Ray

A checklist is a very good idea, you know where you are and that the important stuff is taken care of. I guess that's why they are used in flying.

I'll find the video and do that I think, thanks for the tip.

Both the standard self inflating type had a replace by date in 2011... For the time being we do have a couple of the older style bulky ones. I'm very grateful for the advice I've received here, especially when you consider I can't swim!!!

Thank you Smoggy

Thank you Alan So glad I joined the forum, here was some important safety information that I wouldn't have known about!

Thanks for that advice, I didn't know about being in date! I will have another look when I go back to the boat, probably at the weekend, and take a photo of the D ring ones at the same time. Will the standard ones have a date stamp of some kind to look for?

We inherited several life jackets when we bought our boat, 2 nice self inflation ones in good new condition that fit which is a nice bonus. I've just had a look at the other two to see if they will be OK for guests and can't make out how they work! They look new but instead of clipping together at the front they have 2 D rings and as far as I can see no way to join them. Are you supposed to tie them perhaps or is it something intended for yacht crew, clip to the boat itself maybe? Any clues as to what to do with them and their suitability for a Broads motor cruiser gratefully received!

There's nothing like seeing it happen to make you realise that it could be you if you don't take sensible precautions. Thanks for the reminder... I'll keep up with my antifreeze!

Looks like a beautiful day for a cruise! I'm based at Potter too and run 50/50 antifreeze into the cooling system at the end of each cruise but often wonder if it's really needed given the fairly light and short lived frosts we have.

Be open minded.. our first boat was every thing we were looking for and was such a mistake we sold it a month later. Our current boat is the one type I had decided I wasn't interested in.. it is perfect for us and I love every minute aboard her. Good luck and have fun!

Maddy gets lulled to sleep by the engine... but she hates birds so we have yet to see and hear her do her noisy best at keeping them away from "her" boat! As others have said, keeping her shut in during mooring and casting off seems to be the key to boating with the family dog.

Snap! Quite a coincidence, we did exactly the same at the same time. The only difference is that we did retire first :)

Many thanks Charlie, it's great to be here!

Me, my wife and our dog are fairly new to boating, although a bit reluctant to board she loves it once we are under way. The sight of some tasty treat is usually enough for her to find a way to clamber aboard. The same works for our dog ;)