Boat Pre-Cruise Preparation:
by Jim Healy

- Prepare a Float Plan; communicate plan to an independent, non-crew safety contact.
- Ensure that navigation charts are onboard and, optionally, cruising guides for entire range of the float plan.
- Prepare Chart Plotter waypoints and eRoutes, if desired.
- Assess, repair or replace as necessary:
- Water tank status; top off if necessary.
- Fuel stores; top off if necessary.
- Propane stores; top off if necessary.
- Holding tank status; pump out if necessary.
- Dock lines and fenders.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Stores of non-rechargeable batteries for self-contained devices; i.e., smoke and CO detectors, PLB (SPOT), GPS, portable VHF, cameras, flashlights, etc.
- Secure for sea: personal belongings, vessel equipment and stores:
- Galley.
- Engine room (including tools and spare parts).
- Forward and aft berths.
- Lockers, lazarette.
- Decks.
- Flybridge.
- Dinghy, dinghy motor, motor davit.
- Check systems for proper condition/operation:
- Bilge status; inspect packing gland and rudder stock for visible leaks.
- Bilge Pump: automatic and manual operation; “high bilge” alarm operation
- Condition and charge status of ship’s batteries.
- Charge status of rechargeable batteries; cell phones, computers, cameras, bluetooth GPS, etc.
- Navigation and anchor lights operational.
- Propulsion engine serpentine belt condition (NAPA 25-080530).
- Propulsion engine air filter (Duralite ECB08-5001, Fleet AH1136, NAPA 6634).
- Thruster system hydraulic pump drive belts (Gates #9530, NAPA #25-9530).
- Windlass, chain snubber, primary and backup ground tackle.
- Washdown system.
- Steering system.
- Generator operation.
- Throttle and gear shift controls.
- Magnetic Compass, fluxgate compass, radio(s) and instruments.
- Charge status of fire extinguishers.
- Serviceable PFDs available for all crew/personnel.
- Thru-hulls in “sea” mode.
- Hose connections, hose clamps; for leaks, tightness, corrosion.
- Hoses, for cracks, kinks, damage.
- Check all fluid levels:
- Check battery electrolyte, if appropriate.
- Check Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level of thruster hydraulic fluid reservoir; top off with Dexron III automotive ATF, if necessary.
- Check ATF level of marine gear weekly; top off with Dexron III automotive ATF, if necessary.
- Check oil level in propulsion engine.
- Check oil level in generator engine.
- Check coolant level and condition in propulsion and genset engines.
- Check for and correct leaks of fuel, engine oil, marine gear fluid, thruster fluid and/or engine coolant.
- Ensure that “Engine Room” light switch is “off” when engine room activity is completed.
By Jim Healy from his Blog Travels of the Monk 36 Trawler, Sanctuary
Disclaimer: Curtis Stokes and Associates does not necessarily agree or promote the content by the above author. This content is to be used only with the reader’s discretion.