Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

[ShawnQ]

Don't count out the obvious! I've been on boats since I was old enough to walk (probably before that), but this is my first. I plan to take the boat out for the first time in the next few days (once the wind lays down and it warms a little).<br /><br />I am mainly taking the boat out just to experience the engine problem first hand, so I can describe anything that I notice it doing. But, I'd like to get a feel for it as well.<br /><br />What should I do/check before I head out?<br /><br />1.hull plug (it's often overlooked, believe it or not)<br />2. enough fuel, proper mix ratio<br />3. life jackets<br />4. oar(s)<br />5. small toolset<br />6. rod/reel, tackle box <br /><br />Help me out here, what am I missing? What should I check before I even leave my house to head for the local lake?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn

 

[DJ]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Wheel bearings.<br /><br />Cell phone.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

did the wheel bearings the day I bought it (they were obviously done just prior to that, but oh well).<br /><br />Cell phone will be with me.<br /><br />What else?<br /><br />Shawn

 

[roscoe]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

You can read these from previous post.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001417 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=23;t=000162 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=23;t=000028 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=000413 <br /><br />Plug<br />keys<br />fuel<br />extra fuel<br />pfd's<br />registration<br />fishing license<br />plug<br />hat <br />sunglasses<br />trailer lights<br />safety chains<br />hitch closed<br />plug<br />paddles<br />rope for tie up<br />bow and stern line for launch and retrieve<br />anchor<br />spare key<br />plug<br />trailer backing practice<br />leave bow chain attached till trailer is in the water<br />landing net<br />cooler/ice for the big one<br />drinking water<br />bailing bucket/portable toilet and TP<br />fishin towel<br />and don't forget the plug<br />tie downs on when towing, removed for launch<br />cash for phone calls and launch fees<br />Leave windows open when launching and loading

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

wow, that pretty much covers it...I always forget to use the search function.<br />Sorry about that <br /><br />Thanks for the help though!<br />Shawn

 

[Troy_from _Oz]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

ShawnQ, <br />Also check your local boating regulations. Over here we have to have:<br /><br />-inshore or offshore flares (depends on where u go)<br />-Bucket or bailer (already mentioned)<br />-epirb (depends on where u go)<br /><br />regulations will be different in your area. maybe check your local government web site?? if you arent familiar with them.<br /><br />also check or take your marine chart if in unfamiliar waters. if you can - try to also check the weather report before you leave too.<br /><br />first aid kit wont go astray either (just in case).<br /><br />happy boating - Troy

 

[Troy_from _Oz]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

ShawnQ, <br /><br />Here's the link for the local Govt boating info in my area if you are interested.<br /><br /> http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/rec_boating/index.html <br /><br />The 'planing your trip' link gives a checklist of what to take and do before your trip.<br /><br /> http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/rec_boating/planning/plan_intro.html <br /><br />the safety equipment is a good one too.<br /> http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine/rec_boating/safety_equipment/intro.html <br /><br />cheers<br />Troy

 

[MGuckin]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Make sure your battery is fully charged.<br />Bring an anchor.<br />First time out, don't go alone. Preferrably with someone with some experience.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

MG was the first to emphasize it. In my opinion, and we all know how that one goes, an anchor is the second most important piece of equipment after the life vests. And with the anchor, include a shot of chain and enough line to handle the waters that you'll be in. Also, I don't know in what area where you'll be taking this boat out, but consider the water temperature and the effects of it, if for whatever reason, you have to go in. Several years ago on Long Island, some people took a ride in December. It was one of those rare days, sunny with no wind and the ocean was flat. They decided to take a ride out in the ocean and apparently the transom spit. I believe this was a wood boat, and they took on water and the boat sank. I don't know how far they were offshore, I don't think very far, but with water temperatures in the low 40's, it doesn't take long. With no one around, they didn't survive. <br />So take some precautions on your first trip of the season. Good luck and have fun.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Thanks for the list guys. I pretty much have everything mentioned already in the boat! All I need now is bait <br /><br />As for the water I'm going to head out on...it is a local reservoir that serves as a cooling lake for a plant. So, the water stays ~70* in the winter..maybe a little colder at most. Locals will recognize it, it's called Calaveras lake...usually very calm, and easy to navigate.<br /><br />Thanks again for the help!<br /><br />Shawn

 

[SCO]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Dont know if it was on the list, but in the winter, I also take an army down sleeping bag and a tent. 12v cellphone charger and tools to splice it to your battery system.

 

[93evinrude]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Spare fuses are a good idea.<br /><br />Fire extinquisher if req'd.<br /><br />Bow and stern lights if not already there.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Get yourself an El-Cheap-o rain suit (Walmart about $10) and keep it in the boat somewhere in a ziplock bag... I've used my rain suit more times than I wish to remember... <br /><br />Extra set of spark plugs... <br /><br /> And put your car/truck keys on a floating key chain...

 

[93evinrude]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Suntan lotion.A must for boating....

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

The very first thing we should all do before leaving home is to write up a "Float Plan" specifying where we will be, how many people, type of boat, where we will launch and a description of our tow vehicle, when we expect to be back, etc. In other words, anything that will make us easier to find if we don't come back. Leave it wwith the person who will start the search for you if you continue missing too long. Obviously, the bigger body of water, the more important this becomes.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Good Call Jack Shellac!...

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

BEER BEER BEER BEER <br />BEER BEER BEER BEER <br />BEER BEER BEER BEER <br />Just make sure you have a designated boater.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

A deckhand fitted in a thong uniform.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

ShawnQ<br />It would help to know if it is a inboard, I/O, or Outboard and also size. But without all that Here is a few thing.<br />Before you head to your lake. Check oil level if a four cycle. Start motor on muffs to insure it will start. While you have it started shift the gears and check the stearing. Check your volt meter so you know if alternator is working. Check the bildge blower and make sure it runs, and that input hose is hooked up and goes low in the bildge but not so low as to be covered in bildge water. Also check the output hose to make sure it hooked up. Test the bildge pump to insure it works. Check the horn, navigation lights, tilt and trim, Trim tabs. Ensure the Fire extinquishers are ok, Anchor and line on board, Flare gun, distress flag on board. First aid kit, tool box, spare parts, a flashlight, and Life jackets that fit. Make sure your boat hook and dock lines are on board also any tow line. You checked the trailer bearings but how about the brakes and lights?<br />I think some one mentioned the plug. <br />File a float plan with someone you trust. When you get to the lake and get launched turn on the bildge blower, open up the bildge and see if dry, go to bildge output and use nose to snell for fuel. If all ok start her up and enjoy the day.

 

[Paul Witt]

Re: Planning on taking my boat out for the first time, help me make a checklist

Sean, you must be headed out to Canyon Lake. How is the fishing out there lately. Beautiful lake. I lived in S.A. for about a year. Got the good old Texas divorce and headed back to N.C. <br />So if it were me.........I would include the ex-wife on a good boating day. That lake is real deep.