CUSTOMER BOAT ORIENTATION
By Clarks Landing's Very Own Captain Ken Hawes
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The happy day arrives! You are scheduled to pick-up your new boat and receive a very thorough boat orientation. The sun is shining and a light wind is blowing from the Southwest. This is the perfect day to start a new adventure!
You will have already talked to one of Clarks Landing professional delivery captains a few nights earlier. He called to introduce himself/herself, determine your level of boating experience and discuss topics for concentration during the orientation. Most owners require a good understanding of the boat's electrical and engine room systems, engine maintenance, and navigation equipment. Operationally, most owners need to experience hands-on practice with the controls and running of their new boat including docking.
During the ten days before the delivery day, our Rigging Department has checked all systems, operational components and performed at least one sea trial. On delivery day prior to the start of your orientation, usually 10:00-11:00 AM, your captain has already re-inspected your boat for approximately two hours. He/she confirms that all systems are functioning, fluid levels are appropriate, safety equipment is on-board, and engines and the generator are operational. This is the final check before you have your orientation. This extensive independent process helps guarantee you will not have any issues with your boat.
After arriving at Clarks Landing and completing any remaining closing paperwork, your salesman will formally introduce your captain. The captain will take you briefly to your boat or his/her office where he/she will review the day's activities. You will spend the rest of your time together going through all the systems on your boat as well as operating it. Most customers with prior boating experience complete the orientation in less than a day. The goal is to educate you sufficiently so you feel comfortable with your new boat. This is not a complete training on how to operate a boat. It is always a good idea to attend a local Coast Guard training course, read educational books on boating and seek additional training in operating a boat. Your captain can advise you on how to get additional training.
Sometime during the orientation, you will be introduced to Clarks Landing's Service Manager. He and his staff are there to help you with any service work you may need in the future. The Service Manager will emphasize the importance of the twenty hour check-up and continued maintenance on your boat. You can contact your captain with any operational questions you may have in the future ¿ it's easy to forget how to utilize functions in your navigation systems, sound systems, and propulsion controls.
The sun continues to shine, the wind has died down and you are the captain of your new boat. Life doesn't get much better than this!