Manuals, Checklists and that sort of thing

[Old Dog]

On one of the threads in this forum, the subject of operating manuals for the C-25 Ranger came up. I've forgotten which one and don't have the patience to search for it.

Although I, like others, would dearly like to have a good, comprehensive manual covering the boat's systems, at this point I am most concerned about insuring that I don't forget something important as I get started with Mood Magic. As a young, foolish pilot, I'm sure my reaction to checklists was that they were a burden imposed by those old guys that couldn't remember all the important stuff. Having grown older and maybe a little bit wiser, among other things I've learned that ones memory gets ever less perfect with age and using checklists is one of the things that allows young pilots to become old pilots. For me, the same thing applies to boating. So - although I will eventually develop my own manual for my own boat, I am at this point most interested in getting a series of checklists ready to help me remember the little things that need doing to avoid problems - little ones, big ones and embarrassing ones.

I have a first pass at a series of checklists: Before Starting Engines, Before Leaving Dock or Ramp, Getting Underway, Anchoring, Approaching a Dock or Slip, At the Dock, Leaving the Boat - short time and long time. These are based off lists developed for a previously owned boat that was not trailered so I need to develop something relative to the trailer and do some other modifications. I will keep these checklists in the manual for the boat and a condensed version posted in the cabin for use and reference.

Since this is not of general interest, except maybe to C-25 Ranger owners, I am not going to figure out how to post these as an attachment to this message. However, if anyone is either interested in getting a copy of my first attempt - recognizing that it is a start only - a work in progress, contributing to future revisions or whatever, email me directly and I will send you a copy. Let me know if you are interested in getting future versions and ---- know for sure I am open to sugggestions, help and advise.

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Old Dog,
Another former pilot here; used checklists religiously. When we started sailing, I made a booklet that covered each segment (especially the rigging/mast raising). It added a comfort level early on. Also, a "walk around" is a smart idea on a boat.
I find it interesting that pilots don't use a checklist when they drive a car. With daily use, the functions on a boat will become second nature, and you may find you refer to the checklist less. Still, not a bad idea.
Another difference, after the pre-flight, most of the aircraft checklist is performed while seated in the cockpit... not so on a boat. Same with standardization of instrumentation. The checklist on our sailboat did allow me to be more efficient, doing tasks in a physical/logistical order so not to back-track, bow to stern, on and off the deck.

So, others: think you don't need a checklist? Anyone here ever forget to put in the plug?

Best wishes and welcome aboard,
Jim B.

[Old Dog]

Jim B,

I agree that it is an interesting phenomenen that the same pilot that would never dream of flying without examining the aircraft and completing a detailed checklist will climb in a car or boat and crank it up and go without even a cursory look or thought about what may or may not be working. Includes me like everyone else I know, at least as far as the car goes. Have had a couple of embarrassing boating incidents that have helped remind me to check the abbreviated list I keep near the helm of the boat.

My intent in sharing what I've done for the C-25 Ranger Tug is to get some feedback on what I've left off. Over time I'll make enough mistakes to find all the things that can go wrong but with a little help, I just might avoid a few of them. Hmm - I wonder what I did with that plug?

[Doryman]

If any of you have checklists, would you mind posting them here to give the rest of us inspiration?

Thanks,
Warren

[JamesTXSD]

GUMPS (It never goes away)

[Old Dog]

James TXSD - GUMPS still works but it kind of dates us, I think. Need a cute acronym for the Ranger Tug.

Warren - I'll post a checklist page if I can. It's still a work in progress.

[Old Dog]

Okay - it wasn't obvious how to attach a file to a posting so I'll reproduce one page here. Note that this is a work in progress and it only reflects what I know about the R-25 at this point - which is not yet enough. Lots of ways of doing this - this is just one.

Ranger Checklist Version 1.3, March 21, 2007

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

1. Engine oil level checked
2. Thru hulls open (3)
3. Coolant level okay
4. Sea water filter clean
5. Check bilge for oil or contaminants
6. Check general condition of engine compartment
7. Main battery switch on
8. Inverter switch on
9. Water and holding tank levels okay
10. Battery switches in cabin on
11. Fuel level okay
12. Hydraulic fluid level okay

BEFORE LEAVING DOCK OR RAMP

1. Weather forecast still okay
2. Secure dinghy
3. Oil pressue normal, cooling water from
exhaust, alternator functioning
4. HULL
a. All hatches and ports closed
b. Trailer pigtail inside
c. VHF antennae up and locked
5. ELECTRICAL
a. Windlass master switch on
b. Fresh water pump off
c. Bilge pump on
d. Electronics on
e. Instruments on as desired
f. Radio on
g. AC switches off
h. Shore power cord off and stowed
i. Thrusters on and checked
6. Retrieve dock lines

Comments / suggestions welcome.

[John Blair]

Old Dog,
I'm with you on the use of checklists. I flew helicopters (and airplanes) and agree that a checklist is needed when working with systems and/or with items that if forgotten will cause damage or great risk. Thanks so much for your start. I am new to boat ownership and not being independently weathly, am adverse to causing damage to the large investment I have made. Further, who wants to break something as pretty as an R-25?

[New Hampshire Guy]

There are OLD Pilots

There are BOLD Pilots

But most will notice there are no OLD, BOLD Pilots.

Checklists work!

Fair Winds...

[tom&shan]

I always check to make sure my wife is on board before I leave the dock.

Cheers

Tom

[drjohn71a]

Old Dog...

Wind check, Current check, Traffic check, slip exit plan, fenders deployed?


John

[Old Dog]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. As I said originally, this is a work in progress and far from complete and not necessarily right yet - ie. Yanmar recommends checking the oil level 10 minutes after shutdown - that's going to be hard to remember - and at least my bilge pump is hot all the time so the switch is normally off not on and how in the world I ever forgot to put on the list to check that the wife is on board is beyond me.

Now that I'm finally getting some time to work on the boat and to use it, I will generate a newer version of a complete set of checklists some time in the next few weeks. Still happy to get suggestions.

I wonder if any one is working on a system or operating manual of any sort?

[lloyds]

Even though my ex-partner and I had a company plane, I never felt the need to get a license, I let him do all the flying. With my attitude I would never have gotten to be a former pilot. He was an anal/retentive engineer, I never had to worry about the plane, it was always properly maintained and checked out. And we still had occasional problems, like dinging the prop on gravel strips.

[Pat Anderson]

I also want to pipe in - checklists are NOT a topic of interest only to Ranger 25 owners, as is of course obvious from the responses. It is a great topic, and one where I think a lot of us could benefit from seeing what others have put together. I would suggest the Documents forum would be a great place to post PDFs of your checklists. Patty and I were just talking about needing to put a checklist together for ourselves...as is pointed out, it is probably multiple checklists for the various phases, starting with the boat in the driveway.

[drjohn71a]

Oh, 'forgot.....

Filed a float plan? ETD, ETA, ETReturn, planned cruise path...