Sailing Rituals

[caguy]

When boarding, I always make the sign of the cross, as I check for Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet and Keys.

 

[timvg]

Since we have a beagle who lets us use "her" boat, all seacocks are closed when we are not on the boat. Would hate to imagine her swimming in the cabin, if the boat were to ever go down in the slip.

We know two people who have had their boats sink in their slips due to bad hoses and open seacocks.

And yes, we keep the ignition key on the seacock handle.

 

[RECESS]

It may seem like a no brainer, but I have noticed a few buddies don't do it every time. I always check the oil in the engine and transmission.....every time.

 

[Merlin Clark]

Bananas are deemed to be bad luck because of all of the ills suffered by the crews of banana boats from the bites of all the creepy crawlers stowed away in the cargo.

I'll check 'em twice!

 

[higgs]

Is it really necessary to check oil every time you are on board? You run your boat engine probably less than 100 hrs a season. Do we do this with our car? Unless your bilge is full of oil, where is it going to go?

 

[JonnyQuest]

I always check the coolant water output to make sure the old Atomic arteries aren't clogged up.

Hmm, guess I'm pretty boring and need to come up with an actual ritual for the boat. Maybe we'll keep a jar of pennies onboard to offer up to King Neptune!

I won't suggest the regularity of The Admiral Heaving her lunch overboard as a ritual, but it's been pretty regular the past season!

 

[IH82BL8]

My wife is forbidden to talk to me about money concerns while on the boat, whether at the slip or underway. We own a home where we can sit and talk through any such issues Monday through Thursday.

 

[Swimnfit]

Many years ago with a previous boat. And at a time when I was in the Navy, my buddies and I always made point of having "Grog". This was in San Diego so the proximity to Mexico was apparent. Thus, if our general direction out of the marina had us going due South all hands would have a shot of Tequila. If our general direction was due North all hands would have a shot of Rum.
We practiced this ritual no matter the time of day!
It's a wonder we came back alive

 

[capta]

Is it really necessary to check oil every time you are on board? You run your boat engine probably less than 100 hrs a season. Do we do this with our car? Unless your bilge is full of oil, where is it going to go?

I also check the fluids EVERY time we start up. Once lost a trany when stopped for lunch because a leak developed in just one hour of being stopped and alarm didn't function. A whole lot of work and expense could have been prevented by 35 seconds of attention.

 

[RECESS]

Is it really necessary to check oil every time you are on board? You run your boat engine probably less than 100 hrs a season. Do we do this with our car? Unless your bilge is full of oil, where is it going to go?

We cruise as much as we can. 2 or 3 - 5 day trips a year, at least 3 3 day weekend trips, and then throughout the summer. We use our engine quite a bit cruising. I always check the fluids, part of the routine.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

When ever we are coming in to dock, my Bride and I always say to each other "one and done". When we remember to do this we dock stern in on the first try. Works for us.

 

[Indysailor]

I always make sure to drop something of value into the water at the beginning of the season. Better to just get it out of the way early.

Which reminds me of the day I was using a latrine when the guy next to me stood up and a five dollar bill fell out of his pocket, right into the hole. He pulled out his wallet and tossed two more fives down in the muck.
"What are you doing that for?", I asked.
He replied, "Well, I'm not going down there for just five bucks!"