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Ibiza sailing ⛵️ vibes 🎶 dj bjosa bjosa.com 🥰

Will look it up, looks amazing. Love the Rockies (was living close to it 25 years ago, good memories).

Lake Louise ❤️ or Lake o Hara? #lakelouise

Italy? 🇮🇹

Sailing sunsets are unmatched✨
Not much wind yesterday so we mostly just bobbed around at our leisure. But made some dinner while afloat which always tastes better than on land as a rule. 😋
#sailing #sunset #nature #pnw #photography #sailboat #sailor

We have a stowaway on Polar Sun now as we head to the Equator, a blue-footed booby!
Been on board with us for 12 hours hanging out.

#ocean #nature #Bird #photography #sailing

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We forgot to mention; What are you top routine boat maintenance which should be added to a checklist? Your answers can be posted directly on the website or here. Post answers here will also be posted on the website with your reference.

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Coming weeks we will work on the Checklist data. In case you some great checklist for Maintenance, Voyage Preparation, Provisioning checklist available, which you are willing to share. Please post it below or sign in and provide your checklist items directly on: wiki.dockdive.com/checklists.

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Clean and treat non-skid decks for safety and appearance.
Wax and polish topsides and metal fittings as needed.
Inspect stanchions, rails, and cleats for tightness and sealant integrity.

4. ⚓ Deck, Hardware, and Hull
Inspect and lubricate seacocks and thru-hull valves.
Check anchor, rode, and windlass operation.
Inspect dock lines and fenders for wear or UV damage.
Wash and inspect hull for blisters, cracks, or growth.

3. 💨 Steering and Controls
Check steering fluid (hydraulic systems) and inspect for leaks.
Inspect and lubricate control cables and linkages.
Operate throttle and shift levers – Ensure smooth engagement and return.

Check operation of bilge pumps and float switches.
Test navigation lights, cabin lights, and accessories.
Inspect fuses and breakers for corrosion or overheating signs.
Run and test electronics – GPS, depth sounder, radios, etc.

2. 🔋 Electrical and Battery Systems
Test battery voltage and charge levels – Healthy batteries should be 12.6V or higher at rest.
Clean battery terminals and apply dielectric grease.

Check coolant level and reservoir (for closed systems).
Flush raw water cooling system – Especially after saltwater use.
Inspect propeller and shaft – Look for dings, fishing line, or excessive play.

Change fuel/water separator filter – Especially important in ethanol-blended fuels prone to water absorption.
Inspect belts and cooling hoses – Replace worn or frayed components.

🛢️ 1. Engine and Fuel System
Check engine oil and filters – Top up if needed or schedule a change (every 100 hours or annually).
Inspect fuel lines and connections – Look for cracks, leaks, or softness in hoses.

Think of it like a preflight checklist for pilots—thorough, regular, and vital to preventing problems before they start. Here’s a breakdown of what a comprehensive routine maintenance checklist should include, from bow to stern and below the surface.

Whether you’re a weekend lake cruiser or a seasoned offshore adventurer, having a dependable maintenance routine can mean the difference between smooth sailing and unexpected repairs halfway to your destination.

What’s included in a routine boat maintenance checklist?

Routine boat maintenance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring your vessel is safe, seaworthy, and ready to perform at its best every time you cast off.

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What tools are essential for you which are not yet mentioned?

You can add them directly to - The Open Maritime Encyclopedia
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Keep it accessible—not buried beneath 40 feet of fenders and flares. When something goes wrong out there, you want your tools fast. A well-stocked onboard toolkit won’t fix everything—but it’ll fix enough to get you home. And that’s what matters most.

Add a wrench for the fittings. Cruising offshore? Double your spares and add emergency rigging hardware, patch kits, and a voltage inverter. Store it all in a waterproof box or soft-sided tool bag with labeled compartments.

Magnet-on-a-stick or grabber tool: For retrieving dropped screws from the bilge. 🪙 Pro Tip: Customize Your Kit Every boat is different. If you’re repowered with an outboard, make sure your kit matches the engine. Got a windlass or hydraulic steering?

🧽 Clean-Up and Comfort It’s not all about breakdowns: Shop towels or microfiber cloths: For cleanup and drying tools. Hand cleaner or biodegradable soap: Because oil and grease happen. Small mirror on a stick: For seeing behind engines and tight corners.

Spare bilge pump float switch: Cheap insurance for one of the most critical systems. Manual bilge pump: For backup in case of electrical failure. Flashlight/headlamp: Always bring extras—and spare batteries.

🧯 Emergency Repair Supplies Because the sea doesn’t care if it’s Sunday or if the shop is closed: Soft wooden plugs or TruPlugs: For sealing failed thru-hulls or leaking seacocks. JB Weld or epoxy putty: Can stop a leak in a pinch or hold a broken bracket.