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+--- Thread: [Tiara Open] Pre start for 2000 31 open (/showthread.php?tid=9302)
Pre start for 2000 31 open - b_glacken@yahoo.com - 03-25-2026
Does anyone have a preflight checklist when starting a 2000 31 open
I come from Aviation background use to checklists but new to this boat, I’ve only had small outboards
I’m looking for a step by step checklist for start up
RE: Pre start for 2000 31 open - hiccup - 03-27-2026
The most important part of the pre-flight depends on if you have gas or diesel fuel onboard. Gasoline vapors, which are highly explosive, are far and away the most dangerous variable when starting inboard engines.
As such, a subset of pre-flight actions specific to gasoline inboards should be considered:
1. Sniff--note any gasoline smells when coming aboard, enter the engine compartment and smell for fuel
2. Run the blowers for at least 4 minutes before attempting to start any engine
3. Regularly inspect fuel lines, filters, tanks, and on-engine fuel plumbing for leaks or signs of wear
4. Regularly inspect backfire prevention flame arrestors
In addition to those gasoline specific items, a good list would be:
1. Safety/Compliance- life jackets, fire extinguisher, visual distress signals (flares), throwable
2. Check engine fluid levels--oil and coolant
3. Bilge checks: raw water system--check sea strainers for material, ensure sea-cocks are open; visually inspect belts & hoses; check for excessive water in the bilge
4. Switch on battery banks and individual circuit breakers
5. Check battery bank voltage levels
6. Power up electronics and nav lighting to ensure operation
7. Manually test bilge pumps
8. Check mechanical engine and throttle controls for free operation and ensure to put shift controls to neutral and throttle controls to idle (carbureted gasoline engines may require different throttle setting)
9. Activate any engine preheaters when appropriate (diesel engines, varies by model)
10. Start generator (sequence varies by model)
11. Confirm raw water flow from generator exhaust
12. After brief warmup, switch AC power from shore to generator, disconnect and stow any shore power cords.
13. Start port engine, confirm oil pressure is in range and alternator is charging engine bank
14. Start starboard engine, confirm oil pressure and house bank alternator voltage
15. Confirm sufficient raw water flow from both starboard and port main engine exhausts
16. Check fuel levels, compare to float plan
17. Tell first mate to put down her phone and pay attention to disembarkation instructions
