The summer months have come and gone, but this doesn’t mean that danger is going into hibernation. Gas Appliances & Cooking Equipment Gas should be stored in bottles or cylinders and kept secure in a purpose-built boat gas locker. Ensure that your gas system is in good working order, air tight and free of leaks. If in doubt, contact an …

The summer months have come and gone, but this doesn’t mean that danger is going into hibernation. Fire Prevention It is important to take preventative measures to protect yourself from fire on your vessel. There are a few ways to go about this: Make sure you have a smoke alarm and fire extinguisher. Carbon Monoxide and gas detectors are useful …

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 …