Getting on the water Checklist...

[Greg Meyer]

A post over on Walleye Central got me to thinking... (that happens twice a year, I think) MoFish put together an awesome "puttin' it away list...



We need a gettin it out list...



Motor.. (I'll leave this one to a more knowledgeable member)

Charge and Test Batteries..

Test Accessories..

Test Electronics..

Test Trialer Brakes..

Test Trailer lights..

Test Boat Running Lights..

I Replace the plug (and the two spares, as needed)..

Inspect and replace bungees that I use..

Might replace the trailer bunks if I know they need it..

Check Tires and Spare..

 

[James D.]

might add



check winch stap/transom straps

check wheel bearing grease

check fire extinguisher/safety equipment



jd

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

Now where did I put those darn KEYS!!!!



TOXIC

 

[Mike L.]

MOFish put this one out about a year ago.........



TRIP CHECKLIST



PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST



Item: ACTION:



Weather report CHECKED

Tie-down/Safety straps ATTACHED

Transom Saver ATTACHED

Motor DOWN AND SNUG

Lug nuts TIGHT (90 ft lbs.)

Unnecessary personal gear REMOVED

Needed personal gear* (see list) STOWED

Storage compartments LOCKED

Trolling motor STOWED

Throttle FORWARD GEAR

Propeller VERIFY LOCKED

Trailer tongue and lock EXTENDED

Coupler ENGAGED AND LOCKED

Dolly wheel RAISED AND LOCKED

Wiring harness CONNECTED

Safety chains ATTACHED

Lights & signals WORKING

Oil Reservoir FILLED

Travel cover ATTACHED

Trailer & Truck tire pressures CHECKED

Hubs FILLED

Gas Tank FILLED





PRE-LAUNCH CHECK: (Do these away from the ramp)

Boat Plug INSTALLED AND TIGHT

Depth Finder ATTACHED

Trailer Wiring Harness DISCONNECTED

Tie-down straps DISCONNECTED

Transom Saver REMOVED AND STOWED

Fuel Cap VERIFY CLOSED

Fuel Bulb (if equipped) PRIMED

Fuel Hoses & Connections VERIFY NO LEAKS

Motor SHAKE, VERIFY TIGHT

Steering Linkages TIGHT

Steering Controls FREE AND CORRECT

Cables & Linkages VISUALLY INSPECT

Bilges VISUALLY INSPECT

Propeller FREE AND NO DAMAGE

Storage Compartments UNLOCKED

Personal Gear STOWED AND SECURE





LAUNCHING: (on the ramp at water's edge)

Bow safety strap UNHOOKED

Winch ratchet ENGAGED

Throttle IDLE/NEUTRAL

Motor TRIM DOWN IN WATER

Water Intakes VERIFY COVERED

Ignition TO

 

[Greg Meyer]

I'm looking for a how/what to do after it's been stored for the winter... A post winterization list...



But there are some good components in Mo's every time out checklist

 

[Anotherdink Scott Chambers]

opps sorry officer I forgot my fishing license was to busy checking my boat list lol

 

[Mark Hofman]

I don't really put my boat into long-term storage (winterizing), but I do have the following list of things I do with the boat once it gets warm enough to wear shorts and sandals outside:



SPRING CHECKLIST



TRAILER:

Take the boat/trailer off blocks

Check pressures and inflate tires as necessary

Reconnect tie-downs & straps

Test running lights, brake lights and turn signals

Wash trailer

Lubricate bearings and spindles (repack or refill bearings)

Clean and lubricate coupler mechanism

Clean and lubricate tongue pivot & pin

Clean and lubricate winch

Apply electrical grease to plugs and connectors

Spray the safety chains with WD-40

Extend and inspect winch strap for wear/replace if necessary

Touch up paint chips, rust spots

Apply rust inhibitor to corners

Apply auto wax to trailer frame and fenders



BOAT:

Clean out storage bins (spiders & webs)

Inspect interior, cables and wires for animal damage

Wash and vacuum carpet

Wash and wax hull

Leave the lids open to air out the boat and dry wet carpeting

Oil locks and hinges

Lubricate steering/throttle cables

Lubricate ignition module

Clean windshields

Apply protectorant to seats/consoles

Lubricate seat & pedestal posts

Reinstall charged batteries

Apply rust inhibitor to terminals

Clean livewell (lemon juice does wonders) and rinse

Re-stow personal and emergency gear

Verify power to all electrical lights and devices, including the trolling motor

Inspect and replace drain plugs if worn

Verify fire extinguisher charge per its manual



MOTOR:

Attach water muffs and start the hose

Start the outboard and run at idle to clear out fogging oil

Pull the kill switch lanyard to test functionality

Replace fuel filter (if not done pre-storage)

Inspect or Replace spark plugs (if not done pre-storage)

Inspect lines, belts, cables

Inspect or Replace 20 amp fuses

Lubricate cables and connections

Inspect manual starter rope

Spray corrosion protectorant on power head

Remove prop & lubricate shaft (if not done pre-storage)

Replace lower unit oil (if not done pre-storage)

Replace prop, nut & washer

Inspect or Replace sacrificial annodes

Lubricate mount & trim unit

Add or replace Power Trim Fluid

Raise motor onto transom saver

Touch up paint surfaces on motor and cowl

Wash & wax exterior surfaces



OTHER:

Verify that the license and registration is current

Have required or needed dealer maintenance/repair performed

 

[Scott Hammer TOXIC]

KEYS, KEYS, KEYS. And a spare set on the boat!!



TOXIC

 

[Greg Meyer]

Tox,



As sson as we get in thr truck I give a spare set of keys to teh boat and the truck to my partner... Then I threaten his life if he loses that set... Then there is a spare set of keys in the boat... Been there and done that.. never again

 

[Mark Hofman]

Under my NEW BOATERS CHECKLIST in the Grab Bag, I added:



DEPARTURE: Do you have . . . .?



A current weather report?

Maps/GPS?

Boat Keys and Registration?

Spare Set of Boat Keys?

Spare Set of Vehicle Keys?

Spare Boat Plug?

Insurance Information?

Operating Manuals?

Warranty Card(s)?



Did you leave . . . .?



A float plan with family or friends?

Emergency contact information?

On good terms with your spouse, children?

 

[Texas Transplant]

Some of you are in serious need of help!



Since I'm not a 'list person', these just blew my mind. While I certainly go through a mental checklist, I cannot imagine me operating at this level of detail.



However, if this 'floats your boat'! Pun intended.



Tex

 

[Bob G.]

I also do the "mental list" thing. The only exception is when I store it for the winter. I disconnect the boat buckles, loosen the winch strap and disconnect the hose to the water pressure gauge THEN I tie-wrap a plastic container lid to the steering wheel with those items listed in permanent marker. Seven months is a long time to remember stuff!!



If I did everything on the lists above, I wouldn't have time to fish!



Bob G.

 

[James D.]

ice for the cooler or the coffee thermos depending on the weather.



don't ya hate it when you forget the ice?

jd

 

[Greg Meyer]

Hey Mo...



Do I have to wait ubtil I am on good terms with my wife BEFORE I go fishing... I do want to fish in this lifetime..

 

[Mark Hofman]

Maybe not your wife, but for sure you want to be on good terms with your kids.



I wonder if the Columbia astronauts left on good terms with their families. It would be a shame if they didn't. I know the widow of a local firefighter who was killed in the line of duty. He left home the morning after they argued, and didn't make it at the end of the day.