Launch Smart, Lead Strong
By Captain Mary Robinson of Clearwater Marine
How preparation and perspective set the tone for a successful boating season.
Well, it’s a wonderful time of year: LAUNCH! For many it’s the insanity following a hurried winterization, and now realizing a little preparation and TLC goes a long way to making the splash a less stressful event. For others it’s being the first on the water, wearing mittens and dreaming of 70 and sunny!
So, let’s start with a basic question: fueling up, how and where to do it right? Do this on shore, if possible, while the boat is still on the trailer. Ethanol free (more on that in a future article). It will be much cheaper and get you to June if you are in the water every weekend (depending on your plans), or to the destination you are planning. How far and fast can you go? Here is a quick formula to determine what you can do. Note that if you are a sandbar lover, this may not apply as you putter out and putter back to your dock or trailer.
Boat Type
Small skiff / flats boat (16-18 feet)
Bay boat / small center console (19-22 feet)
Mid-size offshore center console (23-28 feet)
Large offshore center console (30-36 feet)
High-performance offshore boat
Typical Engine Setup
Single 60-90 hp
Single 115-200 hp
Single or twin 200-300 hp
Twin or triple 300 hp
Twin or triple 400-600 hp
Approximate Cruise Fuel Burn
3-6 gallons per hour
6-12 gallons per hour
15-30 gallons per hour
30-60 gallons per hour
60-120+ gallons per hour
Preparation is Critical! Think about the Boy and Girl Scout’s motto: Always be prepared — and then some.
Your checklist should include:
Flares (not expired) in a dry/waterproof case.
Fire Extinguisher (not expired), maybe two, and secured in a designated holder.
Lifejackets (more than a few, enough for a crew).
Flashlight/spotlight (night boating happens and you will use it more than you think).
Cell phone power pack/chargers (more than one if you have a teenager).
Blankets/Towels — it gets cold on the water no matter what time of year.
Phone numbers to the nearest marina, should you need a tow.
Snacks. Ideally carbs for energy. Nothing elaborate but something that doesn’t need refrigeration/temperature regulation — a.k.a. mayo). Cashews. Granola. Crackers. Chips. Promise low maintenance.
Cooler with WATER/Pop/Cola on ice, (not just adult beverages) if out longer than expected. Trust me, 6 hours into a tour and you will be grateful.
Most importantly: Identify someone on shore who knows where you are going and who you can reach if there’s an issue.
These are simple things that will make the day so much more enjoyable. Don’t be the captain assuming someone else took care of the preparation, because you know what the word assume means. Exactly.