Pre cruise check list

[baz]

When we first got our R-25 back in late 2009 Andrew & Capt. Mac went over all the things to check for before we left the dock for a cruise. I recall being overwhelmed by it all and concluded I would surely forget something even with my note taking.

Since then I've got quite accustomed to perform the pre-checks and think very little about it these days... but still feel that maybe I'm might miss some important item to check. I do recall one time when going out for a short spin on my own that as I was starting to slowly pull out of my slip and looking out the helm window to gauge my clearance with the dock I saw to my horror that I had forgotten to disconnect the shore power cord. :roll: Not a problem as I quickly reversed and sorted the problem without any incident. However, this leads me to think it's just too easy to forget something that isn't as obvious as not disconnecting the shore power cord.

I used to have a hard copy check list that I carefully ticked off as I went about getting ready to leave the dock. These days I now leave all of that to memory, and so far, so good.

Having read the many postings in this forum about things that should be checked periodically and the dangers resulting from not checking them gives me pause... That is, if I were to add many of these things to my check list I quite possibly would be dock-bound. 😉

Yes, there are things that should/must be checked before getting underway and other things that can be ignored but checked now and then as periodic maintenance.

Here's my short list of must-check items before leaving the dock. Can others add to this if they have additional must-do check items.

Below not in any priority order... and is simply pulled from my memory at this time which is typical of what I check.

1. Through hull engine raw water valve open.
2. Start engine; observe water strainer for bubbles and obvious water flow and check wet exhaust for expelling water.
3. Turn off shore power pedestal breaker and stow the shore power cord if required for long multi-day cruise, otherwise leave coiled on dock.
4. Check fuel level, fresh water level (We use fresh water for the head) and waste tank level.
5. Trim tabs fully retracted.
6. Put on my PFD.
7. Ensure Chan 16 set on VHF radio.
8. Check Fire Extinguisher charge levels.
9. Place emergency ditch bag in cockpit.
10. Ensure cabin door securely latched open.
11. Check Chart Plotter, Auto Pilot and Yanmar displays for proper operation.
12. Have Nav and helm windows open.
13. Cabin over head hatches closed/secured (personal choice).
14. Windshield wipers work?
15. Wheel/rudder at midship position.
16. Quick look to ensure loose items stored and/or secured from falling.
17. Portable VHF radio clipped to my belt and is operational.
18. Check that bilge pump breakers are off (light off) and all other breakers in correct position.
19. Usually the last thing I check... turn on thrusters and check them by using a quick push on toggle switches.
20. Ensure 1st Mate's iPad is communicating with Cellular network -- for her use and mine if we needed backup Nav aids.
21. Announce all is well and we're ready to go...

At this point I'm ready to caste off.

 

[RProffer]

1. The number one thing would be to ensure someone has your float plan. I always email my float plan to both my daughters. My daughters are the points-of-contact on my radio's distress button.
2. How about ensuring the mast and antenna's are up and flags are displayed.
3. How about stowing all lines and hoses. Kinda hard to leave the dock if you're still tied to it.

 

[Zundels]

We also turn off our fuel line so when turn on the hull raw water we also do the fuel line.
We turn on three power breakers (cabin, engine and aux/) to start the engine and turn off the aux after the engine starts.
Also like to check the engine oil before starting the engine and do a visual look in the engine and bilge area for any fluid leaks.
After a recent issue with a serpentine belt tensioner failure we also check for the generator to be charging the batteries after the city power is turned off and engine has started.
For back up, also confirm the kicker is secure and the kicker fuel tank, hoses and oars are aboard.

Don

 

[baz]

Rick:

Yes, I always post our "float plan" in an Email to our children and immediate house neighbor, as well as 1st Mate's sisters in the UK as they always want to know of our exploits. I also give my marina the same info mainly because they provide 'loan a slip' while the boat is out which can save a few dollars on the monthly marina invoice. We have many day fisherman at our location and they love to be able to leave their boats in the water for fast early morning runs before the boat lift opens.

How do you setup the "points-of-contact" for the radio distress button ? If you're referring to the red button, then I do have all the boat's info configured in the VHF radio for the Coast Guard to have if ever we are in distress.

My VHF antenna is never folded down as our covered slip has plenty of clearance -- a good point though... thanks.

Yep... I do ensure all dock lines when released from the dock's cleats are secured onboard so they cannot dislodge overboard and trail in the water toward the running gear.

=============================

Don:

Yes, checking the oil is important and I must remember to do that... I do sometimes, but not always.

 

[baz]

As an aside....[OT]

Checking gas activated PFD's for proper operation could also be on the list I suppose. 😱

How often should one replace the gas cylinder in the PFD jacket ? If I recall, this should be replaced periodically. What do others do for this I wonder ?

Just as one should always test their computer data backup facility to ensure data can actually be restored, one needs to have the confidence the PFD will operate when needed... how do others check their PFD's operation for when it's needed ?

I have 4 WM PFD's that have the integrated gas cylinder and manual inflation red tug handle. Two for men and two for women. Typically, I'm always wearing one and 1st Mate's is always near to her. The other two hang on a hook in V-berth entrance. I'm always nervous that my young grandchildren will see the hanging red tug handles and pull on it or accidentally grab it when wanting to 'hold on'.

 

[RProffer]

Baz, I received my MMSI number from BoatUS. During that process, it asked for primary and alternate emergency contacts ashore. I gave my daughter's names and phone numbers. If you obtained your MMSI number from BoatUS, you can review/edit the info here http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/.

As far as the CO2 life jackets go (we called them float coats in the Navy). We wore them everyday working on the flight deck. We were required to manually inflate them (blow them up by mouth) every 30 days and let them stay inflated 24 hours. If they remained inflated, then they passed. If not, then we changed the bladder. You could pop the CO2 cartridge if you want, but they are pretty expensive and could be hard to find. As long as the cartridge has not been punctured, it is probably okay. The proper way to check the cartridge would be to weigh it. You would have to have a scale that displays grams, and you would need to know the weight of a cartridge full and empty. I think if you blew them up by mouth in the spring and again 2-3 months later you would be okay. Our float coats in the Navy saw some pretty rough service working on airplanes etc, 12 to 18 hours a day, everyday.

 

[baz]

Rick:

That's excellent info and advice for the 'float coats'. It's reassuring about the CO2 cartridge being AOK... and yes they are expensive to replace. When we bought them I kind of thought it was similar to the ink jet printers always requiring new cartridges as a revenue stream for the vendor. 😉

I will do the 'blow up' task every 3 or so months as a sanity check for their proper operation when needed.... Thanks.

I did obtain MMSI from BoatUS I believe so will check what I entered and record that for myself on my iPhone and computer for safe keeping.

[EDIT] I checked BoatUS and that was a good thing to do as my address, telephone numbers had changed and so had one of the Primary contacts... so that was a good prompt you gave me. 🙂