pre-water put in

[dreamer*65]

I've familiar with the pre-start protocol when the boat is in the water, but what is the pre-check protocol I should follow before I put my newly delivered 2013 R 27 into the water here for the first time (especially after a 3,000 mile shipping trip?)

I'd like to check to make sure all electrical systems, pumps, generator, etc. are all working . . . and the engine will turn over when they put me in the water and ten other boats are waiting to get put in behind me🙂

Thanks.

 

[Brian B]

Running the systems on land are very similar except that seacocks will be closed. Remove the strainer cover, hold a running hose in the strainer and start the engine after all fluids were checked, same for the generator.
After that long trip I would check battery levels if they are the flooded type and ensure that all connections are clean and tight. Bilge pumps can be tested manually by covering the two rings on the sensor with your fingers, they should come on in about 20 seconds or so.

 

[Red Raven]

When you start the engine you can also test the bilge pump by letting the sea strainer overflow into the bilge (with the plug in!). That way you don't have to reach down into the bilge and find the sensor pads to get it to start.

 

[rpmerrill]

Since I offloaded lots of equipment and safety items during my winter lay-up, I did several walk throughs to make sure my life jackets, flares and fire extinguishers were all back in place (and up to date). AND all your important boat papers!

Check to see that your CO2 monitor is getting power and your horn and nav lights and radio are working. You can give the thrusters a short blip too, just make shur they stop spinning before you reverse direction. And before I left the dock for a short run, I checked the windlass.

Is the fuel shut off at the tank open?

If the engine has not run in a while, it might be a little slow to start and the batteries a little low. After 3-4 short cranking sessions I turned on the "parallel" switch and it started right up. (I think they say not to do long cranking. I forget, 5-10 seconds at a time max. Then let the starter rest and cool off between sessions.)

 

[dreamer*65]

Just the kind of info and advice I needed. Although folks around here will probably be wondering what a guy is doing scrambling around in the snow, sleet, rain and wind on a trailered boat prepping it for launch!

Thanks a bunch.

 

[Irish Mist]

After you do your on land check be sure to open your sea cocks back up. Don't get pushed around by the mob at the ramp either. Take your time..... you waited now its your turn. Sometimes trying to be nice and rushing makes for slipping and injuries or stupid mistakes.
Enjoy your new boat !