CHECKLISTS: GETTING UNDERWAY

Annapolis, MD

I should have named this post "Checklist of Things Learned the Hard Way," which seems to be the way we learn everything. This dog-eared list, usually taped beside the companionway, has served us well as a reminder of everything that needs to be done before moving the boat. It has grown over our three years of living aboard and obviously needs a rewrite.

Here it is in a more organized format.

ENGINE

• Check oil
• Look at Racor clarity
• Check fuel level
• Look around in engine compartment to make sure nothing's amiss
• Check raw water filter
• Make sure engine intake seacock is open
• Check engine coolant level
• Turn on engine battery
• Check transmission -- before pulling out, engage both forward and reverse
• Monitor packing gland (once underway)

BELOW

• Close hatches (definitely learned the hard way with boarding waves in the Tongue of the Ocean)
• Double-check hatches (see above)
• Lock drawers
• Stow
• Turn on VHF to 16
• Turn on electronics switch
• Toilet bowl dry
• Check battery charge
• Stow companionway boards (unless leaving them in place)

COCKPIT

• Binoculars at hand
• Handheld VHF in place and on 16
• Covers off helm electronics and stowed
• Covers off dodger
• Life jackets in place
• Make sure plug is out of dinghy
• Check dinghy securing
• Charts in place as needed
• Route pulled up on GPS
• Gates closed and locked

AT ANCHOR

• Turn on windlass power
• Check chain in locker/pull back to make room as needed

AT DOCK

• Turn off AC main and unplug from shore power
• Stow shore power cord.
• Stow water hose if out
• Discuss undocking plan

SAILING

• Remove main sail cover
• Unlock jib
• Untie boom (secured to keep from moving)
• Remove forward dorade horn (gets caught in staysail lines)
• Attach main halyard
• Sailing gloves 

OFFSHORE

• Offshore jackets on
• Tethers in place
• Heavy duty stowing
• Check that cockpit lockers, gear clear of autohelm and life raft accessible
• Pray ;-)