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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.
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.
These Falker Burgees are essential for our training fleet, giving an instant indication of apparent wind direction.
Made of stainless steel they do not corrode, and are easy to fit into the mast bracket.
It is a shame the sail part is not available as a spare as this part does not last forever, unlike the ss frame.
Nice product.
Arrived quickly and fits very well
Fast, efficient service and the lightweight trolley is perfect for my needs.
We needed to change the size and it looks like they will change the Hikers for a size up. Thank you very much
Thank you Sailing Chandlery for delivering my new sailing watch.
An excellent product and decent value.
Service was great, delivery was quick and item was good quality.
These are excellent launching trolley wheels. Much better quality than the cheaper 'knock-off' ones on eBay! It took a couple of minutes to take off my old ones and fit these
Recently bought these as a birthday present for my dad. Order arrived super speedy (even with a treat of love hearts in it). The fit and quality is great, he really loved them
Great service
The wheels are exactly what I ordered. Delivery was immediate from the store and they arrived exactly when promised. 100% - job well done!
Excellent fast service from this company. Very good price for the Parka & free shipping. As a Motorhome & dog owner I bought the Parka to use when these activities frequently get cold & wet! I haven't had cause to use it yet. I've tried it on & it's just what I needed. It's a good long length (I'm 5ft 8") & does away with the need for waterproof trousers. Very handy zipped pockets & I like the fact that you can tighten up the wrist cuffs. I'm very pleased with my purchase & would certainly recommend Sailing Chandlery. Thank you.
Good quality product and easy to fit.
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