Spring Sailboat Commissioning Checklist

Boating enthusiasts know fixing the boat before a trip is essential for safety and peace of mind. A fault-free sailboat guarantees that you'll enjoy your aquatic adventures without breakdowns. Consider boat maintenance as you approach spring commissioning to ensure everything is in good working condition before taking the boat to the sea.

It is easy to overlook things when you're in a rush to get your boat on the water. We have prepared a spring sailboat checklist to help you prepare your boat for launch and ensure you complete crucial boat inspections and maintenance before using it.

Boat Spring Checklist and Preparations

A pre-commissioning checklist reminds boaters and boat owners of the crucial areas of the boat to check before taking it on the water. In addition to this boat launch checklist, you can also check the owner's manual for more information on maintaining the boat.

Safety Gear Check

The presence of safety gear gives boaters peace of mind while sailing. In addition to enhancing your safety, having safety gear in the boat is a legal and regulatory requirement. The U.S. Coast Guard requires vessels to have this safety gear, although the type and number of these items vary depending on the size of the vessels. Regardless of the type and size, make sure the boat has the following safety equipment:

• Life jackets: Personal flotation devices (PFDs) and life jackets are some of the most vital safety items on any boat. You should ensure the boat has life jackets for all occupants, regardless of their age. In addition, the jackets should fit all persons considering their sizes and ages. Check life jackets regularly to ensure they're in good condition and fit for purpose. Kids 12 and under must always wear their life jackets when in a moving vessel.
• Throwable floatation devices: You also need at least one throwable floating device that you can throw to someone in the water in case of trouble. This throwable device, coupled with the life jacket, enhances the safety of any person in the water as they approach the boat or wait for rescue. Although only one throwable device is required, having several of them is good. Examples include ring buoys and cushions.
• Visual signaling devices: There are different types of visual signaling devices, and the exact type to use depends on the size of the vessel and your state's regulations. For example, boats over 16 feet must carry visual signals for both day and night, while those under 16 feet only require nighttime signals.
• Fire extinguishers: Ensure the fire extinguisher on your boat has a label that says Marine Type - USCG Approved and that it receives regular service. You can also have fire blankets on board.
• Sound signaling devices: You need these devices to attract help at all times. These devices are also effective in fog.

Although not required by law, you should also have a first aid kit on board to address medical emergencies on the boat. Some boats will have this kit included — you should buy one if it's unavailable. Inspect your first aid kit to determine if all essentials are available or if you need to restock. Some of the must-haves include:

• After-sun lotion
• Bandages and gauze
• Iodine tincture
• Motion sickness medicine
• Pain medication
• Scissors
• Sunscreen
• Thermometer
• Tweezers

Hull Inspection

The hull is your boat's exterior and the first line of defense against leaks. Conduct hull inspections regularly to maintain safety and integrity. Carefully inspect the hull for blisters, gelcoat wear and cracks. The inspections should also check for possible anchor chain damage or delamination. Remove any growth on the propeller, strut and shaft, and inspect them for pitting or any other type of damage.

Hull inspections are also conducted to eliminate invasive species like zebra mussels and Killer Algae. These species can go undetected and usually reproduce rapidly in a new ecosystem, ultimately harming local biodiversity.

Remember to check the boat's paint status. Boat paint is designed to resist ocean environments, biofouling organisms and varying water temperatures. Apply antifouling paint if needed.

Sail Maintenance

Have your boat's sails professionally washed annually to improve their usable life and ensure they always look great. Check for wear and tear on the sails, and replace or repair any damaged sails.

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as it can damage sails. UV-resistant materials should cover the leech and foot. Make sure the mainsail is always covered when stored on the boom.

Mast Inspection

Any damage to your mast can have severe consequences. The sun, water and wind can all damage the mast and rigging, which could lead to loss of control of your boat.

Regular mast inspection lets you detect corrosion, cracks, deformations, fatigue or any other type of damage. You can then do repairs or replacements before the damage becomes more serious. You should do a mast inspection annually, especially before the start of the sailing season.

Engine Tune-Up

Boat owners should change the oil and filter at the end of the season to prevent dirty oil from sitting in the engine pan all winter long. If you forgot to change it then, the next best time is now. In addition, you should check their belts and replace them if they show any signs of cracking or wear. You should also replace the impeller every one to two years.

Hold the propeller and push it side to side to see if there is any movement. A little movement is all right, but none is ideal. Propeller movement might indicate a problem with your cutlass bearing or P bracket.

Battery Check

Check your battery manufacturer's date to see if it is approaching its maximum usable life. If it is, replace it. Also, check the electrolyte levels and refill them if necessary.

Look for signs of corrosion on all terminals, and grease the clamps and posts. You may want to replace wingnuts with nuts or nylocs, which are more secure.

