The first sail of the season is a magical event. It’s a chance to take to the open seas for the first time in months. It’s a chance to experience the beauty of the ocean once again. And, it’s nothing short of a brand-new beginning for you and your boat.
It’s also a pain in the butt to get ready for.
You have to make sure your sails are in order and the hull hasn’t been cracked or damaged. Furthermore, you have to make sure your rig is ready. You have to put on a coat of wax and polish all the metal. Also, you have to make sure your safety equipment is still in order. The list goes on and on.
So, with the first sail of the season in mind, we’ve put together a checklist of everything you need to do to get ready for the sea. Check them out today and then contact us if you want a much easier first sail experience!
Give Everything a Good Once Over
From the rudder to the topsail, you’re going to want to check out everything and make sure it’s in working order. This includes the engine, mast, riggings, head system, and more. You can find a full list on the website of our good friends’ Boat Safe.
Check Your Fuel System
Make sure everything is working correctly in your fuel system before you’re on the water. This will save you serious time and money because, trust us, you don’t want to run out of fuel on the ocean. Pay special attention to the connection between tanks and hoses, as this is a major spot for corrosion to occur.
Bonus tip: start your engine and make sure it’s venting properly.
Hull Safety 101
Look for cracks and distortions over your entire hull. This includes the topside and everything under the waterline. You’ll almost always want to add a new coat of paint, even if there aren’t any visible cracks or abrasions on the current paint job. Don’t forget to wax the hull too.
Make Sure Your Rig is Ready
This is one of the most important parts of making sure your sailboat is ready for the water. You’re going to want to check both your mast and spreaders, clean the sail track, center your rig, and a lot more. Make sure to check all metal components for corrosion and damage, check for fraying, and make sure all fitting and pulleys are lubricated.
Bonus tip: have a Miami boat repair service make sure your boat is in perfect shape for you. You get all of the benefits of having a sail ready boat with none of the hassle!
Bonus: Rent a Yacht So You Don’t Have to Worry About Your First Sail
If all of this sounds like a major drag…it is. Sailing is a majestic experience, but getting your boat ready for the season certainly isn’t.
This is where renting a sailboat or yacht becomes a great choice. You can skip the entire preparation checklist and get straight to the sailing bliss. You can skip the headache of “is everything attached properly?” and “has the rigging always buckled like that” and get straight to the sun on your face.