| After the cleaning, waxing and bottom painting | | | | expand too much, or even have a small (or large) |
| your boat or yacht...it's great to have that first | | | | bubble on it. This needs to be changed. Any telltale |
| launch. Whether by travel lift at a marina or by | | | | rust from engine parts, let's you know if |
| your boat trailer from home. I don't know if the | | | | something is loose. Movement or some water |
| excitement is the accomplishment of all the work | | | | weepage leaves rust or marks letting you know |
| done to get to this point, or just to feel afloat on | | | | attention is needed. |
| the water again! Maybe it is a little of both...but it is | | | | It is so good to hear the engine again knowing |
| exciting! | | | | you can cruise out and about going to coves and |
| As you know the work is not quite finished yet. | | | | harbors, plus fishing, yes. |
| Bilges in your Powerboat or Sailboat have to be | | | | Check to see that all your marine extinguishers |
| checked when launched, bilge pumps must be | | | | are full and not out of date...also shake them a |
| checked for proper operation, and of course the | | | | bunch to loosen the powder within from that |
| engine has to be started. I crank the engine over | | | | entire time sitting. Your boating flare kit is |
| without having it start so all the oil can lubricate | | | | important too. Make sure it is not out of date also |
| the engine before I actually start it. This way the | | | | and all is in order. Lifejackets should be in good |
| internal parts are not metal to metal for the first | | | | order and enough for everyone onboard. A |
| few seconds running...that's very bad! | | | | medical kit should carry an assortment of |
| Once started, I check all the hose connections for | | | | band-aids, bandages, cut ointment, aspirin, and |
| leakage and hose clamp tightness...at the same | | | | other products to keep you and your guests |
| time, I'm looking for any worn areas on the hose | | | | safe...And don't forget that suntan lotion! |
| you get from rubbing on something. When the | | | | The first time you get to your slip or anchorage |
| engine gets to operating temperature, I do | | | | and turn on that stereo and the barbecue.. Well, |
| another check on the hoses. At higher | | | | it's like heaven... and Why Knot! |
| temperatures and pressure, you may see a hose | | | | |