What to check before going out on the water

[hunter0527]

What are some things that should be checked before you go out on the water for the day? Do you check oil, etc? What else needs looked at, inspected, checked before you go?

Also, when boating (in PA, w/ 18' bowrider), I am on a river and I just want to review/ask what is all needed to comply with the laws. Im sure others have this question as well.

I need to carry, an oar, throw flotation device (I have a square device with a rope), fire extinguisher, whistle, life jackets for all passengers and registration card. I dont think I need flares (only required on lake erie, correct)? Anything else I need?

One other question. If I do get stopped what will boat cops be inspecting? I heard they look at your flame arrestor, so I made sure to clean that last weekend.

All your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[25thmustang]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

I like to check everything. Open the hatches and check for leaks, fumes, etc... Then check oil, tranny fluid, antifreeze. Make sure I throw the blowers on for a good 3-5 minutes before I even attempt to crank the motors. It doesn't take long to check fluids and make sure the boat is ready to go.

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

What are some things that should be checked before you go out on the water for the day? Do you check oil, etc? What else needs looked at, inspected, checked before you go?

Also, when boating (in PA, w/ 18' bowrider), I am on a river and I just want to review/ask what is all needed to comply with the laws. Im sure others have this question as well.

I need to carry, an oar, throw flotation device (I have a square device with a rope), fire extinguisher, whistle, life jackets for all passengers and registration card. I dont think I need flares (only required on lake erie, correct)? Anything else I need?

One other question. If I do get stopped what will boat cops be inspecting? I heard they look at your flame arrestor, so I made sure to clean that last weekend.

All your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Do yourself a favor and take the boaters safety course as that will tell you what is required in your area to take on your boat.

You most likely need at least 2 visable and 1 audile distress signals that have not expired, 1 Throwable (Type 4) PFD and at least a PFD per passenger. Kids under 13 must wear PFD in my state. If you are using Type 5 PFD they must be worn by at all times. Approved Fire extinguisher that has not expired.

Hope that helps but you should still take the boaters safety course if you haven't.

 

[themaniam1]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

Make sure your PLUG is in! Always do a walk around at the ramp prep area (not on the dock) to see that all is normal and you have unhooked all the tie downs and the plug is in. Did I mention the plug? That is one of the main problems I see at the lake.

Now while you are in the boat taking off the travel cover, blower on, check for PFDs for everyone and I like to have a couple extra. You should have a throwable like the square cushion type, a day and night signaling device, orange flag for water sports, sound producing device, nav lights that work, up to date fire extinguisher, dewatering device and anchor and line (nice to have especially if your engine will not start and you are being blown into the rocks).

Nice to have is a hand held VHF marine radio, first aide kit and charts of your local waters and a cell phone with the marina / ranger number programmed into it. A small bag with some tools in it like screw drivers, a wrench set, channel locks, pliers, duct and electrical tape and a spare plug.

Most of this stuff is put it on board once and then you have it. Oh, did I mention put the PLUG in? I am rambling now, I just like to be prepare so I can just have fun while out on the water. Happy boating!

 

[hunter0527]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

I can check the oil no problem. Antifreeze, tranny fluid, steering fluid, etc. I may need to investigate a little more as I am not quite sure where they are located. Guess thats where the owners manual comes into play. Thanks for the info though!

The previous owner said she put the plug in and doesnt take it out till she had it winterized. I run the bilge once I come off the water and the boat is under the car port so its not going to fill with water.

I did take the boaters course 2 years back but at that time I didnt have a boat I had jet skis and that was the reason for the course. I didnt pay too much attention to the requirements for boating (at least dont remember much of them). I do also have the boating guide for PA. I just want to make sure Im not forgetting anything because it will be the time I forgot something I get pulled over.

What do most boat officers check when pulling you over? I heard they come on your boat and really CHECK EVERYTHING. Is everything all that has been mentioned? Thanks!!!!

 

[spikeitaudi]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

I can check the oil no problem. Antifreeze, tranny fluid, steering fluid, etc. I may need to investigate a little more as I am not quite sure where they are located. Guess thats where the owners manual comes into play. Thanks for the info though!

The previous owner said she put the plug in and doesnt take it out till she had it winterized. I run the bilge once I come off the water and the boat is under the car port so its not going to fill with water.

I did take the boaters course 2 years back but at that time I didnt have a boat I had jet skis and that was the reason for the course. I didnt pay too much attention to the requirements for boating (at least dont remember much of them). I do also have the boating guide for PA. I just want to make sure Im not forgetting anything because it will be the time I forgot something I get pulled over.

What do most boat officers check when pulling you over? I heard they come on your boat and really CHECK EVERYTHING. Is everything all that has been mentioned? Thanks!!!!

If you have the boating guide check the last page it should have a checklist of what you need to bring and check for you state.

Also for the bilge plug you should be removing it when out of the water and putting it back in when going in. BE SURE YOU PUT IT IN when going in the water. Happy Boating!!!

