Nightmares... of a new trawler owner - Page 2

sum escape · 12-08-2014, 09:32 AM

In addition to a checklist as noted by others. we put little stickers on all AC and DC circuits that should remain on when leaving the boat. A quick visual look at the electrical panel "lining up" red lights with stickers makes the last check a breeze. Light on and no sticker=turn it off!

Wxx3 · 12-08-2014, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Cofer

Make friends with the nearest live aboard and any local owners tied up near you. Leave them your contact info and let them know it's okay to go on board if they see anything unusual. I have many out of state/town dock neighbors and do this for them.

Congratulations on the new boat!

It is new baby

Just accept it.

and Bob is right on; having a neighbor with your contact info, will give you a lot of piece of mind.

No News is Good news

**FlyWright** · 12-08-2014, 10:36 AM

I placed a small sign in my window with our names and numbers to call if anything looks or sounds wrong. It's come in handy a couple of times when a GPS was left on and was alarming under the covered slip and a CO detector decided to sound of for no reason whatsoever. Keeping a set of keys hidden but accessible to a dock neighbor is helpful in saving you a long drive to the marina.

Skinny · 12-08-2014, 11:00 AM

I felt the same way when I purchased mine. Short story...boat was surveyed before purchase on the hard and in the water, I would consider myself pretty compitent mechanically and I spent many hours crawling around in the bilge, my friend as well did the same...blah blah blah. The bilge house had a two inch long split right before it went into the thru hull. Sure some water came out and you could see it when cycling the pump. Little did I know until about two weeks of ownership that most of the water was going up the hose and coming right back down on top of the wood decking the fuel tanks are on and all the alternator regulator wiring. This is what I would describe as AWESOME. We do worry for a reason and it is all summed up right there. The first few weeks are the best and worst of ownership, quite a bittersweet fealing. Plus you pay insurance for a reason, get some sleep

mattkab · 12-08-2014, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by writerly1

Checklist for leaving the boat? I mean literally, a paper one?

You could look at it at 3 a.m. and be reassured. Or take photos when you leave, using the cell phone camera, of the switches in the right position, knots tied, etc.

I think fretting after a big investment is pretty normal.

+1 on the Checklist.

We have a couple checklists, and our Arrival/Departure/Leave checklist applies here. A lot of people think it's silly, to have an actual list to do something you do dozens of times a year... but I ask those same people how many times they've forgotten their car keys aboard after a weekend. Just sayin'.

We have our list laminated and give it to the 9-year old. It makes her feel very important to check off each item with a dry-erase marker as each item is completed. If she's not around I'll still pick it up and scan it, to make sure all the items are mentally checked off.

Skinny · 12-08-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattkab

We have our list laminated and give it to the 9-year old.

Be careful with this...next thing you know it's 'Dad I'm borrowing the boat'

Art · 12-08-2014, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skinny

Be careful with this...next thing you know it's 'Dad I'm borrowing the boat'

LOL -

mattkab · 12-08-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skinny

Be careful with this...next thing you know it's 'Dad I'm borrowing the boat'

HAH!

She can borrow the car. Even borrow the house.

... but not the boat.

Phyrcooler · 12-08-2014, 09:38 PM

Thanks all for the advice and understanding. Yes, I too am a creature of habit... setting the car alarm, then... after reaching the front door of the store, returning to the car because I unconsciously had secured the vehicle and yet had no recollection of doing so.

Everyone is spot-on with the Checklist recommendation. I am also a pilot (not currently active) - but believe in checklists. Even more so is my bride - which thankfully is blessed with those organizational and multitasking skills that I seem to be missing.

More than anything - it is the paranoia that reigns when you have spent a huge amount of money for a fancy floating tub that has a bunch of holes in it!

I'll post some pictures when I get some time.

Next will come the questions and the reason for participating in this forum. Stand by for that!

Art · 12-08-2014, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phyrcooler

Next will come the questions and the reason for participating in this forum. Stand by for that!

Q & A with instructionals and bantering included = TF

Occasional fisticuffs too! - LOL

BandB · 12-08-2014, 10:40 PM

I agree with the checklists. Also the fact that is why you carry insurance to cover the worst case scenario. Having someone at the marina who at least walks the docks is a plus. However, one other thing I'd suggest is alarms that will send you text messages.

And if you want to go a step beyond that even some cams but the text messages will send the warnings you need.

BryanF · 12-08-2014, 10:47 PM

Well you could just live aboard.

siestakey · 12-09-2014, 03:38 AM

First need to make sure his new boat has the right anchor

janice142 · 12-09-2014, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siestakey

First need to make sure his new boat has the right anchor

And all chain too.

Art · 12-09-2014, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siestakey

First need to make sure his new boat has the right anchor

Oh Geeezzzz

Let Phyrcooler get settled just a little into new boat, before entering him into one of the most contentious debates in all of boating.

And I say, "tongue-in-cheek"... which anchor do you recommend?

I recommend Fortress or Danforth.

I also recommend he go to search and enter the word anchor... then... prepare to be both amused and befuddled.

Good luck on this topic Phyrcooler... prepare for a "mental" ride on this one!

Happy Boating Daze! - Art

janice142 · 12-09-2014, 08:20 AM

So phyrcooler... are you a fireman in real life? Feel free to ignore this presumptuous question. UserIDs fascinate me.

Skinny · 12-09-2014, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phyrcooler

I am also a pilot (not currently active) - but believe in checklists.

So did my flight trainer..."kick the tires and light the fires"

Phyrcooler · 12-10-2014, 12:20 AM

Anchor? Is that required?

Seriously... there's a plow-type on the pulpit and a whole bunch of chain in the locker. Also there's 2 or 3 danforth style stowed away with varying combinations of chain and nylon rode. I haven't checked the brands on any of them yet to see if they qualify to argue over..

Yes... 30 plus years responding to all kinds of emergencies has kept food on the table. I'd like to thank any of you who have contributed to my livelihood by doing really dumb stuff.

High Wire · 12-10-2014, 07:30 AM

I'm right with you as a newbie trawler owner. I find something new, good or bad, every time I climb into the engine room. Yesterday I found a brand new spare pressure water pump hidden away. So many first time maint items to experience for this boat.
I'm a firm believer in checklists for prep. The problem for me is always worrying what I forgot to put on the checklist!

siestakey · 12-10-2014, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phyrcooler

Anchor? Is that required?

Seriously... there's a plow-type on the pulpit and a whole bunch of chain in the locker. Also there's 2 or 3 danforth style stowed away with varying combinations of chain and nylon rode. I haven't checked the brands on any of them yet to see if they qualify to argue over..

Yes... 30 plus years responding to all kinds of emergencies has kept food on the table. I'd like to thank any of you who have contributed to my livelihood by doing really dumb stuff.

All the kidding aside I am really looking forward to pictures of your new boat