These top tips were published in issue 7 of Island Barn Bonanza.

1. Secure it: The engines must be securely clamped and tied to the boat. We sent one of our 15HP engines away for its service, and whoever put it back didn't do up the securing bolts or the safety lanyard. It was fished up by the dredger 15 months later, in pieces, and is now only useful for spares. We were lucky that the insurers paid up - most policies only cover loss while attached to the boat. Make sure you tie the engine on!
2. Don't snatch at the starter: When you have a chance, take off the engine cowling and try to start the engine - this way you will see how fragile the pull-cord mechanism is. So pull the cord slowly and cautiously to make sure it is free, then pull firmly with both hands but don't snatch. I keep having to replace the pull-cords.
3. Is the kill-cord on? Have you fitted the kill-cord properly? People keep telling me that engine 'A' won't start, but when I try it, I find it works correctly.
4. Lower it gently: The duty team notes tell you to 'drop the outboard down so that the propeller is in the water'. 'Drop' should be read as 'lower gently'. If you drop the engine to the operating position under gravity, the bar that holds it up may shear away. This has happened twice and costs us £70 each time.
5. Lock it up: Have you locked the shed properly? Outboards are very stealable.
6. Keep ropes in the boat: Outboards like water, not rope. Make sure all ropes are in the boat and stop the engine AT ONCE if you think you may have a tangle. The shear pin will break or bend if you get the propeller caught in a rope. Note that the propeller continues to 'walk' slowly even if the engine is in neutral, so you must ALWAYS keep ropes clear.
7. Report any problems: Please enter any problems in the duty log - even if it is only finger trouble, it is relevant; procedures or equipment can be changed to make life easier. For example, we have just changed the stop switch and kill cord on engine 'A' so that they all have the same system.