Checklists for Boat

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Hi all
as a new Vista 248 Owner it struck me that coming from a NON boating world , I had lots of new things to learn
I am a fully qualified aircraft instrument rated Pilot , and thought how handy it would be to create checklists, exactly as we have on aircraft , so things are not forgotten

has anyone done these before for our particular vessels?
I think they would be VERY handy indeed for new users , until it became familiar .
Even when it IS familiar on aircraft , we still always use checklists so nothing is missed
I came home tonight after my first day in the marina after never even leaving the dock and immediately thought DID I turn the battery master to off?

would this be a good idea? Im happy to use my new learning curve to create some checklists

After Boarding
Pre start
After start

etc etc

thoughts?

Vintage Beauty · **Posted:** Wed Mar 23, 2016 2:34 pm

Checklists are a good idea. Personally I don't have a written list, but I do have an established routine of checks when launching, starting, anchoring, etc.
Here's a couple links to other topics on the board that have covered a lot of this information already.
http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13086&hilit=checklist&start=0
http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13233&hilit=checklist

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Thanks for the links!
how wonderful he is also an aviator...shows we must have these thing ingrained into us !

Very useful !

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

I notice no starting /closing down stuff in there though , which is very useful for us noobs....
batteries , blower (for how long) , when to shore power disconnect etc etc

may seem obvious to some , but not necessarily !
For example, when I leave the boat tonight is it batteries OFF , shore power on and Charger/refrigerator switch ON....

I will have a think and maybe amend what great work has already been done :-)

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

A checklist is a good idea. My brain tends to drift(pun intended) and I forget what I am doing if I see a shiny boat go by....

Sounds like you are in a slip so there are less things to think of. Trailering there are many things that need to be remembered, especially the plug. hee hee

Also, if you plug into city water, never leave that on when you leave the boat.... I always turn everything off except the fridge when I leave.
110v(except fridge) and 12v and water off. Double check all windows and hatches are closed and all the enclosure is zipped up. Double check all dock lines and fenders.

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

What about sea Cocks ? close on leaving?
They dont exactly make them easy to get to do they for the Head sea water inlet for example?

any advice?

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Thu Mar 24, 2016 4:43 pm

Bill, I'd recommend getting a copy of the owner's manual for your boat from the Four Winns website. Also, do a Google search for Boating checklists. There are several checklists for pre-launch, maintenance, winterizing, safe boating, etc. It might be worthwhile review these resources and customize a checklist of your own. The other checklists and manual could give you general information and some boat specific info, but putting your personal touch on a checklist may help make sure you have the resources you want.

Otherwise, a guy could use the pilot's trusty old "GUMPS" check.
1. Gas- Make sure you have plenty.
2. Undercarriage - leave the trailer at the boat ramp parking lot or at home. Forgetting this substantially compromises the boat's speed and fuel economy on the water.
3. Mixture - Very important for 2 stroke engines, and even more important for adult cocktails. If you forget anything else, having the right mixture will provide at least temporary satisfaction.
4. Props - Verify these are installed and in good condition. No sea bed excavating authorized.

Sorry, I couldn't pass that one up :twisted:

Best wishes on a happy and safe boating season.

Gary

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Haha thanks Gary. As a pilot I appreciate that
I do have the manual In printed form , which is useful , and the checklist idea is one I have already mentioned in a separate post - use them every time for flying.
There are the odd things that only owners would know...the sea cock one being a good example
If they are meant to be closed, why make them really difficult to get to !

Appreciate it and hope you have a great season too!

txvista · **Posted:** Wed Mar 30, 2016 12:51 pm

wakevortex wrote:

What about sea Cocks ? close on leaving?
They dont exactly make them easy to get to do they for the Head sea water inlet for example?

any advice?

I don't close mine when I leave the marina. But once a month or so, I open and close them to make sure they don't get locked up.

Obie · **Posted:** Wed Apr 06, 2016 3:27 pm

I have a check list for the trailer before it hits the road, the boat for a day trip, and a daily checklist when we use an over night slip. Some people look at me when they see the clipboard but I have had more people complement me on being prepared. A few wives have seem me getting ready to leave the dock and tell their husbands "I bet he doesn't forget stuff". I like heading out for a long day on the water knowing that everything that should be done has been done. Check the bilge, run blower, sniff for gas vapors, turn on fridge, turn on GPS, turn on VHF and check for VHF getting GPS coordinates, open cabin ports, etc. This process also prevents me from being distracted once underway by messing with stuff instead of watching where I am going.

wakevortex · **Joined:** Wed Dec 09, 2015 2:23 am **Posts:** 161

Obie ..a year chance of sharing those checklists? They Sound ideal , and others can always modify for their particular circumstances ..would particularly like to see the daily ones
Thanks

www.iFourWinns.com

Checklists for Boat

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