“Preflight” Checklist

[mlanger]

I’m coming to boating from the world of aviation where we have a preflight checklist to run through before each flight. It basically lists aircraft components that need to be checked over prior to climbing in and starting up.

I’m very interested in creating a similar checklist for my boat. I expect to do a lot of cruising, day after day, mostly along the great loop at first. I’d like a list of items I should be looking at and taking care of prior to departure every morning.

I already know a bunch of pretty obvious things I want to check: check the oil, check the bilge, secure loose items, etc.I’m going to be working on the list when I get the boat next week and head up to the Rendezvous.

What I’m wondering is whether there are any existing checklists like this that I can consult or modify to make a custom one for my boat.

 

[knotflying]

I'm also from a pilot background and have a checklist:

Launch Check List
Bilge plug inserted
Trailer wire disconnected from boat
Front & rear straps removed
Lines and fenders in place
Battery and inverter switches on
Sea cocks open
Mast erected if you desire now
Check engine & transmission oil
Thrusters on
Items loaded in boat
Vehicle in 4 wheel drive
Release winch tension
Disconnect winch cable if ramp angle permits
Back up

Pre-start List
Battery and inverter switches on
Sea cocks open
Check engine & transmission oil
Thrusters on
Turn on 12V electric panel breakers

Immediate After Start
Check for water coming from exhaust
Check for leaks at hoses at engine
Check engine gages for normal operation
Check for proper charging of batteries
Radios and devices turned on
Raise mast and antenna

Pre-Docking
Lines and fenders set
Boat hook ready for pushing
Thrusters on
Dingy needs deflating and storage?
Post Docking
Power cord connected
Water hooked up
Zinc in water
Lines set and secured
Shore power on and breakers on

Leaving Boat Extended Periods
Sea cocks closed
Power needs addressed
Doors locked items secured

Before Leaving Dock
Power cord disconnected
Zinc removed from water
Check engine & transmission oil
Sea cocks open
Start engine
Check for water coming from exhaust
Check gauges
Thrusters on
Lines untied
Boat hook ready for pushing
Secure Fenders when underway

Anchoring
Check Lewmar breaker is on
Anchor unsecured
Drop anchor, secure rode to cleat
Hose connected for wash on retrieval
Anchor light on at night

Mooring
Boat hook at bow
Mooring line at bow
Line chaffing protectors at bow
Wash-down hose at bow
Mooring light on at night

 

[SJI Sailor]

We have one in Google Sheets here (select File | Make a copy and then you can edit for yourself -- or download as XLS): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... p=drivesdk

It's intended to fit width of an 8.5" page and then I cut and laminate it.

FWIW when I find corrections while underway, I make them on the laminated copies with an extra fine Sharpie. Then occasionally update and print new versions.

 

[mlanger]

I'm also from a pilot background and have a checklist:

This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[mlanger]

We have one in Google Sheets here (select File | Make a copy and then you can edit for yourself -- or download as XLS): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... p=drivesdk

It's intended to fit width of an 8.5" page and then I cut and laminate it.

FWIW when I find corrections while underway, I make them on the laminated copies with an extra fine Sharpie. Then occasionally update and print new versions.

This is great, too. I downloaded a copy. Thanks so much. I plan on making my checklist into a laminated card format and will likely note updates and reprint exactly as you do.

Also, I LOVE the name of your boat!

 

[bobmastors]

I have been using iAuditor on an ipad for my boating checklists.
It works pretty well and is "free for small teams".

 

[FlyMeAway]

I have been using iAuditor on an ipad for my boating checklists.
It works pretty well and is "free for small teams".

Another +1 for iAuditor. We also have been meaning to put printed checklists on board.

One of my favorite things about iAuditor is that you can take pictures of broken stuff in the app, and create your maintenance "to do" list as you go. It's really a neat thing.