Pre-launch check

[mddogpilot]

Bought R29CB used. Didn't get the factory tour.

What do I need to check in the engine compartment every time before getting underway?

I have a 2018 R29 with a Volvo D4 300. Pictures would be helpful.

I've seen checklists on this site saying to check coolant, transmission, oil, but other than oil dipstick, don't know where to look.

Appreciate any help. Thank you.

 

[marob]

I always check oil, transmission and coolant levels before start up and I always close the three seacocks before leaving the boat and our boat is on our dock. The reason I always close the seacocks is according to Nigel Caulder 90% of Boat sinking’s happen at the dock.

 

[Rocky]

I agree with Marob. I have a 2018 R 29. In addition to Eng, Trans and coolant....I look at the glass in the Raw Water strainers. I have found eel grass and junk a few times.... and I always look below the shaft to make sure there isn't any more water than I expect.

 

[mddogpilot]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. Love this site.

 

[Bruce Moore]

These additional checks come to mind. Scan the entire engine compartment every time. The familiarity you build will make things like leaking fluids pop out. After you start the engine check for good water flow. In the cabin, activate the thrusters and give them a little bump before untying. Turn on your VHF radio and set volume and squelch. Check which channel(s) you're on. I usually scan 16 and vessel traffic. Determine your rudder position.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[gswearin]

In addition to the above, my checklist (from the factory experience) includes listening for the bilge pumps to cycle while you are doing your check and making sure the bilge is dry and oil free.
The transmission dipstick on my D4 is red and is at the aft end of the engine where the tranny is. You can't see it when looking straight down, but from the port side you can. Note when checking the tranny oil you unscrew the stick, but check the level with it not screwed back in.

 

[it4llc]

My hearing isn't great anyway, and hanging my head into the bilge for 2 1/2 minutes to figure out if the pumps were properly cycling was a real pain. I realized that at least on our boat, when they do cycle, the bilge switches on the helm briefly light up. I suppose there is some risk that the switches light up because the pump is trying to cycle but is clogged, but I usually watch for the lights and confirm that the level of water in the bilge is as expected.

 

[mddogpilot]

Really appreciated latest "As the Prop Turns" and all your tips, thank you

 

[baz]

Make sure all lines have been released. I know this may sound a bit silly, but for me I stern in into my covered slip with a starboard tie, and I use the port side cleat on the swim step as a safety precaution to secure the stern from moving away from the starboard side dock. As this line is kind of hidden compared to all the others being used on the starboard side of the boat, it can easily be forgotten..... and yes, I've forgotten about it at least once and was mightily surprised wanting to leave my slip. 😱

 

[Chimo]

Make sure all lines have been released. I know this may sound a bit silly, but for me I stern in into my covered slip with a starboard tie, and I use the port side cleat on the swim step as a safety precaution to secure the stern from moving away from the starboard side dock. As this line is kind of hidden compared to all the others being used on the starboard side of the boat, it can easily be forgotten..... and yes, I've forgotten about it at least once and was mightily surprised wanting to leave my slip. 😱

I'm familiar with that experience Barry! I'm in a boathouse and have lines on both sides and one of those mega-elastic things to the bow eye to hold the boat forward so it doesn't hit the curtain at the stern. Quite the surprise when I forget that, start to back out, realize something is wrong, go to neutral and and get zipped right back in the boathouse. I've also turned off the shore power but not disconnected from the boat. That's interesting as well! 😳

Is this a true confessions session? 🙂

 

[baz]

...snip...

...snip...

Is this a true confessions session? 🙂

I do have other confessions... but will stay quiet about them. 😉 However, will reveal this one: was solo and left the fuel dock one windy day with engine throttle unknowingly not in neutral, and found I could not start engine... panic as the boat moved swiftly to unwanted objects... managed to get myself down into the fwd stateroom and up through the over head hatch and threw a line to a helping person on another boat with just enough free line to reach him. Got boat back to the fuel dock, and silly me found the throttle was not in neutral.

LESSON - Always start engine before releasing the lines.

 

[bob daily]

You might want to try this easy check list prior to getting underway, it has worked for millions through the years! It goes like this - Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet and Watch! Dune in the sign of the cross! It will get you underway with the basics! Bob