Albemarle 41 CONVERTIBLE Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 83 / 138

10 Convertible

12.3 Pre-Cruise Check

Before Starting the Engines:

•

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
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.

•

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.

•

Check the water separating fuel ﬁlters for water. The engine
fuel ﬁlters also should be checked for leaks or corrosion.

•

Turn the battery switches 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 switches and
high water alarm switches to make sure the systems are
working properly. This is particularly important before
running offshore.

•

Turn on the bilge blowers and check the blower output.
The blowers should be activated when operating below
cruising speed and whenever the generator is operating.

•

Have a tool kit aboard. The kit should include the follow-
ing 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

Wire connector Set

End wrench set

Medium slip-joint pliers

Diagonal cutting pliers

DC electrical test light

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 and transmission oil

Propellers

Fuel ﬁlters

Propeller nuts

Fuel hose and clamps

Wire ties

Engine cooling pump impeller Kit Hydraulic steering oil
Assorted hose clamps

Rags

Steering ﬂuid

Pump & alternator belts

•

Make sure all ﬁre extinguishers are in position and in good
operating condition.

12.4 Operating Your Boat

After Starting the Engines:

•

Check the engine gauges. Make sure they are reading
normally.

•

Visibly check the engines to be sure there are no apparent
water, fuel or oil leaks.

•

Check the operation of the engine cooling systems by
inspecting the transom exhaust ports for water ﬂow.

•

Check the steering and engine controls for proper
operation.

•

Make sure all lines, cables, anchors, etc. for securing a
boat are on board and in good condition. All lines should
be coiled, secured and off the decks when underway.