Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

[smoothy003]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Not sure about hitchhiker inspections on ocean boats as I am mainly in the PDX area (Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Detroit Lake and Green Peter), fresh water with my 17' Seaswirl Spyder, however it would not surprise me.

In terms of the size of the boat for you, while I agree that it may be a tad big, if you are comfortable with it, more power to you. I would recommend heading to the lakes if possible this winter as you mentioned to get to know your boat when there is hardly anyone around. Depending on where in OR you are at, I would recommend Detroit Lake, great scenery, ramps are not to hard to launch out of, and plenty of great coves to explore.

That way you can explore, get to know all the little idiosyncrasies of your boat while there is not a lot of inpatient people watching you (personal pet peeve).

In terms of the Education Card, I too was surprised vs trying to get a license for almost anything else here in Oregon (found it was harder getting my deer tag than it was to get my boat card), but that is OR for you. Hope to see you out on the water sometime! I will make sure to say hi!!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Once you are ready for a courtesy vessel safety check, click on the link in my signature and follow the instructions. You will then be contacted by a local vessel examiner from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Smoothy, I've heard Detroit lake is nice. I've gotten close to it on the bike, but haven't seen it or explored that area too much. I've ridden some forest service roads that supposedly led out that way, but turned back after I hit what should've been a close mileage etc. I've toured around the roads that border Foster Lake and Green peter.

I want to get it into the water asap. Family from out east will be visiting in May. Not going to rush safety, but it'd be nice to have it in the water then.

Nybo, Thanks for the post. I will indeed contact them when I'm set to go. Do they come to you or vice versa? It'd be funny to see them come down to my property! haha!

Looks like it might fit in the shop. The boat sits about 9'8" or there abouts and the top of the doors is 10' on one side followed by 9' 10" inches on the other. Looking at the area I think I can back it in. Of course I've been working on getting cleaned out in order to get it in! It'll be nice to have it out of the weather and better accessible to be able to do repairs etc.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

...I did notice it has a WA state sticker on it. Whether this is for tax purposes or safety I don't know...

If you mean the sticker next to the Bow/Hull numbers, that is the Registration sticker.
If you have WA state numbers (i.e. WN 1234 AB);
You will need to Get OR Numbers. $80 for a 24 footer.
It is good for 2 years.

 

[SeaSquatch]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

I figured it was registration.

I was almost ready to get the boat in the shop and decided to get a few projects with the vehicles out of the way. One was to look at the truck and inspect for a clunking noise and a couple of other things. Well, it's going to get a nice Christmas present. I have to replace all the ball joints and track bar bushings too. D'oh! It's always something. It's got 86K on the odo, so they're due. Always something.

 

[sasto]

Re: Boat inspection procedure/checklist.

Congradulations on your purchase, SeaSquach. That is a very nice boat for a first timer. In my humble opinion size means nothing. Personally I can handle a large Sportfish much better than my small single engine Flybridge. The first boat I ever handled was a 32'er.

I believe you are headed in the right direction regarding training and CG inspections. But, there are many things to learn that these 2 things can't teach you. Get to know your boat. Just like a spouse or a child, she has a personality of her own, and must be treated accordingly. Some areas may need more attention than others. Inspecting the fuel system, fluids, batteries, and so many other systems is highly recommended before each outing. After several trips you will discover which needs the most attention. I've never met 2 boats that are exactally the same, nor have I ever met a perfect boat.


You are on the right track by doing your best in having her inspected and getting some education. The more you learn about her, and the more hours you put on her, you will eventually know what she needs to make her happy......and you.

Good Luck!