From the Author
INTRODUCTION "A Man will never love his home the way he loves his boat." The purpose of this book is to provide boaters with a comprehensive checklist of things that need to be accomplished on a scheduled or unscheduled basis. A checklist is necessary because our systems onboard have become complex and varied enough that remembering everything that should be done is nearly impossible. Confucius said, "The palest ink is better than the strongest memory." Activities such as flying require a checklist before, during and after the operation of the airplane. The purpose, of course, is to ensure that everything is operational and safe, safety being the ultimate concern. If small, private planes require a checklist for the safety of passengers and crew, why shouldn't we boaters operate with the same concern? We often have our families and friends aboard. Their care and safety, as well as the safety of our vessels, should be our utmost concern. As I have been cruising and delivering boats for the past 20 years, I've met many boaters who simply bought a boat to enjoy their golden years. They have dropped out of the life or career they have had for many years. Most were not in professions related to boating; for that matter, many were not even working in jobs that required some mechanical skills. Now that they are getting ready to cruise or are underway, they find that keeping the boat operational is either expensive or a dirty job. Figuring out what to do next is not just a thought, but a daily task. They learn as they go along by reading and talking with others who have similar vessels and experience, but never are quite sure they have done it all. I used to have a nagging question in my mind: What system was going to ambush me today? Because I have a military background, I learned about preventive maintenance early in life. Fix it before it's broke, and always carry the spare parts, especially if you're out of range of your supplier. I have prioritized maintenance on my vessel as follows: Keep her floating, ensure she's running, and maintain her cosmetics. Floating is more important than applying new varnish! This book is designed to provide you with a list to check, not how to repair, maintain or replace your systems. You should refer to your service manuals for details on the specific systems onboard your vessel. You should develop your checklists for your vessel and have a common checklist that could be applied to any vessel you operate. In developing the checklist for your vessel, consider every system onboard and the frequency each item must be checked. Again, your service manuals will detail what should be replaced and how often. Of course, some items don't have a manual or were onboard when you bought the boat. This book should help you decide what to check and when. I've allowed additional space on some checklists for you to supplement or add your unique entries and, where practical, I've provided explanations on some of my recommendations. My basic philosophy for boat maintenance is, "One hour per week per foot of boat." If you have a 40-foot boat, then to keep it in Bristol fashion requires 40 hours of work. I might add that everything you do applies to that 40 hours: washing the boat, checking systems, varnishing, cleaning the inside. If there are two people onboard, you can divide the work: 20 hours per person; or four hours per day for five days. I realize weekend boaters can't possibly apply this formula, but I believe most cruisers and live-aboards can. For the most part, if you keep good records, you'll see how fast those hours add up.
About the Author
Capt. Clay E. Kelley and his first mate, Marybeth, have been living aboard and cruising on their 42-foot Kadey-Krogen trawler Tanuki for more than three years. They have cruised the entire East Coast of the United States, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.
Clay is a third-generation native Floridian and has lived throughout the state. His first career spanned 28 years with the U.S. Army, taking him around the world. He spent 13 years in the Orient, three years in Europe and time in the Middle East. His career culminated as the Chief Logistics Advisor for the Pentagon when he retired in 1994.
He developed his love of boating early in life, and it grew as he sailed the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea from Japan to Taiwan, Korea and Okinawa while a member of the Nagasaki Yacht Club. He has sailed more than half the world's oceans.
He is well into his second career in the maritime industry and holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master's License. He has taught maritime classes for the U.S. Power Squadron in Tokyo.
Although his first love was sailing, he has graduated to trawlers and spends time cruising, delivering and working on other boats along the East Coast and in the Bahamas. Clay and Marybeth enjoy cruising on Tanuki in the islands of the Bahamas during the winter months and can be found along the waterways of the East Coast and Florida in the summer months. They enjoy meeting fellow boaters and welcome your call on the VHF radio as they cruise.
