Operation & Precautions-Liya 22FT aluminum hull boat
Core Safety Philosophy
Safe boating is a mixture of common sense, careful observation, and gained experience. For a high-performance vessel like this RIB, the cornerstone of safety is a proactive mindset: thorough preparation, continuous situational awareness, and a strict adherence to rules. Your primary responsibility is the safety of all occupants, the boat, and its equipment.
Pre-Departure & Operational Safety
1. Pre-Departure Checks (MUST BE COMPLETED EVERY TIME):
Weather & Planning: Obtain the latest forecast for wind, tides, wave height, and daylight hours. Plan your route and ensure the boat and crew are suitable for the expected conditions.
Fuel: Check levels. Always carry sufficient fuel for your trip plus a minimum one-third reserve. Be aware of your engine's fuel consumption.
Hull & Tubes: Visually inspect the aluminum hull for significant dents or damage. Check Hypalon/PVC tubes for correct pressure and any signs of abrasion, cuts, or UV damage.
Engine & Systems: Check engine oil and coolant levels. Ensure the kill switch is functional and its lanyard will be attached to the driver. Test steering, throttle, and trim controls.
Drain Plugs & Bilge: Confirm all drain plugs (bungs) are securely in place before launching. Ensure the bilge is dry and the pump works.
Safety Equipment: Verify all required CE/MED-compliant equipment is onboard, serviceable, and accessible. This includes:
* A correctly sized life jacket (PFD) for every person. Never use PFDs as seats or cushions.
* Fire extinguisher(s).
* Sound-producing device (horn/whistle).
* Visual distress signals.
* VHF marine radio and navigation lights.
* First-aid kit and toolkit.
Passenger Briefing: Before departure, brief all passengers on:
* Where to sit (see loading below).
* How to correctly wear a life jacket.
* Basic rules (no horseplay, staying seated while moving).
* What to do in an emergency (e.g., "man overboard").
2. Loading & Passenger Management:
Never Overload: The maximum capacity is 12 persons. Adhere to all posted weight limits.
Distribute Weight Evenly: Balance passengers, crew, and gear to ensure good trim and stability. Keep the center of gravity low.
Proper Seating: All occupants must sit on designated seats or the deck. Never sit on the gunwales (tubes), bow deck, or with hands over the side.
Secure Gear: Restrain all loose equipment (coolers, bags) to prevent dangerous movement.
3. Safe Operation Underway:
Kill Switch: The driver must attach the kill switch lanyard to their person before starting the engine and keep it attached at all times while underway.
Speed & Wake: Obey all speed limits and regulations. Travel at a speed appropriate for conditions—visibility, traffic, and sea state. Be conscious of your wake, which can damage property, other vessels, or endanger swimmers.
Maneuvering: Avoid high-speed turns or violent maneuvers. Always reduce speed for a controlled, gentle approach to docks or swimmers.
Rules of the Road: Maintain a proper lookout and strictly obey the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
Zero Tolerance: Never operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. Emergency Preparedness:
Man Overboard: Immediately shout "Man Overboard!" to alert others, throw a flotation device, keep eyes on the person, and maneuver carefully to recover them from downwind/downcurrent.
Engine Failure: Deploy an anchor if in shallow water to prevent drift. Troubleshoot using your toolkit or call for assistance via VHF radio.
Taking on Water: Identify the source. Use the bilge pump. If the leak is serious, don life jackets and call for help immediately. Remember, a RIB is designed to remain afloat even if swamped; it is often safest to stay with the boat.
Inspection, Maintenance & Care
Consistent maintenance is vital for safety and performance. The book The Complete RIB Manual is an excellent definitive reference for RIB owners.
1. After Every Use:
Flush: If used in saltwater, flush the outboard engine with fresh water using manufacturer-approved muffs or a flush port.
Rinse:Thoroughly rinse the entire boat with fresh water—aluminum hull, EVA deck, swim platform, and tubes—to remove salt, sand, and debris.
Clean: Wash surfaces with mild soap. Use specific cleaners for the Hypalon/PVC tubes and protectants for the EVA foam deck.
Dry & Ventilate: Wipe down the boat and open all hatches and lockers to allow complete drying, preventing mildew and corrosion on the aluminum hull.
2. Weekly / 50-Hour Inspections:
Tubes: Check and adjust air pressure to the manufacturer's specification. Inspect for new scratches or wear points.
Hull & Deck: Inspect the aluminum hull for new dings, cracks, or corrosion (especially around welds or fittings). Check the EVA deck for tears or lifting edges.
Engine: Check oil level, inspect propeller for damage, and check the fuel system (tank, lines, connections) for leaks or wear. The 200L fuel tank should be inspected for security and vent clearances.
Safety Gear: Verify all safety equipment remains accessible and undamaged.
3. Monthly / 100-Hour Maintenance:
Engine Service: Perform an engine oil and filter change as per the engine manufacturer's schedule.
Steering & Controls: Inspect steering cables or hydraulic lines for wear or corrosion. Lubricate control linkages.
Electrical: Check battery terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary. Test all electrical systems: bilge pump, navigation lights, horn, and console instruments.
Sacrificial Anodes: Check the zinc anodes (on the engine and potentially the aluminum hull) and replace if more than 50% eroded. This is critical for protecting the aluminum hull from galvanic corrosion.
4. Annual / 300-Hour or Seasonal Service:
Professional Engine Service: Have a certified mechanic perform the manufacturer's recommended annual service. This includes changing gear case oil, spark plugs, and the water pump impeller.
Detailed Hull Inspection: Professionally inspect the hull-transom junction and all through-hull fittings. Apply a protective polish or coating to the aluminum hull.
Tube Deep-Clean & Treatment: Deep clean tubes with appropriate products and apply a UV protectant formulated for Hypalon/PVC.
System Check: Pressure test the fuel system. Torque-check all critical fasteners on the engine mount, console, and deck hardware.
5. Long-Term Storage (Winterization):
Engine: Add fuel stabilizer, run the engine, change the oil, and fog the cylinders as per the manual.
Boat: Give a final thorough clean and dry. Slightly deflate tubes (to about 80% pressure) to relieve seam stress but maintain shape. Remove the battery and store it on a Storage:** Store the boat in a cool, dry, and covered location, ideally on a proper support system to avoid hull distortion.
