Engine checks before you go, and outboard care

The lesson in plain words

1. Fitting it
   • Secure the tender alongside.
   • Lower the engine on a suitable line attached to its approved lifting point or a properly fitted engine-lifting harness.
   • Keep people clear beneath it.
   • Centre it on the transom (the flat back of the tender), tighten both clamp screws firmly and attach a safety line from the engine to the tender to retain it if the clamps loosen.
2. Kill cord
   • A kill cord links you to the engine cut-off switch.
   • If you fall away, it pulls out and stops the engine.
   • Wear it securely as the maker directs.
   • A wireless version uses a device you wear instead of a cord.
3. US rule
   • US federal law requires using a fitted engine cut-off link on recreational boats under 26 ft with at least 115 lb static thrust (push measured while stationary; about 3 horsepower).
   • Use it above displacement speed: when the hull starts rising and skimming over the water, including partial planing.
   • The requirement does not apply if the main helm (steering position) is inside an enclosed cabin.
4. Propeller danger
   • A turning propeller causes terrible injuries.
   • Go to neutral and stop the engine before anyone swims near the stern (back of the tender) or climbs in from the water.
5. Backup
   • Carry oars or paddles and a bailer (a scoop for removing water); for an inflatable tender, carry its inflation pump too.
   • Small outboards often stop on old fuel or a closed vent.
   • Check fuel before you leave the yacht, and tell someone where you are going, especially at night.
6. Shallow water and beaching
   • Slow down before shallows. Use only the shallow-water setting your manual allows, keeping the cooling intakes submerged.
   • Before lifting fully for beaching, select neutral and stop the engine.
   • Use oars to reach shore; keep the propeller and leg (lower engine housing) clear of the bottom.

Key points

• Secure the tender; lower using an approved lifting point or engine harness. Tighten both clamps; add a safety line.
• Wear the kill cord every time.
• Stop the engine before anyone is near the propeller.
• Carry oars, a bailer and fuel; stop the engine before lifting it fully for beaching.

Check what you have read

True or false?

Practice case & exam keys

Exam keys

1. 1Kill cord: worn every time; it stops the engine if you fall away.
2. 2Stop the engine when people are in the water near the stern.
3. 3Safety line from engine to tender; both clamp screws tight.
4. 4Oars and bailer always aboard the tender.