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For those of us who
live in northerly climes, the perceptible change in temperature these
days, from cold to moderate, often results in our engaging in what some
would deem rather odd behavior. With glazed eyes and lock-step gait and
foregoing sustenance, shelter, and the company of family, we make our
way down to the boatyard to perform an annual rite: spring commissioning.
To assist you in this
hallowed seafaring tradition, we’ve prepared the following checklist
to make it easier for you to prepare for another season. For those whose
lat/lon coordinates mean warm weather year-round, the list will hopefully
provide a reminder that spring is a good time to do your annual maintenance.
The Basics
• If
you didn’t do it before going up on the hard, drain and flush the
engine coolant. Replace engine coolant, including additives, with that
recommended by the engine manufacturer. Keep enough coolant onboard for
one complete change (not for outboards).
• Drain and
flush the antifreeze material you used for your head and galley water
system until the water runs clear.
• Check the
amount of material left on your engine zincs, and replace any that are
half-gone. Keep spares onboard.
• Make sure
all through-hull fittings are in working order and free of corrosion.
Work them back and forth until they move smoothly. Clean and grease if
necessary, and leave in the open position.
• Inspect
all hoses and hose clamps, and replace if any signs of wear–splitting,
soft spots, corrosion–are present. Keep spares onboard.
• Inspect
engine drive belts. There should be no more than 1Ú2-inch play between
pulleys. If there is, the belt is stretched and should be replaced. Also
make sure there are no splits, gouges, tears, or glazing. Keep spares
onboard.
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The Basics continued > Page 1, 2,
3, 4
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