1.     A visual check of underwater equipment/components before each time you leave the dock.

2.     Check to make sure your safety gear is current and useable before each voyage;

a.     Life jackets

b.     Flares

c.     First aid kit (if on board)

d.     EPIRB (if applicable)

3.     A monthly visual check of all working systems is a good idea

4.     Open and close all seacocks/ball/gate valves monthly to assure continued operation

5.     Engine/generator inspection/maintenance should follow manufacturer recommendations

1.     Ask yourself the following questions:

a.     Would you buy a car before driving it?

b.     Would you buy a house before spending time in it?

c.     Would you get married to someone you don’t know?

2.     Boats are expensive to own and maintain. Spend time on board, sea trial the boat (test drive) and most importantly, hire a surveyor to assist you.escription

1.     Everything

2.     Hire a surveyor to guide and review with you, any issues with the boat.

A very subjective question, but here goes….. a boat is usually in a harsh and corrosive environment. Components and systems can, over a time of non-use, become frozen or stuck. Especially in salt water. Operating your systems on the vessel, on a regular basis will usually lengthen the life of components and systems.

Follow the manufacturer recommendations for engines and generators in a marine environment

Yes

Another subjective question, so, when are you ready to buy a boat?

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1.     Take boating classes and safety courses

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2.     Go boating with a licensed friend

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3.     Get a boating license

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4.     Read articles about boats and equipment similar to the one you want

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5.     Hire a marine surveyor to guide you through a boat before you buy one

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1.     Take boating classes and safety courses

2.     Go boating with a licensed friend

3.     Get a boating license

4.     Read material about boats and equipment similar to the one you want

5.     Hire a marine surveyor to assist with your purchase

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1.     Hire a surveyor to inspect the vessel and review, with you, all findings, potential issues and repairs required

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2.     The following link to California State Parks Boating and Waterways is an excellent resource guide to learning and matching a boat to you and your needs. Spend time at this website.

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https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28974

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The definition of ‘seaworthy’ is ‘fit or safe for sea voyage’.

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The following factors, in addition to maintenance and current operability contributes to each level of seaworthiness;

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• The vessel’s stability.

• Whether the vessel has good handling in rough or choppy waters.

• The vessel’s buoyancy even when it is carrying a heavy load.

• Propulsion system reliability.

• Ability of the ship to shed water efficiently.

• Speed and agility of the vessel given its age and size.

• Solid construction that is able to withstand the dangers of the sea.

• Fire resistance and suppression capabilities.

• Sufficient safety equipment that is appropriate for emergency situations.

• Lack of avoidable safety hazards.

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All registered boats have been tested and rated for different levels of sea worthiness. Additional factors the manufacturer is not able to calculate are; water, weather and environmental conditions for any particular voyage. This is where experience, common sense and planning come into play.

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The manufacturer of your boat will have submitted plans to marine and government bodies, and specific calculations to measure for levels of seaworthiness. Follow these recommendations and use common sense.

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See the following link to California Boating Safety:

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https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28711

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