Customer Tips
Learn about boat handling, seamanship, maintenance, fishing, dining and more with these handy tips.
Teamwork Makes Boating Better
By Randy Vance Author, Power Boating for DummiesLet’s talk about boating safety. Before you all respond in a collective sigh, stay with me — this isn't just about life jackets, flares, or fire extinguishers. It's about working together, which is just as critical to a safe and enjoyable day on the water.Boating safely begins with a mentoring skipper who knows how to gauge his crew, understands their limitations and guides them calmly as the day progresses.Let's break it down.Make sure everyone on board knows what to expect as the day begins, so if unexpected moments arise, everyone knows their role and how to respond.At the dock, with crew eager to board, it's time to talk about the first line of protection: life jackets.In most states, life jackets must be worn by young crew under 13 years of age while underway in a vessel under 26 feet in length. State regulations can vary and supersede Federal rules, but where no state regulation exists, the Federal guideline is the law. Check your local boating laws here.This discussion is the skipper's responsibility and the most important part of boating safety: Communication.I once cruised with friends in Alaska, from Juneau around Admiralty Island and back along the inside passage. My shipmates were all members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Before we shoved off, our skipper Mike Folkerts filed a float plan, letting people ashore know when we were leaving, when we'd return, and where we were going, along with a list of the crew. The more people on dry land who know your itinerary, the safer you all remain.From the moment we left the dock, crisp communication rang out. From the bridge, Mike reported his every intention as the crew moved about making ready."Permission to retrieve the forward fender?""Permission granted.""Moving forward to retrieve the fender."Your language doesn't have to be Coast Guard formal, but it should be just as concise.If your kids or other passengers want to move to the bow, remind them how important it is for the skipper to know before they move. Without that heads-up, a passenger could shift weight just as the skipper executes a course change — with real consequences. Keep everyone informed of what's coming.The captain's heaviest responsibility is keeping watch over every member of the crew and keeping them informed of intentions. A sharp turn should be announced well before it's executed. "Turning left!" is a fair call, and probably wiser than "Turning to port" when guests may not know the nautical jargon.Speed changes should be announced too. Keep your crew informed and let them know their verbal acknowledgement is appreciated.Docking is an intimidating moment for new boaters and confusing for unfamiliar crew. It can be hazardous when untrained helpers get overeager. People are very poor fenders. A hand or arm won't stop the momentum of a boat, whether it's 5,000 pounds or 15,000. Keep fenders handy and assign their placement and retrieval to specific crew members. Many Grady-White models have multiple options for fender storage, making them easy to retrieve when you need them.Before coming alongside the dock, brief your crew on how best to help. Often the answer is simply, "Please remain seated until we're secured." If you want help with fenders, call crew members by name, tell them where to place it, and ask for verbal confirmation. In an unfamiliar port, have the crew hang a fender over the side and hold the line so it can be repositioned as needed.On leadership: the dynamics of every crew are different, and on a boat things happen fast. There's rarely time for a conference before coordinated action is required. For couples who share the helm, exchanging skipper and first mate roles from day to day can be valuable. It ensures parity and, more importantly, grows the skills of both team members.Good teamwork and communication go a very long way in making the difference between a high-stress situation on the water or a relaxing day with family and friends. With boating season upon us, now is a great time to round up your crew and get on the same page with your boating knowledge.
