Pre Season Prep 2025 | Northern Rivers Sail

Preparing your boat for a sea journey
By Pio Altarelli, John Blackburne and Jeff Harteveldt

Our engines seldom run at full throttle for hours on end while being shaken about at sea, and stresses are multiplied by choppy sea motion. However, components are less likely to fail if regular and planned checks and maintenance are carried out. We have listed below elements that are vital to your safety and security on a sea passage. In fact, for the safety and security of boat and crew, as well as the risk to potential rescuers, a sea journey should not be attempted unless vital checks are part of your planning.

Many of these elements are part and parcel of pre-season and regular ongoing maintenance. We have not included elements required by BSS such as a fire extinguisher, CO alarm etc, or personal choices, such as bedding.

Someone on board should know where the engine fuel filters and bleed points are located, as well as how to replace the filters and bleed air from the fuel system. The main issue we encounter during our sea cruises is engine failure caused by tank sludge being stirred up by the motion of the sea, which blocks the fuel filters. It is essential to ensure that the tank, fuel, and filters are all clean, especially if the boat is new to you!

Also, consider emergency situations such as man overboard (MOB). Think about how youwould get the casualty back on board and don’t assume the fittest person will remain on board for the rescue. All crew should be trainedand perhaps practice the manoeuvre. All crew should be versed in boat handling under sail and engine, engine operation and emergency procedures, including MOB and VHF operation. The benefit of a cruise in company is that if anything untoward does happen, one is not alone, but it is important to plan as if you are!

This list is not just about safety, but also for your comfort and peace of mind.

Rigging, Hull and Deck

Recent professional rigging inspection (may be an insurance requirement

if shrouds and stays are over 10 years old)

Sound rudder, tiller and fittings

Sound halyards, blocks and sheets

Sails in good condition

Ability to shorten sail easily and quickly

A bilge pump or other device to quickly drain water

Are sea cocks and skin fittings sound? (keep wooden plugs close by as emergency blockers if one does rupture)

Make sure stanchions and lifelines are strong enough to support body weight

No bent bottle screws on the shrouds (always check after raising the mast). Don’t underestimate how much strength a bent bottle screw has lost!

Engine and Transmission – all are Essential!

Recent engine oil change

Spare can of engine oil

Transmission oil level recently checked

Fuel filter recently changed

Raw water impeller recently changed

Spare raw water impeller, screws and gasket

Correct spanner or screwdriver for impeller removal secured close by

Fuel tank inspected and recently cleaned of sludge and water

Spare fuel filters, together with fuel filter removal spanner if screw-on type

Spare alternator drive belt

Spare can of fuel (perhaps 10 litres)

Electrical and Electronics

Fixed VHF and antenna working

Hand-held VHF, spare batteries or means of charging

Plotter working and up-to-date charts

Phone charger and leads, power bank (esp. if used for navigation)

Engine and domestic batteries charged and in good condition

Is the alternator charging and the belt tight?

Working navigation lights (we don’t plan to be out at night, but you never know, and you need an anchor light if at anchor overnight)

Working depth sounder

Shore power lead and adapter/gang socket

Tools

Suitable ring and open-end spanners, inc. 7, 8, 10, 12, and 17mm

Adjustable spanner, mole grips, pliers

Screwdrivers

Hammer

Sharp knife

Cordless drill, bits and charger

Torch and spare batteries (a head torch is useful)

Strong wire cutters (for shrouds if necessary)

Ropes, Mooring and Ground Tackle

Anchor and rope

Spare long ropes (for tow and emergency)

Long mooring lines and springs

Towing bridle

Extra fenders

Fender board (for mooring against pilings)

Boathook

Anchors can be expensive. If you don’t have one, consider borrowing one first. This link will help: https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/types-of-boat-anchors You will need to buy enough rope and chain for your anchor

This link will show you how to set your anchor: https://www.sail-world.com/news/243157/How-to-set-a-boat-anchor-in-3-simple-steps

Documentation, Books, Charts and Navigation

Log book to record route plans etc (route planning record is now a requirement)

Inform insurance company of sea voyage if required

Current East Coast Almanac, tide tables

Harwich Harbour guide

East Coast charts and marina guide

Tide charts for Lowestoft and Gt Yarmouth (in NSBA Green Book or Broadcaster)

List of useful VHF channels and phone numbers

East Coast Pilot Book or equivalent

NRSC Red book

Handy information for VHF emergency, safety, signalling and emergency calling