Checklist For Preparing Your Boat/Trailer For First Outing

Boat:

  • Wash down boat and put a nice coat of wax. I do this monthly during spring and summer.
  • Check status of batteries / battery charger works
  • Validate that post of batteries are covered on starting battery and trolling motor batteries. If not, could get ticket from DNR or Coast Guard.
  • Are batteries affixed to boat? If not could get ticket from DNR or Coast Guard
  • Main motor and kicker turn over
  • Validate that you have main motor kill tether
  • Have transom saver for main motor
  • Validate fire extinguisher is charged with needle in green of gauge
  • Validate plug in boat
  • Validate live-well and bait-well pump works
  • Validate that you have all plugs for live-well, bait-well and cooler if you have one
  • Validate bilge works
  • Validate trolling motor works along with remotes
  • Validate trolling motor remote batteries
  • Is trolling motor tightly secured to boat? The bolts/screws will loosen over time.
  • Validate that all graphs powerup, read bottom and GPS position is acquired
  • Do you have needed navigation chips (mapping)
  • Validate all gauges on driver console are working.
  • If you have a windshield make sure it is tightened to boat and that screws in windshield are not loose
  • Validate all boat compartment lift pistons can hold up compartment door. If not, you should be able to order or buy in store.  Model should be on side of piston.
  • If boat has a keel guard validate that keep is completely glued to boat
  • Validate that you have a set of jump cables that could reach from your trolling motor batteries to the starting battery.
  • Validate how many life jackets on board and the number of passengers when going out
  • Validate you have a throwable on board
  • If on federal waters such as Lake Michigan or Lake Winnebago, that you have a flare kit (not expired) and horn or whistle. Good to have this for any waterway
  • Tighten all screws on boat which include the following; Pedestal bases, seats, cleats, rails, gauges, rod holders, windshield, graph mounts and graphs, transducers, and screws under console
  • First aid kit in boat
  • Are navigation light for front and back in boat and work
  • Boat bumpers and bow lines
  • Have a set of screwdrivers, pliers and crescent wrench and other needed tools on board
  • Have electrical and duct tape on board
  • Spare rope
  • Do you have an anchor on board?
  • Is weight distributed throughout boat? Could help with boat lean
  • Know the rules of the water such as boat driving at you, no wake buoy and so forth

Trailer:

  • When was last time wheel bears were packed with grease / or do it? Drive around and see if bears heat up.
  • Check trailer light plug along with vehicle plug in as may be corroded
  • All trailer lights work
  • Bow strap is in good shape
  • Trailer tongue is working properly
  • Tires / rims look good and filled properly with air
  • Spare tire along with the proper lug nut wrench
  • Have jack that can lift up boat to change wheel. Big boats require a heavy duty jack!!
  • If bunk trailer are bunks screwed securely?