⛵️ Fast Dispatch - Getting You Back on the Water ⛵️
⛵️ Fast Dispatch - Getting You Back on the Water ⛵️
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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.
The wheels were easily fitted to my laser launching trolley using existing washers and retaining clips.
Have been used only a couple of times so far but run smoothly and seem to do the
job fine.
Really pleased with the cover fits perfectly. I knew when it would arrive the company kept me up to date with the process
Good service, no complaints.
Very good tool to get those very tight knots undone
I've tried a number of different types and makes of neoprene boots for Sea Kayaking and these are the best (most comfortable) fit and easiest to get on/off to of all that I have tried, Really pleased with them. The sole is not as thick as it would appear from the photos but seem to be perfectly good for the usual limited shore walking.
Fine just as expected
Good replacement
Good
Nearly 40 years on from my first "Laser" I have just taken delivery of my second - a Devoti Ilca 7. Buying this new ILCA has been a 5 star experience, and dealing with Andrew, Jason and Steve at Sailing Chandlery have all been great - candid advice, all the help and assistance I could have wished for. And to cap it all Steve delivered the new Devoti to my home address - 5 hours away, and up in the hills, not easy to get to - and what's more Steve then stayed to help me sort out the rigging - all very different from what I remember. When I last sailed a Laser you had to lean on the boom to put on more kicker. I'm very happy to give the team at Sailing Chandlery a fulsome recommendation.
quick and easy to deal with prompt delivery on order will use again
We ordered a 100m reel of sheet rope for our sailing club's training fleet of Toppers and Fevas. It runs through the blocks very easily and is great to hold. The children on the courses love it!
Great little piece of kit, use it for giving me an idea of wind direction in the marina on my narrowboat!!
Great harness, really comfortable, looks to be good quality and well made.
Great service from Sailing Chandlery.
Delivery was super quick after bank holiday, and product is just as described. Super convenient pockets inside a comfy backpack kitbag so great and practical for walking to/from dinghy parks
Just a small item, a bung! The super quick delivery got me back on the water. Thank you.
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