I asked this question a while back. Thought I would share.<br /><br /><br />BEFORE YOU LAUNCH:<br />· Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary.<br />· Replace deteriorated zincs.<br />· Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft - if it's loose, the cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.<br />· Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn't been bent.<br />· Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.<br />· Make sure your engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion and properly secured.<br />· Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, be sure to check these as well as through-hulls for leaks.<br />· Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.<br />· If equipped, ensure that stern drain plug is installed.<br /><br />OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES:<br />· Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds), and replace if suspect.<br />· Check power steering and power trim oil levels. Replace worn-out zincs.<br />· Inspect outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable has to be replaced.<br />· Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.<br /><br />ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS:<br />· Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Clamps should be snug and free of rust. Clean fuel filters.<br />· Inspect cooling hoses and fittings for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and are double-clamped.<br />· Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.<br />· Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables. Wire-brush battery terminals and fill cells with distilled water.<br />· Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.<br /><br />TRAILERS:<br />· Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure. Don't forget the spare!<br />· Inspect bearings and repack as necessary.<br />· Test tail and back-up lights. Test winch to make sure it's working properly.<br />· Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration.<br /><br />MISCELLANEOUS:<br />· Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.<br />· Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make sure it's working properly.<br />· Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.<br />· Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.<br />· Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up-to-date. Don't forget your trailer tags.<br />· Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.<br />· Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids and pets.<br /><br />Happy Boating! 