Summer is finally here! Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Part 10: Check your sails and rigging No matter how big or new your boat is, the sails and rigging must be checked and upgraded regularly. Rigging – The rig is put under massive stress so it is …

Summer is finally here! Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Part 9: Check your electrics & electrical connections A faulty electrical connection can leave you stranded on your first day. Make sure your battery cables are tight and free from corrosion. The batteries should have been periodically charged …

Summer is finally here! Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Part 8: Bilge Pump and Switches Bilge pumps and switches are extremely important for boat safety. The bilge removes water from your boat, the bilge pump will then draw the water out. Without a working bilge pump your …

Summer is almost here! Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Part 7: Batteries & Fluids Check your batteries The colder weather and lack of use can be the Achilles heel of any battery system, causing it to lose its charge. Test your batteries before heading out on the …

The weather is moving through spring, towards summer. Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Part 6: Check Your Anodes Checking for damaged anodes is an essential part of boat maintenance. Known also as sacrificial anodes, these replaceable parts protect the more expensive metal components of your boat from …

The weather is moving through spring, towards summer. Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind. Part 5: General Boat Checks Before starting your boat there are some important checks you should carry out to ensure everything is in working order: Clamps & Bolts Ensure that the engine mountings are …

The weather is moving through spring, towards summer. Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Steering Rudders The rudder is one of the most important parts of your boat, and rudder failure is a common problem on neglected or over-worked boats. It is not only very unpleasant, but also …

The weather is moving through spring, towards summer. Before you head back out into the water, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Engines You safely winterised your boat, so now it’s time to give everything a thorough check before taking her back out onto the water. Inspect the propellors for damage and make sure all pins …

Now that spring is here, it’s time to get back in the water! But before you do, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind… Water Systems These are often an overlooked item when it comes to commissioning your boat: all the fresh and raw water plumbing and pipes. This includes raw water engine cooling systems, automatic and …

Now that spring is here, it’s time to get back in the water! But before you do, here are some important safety equipment tips to keep in mind…   Lifejackets Lifejackets are an essential piece of safety equipment. Before setting sail, check that you have sufficient life jackets on board for everyone, and ensure they cater to all sizes and …