Captain Michael's Blog: Getting Ready for The Holiday Weekend

With one of the biggest boating weekends approaching, it's time to start thinking about a once over to ensure everything is in check to prevent any problems while on the water. A overview of all mechanical and safety items should be done on the first day of the holiday weekend, in most cases, it would be this Thursday. All safety and mechanical items should be checked before the first trip.

Before the first trip, start by doing a once over of the engine. Here's a list of the most critical things that should be checked.

Engine and or engine compartment

Engine oil- full and clean
Belts-not frayed or worn excessively
Hoses- no leaking or dry rotting
Bilge-dry and free of any oil or other residue that shouldn't be in there
Battery- fully charged and secured (if you have multiple batteries, be sure that all are charged and secured)
Drive lube- if equipped with a remote tank, check for the correct level
Power steering fluid-check, full

Generator

Oil-full and clean
Check for any leaks
Check all electrical connections

Any other electrical parts should be checked for proper operation (vent fans, blowers, bilge pumps, water pumps, lights, etc.)

Safety Gear

Print off a check list from your local authorities and ensure all proper safety gear is present and in good, working order. Life vests do not do any good if they are torn. Flares are useless if they are expired. Fire extinguishers can't fight fire if they are not full.

Check...

Life jackets
Throwable
Noise Making device both electric and manual
Lights (navigation, anchor, docking, spot, and courtesy lights)
Fire extinguisher
Compass
Anchor
Anchor chain and rode

Other things to check and have on board....

First aid kit
Plenty of water
Snacks (very important)
Fenders
More than enough life jackets
Insurance card (often over looked on boats, though it is not mandatory to keep on board or even carry insurance on a boat, it is a good idea to have with you)
Registration card if issued by the state (Law enforcement on Texas lakes will always ask to see your registration card issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife)
Phone and charger

Before departing on any other days, just check the vitals....

If the engine was run for a long period of time the day before, check the oil level, same goes for generators.
Check the bilge for any new leaks should one have occurred.

Always remember to brief passenger and guests of where safety equipment and other important things on the boat are located. Though it is the captains responsibility, i have seen law enforcement ask other passengers questions as well.

I hope they everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend on the water!