December 31, 2025 / david
Charter Checklist
Basics
- How does the charter base work? (Phone Numbers, Access keys, gates, hours, etc.)
- How do all the boat systems work? (Engine, Electrical, Plumbing, Navigation, etc.)
- Confirm you have Diesel, Water, Propane, and an Empty holding tank.
- Confirm you have Drinking water and food.
- Confirm you have the needed housekeeping items. (Dishes, sheets, etc.)
- Confirm you have completed the chart briefing.
- What are the base emergency numbers and protocols, and the return procedures?
- Identify safety and legal requirements: Fire Extinguishers, Flares, Placards, Ships Papers, Registration, First Aid, Torch.
Daily
- Weather
- Is the tide rising or falling
- Life Jackets, Throwable, Horn, Ship's Radio, Handheld Radio
- Check engine oil, anti-freeze, alternator belt, engine drips, bilge, bilge pump.
- Stow loose gear below and close hatches.
- Set the following DC switches to on: Main, Cabin Lights, water, instruments, and VHF.
- Turn off the AC main.
- Pass up engine key, horn, and HH VHF topsides.
- Stow the power cord
- Remove mainsail cover.
- Flake halyards, sheets, and furling lines as needed.
- Key to on (do not start) record engine hours and fuel available.
- Confirm the battery is switched to All
- Center the steering wheel.
- Test the VHF and the chart plotter.
- Start the engine in neutral. Advance a little above idle to warm up in neutral.
- Brief the crew on the departure plan.
- Remove the unneeded dock lines.
- Sound one prolonged blast.
- Execute the departure plan.