| Boat Ramp Etiquette: Checklist Prior to Launching |
From "Shipshape Boating"
episode DSSB-209 |
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Host John Greviskis reveals a checklist every boater should use prior to launching your boat. - Turn the battery switch to On to ensure there is power running to the motor as well as any other electronics aboard.
- Place earmuffs over the raw water intake (figure A), located on the lower unit. Screw in the garden hose to the adapter on the earmuffs. Turn on the water so that water is flowing into the lower unit.
- Trim down the motor, run the blower and then start the engine.
- Make sure the steering is working correctly, then bump the motor into forward and then reverse.
- If your boat has a VHF radio, ensure that it is working properly. Then, try to hail another boater using an open channel.
- Check your safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and emergency signaling devices. Also, there should be at least one PFD for each passenger along with at least one throwable PFD.
- Load your boat with anything you want to bring out on the water (figure B). This will save you and others time at the ramp.
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