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Maintenance 101: Essential Boat Engine Care for Longevity
Keeping your boat engine in peak condition ensures every day on the water is safe, fun, and stress-free. While certified dealers handle complex mechanical services, owners play a critical role in routine care. Following these foundational steps will protect your investment.The Importance of Routine Engine MaintenanceProper maintenance is the best way to ensure the long-term performance and high resale value of your boat. For comprehensive schedules and expert tips, the Yamaha Maintenance Matters website is an invaluable resource for outboard owners.Combating Corrosion: The Engine FlushCorrosion is a primary threat to marine engines—and it isn't just a saltwater issue. Freshwater minerals can also cause internal buildup over time. To maximize engine life, it is optimal to flush your engine after every use.Grady-White simplifies this essential task with factory installed features including:Remote Engine Flush System: Standard on models from 2019 to present, a convenient hose attachment is located in the cockpit area (location varies by model).Easy Access: This system allows you to connect a standard water hose to flush your engines with ease from the cockpit, rather than having to reach around your engines or take your boat out of the water.Older Models: If you own a model produced before 2019, your owner’s manual provides straightforward instructions for manual flushing to achieve the same protective results. Key Benefits of Regular Flushing:Removes Salt & Debris: Clears out corrosive salt crystals and silt from the cooling passages.Prevents Overheating: Ensures unobstructed water flow to keep the engine running at the correct temperature.Extends Component Life: Protects internal metal surfaces from premature wear and oxidation.For a deeper dive into protecting your vessel, review these specific steps to prevent engine corrosion.
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Battery Select Switches: How to Use 1, 2, BOTH, and OFF Safely
Battery select switches are essential on boats with two or more marine batteries. They control which battery (or battery bank) powers engine starting, onboard electronics, and receives charge from the outboard engine. Most switches have four positions: 1, 2, BOTH (1+2), and OFF.Position 1: Uses Battery 1 (or Bank 1)Position 2: Uses Battery 2 (or Bank 2)BOTH (1+2): Combines both batteries—use only if one battery is too weak to start the engineAfter starting, switch back to Position 1 or 2. Avoid running in BOTH for extended periods, as it can drain both batteries. For twin-engine boats, set one switch to 1 and the other to 2 to balance usage and charging. For single-engine setups, alternate between positions regularly.Use the OFF position only when the engine is not running to prevent battery drain. Automatic bilge pump float switches will still function in OFF mode. Important: Never turn the switch to OFF while the engine is running—or pass through OFF when switching between 1 and 2—as this can damage the charging system.
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How To Properly Use Your VHF in an Emergency
We hope you never have an emergency situation on your boat; however, safety should always be a part of your boating preparations. Take a moment to review this BoatUS video as Lenny Rudow walks us through the proper procedures of calling for help on the water. Then, share it with your friends and family.
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Your Grady-White Spring Make Ready Checklist
The following are general guidelines. Check your Grady-White owner’s manual for more details, or see your Grady dealership for assistance.FUEL SYSTEM Inspect hoses, connections, and tank surfaces.Replace components as needed.Verify all fittings and clamps are properly secured.Ensure the engine, exhaust, and all systems are functioning properly. CABLES & HOSES Check for any flaws, cracks, or brittleness in the control cables.Inspect fresh and raw water hoses/lines for cracks, swells, or any visible problem. Don't forget seacocks.ELECTRICAL AND DIGITAL SYSTEMSInspect all electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness; corrosion may require attention.Clean battery terminals with a wire bush if needed.If you notice any irregularities in electrical or digital systems, have them inspected by a qualified technician at your Grady-White dealership.FLUID LEVELS AND HYDRAULICSCheck hydraulic steering and trim tab levels. Top off if necessary.Change engine oil, oil filter, and lubricants if these tasks were not done prior to winterizing. PROPELLERS & HULLS Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks, or distortion.Make sure propeller is secured properly; replace parts as needed.Check hull for any cracks or dings.Check through-hull fittings for integrity.Clean the hull, deck, and topsides.SAFETY GEAR Inspect life jackets to ensure they are in good condition; make sure there is one for each potential passenger.Check that fire extinguishers are fully charged, properly stowed, are less than 12 years old (USCG requirement), and are the correct class for your vessel. MOST OF ALLHappy Boating!Get more information on performance and efficiency and maintaining your Grady-White.
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Take Control with Helm Master® EX
Yamaha’s Helm Master® EX with Full Maneuverability is designed to deliver precise control and confident maneuvering. Watch this step-by-step how-to video as we walk you through system operation, available modes, and how each feature works together to enhance your on-water experience.
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