Spring boating tips from local experts

Norm Walsh of Westman Marine says focus on safety.

Summer is just around the corner and summer is boating season in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure your boat is safe and ready for the season.
If you moor your vessel year round, now is the time to haul out and perform maintenance. Cleaning the bottom is a good place to start. Now we can check the rudder and shaft packing for wear. Next we will want to make sure all transducers, keep coolers, sea chests, valves and through hulls are in good shape and secure.

If you own a wooden craft, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any rot, or bugs that may be present. Also check any seams or fasteners for leakage. If you own a fiberglass boat, cracks and blisters are a concern. Steel and aluminum, don’t let them rust or erode. A fresh coat of antifoulant paint and the proper amount of zinc anodes on metallic parts will help keep your boat clean and healthy.

• Eric Freeman, service dept. manager at Resort Semiahmoo, follows this spring checklist.
• Check safety equipment: flares, horn, life jackets, and first aid kit.
• Check navigation lights, VHF radio and antenna for proper operation and visibility
• Check batteries and clean all battery connections.
• Check engine fluid levels. Change engine oil and filter if not changed last year.
• Check bilge pump(s), auto switches and wiring.
• Check hoses and engine V-belts.
• Check steering system: linkage, cables or hydraulic system.
• Check through-hull fittings, valves and hose clamps..
  

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