Spare Parts

Like other equipment, boat parts also break. You don't want part of the boat to break down while you're on the waters. Always carry essential spare parts with you to avoid getting stuck. Here are some critical boat parts you should have onboard:

• Fuses: Fuses can blow anytime, making the electrical circuits they protect useless. You can get stuck if a fuse blowout happens to a major part of your boat, like an outboard motor. You should always carry spare fuses, especially for the main engine.
• Bulbs: You need spare navigator bulbs, especially if you sail after dark. You should also check the spare bulbs from time to time to ensure they work.
• Belts: Your engine's belts are crucial for its functioning. If any of the belts snaps, you may get stuck if you don't have spare belts. Keep spare belts onboard for such scenarios. Belts and hoses are made of rubber and must be stored properly to avoid damage.
• Fuel filters: Your boat may get stranded if its fuel system fails. A spare filter is necessary because it is integral to the boat's fuel system. Fuel filters protect your engine from harmful debris, water and other contaminants.
• Impellers: An overheating engine can quickly break an impeller. Regular use also makes them prone to wear. When they're not used, they become brittle. Therefore, you should have a spare impeller for every water pump onboard.
• Batteries: Carrying a spare battery gives you peace of mind that you have a backup when needed. Ensure the spare battery is fully charged.

Life Raft Inspection

Storing your life raft in a garage or shed during the offseason can allow insects, water and vermin to enter the sealed casing. Furthermore, the life raft could be porous and leaking, and you need to inspect and make repairs before launching. Inflate the raft and check the glue, roping and life raft fabric. Ensure all survival equipment required in a life raft, like a first aid kit and flares, is available in the raft. Inspect this equipment for defects or damage.

Boat Documentation

You should have all the required boat documentation before your trip on the waters. For boat owners, having these documents ready is one of your most critical responsibilities. You need to have the following documentation:

• Vessel registration: Your boat should be registered with the United States Coast Guard for specific information on your boat. Having the boat registered indicates that you're responsible for any damage caused by your boat.
• Certificate of documentation: You should receive a national number from the U.S. Coast Guard to demonstrate ownership and compliance with federal rules. You must demonstrate that a business or citizen of the United States lawfully holds the vessel. The national number is also called a certificate of documentation and will be connected to your boat's logbook.
• Marine insurance policy: A marine insurance policy is a legal requirement for your boat. It ensures your boat is protected in case of an accident or loss at sea. As a sailor, you should ensure that gear, boat and other possessions are insured. Otherwise, you will be responsible for covering damage caused by your possessions.
• Certificate of inspection: When you acquire a vessel, you must give the U.S. Coast Guard an inspection certificate. You cannot sail without this certificate of inspection.

Weather Preparation

To enjoy the waters without any worries, you should be prepared for anything that might happen, including weather changes. It's essential to keep the weather forecast in mind when getting ready for the trip. However, even the most reliable weather prediction can be wrong, so be sure you have enough information to avoid surprises when you're boating. Use the tips below before boating:

• Check the forecast: Look for reliable and trustworthy weather forecasting sources and check their reporting regularly. You can get real-time weather forecasts from weather apps.
• Pay attention to warnings: Pay attention to special warnings, such as wind and storm advisories. Your local weather stations might post special warnings for boats during extreme weather conditions, and the warnings may be specific to different boat sizes.
• Use a barometer: You can use barometers to read air pressure and predict short-term weather changes, such as an oncoming storm.

Getting Prepared

You can complete many of the items on this spring boating checklist before the start of the season. However, some items require specific weather conditions. For example, you should paint in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Do cool-weather-friendly boat inspection and maintenance activities as soon as possible and activities like painting during the warmer weather. Learn to use the weather to your advantage to prepare your boat for a great boating season. 

Common Launch Mistakes to Avoid

This spring sailboat commissioning checklist would not be complete without telling you common mistakes to avoid when launching.

• Launching too quickly: Before launching, you should watch other boats. Watching will allow you to estimate the time it will take for one boat to pass after you get into position.
• Not using fenders: Bumpers or fenders protect your boat from scratches and other damage by keeping it away from the boat ramp, dock or any other surface it may contact while in the water.
• Not using boat launchers: Boat launchers are there to help you get your boat into the water without damaging it or causing damage to other boats. You could end up with damage if you try to launch your boat from a beach or anywhere else that is not meant for boat launching.
• Underestimating the water: Always be aware of the power of the water when launching. Launching a boat into moving water can damage your boat and its occupants. Use caution when driving forward.

Note that saltwater conditions are different from those in a freshwater environment. Saltwater can corrode metallic items 10 times faster than freshwater, while freshwater can cause bubble-like blisters on the hull over time. Additional maintenance is necessary to combat saltwater's destructive nature.

After all the inspections and maintenance and waiting for the launch, you'll want to store your boat properly to protect it from weather-related damage, especially during winter. You can store your boat outdoors, indoors or on the water.

• Outdoor storage: This is the most popular option and often allows you to store your boat with the mast up. However, you'll need proper cover to protect the boat from the elements. Shrink-wrapping is the best way of covering your boat for outdoor storage because it keeps the boat protected and ventilated at the same time.
• Indoor storage: This method protects your boat from the sun and the weather. If you don't have enough space for indoor storage at your property, you can rent a storage unit.
• On the water: You can also store your boat on the water. Many harbors provide boat storing services. Storing on the water is a practical option if you have a big boat and the water is deep.

Buy Maintenance Equipment From Fawcett Boat Supplies

This checklist is a helpful reminder of the inspections and maintenance you should not miss before launching your boat. We have covered some crucial areas, such as engine inspections and the need for safety gear. Fawcett Boat Supplies has everything you need for your boat's maintenance and safety. Feel free to contact us for more information on our products and services.