SOME AIRBOAT BASICS

By Sr. Agent Brian Theriot

Being an airboat driver involves much more than pushing pedals and pulling rudders. Operators must always remember that SAFETY and respect are number one priorities when operating this extremely powerful machine. An engine pushing this much horsepower and turning this many RPMs can and will hurt you unless you respect it and know your limitations. As a past owner of an airboat company, I have been schooled in various safety classes. With the recent additions of new airboats to the Enforcement Division, I feel compelled to pass on a few tips that can prolong the life of an airboat and maybe save the life of an operator.

Before hooking up to the airboat trailer, you should always check the engine's fluid levels. Check the oil and coolant levels to ensure they are in safe operating range. Visually check to be sure the belts on the engine are tightened properly and not showing signs of dry rot. Before heading out to the field, be sure a tool kit along with spare belts are on board. This could get you out of a jam and maybe save you from spending the night in the swamp. Periodically check the bolts on the engine stand, motor mounts, and other engine bolts prior to starting the engine. Some of the more common bolts that loosen due to vibration are the starter bolts, the alternator bolts, and the bolt on the flame arrestor. These should be checked for tightness approximately every five to ten hours of engine time. It is very important to remember that any time you climb inside the cage, be sure your PERKO switch is off.  If your boat is not equipped with this switch, disconnect the battery. The engine oil should be changed approximately every 20 to 30 hours, depending on how hard the engine has worked. You can usually tell by closely inspecting the oil when the fluid levels are checked. If the oil is black in color or thin in viscosity, it is time to change the oil and filter.

You are now ready to launch the boat. If it is not possible to use an actual boat launch, you can launch the airboat on the grass. This can be done by backing at a moderate speed and suddenly applying the brakes, so the boat slides easily off the trailer and gently onto the ground.

Before you mash the pedal, be sure nothing is loose in the boat. Anything not strapped down is very likely to be sucked up causing damage to the prop and possibly injuring bystanders. If you are carrying a load, be sure the weight is distributed correctly in the boat. It is important to remember that the starboard side is the torque side, so you want slightly more weight on the port side whenever possible. Keep in mind that it is very discourteous to 'BLOW' others with the thrust of the propeller, so before you press the gas, take a look around to ensure that you will not wet or knock down anyone nearby.

Once you are finished for the day and the airboat is ready for storage, always switch the PERKO to the off position. You should spray the engine thoroughly with rust preventative and grease necessary parts. Place a cover over the flame arrestor in preparation for inclement weather.

These airboats are very effective tools for the Enforcement Division. It is imperative that we take any measures necessary to prolong the life of these machines. This article is an attempt to present you with a few tips that will assist you in your work with an airboat. I appreciate you taking time to read this article. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.