The loss of the propeller from a boat near Karewa Island and a broken rudder on a 12m launch near Matakana Island accounted for the calls attended on Monday by Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard.

The Sunday jobs were 'straightforward tows” says Tauranga volunteer Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker.

Coastguard volunteers also assisted three boats on Sunday that were unable to restart their engines.

'They were just minor mechanical breakdowns,” says Simon.

'It's pretty good really. There were a lot of boats out and only five have broken down. I think the message is getting through.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Harbour Master Carl Magazinovic says boatie attitudes to safe boating messages also appear to be improving.

Attitudes at the ramp day on Saturday were an improvement on last year, says Carl.

'Last year there were people who didn't want us turning up, this year they were saying, ‘It's really good that you are doing this'.

'A lot of people were pleased to see we were doing it. The attitude appears to be improving.”

On Saturday, harbour masters, volunteers from the coastguard and harbour wardens and police attended three city boat ramps ensuring those setting out had lifejackets and other safety gear.