Cruising Checklist

Cruising in the North West

Departure check list

by Captain Donna Wright

Float Plan

Know the route to your destination on paper charts

Check Weather, Wind, Tides, (flood vs. ebb) and Currents,

Bow to Stern Check

Make sure everything is stowed and secure in and outside the     vessel

WOBBS and Fuel

Water, (coolant and fresh water) Oil, Belts, Bilges and Sea Strainers                        

Assign crew to departure posts

Disconnect Shore power

        Turn off everything on electrical panel that is not needed

        Turn off shore power at electrical panel

        Turn off power at the electrical box and unplug power cord

        Disconnect power cord from vessel and stow

        Check the electrical panel AC, DC  Inverter

        Turn on electronics/ Check rudder angle

Remove unnecessary lines

Start engines

Check for bubbles and water flow at exhaust

Check transmission forward and reverse both engines one at a time (still tied)

Check traffic.  Check wind and current direction within marina

Crew should prepare ‘single tie’ back to vessel bow and stern

Depart, OK to idle out of the marina but do not go to cruising speed until the engine is warmed up

Bring in fenders

Stow all lines and fenders

When engine is warm note temperatures of engines and monitor for any changes

Check all gauges and monitor for any changes while under way.

Cruising in the North West

Arrival check list

by Captain Donna Wright

-Look up your destination in Waggoner’s cruising guide

-Find the diagram of the marina

-Find the VHF channel and call the harbor master to get slip assignment - write down assignments

-Begin cool-down of engines and plan approach to marina and assign crew for docking

-Put out Fenders about 2 inches above water line on dock side and raise to the gunnels on the other side

-Prepare dock lines

-Check flags for wind speed and direction & look for currents. (How other vessels are sitting in their births or anchored may give a clue)

-Bring vessel into assigned slip. Captain must stay at the helm until lines are secure

-Crew secure all lines

-Check vessel access to dock

-Turn off engines

-Re check all lines and spring lines making sure the vessel can not move forward or aft

-Attach shore power

          Turn off everything you can

          Attach power cord to vessel

          Turn on power at the dock

          Turn on power at the electrical panel

          Check polarity

-Shut off electronics

-Turn on AC power where needed

-Check in with Harbor Master

-If you are at a mooring buoy take tender to shore to pay

-Turn on anchor light if at anchor