Manuals, Checklists and that sort of thing

O

Old Dog

New member
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.
 
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? :wink

Best wishes and welcome aboard,
Jim B.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
In addition to the operation/safety checklists, I find a list of equipment/supplies/personal items to be absoloutly invaluable.

The next step is to equip the boat with all that stuff on board at all times in the marina so that all you have to do is drive there, step on board, and back out of the slip.

Joe.
 
Pre-Season Checklist:

After a long winter, nothing beats the anticipation of taking the boat out for the first time. You've spent nights lying awake thinking about it. You're sick of freezing your butt off and shoveling snow just to get your car out of the driveway.
But if you just throw off the canvas cover, gas it and go, it could be a recipe for disaster.
For example, motor oil exposed to the by-products of combustion continues to break down even if the engine doesn't run for months. The oil loses the benefits of viscosity and its cooling and lubricating qualities.
We know of one fellow who took out his 455 Oldsmobile-powered jet boat after a long winter, fired it up and went ripping across his lake. Before he ever made it to the opposite shore, the engine had spun number one and two rod bearings and began hammering out its sickening metallic symphony.
Changing the oil is just part of the preseason routine. Outlined below are some key points to cover during your post winter inspection. Time spent checking these areas now will go a long way toward boating enjoyment all summer long.

Inspect plastic through-hull fittings for cracks and replace any that are suspicious. Look for hoses that have been forced off or split from freezing. Every spring, boats sink at the dock because these problems go undetected until the first heavy rain.

Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing. Replace deteriorated zinc anodes.

Inspect fuel fittings and hoses. Replace if cracked or showing signs of stress.

Inspect the hull for cracks and blisters. Consult a professional if you see a problem.

Check lights on boat and trailer. Inspect trailer tires for wear and inflate properly. Check the trailer frame for rust spots. Inspect the wheel bearings and repack if necessary. Test the winch and cable.

Creamy brown or gray engine or drive oil has water in it, and a technician should find the source of the leak before your first trip.

Through-hull fittings below the water line should be tight. Sea valves should operate freely.

Some other points of consideration before taking that first cruise of the new season are:

Check expiration dates on all flares and fire extinguishers and replenish the first-aid kit.

Update your navigational chart inventory. Channel markers and buoys change.

Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if necessary.

Get fresh batteries for portable electronic gear: radios, handheld GPS, flashlights and so on.

Brush up on boating safety.

GO C-Dory/C-Ranger!
 
Oops - seem to have lost that reply. Everybody is right on and keep up the good suggestions. Float plans are always a good idea and if you are out of high school and no longer know everything there is to know about everything, a list of what's on board is very valuable. We've maintained such a list and a second to remind us what to take back to the boat. We've never gotten to the fully stocked stage but like the idea of it. And I couldn't agree more with Duke - a pre-season check of the boat and review of the rules, etc is a very good way to begin the season.

Does anybody have any thoughts on what should definitely be checked on the trailers before towing? The manufacturer's recommendations seem a bit excessive.
 
I'm now up to version 3 something of a checklist for the R-25 - at least my R-25. After some editing and a two column format, it fits on one page. It is still a work in progress but it's getting closer. The format and how much to post in the boat is still TBD.

I would attach the one page version to this message but I have yet to figure out how to attach a file to a message in this forum (it tells me I can't).

So, if anyone is interested, knows how to post an attachment, and is authorized to do so, I'd be happy to send the checklist via email for you to enter into the forum. There may be a couple others that are interested.
 
Just cut and paste into a new message. That would work for me, at least. Unless you have lots of checkboxes, etc. I would not need the WP formatting.

Warren
 
Back
Top