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Boat Operation

There are two different types of motors on Grice boats. With the tiller motor, the operator must sit at back of the boat. The throttle is generally held in the operator’s left hand. If you move the tiller handle to your right, the boat will turn left. To turn the boat to the right, the tiller handle must be moved to the left. Only the Jon Boat has this type of motor. The other motor boats have a center steering console and drive very much like a car. It is important to note that there are no brakes on a boat like you would find on a car. Motion on the water is also influenced by tides, wind and waves and must be considered when planning your trip and operating the boat.

Things to check when launching the boat:

  • Plugs
  • Hauling safety latch
  • Trailer and winch straps

All of the motor boats start in a similar manner:

  • Turn on Battery Switch (if necessary)
  • Prime gas bulb
  • Place in Neutral Gear
  • Choke
  • Engage Ignition

Boat Hoist Operation

A presentation is available about how to operate the boat hoist safely. It can be viewed in PPT or PDF format.

Jonboat Motor diagram

Tiller-Driven

To start the tiller-driven motor (Jon Boat), prime the gas bulb. Check that the gear lever is centered in neutral position. Pull out the choke knob to engage it. Engage the ignition by pulling on the pull start rope. This may require several attempts. Once started and warmed up, push in the choke lever and pull the gear lever toward the boat to move forward. The boat will move backward if the gear lever is positioned away from the boat. Twist the throttle to increase speed. Move it back to its original position to slow down. You must turn the tiller in the opposite the direction you want to travel. Push the kill button to turn off the motor.

Center Console diagram

Center Console

All the other motor boats have a center steering console and operate much like a car. To start this type of motor, turn on the battery switch and prime the fuel bulb until firm. Make sure combination throttle and gear lever is in the centered or neutral position. Check that the kill switch is attached properly. The lanyard is designed to attach to the operator. If operator is thrown overboard, the lanyard will pull out the kill switch and stop the motor. Push in the the key to choke the engine and turn it to the right to start the motor. You may need to push in the choke several times to get the engine to start, but be careful because this can flood the engine. Once the engine has warmed up, move the throttle forward to move forward. Pulling the throttle back past the neutral position will put the boat in reverse. Turn the steering wheel to the right to go to the right and left to move left. To turn off the engine, turn the key to the left or remove the kill switch.

Paddle-Driven

HatchFoot AreaSeatPaddle
Kayak Hatch Kayak Foot Area Kayak Seat Kayak Paddle

Operating a kayak is a great way to get up close and personal with nature. Operators tend to get a closer look at wildlife because the kayaks are quiet and can operate in very swallow waters. In the above pictures, you can see the kayak hatch used for storage during the trip. These hatches are not waterproof. The foot area has multiple positions to accommodate operators. Old but functional sneakers⁄shoes⁄Tevas should be worn because they are suitable for mud, water, jetties, and oyster reefs. Flip flops or sandals should not be worn. The kayaks are the sit-on-top variety and your clothes will get wet. So, swim suits, old jeans and old shirts are appropriate attire. Sunblock, sun glasses and insect repellent are also recommended. The seat is attached to the boat with clips as shown in the picture above. The paddles are stored in two separate pieces and must be snapped together before use. Kayakers must pay close attention to weather while on the water. For more information on kayaking safety, visit http://www.marinerkayaks.com/mkhtml/Kyksaftw.html.

Kayaking Check List

You must bring:

  1. Good Shoes—Old but functional sneakers⁄shoes⁄tevas for mud, water, jetty, oyster reefs. No flip flops or sandals as they are dangerous.
  2. Clothes for water work—Swim suits, old jeans, old shirts. Layers are good. We have wet-style kayaks, so you will get wet!
  3. Sun block—(high SPF and waterproof). It should be applied 30 minutes before launch.
  4. Insect repellent
  5. Water—Caffeinated soda is not a good idea.
    6. Required equipment needed:
  6. Paddle, Seat & Personal flotation device (PFD)
  7. First Aid Kit
  8. VHF radio & cell phone
  9. Whistle

You should bring:

  1. Sunglasses, hat, long sleeve shirt
  2. Pencil and paper or small notebook for species lists
  3. Big zip lock bag
  4. Adaptability and sense of humor for field work

You may bring:

  1. Cameras—They should be put in a double zip lock bag.
  2. Binoculars
  3. Field Guides
  4. Meat tenderizer
  5. Towel

Do not bring:

  1. Anything small and valuable (we lost a class ring once).
  2. Alcohol for consumption

Kayak Trip Protocol

  1. Complete a float plan
  2. Must have partner (no singles boating)
  3. Check out and check in
  4. Must wear personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water
  5. Weather Check http://www.noaa.gov/. Type in the zip code 29412. The coastal waters forecast can be found on the bottom right hand side of the page at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/CHS/CWFCHS.
  6. Captain of trip must have boater safety training, complete one kayak trip and be checked out by the Marine Operations Manager or Lab Manager.