Spring Commissioning
~by Captain Frank Kehr Jr.

Preparation for the upcoming boating season is a time that we all look forward to during the winter months. Come springtime, proper commissioning of your vessel need not be a daunting task if you have winterized carefully and use the guidelines presented below as reminders of important items to check. A thorough spring check-up will go a long way towards having a safe and rewarding boating season.

Following the uncovering celebration and proper recycling of the shrink-wrap, take a dispassionate look at your boat. Put aside the reasons that you purchased it and all the enjoyment that it has provided for you and your family. This is the time to focus on making sure that it will once again provide that enjoyment.

The following checklist should give you a much better-than-average opportunity to avoid mechanical surprises on the water.

Engines:

• Check for fresh oil. Make sure it’s marine grade and fully topped up
  
• Check dipstick and inside of fill cap for condensation
  
• Check that the spark arrestor is clean and securely fastened. (Most mechanics will have taped over the carburetor inlet in the winterizing process, so be certain to remove the tape or covering material first)
  
• Make sure a new oil filter was installed at last oil change (it should have the date and of hours on it)
  
• Inspect the ignition wires and reinstall/replace as necessary
  
• Inspect fuel lines for chafing, cracking and loose or corroded clamps
  
• Fill the fuel filter canister with fresh, good quality fuel and check for leaks

For gas engines only…

• Disable ignition system, remove spark plugs and crank the engine over several times to blow out a large portion of the fogging oil
  
• Adjust the gap on NEW spark plugs of the recommended heat range and install 

For all engines…

• Consult your engine owner’s manual for the location of engine zincs and replace them (don’t forget to replace zincs inside the heat exchangers)
  
• Check the engine control cables for proper operation and lube where possible. They should move freely and without binding thorough out their entire operating range
  
• Cooling system fluid level should be checked, along with the integrity of hose and clamps. Inspect the pressure cap and replace if there are any questions about sealing or relief pressure.
  
• Check operation of the seacock and lube as necessary
  
• Inspect the seawater inlet strainer for winter damage (many strainers are equipped with clear bowls that can freeze and crack over the winter if any water remained after winterizing)
  
• If the seawater pump was disassembled over the winter, reassemble and install it
  
• Tension on all drive belts should be adjusted, as the tension was released when winterizing
  
• Drain the fuel/water separator after running on the shakedown

Propulsion System:

• Check lower unit oil (outboard and stern drive), transmission and V drive oil (inboard) levels
  
• Check bellows on outdrive for cracks, splits, clamping and general integrity
  
• Props on outboards and stern drives should have the splined shaft lightly lubed prior to installation of the prop. Be certain that the cotter pin is installed to prevent the securing nut from working off.
  
• Check fluid levels, hoses, connections and operation of power tilt/trim as well as trim tabs (if fitted)

As with engine controls, be certain that the operating cables move freely and completely. On outboard and many stern drive applications, cable operation can be checked by the following procedure:

1. Disable the engine ignition system or disconnect the battery
   
2. Place the shift lever in neutral, the prop should turn freely by hand
   
3. Place the shift lever in forward gear. The prop should not be able to be rotated and there should not be any noises as you attempt to turn it
   
4. Shift through neutral and into reverse; the response at the prop should be the same as in #3 above
   
5. Return the shift lever to neutral

Fuel System:

• Be certain that the fuel tank vent hose passage is not obstructed either from winterizing or from small creatures who may have made your vessel their winter home
  
• Double check the integrity of all fuel hoses, lines and clamps, especially those hidden from normal view once your personal items are aboard
  
• Top up the gasoline tanks with fresh, good quality fuel (minimum 89-octane)
  Note: Although many engines do not require octane rating above 87, I have generally found that 89-octane gasoline is better refined and promotes better running and efficiency. 

Steering:

• Prior to launch, check the play and integrity of all steering gear. Surprising things can, and do, occur over the winter - anything from a slight bump on the rudder post to an outdrive being installed without the steering linkage connected! 

Electric:
Probably the most neglected system on small boats is the electrical. It is not complicated and should be well maintained. Just remember to disconnect the battery prior to servicing the electrical system.

