Coastal - Maintenance Master List

Maintaining Your Boat for Coastal Voyaging

This master maintenance list is a composite of all of the individual maintenance topics for coastal boats.

These checklists will lead you through the process of preparing the boat and gear for an extended coastal cruise or vacation. Most of the items on this checklist are done at dockside. There is a separate checklist for performing operational tests during a sea trial. There is also a separate checklist for items to equip your boat for coastal voyaging.

Give yourself 2 to 3 weeks of time to run through this checklist; don't start it 24 hours before you depart. Focus on safety items first, then focus on making the boat sail well. Finish up with comfort and convenience items.

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Coastal Inspection & Maintenance

	Item	Link to Detail
Anchoring Gear
	Inspect anchors and rodes for any chafe, corrosion or other damage. Make sure that shackles are wired shut with monel wire.
	As you inspect the anchor rodes, consider turning them end-for-end if you haven't done so in several years.
	Discuss anchoring with other sailors who have been to the harbors you'll ve visiting. Make sure that the size and type of anchors you'll use are adequate for the local conditions.

Collision Avoidance
	Check to see that binoculars are in good working order with clean lenses.
	Check operation of radar on a sunny day when you can see near, middle and distant targets.
	Check operation of deck light(s).
	Check mountings on radar reflector(s) for chafe and make sure they're secure enough to withstand high winds. Make sure that radar reflectors are not chafing sails.
	Verify that running lights are operational. Remove covers, clean out moisture and corrosion, grease contacts and bulb bases with dielectric grease and reassemble.
	Handheld spotlight is charged (cordless).
	Verify that tri-color masthead light (if installed) is operational. Remove cover, clean out moisture, grease contacts and bulb bases with dielectric grease and reassemble.
	Verfy that the foghorn is operational. Electric horn is preferred, but a handheld air horn is acceptable (with spare can of air).
	Verify that white anti-collision flares (optional) are in service date.	Pains-Wessex Recall Notice
Cooking
	Refrigeration system works properly; cools off adequately
	All stove burners work properly
	Make sure drain in propane bottle locker is not clogged by flushing out with a hose.
	Inspect flexible hose connecting stove to propane supply. Replace if worn or cracked.
	Test operation of propane sniffer system. System should shut off solenoid when a small butane lighter (unlit) is held near the sensor for a few seconds.
Communication
VHF Radio
	Handheld VHF is charged. Spare battery pack is charged or has fresh batteries in it. Radio check shows handheld to be functional.
	VHF radio check; radio is operational and can send/receive messages to a station at least 8 miles distant.
	DSC equipped VHF (optional) - Radio displays lat/lon, indicating a good connection to the GPS.
Crew Safety
	Inspect PFDs for wear or damage. If using inflatable PFDs, verify that the CO2 cylinder is armed. Strobe and whistle are attached to PFD. Inflatable PFD's should be inflated annually and left for 48 hours to verify that they're not leaking.
	Replace batteries in PFD strobes if more than 1 year old.
Dewatering
	Fill the bilge with fresh water, then test operation of main bilge pump, noting how long it takes to empty the bilge.
	Clean bilge of any debris that may jam the bilge pump; clean the bilge pump screen ; clear limber holes
	Operate all seacocks to make sure they move easily. Place a tapered, softwood plug in a zip-loc bag next to each through-hull.
	Verify that manaual bilge pump(s) and bucket(s) are ready for immediate use
	Check operation of high-water alarm (if installed).
Drinking Water
	Clean/flush sediment out of water tank(s)
	Clean screen on pump guards / filters
	Fresh water pressure pump operates. Pump doesn't cycle when all faucets are turned off (i.e. no slow leaks in system)
	Water level indicator or gauge operates; shows level increasing as tank if filled up
Electrical
	Perform a draw-down test on the batteries to determine their current amp-hour capacity. Start by fully charging the batteries, then turn off the charger and apply a 20-amp load. (e.g. Refrigerator, radio and 12 cabin lights) . See how many hours the batteries will support this load for before the voltage drops to 12.1 volts.
	Check battery fluid level and top off if necessary.
	Inspect battery terminals for corrosion; clean as necessary and apply dielectric grease. Check connections to make sure they are tight.
	Inspect bonding system (green wires) to make sure engine, tanks, rigging, etc. are connected together.
	Inspect back of circuit breaker panel for any loose wiring, chafe or other signs of damage.
Fire Fighting
	Verify that fire extinguishers are in cockpit, galley and each sleeping cabin and are easily accessible.
	Check pressure gauges on all fire extinguishers. Replace those that show signs of leakage.
	Turn dri-chem extinguishers upside down and shake vigorously to loosen up power inside.
Fire Prevention
	Inspect containers of solvents (e.g. acetone) for any signs of rust or leakage. Discard any damaged containers
	Never store dinghy gas tank below decks or in a cockpit locker.
	Make sure that all engine fuel lines are in good condition.
First Aid
	Review items in first aid kit. Replace outdated items as necessary. Replenish items that have been used.
Fix Broken Gear
	Review inventory of spare parts on board. Replace spares/supplies that have been used.	Spare parts checklist
	Review inventory of tools. Replace lost, broken or worn tools.	Recommended tools checklist
Generate Electricity
	Verify that alternate energy sources (wind / solar) are charging the batteries. Inspect connections and wiring for chafe.
	Perform routine service maintenance on the genset (if installed)	Diesel engine maint checklists
	Shoreside battery charger is correctly charging all house batteries and engine start battery (if installed).
	Inverter works; provides 110v electricity. An appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, that fits within the rated output of the inverter operates properly.
Head
	Verify that head is in good working order; lubricate by slowly flushing down 1/4 cup of any type of vegetable oil .
	Have the holding tank pumped out before you depart.
Heavy Weather Sailing
	Jib roller - flush out bearings with fresh water. Examine reefing line for chafe. Check rigging and make sure that cotter pins or lock rings are in place.
	Mainsail reefing - flush out blocks with fresh water. Examine reef lines for chafe. Check rigging and make sure that cotter pins or lock rings are in place.
Hull / Underwater Maintenance & Inspection
	If you store the boat in an area where fouling occurs quicklly, send a diver down to clean the bottom, rudder and prop. This can add 1/2 to 1 knot to your speed (12 to 24 miles per day)
	Have the diver check your shaft/prop zinc(s) while he's cleaning the bottom. Replace as necessary.
	Check raw water intake - clear any barnacles or debris
	Check cutlass bearing for wear by attempting to wiggle the propshaft - more than 1/8" of play is too worn
Masthead Maintenance
	Bring all of the tools and parts you'll need so you make one trip up the mast
	Inspect VHF antenna
	Inspect all standing rigging fittings; examine swages for cracks.
	Check spreader bases to make sure they're fastened securely to the mast.
	Examine jib furling gear to make sure there's no chafe, especially on the short piece of the jib halyard extending from the masthead sheave to the head of the jib.
	Change bulbs in masthead light, anchor light, tricolor deck light(s) (if more than one year since it was last done.
	Examine mainsail track; clean and lubricate with a dry silicone spray if necessary.
Misc.
	Consider a membership to BOAT/US iIf you're not already a member. Their towing assistance package will save you a considerable sum of money if you need assistance.	BOAT/US Website

