Sea Ray Outing

[Steve Craig]

The Admiral has been considering an outing for just the girls-friends since Grade 3, all of them.
We've been on the water since '11 & acquired our current 260 Sundeck in '15. While on the water she does most of the driving. I do most of the deck hand chores while directing her on controlling the boat when we anchor. She's at a confidence level where I believe she's ready to go out on her own.
Started berthing the boat 2 years ago, however, she's not ready for backing in yet.
First season I did it can easily be described as a modern version of the Gong Show! Kept at it & now it's second nature.
Made up a checklist for her & others aboard to follow. Believe it's comprehensive enough but open to opinions. Please feel free to offer suggestions.
We are on The St. John River system.

 

[Boat Guy]

That's pretty detailed....

A couple of thoughts -

1. Does your engine start if in gear or does it have a N safety switch? If so, I'd make sure the vessel is in N before pressing start on the shifter...You don't want her thinking there is a boat problem when it's simply in gear and won't start.

2. Once started, do you have oil pressure and temp gauges? I would suggest mentioning scanning oil pressure upon start and note operating pressures and temps.

3. Is there an ICE (In case of Emergency) placard on the vessel? What happens if something incapacitates your wife? I would have contact numbers / simple cut-off steps for anyone else to see.

 

[Steve Craig]

Great points, appreciate the input.
1-Shifter is a DTS set-up, however, don't think it will start in other than NEUTRAL. I will confirm this week.
2-Gauges are present & I'll add that to the list.
3-We have a couple Emergency numbers posted inside a storage door. Inshore Rescue from the Coast Guard is there along with 911.
I'll add the cut-off steps to the list & will demonstrate it to those going out with her.

She questioned the length of the list at first. Once I explained these are the things going through my head everytime we leave the dock, she understood. Make it back in one piece, no worries about the boat.
Reminds me a bit of the first couple years I was flying RC planes. Easy job to get them off the ground.......but........fuel tank size determines how much time you have before you are forced to land. That's the tricky part. I've drilled a few holes into Terra Firma. Spend a Winter building a new plane. Perfect in every way, shiny, pretty, everyone asking about it at the field.
Bring it home in a garbage bag about 2 hours later.

 

[Boat Guy]

1. That's my point..If it's in gear and it doesn't start your wife will likely not think that is the problem. A lot of boats get bumped into gear and when it doesn't start, it's the last thing they guess.

3. Emergency numbers are good...But so is your number in case something happens.

I have to agree with her that the list seemed long to me, as well...

 

[ThorSen]

Wow, I was raised by a Navy pilot-turned Civil Engineer and I gotta say: WHAT A GREAT LIST! (Thumbs Up!

 

[Steve Craig]

Ensure shifter is in NEUTRAL before attempting to start engine. This will get added.

Many of the items she will already be familiar with but on her own she won't have anyone to reference for the next step.
Long list, yes.

Thanks all for the replies.

 

[Bridog]

Need to add pee break to the list.