Pre-start checks
TickledPink
Member Posts: 97 ✭✭
Hi everyone.
I will be picking up my (new to me) boat on Sunday. It is a 2003 Rinker Fiesta Vee 250. I've driven many speedboats but this is the first time I've personally owned a boat, (and this one is a lot bigger) so I've never had to worry about pre-start checks. Here's where I could use your help:
I will be picking up my (new to me) boat on Sunday. It is a 2003 Rinker Fiesta Vee 250. I've driven many speedboats but this is the first time I've personally owned a boat, (and this one is a lot bigger) so I've never had to worry about pre-start checks. Here's where I could use your help:
Seacocks - where are they and which ones should be open/closed?
Switches - battery charger switch on & shore power off. Should all of the other switches be off?
Blower - run for 4 minutes before starting and until planing. Should the blower remain off then or should I run it whenever I'm not planing or when refuelling?
All of the survey recommendations have been actioned over the last few weeks and I'm told its good to go.
Thanks in advance
Comments
I check the bilge once every two weeks minimum - quick look at belts, check for water/fuel/oil leaks, check oil level and power steering fluid level and trim fluid level, check freshwater and poop tank levels.
I leave all seacocks open (AC and generator).
I use the blower always except when on plane. Always off during fuelling.
While under way your battery charger will be off, the batteries will charge via the alternator.
some people run the blower at all times of use, some only before startup.
I feel less apprehensive now. Also pretty excited.
There's also a toilet inlet and a engine coolant inlet, bilge pump outlet, vanity, galley and cockpit sink outlets, shower waste water outlet, AC coolant outlet. I have no idea if these have seacocks.
- fill freshwater tanks, monitor pumpout tank.
- blowers are a must except when fueling, they should be off to avoid pulling in fumes. I leave mine on all the time because once I’m on plane you can’t hear them anyway. If you can hear them, replace them.
- battery config varies significantly boat to boat. In general, leave them in single mode … ie not “both”. I never touch mine unless there is a problem.
- at night make sure all lights are working properly.
when leaving the boat unattended …
- I don’t touch seacocks. In my last boat, I closed the A/C seacock because it was aftermarket and I didn’t trust the hose used by the PO.
- close canvas, check dock lines, check fenders.
I had a transom leak and had to pull the motor and rebuild the transom asy- I learned in the process there is a hundred friggin places boats can leak which is a little un nerving if I think to much about it! I had a hit and miss interior leak I chased since we bought the boat- finally figured out the previous owner drilled drain holes in the underneath dry storage seat aside the helm- rare occasion it got water in it- no where to drain except to the mid ship area so previous owners expertise or lack there of can be an issue!
Good luck and throw the questions. I never leave the dock until the engine is up to temp and stable- you do not want to overheat that motor.
Obviously, you're checking for gasoline fumes. But after you do it a few times, you learn what "normal" smells like in your bilge. Any unusual smell (oil, coolant, etc.) should be investigated.
Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express
If not a few notes.
Make sure it has a vent filter on the holding tank. Make sure that vent hose isn't clogged. Replace vent filter if you don't know when it was changed last.
Replace the joker valve before use if you don't know when it was replaced last.
Make sure you're entire crew knows feminine hygiene products and personal/baby wipes do not go into the toilet unless you want to intimately aquatinted with the tear down of the marine head. If it's not proper marine tp or doesn't come out of the lower half human body in a natural way, it doesn't go in the toilet ...ever. repeat these instructions to anyone who visits the boat. Not following these simple instructions can ruin an otherwise perfect weekend...many here can confirm. I keep a large amounts of disposable bags on the bathroom counter for disposal of any items that are not allowed to be flushed. My mother in law who I love very much, an vacation with every summer is not allowed on the boat any more due to her inability to follow these simple instructions.
Toilet paper use needs to be kept at a minimum.
Try to pump the head as often as possible. I find if I pump weekly even in the hot humid south she stays fresh locked up under tarp in 90 degree heat for 5 days.
Also:
Also, damp rid is your friend. Keep it open when you're not on the boat. No moisture, no mold, no hassle.