Boating Checklist

[TMoNeE]

As I read through the horror boat launching stories, I notice a lot of people mention that they have a checklist as they prepare to launch. Does anyone have a link to a printable checklist? I searched and have found plenty that have the safety gear, but im more interested in the actual launch process (ie: plugs are in, straps undone, etc)

Tonight will be my first launch in my recently purchased new to me 91 Sanger DX, I want it to go as smooth as possible.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Boating Checklist

This one works, there are many more to choose from if you google "boat launch check list"

Good Luck I am sure you will do fine, just take your time and don't let the hecklers bother you

http://www.trophyfishing.com/pdf/towing-guide7.pdf

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Boating Checklist

Your best bet is to walk around the boat several times and make your own list. When you do your final walkaround, not only look at the items on your list but touch each thing as well. Touch the bilge plug, touch the tiedown connections, touch the outdrive or outboard to make sure it's up, touch the winch to make sure it's locked before backing, etc.

"Helpers", no matter how well intentioned, can be a distraction and cause you to miss something important. And allways remember that no matter how many people you have helping you, it's your boat and your responsibility to check everything.

And remember that it's not just getting the boat into the water, it's also being ready to tie up, moving out of the way and to the end of the dock, starting the engine, loading gear and people. Not that it's so complicated but it's best to think ahead. It can get pretty confusing the first few times and you'll get better with experience.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Boating Checklist

I agree with making your own check list because every boat is not the same, but the guy needs to have something to work with in the beginning so that he knows what he should be looking for.

http://www.cgapj.org/safety.html

 

[rbh]

Re: Boating Checklist

Go to search here and type in check list, there has to be 50+ of them.

 

[TMoNeE]

Re: Boating Checklist

Go to search here and type in check list, there has to be 50+ of them.

I did that but people always just refer to checklists, couldnt really find any printable ones

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Boating Checklist

i have a day trip checklist and a weekend one...im trying to find them for you. Its somewhere in between 3 pc's.....

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Boating Checklist

Study that checklist religiously once you've come up with one that fits your boat. Don't just expect to whip it out while you launch. When I first started my checklist was literally my toilet reading. I read it over and over until it became permanently engrained in my head. You're not going to be able to follow a checklist at the ramp, it's just too hectic and you'll likely miss something. Memorize it, envision it, watch other boaters when you get there, and then execute it. You'll do just fine.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boating Checklist

Touch the bilge plug, touch the tiedown connections, touch the outdrive or outboard to make sure it's up, touch the winch to make sure it's locked before backing, etc.

Also, keep your checklist as simple as possible. Make your steps fewer, but more important.

I used to do the one above also with the winch, then I realized that I don't care about the winch, its meant for pulling the boat on and shouldn't ever be counted on to hold it anyway so why check it at this point. The safety chain is for that. So now my checklist evolved from checking the winch to visually checking (and double checking) to ensure the safety chain is on instead. (previously I had both in my mental checklist, check winch and safety chain)

(safety chain doesn't come off until the back of the boat is touching water)

 

[JZammetti]

Re: Boating Checklist

I made my own in NotePad from reading and getting pointers from my boat's previous owner. I had it laminated and I store it with my "Boat Box". Even tho I've had my boat 2 seasons I still follow my checklist. I think you will need to devise your own method and custom create your checklist. Good luck and enjoy the first cruise.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Boating Checklist

Here is my personal checklist. It assumes that I am launching solo and I pretty much go to the same place every time.

Hope this helps, but like said earlier you need to make your own based on your boat and where you launch. I have this in an excel spreadsheet if you are interested in using it as a starting point send me an e-mail address and I can send it to you as an attachment:

Before Leaving The House
1. Start boat on muffs
2. Put plug in boat.
3. Get water shoes and towel.
4. Get a drink to drink on boat
5. Make sure outdrive in trailer position
5. Make sure winch strap is tight
6, Check rear tie down straps & ladder
7. Make sure engine cover platform is snapped down

At the water in prep area before backing down ramp
1. Remove rear tie downs
2. Make sure plug is in.
3. Put fenders on boat
4. Put docking lines on boat
5. Put anything you want in boat
6. Put Cell Phone and Bill Fold in boat

After backing down the ramp
1. Tie boat to winch post
2. Remove safety chain and winching strap
3. Either push boat off trailer or float it off
4. Get in the boat
5. Lower the outdrive
6. Start the boat
7. Untie boat from winch post
8. Either tie up to the dock or back out and tie at courtesy dock.
9. Get the truck and trailer off the ramp
10. Remove fenders and docking lines


When coming in after being out on boat
1. Put out fenders and docking lines
2. Dock at courtesy dock or best place available
3. Get truck and trailer and back down ramp
4. Pull enough winch line out that you can grab
5. Go get back in the boat
6. Make sure poll hook is ready
7. Line boat up and pull onto trailer
8. When far enough on trailer grab winch hook
9. If you can reach it winch in as tight as possible
10. Trim up, engine off, Trim to trailer position
11. Get out of boat and winch all the way up
12. Put safety chain on bow hook
13. Put truck in 4Lo and pull up ramp and out of area
14. Put on stern tie downs
15. Get stuff from boat and into truck
16. Wipe down boat
17. Take the plug out
18. Make sure engine cover platform is snapped down

Could not figure out how to attach the spreadsheet to the thread.

 

[TMoNeE]

Re: Boating Checklist

I like that one Jim, thank you.. only thing ill add to it is to turn the blower on since I have an inboard.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Boating Checklist

Actually some of the items, the most important ones, are in BOLD, but that did not come over when I copied and pasted it. Part of me starting the boat at home and when coming off the trailer is turning the blower on. I might add it to the list.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Boating Checklist

I think some of Jims items are good, but that checklist is a little silly. "Get in the boat?" You need a checklist to tell you to board your own vessel? I guess after staring at your boat tied to the dock for an hour or so you should consult your checklist to see what the next step is....oh yea, get in the boat! "Start the boat?" I guess if you find yourself trolling out across the lake and didn't use your checklist, that's your fault! Hey, its on there, START THE DAMN BOAT! LOL

"Get truck and trailer and back down the ramp"? I guess after sitting on the dock for a few hours cracking out the old checklist could help you remember to get your truck!

I'm just picking at you. Checklists should be of items that will be easily overlooked, not "duh" stuff that anyone could figure out on their own. That's not a checklist, that's almost a chapter out of the book, "Boating for dummies."

 

[JimKW]

Re: Boating Checklist

Hey dude I deleted the one that said "11. Now go out on the boat and have some fun" right after "10. Remove fenders and docking lines".

That's why I said the real important ones that you don't want to forget and might forget are in Bold. The rest are done somewhat tounge in cheek.

I showed it to a guy at work who is not into boating at all and he said boating looks like too much work. And when you show it to your wife she thinks wow he really does have to do so much more than me to go out on the boat.