Monterey Boats 186MS, Owner'S Manual, Page: 28 / 254

28
MONTEREY
BOATS
Operation
2.3 Pre-Cruise Check
Before Starting the Engine:
• Check the weather forecast and sea conditions
before leaving the dock. 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, 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 op-
erating 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.
• Check the amount of fuel on board. Observe
the “rule of thirds:” 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.
• The engine fuel filter should be checked for
leaks or corrosion.
• Turn the battery switch on.
• 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
switch to make sure the system is working
properly.
• On inboard engine boats, turn on the bilge
blower. Check the blower output and operate
four (4) minutes before starting the engine.
The blower also should be activated when
operating below cruising speed.
• 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
Allen wrench set Needle nose pliers
Wire crimping tool Wire connector Set
End wrench set Medium slip-joint pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers DC electrical test light
WARNING
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 the following spare parts on board:
Extra light bulbs Spark plugs
Fuses and circuit breakers
Main 12 volt fuses Assorted stainless screws
Assorted stainless bolts Flashlight and batteries
Drain plugs Engine oil
Transmission oil Propellers
Propeller nuts Fuel filters
Fuel hose and clamps Wire ties
Engine cooling pump Hydraulic oil
Impeller Kit Assorted hose
Clamps Rags
Steering fluid
Pump & alternator belts
• Make sure all fire extinguishers are in position
and in good operating condition.