• Battery electrolyte should be checked for proper level
  
• Check voltage with a voltmeter. A fully charged 12-volt battery should indicate 12.6 volts. The state of charge should be checked with a simple hydrometer. A reading of 1.260 – 1.270 per cell indicates a full charge.
  
• Be certain that batteries are clean and dry and that terminals are shining bright. Coat the external surfaces of the connections with liquid electric tape to help prevent self-discharge.
  
• For cleaning, batteries should be removed from the boat if possible. Spray them with a commercial battery cleaner or use a mix of baking soda and water and apply liberally. Rinse well and dry off.  Don’t force water under the caps during cleaning.
  
• Battery cables should not show any signs of corrosion (dark or green wire strands, white build up on their surface) and should be flexible with molded on or well-crimped terminal ends.

Fuses:

• Duplicate spares should be carried for all applications on board!!
  
• Clean all terminals and apply a commercial anti-corrosion spray to the terminals
  
• Apply anti-corrosion products on all light bulb sockets, including navigation lights
  
• If your vessel is equipped with shore power wiring, carefully inspect the power cable and socket on board for signs of heat (cracks, discoloration, melting). Once at your dock, inspect the power connection there also. Any signs of deterioration require replacement of the component, as well as system inspection by a marine electrician. Be sure to notify your marina of power pole problems. 

Fresh Water Systems:

• Reconnect plumbing that was disassembled for the winter
  
• Partially fill the system and open each water tap until clear water runs freely
  
• If your vessel is equipped with a hot water heater, be certain to fill the hot water tank completely prior to turning the unit on. If it’s not full, you will burn the heating element out as soon as the boat is powered up.
  
• Install a new potable water filter, if so equipped

Sanitation Systems:

• Lube all valves and seacocks
  
• Check that the tank vent is unobstructed
  
• Position the “Y” valve in the appropriate position to prevent overboard discharge and secure it in that position as per local requirements

Hull and Interior:

• Wash and wax.  A good coat of wax will help to brighten and preserve the gel coat and metal trim during the season.
  
• Open cabinets and lift all interior cushions and carpets. Look for any mold or mildew and give everything time to air out from storage. If necessary, clean the areas with a commercial cleaner or a solution of 2 parts water mixed with ½ part bleach. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
  
• Exterior glass can be treated with a product that will help keep clean, spot free windows (i.e.: Rainex)
  
• Replace the windshield wiper blades at the beginning of each season
  
• If the bottom is painted with an ablative product, it will most likely require recoating
  Note: I always recommend boaters’ replace zincs each spring. An ounce of prevention…

Electronics:

• Inspect all terminals and wiring for corrosion and service as necessary
  
• Have the internal back up batteries replaced
  
• Securely attach plugs and ground wires
  
• Have the VHF and SSB radio installation checked for receiver sensitivity and output modulation, as well as good antenna connection
  
• Inspect transducer mountings in the hull (especially speed paddle wheels)

Safety Equipment:

• Inspect ALL safety gear. Your life may depend on it.
  
• Visual distress signals (flares) should be kept dry and should have valid expiration dates
  
• Make sure the vessel’s horn is operable and accessible
  
• Fire extinguishers should be charged and securely mounted. If it’s a dry chemical, check to see if the powder moves around.
  
• Make sure first aid kits are clean, dry, well stocked and up-to-date
  
• Bilge pumps – built in pumps should be securely mounted. Make sure the float switch is operable, the warning lamp shows when the pump is running and the hose discharges overboard and is in serviceable condition. Hand held pumps should be easily accessible with a hose long enough to reach overboard.
  
• Check PFDs for frayed webbing and any signs of fabric breakdown. Zippers and buckles should be operable.
  
• Ground tackle should be securely mounted, but accessible, not worn or chafed. Anchor shackle should be safety wired to the chain. Check the rope to chain splice for wear.

Trailer:

• Inspect tires for cracked sidewalls or flat spots
  
• Adjust tire air pressure (pressure increases and decreases with ambient temperature changes)
  
• Inspect, lube and adjust wheel bearings
  
• Confirm that the lighting is operational      
  
• Lubricate hitch coupling with a dry lube
  
• Spray anti-corrosion protect ant on the light connections and trailer plug
  
• Check for valid trailer registration and inspection where required

Have a safe and enjoyable boating season!