Just bought a 2000 Sea legend, I am excited, but also a bit worried. I haven't done boating since 1999. So I write down what I think is the proper steps for each outing. I'm sure I've missed steps. Please let me now.
Thanks for your help!
boat operating steps:
Start boating:
1. board all passengers.
2. turn battery switch on
3. lower main engine to water.
4. start engine
5. idle for a minute or so
6. untie deck line.
7. back out of slip
8. take in all bumpers
finish boating:
1. put bumpers down
2. park to slip, tie 3 deck ropes to deck.
3. turn off engine
4. up the main engine
5. turn battery switch to off
6. flush main engine with fresh water line.
7. spray boat with fresh water
8. lock/zip cabin
Don't forget the plug!
And life jackets for all on board, and all required safety gear/items. Remember, safety first. Have fun!
Quote from: Danno on August 14, 2020, 03:25:42 PM
Don't forget the plug!
The plug should be items 1-3
Include in the startup, showing all on board where the life jackets and emergency gear is located (recommend stow all flares, horn, mirror, whistles, etc, in a special box under the helm stool. check the life jackets and throw device (required), if inflatable life jackets they must be worn when boarding the boat.
Your transom/bait table will most likely be raised before the engine can safely come up- without cushioning along the edge, the top the engine will be scratched.
Turn on and test all electronics prior to leaving the slip.
forgot one- run the bilge pumps to empty any rain water.
I always warm up my kicker, when I'm warming up the main. If, for some reason, your main cuts out while still in a marina, and you can't get it restarted immediately, you are going to want AN engine before you end up hitting another boat or a dock.
I would rather have the battery switch, electronics, and motor on before everyone boards. Good to hear others so the safety check and basic explanation to those on board.
thank you all for the great advice. When you say "Plug", do you mean engine flush plug?
Here is the updated version.
boat operating procedures:
Start boating:
1. board all passengers
2. check safety gears
3. turn battery switch on
4. check engine plug, lower main engine to water.
5. start engine, start/stop kicker
6. idle for a minute or so
7. untie deck line.
8. back out of slip
9. take in all bumpers
finish boating:
1. put bumpers down
2. park to slip, tie 3 deck ropes to deck.
3. turn off engine
4. remove bait table
5. up the main engine
6. turn battery switch to off
7. flush main engine with fresh water line.
8. spray boat with fresh water
9. lock/zip cabin
Quote from: AP on August 14, 2020, 05:26:29 PM
I always warm up my kicker, when I'm warming up the main. If, for some reason, your main cuts out while still in a marina, and you can't get it restarted immediately, you are going to want AN engine before you end up hitting another boat or a dock.
I would rather have the battery switch, electronics, and motor on before everyone boards. Good to hear others so the safety check and basic explanation to those on board.
I'm thinking that all of have our own procedures and should stick with them. One thing I really like from reading this thread is adding in the idea of priming and warming up the kicker at the dock prior to departure. Once my kicker is warmed up and running it then re-starts very easily every time I make a move......... all day. I'm going to add this into my routine. Thanks.
:yeahthat:
I learned that from my difficult to start in the cold Honda kicker. Don't need it now because there's no no need for kickers in So Cal nor does it get that cold.
I meant the drain plug.
Quote from: hurstian on August 14, 2020, 05:55:40 PM
thank you all for the great advice. When you say "Plug", do you mean engine flush plug?
No, it's the bilge drain plug, the one that if you forget to put it in, your boat slowly starts sinking at the dock. You're mooring your boat, so you'll only need to remember it a couple times a year, just make sure you remember.
I like everyone to know how to start and stop the boat very basic boat safety stuff. What if you are the one in the water. Everyone is instructed to watch for pots, other boats, dead heads. Gives others something to do and it helps. Take it slow....no brakes. Good luck and have fun.
What about a radio distress use. :beerchug:
Quote from: diodon on August 14, 2020, 07:37:31 PM
What about a radio distress use. :beerchug:
Totally.
That's what young people say.
I know you don't have time now, but if you haven't already, I would recommend grabbing a local seamanship class. All these questions would be answered. Have a great and safe outing in your Sea Legend. I really like mine.
2006 Sea Legend, 150 Honda 8 Honda
'
Zagman, SL also has a bilge pump, right? I am trying to figure out where is the switch.
Quote from: Zagman on August 14, 2020, 08:25:54 PM
I know you don't have time now, but if you haven't already, I would recommend grabbing a local seamanship class. All these questions would be answered. Have a great and safe outing in your Sea Legend. I really like mine.
