Boaties told to check their engines before heading out

Ill-prepared boaties are causing a headache on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour when they break down with flat batteries, no fuel or engine problems.

Most of the 24 emergency calls to the coastguard yesterday would probably not have happened had the boaties done some basic preparation and maintenance, said coastguard duty officer Mike Lawrence.

Of the 24 emergency calls, 18 were for flat batteries or to boats which had run out of fuel.

"It is pretty basic stuff but it is happening."

He said yesterday was one of the first good days of the summer and the coastguard was also getting a lot of calls to boats which had been taken out without being properly serviced or in some cases, without even an engine run on the trailer before they were launched.

Rescued boaties were asked to become coastguard members and support the service for an annual fee of $75.

"Most of them do and are pretty good."

He advised boaties to have their motors serviced and run them on the trailer before they were launched.

He also said boaties should be aware some two-stroke fuel had a limited life after the petrol and oil was mixed, particularly in older motors.

"It just doesn't burn right and fouls all the plugs up."

Mr Lawrence said boaties seemed to be improving their attitude towards flares and lifejackets and many were carrying VHF radio which was the best form of emergency communication.

- NZPA