Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

[SeaSquatch]

I FINALLY got the title to my boat I bought almost two months ago!

So, I need to make sure everything's tip top and safe for the water. I believe I need to get her safety inspected prior to putting into the water. I'd like to go through the list and make sure I'm good to go before the inspection and for general piece of mind.

On a side note do they also inspect the trailers?

Does someone have a checklist of items that the coast guard uses or states use? I live in Oregon and it's main purpose is sea going, but I have a number of lakes close to me that I'll be using as my testing grounds. Not sure if there'd be a difference between the two inspection wise.

Thanks for the help!

:edit: I accidentally posted this in the outboard section. Mods, you can delete that one if you like. Thanks!

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

A thought: unless you have an immediate need for this to be done, you'd be wise to wait until February so you can get a 2013 sticker. They probably won't be available before then anyway. Right now, if you get your boat inspected, the sticker you get will only be good until the end of this year.

That being said, here's a link you should find VERY useful, courtesy of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Look at the second paragraph where it makes reference to their virtual inspection tool and click on it. You can answer the questions yourself and find out ahead of time whether you will pass. If you won't, it'll tell you what you need to do to bring it up to acceptable standards. Return to V-Directorate's Home Page.. It will probably take you about 15 minutes to go through it; a real inspection would be 2-3 times as long.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

"I believe I need to get her safety inspected prior to putting into the water."


What sort of safety inspection do you think you are required to have done?

If you are titled and registered, you should be legal to go, unless Oregon has done something different.
Can't find any info on the Oregon .gov websites.

You should get a copy of the regulations with your registration, and the regs are available online.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

"I believe I need to get her safety inspected prior to putting into the water."


What sort of safety inspection do you think you are required to have done?

If you are titled and registered, you should be legal to go, unless Oregon has done something different.
Can't find any info on the Oregon .gov websites.

You should get a copy of the regulations with your registration, and the regs are available online.

I was told (by co workers) that boats need a safety inspection or some sort from the CG, but haven't verified that. I've been on the water and my father has owned a few small sail boats, but I've never owned one before. Especially one the size I have now (24'). Not knowing the regs etc. I mainly want to be prepared IF it needs one and so that I can check to make sure it's safe and prepared for sea.

I work on electric forklifts for a living and we have inspection sheets to check over the condition, any possible safety issues and for proper operation. I was wondering if any boat mechanics or anyone familiar with the kind of inspections the CG does could give me some resources. Thanks Jayhanig! That link was awesome. I don't think Oregon has any inspections, other than one for invasive species, but since I'll mainly be sea going, so I'm not too worried about that.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

On another note Jay, I see you're next to Wilmington. The wife and I were at Bragg for a while and I used to ride the bike out to Wilmington and Carolina Beach quite often. Hit up the Little Dipper restaurant on the waterfront maybe a few times. Maybe a lot more. LOL

 

[roscoe]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

A CG safety inspection is a good idea, but not required pre-launch from my experience.

Vessel Safety Inspections-US Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13


Even more important is a power squadron safety course.

Search for Boating Safety Classes in Washington Oregon Idaho and Montana




United States Power Squadrons? Safe boating fun thru education

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

agreed about the safety course. it's more important that the captain be inspected than the boat.

your co-workers said your boat needs inspecting; looks like the law does not agree. Lesson one: don't believe everything you hear. lesson two: get local information. Here, commercial boats (including fishing charter boats) have to be inspected, but not pleasure, at least AFAIK smaller ones. May be different there.

Here, trailers with brakes have to be inspected, but otherwise not.

Keep this in mind: "inspected" in the context of your question and my answer means someone official has to look over the equipment and certify it passes, and provide paperwork (typically a sticker) before you can legally use it. But all boats and trailers are subject to inspection by law enforcement while being used. For pleasure boats, you get stopped and the officer goes over the applicable state and federal (usually coast guard) requirements: PFD's, lights, fire extinquisher, flares, etc. They, or a traffic cop, can inspect your trailer of any kind, usually for working lights. Some places inspect your bilge.

