by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor)

It’s hard to believe we’re already past the Fourth of July. It feels like we were just taking off the shrink wrap up in the cooler climes. But don’t despair, even though it may feel like summer is on the wane, there’s plenty of time left for some spectacular weekend trips and boating vacations.

But right now, after you’ve put in some summer hours on the boat, it’s time to make sure you finish out the season safely with breakdowns or emergencies you aren’t prepared for. So make a little time to give your boat and its contents a once-over to make sure you’re ready to get the most out of the rest of the summer.

Mechanical Systems

There’s never a good time for engines and steering systems to break down. Failure to start is annoying, losing engine power or steering in a narrow channel can be dangerous. Also, do these same checks on your dinghy, where appropriate.

Engine checks

You should have a regular maintenance schedule for many of these tasks. For example, most manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter every 100 hours or once per season. But it doesn’t hurt to do an extra spot check.

• Check the oil. In theory, you should check the oil every time you start your engine for the day. But few of us are that disciplined. So make sure your oil levels are good, the oil looks good, and top up as needed.
• Look at all fuel filters. Replace excessively dirty filters, drain water from separators.
• Inspect all fuel lines from the tank to the engine. Look for leaks and wear, and on outboards look especially close at exposed rubber lines and fuel bulbs.
• It’s not a bad idea to check your impeller, if it’s readily accessible. Check for any broken or worn blades and replace it if found.
• Clean and empty raw water intakes and strainers.

Steering system

• Inspect all steering and throttle cables, lines, and linkages. Make sure they’re not loose, worn, or corroding. Lubricate and clean as needed.
• For hydraulic steering, check fluid levels, and inspect hoses for leaks and wear.
• For external rudders, inspect pintles and gudgeons for wear, metal fatigue, and rust.
• Check autopilot linkages and connections to the steering system.

Electrical system

Most electrical systems are pretty trouble free, but visual inspections for wear and corrosion can save you headaches.

• Check your running, steaming, and anchor lights, especially if you don’t boat often after sunset. Make sure they’re all coming on, and to look at them from off the boat to ensure you can see them from a distance.
• If you have wet cell batteries, check the water.
• Inspect all battery terminals and connections for corrosion and buildup, clean as necessary.
• Inspect any readily visible wires for damage or corrosion, especially at connection points, splices, and terminals.
• Test anything you don’t use regularly or haven’t used this season, like fog horns or strobes.
• For any equipment with batteries, open it up and check the battery compartment. The marine environment is very hard on battery powered electronics.

Safety equipment

Hopefully, your safety equipment has seen little use. But mold, mildew and the marine environment don’t care.

• Check over all PFDs. Look for wear and tear on straps, broken buckles, and damaged covers. Pay extra attention if PFDs are used for swimming off the boat, since they will be in and out of the water and may have more wear. Inspect the cartridge on inflatable PFDs.
• When you’re checking the PFDs, take a quick count. They may get taken off the boat for the dinghy and can get lost other ways, so make sure you still have enough on board and they’re all where they belong.
• Look over throwable and other safety gear, like Lifeslings, MOM systems, horseshoes, and throwing lines. Make sure they’re still where they’re supposed to be, still attached as intended, and don’t show signs of wear.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are in place and haven’t lost their charge.
• Refresh anything used from the first aid kit. Also, make sure nothing is heat damaged or opened unexpectedly.
• Check sunscreen and insect repellent levels, and replace anything low.
• Test sound signals. If you use a sports air horn, make sure there’s a spare can and nothing has rusted on the mechanism.
• Inspect all life lines for wear and missing pins or rings.
• Self-test EPIRBs and PLBs.
• Double check flare expiration dates, just in case you missed some that expire mid season.

Rigging

Sailors will want to inspect the rig at deck level, although they can climb the mast for safety checks, too.

• Check all cotter pins to make sure none are missing. Tape exposed sharp edges, and re-bend as needed for security.
• Look at all swage fittings and turnbuckles for rust, wear, and visible damage.
• Inspect all shackles with wire seizing (e.g. anchor shackles, halyard shackles).
• Inspect all running rigging for wear and chafing.
• Make sure all winches are spinning freely and operating without excessive noise. Service as needed.
• Check at all blocks and sheaves for wear, flush and lubricate any which don’t spin freely.

Sails

Inspecting sails for wear and chafe will prevent sudden failures or ongoing problems. Many boats with furlers don’t drop those sails all season, but a mid-season check is worth the work.

• Check all corners for wear and broken threads. Inspect head, tack, and clew hardware.
• Make sure all shackles are tight, and seized properly if needed.
• Inspect batten pockets for wear, chafing, and breaking threads.
• Look for wear and cracked fiberglass on battens, check end fittings.
• Visually inspect anywhere sails regularly contact the rig for wear, especially at and around chafe patches.

Miscellaneous items

Besides the above checks, a few more inspections for mid season include:

• Check sacrificial zincs and anodes for wear and replace as needed. This includes the propeller and shaft, and any zincs on the outboard or hull.
• Check online for electronic chart updates and notice to mariners. Charts may not have updated files, but if they’re there, you want the latest.
• Charge any VHF radios you don’t regularly use.
• If you don’t regularly use your VHF for more than calling the launch service, do a radio check with a distant station.

All this shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours, since none of the checks involve a lot of work. Whether you find anything and fix it or just get peace of mind for the rest of the season, it’s time well spent.