Joe Coons
Well, it's nearly opening day! On recent trips to the harbor, I've seen more and more BYC Members working on their boats, getting them ready. Here's the way I define and organize work when I look over the boats for two of the local charter fleets, and my own boat, too:
With a clipboard in hand, first I carefully inspect each exterior area, the foredeck, side decks, cockpit, flybridge, deck boxes, under seats and console, etc., looking for anything that needs cosmetic repair. I look for dirt, disarray, damage, rust, signs of leaky fittings, etc. Are things out of place? Then, on the interior, I do the same thing. I open every locker, drawer, and hatch, and I lift every cushion to be sure everything is clean, neat, and odor free, that the latches all work, do doors stick? I write down everything that I think needs to be done to make the boat “like new”. I do this in every compartment, including the engine room. I mean, look in everything! The tool box. The spares kit. Everything.
Next, I sea-trial the boat, running it for an hour or so. I try everything. I check all the electronics, the light bulbs, the wipers, the switches, the water and oil lines, the belts, the heads, the instruments. Anything not working goes on the list. When I'm done, I'll know what work needs to be done for a trouble-free, fun season.
Finally, I review my (long) list, prioritize it, and get started doing it all. Each year, my list gets shorter . . . that's because I've caught more and more last year.
Now, organize your list and have fun in '99!
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Last updated 3/17/99 by SCR