SAILING

Checklist for a Longer Sailboat Voyage to the Bahamas

On July 17, 2025
By Kimberly

Students in my Craft of Sail class at WoodenBoat School wanted copies of my checklist for a longer sailing trip. This checklist for a longer sailboat voyage to the Bahamas is one I developed for a friend. Their crew was headed to the Bahamas for Regatta Time in Abaco. Feel free to add suggestions in the comments, as the more we share; the more we learn.

🔍 Bahama Bound Checklist

1. Hull & Structure

Hull integrity (above & below w/l)
Hull exterior (gelcoat, paint, cracks, delamination)
Deck integrity (soft spots, leaks)
Transom condition
Keel, rudder, skeg (play, damage, corrosion)
Bulkheads and stringers (structural soundness)
Thru-hull fittings and seacocks (corrosion, operability)
Evidence of osmosis or blistering
Handrails, stanchions, cleats, and lifelines (secure, no corrosion)

2. Propulsion System

Engine(s) general condition (rust, leaks, mounts, operation)
Hours logged
Recent oil change, next at 150 hrs
Belt tension
Transmission and shaft alignment
Propeller(s) and strut(s) (damage, wear)
Fuel system (lines, filters, tanks)
Fuel shutoff
Exhaust system (leaks, condition)
Cooling system (hoses, water flow)
Engine controls, cockpit gauges
Spare oil, coolant, belts, impeller
Manual lift pump

3. Electrical System

AC/DC wiring
Breaker panel and fuses
Generator and inverter
Batteries (mounting, age, fluid levels, condition, installation)
Battery switches and fuses
Wiring (corrosion, size, neatness)
AC shore power cord, system (cords, breakers, GFCIs) adaptors
Inverter/charger operation
Navigation and cabin lights
Grounding/bonding system

4. Plumbing & Bilge

Freshwater tanks and lines (leaks, pump function)
Marine heads, holding tanks, macerator
Gray water systems
Bilge pumps (automatic/manual, float switch)
Water heater (operation, leaks)
Through hulls operational

5. Safety Equipment

Life jackets (quantity, condition)
Fire extinguishers, fire port
Emergency flares (expiration dates)
Horn and sound signals
EPIRB or PLB (registration, test)
First aid kit
Binoculars
Navigation rules and charts onboard
Fire suppression systems (engine compartment)
Emergency tiller and operation
Emergency bilge pump and operation
Type IV throwable, Lifesling, horseshoe
Liferaft, ditch bag

6. Navigation & Electronics

Compass (functionality, deviation)
GPS/chartplotter
Radar (if installed)
Depth sounder/fish finder
VHF radios (including DSC), AIS
Autopilot, MOB
Instrument displays (speed, wind, depth, etc.)
Running, steaming anchor lights
Speed indicator

7. Sails & Rigging

Mast, boom, and spreaders (corrosion, alignment)
Standing rigging (shrouds, stays, chainplates, tangs)
Running rigging (lines, halyards, sheets, blocks)
Winches, hardware, cleats
Sails (condition, stitching, UV damage, storage)
Reefing system
Docklines, heaving line
Fender board, fenders

8. Interior & Accommodation

Cabin structure, fittings, bulkheads
Windows, hatches, and seals
Galley equipment, fridge
Stove, fiddles, gimbal, solenoid
Basin (tanks and salt pumps)
Upholstery and bunks
Mold/mildew evidence
Heating or air conditioning (if fitted)
Towing insurance paperwork
Crew medical sealed letters
Co2 / smoke alarms

9. Haul-Out / Bottom Inspection

Hull condition above and below the waterline (blisters, cracks, paint)
Rudder and skeg
Shaft and cutlass bearing
Propeller(s)
Anodes/zincs (wear level)
Thru-hulls and intakes
Transducers

10. Documentation

HIN (Hull Identification Number)
Registration and/or title documents
Insurance papers
Maintenance records/logbook
Compliance decals or certificates
American flag, Bahamian, Quarantine
Crew passport/proof of citizenship >6 mo.
Crew sealed medical records in chart table
Customs clearance form, cruising permit, immigration cards for ea pax
$20 pp over three for departure fees
Firearm serial, manufacturer, ammo count
U.S. Customs user fee rfid decal to reenter

11. Anchor System

Anchor and secondary anchor
Condition of rode and chain
Windlass, operational
Deployment, retrieval, jettison plan
Bridle, boat hook

12. Dinghy

Condition
Painter, seat, pump, repair kit, light
Outboard, condition, operation
Extra shear pin, kill switch
Anchor, chain, line (use at stern also)
Fuel, fuel line, measure for mixing, oil
Deployment, retrieval, jettison

Emergency Contacts
– Royal Bahamas Police Force Emergency: 919
– US Coast Guard (Miami): 305-415-6683 or 786-367-7649
– Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association (BASRA): 242-325-8864

Helpful Links

– Pleasure Vessel Clearance: https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/visitor-info/marine-vessel-declarations-cruising-permits/
– Barometer Bob Abaco current forecast: https://barometerbob.org/

Bahamas VHF Guide

– Hailing channel: 16
– Avoid chatter on 22, 70, 72, 77, and 80 – these are working channels for police, fire, and rescue
– Taxis monitor channel 6
– Marinas, flights, transportation: https://regattasintheabacos.com/logistics

I Don’t Go Anywhere Without:

Stream2Sea Reef Safe SPF 20 or 30 mineral, regular or tinted sunscreen, mask defog, shampoo, conditioner, rash guards and more reef-safe supplies. Use my code “DeepWH” for 10% off. Yes, using boating and camping shampoo and conditioner protects our waterways and runoff.
Mustang Survival pfd’s and foul weather gear for military specifications equipment.
Harvest Hosts for the wineries, breweries, alpaca farms, honey apiaries, camping on the fly!
Crisis Medicine Tactical Casualty Care Course knowledge so we can help ourselves.
MyMedic Individual Bleeding Control Kits. We take ours everywhere.
North American Rescue CAT tourniquets.
Travelex is our trip insurer – click for a free quote.
Girls That Scuba – members discount card for all things diving.
RoadId for $5 off your cycling/running/kayaking/travel/sailing id. Sailors are now wearing them!
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