MOB Gear
	Check battery in MOB pole strobe - replace if more than 1 year old. Write date on battery with a magic marker. Check strobe for proper operation and water tight integrity by placing it in the water.
	Check MOB pole for ease of deployment. Polypropylene line on MOB may need replacement (annually) if damaged by UV light.
	Check batteries in PFD strobes - replace if more than 1 year old. Check strobes for proper operation.
	Lifesling or similar MOB retrieval device is in good shape and ready for immediate deployment. Line will run free with no tangling.
	Type IV throwable PFD's (2) in cockpit are in good shape, not damaged from being used as cushions.
	Dye marker packets (4) are ready for immediate use in cockpit.
	Helmsman's pouch containing strobe, dye marker and flares is ready for immediate use. Flares are in service date.
Motoring
Engine / Drive Train Maintenance
	Inspect engine and perform recommended maintenance	Diesel maintenance checklist
Fuel System
	Inspect tank, hoses, connections for any signs of leaks
	Clean fuel tank(s) of any sludge or debris. "Polish" the diesel fuel by cycling it through a 2 micron filter.
	Change primary and secondary fuel filters. Verify that a supply of filters is on hand for replacements.
	Practice the sequence of steps necessary to bleed the engine. Try this out at the dock before you have to do it offshore. Make sure you have the proper tools, especially metric wrenches.
Navigation
Manual Navigation
	Binoculars are in good working order with clean lenses.
	Calculator works and has fresh batteries.
	Compass - Ship's compass checked for accuracy and has been adjusted if necessary.
	Compass - Hand-held compass has been checked for accuracy
	Cruising guide books for the area(s) you're visiting are up to date.
	Depth sounder operates and has been checked for accuracy with a leadline.
	Leadline is stowed in a place where it can be quickly reached.
	Paper charts for the area you sail in and for the harbors you'll likely land at	NOAA Chart Index
	Tide tables (e.g. Eldridge Almanac for East Coast) are up to date.
	Tools for paper-based navigation - pencils, eraser, dividers, protractor, parallel rules or rolling rule, calculator are stowed neatly in the nav station.
Electronic Navigation
	Electronic charts/chips: Check to see if you have both sailing and harbor charts for your intended areas. Check dates of publication on your charts vs. a current chart catalog. Replace charts that are out of date.
	Electronic charting tools (optional) - Chartplotter and chart chips (or computer and charting software) are operating properly. User's Guide is readily available for crew to study
	GPS's - Primary GPS operates. Optional: primary GPS correctly feeds data signal to the NMEA devices (radio, radar, autopilot, etc.)
	GPS's - Backup GPS (usually handheld) has fresh batteries and operates.
	Inverter works (if using a 110v item like a laptop for navigation).
	Radar (if installed) is working properly.
	Speed and distance log (knotmeter). Check the log versus a known distance on a still day with no current.
	Check for proper operation of wind meter / instrumentation
Sails and Rigging
Running Rigging Inspection & Maintenance
	Turn halyards and sheets end-for-end if you haven't done so for a year or so. You'll get more life out of these lines and they'll work better.
	All winches operate smoothly. Disassemble and lubricate any that don't.
	Whisker pole fittings move freely. Trigger ends on whisker pole move freely.
	Jib sheets should be tied with bowlines with the end seized to the standing part. Don't use a clove hitch and a single sheet - it's a single point of failure.

