Pre-Launch checklist
Connecticut Fishing
Oct 26, 2022 10:00:21 #
This is the sequence I follow when I launch my boat. Feel free to post your own checklist, to help new owners create their own.
The night before.
1) hook up the hitch, chains and plug in the lights.
2) check the functionality of the lights.
Before hitting the road.
1) uncover the boat and remove cover supports.
2)install bilge plug.
3) unplug the charger.
3)make sure everything in the boat is road ready, and won't fly out on the highway.
4) double check the hitch, tie down straps
and air in the tires.
At the Ramp.
1)remove tie down straps.
2) remove transom saver, and tilt the motor(s) up.
3)prepare your dock lines, and fenders.
4)load up the boat with gear.
5)unhook saftey hook and winch strap (I know that mine won't slide off the bunks, but don't do this with a roller trailer).
6)tie your bow line to trailer or tow vehicle.
7) double check the bilge plug.
8) launch the boat.
The night before.
1) hook up the hitch, chains and plug in the lights.
2) check the functionality of the lights.
Before hitting the road.
1) uncover the boat and remove cover supports.
2)install bilge plug.
3) unplug the charger.
3)make sure everything in the boat is road ready, and won't fly out on the highway.
4) double check the hitch, tie down straps
and air in the tires.
At the Ramp.
1)remove tie down straps.
2) remove transom saver, and tilt the motor(s) up.
3)prepare your dock lines, and fenders.
4)load up the boat with gear.
5)unhook saftey hook and winch strap (I know that mine won't slide off the bunks, but don't do this with a roller trailer).
6)tie your bow line to trailer or tow vehicle.
7) double check the bilge plug.
8) launch the boat.
Oct 26, 2022 10:22:56 #
Grizzly 17
Loc: South central Pa
Fredfish wrote:
This is the sequence I follow when I launch my boa... (show quote)
Fred only thing I'd add is I always hit the key to make sure it will turn over 👍👍 just a habit I got into. I also unplug trailer lights n put plug in truck with transom straps 👍
Oct 26, 2022 10:24:35 #
ghaynes1
Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN
Fredfish wrote:
This is the sequence I follow when I launch my boa... (show quote)
Thanks again Fred and others who respond. This is all completely new to me. I can row a boat with oars however and never got stranded. 😆
Oct 26, 2022 10:34:07 #
Grizzly 17
Loc: South central Pa
Grizzly 17 wrote:
Fred only thing I'd add is I always hit the key to make sure it will turn over 👍👍 just a habit I got into. I also unplug trailer lights n put plug in truck with transom straps 👍
Fred one other thing I do that many probably don't is make sure may bilge pump is working properly. I'm not talking about just turning it on. I'm talking about putting enough water in her for the pump to pick up n discharge out of boat. I found out the hard way. Discharge hose was broken n I trusted someone else to put plug in. Pump ran but water wasn't going out. I now have two pumps in both boats one goes out the side other goes over the transom. 👍
Oct 26, 2022 10:38:16 #
Grizzly 17 wrote:
Fred one other thing I do that many probably don't is make sure may bilge pump is working properly. I'm not talking about just turning it on. I'm talking about putting enough water in her for the pump to pick up n discharge out of boat. I found out the hard way. Discharge hose was broken n I trusted someone else to put plug in. Pump ran but water was going out. I now have two pumps in both boats one goes out the side other goes over the transom. 👍
I only check mine at the beginning of the season Butch, but my bilge is open. Good idea for those with hidden bilges.
Oct 26, 2022 10:54:59 #
ghaynes1 wrote:
Thanks again Fred and others who respond. This is all completely new to me. I can row a boat with oars however and never got stranded. 😆
Greg, unless you are saying you have oar locks (and oars), make sure you have a paddle in the boat as an “insurance policy”, just in case. That way you can always get to shore in case of a problem.
Oct 26, 2022 11:06:11 #
ghaynes1
Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN
OJdidit wrote:
Greg, unless you are saying you have oar locks (and oars), make sure you have a paddle in the boat as an “insurance policy”, just in case. That way you can always get to shore in case of a problem.
Good idea John. Hadn't thought of that one. Too many things on my mind lately.
Oct 26, 2022 11:09:53 #
Grizzly 17
Loc: South central Pa
Fredfish wrote:
I only check mine at the beginning of the season Butch, but my bilge is open. Good idea for those with hidden bilges.
It was no fun finding out the hard way 😵💫🤣. It was cold that day😵💫
Oct 26, 2022 11:11:51 #
ghaynes1 wrote:
Good idea John. Hadn't thought of that one. Too many things on my mind lately.
Understood, we’re here for you! Best of luck with the new purchase!
Oct 26, 2022 11:59:35 #
ghaynes1
Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN
OJdidit wrote:
Understood, we’re here for you! Best of luck with the new purchase!
Thanks.
Oct 26, 2022 12:12:54 #
ghaynes1 wrote:
Good idea John. Hadn't thought of that one. Too many things on my mind lately.
G not sure about other states but in Ohio it's law that ya have a paddle in the boat at all times. Also a anchor. I carry 2 anchors for windy days 👍
Oct 26, 2022 12:17:02 #
ghaynes1
Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN
Whitey wrote:
G not sure about other states but in Ohio it's law that ya have a paddle in the boat at all times. Also a anchor. I carry 2 anchors for windy days 👍
I haven't heard that here Whitey but it's a good idea anyway -- law or not.
Oct 26, 2022 12:26:27 #
Whitey wrote:
G not sure about other states but in Ohio it's law that ya have a paddle in the boat at all times. Also a anchor. I carry 2 anchors for windy days 👍
I have a combination Boat hook/Paddle with a telescopic handle in the little boat.
Oct 26, 2022 12:28:20 #
ghaynes1
Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN
Fredfish wrote:
I have a combination Boat hook/Paddle with a telescopic handle in the little boat.
Nice. Will keep in mind. I need to start buying lottery tickets. This boat thing could get pricey it seems to me.
Oct 26, 2022 12:40:32 #
ghaynes1 wrote:
Nice. Will keep in mind. I need to start buying lottery tickets. This boat thing could get pricey it seems to me.
Powerball is over 700M.
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