Running your boat with friends and family is what summer is for! Be sure to stay safe in the water and keep your boat’s engine in optimal conditions by giving it a check before launching. To learn more on how to prepare a checklist before heading out on the water, this article by K&K Oil and Lube in Clermont, is for you.
It's your time to enjoy a summer outing near the bay, going out fishing with your friends, and taking your family for a cruise. However, if you're thinking about getting on the water this summer, you want to set up safe conditions for your passengers. Therefore, prior to your next boating trip, use this step-by-step safety checklist by K&K Oil and Lube in Clermont.
Documentation
The first step in the checklist is getting your documents and licenses ready. You want to file a float plan for your trip, and then, get your boat’s paperwork aboard. If you are planning a fishing trip, get your fishing license ready. Besides having digital copies in your phone, you can store paper copies of your documents in plastic envelopes to protect them from water.
Keep your boat's engine running smoothly by giving it excellent products like AMSOIL's 10W-40 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil. Speak to an expert at K&K Oil and Lube and learn more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Clermont. For more information, call (918) 269-0081 today.
Weather Forecast
Make sure to enjoy the safest and sunniest days ahead with this next step. Ensure you won’t be facing high waves, strong winds, or any other risky weather conditions by checking the most reliable weather forecasts.
Life Jackets and Safety Equipment
You want to have the required safety gear and equipment on your boat. To start, ensure to have an inflatable device or life jacket for each person that gets on the boat. Then, make sure to get a charged fire extinguisher if your boat has a closed compartment. Another helpful item to have is a first aid kit to deal with basic injuries. Just as important, fares might help to overcome fog or any other weather inconvenience.
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Fuel Levels
Before starting your boat trip, make sure to have enough fuel. You can check its levels by looking over the fuel gauge. Ensure the gauge's needle moves and indicates levels correctly by turning the ignition switch on and off. If the level is convenient for your trip, you can also check your fuel tank to examine its condition. The fuel has to be dry and uncontaminated with rust and other sediments.
Oil Levels
Oil protects your boat’s engine components. However, fresh dry oil works better than the one that gets residuals and moisture over time; therefore, it’s important to change your boat’s oil regularly. Additionally, you need to check the oil levels before each outing. You can do so by performing a dipstick reading.
Outboards need pumping water to avoid friction in their impellers; therefore, you can check the water level gauge in your boat to ensure the water cooling system is working correctly. To prevent stagnant water on board, change the holding and water tanks regularly. Additionally, you can check on the water hoses to ensure they are free from obstructions. Next, check on your boat’s seacocks! These valves are essential to keep your boat afloat. Seacocks regulate the water that comes in and out through pumps and hoses. Boaters usually close all seacocks when their boats remain stored. Nevertheless, before each boat trip, ensure there are no leaks around each seacock, and finally, open all the seacocks that you’ll need during your trip.
Lights, And Batteries
Next, make sure to check on your boat’s lights. You want them to work correctly; in particular, if you want to run your boat before dawn or at night. Also, be sure to check your boat’s batteries, since proper voltage levels help your boat’s switches and electronics.
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