Jesse's Top Ten IC Pre-Season Maintenance Tips

1. Check the CB gasket to make sure it's not cracked or eroded. If you need to replace it, buy some 1/8-3/16" gasket material from the hardware store or plumbing store. It should be fairly stiff with a smooth outer surface. Use a circular punch to cut the center hole for a smooth finish.
2. When istalling the gasket, use a little greese on the surfaces so the handle doesn't chafe it. I go a step further by placing a smooth, stiff mylar fabric between the handle and the gasket to prevent wear. A bit of silicon in the pin hole also helps the seal.
3. Use some Lanacote or other eloctrolysis prohibitor in the bolt holes for the CB. Chances are you are using stainless bolts in brass threads. If you don't put an inhibitor between the two, the brass will corrode. I will bring some Lanacote on Sunday. Ask me.
4. Check you fittings for tightness! Fittings loosten up over a season of sailing. Take out a screwdriver and a wrench/socket and go over the entire boat. This takes 10-15 minutes, and you will be surprised what you find! Even screws using lock nuts will loosen. Make sure you check those rudder gudgeons and mast step!
5. Check your tiller universal for wear. The cold weather tends to break these down quickly. Is yours cracked? If so replace. If you break it on the water, you can borrow my spare that I keep in the boat, but it will cost you one imported beer!
6. Check your shroud and forestay terminals. Do you see lots of rust in the swage? If so, it may be time for a replacement. Bring your old shroud to a rigger or APS and duplicate.
7. Check to see you have all your ring-dings! These things get mangled and fall out ocassionally. The lack of this $0.05 part can ruin your day. I tape all my rings in critical locations with quality electrical tape (3M). Don't use duct tape - too much residue. Electrical tape wraps well, wears well, and leaves no sticky mess.
8. Check you foils for cracks. Any cracks in your nice custom blades can lead to damage and/or failure. Take a few minutes to patch and nicks and cracks with some epoxy.
9. How's your halyard? Wire halyards tend to fray leaving burrs. I use an approx. 1 foot 1 by 19 wire section with nicro press ends. I try and replace this each year. I simply take my old halyard to West Marine where they have the do-it-yourself bench. I duplicate my wire for about $1.50 in parts!
10. Put your corrector weights back in! If you took 'em out, put 'em back in! If you made mods to your boat, you must reweigh and modify your corrector weights as necessary. Lead blocks are best. I drill through mine and bolt them directly to my bulkhead. If you don't have a bulkhead, you can bond or tie them to the floor under the thwart. 5200 works well for bonding, but don't plan on taking it out soon! Also, standard 5200 takes forever to dry. 3M Quick dry 4200 may be better and isn't as permanent.