Sailing Checklist - Boat Checkout

This page is intended to serve as an actual checklist to be used when reviewing the boat prior to departing for the charter. All of the items listed here are certainly not required for a successful charter, rather items that are frequently present are listed. The process of checking out the boat is the best opportunity that the chartering captain has to learn all he can about the operation of the boat. A bit more time spent checking the boat over prior to departure will undoubtedly save a lot of time later.
The importance of doing a complete check out cannot be emphasized enough. The chartering skipper must ensure himself that the boat has every peice of equipment that may be needed on the trip, and that each peice works properly. Particular attention should be paid to systems that absolutely must work for your trip to be a success. A copy of this page, printed and used as an actual checklist may prove very helpful in going over all of the details

Ships Papers
- U.S. Coast Guard Documentation
- State License
- Tax Decal
- Ownership Papers
- FCC Station License
- Oil Disposal Placard
- Waste Dumping Placard
- Owners' Manual
Equipment
1. Fixed Rigging
  - Permanent Backstay
  - Chain plate
  - Forestay
  - Mast
  - Shrouds
  - Spreaders
2. Running Rigging
  - Adjustable Backstay
  - Cunningham/Downhaul
  - Outhaul
  - Reefing Lines
  - Boom Vang/Tensioner
  - Boom Preventer
  - Dock Lines
  - Fenders
  - Masthead Fly
  - Tell Tails
  - Foresail
  - Foresail halyard
  - Furling line
  - Jib sheet
  - Jib lead
  - Main sheet
  - Main halyard
  - Mainsail
  - Roller Furler
  - Topping Lift
  - Traveler
  - Wenches and Handles
3. Ground Tackle
  - Anchors
  - Windless
  - Anchor Rode
4. Electrical
  - 110 volt System Check
  - Air Conditioner
  - Batteries
  - Battery isolation switch
  - Bilge Pumps
  - Circuit breakers/fuses
  - CNG Switch
  - Fans
  - Generator
  - Heaters
  - Lighter
  - Lights
  - MSD Pump
  - Shore Power Cables
  - Water Pump
5. Electronics
  - AM/FM Radio - Tape Player
  - Auto Pilot
  - Depth Sounder
  - EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon)
  - GPS
  - Log
  - Loran
  - Radar
  - Radio (Restricted radio operators license)
  - Weather Instruments
6. Engine
  - Alarm
  - Alternator
  - Belts
  - Exhaust (Cooling Water Outlet)
  - Fuel Consumption
  - Fuel Filters
  - Fuel Air Bleeds
  - Kill Switch
  - Oil Level
  - Oil Pressure
  - Shaft Log
  - Tachometer (RPM - Max and Cruising)
  - Transmission (Shift Operation)
  - Transmission Oil Level
  - Water Level
  - Water Temperature
  - Water Thru Hull Fitting for Engine Cooling
  - Water Filter
7. Supplies
  - Diesel
  - Gasoline
  - MSD Chemicals
  - Oil, Two Cycle
  - Oil, Diesel Engine
  - Propane/Compressed Natural Gas
  - Transmission Fluid
  - Water
8. Galley Ware
  - Bowls
  - Can Opener
  - Coffee Maker
  - Cooking Utensils
  - Cups
  - Flatware
  - Glasses
  - Ice Pick
  - Plates
  - Pots
  - Skillet
9. Safety Equipment
  - Bell
  - Fire Extinguishes
  - Flares
  - Harness and Life Line
  - Horn
  - Life Jackets
  - Light With Independent Battery
  - Mechanical Bilge Pump
  - Throw able Life Ring or Sling
10. Linens
  - Dish Towels
  - Pillow Cases
  - Sheets
  - Towels
  - Wash Cloths
11. Miscellaneous
  - Bailing Bucket
  - Boat Hook
  - Cockpit Cushions
  - Flag
  - Mask, Fins and Snorkel
  - Mechanical Bilge Pump
Dingy
- Bailer
- Engine
- Gasoline Tank
- Oar or paddle
- Painters
- Emergency Kit (Sparkplug, wrench, shear pin)
MSD
- Chemicals Added
- Leaks
- Operation
- Tanks Empty
Refrigeration
- Hours of Operation per Day
- Location of Switch
- Technique to remove water
Potable Water System
- Capacity
- Hot Water Heater
- Leaks
- Mechanical Pump
- Number of Tanks
- Order of Use
- Tanks Full
Tools
- Adjustable Wrench
- Cable Cutters
- Electrical Tape
- Pliers
- Screwdriver Set
- Voltmeter
Hull Check
1. Gelcoat
  - Gloss
  - Cracks (Stress)
  - Scratches
  - Blemishes
  - Blisters
2. Keel
  - Signs of Having Been Aground
  - Stress at the Root
  - Surface Damage
3. Propeller/Shaft
  - Nicks
  - Trueness
  - Propeller Bolts Secure
  - Folding Propeller Folds Freely
4. Rudder
  - Tightness
  - Damage
  - Steering Linkage (Gears, Pulleys, Cables)
  - Emergency Tiller - Location and Operation
5. Thru Hull Fittings (Electrolysis)
6. Stantions
7. Cockpit Drain

The information presented in this sailing checklist is that which has been collected over years of boating experience. The information presented here, including the medical information, is not intended as professional advice; rather, it is a starting point for your own thinking and organization.
Copyright © 1996, Chuck and Chris Hanson

Created: 12/24/95
Last Updated: 2/25/98