Written by
Roland Pootmans posted on February 12, 2009 21:01
February, the dead of winter, and here we are thinking spring. We asked Roland Pootmans and his wife, Danielle, if they would give us their cruising “tips”. "Roly", a former chief pilot for Quebecair and Nationair, is a recent retiree from Flight Safety where he trained pilots on aircraft simulators and Danielle is a former travel consultant. They know the islands well as they have cruised them since 1971. They have a slip in Gananoque and on most weekends they are usually found anchored in a secluded bay.
Originally from Beaconsfield, Quebec, they have many years of cruising experience. Their first long voyage away from the Thousand Islands in 1992 was on board their Alberg 37 yawl, Lanikai, to Long Island Sound and the Cape Cod area. In 1993/1994 they sailed Lanikai to the Bahamas and back. In 2000 they made the move from sail to a trawler, an Oceania 30.
Danielle and Roli are quick to suggest these are the "basics" and they expect readers will have additional information to share through our “comments” section.
Spring into the Boating Season
By Roland Pootmans
Spring is slowly approaching and it may be time to think about what needs to be done on our boats so that we may enjoy a trouble free summer. Boatyards are often swamped with work later on so it may be worthwhile to have all that work done now when they are not too busy. Hopefully your boat and engine[s] were put away clean with fresh oil and grease as required by the Owner’s Manuals.
What are some of the tasks we can do to ensure a happy summer? Here is a short list of "at home" and "on the boat" - "to do's".
At Home
NOTE: All Canadian motorized boat operators MUST have a Boating license by September 15th, 2009. There are also new regulations in NY State regarding safe boating courses for children over 10 years old.
- Check your shore power connectors for burns which may indicate they need replacement.
- Ensure all required safety equipment is onboard and up to date.
- If the boat is on a trailer at home make sure bearings are well lubed and tire pressure is up. Make sure all the trailer lights are working properly.
- Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date.
- Review your boat insurance policy and update if required.
- Make sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage especially if you boat or refuel in the USA.
- Check expiration dates on flares and extinguishers and replace or recharge if required.
- Verify that all your dock lines, anchor line and fender lines are free of chafe and replace if necessary.
- Update or replace old charts and guidebooks.
- Check your shore power connectors for burns which may indicate they need replacement.
- Ensure all required safety equipment is onboard and up to date.
- If the boat is on a trailer at home make sure bearings are well-lubed and tire pressure is up. Make sure all the trailer lights are working properly.
On the Boat
- Inspect and lubricate seacocks to ensure their smooth operation as well as checking the integrity of the hose clamps.
- All below water level hosing should be double clamped.
- Inspect bilge pumps and floats for proper operation.
- Make sure the engine sea strainer is clean and properly secured.
- If equipped with an outdrive, inspect the outdrive bellows for cracks, especially in the folds and have it replaced if necessary.
- Check and clean knot meter pitot tube
- If equipped, check the bilge blower and hose for leaks
- Check the steering for smooth operation and control cable condition. Lubricate where required.
- Inspect fuel lines, filters and fittings and check for leaks.
- Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of the battery cables. Fill battery cells to the proper level with distilled water.
- Check running lights for proper operation.
- If so equipped, make sure that the STERN DRAIN PLUG is installed prior to launch. Sadly many boats have sunk because their masters forgot this!
For Sailboats
- Check all standing and running rigging.
- Lubricate all turnbuckles and retighten to spec once the boat has been back in the water for a few days.
- Check all sails are in good condition. Now is the time to have those repairs done at the sail loft.
- Check all halyards for chafe and replace if necessary.
Provisioning for a Cruise
by Danielle Pootmans
Note: Take small jars and bottles on board and take advantage of lightweight plastic containers.
The Galley |
Pantry (Small jars) |
Basics |
Head & Sleeping Cabin |
Saucepans |
Coffee |
Liquid Detergent |
Personal Toilet Articles |
Frying Pan (Teflon) |
Creamer |
Powder Soap |
Toilet Paper |
Kettle |
Tea |
Scouring Powder (nylon) |
Facial Tissue |
Coffee/Tea Pot |
Peanut Butter |
Clothes Pegs (many) |
Shampoo |
Pressure Cooker |
Honey |
J Clothes |
Bar, Ivory Soap |
Pot Holder |
Jam |
Clean Rags |
Shaving Cream |
Toast Rack |
Oil |
Sponges |
Razor |
Spatula |
Vinegar |
Drying-up Cloths |
Mirror |
Long tools for BBQ |
Ketchup |
Plastic bags (all sizes) |
Talcum Power |
Can and Bottle Opener |
Mustard |
Twist tags |
Suntan Lotion |
Corkscrew |
Relish |
Fantastic |
Needles |
Mugs |
Salt & Pepper (add rice) |
Bucket |
Scissors |
Plates |
Spices |
Rubber Gloves |
Tweezers |
Bowls |
Bouillon Cubes |
Aluminum Foil |
Bug Screens |
Glasses |
sugar (in container) |
Old Foil Plates |
Sleeping Bags |
Cutlery |
Small amt. Flour |
Wooden Matches |
Pillows |
Cutting Board |
Biscuit Mix |
Fly Swatter |
Blankets |
Good Knives |
Instant Rice |
Mosquito Repellent |
Sheets |
Salad Bowl |
Pasta |
Shopping Cart & Bags |
Towels |
Colander/Strainer |
Popcorn/chips etc. |
Nets for Fruit & Vegetables |
Facecloths |
Plastic containers & tops |
Wine / Spirits |
|
Beach Towels |
Plastic glasses (Cocktail) |
Soft Drinks |
|
Laundry Bag |
Disposable, Cups & Plates |
Juices |
|
Brush & Dustpan |
Stove Fuel |
Canned Fruits |
|
|
BBQ, Gas & Lighter |
Vegetables |
|
First Aid Box |
|
Soups |
|
Alcohol |
|
Meats |
|
Antiseptic Cream |
The Ship |
Puddings |
|
Band-Aids |
1st Mate gloves |
Condensed Milk |
|
Butterfly Bandages |
Books |
Cereals |
|
Prescriptions |
Playing Cards |
Crackers |
|
|
Games (Magnetic parts) |
Cookies |
|
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Paper |
Dried Fruits & Nuts |
|
|
Pens |
Long Life Milk |
|
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Ship's Papers |
Cocoa |
|
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Flashlight |
Sauce mix |
|
|
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Instant Oatmeal |
|
|
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Cream of wheat |
|
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Baking soda (odors/baking) |
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Baking Powder |
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I hope that this short checklist will help in getting your boat and you, ready for the season ahead. Wishing you all a long hot summer. See you on the River.
Roly and Danielle Pootmans
Lanikai II