Spring is in the air; is your boat ready to get back to cruising? If you did winterize your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and possible headaches now, which means the road between your boat and the water is shorter! Although it is always best to winterize a boat before putting it into storage, if you didn’t, don’t worry. Here are some tips to get you pointed in the right direction:

Have Your Manufacturer’s Manual Handy

If you have a copy, fantastic. If you don’t, it would be a good idea to get one. You’ll need it to replace fluids and parts properly. Never take apart anything without consulting the manual first.

De-winterizing Your Engine

This will be the biggest and messiest task, so it is recommended that you start here. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, do so now. At the same time you change the oil, be sure to change the oil filter. Change the oil in the transmission or the outboard’s lower unit as well. Next, fill up the cooling system. Be sure you examine the hoses for any cracks and empty out the strainer. Finally, check the batteries and replace them if needed. Use a battery tester to check out the amps and volts and perform a thorough engine test.

Inspect the Canvas & Vinyl

Check your bimini top, seats, covers, and other vinyl and canvas items for tears, mildew and dirt. Repairs tears and holes, and then clean with the proper cleaner for canvas and vinyl.

Inspect the Hull and Propellers

Check the hull for abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair if needed. Inspect and replace zincs if necessary. Touch up or replace bottom paint. Check the propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion.

Clean and Wax the Hull

First clean your boat’s exterior using a marine safe cleaner from a marine supply store. Van Isle Marina is also able to supply or order in almost any product you may need. Then, wax the hull as necessary.

Polish the Metal and Teak

Metal and teak are referred to as ‘brightwork’ and enhance the look of your boat. Also, prolonged neglect of metal and teak can compromise the integrity of the materials. To protect the metal, use a metal polisher. For teak, it is usually recommended that you sand it and then apply stain and varnish.

Test All Electronics

Bring all the electronics back on board and do a thorough test to be sure they are working properly. Test the radio, GPS, compass, depth finder, and any other marine electronics.

Clean the Interior

Whether you have an open deck or cabin with full galley, clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.

Van Isle Marina’s Yacht Park is available to help you with any springtime preparation you may require.  Our Sea-Lifts and Brownell submersible trailers can haul-out up to 70 feet or 45 tons.  You can book a full or half haul-out depending on your needs.  Half Haul-outs are convenient for inspections, zinc changes or marine surveys.  If you have never been to the marina before, our videos are an excellent introduction to the haul-out process.

Cooking while at sea is part of the adventure. Prepare for your voyage as if you were camping in the woods: space is limited, as are fuel and refrigeration. Luckily, with a little planning and the following handy tips, your taste buds (and your guests) will be content and satisfied out on the boat!

Use Space Wisely: No matter how you slice it, the galley on your boat is smaller than your kitchen at home. When you’re working with a single-burner stove, a small microwave or even a propane or electric grill, you’re going to need to scale back your production. Small cooking surfaces mean small food. Appetizers, salads and single-pan meals can be pulled together quickly and easily. Let the cozy confines be your inspiration!

Think Light: Being able to enjoy a long, hot summer day on the water is what boating is all about. However, the rocking motion of the waves combined the afternoon sun, means you want to steer clear of a menu filled with hot and heavy and stick to cool and light. Ditch the recipes that would require your guests to sit down with a knife and fork. A good steak may be your idea of a great boat meal. Can’t argue with that. But why not transform it into a quick-cooking kebab that includes your veggies and can be eaten easily while relaxing on deck.

Clean as you go: Whether on land or sea any chef can benefit from the mantra: Clean as you go. But in a galley, things can get out of hand quickly if you leave all the mess until the end. Get in the habit of tidying up while you’re cooking. A little bit here, a little bit there, and you’ll have more room to work, you’ll be more relaxed, and the meal will add to your fun, rather than just adding another chore.

No matter what you are able to whip up, everything tastes better on a boat. Busy days of exploring beaches and hiking will lead to hungry guests who will be pleased with whatever food you have made. And when you are in need of a break from the galley, or simply a special treat, there are usually restaurants at the top of the dock in all the local hot spots. Van Isle Marina for example has the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill. Just be careful, one meal there and you will never want to cook for yourself again!

 

Guests of Van Isle Marina know that we are fortunate enough to be protected from winter winds. However, it is always helpful to be aware of strategies for weathering a storm. Here are some tips to help keep your boat safe:

1. Check the weather forecast. Be aware of how long you have to prepare for the upcoming storm.
2. Double the lines on your boat. Use spring lines to limit boat movement.
3. If possible, do not stay aboard your vessel during a storm.
4. Double wrap your lines around the tie rail. Install chafe gear where the mooring lines touch the pilings, boat or tie rails.
5. Add fenders to prevent boat from bouncing off the dock or your neighbour, more is better!
6. Clean bilge of debris and check all pumps to ensure they are functioning correctly.
7. Secure all loose gear and clear any items which may clog scuppers and drains.
8. Secure and lock all hatches and port lights.
9. Remove or secure anything which may increase wind resistance: biminis, canvas covers, antennas, deck-stowed anchors, sails, running rigging, booms, life rings, dinghies and so on. Besides reducing windage, you eliminate the probability of these items being damaged or blown away.
10. Check your battery to ensure it is working correctly and that your shore power cord is plugged in, twist locked, and secured to the pedestal.

What are your top tips for keeping your boat safe? Share this post on Facebook or Twitter and let us know!

The video below is the next in the series, featuring Van Isle Marina’s Maintenance and Storage Facility.  Guests are able to haul-out for nightly, monthly or annual storage. The Yacht Park is fully paved and fenced with security key card access. We are able to haul-out up to 45 tons or 70 feet on either of our two self-propelled trailers. Please enjoy!