How to Prepare a Small Motorboat to Get Under Way

Ensure safety and pleasure by taking a little time to prepare before leaving the dock.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adequately Strong Boating Ropes
• Boat Trailers
• Boats
• Motorboats

1. Remove all canvas covers.

2. Ventilate all closed compartments for a minimum of 5 minutes.

3. Turn the battery switch to "All" or "Both" if the boat has a switch.

4. Turn on the bilge blower if the boat is so equipped. Run it for at least 5 minutes.

5. Perform the predeparture safety check (see "How to Do a Pre-sail Safety Check").

6. Start the engine (see "How to Start a Motorboat Outboard Motor").

Tips & Warnings

• Small motorboats use gasoline-powered motors. Gas fumes are highly combustible and heavier than air. Ventilate well.

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