Great advice along with useful Hints & Tips

For the benefit of our visitors, we will make regular updates to this section of our site and will try to provide seasonal advice. If you have questions relating to substrates or paints, please email us.

When it's time to go back on the water, make sure you're prepared!
Imagine...the rush is on and everyone is making their way back on to the water in readiness for the Spring and Summer months. This is the time to address the many maintenance issues that may require attention if they weren't completed during the Winter. By taking care of these tasks now, you will avoid the inevitable last-minute rush prior to Easter. Create your job list and call us for great prices on all your boat, marine and boatyard products for both sea and fresh water use. As lovers of the water ourselves, we know what we're talking about! Take a look at our Pre Season Check List below.

GENERAL:
HULL:
DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
BELOW DECKS:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
INBOARD ENGINE (S):
HEAD SYSTEM:
WATER SYSTEM:
GALLEY:
OUTBOARD MOTOR:
TRAILER:
SAILS:
MAST AND RIGGING:

GENERAL:
o Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a Boat Wash
o Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
o Put on a good coat of wax
o Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
o Clean teak and oil
o Clean windows and hatches
o Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
o Clean interior including bilges
o Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
o Make sure registration is current and onboard
o Check and replace wiper blades if necessary

HULL
o Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
o Check and replace anodes
o Check for blisters and refinish as necessary
o Check rub rails
o Check swim platform and/or ladder
o Inspect and test trim tabs
o Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
o Check rudder and fittings
o Touch up or replace antifouling paint

DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
o Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
o Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
o Check chain plates and cleats
o Check hull/deck joint
o Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
o Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
o Clean and grease winches
o Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
o Check dinghy, and life raft

BELOW DECKS:
o Check, test and lubricate sea cocks
o Check condition of hoses and clamps
o Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
o Check bilges & pumps for automatic and manual operation
o Check for oil in bilges

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS:
o Check battery water level
o Check/recharge batteries
o Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
o Check bonding system
o Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
o Test all gauges for operability
o Check shore power and charger
o Check for spare fuses
o Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
o Check all electronics for proper operation
o Inspect antennas

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
o Sound signalling device (HORN)
o Check distress signals and expiration date
o Check life jackets and buoyancy aids
o Inspect life rings and cushions
o Check fire extinguishers and replace if necessary
o Check and adjust compass
o Check navigation lights
o Check charts and replace as necessary
o Check radar reflector
o Check and replace first aid supplies
o Check bailer and hand pump

INBOARD ENGINE (S):
o Change oil & filters - have spare onboard
o Check and change fuel filters - have spares onboard
o Check and change engine zincs
o Check cooling system change coolant as necessary - have extra onboard
o Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
o Check belts for tension
o Check transmission fluid
o Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
o Check impeller
o Check and clean water strainer
o Check bilge blower

HEAD SYSTEM:
o Checked for smooth operation - lubricate and clean as necessary
o If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
o Y-valve operation checked, valve labelled & secured

WATER SYSTEM:
o Flush water tank
o Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
o Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
o Check for tank cap keys on board
o Check and clean shower sump pump screens

GALLEY:
o Check and replace if necessary Gas Bottle hose and regulator, check electric & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear
o Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
o Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
o Check microwave, if fitted

OUTBOARD MOTOR:
o Replace spark plugs
o Check plug wires for wear
o Check prop for nicks and bends and replace if necessary
o Change/fill gear lube
o Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
o Lubricate and spray moveable parts

TRAILER:
o Check rollers and pads
o Check and lubricate wheel bearings
o Clean and lubricate winch
o Lubricate Jockey
o Test lights and electrical connections
o Check tyre pressure and condition
o Check brakes (if equipped)
o Check safety chains

SAILS:
o Check general condition and clean
o Look for wear and chafing
o Check battens and batten pockets
o Check all sail attachments
o Inspect bolt rope

MAST AND RIGGING:
o Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage
o Inspect spreader boots and shrouds
o Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
o Check reefing points and reefing gear
o Clean sail track
o Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
o Inspect stays for fraying and "fish hooks"
o Check forestay and backstay connections
o Check masthead fitting and pulleys
o Check and lubricate roller furling
o Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end
o Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders

These are just some general pointers. If you are unsure “Always ask a Professional.”
Be Safe and enjoy the coming season.

If you want a great finish to your vessel, please follow these useful Painting Tips:

Always use the specific paint system recommended methods of protection i.e. Personal Protective Equipment.

Make sure you thoroughly prepare the substrates (surfaces) as this is the key to a successful finish.
Read all labels carefully and follow all the recommendations.
Always stir paint thoroughly to an even consistency (if instructed to do so on the label).
Apply when there is likely to be the minimum amount of dust particles in the atmosphere.
Use the largest brush/roller possible for the job.
Wipe out excess paint from the brush and clean it out every 30 minutes for optimum application.
Where possible do not use a new brush for the final coat.
When spraying, do not inhale the fumes or overspray. Always use a mask.
Rub topsides with wet and dry abrasive paper starting at 240 grade.
Use 500 or 600 grade abrasive paper before applying the final coat.
Choose a day with moderate weather conditions to paint.

If in doubt, give us a call on +44 (0)1202 290 167 for helpful and practical advice.

Practical advice and product-related answers to some frequently-asked questions.

Q: I want to add a non slip coating to my deck, what products are available?

A: We can offer either a non slip, ready mixed or an additive to mix with your paint. Self adhesive mats and tapes are also available.

Q: My boat has been in the water for a while and I have a yellow stain running along the waterline. Soap and water won’t shift it, what can I use?

A: We offer various makes of cleaners; why not try our Yachticon Yellow Stain remover.

Q: My boat has been anti-fouled in a different make of anti-foul to the product I want to use; can I paint over it using a SeaJet product?

A: Yes, as long as the old antifoul is listed on our compatible antifoul chart. Please remember some antifouls will require a primer or a binder coat.

Q: What is the best colour to paint an engine room bilge?

A: A light colour is recommended as it will show up any oil or fluid leaks from an engine through colour contrast, i.e. reddish liquid could possibly be automatic transmission fluid or power steering fluid, thus enabling quick fault finding. We offer various bilge paints in light blue, white or mid grey.

Q: After heavy rainfall I have black streaks down my topsides. How can I remove them and prevent them from appearing again?

A: The black streaks come from air borne pollution. Various cleaning products in our range will remove them. If you use a good wax and polish after removing the streaks, it will prevent them from reappearing so quickly.

Q: When masking up for painting and leaving the tape in position over a couple of days, I can never remove the tape cleanly; have you any ideas?

A: Try our low tack tape which will remain in place for seven days and yet can be easily removed. This will allow you to complete a number of coats without having to remove or reapply the masking tape.

Q: How do I get a better finish by varnishing?

A: It's all down to good preparation and to varnishing in the in the best climatic conditions. Open the PDF Better Varnishing for more information.

Remember; once you have taken care of the many tasks and maintenance jobs on your boat, please don’t forget to service your trailer! We offer various marine-based lubricants and be sure you give it a protective coat of paint to finish off the service programme. Call us on 01202 290 167 for help and advice with our product range.

Great advice along with useful Hints & Tips

Technical Help & Enquiries: 01202 290 167