2006 Sea Legend, 150 Honda 8 Honda
'
Quote from: hurstian on August 14, 2020, 08:42:06 PM
Zagman, SL also has a bilge pump, right? I am trying to figure out where is the switch.
Quote from: Zagman on August 14, 2020, 08:25:54 PM
I know you don't have time now, but if you haven't already, I would recommend grabbing a local seamanship class. All these questions would be answered. Have a great and safe outing in your Sea Legend. I really like mine.
2006 Sea Legend, 150 Honda 8 Honda
'
3 bilge pumps--2 aft and 1 amidships.
Make yourself a checklist for preparing and operating the boat. If you have a trailer, have a checklist too. It's very easy to forget something important when just learning (and when you think you know it all).
Second the recommendation to take a seamanship class.
If you use a ramp for launch and recovery your day can be made or broken at the ramp. I do not allow anyone to "help" me at the ramp. I check the drain plug, unstrap the stern, take the shock absorber out of the motor, and check the bow strap to make sure it is connected securely.
Do not ever unstrap the bow until the boat has enough water to float under the stern. Many boats roll off the trailer at the ramp because people unhook the bow while prepping the boat for launch. Again, dont let anyone help or you may get more than you bargained for.
It is great to go to the ramp a few times mid-week to get your pace down.
I took the required washington state boater education course, but it's an online course. Is it the same as "seamanship" class? I live in point Roberts, Washington which is far away from mainland.
Quote from: Zagman on August 14, 2020, 08:25:54 PM
I know you don't have time now, but if you haven't already, I would recommend grabbing a local seamanship class. All these questions would be answered. Have a great and safe outing in your Sea Legend. I really like mine.
2006 Sea Legend, 150 Honda 8 Honda
'
Quote from: straiteagle on August 14, 2020, 04:28:16 PM
forgot one- run the bilge pumps to empty any rain water.
The SL is self bailing so he probably won't have rainwater collection. That being said I've always checked bilges as a morning routine self bail or not.
I'd also suggest that first few times going out to familiarize yourself with your new boat and it's handling, finding an uncrowded launch where you can really take your time without feeling pressured. Also strongly recommend a time and place where there is NO wind and there is a a launch dock where you can practice landing, tying up, casting off and maneuvering boat at slow speeds in tight quarters. Good luck.
Hurstian, I found one bilge pump aft and one amidships on my SL. To answer your question, the switches for these pumps should be on the dash with all the other bazillion switches. Just find them, flip them on and off and if need be have someone listen for the hum. That way you can identify which pump is running. By the way, I put my drain plug in after I hook up the boat and before I even leave the RV area where it is parked. After 64 yrs of boating I have learned this the hard way several times. And I would bet my SS check everyone on this forum has forgotten the plug at least once. Now if I could only figure out how to put a picture on this thread I would show you the switches and my SL.
2006 Sea Legend 150 Honda (slightly underpowered) 8hp Honda
Always check engine pee stream after you start your engine. I tend to check periodically throughout the day as well.
Quote from: hurstian on August 14, 2020, 08:42:06 PM
Zagman, SL also has a bilge pump, right? I am trying to figure out where is the switch.
My 2005 SL has 3 bilge pumps- one forward and 2 rear, outlet for the forward pump is on the starboard side- look for hole in the hull with a through hull fitting, the rear pump outlets are on either side for the sponsons- again a through hull fitting. The control switches are on the main switch panel at the helm below the steering wheel- I have the 9-switch panel- 3 for electronics, 2 wipers, 2 for the bilge pumps (rear switch is both), running/anchor lights, horn.
The sl has self bailing but depending on the pitch of the boat- you can get rain water in the bilge. a forward pitch allows the water to run towards the bow vs. out the scuppers.
Hurstain, here is a pic of my switch panel. 9 active switches and 9 spots to add switches. You can see the bilge pump switches. Hope this pic gets posted... I better check again...I may have two aft bilge pumps also...
Quote from: Zagman on August 15, 2020, 01:37:01 PM
Hurstain, here is a pic of my switch panel. 9 active switches and 9 spots to add switches. You can see the bilge pump switches. Hope this pic gets posted... I better check again...I may have two aft bilge pumps also...
Zagman..... I could be wrong, but I think what you have in that pic is 9 active switches total and that those are breakers to the left of each switch....
Quote from: Hunter on August 15, 2020, 02:08:27 PM
Quote from: Zagman on August 15, 2020, 01:37:01 PM
Hurstain, here is a pic of my switch panel. 9 active switches and 9 spots to add switches. You can see the bilge pump switches. Hope this pic gets posted... I better check again...I may have two aft bilge pumps also...
