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Checklist For
Operating A Boat
This
list is meant as a reference only, It is imperative that you have
taken a Marine Vessel Operators Course and fully read your vessels
owners and operators manual before you start boating.
Before Leaving Home
Check weather & tides
File Float Plan With Friends
Cell phone
FRS Walkie-Talkies
Handheld GPS
Handheld VHF Radio
Kids Toys
Ice Chest, Drinks & Food
Ladder for getting into boat
Rain Gear
Life jackets for everyone aboard
Polarized Sun Glasses
Boat keys
Sun Screen, Lip Balm
Picking Up Boat On Its Trailer
Check tires, hub grease
Check that tongue full seated on ball hitch, latch secured to
prevent “fly off”
Safety chains and brake release line fastened to frame
Tongue jack raised and secured
Lights connected & checked
Remove wheel chocks
Swim ladder in UP position
Store cover in truck
Lines tied off to prevent them from falling off during transport
Fueling
Shut off electrical equipment
Close cabin doors, portholes, hatch
Get everyone off boat
Begin fueling, keeping metal-on-metal contact between hose and
boat
Stop when fuel comes out side drain
Close cap
Open closed compartments
Turn on blower for four minutes
Sniff blower exhaust for gas fumes, only start engine when air is
clear
Mechanical Checklist
Sniff engine compartment for gasoline fumes
Check oil level
Check electrolyte level in batteries
Check power steering fluid
Check belts
Check hoses
Check trim/tilt fluid
Check propeller
Once started—check all gauges
Launching Preparation
Disconnect power to trailer lights
** Install bilge plug ***
Turn on battery using engine battery switch
Place bumpers
Ready lines
Raise Bimni top
Check fuel supply
Sniff for gas fumes. Run blower for 4 minutes.
Make sure all supplies, clothes, tools and charts are aboard
Put children in cabin
Install winch handle
Remove stern and bow ties
Once Boat Is Off Trailer
Remove winch handle
Lock trailer to truck with padlock
Hide tow vehicles electronics
Take cell phone aboard boat
Before Casting Off
Check wind and current direction, plan departure
Lower outdrive
Raise trim tabs
Use “throttle only” button to prime engine.
Start and warm engine
Review with passengers:
Location of life preservers
Location of emergency information
Fire extinguishers
Visual distress signals
First Aid Kit
Operation of marine radio-Emergencies on Channel 16
Complete boat’s log
Note location of other boats in the area before backing out
VHF radio on to channel 16
Ready music CDs/radio
Fasten
ignition kill switch lanyard to captain
Upon Returning
Organize equipment prior to docking
Place bumpers
Ready lines
Raise trim tabs
Check to make sure neutral gear works prior to docking
Dock, tie up
*** Raise outdrive ***
Retrieving Boat
Insure winch line is secure to bow
Remove bilge plug
Lower VHF antenna
Lower Bimni and secure for transport
Tie off lines so they won’t blow off during transport
Swim ladder in “up” position
Re-connect power to trailer lights.
Check trailer lights to make sure they are working
Remove winch handle
Check that anchor is secure
Install transom and bow tie-downs
Storing
Flush outdrive (do not use water at “full blast”)
Flush trailer brakes
Remove GPS
Remove handheld VHF
Close hatches
Lock door
Turn off batteries using boat’s battery switch
Install boat cover
Unhitching Trailer
Place wheel chocks
Disconnect lights
Disconnect safety chains
Lower tongue jack, raising tongue off ball hitch
Remove winch handle
Spray trailer hardware with silicone spray, Corrosion-X or WD-40
Lock hitch with padlock
NOTE: Propeller strikes are a real danger to every boater.
Use you boat's ignition kill switch lanyard, stay away
from the stern/swim ladder and don't "bow ride."
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