BOATING TIPS -- FEBRUARY 1993
Pre-Season Checklist

Recently, I had occasion to see a local charter company's "Checklist" for boats getting ready for the boating season. I got permission to reprint it. Although it is oriented to Diesel powerboats, I thought we could all benefit by it!

"Discrepancies must be noted at the end of the checklist."

"I. HULL"

[ ] Vessel hauled out within past eight months, bottom cleaned, and antifouling paint in adequate condition to protect hull until October 1 of the current year.

[ ] Zincs renewed no earlier than January 1 of current year.

[ ] Hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. repaired.

[ ] Rub Rails inspected and found in good condition

[ ] Swim Step and Trim Tabs inspected and in good condition

"II. DECK AND DECK FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT"

[ ] Stanchions tight and in good condition

[ ] Teak trim, if any, cleaned and oiled or varnished

[ ] Mooring hardware, lines, fenders secure, complete, good condition

[ ] Davit systems complete, lubricated as necessary, in good condition

[ ] Windlass lubricated, test, in good condition

[ ] Anchor(s) checked, okay, painted and de-rusted if necessary

[ ] Anchor line or chain marked at least every fifty feet, markings noted in vessel manual

[ ] Navigation lights tested, in good order

[ ] Horn and bell working

[ ] Flares and rockets expiration date later than November of current year

[ ] Life Jackets on board at least for number of berths plus two persons, dry, neatly stowed

[ ] Life Rings, cushions, on hand per Coast Guard requirements.

[ ] Fire extinguishers in place, charged

"III. ALL THRU-HULLS"

[ ] All double clamped if possible

[ ] All hoses in good condition, not soft but firm

[ ] All through-hull valves operable, smooth, left in "open" position

"IV. ALL SCUPPERS & DECK DRAINS"

[ ] All drains clear

[ ] All hoses intact

"V. ALL BILGE PUMPS"

[ ] Each pump operative

[ ] Each float switch working properly and tested

"VI. ENGINE(S)"

[ ] Oil & filters changed, at least one oil-change-worth on board

[ ] Air and fuel filters checked

[ ] Engine zincs changed within current operating period

[ ] Cooling system coolant checked, changed as necessary

[ ] Engine maintenance recorded in log, especially date & hours of last oil changes

"VII. GENERATOR (if so equipped)"

[ ] Oil & filter changed, at least one oil-change-worth on board

[ ] Air and fuel filters checked

[ ] Engine zincs changed within current operating period

[ ] Cooling system coolant checked, changed as necessary

[ ] Generator run for an hour, under near-full load for one-half-hour, to be sure properly operational

[ ] Engine maintenance recorded in log, especially date & hours of last oil changes

"VIII. HEAD SYSTEM"

[ ] All heads checked for smooth operation, lubricated or cleaned as necessary

[ ] If equipped with treatment system, treatment chemical for season on hand

[ ] Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured

"IX. WATER SYSTEM"

[ ] Water tank flushed

[ ] Water system and pump checked for leaks, proper operation

[ ] Hot water tank working on both AC and engines

[ ] Tank cap keys on board

"X. SHOWERS"

[ ] Shower sump pump screens clean

"XI. GALLEY"

[ ] Propane tank full, electric & manual valve working, storage box vent clear

[ ] Refrigerator clean and fresh, operating on AC and DC

[ ] Stove clean, all burners and oven working

[ ] Microwave, if fitted, working

"XII"". HEATING SYSTEM"

[ ] All heaters working as designed, if so fitted

"XIII. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM"

[ ] All batteries watered, voltmeters test OK

[ ] Shore power charger working OK

[ ] Battery Cable Terminals free of corrosion

[ ] Spare fuses on hand

[ ] Shore Power cables and adapters in good condition, labeled with vessel name

[ ] Shore power meters working properly

[ ] All lighting fixtures, both AC and DC, working properly, spare bulbs on hand

"XIV. DINGHY"

[ ] If inflatable, fully inflated, no leaks

[ ] Fitted with proper bow line ("painter")

[ ] At least type IV PFD's available for dinghy

[ ] Davit(s) tested, OK, tight

[ ] Outboard clean, new lube in lower case, tested, OK

"XV. ELECTRONICS"

[ ] FCC Marine Station License valid throughout year

[ ] Call letters posted at each transmitter

[ ] Each radio, radar, depth sounder, Loran, GPS, etc., tested, working OK

"XVI. OTHER"

[ ] All canvas in good condition, no missing snaps, bungee cords still stretchy

[ ] Bimini top frame and any other frames tight, no screws missing

[ ] Instrument lights, compass lights working correctly

[ ] Door and hatch locks working OK, lubricated if necessary

"XVII. INSPECTION"

[ ] United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Inspection completed, decal on vessel

If you have any time left for boating after this thorough list (I'm only joking), have a great season!

All rights reserved. For permission to copy, contact Joe Coons.