How often do you do your daily checks?

[ricky_s]

Now I know the obvious answer is do them daily but do you actually check everything in the engine compartment on every trip out?

To get into the engine compartment in my boat is a real pain!

 

[rafiki_]

Yep, oil, water, general check every time we go out.

 

[gjgm]

Now I know the obvious answer is do them daily but do you actually check everything in the engine compartment on every trip out?

To get into the engine compartment in my boat is a real pain!

Blimey, no. Periodically, and when going offshore.
Next you will be asking if I check the VHF hasn't mysteriously blown up or that the scatter cushions are in their approved place

 

[paultallett]

I check before we head out, then I briefly lift the hatches for a look when we arrive at our destination. My thinking is if something came adrift or lost fluid on passage, it's much easier for me to deal with knowing I don't need to start her again for another 18 hours, instead of looking 30 minutes before we leave the next day and be faced with whatever!!

 

[longjohnsilver]

Yep, oil, water, general check every time we go out.

Ditto.

 

[Harpsden]

I check before we head out, then I briefly lift the hatches for a look when we arrive at our destination. My thinking is if something came adrift or lost fluid on passage, it's much easier for me to deal with knowing I don't need to start her again for another 18 hours, instead of looking 30 minutes before we leave the next day and be faced with whatever!!

I do exactly the same.

 

[MarieK]

I lift the hatch and ensure bilge isnt full of water/coolant/oil but to get to the front of the engine or to check oil is a pain so I dont do it as often as I should.

I installed a good camera which is pointed at the belts and water pump which I monitor regularly, ok it wont show up some things but better than nowt.

 

[NoviceRod]

Yep, oil, water, general check every time we go out.

Me too - that was why the Antares 30 was a no-no for me as it was such a pain to move all the furniture to get to the engine. Nimbus 335 is a simple lift one hatch and view entire engine.

 

[SEARANGER ANCASTER]

Now I know the obvious answer is do them daily but do you actually check everything in the engine compartment on every trip out?

To get into the engine compartment in my boat is a real pain!

wouldnt untie my old boat without spending 10 mins checking things in engine room. It had a habit of flinging off belts and tanks would collect water from somewhere so always drained any water off primaries every trip. Check the Searanger almost every time but cant swear to exactly every time. If its not been used for a few weeks , I always check but at this time of year we are out every weekend so every second trip at worst.

 

[lisilou]

General check before each trip out.
L

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

There must surely be a joke in here somewhere about Volvo Penta and daily cheques...









(I'll get my coat)

 

[Pinnacle]

There must surely be a joke in here somewhere about Volvo Penta and daily cheques...









(I'll get my coat)

Ahhhh....the joy of owning a boat with out drives!

 

[KevB]

Rarely. Oil water and strainers a couple of times a season or if going on an exceptionally long trip which nowadays is even rarer. Although the outboard is stored down in the engine bay so have a quick look round when getting that out. i don't check my car tyre pressure, water and oil before i use it so don't see any reason to check the boat. I have a gentle 45 minute ride up chi harbour for anything to show itself

 

[Hypocacculus]

We check ours daily during each outing but it's relatively easy to access and only takes a few minutes.

Assuming a boat engine is going to be as reliable as a modern car seems... optimistic.

 

[wongaero]

Usually every time we go out, SWMBO stands around tutting while I check the oil, make sure there's a bit of coolant in the bottle, look in the bilge and, since the water pump seals leaked once, check for spray flung off the belts.

Having said that we have occasionally just screeched up in the car park, flung everything in the boat and hared off like Starsky and Hutch

 

[Viscount]

Oil, water, belts and bilges every time at start of trip; don't usually check again until I'm back home unless something has alerted me to potential problems.

 

[gravygraham]

I'm usually quite religious about checking oil and water etc. This A5 form helps me keep a record on things.

 

[david_bagshaw]

I always go in the engine room before first start of the day, and at least every 3 hours while underway, unless inland and single handed, when checks become more limited to when tied in a lock etc

But nothing to remove (execpt duck below drying washing) , just open door and go in.

 

[Scubadoo]

Always check after a trip ready for the next trip out.

 

[dkm]

Every trip: oil level, raw water filters , coolant level, hydraulic fluid levels for steering and outdrives, galvanic isolator meter reading and check bilge for signs of fluid leaks, lastly a general visual all round