Call for boat owners to have better safety preparation

B&G survey finds yacht and boat owners need to do more to stay safe over the summer boating season

B&G®, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist are advising sailors and boat owners to ensure they prepare better for the sailing season. A recent survey conducted by B&G found just over a quarter of yacht and boat owners took very little or no pre-season boat checks on its electronics or vital safety equipment after their boat had been moored or laid up over the winter months. Based on recent ^[1] figures on yachting ownership in the UK, this could equate to just over 53,000 yachts across the country not being properly prepared for the sailing season during the summer months.

The B&G survey of over 700 boat owners resulted in a surprising 26% admitting they didn´t adequately prepare their boat for the summer season, performing only very basic tasks or nothing at all.

"We were alarmed a quarter of those people surveyed did very little or nothing at the start of the season to get their boat ready for the open water." Said Jonathon Putney from B&G adding, "The survey was not all bad news as the vast majority of sailors take sailing safety and preparation very seriously, but those that don't, really do take the risk of their sailing trip ending in disaster."

B&G also noted that whilst marine electronics are key to improve safety at sea, 15% of boat owners admitted having experienced problems because they failed to check their electronics at the beginning of the season. Some of the examples of issues experienced were inaccurate readings from wind or transducers due to poor calibration or fouling, and faulty connections due to corrosion and poorly set up wiring. All these issues mentioned could be avoided if checks were carried out pre-season.

45% of respondents also reported they didn't update the software on their electronics system, which means nearly half of boat owners surveyed are not benefitting from the new features and functions available for their products.

On the positive side, there are many responsible boat owners who thoroughly prepare their boat in one way or another, carrying out key tasks like applying anti-fouling, cleaning the transducer, checking electronics and importantly the safety equipment on board.

^[2]B&G have pulled together a number of tips to help get a boat ready for the summer season:

Boat
1. Physically inspect the boat to check for the condition of the hull, deck surface condition, ropes and deck gear.

2. If you have any doubts of the condition of the boat in the water, get the boat lifted out of the water and put in dry dock. Before this is done always establish as much as you can in advance and plan any work that needs to be done, as this could save time and money.

3. If out the water, thoroughly clean the hull and closely inspect its condition.

4. Remove any molluscs from the propeller and hull - To help clean any fouling, use a high-pressure water jet while the boat is still wet, this will make them easier to remove. Any that withstand high-pressure water jet should be carefully scraped off with a flat scraping tool. In areas such as bronze propellers or stainless steel shafts, a product such as hydrochloric acid or vinegar can be applied in advance to soften up biofouling and make it easy to remove. If using any chemicals users should follow the manufactures instructions and apply any chemicals in a well ventilated area.

5. If possible, apply anti-fouling paint - This is the fundamental task when the boat is out of the water and a recommended treatment on a yearly basis. A heavily fouled hull can reduce speed by between 20% and 25%, with a clear impact on fuel consumption.

6. Check the paddle wheel inside the engine cooling pump. If the rubber is damaged, the paddle needs to be replaced.

7. Check all engine hoses and wiring.

8. Check the oil levels, and if the dipstick comes out dirty, change the oil and the filter.

9. Check the batteries to make sure they are fully charged. If they are not the sealed type, then check the electrolyte level. Use a voltmeter to check the voltage, a good tip is to use up a few amps to see if the voltage drops sharply, in it does you will have to consider replacing the batteries.

10. Check the safety equipment such as life vests, beacons, lights and flares to ensure they are in date and fully working.

    Electronics

11. Ask yourself if your current electronics system is going to meet your expectations during the new season? Is your VHF working correctly, AIS system, chart plotter, instruments, sonar and radar?

12. Whilst checking the electronics check all the software is up-to-date. Updating the software will give you the latest version which may fix any glitches and importantly could install new features in your existing equipment. Updating software is usually pretty simple, however if in doubt you can get good advice online from manufacturers website or by asking your local dealer.

13. It is essential to get your wind, speed and compass sensors calibrated correctly as good data starts with good calibration.

14. Check to see if you have the latest cartography, if necessary consider buying new charts, especially if you are going to be sailing in new unfamiliar areas. If you feel the need for any back up charts, consider getting the paper versions.

15. Always try to pre plan and log any routes with family or friends to ensure that in the event of any emergencies there will be a recorded route of your trip and make sure you know how to use the systems on board the boat.

The B&G survey is directly linked to B&G's focus of making navigation safer, easier to use and more fun for both the recreational and competitive sailors. Risks at sea can be minimized by carefully following some preparation safety tasks at the beginning of the boating season, including checking the boat, the electronics system and the type of navigation sailors will need over the season. Boat owners should contact their local boatyard or dealer for professional advice if they have any doubts over the condition of their boat and any maintenance which is beyond their skill set.

[1] Figures based on the 2013 the recreational boating industry statistics produced by ICOMIA
[2] This list of tips is not an exhaustive guide to getting your boat ready for the sailing season. Owners are advised to consult a comprehensive guide.

For further information about the entire range of B&G products, visit www.bandg.com