26
Operation
2.3 Pre-Cruise Check
Before Starting the Engines
• Check the weather forecast. Decide if the
planned cruise can be made safely.
• Be sure all required documents are on board.
• Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on
board and operative. This should include items
like the running lights, spotlight, life saving
devices, re extinguishers, etc. Please refer
to the Safety Equipment chapter for additional
information on safety equipment.
• Make sure you have signal kits and are guns
aboard, and they are current and in good op-
erating condition.
• Be sure you have sucient water and other
provisions for the planned cruise.
• Leave a written message listing details of
your planned cruise with a close friend ashore
(Float Plan). The oat plan should include a
description of your boat, where you intend to
cruise, and a schedule of when you expect to
arrive in the cruising area and when you expect
to return. Keep the person informed of any
changes in your plan to prevent false alarms.
This information will be useful for authorities
so they know where to look and the type of
boat to look for in the event you fail to arrive.
A oat plan form is located in the Appendix
section of this manual.
• Check the amount of fuel on board. Observe
the “one third rule” by using: one third of the
fuel for the trip out, one third to return and
one third in reserve. An additional 15% may
be consumed in rough seas.
• Check the water separating fuel lters for
water and leaks.
• Check the engine crankcase oil level.
• Turn the battery switches to the ON position.
• Check the bilge water level. Look for other
signs of potential problems. Monitor for the
scent of fuel fumes.
• Test the automatic and manual bilge pump
switches to make sure the system is working
properly.
THERE MUST BE AT LEAST ONE PERSONAL FLOTATION
DEVICE ON BOARD FOR EVERY PERSON ON BOARD AND
ONE THROW-OUT FLOTATION DEVICE. CHECK THE U.S.
COAST GUARD STANDARDS FOR THE CORRECT TYPE OF
DEVICE FOR YOUR BOAT.
• Have a tool kit aboard. The kit should include
the following basic tools:
Spark plug wrench Hammer
Spark plug gap gauge Electrician’s tape
Screwdrivers Oset screwdrivers
Lubricating oil Pliers
Jackknife Adjustable wrench
Basic 3/8” ratchet set Vise grip pliers
Hex key set Needle nose pliers
Wire crimping tool End wrench set
Medium slip-joint pliers Diagonal cutting pliers
DC electrical test light
• Have the following spare parts on board:
Extra light bulbs Spark plugs
Fuses and circuit breakers Main engine fuses
Assorted stainless screws Propellers
Assorted stainless bolts Drain plugs
Flashlight and batteries Engine oil
Fuel lters Propeller nuts
Fuel hose and clamps Wire ties
Wire connector set Hydraulic steering oil
Assorted hose clamps Rags
• Make sure all re extinguishers are in position
and in good operating condition.
• Check engine and steering controls for smooth
and proper operation. Be sure the shift con-
trols are in the neutral position.
• Be sure the emergency stop lanyard is at-
tached to the operator and the stop switch.
• Refer to the engine owner’s manual for pre-
operation checks specic to your engines.
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