Your Pre-Sail Checklist for Auxiliary Sailing Vessels
A comprehensive pre-sail checklist can make you feel more confident and help you adhere to a set pre-sail routine. Here’s a quickie checklist for getting underway on an auxiliary engine sailboat.
I did publish a more in-depth Pre-Sail Checklist for Sailing, however, it has an explanation for each item. Once a sailor is familiar with the descriptions; all they really need is the list. So, here goes! Please comment below if there’s something crucial you would like to see included!
Forward
- Anchor windlass and locker
- Roller furling set to free (right)
Below
- Electrical panel settings
- Bilge visual and touch button
- Batteries
- Instruments
- Navigation lights if needed
- Radios, radio check Rescue-21 (see below for more info)
- PFD’s
- Signal flares
- Fire extinguishers
Engine
- Oil
- Cooling water
- Engine visual check
- Belts
- Hoses
- Fluid and debris
Cockpit
- Covers off companionway and helm
- Covers off gauges
- Wheel extended
- Cushions out
- Sound producing device in cup holder at helm
- Flag tied
- Boathook out
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Hat
- Winch handles
- Ignition key
- Throwable Type IV
- Stern check
- Power cables
- Fuel
- Warm up engine
- Check transmission
Departure
- Wind
- Wheel
- People
- Lines
- Traffic fore and aft, side to side
What to Read Next:
5 Things to Check Before Backing Your Boat Out of a Slip
Two Powerful Types Of Checklists You Must Use
How To Test A VHF Radio Using Rescue 21- Sea Tow System No Longer Available (Sea Tow’s Automated Radio Check System is no long available as of October 2, 2020. Previously, it was on VHF Channels 24 and 28 in over 130 locations.)
