Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

[Guest]

I have been asked that question many a time and want to know if someone really took the time to make one up? So how about it ppl anyone acualy done it?:redface:

 

[ziggy]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

like this. from the new safety forum by LadyFish...
http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/content/general/check.htm

found under vessel check list..

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

The list Ziggy linked is good but it did not mention to have the engine compartment blower running for 2 minutes, electronics turned on such as sounder\finder\chartplotter, VHF radio and battery switch in correct selection if applicable.

If launching from a trailer; is the plug in and the boat detached from trailer.

I am sure I have missed some but those are what I would add.

 

[89mercruiser]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I usually fire up the blower as soon as i get to the launch. That way by the time i get the boat loaded and backed in it's been running for a good 4min.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I'll add this;

the outdrive is down

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

How about remembering the PLUG?

 

[convergent]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

... and removing the stern tie-down straps. You really look like an idiot backing in further and gunning your motor to try to get the boat off the trailer when its strapped down under water where you can't see it. Been there, done that! (and also did the no plug thing a few times too)

As for the list... I don't like having a written list. I think its much better to mentally keep track of things in a certain order. I read on here one time from another boater than when he removes the stern straps, he does not lay them down until he picks up the plug first... that's his mental trigger to make sure he doesn't go out without the plug. I've been slowly working out a rotation around the boat to go through things the same way every time. As I work my way around the boat there are certain logical things that get done as I come to them and once you get it locked in mentally, then you won't forget it.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I think a check list is different things to different people.

Like:
Lunch
Cooler
Sunscreen
Towels
Drinking water

Or:
Beer
Ice
Doritos
Zig Zags
Cell phone

Or:
Spare prop
ski rope
Knee board
folding chairs

The list in the link is super for a CG safety check list.

Using the list in the link as a minimum Must have, then you would need to form one particular to your plans for the trip also.

 

[Biged007]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

How about remembering the PLUG?

Amen brother ask me how I know

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

While a checklist is important in many instances, I don't think I'd bother with one for a boat unless I was going out of sight of land. Most items aren't of a life/death nature for the majority of boaters.

Leave the plug out? Probably not going to sink the boat and you'll know you did it soon enough.

Straps left on the boat? You'll find out quickly with that one as well, and as long as you don't swamp the back end of the boat trying to drag the truck/trailer with you, no harm no foul.

Blower not on? Probably won't kill you, after having towed the trailer at 60+mph. It might once you've parked for a while or refueled, but I doubt most people would ever look at a pre-start checklist every time.

On a side note: I do think a checklist before leaving the house is a good idea in order to make the outing go more smoothly. Things like making sure you have enough life vests aboard, sunblock, towels, all lights working, etc. We use the checklists religiously for aircraft, but there are a number of things that might kill you in an aircraft, boating (in most instances) don't harbor quite that same mortal consequence.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

Blower not on? Probably won't kill you, after having towed the trailer at 60+mph. It might once you've parked for a while or refueled, but I doubt most people would ever look at a pre-start checklist every time.

I trailer my boat with a full custom cover; both the gas fill and vents are under the cover. I sometimes refuel my boat on the way to the ramp, just 20 minutes before launch. In my case (and I guess many others) not running the blower probably CAN kill me.

 

[dude11]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

My list goes like this--ck the plug--ck the plug--and don't forget--ck the plug.

 

[hostage]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

Here is mine so far:

Pre-launch:

Remove Transom Straps
Install Plug!
Disconnect Chain
Attach Rope and Bumpers
Turn on Blower
Lower Unit Before Start

And After:

Raise Trailer Trim
Connect Chain and Winch
Remove Plug
Remove Rope and Bumpers
Connect Transom Straps

Keep it simpler and concise. I think I will print out a small double sided card and laminate it. I also think I will find a plug that I can attach to the key chain.

I also keep a waterproof box onboard that contains the following items in zipblock bags:

Tools: Needle Nose Pliers, multi-tool ratchet screwdriver, and pocket knife
Good Hand held two-way Radio
Whistle
Flares
Large Bottle of Sun Screen
LED flash light
Boat Info
Printed Charts

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

Leave the plug out? Probably not going to sink the boat and you'll know you did it soon enough.

Huh?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

Leave the plug out? Probably not going to sink the boat and you'll know you did it soon enough.

Huh?

You leave the plug out, and your bilge pump keeps kicking on so you investigate it. you see a bilge full of water and jump in the water and put the plug back in. Boat doesn't sink.

Most boats under 20' also have floatation foam which would keep the boat from sinking once you notice water coming out of the bilge. My point was that you simply aren't likely to lose your boat/create an emergency by leaving the plug out unless you do it and leave the boat unattended.

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

You leave the plug out, and your bilge pump keeps kicking on so you investigate it. you see a bilge full of water and jump in the water and put the plug back in. Boat doesn't sink....

For most cases I think you are right but I have personally assisted (USCG Aux) many boaters who have not notice the bilge running or their bilge did not work and they were up to the gunwales in water. Jumping out and screwing it in deep or cold water is dangerous. Sometimes they did get the plug in but the boat was still flooded.

PFDs are a must!

I have seen many a trailer floating while still strapped to the boat.

Lowering the out drive? Why would this be a pre-launch activity? I have seen out drives scrap on the ramp as the trailer bounces a little. There is no harm in starting the engine with it up, just needs to be in water.

 

[hostage]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I lower the unit after the boat is in the water, might be better calling it a "Launch checklist", instead of pre-launch.

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I have a basic check list similar to the one Ziggy posted,but customized for my needs, and one I draw up while preparing for an outing according to the activity fishing, tubing, day trip, over night etc.

I'm surprised that the list in the link didn't mention float plan.

 

[hostage]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I think that would be more for a long outing. I bet 95% of the people on the forum go out to cruise, ski, or fish for the day and come back in before dark. If you wanted to include points for every possible scenario, then the list would be endless.

 

[sasto]

Re: Actual pre-launch check list? Does it exist??

I would think a checklist made for yourself would work the best.....does for me anyway. 5 different boats, 5 different propulsion systems, 3 different ways of storing, 3 different ways of fishing.........leads for a different checklist on each. Great advice given by the others. Good luck on finding or making one that fits your needs.