The Complete Sailboat Checklist for a Safe Sailing and Great Cruising Experience - Before setting sail, check boat thoroughly to ensure a safe sailing experience. Have a printed checklist on board for easy compliance.
The Complete Sailboat Checklist for a Safe Sailing and Great Cruising Experience
New York (USA), September 02, 2017
Before setting sail, check boat thoroughly to ensure a safe sailing experience. Have a printed checklist on board for easy compliance.
Sailing Boat Checklist
(I) Few Days Prior to Setting Sail
– Connect and coordinate crew
– Check all lifelines and jack lines
– Check all turnbuckles
– Check rigging
– Check emergency steering system and special tools
– Check if inflatable life jackets and life rafts are in sufficient number and are well serviced
(II) Boat Checklist
– Check water tank levels and record in logbook
– Check food supplies like Muesli or oat/wheat based cereals, high carb foods, milk, beverages, fruit juices, pasta, biscuits, potatoes, vegetables, breads and crispbreads, sprouts, tinned fish, cheese, eggs, noodles, sugar, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, crackers, biscuits, sweet snacks, and others.
– Check torches and spare batteries
– Check radios
(III) Engine Checklist
– Check fuel tank levels and note in ship log
– Check engine oil levels and belts on main and genset
– Check Gearbox oil level
– Check battery levels
– Open engine raw-water seacock
– Start Engine and check cooling water flow and heat exchangers
– Check hoses for leaks
– Check extractor fans
(IV) Hull Checklist
– Check for manual bilge pump handles
– Check if propeller/s turn freely without any lines on the water in the surrounding area
– Check if all seacocks are closed and whether there are any wood plugs nearby
– Check if halyards are secure
– Check all helm, steering, and rudder movements
– Check propane tank and all fittings
– Check if anchor is secure and ready
– Check compass light and all navigation lights
– Check all possible rust or weak points on deck like those around gunwales, bases of stanchions and loops holding guardrails
– Climb mast and check fittings at the masthead, if need be spray plasticote
(V) Safety Checklist
– Check if freshwater pump is working
– Test all EPIRBs and PLBs to ensure all lights come on
– Tie jack lines to check webbing. If webbing is frayed, replace it.
– Check if lifejackets and grab bags are easily accessible
– Check fire extinguishers, emergency steering, and associated tools
– Have a fully equipped first-aid kit
– Conduct a safety briefing with crew and make sure every crewmember is conversant with all safety regulations.
(VI) Spares Locker
– Check spare navigation light globes, cabin light globes, and compass globe
– Check spare fuel filters
– Check spare water pump impellers
– Check spare steel clamps, hoses of different sizes, belts, and fuses
(VII) Final Checks
– All entries to Logbook
– If all passengers and crew members are on board
– Battery voltages and confirm if all batteries are fully charged
Guide to Sailing and Ocean Cruising in a Medium Sized Yacht
The Complete Reference Guide to Sailing and Ocean Cruising in a Medium Sized Yacht