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FIRSTsafety As Suggested by Past Commander Bob Krieg, St. Clair Shores Sail & Power Squadron / America’s Boating Club Before launching your boat, be ready! I put together this checklist to put you in the right mind of boating safety. This may not be everything you need to do; every boat is a little different. I could write at least a page on each of these items, but this is the short of it. If you are not able or do not understand these items, please make some phone calls, or go online to ind help. – Bob Krieg

A Spring Launch Must-Do List

Before Uncovering Your Boat

If you have not taken a boating class, do so. To ind a schedule of in-person and online classes, go to www.americasboatingclub.org Get out all those manuals. Refresh your mind. Find out what materials are needed for a spring startup (oils, spark plugs, impellers and so on). Review how to turn on your GPS and the rest of those things on the helm.

Make sure registration and insurance are up to date.

After the Boat is Uncovered

Walk around your boat and check for any damage from the trailer or the cradle. Look for cracks, chips, dry rot that could be a problem later. Check out the trailer tires, lights, crank and cable. Check all the thru-hull ittings. They may need to be reseated or replaced (water intakes, transducers, trim tabs, etc). Check the out drive or outboard. Change the oil, check the impeller (water pump), hydraulic hoses, the boot (large hose connected to the outdrive and transom). Clean off all those sharp zebra mussels – it is easier to clean them off in the spring when they are dead. Check the props for bending or chipping. Inboard engines - Check the props, shafts and struts for wear.

Check the anodes/zincs. They are sacri iced metals that can be replaced. Wash and wax your boat. Besides looking good, it will last longer and have better resale.

Inside Your Boat

Charge up your batteries. Have them checked with a voltmeter. Make sure the cables are clean and tight. Turn on your navigation and anchor lights. Check all interior lighting. Check all wiring for discoloring and tightness. A boat has a lot of wires that could cause a ire. Make sure you also check your shore power cord. Check blowers, horns, bilge pumps, wipers. Check out all hoses and tanks (fuel, water, exhaust, venting) for leaks, cracks, stiffness, ageing. All water hoses below the water line should have two hose clamps along with all fuel hoses above and below the water line. Make sure all hand valves operate freely. Change the engine oil every season. Look for water in the oil when changed (light in color or separated). Check all luids – power steering, power trim, lifts. Change out or clean all ilters and strainers (fuel, oil, fresh water and sea water). The air ilter ( lame arrester) for the engines should be cleaned a few times a year. PUT IN THE DRAIN PLUG IN THE BOTTOM OR

BACK OF THE BOAT.

f Safety, Safety, Safety

Check expiration dates on lares, ire extinguishers (systems). Change batteries in USCG Visual Distress

Signal and lashlights. Check all life jackets – those kids have grown, make sure they it properly. Test the life jackets, everyone should go in the water this summer to see how they work and it. Get one for the dog also! Check all your tie lines and anchor lines for wear. Make sure you have a throwable life ring with a line tied to it.

Update your irst aid kit. Make sure charts are up to date. Check smoke and carbon monoxide, lue fume, and bilge alarms are all in working order. Check your VHF radio and antenna. Remember

Channel for emergencies. You should maintain 16 for emergencies from other boaters and Coast Guard.

Finally in the Water, ll h But Not Done Checking Yet

Take a trial run with a friend (not the whole family) to make sure everything is in working condition and that you are well prepared. Fill your fuel tank, but not 100% full because you will spill excess fuel in the water from the vent. (Make sure they ill the fuel tank, not the water or waste tank.) Run the vent blower at least ive minutes before starting. Open hatches to make sure there are no fuel leaks. Once you start the engines, check for water leaks. Check oil pressure and water temperature.

Schedule a free vessel safety check from the United States Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary: www.SafetySeal.net

Wow, that was a lot to do! Now you know your boat and W how to operate it. h Be Safe and remember: be calm and in control.