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Old 17-03-2017, 07:15   #1
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First Launch

I just bought a Cal-27 and I'm getting it ready for my first launch in two weeks. The boat is 34 years old, so this is not it's first dance, but it will be my first experience with such a big boat.

The owners manual has a checklist for commissioning and I just wanted to run it by some more experienced hands to see if there's anything missing or incomplete:

PRE-LAUNCH CHECK LIST
1. All seacocks operational, closed, and tightened.
2. Accessory thru-hulls installed and tightened.
3. Diesel: Propeller in place; 2 nuts and cotter pin installed.
4. Zinc anodes installed on shaft.
5. Batteries secure, filled, and charged.
6. Rigging installed on spar; cotter pins spread and taped.
7. Masthead sheaves free to rotate; lubricated.
8. Mast lights working.
9. All required safety equipment on board.

Thanks

Jim
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Old 17-03-2017, 07:25   #2
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Re: First Launch

If you are doing pre launch checklists, you might want to add the Coast Guard Requirements such as PFD's, Fire Extinguishers, flares, sound producer/whistle/horn, etc
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Old 17-03-2017, 07:40   #3
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Re: First Launch

Don't forget the placards. Not sure if there's an exemption for boat types but check to see if you have or need the oil spill placard by the bilge pump switch and the garbage placard.
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Old 17-03-2017, 11:55   #4
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Re: First Launch

Hopfully obvious but the seacock for the seawater pump opened before cranking the motor.
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Old 17-03-2017, 12:00   #5
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Re: First Launch

If you are lifting with a lift, add stickers where the belts go. They will be good use in the fall.

I keep the engine seacock OPEN on launch (as it is hard to access on our boat).

I also test the engine while on dry.

b.
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Old 17-03-2017, 12:55   #6
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Re: First Launch

Make sure there are dock lines at your berth or on the boat. If the boat, make them ready to use before you are launched, if going to the berth, or before you enter the marina, if you are going for a sail first. You will also want fenders, if you lie alongside.

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Old 17-03-2017, 13:28   #7
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Re: First Launch

Diesel inboard? Has it been through it's own check list recently? Impellers, belts, filters, fuel, oil...

How about the bilge pump(s)?

Running rigging?
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Old 17-03-2017, 13:47   #8
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Re: First Launch

Check the sails i.e. spread them out on some clean surface and go over all the usual suspect spots. Also tape all the turnbuckle pins, etc. Same with spreader and rigging boots. If the mast is unstepped check all the lights etc. with a makeshift 12v supply with ground. Check the head to be fully operational. Make sure the original registration is on board and a copy is in your files.
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Old 17-03-2017, 14:48   #9
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Re: First Launch

Have your checklists, tools, & spares kit on hand. Ditto your first aid kit, & a diagram of the location of all of your through hulls. And have 2+ anchors onboard, ready for immediate use if needed, including siezing all shackles & tying of the rode's bitter end.
Ah, bino's, foulies, personal kit, & snacks are crucial too. As is... champagne
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Old 17-03-2017, 23:20   #10
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Re: First Launch

The check list calls for the seacocks to be closed and tightened. The only seacocks I can think of that required tightening were the Groco rubber plug seacocks. If I'm right, they are beyond their normal life expectancy now. Check them carefully. Consider replacing them while the boat is out of the water.
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Old 18-03-2017, 02:47   #11
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Re: First Launch

Bingo! hopcar! Well done.

Lovely, Uncivilized, good on the champagne.

A.
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Old 18-03-2017, 06:09   #12
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Re: First Launch

If you just bought the boat, then make sure you've done everything to the bottom and running gear that you can/need to before you splash. Hauling and blocking a boat is not cheap, and if you don't plan on doing it annually you'll want the bottom in as good shape as possible. What is the current condition of the bottom paint?

Relatedly, I saw a boat owner at a yard that I'm at the other day prepping his boat for bottom paint. The bottom was in rough shape and he was doing a really crappy and cursory job. In the afternoon he was putting the paint on and I noticed a broker's placard on the boat and while I knew the answer I asked him if he was the buyer or the seller. Moral of the story, if the boat has fresh paint on it from the previous owner you can be almost certain that it's covering up stuff he/she didn't want you to see.

If the mast is currently down, my list of things to do/check/replace would grow exponentially, as there is a ton of mast related maintenance that you want to before putting it back up.
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