Before you go to sea, ensure that you take a look at your electrical system. Here are some key inspection points and procedures for checking your electrical and other systems.<\/p>\n
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1. When were your batteries last replaced?<\/strong> Consider replacing them after three to four years. Ensure battery terminal connections are tight and free from corrosion buildup.<\/p>\n 2. Check that the wiring connections for all electronic and electrical devices make solid contact.<\/strong> Terminal connections can and do come loose from normal impact and pounding when underway. Also, check that all electrical connections are free of corrosion.<\/p>\n 3. Get a voltmeter and learn to use it.<\/strong> It can help spot problems in the making. Be sure there is no more than one volt drop from your battery terminals to the closest connection point to your electronics when the equipment is on and operating.<\/p>\n 4. Replace all non rechargeable batteries<\/strong> in your portable gear and keep a fresh supply of spare alkaline batteries on board.<\/p>\n 5. Perform a \u201cself-test\u201d<\/strong> on EPIRBs and PLBs per the manufacturer instructions, and check the battery replacement date as well. Preseason Electronics Checks VHF Radio Make on-the-air radio checks. Automated radio checks are offered by Sea Tow as a public service in many areas across the country. Go to seatow.com and type in your location, and you will be advised if service is available in your area and which channel to use.<\/p>\n GPS<\/strong> – Confirm your GPS\u2019s accuracy by making a positional check at familiar locations. Perform range and bearing checks to known waypoints. Call up the GPS status screen on your set. It is a positive indicator of signal strength and accuracy. It also monitors the number of satellites being received, which is a good indication of your set\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n Radar<\/strong> – Confirm the clarity and resolution of short and long radar targets. View the shoreline as you leave your marina or anchorage. Does it appear as clear as in the past? Steer your boat directly at a buoy or other object and see if it appears directly in front of you or off to one side. If it looks off, your manual will show you how to adjust your radar\u2019s heading.<\/p>\n Autopilot<\/strong> –\u00a0 Be sure that your autopilot holds a straight course, responds to steering commands and follows your GPS waypoint instructions. Check your pilot\u2019s heading reading and compare it with that of your GPS while underway. If it is noticeably off, most autopilots can be adjusted by performing a simple calibration procedure, which can be found in your owner\u2019s manual or online.<\/p>\n