Predeparture check list for boats
October 17th 2006 19:48
My predeparture check list is pretty well ensconsed in my brain by now. I only run down it mentaly but you may want to write yours down so you don't forget any of the steps.
1) Keys for the marina and dinghy shed
2) Fuel for the dinghy and the yacht
3) A weather report, I also carry a barometer and check the weather by VHF radio.
4) Food, snacks, ice, grog... most of this is permanently on board but what I need varies enough to check it.
5) Am I happy with my crew. If I have crew I am generally happy. Is my crew new to boats or an old hand, by now I know.
6) Tie the dinghy off on the stern if I am bringing it with me or on to the mooring if not. Ensure the oars are properly stowed.
7) As soon as I go below on the yacht I put in the battery isolation switch and turn it on. Turn on any other gear I may need, nav lights, radio etc.
8) Open the hatches and get some air in.
9) Stow all the gear. Check how the crew has stowed gear. If its going to be a bumpy ride I don't want things falling over.
10) here things will change. I put up my main and decide which headsail I will use, on a motor boat you will probably warm the engines.
11) Check in with the local rescue authority and tell them our plans for the day
12) Before doing much else I go over the positioning of the safety gear with the crew, how I expect them to move about the boat, and how the loo works. This is important as the crew then knows what is expected of them. Close any hatchs that might take water.
13) Sunscreen cream for every one. I carry a 1 litre bottle on board, then hats (which should be tied on)
14) another check that I have not forgotten anything, look at what the wind is doing and plan to depart my mooring. I sail off my moring and don't use the motor though it may be ticking over in case I need it. I sometimes do stuff up my departure.
15) the mooring is untied and bought up the port side if I am leaving on a port tack or starboard if I am leaving on a starboard tack. The mooring is walked right up to the stern then dropped as the boat turns side on to the wind. The main sail is trimmed for a broad reach and I depart. I suggest with a motor boat this could me similar. Looking for your mooring so you don't run over it can be a pain.
Perhaps the crew is standing by with the boat hook to fend off if need be but I don't seem to get ito bother at this stage.
16) Attach the headsail and haul it up.
17) Trim the sails and set my course.
18) At this stage I like to show my crew where we are heading and what the plan for the day will be.
19) Give the helm to the crew, give them an opportunity to feel what it is like to steer. They will love it or hate it. Either way they will know it is not easy and the helmsman has a real job to do.
20) If I am totaly happy with the way things are, I will request a coffee or a cold drink.
Now I can enjoy my day. have I forgotten anything important?
1) Keys for the marina and dinghy shed
2) Fuel for the dinghy and the yacht
3) A weather report, I also carry a barometer and check the weather by VHF radio.
4) Food, snacks, ice, grog... most of this is permanently on board but what I need varies enough to check it.
5) Am I happy with my crew. If I have crew I am generally happy. Is my crew new to boats or an old hand, by now I know.
7) As soon as I go below on the yacht I put in the battery isolation switch and turn it on. Turn on any other gear I may need, nav lights, radio etc.
8) Open the hatches and get some air in.
9) Stow all the gear. Check how the crew has stowed gear. If its going to be a bumpy ride I don't want things falling over.
10) here things will change. I put up my main and decide which headsail I will use, on a motor boat you will probably warm the engines.
11) Check in with the local rescue authority and tell them our plans for the day
12) Before doing much else I go over the positioning of the safety gear with the crew, how I expect them to move about the boat, and how the loo works. This is important as the crew then knows what is expected of them. Close any hatchs that might take water.
13) Sunscreen cream for every one. I carry a 1 litre bottle on board, then hats (which should be tied on)
14) another check that I have not forgotten anything, look at what the wind is doing and plan to depart my mooring. I sail off my moring and don't use the motor though it may be ticking over in case I need it. I sometimes do stuff up my departure.
Perhaps the crew is standing by with the boat hook to fend off if need be but I don't seem to get ito bother at this stage.
16) Attach the headsail and haul it up.
17) Trim the sails and set my course.
18) At this stage I like to show my crew where we are heading and what the plan for the day will be.
19) Give the helm to the crew, give them an opportunity to feel what it is like to steer. They will love it or hate it. Either way they will know it is not easy and the helmsman has a real job to do.
20) If I am totaly happy with the way things are, I will request a coffee or a cold drink.
Now I can enjoy my day. have I forgotten anything important?
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