Pre-departure checklist

[Subway Sailor]

I wanted to see if you guys were interested in sharing with me your thoughts on items checked before leaving port for a trip. What procedures do you do and what do you check for?

Ex.)

cotter pins
oil change
check lines for chafing
fuel
water
etc.....

[Maren]

Originally Posted by Subway Sailor

I wanted to see if you guys were interested in sharing with me your thoughts on items checked before leaving port for a trip. What procedures do you do and what do you check for?

Ex.)

cotter pins
oil change
check lines for chafing
fuel
water
etc.....

I think this depends a lot on weather the trip is costal, blue water or just local. A two hour out an back is a less than two week cruise down the ICW and lot less than a run to Bermuda. But going with a coastal cruise:

USCG required gear

Fuel
Water
Batteries - charged and electrolyte levels
Engine - No leaks in engine compartment, racor clean, fluids good, pencil zincs good.

Lights working (I go at night more than most)
Working Depth gauge
Maps

Food

Items that should be on the boat but I tend to cart around:
Handheld VHS
Handheld Compass
Binos

[gamayun]

It does depend on whether it's a day sail or something bigger. I check oil when I return to the dock and the engine is still warm. I check fuel level regularly so I always have a sense for how much there is and fill it when it's just below a half tank. I make sure there is fresh water, the holding tank has been pumped, and that I bring the power cord with me if I'm going away for the weekend. I always have plenty of fresh batteries for the GPS and make sure there is plenty of food. I scrub the bottom if it has been a while or just before a race. For things that can unscrew or work themselves loose, I like to wrap wire around as a backup. I check my nav lights if I know I'm going to be out after dark, but I have another, temporary set that I could install as a back up. I keep my tow insurance paid up

[Subway Sailor]

I mean for like a two week sail

[Subway Sailor]

Apart from what you want to have with you....is there a before you leave the dock checklist of procedures to have and to review...think of a flight pre take off checklist

[carstenb]

If it is a passage, check out this:

http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/BoatPreptips.pdf

You can adjust this for your trip