Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, get ready for the season with the Spring Commissioning Safety Checklist from the Boat Owners Association of the United States.

Before you launch:
• Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary.
 
• Replace deteriorated anodes.

• Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft - if it's loose, the cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.

• Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn't been bent.
 
• Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
 
• Make sure your engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion, clean and properly secured.
 
• Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, be sure to check all through-hulls for leaks.
 
• Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.
 
• If equipped, ensure that the stern drain plug is installed.

Outdrives and outboards:
• Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds), and replace if suspect.
 
• Check power steering and power trim oil levels.
 
• Replace anodes that are more than half worn away.
 
• Inspect outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable must be replaced.

Engines and fuel systems
• Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.
 
• Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Clamps should be snug and free of rust. Clean or replace fuel filters. Owners of gasoline-powered boats with fiberglass fuel tanks should consult a marine professional to inspect for any ethanol related issues.
 
• Inspect cooling hoses for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and are double-clamped.
 
• Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.
 
• Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables. Wire-brush battery terminals and fill cells with distilled water (if applicable).
 
• Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.

Sailboat rigging
• Inspect swage fittings for cracks and heavy rust (some discoloration is acceptable). Inspect wire halyards and running backstays for "fishhooks" and rust.
 
• Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape.
 
• Recaulk through-deck chainplates as necessary (generally, once a decade). If you suspect the core around the chainplate is damp, remove the chainplate to inspect and make repairs.

Trailers
• Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure. Don't forget the spare!
 
• Inspect wheel bearings and repack as necessary.
 
• Test tail and back-up lights and winch to make sure they're working properly. Inspect hitch chains.
 
• Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration.
 
• Inspect brakes and brake fluid reservoir.

Miscellaneous
• Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
 
• Check stove and remote tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses.
 
• Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make sure they're working properly.
 
• Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.
 
• Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.
 
• Check shore power cable connections for burns, which indicates the cable and/or the shore power inlet must be replaced.
 
• Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date. Don't forget your trailer tags.
 
• Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.
 
• Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, incl
uding kids.
 • Test smoke, carbon monoxide, fume and bilge alarms.
 
• Be sure to get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Find out how at SafetySeal.net.

A free Spring Safety Pre-launch Checklist is available online at BoatUS.com/freebies/springlist.htm,

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