CHAPTER 11 MAINTENANCE


E Pre-Sail E Post-Sail E Storm Preparations


As intermediate sailors learn new skills and use more advanced equipment, more time is needed to maintain their boats and equipment. It is important to get into the routine of carefully inspecting all aspects of the boat and rigging to help insure your sail is a safe and enjoyable one. Many repairs can be accomplished by the do-it-yourself sailor, following manufacturer’s guidelines.


Pre-Sail


HULL: • Carefully check over the hull, deck and cockpit area of the boat. Look for chips, gouges and cracks in fiberglass boats. Water will penetrate the fiberglass in these areas and can lead to weakening and premature failure of the fiberglass. These should be filled with a waterproof marine filler appropriate for the materials used in the boat’s construction, sanded smooth when cured, and covered with gelcoat or paint.


• Many new boats are also being constructed of various types of plastic. While these boats tend to be more forgiving when it comes to bumps and scrapes, different techniques are needed for making repairs. As with fiberglass repairs, check with the boat manufacturer for tips on the right materials and techniques for making a repair.


• Periodically check the underside of the hull and, in particular, the centerboard/daggerboard trunk. Many boats will have some kind of gasket secured to the opening for the centerboard. This gasket can wear out and the fittings that secure it to the boat can become loose over time.


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