Topnotch marine

Basic Boating Checklist

basic boating

• TRAILERING 

• Connect coupler to ball – BE SURE LATCH IS UNDER BALL not on top of it and LATCH IS LOCKED & BOLTED SECURELY.

• Connect safety chains and cross below ball.

• Connect wiring for lights.

•  If your trailer has brakes – be sure to connect safety cable to vehicle.

• Crank up tongue jack.

• Check winch is tight and locked.

• Check tire pressure and condition.

• Check trailer lights before each trip.

• Check tie down straps.

• FUELING

• Shut engine off prior to fueling.

• Remove all passengers from boat.

• Do not smoke!

• Turn off electronics.

• Be certain you are putting fuel in fuel tank, not water tank or rod holder!

• Always fuel a new boat slowly.

• LAUNCHING

• PRIOR TO LAUNCH

• Always check for favorable weather prior to boating.

• Check that DRAIN PLUG IS INSTALLED in bottom of boat.

• Leave trailer completely connected to car prior to backing down boat ramp.

• Disconnect trailer lights.

• Remove any trailer to boat tie downs.

• Verify ample safety equipment is aboard.

• WHEN LAUNCHING

• Choose “Leeward” side of ramp. (side where wind is blowing away from dock)

• Tie bow and stern lines to boat for handler.

• Back trailer down ramp until stern of boat begins to float.

• Put vehicle in PARK and engage PARK BRAKE.

• Walk on dock to boat – be careful, ramps and docks can be slippery.

• Small Boats – Release winch from inside boat. Be CAREFUL of handle spinning out of control!

• Float boat off trailer and tie to dock.

• Large boats – Have handler release winch and guide boat as you float boat off trailer.

• Slowly drive vehicle forward and park. LOCK vehicle and trailer coupler to prevent theft.

• STARTING ENGINE

• Large Boats – Open sea cocks, except overboard waste, close sea cocks if leaving boat unattended.

• Visually inspect engine and bilge for leaks, loose items, etc.

• Close engine/bilge hatch and run blower for 5 minutes prior to starting.

• Lower engine or out drive.

• Two stroke owners check oil in tank.

• Verify safety lanyard in proper position

• Check that shifter is in neutral and throttle in correct position.

• Start engine. (see owner’s manual)

• Check for oil pressure, volts and engine temperature.

• UNDERWAY

• Keep a copy of sales agreement on board until vessel registrations are completed.

• Children under 6 years of age must wear a USCG approve PFD while underway in vessels under 26 feet.

• 3 miles offshore or at the edge of the gulf stream, children 13 and under must wear a USCG approve PFD on all recreational vessels unless except when below deck.

• Anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG approved PFD.

• Once underway, tidy up loose lines and gear.

• Operate in shallow water with drive tilted up.

• When water depth in unknown proceed slowly and with caution.

• Observe all speed and rule signs.

•  Inform crew of speed and direction changes prior to making them.

• Always look behind and to the sides prior to direction or speed changes.

• The person at the helm is responsible for all passengers and wake made by the vessel.

• Stow safety equipment in an easily accessible location.

• Use Navigation Lights 30 minutes before sunset and after sunrise.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

•  On the Indian River, Red Squares are on the mainland side, Green Squares are on the ocean side and all markers are numbered.

• Stay to the right of the channel when underway – never anchor in a channel.

• Sailboats have the right of way while under sail only.

• Always check the weather and leave a float plan behind.

• RETRIEVING BOAT

• Tie bow and stern lines for handler – Hang fenders if necessary.

• Have handler stand on dock and steady boat.

• Back trailer down ramp slowly – roll vehicle window down so you can hear instructions.

• Submerge the trailer completely.

• Float or drive boat on trailer.

• Attach winch strap and tighten until boat touches winch stop / roller.

• SLOWLY but steadily pull boat up the ramp stopping only if boat is not on trailer properly.

• Continue to parking area so ramp area stays clear.

• Remove boat drain plug.

• Stow gear, cushions, tables etc. so they CAN NOT FLY OUT of boat while trailering.

• FOLD DOWN & SECURE BIMINI TOP if trailering speed exceeds 30 MPH.

• Install trailer to boat tie downs.

• CLEANING BOAT AND TRAILER

• Flush engine per owner’s manual instructions.

• Remove electronics if not inside cabin.

• Remove personal items, food and gear.

• Stowe any gear remaining on boat.

• Wash down boat, motor and trailer with biodegradable boat soap and fresh water. 

• Allow to air dry before covering boat.

• Treat vinyl with dressing to promote long life.

• Store under cover – be sure air circulates underneath.

• SUGGESTED BASIC EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR BOAT

• Appropriate safety gear – PFD’s, flares, horn, fire extinguisher, EPIRB etc.

• VHF Radio and CELL phone

• Inexpensive Binoculars

• Charts and maps

• Boat hook

• Fenders (2 to 4)

• Extra lines (dock and anchor)

• Extra hull plug.

• Extra set of keys.

• Spare tire and bearing set for trailer.

• Engine oil

• Tool Kit

• Flash light

• Duct tape

• Boat brush

• Trailer coupler lock

• Boat cover

• Sun screen

• SPARE PARTS LIST

• Alternator Belt (pre-installed)

• Spark plugs

• Engine oil

• Gear lube

• Water pump kit (if vacationing)

• Spare prop and hardware

• Spare drain plug

• Spare tire for trailer

• Bearing / hub set