 

[dwco5051]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

If you don't have a copy of the Pennsylvania Boaters Handbook here is the website where it can be downloaded in PDF format. This will tell you exactly what you need to meet legal requirements in Pennsylvania.

http://fishandboat.com/boatcrs/03boathandbook/pdf_complete.pdf

A USCG Aux safety check will give a list of additional items that can be carried over and above the minimum legal requirements. For example a anchor is not needed for MWR but it sure is a good thing to have if you are boating on the river.

The most common problem I find while doing a boarding is the PFD's are not readily accessible. I have had boaters search compartments and move things around for at least 10 minutes while searching for the required number of PFDs. After the first 5 minutes most of them get the picture and don't need to be reminded that in an emergency they would have a real problem. The same goes for fire extinguishers. It should be mounted by the helm in easy reach of the operator.

Read your boating handbook and you should not have any problems.

Happy boating

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

You may not even have antifreeze if your boat is raw water cooled, tranny fluid? outdrive lube level can be checked IF your boat is equipped with a monitor bottle otherwise that is best to do at home. Power steering fluid is just like that in your car. Visual inspection is looking for any leaks, broken belts, parts etc. water in the bilge unless there has been rain or you have had alot of wet swimmers/skiers getting in the boat there should be NO water down there. Do your self a favor and get in the habit of removing the plug at the end of each trip, it can be real cheap insurance. verify blower is working properly as well as bilge pump. Once everything is in order and you have run the boat a bit I usually poke my head in the eng. compartment just to make sure all is well.

 

[hunter0527]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

what about the fire extinguisher? mine is not mounted, it is in the pocket right under the steering wheel and easily accessible. I do not really want to mount it for the fact I can easily grab it as it is... if it was mounted I would then have to fool with getting the strap off it. Is it a requirement to be mounted?

 

[rwidman]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

I can check the oil no problem. Antifreeze, tranny fluid, steering fluid, etc. I may need to investigate a little more as I am not quite sure where they are located. Guess thats where the owners manual comes into play. Thanks for the info though!

The previous owner said she put the plug in and doesnt take it out till she had it winterized. I run the bilge once I come off the water and the boat is under the car port so its not going to fill with water.

There is a very slim chance that an 18' bow rider will have a closed cooling system with antifreeze. The engine is most likely cooled by pumping sea water (or river water) through it.

It's also unlikely that you have a transmission and "tranny fluid". You either have a sterndrive (I/O) or an outboard. Your owners manual will explain how to check the drive fluid. You may or may not have power steering and steering fluid.

The "bilge" is the lowest part of the inside of the hull. The "bilge pump" is what pumps water that has gotten into the bilge out. You "run the bilge pump". If you are getting water into the bilge when you run the boat, you should find out how and why and get it corrected.

I second the suggestions to take a boating course. As for requirements, your state DNR should be able to tell you what you need. In many locations, the US Power Squardron or Coast Guard Auxillary will do courtesy inspections and let you know if you are missing any required or recommended equipment. Once you pass, they put a decal on the boat's window indicating that it has been inspected and passed. This may cause any water police to leave you alone and go after other boats. Or, it may not, who is to say. Regardless, it's free and a good idea.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

...and no one has mentioned the requirement to carry hull regristration card, insurance certificate (if required in Pa.) nor Boater Safety Course certificate. And don't forget the trailer regristration if you get checked at the ramp.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

what about the fire extinguisher? mine is not mounted, it is in the pocket right under the steering wheel and easily accessible. I do not really want to mount it for the fact I can easily grab it as it is... if it was mounted I would then have to fool with getting the strap off it. Is it a requirement to be mounted?

As long as it's accessible and secured, you should be okay.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: What to check before going out on the water

I check the weather wind speed and direction, and any predicted changes, so I know where to go and where to avoid. I also check the tides, for the same reason. I'd rather avoid wind adverse to tide.

 

[rwidman]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

what about the fire extinguisher? mine is not mounted, it is in the pocket right under the steering wheel and easily accessible. I do not really want to mount it for the fact I can easily grab it as it is... if it was mounted I would then have to fool with getting the strap off it. Is it a requirement to be mounted?

You don't have to mount it, but it's a good idea. Mounted, it's always in the same place and it can't bounce around and be damaged. That strap comes off in one motion. Mine are mounted.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: What to check before going out on the water

You don't have to mount it, but it's a good idea. Mounted, it's always in the same place and it can't bounce around and be damaged. That strap comes off in one motion. Mine are mounted.

"Coast Guard Approved extinguishers are hand-portable, either B-I or B-II classification and have a specific marine type mounting bracket. It is recommended the extinguishers be mounted in a readily accessible position."

Read the fine print on your extinguisher approval label. Many will say something like "USCG approval only valid when used with bracket XYZ" or something to that order.

Somewhat nebulous on whether or not the bracket has to be mounted.