138Boating ChecklistE035D557-E42A-FBAF-83C8-3B068C1CDFD5Boat Checklist9261F10A-E160-8A99-C88F-603FCD7164B8Documents: review your license, registration, etc. This is best kept in a watertight bag or container.48C26AA1-C726-1CBC-C609-5A82991113A4Life Jackets: always check your Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) to ensure that they are in good condition and that there are enough for everyone. It is also important to ensure that each individual has the correct size PFD for their body weight. There should be no rips or missing parts. The PFDs should be in good condition.610F731E-2D36-985A-9525-7A545D712975Fire Extinguisher: ensure any fire extinguishers you have on board are fully charged and mounted in the proper place and are the correct class of extinguisher for your vessel.70B9D2BD-D1CA-63AC-D8B4-900B093DDA6EPlugs: make sure that any/all drain/stern plugs are in place tightly and that any rubber seals or gaskets are in good condition and haven\'t cracked or dried out over the storage season.CE6F12D3-2E23-69AC-6275-2AD75B2064E2Hoses and Clamps: have a look at all hoses and clamps and replace as necessary - a quick inspection is worthwhile, especially on larger motors.591BEF15-E21F-C8E2-3EF1-3473AE355656Propellers: always inspect your propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. Damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and can cause damage to your drive train. Make sure any connectors, such as cotter pins, are secure and grip the prop to see how loose it is. It is not uncommon to have to replace bearings when loose shafts are found.9D51030A-41F3-5F6C-31AE-B5B6FC6FADB3Inboards: examine the rudderstock to ensure it has not been bend or compromised in any way.1F64F804-277B-FD06-05DB-6278AC6D51E9Hulls: this may be an obvious one, however, hull examination is often overlooked. Look for blisters, distortions and cracks.F803F1E1-E1E6-AB50-F9CE-D935C4A368D9Water Intake Strainer: make sure your strainer is free from obstruction, is secure and is free from corrosion.0D78D53F-8CF4-7541-ABB7-7682B72BC25FLarge Inboards: check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness before and after you launch. Also ensure your through-hulls have no leaks.CCD225FC-E08C-293D-0EE3-5994D139545EOutboards and Outdrives: ensure with a visual inspection that your outdrive bellows are not cracked, dried or deteriorated. Pay careful attention to the folds and replace any that are questionable.4C656103-C3C0-DE7E-34F3-7213D9861E3AFluid Levels: check all of your fluid levels, from engine oil to power steering and power trim reservoirs. Also don\'t forget to replace any worn out zincs.C034BCB9-3EE4-0890-92E1-7D05AE1C6689Cables: a simple inspection of the outer jacket of your control cables will let you know if you have to take immediate action. Make sure there are no cracks or swells and look for corrosion. This is an area where you want to pay special attention, especially if you see signs of deterioration.836C7E77-FF1C-B99C-B307-6E30631915AFFuel Lines: inspect fuel lines as best you can. The crew at fishresource.com found a loose line a few years back that could have been disastrous. Check very closely every spring, including fill and vent hoses. Look specifically for softness, brittleness or cracking. We found a leak because of a bad clamp. Remember, you are dealing with combustible fluids!57C52AAC-52E1-6FD1-B296-E10904DC6A56Fuel Tanks: check your tanks annually, as well as pumps and filters. Replace your filters every spring.B91B0B46-0AC3-7832-C9FC-B11DF5D5F3E5Hoses: cooling hoses and even exhaust/blower hoses/pipes should be inspected for stiffness, rot and leaks. Make sure exhaust/blower hoses are connected tightly - double up on clamps if necessary.A4D115E8-B7C8-5EE9-3DDF-F171B72DB11FElectrical Connections: inspect as many electrical connections that you can for cleanliness and tightness. Corrosion is often a sign that your connection may not be a good one, especially on battery cables. It\'s a good idea to remove the terminals and wire brush them along with the cable ends.B3452008-3294-ED11-053F-4B2B59578FC0Bilge Pumps: check for leaks and for float switch operation as well as corrosion.A8B1C9A7-51C0-3625-F996-6A65AC500DD3Trailer Checklist059CAE74-9BF1-DA28-17A5-DE8C94D5BC83Trailer Tires: inspect tire treads and sidewalls for wear, cracks and replace as necessary.DE380714-C213-C3AA-BFFA-B642ACCE378DTire Inflation: ensure that you have the appropriate air pressure for your tires and don\'t forget the spare!50F41304-3870-DB47-5118-64A73DBC68D6Bearings: inspect bearings and repack if necessary.507DE9B4-23C1-5184-02F3-DDB0330BECDDTrailer Lights: inspect all trailer lights, brake lights, turn indicators and don\'t forget the reverse lights.DEE78957-9464-46AE-3C5E-6AC2A4E0EBBATrailer Winch: have a look at the winch and cable or strap. All can wear and become dangerous in time. If any parts are not working properly they should be replaced right away.1FFF71EB-F5EF-FE1E-EDB3-5DD5DE8C5EE7Trailer Frame: we encourage inspection of all the working parts and electrical system of the trailer, however, don\'t forget the trailer itself. Look for rust and action accordingly.213E61EC-2DDD-2DB7-8005-D43B7F0707F2Miscellaneous Checklist9B3615E1-D890-1CF7-F9DE-5C25B98CF57FFlares and Fire Extinguishers: every spring, before you head out, you should check your safety equipment, especially flares and fire extinguishers for expiration dates and pressure, if appropriate. Give extinguishers a bit of a shake to keep the powder loose.D23F5EBA-2CD5-4714-8D4B-5ECE8C78BA8DRopes and Lines: have a quick look at your lines - make sure they are not damaged, chafed or deteriorating, and replace as necessary. Keep lines untangled and coiled for ease of use.C0BCC01C-F420-64A8-382A-BB64971A73DECharts and Maps: examine your charts and maps - update or replace as necessary.FC19A803-A0D0-52E7-A977-B2E4B3DE15FEPaperwork: make sure your boating license and/or registration is current. Make sure you have current trailer tags, if applicable. Also, spring is a good time to make sure you have insurance!9010BC6F-24B8-2A7F-8F33-D5A55F293434Life Jackets: life jackets are critical, especially in the more northern locations, since the water can often be deadly cold in the spring. Properly sized and wearable life jackets that are in good condition must be on board for every passenger, especially children.05E999BD-252E-637A-50F4-D1064D412A20Kill Switch: check to see if your kill switch is working properly.831B042F-535D-B91C-FD0A-F5A384B31291Emergency Lights: your emergency lights and signal devices should be inspected and make sure you have new batteries.1E8EEABB-180E-406F-5514-1397A72E75CFRunning Lights: make a quick check to see if all of your running lights are working.
