Tagged: spring commissioning
Spring Activity
It’s that time of year again – Spring has sprung and it’s time to get into gear on pre-launch preparations. The number of tasks can be large including everything from washing and waxing the hull to quick electronic checks. Based on my experience, a list is a really good tool to make sure everything gets done on time and to a certain standard. The list can be captured on anything from a piece of paper to a software application. However, for projects that are expected to take some time, you might want to use a idea storage device that [...]
Spring Commissioning – Coverings
Well, we’re mid-way through April and the temps are slowly, but surely, starting to rise. Soon, the winter cover will come off, and pre-launch activities will start in earnest. As any DIY boater knows, there are plenty of chores to perform from washing and waxing the hull; to oiling the teak; and sanding and painting the bottom. The last one, the bottom, can be a particularly challenging job, starting with the selection of masking tape, paint, rollers, and brushes. Now, it all sounds pretty simple until you hit the paint aisle of your local marine retailer. I recently did and [...]
Spring Commissioning – Safety
It’s June, and while the weather is still a bit uncooperative, most boaters in the Northeast are in the process of commissioning their boats. There are, of course, many things to attend to from bottom painting to new electronics installation. Importantly, I suggest you pay special attention to the safety gear onboard . Here are some questions to think about: is the anchor securely shackled to the anchor chain; are there sufficient modern PFDs aboard; are the flares within date; do the radios work and do you know how to operate them; do all the gauges, including the fuel [...]
Spring Plan
There’s something to be said for a good plan. Activities as simple as painting the boat bottom just go better when you plan ahead in terms of the processes and supplies involved. For example, sanding typically involves: sander, electrical cord, correct grit sandpaper, gloves, goggles, mask, hat, gloves, and rags. Painting involves: paint, paint can opener, small paint carrier, correct rollers and handle, brushes, gloves, goggles, tape, rags, paint cleaner, etc. Now, obviously the fore mentioned list could be crafted by anyone that has done bottom painting before. The issue lies in being too casual about the planning process, and [...]
Just a Scootch
Spring is starting to unfold and we’re headed into the spring commissioning process. Now, if you’re somewhat of a DIYer, you understand that commissioning involves a lot of different activities: tightening belts; changing plugs; replacing thermostats and water pump impellers; connecting battery cables, etc. One thing you may or may not initially recollect is that new parts are not always quite what you expected and even installed parts can be off, just a scootch. For example I’ve changed thermostat housings only to find that the new gaskets supplied in the kit didn’t seal as well as the old gaskets being [...]
Slippery Conditions
The weather is starting to turn and spring commissioning activities are coming up fast. All sorts of things are on the “to do” list – washing, waxing, tuning, and painting, just to name a few. If you’ve done them before, none of them are particularly challenging, they just take time and effort. But, never let go of the thought that even the most basic chores can be dangerous. When you’re walking on wet foredecks with last year’s topsiders, it is all too easy to slip and fall onto the pavement below. And when you’re reconnecting the battery cables, sparks can [...]
Tool Time
It’s getting to be that time again, time to work on the boat. As every experienced hand knows, to be productive, you need a good plan, the right tools, and appropriate supplies. The correct tools can make a real difference in getting traction in the job at hand and avoiding wasted time. The short list includes: Metric and American ratchet and socket sets, vice grips, screwdrivers, box wrenches, pliers, knives, electric sanders and cordless drills, along with specialized tools unique to your engine and systems. You want the tools to be sharp, and charged if necessary, and of the correct [...]
Smart Boating 238 – Spring Commissioning
This show focuses on a number of important points to consider in the spring commissioning process.