Spring is around the corner. It will not be long now before this long, snowy winter is history; a fleeting blur in our minds. I am tired of hearing about all the bailouts, even though the word "bailout" has a nautical connotation. I want to relax, have some fun, and put the world's problems out of my mind. Boating can do that for you. Put your snow boots and skis away and take out your boat shoes and shorts. After the Ides of March, winter covers will be removed, the boats' bottoms painted, the zincs replaced, and the boats launched. Am I pushing the season? You bet I am! I want to go boating. Especially after that 64 degree day that teased us last weekend. It is time to get the boat ready and it is nice to know that we have the services of the "professionals" right here at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. Let them go through their checklist. Get the work scheduled now. There is nothing worse than having "downtime" when your time is so precious. If your batteries are more than three years old, consider replacing them. Don't wait until they are so weak you have to call Sea Tow. Have your engine's oil and fuel filters changed to remove the moisture from condensation. And don't overlook your safety gear. Make sure your lifejackets are dry and free of cracks and mildew. Check your VHF radio, but please do not ask for a radio check on Channel 16. Pick a proper working channel that does not interfere with the Coast Guard. Check the dates on your flares. Are the navigation lights working? Sound your horn. Then, after you think you have done it all, get a Vessel Safety Check decal from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. That decal can save you a Coast Guard "boarding" on a Sunday afternoon. A warrant officer at USCG Station Pt. Allerton once explained it to me this way. "If we have to choose between two boats to board, and one of the boats is displaying the Vessel Safety Check decal, which boat do you think we stop?
"Let's think boating! Any comments?
Capt Lou, Host of "Nautical Talk Radio" Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon 95.9FM WATD http://www.nauticaltalk.com/.
* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"
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Captain Lou,
ReplyDeleteYes, it isn’t too early to schedule maintenance services for your boat, especially if you aspire to be on the water before Memorial Day.
However, whether you outsource maintenance to the professionals, do it yourself, or somewhere in-between, I recommend that every boater develop and maintain a customized checklist of required, and performed, services for his or her vessel. Fishermen should do the same for their fishing gear.
For starters, you might Google the following:
Boat pre-launch checklist
Boat winterizing checklist
Fisherman’s checklist
Fair winds and tight lines.