Mandatory Check List

Care and use of PRSA’s 19 foot Skiff

Please read before using and check boxes as you perform steps

Towing and Launching – This Boat is Ramp Launched

q Remove cover; leave it at the slip.

q Install drain plug (from the outside, flip handle down).

q Remove trailer stand (cinder block).

q Remove Trailer hitch lock (the key with ignition key, you must pull hitch release lever hard) and store under boat seat.

q Trailer has 2” hitch, but, can be towed in the yard with 1 7/8” ball. Be sure hitch is seated on ball. It was not once and the trailer came off of the car when retrieving and boat slid down the ramp on its bottom. Day’s worth of work for the boat committee.

q Check Gas (black line on tank under console is plenty) use 89 Octane, no oil; add while on shore if necessary.

q Remove winch bow strap before backing down ramp.

q Back down ramp until boat floats free

q Lower bumpers after launch as they will not go easily through launch guides and will break or dislodge them.

Docking and Starting

q Check that bumpers are down.

q Check inventory sheet for proper equipment (coming feature).

q Lower engine, toggle switch on throttle handle.

q Attach safety lanyard; engine will crank, won’t start, without it (buzzer sounds).

q Gear shift in neutral..

q Insert key and start as you would your car, it has electronic fuel injection.

q Look to see that water is coming out of the engine (left Side as you look back). Shut off if not! Call Bill K.

On The Water

Have your boat safety certificate with you; it is the law. Get one at http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse.
Registration is under the seat, when asked.
Keep speed down while docking, turning and approaching boats and people.
Keep an eye on the gas tank. Should not be a problem, but, even big tanks can go dry.
Observe safe rescue techniques when approaching boats in trouble.

If Motor Does Not Run, DO NOT OPEN COVER

1. Check the safety lanyard.

2. Is controller in neutral?

3. Check the fuel line connection to the engine.

4. Check the gas level.

5. Check the prop for fouling.

6. Is battery dead (blow horn), was bilge pump left on?

7. Get a tow.

Maneuvering

Boat is fast, be conscious of your speed. Stay in control!
There is no center board, so turning rate is controlled by inertia and engine power/helm.
Mind the wind and current when maneuvering near people in the water or near any other object.
Use neutral to control boat speed, Idle is sometimes too fast.

Retrieving

q Raise motor.

q Back trailer down until partly in the water.

q Thread bowline (tie it to the blue line under seat) through front tie down roller (black) on trailer.

q Back trailer down until tow vehicle back wheels are partly submerged.

q Raise bumpers as they will catch on trailer guide poles and do damage.

q Pull blue line and boat will go onto trailer. poles will position it in back and bow line will guide it in front.

q Cleat blue line to boat and pull trailer out enough to get bow strap attached, then completely.

q Stow lines and equipment.

q Be careful when backing between our other boats, watch out for motor.

Cleaning and storing

q Wash the boat (soap and brush in seat).

q Flush motor by attaching hose to hose fitting on side of motor.

q Make sure all switches, particularly the sump pump switch, are in the off position. Make sure the engine is up?

q Return all equipment (paddles, boat hooks, life jackets, anchors) to their storage positions. Everything should be stored.

q Remove the outer drain plug.

q Replace boat cover. It keeps boat clean, dry, and discourages prying eyes.

q Replace trailer lock.

q Raise trailer tongue onto cinder block stand so water will drain.

q Return key and this form with notes to PRO and advise of any issues.

Problems encountered and Comments for the boat committee Please return to PRO.

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