Sometimes the inspector gives you a receipt so if you are stopped again, neither of you waste your time. USCG auxillary will sometimes do a courtesy check and give you a sticker if you pass; the next LEO might not reinspect if you have that, but he can.

And for future reference, the word "boat" has no meaning here. Give brief details (length/power/hull design is usually enough) so you can get relevant answers.

 

[boatpoker]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Given that you seem inexperienced I'd suggest it wise to have the vessel inspected by a qualified marine surveyor before hitting the water.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Yes, BP I am inexperienced when it comes to the in and outs of boats. This forum has taught me heaps. I rarely believe scuttlebutt, unless I can verify it. Links and info like Jay provided is what I'm looking for. Once I get the money to title it in this state then I'll be able to get some more info from the dmv etc. I bought it up in Washington state and had it transferred to me there. It cost me extra, but the piece of mind knowing I won't have any issues here in Oregon was worth it.

As far as repairs etc. I can handle 99.9% of them myself. I went to a 3yr technical school and became a auto tech, later I switched fields and have been repairing forklifts then electric forklifts for the last 10yrs. So I'm pretty apt at mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting. What I lack is specific boating knowledge which I'm working on.

I absolutely plan on taking the power squadron courses and contacting the CG for an inspection or even taking the vessel to a shop after I've performed what I believe is all the necessary repairs to be sea worthy to make doubly sure. I take safety very seriously.

I believe I'm going to start a run down of all the required repairs etc. weather permitting.

And thanks Roscoe for the great links. :eagerness:

edit: Whoops, forgot to add the type of boat I have (or vessel? or ship? What's the proffered term?) It's 1975 Fiberform 24' sedan.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

I think Roscoe nailed it. You don't have to have it inspected but it's a good idea. Why reinvent the wheel? The inspections are designed to point out deficiencies that you may not have noticed so you can avoid problems others have already had. You don't need to have the problems yourself to learn the lesson.

As has already been pointed out, the wildlife folks have the right to pull you over and inspect at any time. Having a current inspection sticker (which is free, BTW) MAY get you out of a lengthy inspection on a pretty day. I just don't see any downside but I see several upsides. Why wouldn't you want to do it?

The local Coast Guard Auxiliary are even willing to come to my driveway to inspect my boat. No charge. It's just a really good deal to my way of thinking.

And this would be the time to take your beginning seamanship class either from the Power Squadron or the CGA. I've had both and I can't recommend one over the other... they both seemed to cover the same information for the same money. Which ever is the most convenient for you is where I'd go. Whether your home state requires it or not ought not enter into the decision to attend or not: it is information you will need to know before you hit the water. Your insurance company will probably give you a small discount if you do attend.

Finally, whipping your boat into shape over the winter is a fine use of the down time. You don't want it to be OTS during the warmer months. There are places to go and people to see!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

...And for future reference, the word "boat" has no meaning here. Give brief details (length/power/hull design is usually enough) so you can get relevant answers.

... Whoops, forgot to add the type of boat I have (or vessel? or ship? What's the proffered term?) It's 1975 Fiberform 24' sedan.

The issue is not the wording of Boat, Ship, Vessel.
Call it whatever you like.
The issue is that just saying "I have a BOAT" can mean anything from a kayak to 100+ foot live-aboard yacht!
The needs of a 12ft Jon boat and your 24 foot Sedan are very different.

Almost all the questions you have raised will be answered in a boaters safety course.
This is not an option in your state.

Under Oregon Law;
ALL operators of Powerboats are required to pass a Boaters Education Course and are REQUIRED to to have the Boaters Education Card onboard at all times.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Found this:

Oregon's Official Boating Safety Course and Online Boating License Exam

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Found this:

Oregon's Official Boating Safety Course and Online Boating License Exam

Many here will prefer a classroom course.
If an online course is in your plans, consider the NASBLA Approved Free Boat U.S. Foundation Oregon Boating Safety Course.

 

[boatpoker]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Sea Squatch, at 24' this is when boats start to get a little more complicated. this link may help you do a complete inspection of your boat Marine Survey 101

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Wow! Great link BP!

