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Operation
2.3 Pre-Cruise Check
Before Starting the Engines:
• Check the weather forecast and sea conditions
before leaving the dock. 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, 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
operating condition.
• Be sure you have sufcient 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 tell authorities
where to look and the type of boat to look for
in the event you fail to arrive.
• Check the amount of fuel on board. Observe
the “Rule of Thirds”: 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 leaks
or corrosion.
• Check the crankcase oil level in each engine.
• Turn the battery switches on.
• 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 systems are working
properly. This is particularly important before
running offshore.
• Have a tool kit aboard. The kit should include
the following basic tools:
Hammer Electrician’s tape
Screwdrivers Offset screwdrivers
Lubricating oil Pliers
Jackknife Adjustable wrench
Basic 3/8” ratchet set Vise grip pliers
Hex key set Needle nose pliers
Wire crimping tool Wire connector Set
End wrench set Medium slip-joint pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers DC electrical test light
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 the following spare parts on board:
Extra light bulbs Spark plugs
Fuses and circuit breakers Main 12 volt fuses
Assorted stainless screws Assorted stainless bolts
Flashlight and batteries Drain plugs
Engine oil Propellers
Fuel lters Propeller hub kits
Fuel hose and clamps Wire ties
Assorted hose clamps Hydraulic steering uid
Spare bilge pump Rags
• Make sure all re extinguishers are in position
and in good operating condition.
• Check the engine and steering controls for
smooth and proper operation. Be sure the
shift controls 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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