Engine Startup Procedure



  • Make sure all dock lines are stowed away, either cow-hitched to the rail or a crew member is handling the line. No lines should be dangling into the water. 


  • Check to make sure seacock is open (optional, boat managers check this)


  • Oil and coolant level checked (optional, boat managers check this)


  • Fuel level checked. If less than 1/2, plan to fill her up on your way out.


  • Battery switch set to #2 position


  • Locate ignition key on the VHF radio cord.


  • If applicable, disconnect solar panel and store safely. On boats with permanent solar panel installations, leave the panel connected.


  • Hook up the main halyard to the sail and remove the main cover.


  • Put shifter in neutral position.


  • Glow the plugs for 15-20 seconds (not all boats have this).


  • Set throttle to fast idle.


  • If there is one, make sure the kill switch is pushed in, not pulled out.


  • Fire up the engine by turning the key or pushing the button.


  • If it starts, check for adequate water flow out the exhaust. If no water or too little water coming out, shut down the engine immediately.


  • If the engine does not start, wait for 30 seconds before cranking again. Do NOT crank longer than 10 seconds at a time or more than 5 times. If it is still not starting, do NOT take that boat. Report the problem immediately.


  • Drop the throttle to idle speed and let the engine warm up for at least 5 minutes before getting underway.
  • Set battery switch to 1+2 or Both.


  • If a dock line gets fouled on the prop, put the shifter in neutral and stop the engine. Do NOT attempt to remove the line by reversing the engine. Do NOT pull on the line too hard. You can severely damage the shaft. If you were returning to BSC, sail the boat to the outside T-head. Report the problem immediately. 


Engine Shutdown Procedure


  • Throttle the engine hard for 3 seconds, bring it back to idle speed for 1 minute and then pull out the kill switch.  Once the engine stops, return the kill switch by pushing it back in.
  • Turn key to off position; turn Battery Switch to OFF (Do NOT turn off the ignition key or battery switch while the engine is running)
  • At the end of sail, return key to VHF radio. DO NOT close seacock.
  • If applicable, connect the solar panel.