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Make
A List And Check It Twice (21-2)
by Mark King
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 A
key issue that is extensively covered in boating safety
courses and strictly enforced on our waterways is how
to prevent incidents on the water, whether it’s
the following the Rules of the Road, having all the
mandatory safety gear onboard or completing a pre-departure
checklist. Boaters should also be aware that all vessels
must meet minimum safety requirements and be serviceable,
meaning it should be properly designed and maintained
to function for its intended purpose.
Using a boat in poor condition or one that lacks basic
safety gear is not only foolhardy, it’s against
the law. It also greatly increases the chance of a breakdown
or being stranded on the water. Remember, boats are
generally outdoors all the time. They are subject to
extreme temperatures and often sit for days, weeks or
months. Boat engines are placed under a lot of stress
as well and pushed harder than their street relatives.
An engine driving a boat through water is like constantly
driving a truck uphill. It creates wear.
To ensure your boat is constantly operating properly
this season, develop checklists before you head out,
while you’re underway, and when you return to
the dock. These checklists will not only ensure that
everything is in proper working order, but provide the
utmost safety and decrease the chance of a breakdown.
Prior to a cruise, start with ventilating the engine
compartment and bilge, inspecting for fumes and ensuring
the engine(s) and fuel tank(s) are not leaking oil or
fuel. Check engine oil levels and the fluid level in
the gearbox. If you have heat exchangers, look at the
coolant levels and the air ducts leading in and out
of the engine compartment should be obstruction-free.
In addition to visually examining the engine(s) for
loose or damaged drive belts, electrical connections,
water hoses, fuel lines, filters and the exhaust system,
the bilge pumps must be working and free of debris.
If you start to notice a significant or unusual amount
of water in the bilge, have an hour meter installed
to indicate how much the pump has operated while you
have been away from your boat.
If your boat is powered by an outboard engine, the tilt/trim
mechanisms need to be operating properly and the outboard
must be safely secured to the transom. Always check
the cooling water telltale and allow the engine to run
for a few minutes before pulling away from the dock.
But no matter what kind of engine you have, before getting
ready to leave ensure there’s sufficient fuel
and always allow for emergencies. The rule of thumb
is one third of a tank for going out, one third for
coming back and one third for reserve. Engine and accessory
manuals, spare parts and a toolkit are mandatory items.
When you start your engine allow time for it to warm
up.
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(Read the full article in the magazine) (Page
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