Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
80
12.3 Pre-Cruise Check
Before Starting the Engines
• Check the weather forecast. Decide if the planned cruise
can be made safely.
• Be sure all required documents are on board.
• Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on board and
operative. This should include items like the running
lights, spotlight, life saving devices, fire extinguishers,
etc. Please refer to the Safety Equipment chapter for
additional information on safety equipment.
• Make sure you have signal kits and flare guns aboard,
and they are current and in good operating condition.
• Be sure you have sufficient water and other provisions
for the planned cruise.
• Leave a written message listing details of your planned
cruise with a close friend ashore (Float Plan). The float
plan should include a description of your boat, where you
intend to cruise, and a schedule of when you expect to
arrive in the cruising area and when you expect to return.
Keep the person informed of any changes in your plan to
prevent false alarms. This information will tell authorities
where to look and the type of boat to look for in the event
you fail to arrive. A float plan form is located in the
Appendix section of this manual.
• Check the amount of fuel on board. Observe the “one
third rule” by using: one third of the fuel for the trip out,
one third to return and one third in reserve. An additional
15% may be consumed in rough seas.
• Check the water separating fuel filters for water and
leaks.
• Check the oil in the engine oil tanks (2-cycle engines) or
the crankcase oil level (4-cycle engines).
• Turn the battery switches to the “ON” position.
• Check the bilge water level. Look for other signs of
potential problems. Monitor for the scent of fuel fumes.
• Test the automatic and manual bilge pump switches and
high water alarm switches to make sure the systems are
working properly. This is particularly important before
running offshore.
THERE MUST BE AT LEAST ONE PERSONAL
FLOTATION DEVICE ON BOARD FOR EVERY
PERSON ON BOARD AND ONE THROW-OUT
FLOTATION DEVICE. CHECK THE U.S. COAST
GUARD STANDARDS FOR THE CORRECT TYPE OF
DEVICE FOR YOUR BOAT.
• Have a tool kit aboard. The kit should include the
following basic tools:
Spark plug wrench Hammer
Spark plug gap gauge Electrician’s tape
Screwdrivers Offset screwdrivers
Lubricating oil Pliers
Jackknife Adjustable wrench
Basic 3/8” ratchet set Vise grip pliers
Hex key set Needle nose pliers
Wire crimping tool End wrench set
Medium slip-joint pliers Diagonal cutting pliers
DC electrical test light
• Have the following spare parts on board:
Extra light bulbs Spark plugs
Fuses and circuit breakers Main engine fuses
Assorted stainless screws Assorted stainless bolts
Flashlight and batteries Drain plugs
Engine oil Propellers
Fuel filters Propeller nuts
Fuel hose and clamps Wire ties
Wire connector set Hydraulic steering oil
Assorted hose clamps Rags
• Make sure all fire extinguishers are in position and in
good operating condition.
• Check the engine and steering controls for smooth and
proper operation. Be sure the shift controls are in the
neutral position.
• Be sure the emergency stop lanyard is attached to the
operator and the stop switch.
• Refer to the engine owner’s manual for pre-operation
checks specific to your engine.