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
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