if the steering system works freely<br />
before you attempt to launch at the slipway.<br />
Likewise run & test the outboard or stern drive<br />
engine before launching and check the operation<br />
of throttle & gear shift. Nothing more<br />
embarrassing than launching and finding you’re<br />
stuck at high revs in reverse!!<br />
On Outboards & Sterndrives, change the gear oil if<br />
not already done - an absolute must especially if<br />
the boat is staying in the water.<br />
Likewise, check anodes on both the cavitation<br />
plate, and prop shaft or engine bracket assembly.<br />
Anti foul with suitable coating if required.<br />
Check out the propeller, re-flare the blades if<br />
required, and if possible, remove prop and grease<br />
the shaft. On smaller engines with shear pins<br />
check to see if you have spares!<br />
If you trailer a boat, then always check the wheel<br />
bearings before setting off and lubricate – better<br />
safe than sorry.<br />
Likewise trailer brakes and lighting boards also<br />
require a quick check.<br />
Before you launch, ensure all drain bungs are<br />
refitted, sea cocks are turned off and your<br />
mooring warps, fenders and anchor is on board<br />
ready to use.<br />
If you are leaving your boat on a mooring during<br />
the summer months, then an appropriate<br />
anti-foul applied to the hull will prevent foul build<br />
up and subsequent poor performance.<br />
It is also good practise to check the expiry date of<br />
flares, lifejackets and service dates on life-rafts<br />
and please, please, please wear your kill cord at all<br />
times.<br />
There will be other items that will need checking<br />
so always consult the professionals if unsure.<br />
Paul Martin, BHG Marine<br />
info@lymingtondirectory.co.uk 01590 643969 www.lymingtondirectory.co.uk