Boating Safety Class

timmyjoebob

timmyjoebob

Seaman
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
53
I finally took my exam for my US Power Squadron "America's Boating Course" last night. 98%... only missed one question. Not bad.

I got some head knowledge, now all I need is practical knowledge, namely PRACTICE! I go to North Carolina tomorrow to pick up my first boat, out for a sea trial (the temperature's supposed to break 50), and then trailer it back to VA.

Then it'll get some babying and pampering before it goes back in the water in February.

Thanks to everyone here for their wealth of knowledge. You've been a Godsend.

Tim

BTW, I'm gonna disconnect the battery (only one) and store it in the basement until Feb... Am I gonna need to get a trickle charger? Thanks again all!
 
Boatist

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: Boating Safety Class

Great score and a good class. Just wonder was this the 13 week class with the navigation course or the shorter class without the navigation Class.

Do not buy a trickel charger they can over charge your battery and shorten it life.
Instead buy a smart or automatic charger that will shut off when the battery is fully charged. I suggest at least a 10 amp charger so you can use it to top off your battery in a shorter time.
Reason I suggest a 10 amp or more is you can use it for your car or boat and also will fully charge most deep cycle battery in less than 24 hours.

Personally I always leave the batteries in the boat. Charge at least every 3 month in winter and once a month in summer if you did not use the boat.

You could also get a battery maintainer that also will not over charge your battery but not very good for charging a deep cycle should you get one later. It will charge it but take a long time with most. The longer a battery is left discharged the shorter it life will be.

If your sea trial is in salt water make sure to flush the motor and wash the boat and trailer with fresh water.

Have Fun.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top