Follow the engine manual
Check oil, coolant and belts at the intervals and in the manner specified for your engine. Do not open a hot pressurised cooling system.
Look for change
Notice new leaks, loose fittings, damaged hoses, odd smells or water where it should not be. Compare with what is normal for your boat rather than assuming every stain is harmless.
Run and listen
Start the engine with adequate ventilation, check instruments and cooling discharge where applicable, then listen for unfamiliar vibration or noise. Stop and investigate if something is wrong.
Before you go
- Follow the engine manual
- Look for new leaks
- Stop for unfamiliar noise