Safe Boating

Cruiser Handling Guide - Before You Start

Before getting underway, there are several checks you should make, depending on the voyage you plan. Some boaters – and this is a good idea – have actual checklists they refer to, the same as aircraft pilots, just to be sure everything is done.

Basically, if you are just heading out for a few hours, you want to have all the safety equipment you require from PFD’s and flares to lines and boat hooks. Although they are not required, emergency repair kits are a good idea: sparkplugs and wrench, propeller and wrench, spare oil, lubricant and the like. Make sure your VHF is working and your cell phone is charged up. When you head out for longer trips, your checklist can include food and water, sunscreen, even water toys you might want to bring along.  Check the local weather, and file a cruise plan at the marina or with a neighbour.

Before starting the engines, the blowers should operate for at least five minutes. Although this is all that is required, it is a good idea to open the engine room, and check the bilges for fuel spills with your eyes and your nose. While you’re doing that, you might also check the level of all your vital fluids: crankcase oil, outdrive lubricant, coolant and so on. At the very least, you should go to the spot on the hull where the engine room blower exits and smell for fuel.

Once the engines are running, you check the prevailing conditions. Where is the wind coming from? How strong is it? Is there any current to deal with? Where are the nearest docks or other boats? And so on. With this information you can determine your safest direction of travel and whether you are heading out astern or forward. Once you decide what you are doing, brief your crew. Tell them what you are going to do, and what they have to do to help you. Answer any questions they have. Better to get that all out of the way before you start, than to try to explain something when you are underway.

Note: while your engines should be warmed up to minimize the chance of stalling, you should not leave them running too long. Not only does this waste fuel, it can irritate your neighbours and also the carbon monoxide in the exhaust can build up in the boat.