Before going back to sea, it is important to refit your boat and prepare it for this new sailing season. We had already seen key points to check before releasing a motorboat The same applies to a sailing boat.
It's not just a matter of comfort, it's a matter of safety. A badly prepared boat could put you and your crew in danger. It is therefore important to get your yacht back on track, which will obviously depend on the way in which the wintering was prepared, an indispensable .
The hull
- Check the hull (rudder, propeller shaft, keel fixing point, traces of rust, impacts...) and make the necessary repairs. Do not hesitate to consult the 8 essential checks to do when refitting .
- Make the necessary repairs. We offer you learn how to repair your boat's hull with epoxy putty in 3 steps .
- Apply the antifouling as follows 10 steps to a successful fairing . If you are unsure about the quantity, here is our tips for determining the right dose to use .
The rigging
- Check the current rigging (we are talking here about all the manoeuvres used to set the sails in particular (halyards, sheets...) to detect any trace of wear.
- Then check the standing rigging (all the wires that hold the mast together) visually, with wintering being the time for a more thorough check.
- Inspect the mast step
The fittings
- Check the pulleys, shackles and carabiners, chainplates etc.
- Clean and lubricate your winches
- Check for wear and tear on the mainsheet and mainsail tracks
The sails
- The sails are often winterized, but if not, hoist the mainsail, unfurl another gennaker and spinnaker to check for wear and tear.
Ropes
- If your boat has been left in port, check that your mooring lines have not been rigged and also check all the mooring lines on board (if they have been left in the lockers).
The engine
Just like your boat, your inboard or outboard motor must be winterized. Here are the two methods for winterizing the engine: inboard and outboard . However, it is necessary to follow a reset.
- Restart the battery with a charger to boost it after a long period of inactivity. Check it, the terminals and contacts must be clean, greased and well tightened on the battery terminals.
- Check the engine levels: oil dipsticks, first when the engine is cold and then again once it has run a little
- Check the coolant level
- Check the tension of the motor belt
Electronics
- Check that the navigation lights and ship's lights are working properly
- Also check all your electronic devices (VHF, GPS...)
Water
- Drain the water tank
- Make sure the power and pump systems are working properly
Cleanliness
- If your boat was not covered, it will need a good brushing to give it back its gelcoat colour.
- Ventilate the interior, which may smell musty, by opening the companionway and all portholes and deck hatches. You should also check that they are working properly and that the seals are not damaged.
- In the same way, open your cockpit lockers to let them breathe
- Check the bottom of the boat for leaks and to remove any water that may have been left behind if your boat has been docked.
Safety equipment
It is always important to check that everything is working properly and that your products are not out of date. Here's how to properly check your safety equipment .
Once these checks are done, it's time to put your boat back in the water. Here is some advice to ensure that this return to the water takes place in the best conditions . And to enjoy your season, here are a ritual to take care of your boat every time you come back from sailing . And to go further, discover the 8 key points for the maintenance of your trailer .
