April 20, 2006
Pre-Flight Check
It’s great to read everyone’s thoughts on my last posting – keep them coming. With all this talk about safe boating I thought I’d put my own two sense in on some tips I found to be a great way to insure a safe boating experience. We’ve all flown and walked by the cockpit as we board to see the pilot and co-pilot going through a series of checks prior to take off. We as boaters should do the same. I recommend checking the engine, making sure the fluids, steering, and battery are operating properly and water is streaming out of the engine, just below the cover. Always make sure the navigation lights are working, you have a functional horn that is loud, and the flares haven’t expired, and there are enough PFDs for all on board. I always check the below deck compartments to insure there isn’t any water in the bilge and to smell for fuel. Additionally, you should always have a working VHF radio in case of an emergency. These are just a few things that take only a minute that will insure a safe day on the water.
Posted by ribcraftusa at April 20, 2006 12:54 PM
Comments
I would also make sure you have a working fire extinguisher on board. The police and harbormaster will always ask to see it if they pull you over. I was pulled over recently and asked to hand over the extinguisher, but they discovered it was expired. Fortunately, I only got a warning.
The other suggestion I have, although we've all heard it before- if you are going out alone, be sure someone else on the mainland knows where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Posted by: tibs at April 26, 2006 08:48 AM
Make sure the beers are very cold before leaving the dock. Do not forget to wear your sunglasses because you won't be able to see and you won't look cool at all.
Posted by: Victor E at April 27, 2006 09:13 PM