Zagman..... I could be wrong, but I think what you have in that pic is 9 active switches total and that those are breakers to the left of each switch....
:yeahthat:
That looks right. Three columns of three switches with a reset able fuse to the left of each.
Hunter, You are probably right. Makes sense when looking at it from that angle. :doh: Tomorrow I will be standing on my head checking it out. Also to check out the second bilge pump aft......maybe not....supposed to be over 100F tomorrow over here on the East side.
Zagman, I can see your photo. What year is your SL? My is 2000 and it doesn't look like yours at all. I also have 2 bilge pump switch on panel, but Bilge is not responding, hopefully it's an unimportant one.
Quote from: Zagman on August 15, 2020, 01:37:01 PM
Hurstain, here is a pic of my switch panel. 9 active switches and 9 spots to add switches. You can see the bilge pump switches. Hope this pic gets posted... I better check again...I may have two aft bilge pumps also...
Quote from: hurstian on August 17, 2020, 10:10:01 PM
Zagman, I can see your photo. What year is your SL? My is 2000 and it doesn't look like yours at all. I also have 2 bilge pump switch on panel, but Bilge is not responding, hopefully it's an unimportant one.
Hurstian, my SL is a 2006 Soft top. In my experience, everything about the bilge pump system is important. Pumps and switches. When you flip on one of your bilge pump switches and can't hear that little hummer running, its time to check switches, fuses, wiring and pumps. Sounds like you need to get that whole system checked out before there is water in the bilge you can't get pumped out. Now that I finally figured out how to post pics on this forum...here's a shot of my 2006 SL Good Luck
Hurstian, Ooops, that didn't work so well... The first pic turned out ok....Maybe Danno can tell me what went South...Zag
Your photo looks great after I click on it, lol.
Our boats look alike, just the switch panels are different.
BTW, I talked with Waldocod today about the bilge pump. There are 3 bilge pumps on SL, but only 2 switches, one for the pump in cuddy cabin and another switch, Bilge 2, for 2 bilge pumps in the aft, very deep under fish table.
Quote from: Zagman on August 18, 2020, 11:52:52 AM
Hurstian, Ooops, that didn't work so well... The first pic turned out ok....Maybe Danno can tell me what went South...Zag
Quote from: Zagman on August 15, 2020, 08:46:03 AM
And I would bet my SS check everyone on this forum has forgotten the plug at least once.
Zagman:
I'll be sending you my mailing address -- just sign the check over to Old No7; my banker will cash it.
One item I always make sure the crew knows about -- besides all the other safety gear - is the plastic safety connector that must be plugged in at the controls or else the engine won't start (it connects to a coiled lanyard, which you can wear when boating alone -- and it shuts off the engine if you go overboard).
Turns out my granddaughter, just like my son, is a "KNOBULATOR" and will touch anything and everything within reach when sitting with me at the helm. Every know, switch, key, doohickey that's within reach. They need to know about that one.
Old No7
Old No 7....Checks in the mail..lol Wow, never forgot your drain plug...that takes a pretty good memory.. Years ago too far back to count, my 2nd boat was a 17ft Owens and when I first used it, I moved to another lake and actually forgot the plug twice in the same day. Crazy huh? Yes I have to agree the coiled lanyard does its job and cuts the engine in case of an MOB when boating alone. Thing is, it would take a 15 foot lanyard in the SL and depending on wind and water conditions, you would still have to a swim like a fish to catch the boat. In my keelboat sailing days when doing overnighters the watch would use a 6 foot lanyard when in the cockpit and there would be jacklines running fore and aft on the port and starboard sides. This lanyard was then clipped to the jacklines when needing to go forward for reefing or a sail change. I never allowed the watch to leave the cockpit to go forward alone at night. When single handing, some sailors tow a rope behind just in case..I always told folks that came aboard, one hand for you and one hand for the boat..Zagman
Quote from: Zagman on August 19, 2020, 03:37:22 PM
Old No 7....Checks in the mail..lol
I'll be waiting, LOL...
But it sure helps to have an Admiral (she who must be obeyed) who always asks
"Plug in?" before backing it in...
Quote from: Zagman on August 19, 2020, 03:37:22 PM
I always told folks that came aboard, one hand for you and one hand for the boat...
My late father always said that too.
Once when I was 16 or so, I said
"What about my beer?" and the look on his face was priceless!
Old No7
Old No7 I have one of those Admirals, but when I get the eagle eye, I am called Captain Myway....but I explain...no it's Captain Rightway...no brownie points earned there.
Zagman