Coming Out of Lay-Up—During the Launch

by Penny Insurance Agency | Jun 14, 2018 | Auto Insurance, Boat / RV Insurance

As we welcome summer, it is time to continue preparing your vessel for the water. We
partnered with Chubb Insurance to ensure your boat is in tip-top shape for a successful launch
so that you can experience a safe and enjoyable boating season. Below you will find the second
section of our three-part series on how to properly prep your boat during the launch.
Warmer weather leads to very busy boatyards, often launching several boats an hour. Yard
employees may not take the time to properly check for leaks after the boat goes in the water.
You, or someone else who knows the boat, should be there when she is launched to ensure the
following prep occurs:

Check for Leaks

As soon as the boat is in the water, get below with a bright light and check for leaks. Remember
to check prop shaft and rudder stuffing boxes.

For Sailboats

If your sailboat’s mast was removed for winter storage, the yard will usually step it when the
boat is in the water. It’s easy to get the rig ready for sailing if you remembered to measure the
turnbuckles and to inspect all the standing and running rigging last fall. Be sure all turnbuckles
are secured with cotter pins once the rig has been tuned.

Start the Engine

Before you start an engine, be sure the seawater intake seacock is open. As soon as the engine
is running, check for exhaust water flow.
As you move the boat to her mooring, watch the temperature gauge to make sure the engine’s
cooling system is working properly. If an engine won’t start right away, don’t crank it for very
long; water can collect in the muffler and drown the engine.
Now that you’ve done your boat-keeping chores, you can spend a relaxing season enjoying your
boat. Keeping a few tips in mind can help throughout the season and as you prepare for lay-up
later in the year.

• Check the lifejackets, flares and first aid kit to make sure you and your boating companions
will be safe while onboard your vessel. Be sure the horn, running lights, anchor light and
searchlight work properly.

• Check the fire extinguishers and have them serviced or replaced as needed and change the
batteries in the smoke and CO detectors and EPIRB if you have one.

• Make certain the boat’s registration or documentation is current and that all the required
papers are onboard.

• Start a “punch list” of things that will need attention before the end of the season.

• Inventory all equipment, personal items and outfitting onboard and update it during the
season.

• Replace anything that’s missing, damaged or out of date.

We want you to have fun on the water, just as much as we want you and your co-captains to be
safe this summer! Be sure to complete this thorough checklist during the launch of your boat so
that you and those aboard your boat are safe while truly enjoying your time out on the water.
Contact a Penny Insurance Agent today to discuss your marine recreation protection options
and be on the lookout for the final addition to our three-part boating series.

Have a great summer of safe boating!

Coming Out of Lay-Up–Before the Launch

by Penny Insurance Agency | Jun 8, 2018 | Auto Insurance, Boat / RV Insurance

Important Recommendations for Boating Season

Summer is upon us which means it’s time to prepare for boating season! If your boat was in lay-up over the winter, you’ll need to take care of a few things before it’s ready to go. Penny Insurance Agency partnered with Chubb Recreational Marine Insurance, to help you make sure your vessel is ready for a successful launch and you can enjoy a safe and relaxing season. Check out the first section of our three-part series below!

As a boat owner, you’re responsible for knowing the condition of your boat and its equipment.

Bringing a vessel out of lay-up gives you a great opportunity to perform a thorough inspection before boating season begins. Before you launch your boat, be sure to review manuals, instruction sheets and other documents for details about the vessel and onboard systems, proper operation and maintenance, as well as contact information for manufacturers and suppliers in case you have questions or need parts.

Before the Launch

Outside the Boat

Rule number one: While working on the hull, always let the yard employees move stands and blocking. If you’re using a ladder to get onboard, don’t forget to secure the top of the ladder to a stanchion, or a cleat on deck.

Inspect the Bottom

• Check all through-hull fittings and scrape inside their openings.
• Be sure all seawater intakes are clear of obstructions.

Through-Hulls and Zincs

• Check all the through-hulls above the waterline.
• Replace any questionable through-hulls with marine-grade bronze or fiber-reinforced plastic.
• Remove any sacrificial zinc anodes prior to painting.
• Install fresh zinc anodes if the old ones are half depleted.

Transducers and Running Gear

• Inspect underwater transducers for depth sounders, fish finders and knot meters.
• Clean and free the faces of depth transducers of marine growth.
• Check propellers for damage and straightness.
• Put a light coat of waterproof grease on the shaft taper and key when installing the serviced prop.
• Check shaft bearings for wear.
• Check the rudders by trying to move the bottom of the rudder from side to side, and up and down.
• Inspect swim step supports, trim tabs, thruster grates and boarding ladders.
• Be sure the ladder deploys properly if it telescopes and is mounted under the swim step

Outdrive Hints

• Inspect the outdrives’ flexible rubber bellows carefully.
• Run your finger along the edge of the skeg at the very bottom of the drive and if you find any oil, a seal may need to be replaced.
• Change the oil in the drive.

Inside the Boat

• Make sure all seacocks operate smoothly and their handles are in good condition.
• Clean and brighten the through-hulls and bonding wire connections.
• Check the bonding connection to the sacrificial zinc.
• Inspect seawater intake strainers on engines, generators, air conditioner pumps and any other equipment that requires them.
• Make certain drain plugs are secure and that gaskets and washers are in good shape.
• Inspect the seawater intake systems’ vented loop.

Hoses and Clamps

• Inspect the hose clamps and the hoses attached to all the seacocks and through-hulls.
• Examine all stuffing box hoses, exhaust hoses and fill hoses from the decks to the tanks.
• Replace any soft hoses that show signs of bulging, cracking or damage.

Engines and Generators

• Check and replace your engine and generators’ sacrificial zinc anodes, if necessary.
• Check all the V-belts on the engines.
• Pull out the knotmeter transducer and inspect the O-rings.
• Apply a light coat of waterproof grease to the O-rings and be sure the transducer tube is clean before re-inserting the transducer.
• Put the water-lift exhaust muffler on a generate or sailboat engine’s drain plug back in place.
• Inspect all mufflers for signs of rust or peeling paint.

Steering Gear

• Operate the steering gear lock-to-lock.

Batteries

• Clean your batteries’ terminals and cable clamps before you connect them.

Completing this thorough check list before launching your boat for the summer will give you and those aboard peace of mind and allow you to truly enjoy your time out on the water. Contact a Penny Insurance Agent today to discuss your marine recreation protection options.