Make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket.
Make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket.
Before casting off while warming up the engine, ensure that all lines are untied and securely stowed to prevent them from getting caught in the propeller. Check that fenders are properly positioned to protect the boat from the dock. Additionally, conduct a safety check to ensure all crew members are aboard and that safety equipment is readily accessible. Finally, confirm that the area around the boat is clear of obstacles and other vessels before proceeding.
VOTE
There are a number of things that you should do before and while fuelling your boat. The basic thing is to ensure that you have turned off the engine and you are not smoking around the boat.
It is normal for a carburetor to "suck air" when you are starting the engine or while the engine is running. You should stop the engine before repairing the carburetor for safety reasons.
Raise the engine and secure it
While it doesn't do any immediate damage, you should not run the engine. It needs drained out before trying to operate the vehicle.
It should be idling at approximately 625 rpm while the engine is warm.
locate the casting that contains the thermostat and separate it's cover. the old unit should be observed while it is in place in order that it's replacement is installed right side up. any old gasket material that may be stuck on the castings needs to be removed and the seal surfaces trued. follow the upper radiator hose to the engine and you will locate the casting that the thermostat is housed in.
Have it towed to a garage for repair.
a spinning rod uses a spinning reel - the type that you manually open the bail before casting and normally the reel is used hanging below the rod and they usually have a larger handle than casting reels which you press a button or bar on the reel before casting. I find that spinnig reels are much easier to use.