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Airboating Do & Don'ts..a handbook

Ruagatr

Well-known member
I am starting this thread to fill a void of information for new and less experienced operators, as well as a refresher for older operators. Please do not muddy the thread with anecdotes, laughing etc---just add your Do & Dont's to help folks down the road.

Launching Do's & Dont's:

Do check every critical bolt and engine/prop structure for security and integrity before you launch.

Do check the ramp for slope, "fall off" or broken back edge of concrete.

Do put the plugs in.

Do unhook the rear of the boat so you don't sink it

Do have a bow line attached---very key to attach the line--lol.

Do load the boat with gear before you launch--but people aren't gear.

Do give new people a quick course of things falling out of pockets, not standing up in deep water, before launching.

Do have lifejackets for all aboard.

Do test start the engine on the trailer so as not to cast off and then figure out the dead battery etc. Do this AFTER the tie down strap is unhooked.

Do park your rig so you don't block the ramp for the next guy to unload.

Do be courteous with your propwash when leaving the ramp--and at all other times.

RUNNING: Do's & Dont's

Do idle away from the launch and then ease up on it once your engine has some temperature.

Do stay right and always GO RIGHT when a head on collision is imminent, unless impossible.

Do have enough propeller blast to control the direction of the boat--an idling engine means no steerage.

Do use the maxim "When in doubt, Power out" 95% of the time. The other 5% can't be taught, only learned.

Do use the minimum amount of speed/noise necessary in residential areas.

Do keep separation between fellow boats--no one ever had an accident because he was too far away.

Do remember to constantly plan ahead and think ahead--no brakes means alternate plans are a must.

Do know your limitations--in every way-Handling, drinking, ability to run dry, stop, etc.

Do think about what is going to happen if the engine stops right where you are, or are thinking of going, with the current passengers aboard--will you be safe and able to stay the course until help can arrive? Or is there a diabetic or baby etc who cannot stand the risk?

Do check your fuel status regularly---what you burn is meaningless if there is a fuel leak that is doubling your consumption without you knowing it..much less if it is filling the bilge with fuel.

Do return to the ramp if you start having trouble and cannot fix it with 100% certainty.

Do mind the weather and shelter available.

Do help other boaters---no excuse for not doing this.

Do bring water if you are going where there is none.

Do power up on the throttle ONCE to leave dry ground when other boats are next to you. Don't play games with the throttle to impress people with your boats power--that propeller is dangerous and the less time it spends next to people, the better.

Do use only the speed you need--speed changes everything--risk, wear & tear, timing, decision making. Don't subject innocent passengers to your unnecessary risk taking.

Do remember that grass is slipperier than dry mud--99% of the time. Many times a "half and half" trail run works well i.e. half on the grass and half in the dry mud.

RECOVERY Do & Dont's:

Do check for people fishing, on docks etc before you load.

Do load your boat being mindful of the area--no mega dry power loading next to homes or trailer parks etc.

Do hook the bow to the trailer--and tie down the rear as the law requires. Many stops lately for no rear tie down.

Do check the trailer lights all the time.

Do keep your common sense all the time.

Others feel free to post. Charles
 
Place your flag up in Florida.
Be sure to check exhaust system along with rudder mounting, linkage, prop, controls before you test start engine.
Full tank of fuel is a good habit.
 
-Give room to slow down in deep water, to stay ahead of your wake. The wake can and will come over the back and sink your boat if you are unaware of this.

-Always turn while on plane, or at a complete idle, turning at speeds in between, or at very low throttle will cause the boat to tip over or dip a corner into the water, possibly sinking or flipping.
 
