Off on a Boating Adventure
At this year's London Boat Show, Vilamoura Marine was announced as the winner of ‘World's Best International Marina' award. Along with Albufeira, Lagos and Portimao marinas in Portugal, it is a 5 Gold Anchor destination, which has also been awarded a European Blue Flag for its water quality. Surrounded by stunning natural beaches, a golf course, a tennis centre, restaurants, boutiques and a range of other sporting and entertainment facilities, this marina has earned its reputation for quality.
A little closer to home, you may wish to cross the English Channel to France or the Channel Islands. Sailing to another country is always an adventure and whilst Jersey, Guernsey or Brittany may struggle to compete with temperatures in The Algarve, they have plenty of natural beauty to make the voyage worthwhile.
A successful boating trip will be dependent on careful planning and preparation. This is far from the most exciting part of the adventure and if it is done properly, it can be a time consuming project. It may even make for an expensive month, but it will ensure that you have a fun, enjoyable and safe time on the water. Start the preparations now and you'll start building the anticipation of a summer expedition.
Boat Maintenance
It may feel like only yesterday that you were preparing your boat for winter storage, but before you consider outing it back in the water, though checks are required to ensure it is seaworthy. Rubber parts are the most likely to have been affected over the winter months, so check the fuel lines, belts, cables and hoses for cracking and other damage.
The fuel system as a whole will need a thorough inspection to check that it is leak free, undamaged and all the connections are secure. The boat's electronics should be checked, especially for corrosion. Light levels can often be removed with a wire brush clean, but more seriously corroded components will need to be replaced. Once clean or replaced, it's advisable to coat these parts with a corrosion inhibitor.
Maintenance and replacement of any damaged engine parts not only reduces the risk of an unfortunate incident at sea. It also aids the longevity of the engine and boosts fuel efficiency. Buying a quality brand, such as Mercruiser engine parts http://www.keypart.com/mercruiser may not be the cheapest option, but they will provide the best long term value.
With the boat out of the water you can check the battery holds its charge and that all screws, bolts and other fastenings are secure. They may be small and easy to overlook, but they are essential! If you changed the oil, coolant and other fluids prior to winter storage, check the levels and if not, replace the liquids.
Finally check the hull, propeller and decks for scratches and other damage and then make repairs as necessary. Once in good condition, clean and wax them. A clean hull will make the boat more streamline in the water, which aids fuel efficiency.
Boat Safety
Check the expiry date on safety equipment and supplies including fire extinguishers and medical supplies. Check life jackets and other personal protection items to ensure they are still fit for purpose. All of this preparation will reduce the risk of incidents, but you also need to ensure you have a valid insurance policy.
Preparing for the Voyage
If you are planning your first trip across the sea, then it is advisable to either travel as part of a more experienced group, or enlist the services of an instructor or sailor. Research your route so you are aware of any particular issues in the water and the main shipping channels.
If you are planning to cross the English Channel for example, there are 13 ferry routes, as well as cargo ships to contend with. There are plenty of options for where to cross, but you need to have your route mapped out and it is a legal requirement to make a Passage Plan.
Be generous with the journey time and ensure you leave early enough to arrive when it is still light. Navigating into an unknown port, arranging a berth and getting settled in is enough of a challenge without having to do it in the dark.
With everything set to go, it's time to remember why all the hard work is worthwhile; Bon Voyage!
A little closer to home, you may wish to cross the English Channel to France or the Channel Islands. Sailing to another country is always an adventure and whilst Jersey, Guernsey or Brittany may struggle to compete with temperatures in The Algarve, they have plenty of natural beauty to make the voyage worthwhile.
A successful boating trip will be dependent on careful planning and preparation. This is far from the most exciting part of the adventure and if it is done properly, it can be a time consuming project. It may even make for an expensive month, but it will ensure that you have a fun, enjoyable and safe time on the water. Start the preparations now and you'll start building the anticipation of a summer expedition.
Boat Maintenance
It may feel like only yesterday that you were preparing your boat for winter storage, but before you consider outing it back in the water, though checks are required to ensure it is seaworthy. Rubber parts are the most likely to have been affected over the winter months, so check the fuel lines, belts, cables and hoses for cracking and other damage.
The fuel system as a whole will need a thorough inspection to check that it is leak free, undamaged and all the connections are secure. The boat's electronics should be checked, especially for corrosion. Light levels can often be removed with a wire brush clean, but more seriously corroded components will need to be replaced. Once clean or replaced, it's advisable to coat these parts with a corrosion inhibitor.
Maintenance and replacement of any damaged engine parts not only reduces the risk of an unfortunate incident at sea. It also aids the longevity of the engine and boosts fuel efficiency. Buying a quality brand, such as Mercruiser engine parts http://www.keypart.com/mercruiser may not be the cheapest option, but they will provide the best long term value.
With the boat out of the water you can check the battery holds its charge and that all screws, bolts and other fastenings are secure. They may be small and easy to overlook, but they are essential! If you changed the oil, coolant and other fluids prior to winter storage, check the levels and if not, replace the liquids.
Finally check the hull, propeller and decks for scratches and other damage and then make repairs as necessary. Once in good condition, clean and wax them. A clean hull will make the boat more streamline in the water, which aids fuel efficiency.
Boat Safety
Check the expiry date on safety equipment and supplies including fire extinguishers and medical supplies. Check life jackets and other personal protection items to ensure they are still fit for purpose. All of this preparation will reduce the risk of incidents, but you also need to ensure you have a valid insurance policy.
Preparing for the Voyage
If you are planning your first trip across the sea, then it is advisable to either travel as part of a more experienced group, or enlist the services of an instructor or sailor. Research your route so you are aware of any particular issues in the water and the main shipping channels.
If you are planning to cross the English Channel for example, there are 13 ferry routes, as well as cargo ships to contend with. There are plenty of options for where to cross, but you need to have your route mapped out and it is a legal requirement to make a Passage Plan.
Be generous with the journey time and ensure you leave early enough to arrive when it is still light. Navigating into an unknown port, arranging a berth and getting settled in is enough of a challenge without having to do it in the dark.
With everything set to go, it's time to remember why all the hard work is worthwhile; Bon Voyage!
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