With summer upon us, many a boy’s fancy will turn to a spot of boating as long days and balmy nights beckon. However, summer has its own share of challenges for boaters, and it helps to go into the season prepared.

 According to Tim Kelly of Kirk Marine, regardless of whether you are on the water or your boat is at dock, the rainy season poses some very definite problems.

 “Wind and rain will most certainly add a degree of challenge to boating in terms of visibility and boat handling characteristics while under way, and especially during docking or mooring maneuvers,” says Tim.

 Even a boat that is docked or moored will require more attention during the rainy season as well, due to the potential for water entering the bilge areas through leaking hatches, poorly sealed fittings or fasteners, broken or loose drain hoses or scuppers, just to name a few, he adds.

 “Boaters should thoroughly inspect their boat for leaks and make any necessary repairs to prevent water from entering the bilge areas. Verify that all bilge pumps and their respective switches are working both automatically, and manually as well if equipped,” says Tim.

 He suggests that any boat that is docked or moored should have at least two bilge pumps with automatic float switches for redundancy, as well as an onboard battery charger or even a small solar battery maintainer to keep the batteries at full capacity should the pumps have to run for an extended period of time.

 “A bilge pump is the one item that will help keep your boat on top of the water should a leak occur, so a good large capacity bilge pump is well worth the investment. You should verify bilge pump operation every time you visit the boat at the dock or mooring, and most definitely check its function before taking a trip in the boat,” says Tim.

 “Make sure that the batteries on the boat are fully charged and in good working order,” says Tim. After all, the last thing you want is to get to your boat for a fun weekend on the water and find it sitting very low in the water or, even worse, rather close to the bottom of the canal.

 Of course, summer is hurricane season in Cayman, so it pays to keep a close eye on the weather and “Safety should always be every boater’s primary concern, so knowing what the weather could do and taking steps to avoid it is the best policy,” says Tim.

 “If your boat is moored in an exposed location have it moved to a more protected area, or dry docked as soon as possible. At the dock; make sure all lines and fenders are of adequate size and strength for your vessel and the impending weather conditions. Beware of any other vessels nearby that could potentially come in contact with yours and mitigate the risk by relocating your vessel away from the hazard or taking additional precautions, such as helping secure that vessel as well, adding additional fendering and lines, et cetera,” he says.

 The beating rain and very ample sunshine of summer can also be quite tough on
a boat.

 “Keep the exterior finish of the boat well waxed, most waxes have UV inhibitors that will help keep the finish looking good for years with proper care and application. Wash the boat with a very mild soap so that it won’t strip the wax off when you wash. A well waxed finish will be easier to clean and maintain than one that only rarely gets cleaned, let alone waxed,” says Tim.

 He also suggests removing upholstery where possible and storing it in a dry and well ventilated area.

 “Keep the upholstery clean and treated with a quality UV protectant if it is not possible to remove and store it elsewhere,” he says.

 Although a boat cover may seem a no brainer, it is important that it be in good condition and well designed.

 “Poorly designed or maintained covers can actually trap moisture and promote mildew and mould growth on your boat’s upholstery and interior,” according to Tim.

 Ensuring that you follow these basic rules will ensure boating enjoyment throughout the summer, and well into the future.

For more information, contact Kirk Marine at 946-3575 or visit kirkmarine.ky