General Maintenance Tips

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Permalink Reply by Rob Anderson on December 27, 2009 at 11:49am

I am new to boating, but I am mechanically capable(ASE cert.). Most of my life I have been dealing with cars and have seen a close relationship between maintenance on cars and boats. I would suggest new boaters to read their manuals and do as much as they can themselves. Maintenance is one of those things people seem to neglect especially on vehicles, but a boat still has an engine and needs maintenance. I am high on maint. because working in repair shops you see what happens with out simple maint. Simple maint. tools are not very expensive. The other tool is the internet. I have found many links to help with my repairs. Also it seems like you can ask questions of fellow boaters and they are more than willing to give advice. So don't be afraid to ask questions.

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Permalink Reply by Capt. Galen Johnston on April 11, 2010 at 9:30am

Floridabeachgirl, its like a skydiver. You must pack your own shut. I would think that your Dad checked everything that he thought would take everyone out and back safely. And so it is with each good skipper. BE SAFE!
Always have spair water (drinking water)
Always follow the 2/3 rule - 1/3 of fuel out, 1/3 of fuel back with 1/3 of fuel for safety
Always have a float plan and activate the plan with a responsible administrator. your life depends on it
Never get in a boat without graduating a safe boating course. what you don't know will most likely kill you or your crew
Check at home your operational controls, steering, throttel, drain plug, nav. lights, signal safety kit for up-to-date flairs
PFDs for your boat capacity plus four more for the people you will find in the water without PFDs
Anchor plus line 7 to 10 times the depths in which you will be operating
Sun protection, working marine radio, whistle for each member of crew, review with each member these operations.

There is more but if this was not from the top of your mind then you should take a good cerified boating safety course before going out on the water.

Bonus: through a safety of operations party for you and crew. Plan a week day party, go to ramp and review with crew what it take to get into the water, through the water, and what it takes to get out of the water. THEN DO IT from start to finish 3 full times. Cellebrate with your good company, food and drink. Great way to form a great crew!

Floridabeachgirl, Just a note from a Father. Happy boating

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