A. Never stand in the water to start an engine that doesn’t have
a clutch. When it fi res the prop can surge forward into your legs.
Don’t risk it – row off into deeper water and start it there.
B. Don’t overcrowd your tender because a passing wash can easily
swamp you – make two trips. I know it’s tempting when it seems
calm and you are all keen to get to the pub, but more sailors drown
like this than out to sea.C. Kids learn a lot from driving the tender, but don’t let them sit too far aft as the wind can fl ip it.
D. Make some form of tiller/throttle extension so they can sit well forward and trim the boat.
E. Some kids (of all ages) rig up steering lines so they can drive it like a speed boat.
F. Small engines with kill
cords will stop if you are
thrown out. You can also
use the kill cord to stop
the engine if you are sitting
well forward.
G. Long painters are handy,
but tie them in a loop so
they can’t reach the prop.H. Some tenders are just too tender, and can tip up when you go aft
to remove the engine.I. Engines are easier to lift on a line – and it stops them sinking right
to the sea bed if dropped!
J. This is how to hurt your back and the engine. The back bit is
obvious – but if the outboard is lilted like this, saltwater droplets in
the exhaust can drip back into the engine.Tender and outboard safety tips, with Dick Everitt