Uncle, I found that link while searching for the Oregon safety course. It's kind of odd that it's an online job considering if you want a Bike endorsement you have to go through a several day course (which I did). I'll do what Oregon requires, then some. I plan on taking friends and family out and you can never have enough schooling when it comes to safety and correct knowledge.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

BTW, has anybody mentioned that's a lot of boat for a newbie? In the spirit of helping out a fellow boater, why don't you store that at my house while you learn on a smaller boat, say a 17" Galaxy?

That is assuming all the repairs have been done.

 

[smoothy003]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

As another Oregon boater, I can tell you about the inspection process as I am not sure if your orignial question has been answered.

Usually CGA, State Patrol or county sheriffs will be set up at random launches and/or roads leading to launches to inspect your boat early in the season (for us meaning May or June).

They will be inspecting to make sure that your boat has all the proper safety equipment on board (flares, jackets, horn, etc) and that all of your gear has not expired (fire extinguisher, flares, etc). They will also make sure you have your Oregon Stafety Card and your trailer and/or boat registration is up to snuff.

They will also inspect your trailer once you put in to make sure you don't have any hitchhikers, and give you a quick check as you are leaving the launch (if you are still there) at the end of the day again to make sure you don't have hitchhikers.

I have gone through this process (granted had a smaller boat than yours) in my area (Newberg), and it only took about 15 minutes or so, they put a nice sticker on your boat, and away you go. The guys are usually pretty nice, will do their best to make sure you are on your way shortly.

I also agree, having taken the online course to get my boat safety card and then having gone and taken a classroom course, take the classroom course, you learn a lot more than just what is needed to pass the Oregon online test.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

BTW, has anybody mentioned that's a lot of boat for a newbie? ...

Agreed! 24 ft is ambitious for a first time boater.
It is kind of like taking a student driver exam in an F350 Truck.

It looks like you already have experience in larger Trucks.
Be careful and start cautiously with the Boat, it doesn't have brakes!

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

BTW, has anybody mentioned that's a lot of boat for a newbie? In the spirit of helping out a fellow boater, why don't you store that at my house while you learn on a smaller boat, say a 17" Galaxy?

That is assuming all the repairs have been done.

Ha! I bet you would. I already have a 17' Galaxy. Car that is:lol:. I've got a '67 Ford Galaxy500. Yeah, we could swap for a while. Bit of a looong drive.

I'm going to try and get the thing in the Garage this weekend. It'll fit IF I can get it in. Two things working against me. The shop isn't situated well on the property to get something that big into it and the height of the door is only 10'. The front has two 10' doors that slide open to make a 20' entrance. If it's over height by an inch or so I can let air out of the tires. I'm experienced with big trucks and trailers so maneuvering it won't be an issue, once again if I have the space. Depends how it wants to act when I get it down there.

Agreed! 24 ft is ambitious for a first time boater.
It is kind of like taking a student driver exam in an F350 Truck.

It looks like you already have experience in larger Trucks.
Be careful and start cautiously with the Boat, it doesn't have brakes!

Although it's the first boat I've owned, it's not the first I've operated or repaired. So I'm not too much a noob. I do think it's a bit big for the first one I've personally owned, but I got it for a steal! LOL I really did get it for a good bargain from a charity auction and the structure seems sound, just needs mechanicals. I told the wife when I was bidding that I wouldn't bid higher than the value in scrap and parts I could reasonably get if it turned out to be a complete dud. I promise to take it easy, get all the learn'n and classes I can fit in. You guys have been a great resource.

I did notice it has a WA state sticker on it. Whether this is for tax purposes or safety I don't know. Finally got the title for the trailer today.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Great info Smoothy!

Good to hear from a fellow Oregonian and Boater!

Little surprised that Oregon has the online thing. I mean, they make it pretty difficult to get your motorcycle endorsement I'd have thought the boating class would be a little more in person.

I heard about the "hitchhiker" inspections. Do they do that for sea going boats as well? Sounds like pretty standard safety inspections. Shouldn't be a problem with expired gear, going to have to replace all that anyways. LOL