BOAT OPERATING CHECKLIST | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A Sample Checklist For Operating A Boat Note: This list is presented for general information purposes only. Do not operate a boat based only on this list. Consult your boat's and engine's operations manual prior to running your boat. Before Leaving Home Check weather & tides File Float Plan With Friends Cell phone FRS Walkie-Talkies Handheld GPS Handheld VHF Radio Kids Toys Ice Chest, Drinks & Food Ladder for getting into boat Rain Gear Life jackets for everyone aboard Polarized Sun Glasses Boat keys Sun Screen, Lip Balm Picking Up Boat On Its Trailer Check tires, hub grease Check that tongue full seated on ball hitch, latch secured to prevent �fly off� Safety chains and brake release line fastened to frame Tongue jack raised and secured Lights connected & checked Remove wheel chocks Swim ladder in UP position Store cover in truck Lines tied off to prevent them from falling off during transport Fueling Shut off electrical equipment Close cabin doors, portholes, hatch Get everyone off boat Begin fueling, keeping metal-on-metal contact between hose and boat Stop when fuel comes out side drain Close cap Open closed compartments Turn on blower for four minutes Sniff blower exhaust for gas fumes, only start engine when air is clear Mechanical Checklist Sniff engine compartment for gasoline fumes Check oil level Check electrolyte level in batteries Check power steering fluid Check belts Check hoses Check trim/tilt fluid Check propeller Once started�check all gauges Launching Preparation Disconnect power to trailer lights ** Install bilge plug *** Turn on battery using engine battery switch Place bumpers Ready lines Raise Bimni top Check fuel supply Sniff for gas fumes. Run blower for 4 minutes. Make sure all supplies, clothes, tools and charts are aboard Put children in cabin Install winch handle Remove stern and bow ties Once Boat Is Off Trailer Remove winch handle Lock trailer to truck with padlock Hide tow vehicles electronics Take cell phone aboard boat Before Casting Off Check wind and current direction, plan departure Lower outdrive Raise trim tabs Use �throttle only� button to prime engine. Start and warm engine Review with passengers: Location of life preservers Location of emergency information Fire extinguishers Visual distress signals First Aid Kit Operation of marine radio-Emergencies on Channel 16 Complete boat�s log Note location of other boats in the area before backing out VHF radio on to channel 16 Ready music CDs/radio Fasten ignition kill switch lanyard to captain Upon Returning Organize equipment prior to docking Place bumpers Ready lines Raise trim tabs Check to make sure neutral gear works prior to docking Dock, tie up *** Raise outdrive *** Retrieving Boat Insure winch line is secure to bow Remove bilge plug Lower VHF antenna Lower Bimni and secure for transport Tie off lines so they won�t blow off during transport Swim ladder in �up� position Re-connect power to trailer lights. Check trailer lights to make sure they are working Remove winch handle Check that anchor is secure Install transom and bow tie-downs Storing Flush outdrive (do not use water at �full blast�) Flush trailer brakes Remove GPS Remove handheld VHF Close hatches Lock door Turn off batteries using boat�s battery switch Install boat cover Unhitching Trailer Place wheel chocks Disconnect lights Disconnect safety chains Lower tongue jack, raising tongue off ball hitch Remove winch handle Spray trailer hardware with silicone spray, Corrosion-X or WD-40 Lock hitch with padlock NOTE: Propeller strikes are a real danger to every boater. Use you boat's ignition kill switch lanyard, stay away from the stern/swim ladder and don't "bow ride." Click here for information on propeller strikes assemble by propeller strike victims. |
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More Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Launching A Boat-Instructions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Getting A Boat Back On The Trailer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating With Kids On Board | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boat Maintenance Tips | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boat Trailer Maintenance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boat Ramp Etiquette | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Buying A Boat - Tips | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
After Buying A Boat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Why Boat? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FAQ For Boat Guests | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Florida Keys Boating | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Peanut Island Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Florida Boat Ramps | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disney World - Tips From A Florida Resident | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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