Enjoy the best boating day staying safe, and keeping your outboard’s engine running smoothly by giving it a check before departure! If you want to learn more on how to prepare before heading out to the water, this article by Coast To Coast Synthetics in Goliad is for you.
There’s something so soothing about riding your boat in the summer with friends and family, or likewise, enjoying a fishing trip! However, the perfect boating day calls for a prior safety check. To make sure your boat is ready for departure, you want to go through an evaluation routine to prevent problems and challenging situations. Therefore, before taking your next boat trip, make sure to follow this step-by-step checklist that Coast To Coast Synthetics in Goliad has for you today.
Documentation
The first thing to do is get proper documentation aboard. For instance, let’s say you’ll go fishing in saltwater all day; to do so, you’ll need to file a float plan, have your owner’s manual, paper charts ready in case you lose access to digital assistance, and of course, your fishing license.
Weather Forecast
You want to avoid high waves, waterspouts, and rough winds while boating. To achieve a relaxing and fun day at the sea, recollect as much information as possible about the weather. You can check weather apps or local television forecasts.
Life jackets are essential for safeguarding your boat passengers! If you go boating regularly with your family, you want to encourage them to wear protective gear. Choose the most comfortable and practical flotation device for each family member. In addition to life jackets, you want to get a first aid kit with essential items to deal with possible minor accidents. Just as important, you want to get a fire extinguisher aboard.
Fuel Levels
You can prevent the majority of engine problems following this step. Start by ensuring the fuel gauge works correctly; to do so, turn the ignition switch on and off to make sure the gauge's needle indicates proper fuel levels. Then, you want to check your fuel tank to confirm you have enough of it for the entire boat trip. Next, check the fuel's condition to ensure it hasn't water infiltrations, or furthermore, rust or other sediments.
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Oil Levels
In the same way with cars, outboards need oil checks regularly. Before taking off to the water, make sure your boat has enough of it. You can check its levels with a quick dipstick reading. If it needs more oil, make sure to add it. However, if it needs an oil change, read your owner’s manual to replace it correctly.
Cooling Water Levels
Cooling Water levels are also crucial for removing excess heat from your boat. Therefore, the next time you go boating, make sure your engine has enough water to work correctly. Also, make sure your boat doesn't have stale water, as it could create salt and calcium deposits in your engine's hoses and waterways; instead, change the water tanks regularly.
Regardless of the time of day you go boating, lights are an important thing to check. Ensure all navigation and instrument lights work properly. Seacocks are essential valves for your boat’s functioning. They regulate the water that comes in and out through pumps and hoses. When you aren’t using your boat for an extended period, all seacocks must be closed to avoid bugs crawling inside. Nevertheless, before going boating, ensure to open all the seacocks that you’ll need during your trip.
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