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Spring recommissioning checklist for boat owners

Make sure your boat is in good working order before taking to the water with our spring recommissioning checklist for boat owners.

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Cleaning a boat is part of Spring recommissioning

After the winter, or a long lay-up, it’s important to make sure your boat is in good working order before taking to the water. We recommend giving it a thorough going over from bow to stern. Here’s our spring recommissioning checklist to help you.

Engine compartment and bilges

  • Check engine oil level
  • Check transmission oil level
  • Inspect drive belt tension and condition
  • Clean weed filter(s)
  • Inspect condition and operate all seacock valves
  • Run up engine(s) and inspect for leaks
  • Bilge pump function (lift float switches and check manual function)
  • Clean or change bilge pump filters
  • Adjust stern gland(s) and grease if required

Electrical

  • Check battery electrolyte levels
  • Fully charge batteries
  • Test battery isolator function
  • Test (RCD) mains circuit breaker functions
  • Operate pumps, motors, fridges and test lighting

Water system

  • Pump out any remaining water from domestic tank
  • Fill and flush system
  • Replace drinking water filter
  • Add water purification tablets
  • Check water heater is functional
  • Test hot water tank pressure relief valve function

Toilet & shower

  • Clean shower pump filters
  • Clean toilet weed filters
  • Flush and check toilet for leaks
  • Lubricate manual toilet seal with cooking oil (flush a little down toilet)
  • Charge holding tank with blue

Gas system

  • Check gas bottle level
  • Inspect flexible hose and regulator date and condition
  • Test system with bubble tester or Hi/Low gauge
  • Ensure ventilation is free from obstruction
  • Check gas locker is clear and not used for storage
  • Test gas alarm function
  • Full inspection and test of system by Gas Safe engineer

Helm

  • Test engine instrument function
  • Test navigation equipment and charts
  • Trim tabs
  • Inspect wiper blade condition
  • Check screen wash levels
  • VHF
  • Check fuel level
  • Test navigation light
  • Test horn

Exterior

  • Clean window drains and tracks
  • Check deck filler seals and chains
  • Test davit function
  • Inspect condition of ropes, wires and shackles
  • Check condition of mooring line
  • Inspect fenders and lanyards
  • Inspect exterior cover condition and lubricate zips

Safety equipment

  • Check fire extinguisher gauge reading(s)
  • Check fire extinguisher service date
  • Inspect fire blanket condition
  • Have life jackets serviced
  • Check life raft service date
  • Check date of flares
  • Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm function and expiry date
  • Inspect life ring and throwing line condition
  • Check grab bag

Other checks

  • Inspect heating system function
  • Boat hook
  • Log book
  • Engine service requirements
  • Documentation

If you need help or advice, please call our servicing team on 01603 712 334 or email service@broomboats.com. Alternatively, use our contact us form.


Broom Boats
2.03.2021
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Broom Boats registered in England & Wales HPC 12531194

Contact
  • t: 01603 712334
  • e: broom@broadshols.co.uk

Riverside, Brundall, Norfolk
United Kingdom, NR13 5PX

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