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December 02, 2022 3 min read
Winter is a great time for boat maintenance, whether that be prepping for a winter series event or packing your boat away for the winter. Here are a few things we would recommend checking on your boat.
Covers have a life that will vary depending on how you care for them. Leaving them wet and screwed up on the ground and not attaching halyards to keep the water from pooling will damage the cover over time.
Make sure your cover is still keeping the water out. PVC covers are great for this but if they are damaged they can let water in and then it has no way back out. This water that is stuck inside can cause cracking and osmosis.
You should treat your trolley wheels with regular checks for punctures and cracks. The wheels are a vital part that gets your boat from the boat park to the water. So why not invest in high-quality wheels that will last? The last thing you want is a flat tyre slowing you down getting to the start of the race.
The mast step is one part you don't think to check very often. This is vital for performance and safety on the water. The last thing you want is the mast falling down while you are sailing. Recently I had a new mast on my boat. I kept rigging set up the same as the old mast and something wasn't right. The wear on the old mast to sit lower completely changed the rig. The new mast sat higher on the ball as the plate inside was smoother. Wear may seem harmless but you are giving performance and boat speed away.
Shrouds and bridal wires should be checked for loose strands and corrosion. Mast sheaves make sure they still run effectively and are not worn. Check for corrosion on mast fittings. Mast fittings are commonly riveted and bolted on, a quick check you can do is shake the fitting to feel if it is secured effectivly.
The last thing you want when sailing is for something to break. The Universal joint is your steering on the boat. It is made from rubber and will have a short life if not cared for correctly. Reasons they break:
Regular checks when attaching the rudder to see for any cracks is easy and doesn't take long. If you see a crack replace it. It is cheaper to replace a UJ over a new tiller extension if you lose it overboard when it breaks.
Small nicks may seem not to be slowing you down but they are.
Older wooden, GRP and Foam Filled Foils will take on water through even the smallest scuffs. The water can get inside and cause other damages to make the foils soft therefore decreasing the structural integrity and that may mean you have to replace the whole foil. As well as that the foil will become heavier and more prone to more damage from osmosis as the water tries to escape the foil.
These are just a few hints and tips of what you can check on your boat.
If you have any questions please get in touch with our team here at Sailing Chandlery.
Bought when I changed the wheels - arrived well wrapped with the wheels and on time. Easy to fit quality product. Good service
Easy to fit and seem to be robust as a replacement for my Trolley wheels. Arrived as promised very well wrapped. Worth checking if you need new washers and clips to add to your order.
Though not cheap this control line swivel block is just the job. Well worth the money imho.
Always can rely on sailing chandlery leading up to a busy event season ! Great service, great products all round !
Excellent, fair pricing, fast delivery! Would recommend
Slides easily through the blocks whilst providing firm grip
Item has brilliant bounce back ability, thanks
Simple to fit and makes launching and recovery simple. Well worth the investment
Quality material and design enables my lug sail to be stowed securely on it's spars
Great wide and grippy tyres for a shingle/sharp launching area and compound for an RS400.
Receive fantastic service couldn’t help any more if they tried. Arranged for me to collect my order at a time that suited even when it was outside of working hours. Much appreciated, thank you sailing Chandlery.
Excellent gloves, perhaps the best I have used. The fingers are long enough to provide protection from sheets/halyards and fit nicely so that ropes cannot get between the glove and finger. If the winter gloves are any guide they should also be very durable.
really happy with these! the thick material means that I will be warm whilst sailing, and the 3 finger coverage allows mobility and warmth on the water. the added grip will really help on the heavy wind reaches, can't wait to test them out this weekend. shipping was really quick, with a sweet included in my order thank you.
As always, great stock, quick delivery, perfect, thank you
The footprint of these is much more than standard trolley wheels so they roll on sand much easier.
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