Reminder Day. The Do’s And Don’ts Of Classic Boating.
OUCH
Well. yes, it happened. To be honest, it happens all the time. We all do things that we know better to do. But sometimes, well. Stuff Happens. Yesterday was such a day. Yup, while cleaning YANNON for a weekend of boating. A slight loss of balance, and a grab to not fall, and CRACK! yes. Ugh. And yes, the response though was not the expected $*)@$*@)P$U!_@U!@$_!~U@$!@U@!U@&W#$%^&*()!!!!!!! It was, well, what are ya gonna do. It happens. And that is the right attitude, cause that’s just Woody Boating. So we thought today we could gather up some other things that we all know we should be , or not be doing.
LIKE.
Lift and Sniff your engine hatch.
OK, don’t use your windshield to raise up from the seat. DON’T.
Always check your fuel level
If you are soaking your boat, don’t go out right away and run it hard.
Don’t store your boat in a climate controlled room.
Ya, that wasn’t a good idea. She was very very dry this spring.
Don’t shrink wrap your classic boat
Try to avoid walking on the brite work
I had to climb on the brite work. The fresh brite work. Great shot, I was very nervous but how? Towel? That may scratch?
Always check the boat for all safety stuff.
Wave at everyone. They are looking, and you are an ambassador for the classic boat community
DO NOT WAX your varnish
ALWAYS have tools!
Yes thats original toilet paper. mmmm, thats for show. Bill Macks original 24 Sportsman!
Sun Screen, burns varnish.
Always do your own trailer hook up. Never be the helper. This is an owner thing, and two people can think the other did something.
There is one captain. Unless your wife is on board. Then she is the captain.
My hand may be at the helm, but, her hand is on my heart.
Dogs are great, and We love them. But claws are deadly.
NO STREET SHOES! period.
Life jackets should be new!
Always check the oil. ALWAYS.
Even the factory gave you a gallon of oil. A GALLON!
You are the computer that feels all. Know your boat, how it feels and smells. Yes Smells. I cannot tell you how many times in my life, I can tell there is a leak because of a smell. Wait,…. yes, the boat too!
So there ya have it, I know there are more. Lets have them. Its Saturday, so I know you are out there as you should be! Maybe today if you mess up, we can be a bit of a confessional.
Sunscreen burns varnish? That’s a new one on me after a lot of years out there. Are we talking someone purposely applying it to the varnish?
So you slather on the sunscreen on your arm, and then while its wet put your arm on the varnish, it will leave a burn on the varnish. Like a water spot, but its a burn. Like acid rain.
What the eff is it doing to my skin???
How many times have you heard, “DON’T BUY A WOODEN BOAT”! What wrong with those people????
1. Never add Seafoam gas additive to your gas tank. It made the tiny gasket on my carb needle expand and thus it got stuck and the engine ran awful.
2. Check that there is grease in your grease cap on your water pump and turn it a turn or two at the beginning of the season and throughout the season to keep the water pump working properly.
How do you know the Seafoam caused the problem? I’ve been using it for years with no problems.
It was the only thing I did differently to the boat in the 60 plus years of myself and my family owning it. Maybe you used it in more gas than I thus it is more diluted…. I’m not a chemist but I’m very logical.
Have your fire extinguisher recharged, or buy a new one!
Buy new inflation kits for your pfds.
When running an old inboard without a temperature gage look back over the transom on a regular basis. If it is running too hot, the steam from the exhaust may let you know there is a problem before you cook something.
We’re on windshield number three from guests in the boat…
ship happens!
four guys took a commuter with a wooden wheel on a two week trip, on our return home, no varnish on wheel!
I believe some bug repellents also will damage varnish.
Yes! Great tip. The best bug repellent is full throttle!
WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!
NEVER EVER USE BOAT WITH FENDERS-NOT BUMPERS- OUT PAST 50 FEET FROM DOCK OR MOORING.
LOOKS LIKE A GIRL WITH CURLERS.
Unless you’re from Canada I believe.
Right, I still like that system.
I broke my windshield in the same spot, but I was crawling from the deck to the seat when a big wave hit, lost my balance, and almost de-nutted myself. Its a good thing the kids were already born.
I broke my windshield the morning of the Hessel boat show. I think I did it removing the cover. (Be careful, don’t pull on the cover too hard.) No time to replace it. Just had to go to the show with the crack. Bugged me all day long. Ugh!
I think you meant to say – never store your boat in an indoor, heated climate.
I store my boat every winter in a controlled climate. The trick is to actually CONTROL the climate. Monitor the temperature and humidity. It’s all about the humidity.
Yes. Sorry, mine was my living room and heated. No moisture. Its fiberglassed so I thought I would try it. Its not a smart thing. But then, I am not smart. So. made sense.
I have something to add…if your boat has a plug best to put it in place before boating. Oh and one more..if you have a long haired cat that has enjoyed the boat all winter best you carry an extra pump on your first spring ride.
When Sandi is aboard she is NOT the Captain, she IS the Admiral!