Brand new boater here - need a pre-launch checklist
 

Just purchased my very first boat yesterday, '96 Talari. While I've driven friends boats here and there, I'm not familiar with Mariahs and with proper pre-launch and launch steps and was hoping folks on the forum here could help reduce the number of really stupid things I do as I'm learning - so yes there will be alot of very silly questions to follow:


Launching the boat:
Is there a checklist that someone could point me to, ideally one that covers anything specific to my boat? (if anything)

My understanding so far:
Make sure outboard is trimmed up enough not to bottom out on anything.

Check and re-check that drain plug is secure.

Back the boat down the ramp until it starts to float a little, then release winch and safety chains and tie boat off away from the ramp, park car etc.

Trim down outboard?

What else am I missing?

Starting the boat:
Been reading how important it is to run the blower (bilge?) for a few minutes before starting the engine. I was a little alarmed that I had never noticed this being done in all the times I had been boating with friends with inboard or i/o boats.

Big question here, alot of the labeling has been worn off the switches on my boat so I have no idea what 75% of them do. Which switch is for the blower? While fiddling with a couple the other day I did hit the one right next to the nav/anc switch that turns on my stern light pole - heard a loud whirring noise from the rear that sounded like it could be the blower.

Next big question - how do I operate the choke before starting the engine?

What other basic, obvious things am I missing?

Re: Brand new boater here - need a pre-launch checklist
 

Pre-Launch Checklist
Make sure you have boat keys
Remove cover
Raise trim: Press trailer button on throttle handle until outdrive raised in traveling position
Remove chocks from wheels
Drag trailer to hitch (unlock tongue lock)
Crank trailer down to ball
Secure on hitch ball, lock tongue
Attach chains
Attach lights
Attach brake cable
Secure crank handle in horizontal position
Check lights
Double check hitch ball
Look under seats for life preservers (1 for each person going to be in boat)
Store trash bag, sun screen, towels & sunglasses
Secure boat contents for travel
Cover if necessary
Check gas supply (Rule of thumb) 1/3 out, 1/3 back, 1/3 spare)
Launching
Check to make sure drain plug is in
Remove 2 rear straps
Install front & rear lines
Install fenders
Unhook 2 fasteners in front by hitch (leave winch hook attached until on ramp)
Make sure trim is up
Check fire extinguishers to make sure they’re full
Make sure lanyard is on switch by shifter
Disconnect trailer lights
Turn on main power by: Raising rear hatch from 2 turnbuckles on either side of back seat. Turn red circular switch on starboard side switch to on. Lower rear hatch and fasten with turnbuckles.
Turn on blower
Back in water & submerge trailer to top of trailer fenders.
Make sure someone on dock to secure front & rear lines
Unhook boat from trailer
Boat will float in water
Push button in on throttle control on side. Make sure button is all the way in. Move throttle control all the way front & then half way back.
Turn key until engine starts
Bring engine up to 2,000 RPM

Re: Brand new boater here - need a pre-launch checklist
 

Retrieving
Raise outdrive to full travel position (UP)
Back trailer in water until top of trailer fenders
Loosen both lines from dock
Pass front line to person on trailer
Hold back line to center boat on trailer
Pull front line into center of trailer
When boat is close enough attach strap to front bow eye
Still holding rear line have trailer person crank boat into trailer
Turn crank until bow eye is firmly under front roller
Release rear line
Pull boat from water
Attach rear straps
Attach front safety hook to bow eye
Make sure center windshield pass through is closed
Wipe down boat
Secure contents in boat for travel
Turn off main power by: Raising rear hatch from 2 turnbuckles on either side of back seat. Turn red circular switch on starboard side switch to off. Lower rear hatch and fasten with turnbuckles.
Cover if necessary

Re: Brand new boater here - need a pre-launch checklist
 

This is incredibly helpful. Thanks.

Re: Brand new boater here - need a pre-launch checklist
 

This is probably the most important one "Check and re-check that drain plug is secure." :yes_grin:

Re: Brand new boater here - need a pre-launch checklist
 

Forgetting the drain plug isn't just a newbie thing
I've been a boat owner for 5 years not a really long time but shouldn't forget something like this, but first outing this summer I forgot and pull away from the dock. Luck for me my Shabah still floats half full of water. ��