ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 24, 2009 -- Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, this Spring Commissioning Safety Checklist from BoatUS is an easy way to get ready for the season:

BEFORE YOU LAUNCH:

q             Inspect and lubricate seacocks.  Hoses and hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary.

q             Replace deteriorated anodes.

q             Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion.  Make sure cotter pins are secure.  Grip the prop and try moving the shaft – if it’s loose, the cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.

q             Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn’t been bent.

q             Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.

q             Make sure your engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion, clean and properly secured.

q             Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, be sure to check all through-hulls for leaks.

q             Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches.  Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.

q             If equipped, ensure that the stern drain plug is installed.

OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARDS:

q             Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds), and replace if suspect.

q             Check power steering and power trim oil levels. 

q             Replace anodes that are more than half worn away.

q             Inspect outer jacket of control cables.  Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable must be replaced.

ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS:

q             Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking.  Check all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.

q             Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks.  Clamps should be snug and free of rust.  Clean or replace fuel filters.  Owners of gasoline-powered boats with fiberglass fuel tanks should consult a marine professional to inspect for any ethanol related issues.

q             Inspect cooling hoses for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and are double-clamped.

q             Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.

q             Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables.  Wire-brush battery terminals and fill cells with distilled water (if applicable).

q             Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.

SAILBOAT RIGGING:

q             Inspect swage fittings for cracks and heavy rust (some discoloration is acceptable).  Inspect wire halyards and running backstays for “fishhooks” and rust.

q             Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape.

q             Recaulk through-deck chainplates as necessary (generally, once a decade). If you suspect the core around the chainplate is damp, remove the chainplate to inspect and make repairs.

TRAILERS:

q             Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary.  Check air pressure.  Don’t forget the spare!

q             Inspect wheel bearings and repack as necessary.

q             Test tail and back-up lights and winch to make sure they’re working properly. Inspect hitch chains.

q             Inspect trailer frame for rust.  Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration.

q             Inspect brakes and brake fluid reservoir.

MISCELLANEOUS:

q             Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.

q             Check stove and remote tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses.

q             Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make sure they’re working properly.

q             Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.

q             Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.

q             Check shore power cable connections for burns, which indicates the cable and/or the shore power inlet must be replaced.

q             Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date.  Don’t forget your trailer tags.

q             Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed.  Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.

q             Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids.

q             Test smoke, carbon monoxide, fume and bilge alarms.

q             Be sure to get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Find out how at Safetyseal.net .

A free Spring Safety Pre-launch Checklist is available online at BoatUS.com/freebies/springlist.htm.

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About BoatUS:

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 600,000 members with government representation, programs and money saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.