| Have there been times when you have set out from | | | | good seaworthy shape? Turn your steering wheel all |
| the dock and suddenly realized some problem exists | | | | the way over and back several times to make sure |
| with your boat? By keeping a pre-launch checklist, you | | | | the out drive and rider are responding to the wheel. |
| may alleviate some annoying problems when it comes | | | | Check all of your battery connections and water |
| to boating! Remember that this type of list is essential | | | | hoses to ensure they are sound and secure. Power |
| for most types of boating craft, even kayaks and rigid | | | | boats are no fun when a hose springs a leak in the |
| inflatable boats. Check your PFD's to make sure they | | | | middle of a lake! |
| are in good usable condition with no oil stains, mildew, | | | | Be sure to check your engine oil level and all fuel lines |
| rips or missing parts, etc. | | | | for any leaks, and of course, make sure there is |
| Keep your boat registration and documentation in a | | | | enough fuel in your tank as well. Is the drain plug in and |
| resealable plastic bag and store them in a safe place. | | | | secure? Of course, if you have a dinghy zodiac there |
| Always be prepared for a fire and ensure that your | | | | might be several. You would be amazed at what can |
| fire extinguisher is fully charged and mounted where | | | | happen when these are missing or loose! Remember |
| you can grab it as soon as you absolutely need it. | | | | that running the blower to rid your engine of toxic |
| Also, are all of your dock lines in good shape and have | | | | fumes is of utmost importance. After you run your |
| you enough of them for every situation? This checklist | | | | blower for a while, start the engine and check the oil |
| is not the be-all and end-all of checklists. Power boats | | | | and temperature gauges. After the engine is warm, |
| and sailboats each need their own list due to obvious | | | | check them again. And finally, ensure that your boat's |
| differences. | | | | shifting system works well by performing the following |
| Are you well prepared for an emergency situation? | | | | task. With your boat tied to the dock and the engine at |
| Make sure you have at least three red flares that | | | | idle speed, put the boat in forward gear and then in |
| have not expired. Make sure your running lights and | | | | reverse to be sure it is working properly. Now, all that |
| your sound-making device (horn) are all in working | | | | is left is, bon voyage! |
| condition. Also, are the anchor itself and the lines in | | | | |