SEE THE BULLETIN ABOUT NEW LAWS (effective April 1, 2021) REGARDING EMERGENCY CUT OFF SWITCHES (ECOS) IN THE PUBLIC EDUCATION TAB "ECOS"

GETTING YOUR BOAT READY FOR SPRING LAUNCHING

TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR BOATING SEASON IS A LOT OF FUN AND NOT INTERRUPTED BY AN UNFORTUNATE AND POTENTIALLY EXPENSIVE BREAKDOWN MID-SEASON, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THE PROPER STEPS ARE TAKEN BEFORE LAUNCHING.

IF YOUR BOAT IS SERVICED BY A MARINA, BE SURE TO REQUEST THAT IT BE FULLY INSPECTED AND THAT ANY NECESSARY PROCEDURES BE PERFORMED, BEFORE YOU USE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME.

IF YOU SERVICE IT YOURSELF, BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S GUIDELINES, ESPECIALLY THOSE FOR THE ENGINE. USE THE PROPER TOOLS AND OILS, FLUIDS, ETC. WHICH ARE RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNERS’ MANUALS.

THE FOLLOWING IS A SERIES OF CHECKS THAT SHOULD BE PERFORMED, NOT ALL OF WHICH MAY APPLY TO YOUR VESSEL.  BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR OWNERS’  MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL ITEMS WHICH MIGHT NOT BE LISTED HERE.

1. INSPECT ALL THE RUBBER HOSES FOR CUTS, CRACKS. ROT OR LEAKS
2. INSPECT THE PROP FOR DINGS, PITTING OR DISTORTION.
3. CHECK THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM; CABLES, HYDRAULIC FLUID OR TILLER.
4. INSPECT THE ENTIRE HULL FOR BLISTERS, CRACKS OR DISTORTIONS.
5. INSPECT AND TEST THE BILGE PUMP, ITS HOSES AND ALL CLAMPS.
6. IF YOUR FUEL WAS NOT STABILIZED BEFORE STORAGE, REPLACE IT WITH FRESH FUEL.
7. CLEAN OR REPLACE THE FUEL AND WATER SEPARATOR FILTERS.
8. CHECK THE BATTERY FOR LEAKS AND CHARGE IT FULLY, REPLACE IF NECESSARY.
9. CLEAN AND TIGHTEN ALL THE WIRING CONNECTIONS TO THE BATTERY AND ACID LEVEL
10. CHECK THE DOCK LINES FOR CHAFE AND WEAR.
11. CHECK THE BILGE PUMP OPERATION AND INSPECT ITS HOSES AND CLAMPS.
12. CHECK THE BILGE BLOWER AND DUCTS IF SO EQUIPPED.
13. IF AN I/O, CHECK THE RUBBER OUTDRIVE BELLOWS FOR CRACKS OR DETERIORATION.
14. CHECK PROPER OPERATION OF ALL HELM GAUGES AND ALARMS
15. CHECK THE LOWER UNIT OIL LEVEL.
16. CHECK THE ENGINE ZINCS FOR WEAR AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.

TRAILER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

1. INSPECT TIRE TREADS FOR WEAR AND SIDEWALLS FOR CRACKS . CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
2. SET IT TO THE MAXIMUM PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL. INSPECT YOUR SPARE AS WELL.
3. INSPECT WHEEL BEARINGS AND REPACK IF NECESSARY.
4. TEST BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS. REPLACE CRACKED OR BROKEN LENSES.
5. INSPECT AND LUBE THE WINCH. CHECK THE WINCH CABLE.
6. INSPECT THE TWO HITCH CHAINS
7. INSPECT TRAILER BRAKES AND BRAKE FLUID.

GENERAL SAFETY REMINDERS

1. CHECK ALL THREE NAVIGATION LIGHTS.
2. CHECK THE STATUS OF ALL LIFE JACKETS, REPLACE ANY WORN OR TORN ONES.
3. INSPECT THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PRESSURE GAUGE. REPLACE ANY KIDDE BRAND WITH A PLASTIC HANDLE OR NOZZLE
4. CHECK THE FIRST AID KIT. REPLACE ANY USED ITEMS
5. CHECK THE ENGINE CUT OFF SWITCH IF SO EQUIPPED.
6. GET A FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECK FROM THE U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY OR U.S. POWER SQUADRONS

BE SURE TO HAVE ON BOARD 

• 1.   BOATING LICENSE
• 2.   BOAT REGISTRATION
• 3.   N.J.BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE
• 4.   ALL REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Article Courtesy of Laurence L. Orlans, FSO-Op

Monthly Meetings 2024Next meeting:  May 08, 2024 - 7:00 PMHopatcong Recreation Department/Senior Center23 Lakeside Drive, Hopatcong NJ

News and Information about Flotilla 15-10

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