Spring Commissioning:
Get Ready and Get Back on the Water

Electrical circuits

Check circuits and wiring for chafing or areas of wear that could lead to a short circuit. Spray the wiring terminals and strips with anticorrosion protectant. Test your batteries with a hydrometer to see that all cells are equal and charge batteries as needed.

Electronics

Test your radio, GPS, underwater sensors, and any other electronic tools or toys you use. Replace batteries as needed. If your antenna has suffered UV degradation, you should consider replacing it.

Leaks and loose fittings

Leaks can cause decks and bulkheads to degrade if left unrepaired. Checking for leaks can be difficult, so you may need your boatyard's help. If fittings are loose, now is the time to rebed them.

Compass

Check the accuracy of your compass and have it adjusted if it's off.

Shaft seals and packing glands

If applicable, check the shaft seals on your propeller and rudder shafts. Repacking every year or two is recommended.

Through-hulls

Any place where there's a hole in your boat is a through-hull. Check fittings for cracks and if the fittings are more than 10 years old consider replacing them. On the inside of the boat, check the sea-cocks (valves) attached to the through-hulls and the hoses and clamps. Replace hoses that are soft, brittle, or cracked. Make sure hoses to through-hulls are double-clamped.

No matter whether you own a power boat or a sail boat, there are several steps that should be part of your spring commissioning routine.

Distress signals

Make sure what you have on board meets the requirements of the area where you boat. U.S. Coast Guard visual distress signals and flares expire every three years and should be replaced.

Fire extinguishers

Check the gauge to make sure the pressure is good. Dry chemical extinguishers should be shaken to loosen the powder. CO2 extinguishers should be weighed to determine if there is sufficient material in the extinguisher to douse a blaze.

Lifejackets and throwable devices

Check the fabric for deterioration. UV rays and water can cause the fabric to weaken and rip. Manually inflate inflatable jackets and check for leaks. If you boat with children, try the jackets on them to see if they still fit properly.

Rigging

It's not just for sailboats. Many vessels have cables for steering, engine controls and lifelines. Inspect the ends of the lines with a magnifying glass to see if there are any small flaws that could cause them to snag or fail. With a glove or some form of hand protection to avoid injury, run your hand along wire rope to detect broken strands. Replace rigging that's frayed in any way.

Rudder linkages

While the vessel is out of the water, have a friend hold the wheel and engage the brake, then grab and shake the rudder. If there's any play in the rudder, it means a problem is developing. Check linkages and bearings and replace as needed.