Good list so far, Consider this as well:

Carry a machete just in case you have to walk out of the swamp.
Extra oil in case you spring a leak.
Cary a fire starter kit or waterproof matches
Keep a tarp in the boat in case you break down and need to get out of the sun.
Tow rope for pulling out a stuck boat.
Carry extra fuel in case you run short coming back to the ramp. Secure it well. (learned this the hard way in blue cypress)
Keep a push pole in the boat for dead end trails with high sides where you can't do a 180.
Consider a folding shovel.. .doubles as a paddle.
Basic tool box with tie wraps, tape, wrenches, sockets and extra bolts and wire.
First aid kit that includes insect repellant, sun screen, and benadryil.
Alcohol wipes are good for the first aid kit as well.
Keep the small items in a boat bag that goes with the boat each time.
 
Good list

:wink: Have on board a watertight proof container that you can place your cell phone inn that way if it gets wet it will still work when needed.
 
Do remember to put trim tab in up position when unloading and loading.
Do remember to check your oil level every time.
 
ruagatar

Don't know taht I get this point.... unless you are saying .... once YOU leave dry ground? I'm betting its a typo but I want to know what you mean if it isn't.
Thanks, and ain't trying to be the spelling nazi either.
Jeff

Do ease up on the throttle ONCE to leave dry ground when other boats are next to you. Don't play games with the throttle to impress people with your boats power--that propeller is dangerous and the less time it spends next to people, the better.
 
rost495 said:
ruagatar

Don't know taht I get this point.... unless you are saying .... once YOU leave dry ground? I'm betting its a typo but I want to know what you mean if it isn't.
Thanks, and ain't trying to be the spelling nazi either.
Jeff

Do ease up on the throttle ONCE to leave dry ground when other boats are next to you. Don't play games with the throttle to impress people with your boats power--that propeller is dangerous and the less time it spends next to people, the better.


I believe he is trying to say, only use the throttle enough to get yourself past the line of boats you are parked between, when safely away from those proceed with the throttle. Don't play with the throttle given the event it were to come apart or shoot something out.
 
Get boat insurance if you dont have it ,your truck insurance will not cover the boat or trailer (just happened to myself) , check with Charter Lakes for the FAA rate . If you come cross a another boat off the trailer stop and lend a hand
 
Yobee got it-- see people who sit there and get on and off the throttle 5 times to move their boat out of line to start and stop it, rather than just gassing it once and going on with it...

Maddog
 
Do make sure there are no water bottles, cans or other debris in the bottom of boat that will get sucked throught he prop.
Do make sure whoever is riding with you understands the operation of the boat for emergency purposes.
Don't fly through blind trails
Don't pull up and blow the crap out of other peoples boats and food on the grill
 
absolutely always everytime ... take a minute to do a pre-boat inspection before you unload off the trailer and when you put it back on the trailer ...

and if you notice a new vibration or noise ... FIND IT .. if it is nothing then you can laugh about it ... but if it is important and you don't find it .. your first noticable hint may be a disaster

nothin in that cage is worth your life .. not hats not sunglasses not cell phones .. nothin .. nothin... if it goes in there it belongs to the prop until you stop the boat and shut it down and kill the batteries.

Just like a race car I had said on it ... danger .. operation of this machne will kill you. not unsafe not careless just plain ole operation ...

drive safe have fun and stay alive with all your limbs attached ... the prop ALWAYS WINS ... everytime
 
Do Learn your Boat. Alot of what you do is Felt thur the Butt. When it doesn't feel right or sound right STOP and CHECK it out. Your boat Will Tell ya when something is Wrong. Listen to it.
 
This is a good even great thread. It has been attempted before and always dies its own death as a thread.

Would anyone be interested in this being edited and put on laminated card stock as a pamphlet to give to new folks just coming into airboating.

I can format and actually do the work if a club were interested in sponsoring it. Can even make it a much smaller spiral bound half or quarter page size booklet or stapled pamphlet with or without lamination.

The fact is it costs a bit, not a lot but it does cost some.

Anybody got a thought or suggestion on it?

Might even be able to make them available through SA, pending Ricks approval idea. Could be ordered from the store or bought at the trailer at events. A dollar or two markup above cost could help SA and maybe the FAA as well.
 
also you might even talk to all the builders about getting them an have them give them to the customers when they buy a boat
 
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