Standing Rigging Inspection & Maintenance
	Inspect all fittings to make sure cotter pins and/or seizing wire is in place
	Make sure that clevis pins are of the proper diameter - should be the same size as the hole, not smaller in diameter.
	Inspect all wire-end terminals for evidence of cracks or other damage. Replace any suspect fittings.
	Adjust tension on stays and shrouds according to manufacturers specs. You'll repeat this process after your sea trial / shakedown cruise.
	Inspect chain plate bedding after you've tuned the rig. Rebed if necessary or if bedding is more than 3 years old.
	Check mast boot for any signs of leakage. Replace or repair mast boot as necessary to prevent leaks while sailing offshore.
	Verify proper operation of all equipment that had wires reconnected when the mast was stepped. (e.g. lights, VHF, radar, wind instruments)
	Note: do NOT tape turnbuckles as many people do. This causes corrosion when oxygen is cut off from stainless steel.

Salt Water Leaks
	Search for possible leaks by closing up the boat and spraying all areas of the deck with a high-pressure water hose. Isolate and fix any leaks you find.
	Inspect the mast boot and renew if necessary
	Check stanchion bases for loose bolts - they are a primary source of leaks
	Rebed any loose deck fittings or hardware to prevent water leaks.	How-to Article
Self Steering
	Hydraulic autopilot: fluid reservoir is full; hydraulic pump, ram and lines show no evidence of leaking
	Mechanical autopilot: indpect drive belt for evidence of wear; replace if needed or make sure a spare belt is on board
	Check the heading displayed on the autopilot vs. the ships compass. Adjust the autopilot electronic compass according to the manufacturer's directions.
Ship's Papers / Regulatory Items
State Licensing
	State registration numbers are displayed on the boat, and the certificate of state registration is aboard
	Steate registration numbers are displayed on the dinghy, and the certificate of state registration for dinghy is on board.
Environmental Compliance
	Oil Placard posted in prominent location
	Trash placard posted in prominent location
	Trash plan document	Sample form
Other
	Ship's Log
	Copy of "Navigation Rules / International-Inland" aka "rules of the road " (Publication # COOMDTINST M16672.2D) on board if boat is 39' long or larger

Steering
	Inspect all steering hardware: linkages, cables, sheaves, etc. Look for evidence of wear or damage. Replace any suspect parts. Lubricate key points as applicable.
	Inspect rudder to make sure it's not damaged. Line up rudder with keel to see if rudder stock is bent or misaligned.
	Make sure emergency tiller/equip is readily accessible. Practice using the emergency tiller before an emergency.
	Grease the rudder shaft bearing (if it is a type that accepts grease)
USCG Required Items - Subject to inspection during a boarding
	Horn or other sound producing device is operational
	MSD - head cannot discharge directly overboard in US waters.
	See also items under Ships Papers
	Running lights are operational
	At least one PFD for each crew and one throwable are on board.
	Visual distress signals are up to date (at least 3)

Warmth - Keep the Crew Warm
	Check operation of heat source.
	Check operation of carbon monoxide detector.
Weather
	VHF radio is successfully receiving weather reports

Links to Outside Resources

Click here for a list of links to how to articles that will help you with your maintenance tasks.

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