Sails up for the new season: Out of the boat shed and into the water!

To prevent the colonization of fouling organisms, the ship's hull is usually coated with a special antifouling paint. However, as these coatings are limited in their effects due to biocide regulations they need to be renewed before the start of every season. The surface should first be checked for damage and then lightly sanded, before applying the antifouling paint.

Boat preparation also includes the propeller. Are there pocks on the propeller? Does it need to be cleaned?

Just like the underwater hull, the deck also needs to be maintained and checked for damage before the start of the season. The different coatings require specific treatments: a deck with a gelcoat can be treated the same way as the hull. Clean areas with anti-slip coatings with a soft brush. Teak decks require more extensive treatment and care.

A boat's winches must withstand a lot of strain, so they should be serviced in a timely fashion, depending on how much they are used.

Tip: Check your winches once a year – preferably before the start of the season – to ensure they’re working properly and running smoothly. If necessary, open and relubricate them with winch grease.

The sails should be thoroughly inspected before the first trip of the season. The best way to do this is to spread them out on a clean surface or on a tarpaulin. This allows all seams to be checked. If seams, trim lines or fittings come loose or the cloth becomes threadbare, a professional sailmaker should be commissioned to repair or replace it.

Tip: Don't wait till spring to check your sails and avoid the inevitable long wait at the sailmaker’s. It’s better to check whether seams or parts of your sails need repairs before storing the boat for the winter.

There are many maintenance and repair jobs that owners with a bit of technical skill can take care of themselves. More complex work, however, should be left to the experts. Tutorials on these and other topics can be found on BLAUWASSER.DE (in German)!