Good checklist

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wipe_out

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Hi,

Anyone have a good pre-launch checklist they would be willing to share.. So far I have..

Pre-launch checklist
1 Switch battery selector to “All”.
2 Switch on blower (allow 4-5min before starting engine).
3 Open engine hatch and check
-No oil in the bottom of the bilge area.
-No excessive amounts of water in bilge area.
-Check engine oil level.
-Check hoses.
-Check belts.
4 Make sure outdrive is in down position.
5 Check throttle is in neutral position.
6 Start engine and allow it to warm up.
7 When warm check
-Temperature
-Oil pressure
-Fuel gauge
-Volt meter
 
Since I quite often (assuming we get a summer) pop down for a couple of hours' sail after work, it's important that the boat be as easy as possible to get ready and pack up again. So here's my "list" (not that I wrote it down), at least for the old boat:

  • Remove and stow washboards
  • Sail covers off
  • Start engine
  • Turn on "Instruments" and "Radio" switches
  • Check exhaust water flow
  • Rig bowsprit
  • Hoist burgee to the masthead and forum flag to the crosstrees
  • Cast off permanent mooring lines, and depart


Pete
 
Secure/stow anything that's going to go flying round the cabin if you don't.
Untie the rope that secures the tiller whilst the boat is parked.
Retie fenders with quick release knot to make them easier/quicker to remove & stow.
Untie all the bits of rope there to stop frapping.
Remove/stow shore power lead.
 
Don't forget...
Passage plan
Charts for the area out
Start ships log
Radio check
Notify marina if you'll be away overnight
Only remove/stowe shore power lead once kettle boiled and had first cup of tea.
Enough provisions.
Use the heads before you put on all the waterproof gear. (Make sure sufficient toilet roll on board!)
Check everyone on board.
Nav lights, compass light if during hours of darkness.
Booked berth at destination if approriate.
Winch handles out in cockpit.
Turn gas on at gas bottle.
Hatches/Portlights closed, secure but unlocked
 
Last edited:
wipe_out said:
Hi,

Anyone have a good pre-launch checklist they would be willing to share.. So far I have..

Pre-launch checklist
1 Switch battery selector to “All”.
2 Switch on blower (allow 4-5min before starting engine).
3 Open engine hatch and check
-No oil in the bottom of the bilge area.
-No excessive amounts of water in bilge area.
-Check engine oil level.
-Check hoses.
-Check belts.
4 Make sure outdrive is in down position.
5 Check throttle is in neutral position.
6 Start engine and allow it to warm up.
7 When warm check
-Temperature
-Oil pressure
-Fuel gauge
-Volt meter
Click to expand...
Why set batteries to 'all'?
This is a far from complete list and so are the others I've seen so far on this thread.
 
prv said:
Since I quite often (assuming we get a summer) pop down for a couple of hours' sail after work, it's important that the boat be as easy as possible to get ready and pack up again. So here's my "list" (not that I wrote it down), at least for the old boat:
Click to expand...

What, no ensign?

Every boat needs/has its own requirements and part of being prepared is thinking it through and making your own list. You did say it was a pre-launch list - start of season or trailer sailor? If the former, then you really want to check through everything and most cannot run the engine until afloat. Actually, you will do more checking after lauching, as any leaks and faults will show up then!

Rob.
 
My checklist is quite a long one when joining the boat but includes checking/clearing the raw water filter, and a turn on the sterngland greaser.
The reverse list has added items namely turning off batteries, checking the bilge, greaser 1 turn, and most importantly, to remember to take the car/boat keys ,.................and rubbish/litter to the club bins.
The last job aboard is to walk around the deck to check all lines are OK as I have friends that join me for a daysail who may not be familiar with my mooring routines.

Also I check the seacocks to the loo have been turned off and the selector to its 'dry' position.

(Don't forget the red ensign( or Blue!) and the club burgee!


ianat182
 
wipe_out said:
Hi,

Anyone have a good pre-launch checklist they would be willing to share.. So far I have..

Pre-launch checklist
1 Switch battery selector to “All”.
2 Switch on blower (allow 4-5min before starting engine).
3 Open engine hatch and check
-No oil in the bottom of the bilge area.
-No excessive amounts of water in bilge area.
-Check engine oil level.
-Check hoses.
-Check belts.
4 Make sure outdrive is in down position.
5 Check throttle is in neutral position.
6 Start engine and allow it to warm up.
7 When warm check
-Temperature
-Oil pressure
-Fuel gauge
-Volt meter
Click to expand...

That's a great start and presume you're on a MOBO?

I'd add the following to your list:

  1. check kill cord operation if you have one.
  2. Check nav gear operation and VHF radio
  3. give other systems a check over, lights, horn if not checked for a while etc
  4. ensure shorpower is disconnected
  5. get your life jackets on
  6. give the bilge pump switches a little test if not checked for a while
  7. give any boating newbie guests a safety brief if you have them on board
  8. have a look around the boat externally for any issues
  9. give the windlass a quick blip if you have one
  10. check for crud in the raw water filter(s) if you have them
  11. check for any obstructions in and around any moving parts - props, belts etc
  12. give the gears a quick blip forward and aft before untying
  13. get set to have FUN :)

there'll be more from others no doubt but this is what I do in addition to your list and I've probably missed a few too e.g. it's a given to check passage plan stuff (sea state, bolt holes if needbe etc etc) but presume you're only asking about startup checks on the boat itself

cheers Gary
 
Last edited:
rob2 said:
What, no ensign?
Click to expand...

The ensign halyard goes to the peak of the mizzen gaff. So it goes up and down with the sail, rather than being part of arrival or departure. I do have another one that can be hoisted to the mizzen masthead if it's necessary to fly an ensign when the mizzen is stowed, but I only bother with that in French waters.

Pete
 
This is my list I have aboard includes leaving boat list.

CHECK LIST BEFORE SETTING OUT

Check following sea cocks open

Engine inlet
Toilet inlet
Toilet outlet
Shower drain
Heads basin drain
Galley basin drain

Step ensign and secure

Remove sail covers and stow

Ensure all hatches and windows closed

Switch on batteries

Check bilge’s

Switch on gas

Check and switch on fuel

Check engine oil and top up if necessary

Check heat exchanger water level and top up if necessary

Remove instrument covers

All instruments on and working inc VHF

If NAV lights required on and working

Fresh water container full

Top up water tanks and fuel if necessary

Connect main halyard and tighten

Ensure winch handles available

If using Autohelm available and ready

MOB equipment deployed

Binoculars available
















Check list before leaving boat


Check following sea cocks Shut

Engine inlet
Toilet inlet
Toilet outlet
Shower drain
Heads basin drain
Galley basin drain

Unstep ensign and secure

Replace sail covers

Ensure all hatches and windows closed

Switch off batteries

Check bilge’s

Switch off gas

Check and switch off fuel


Replace instrument covers

All instruments off

Fresh water container emptied

Disconnect main halyard

Stow winch handles

Main locker locked

Main hatch locked

Ensure all car and boat keys available

Collect gash

All loose gear stowed below
 
Do you have crew? List for all the (essential) things a crew should know before setting off - where stuff is, what to do in case of, etc, etc.

You'd be surprised what you assume a crew can do and be shocked by how little of it is true...


Also concur with above - one list for departure, another for closing down the boat
 
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