Boating 101 for the newbie as well as the seasoned

["J"]

Don’t be this guy

https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/youngstown-news/one-lane-of-680-northbound-closed-due-to-car-crash-involving-boat/

We can all learn something new, share an experience or offer suggestions. The article I posted was timed perfectly with something else I posted with the coast guard and Lake Erie earlier.
Hopefully the guys boat was at least tied down with a minimum of 3 points. One bow and two transom straps…….
If you have tips, tricks or questions, feel free to post them up….

 

["J"]

@triple_duece

Nicky, opinion on this fire extinguisher? We picked up a couple of these when we moved into the new place. They’re coming due for replacement. Was going to go with the same for the house again.
What’s your thoughts on these for the boat/rv as well?

 

[Sgt Fury]

As stated on the other thread, I’m not experienced at boating as I usually go with friends who have them….and some of those guys don’t know much more than me. I’d like to learn not only some basic stuff that all boaters should know, but also fixing stuff on the water like Nick and Joe did the other day. Maybe posting a pic of the water/fuel separator and how to bypass it in an emergency. Also basic tools that should always be onboard.

 

[giles]

Checklist

 

["J"]

Motor maintenance that’ll help alleviate some issues while you’re out and about. It will help cut down on the odds of breaking down on the water. Won’t stop it from happening, but it will lower the odds against it happening.
This will be mostly for the 2 stroke motors, but can be easily adapted to the 4 strokes.

Fresh gas with an additive (stahbil, any of the motor manufacturers have their own version of an additive as well) if you can use non ethanol gas that’s even better, but good luck finding it and it’ll be more costly.

Spark plug replacement annually. Usually at the end of the season. But at a minimum, pull and clean them if not replacing them. Now I’ve owned my boat for close to 20 years and have a good feel for when they need a cleaning or a replacement. Rougher idle, slower hole shot will give you an idea.

Lower unit, replace the gear lube annually. Usually at the end of the season. Especially you folks up there in cold climates. If any water intrusion happens, it’ll freeze over winter and have a chance to crack your lower unit case.
If the seals start to leak you want to know so you can swap them out. When replacing the gear lube, replace the gasket washers on the screws that you drain and fill from.

Grease all the fittings on the motor, grease them until fresh grease squeezes out without anymore water coming out with it.

If you have hydraulic steering, check the fluid level. Plenty of YouTube videos on it and all the items I’ve mentioned so far.

Decarbing the motor helps with performance also on the 2 strokes. YouTube that one also. It pays dividends down the road. Too much carbon build up on piston domes lead to bad things…..

Prop, remove it and check for fishing line periodically. Fishing line will eat up the prop seals and cause a leak in the lower unit. Again YouTube is you friend if you’ve never done it. Grease the prop shaft before reinstalling the prop. Helps with removal the next time.

Batteries, check the water level as well as the connections. Make sure they’re tight and no corrosion. Use dielectric grease on those. If those battery terminals have wing nuts holding them in place? Remove, throw them away and use a self locking nut, tighten them down with a wrench or a socket. Goodin tight…. Also make sure the batteries are strapped down good. You’ll be amazed what waves can do to that compartment!

 

[giles]

Trailer maintenance is another big thing for preventive measures.

 

["J"]

 

[OO2]

I always back down the ramp with the front windows down, seatbelt off, and radio off. Unless in a downpour.

Do all your boat pre / post launch out of the way of ramp traffic.

 

[giles]

Extra life vest. In a situation, you don't want to put yourself in danger by giving yours up.

 

[Quantum673]

Spare boat plug, in an easy to access location.
Don’t put your fire extinguisher somewhere you can’t easily and quickly reach.
Keep a spare quart of each fluid in the boat.
A jump pack is another thing I keep on board.
Boat US or sea tow is always nice to have in case you need a tow.
If you see a boat in trouble, stop and help.

 

["J"]

While back down the ramp, shift to neutral. Let the boat weight bring you down the ramp. Ever hear peoples tires skidding down the ramp while they’re braking to a stop? Put it in neutral you’re less likely to have that issue. Especially in gravel….

 

[giles]

Most of all, you need to know your equipment. Every boat is a little different and the same body of water is always different depending on lots of things. Nothing is ever the same.

Shallow water blows up faster than deep water.

Know when to get off the water. Weather can get nasty, fast.

Learn the best way to cut a wave in you boat.

Learn how to trim your boat out.

Never leave the ramp in a hurry, you will forget something.

Check it before you need it. It is a toy. Toys break, shit happens. Because it was fine the last time you used it doesn't mean it is fine now.

Parts and pieces get direct sun on the water. Water sun with the reflection is hard on stuff. Don't just look at things, put your hands on them. Things get brittle.

Know your equipment.

Routine checklist for a preflight and post flight should be done every time. If you are a guest, leave the boat owner alone when this is happening. He will have a beer or 50 with you once everything is done. You will have plenty of time to talk or do whatever. Go take shit or call your wife. Leave him alone! He will have no problem asking for help if he needs it.