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Boating Checklist

4.8/5 with 327 votes
Table of Contents

Introduction

Our Boating Checklist is designed to help you navigate every aspect of your trip, from safety gear to essential packing items. With a thorough list of tasks to complete before you set sail, this template ensures you're fully prepared for a fun and safe outing on the water. Click Save to customize your checklist using our Checklist App, sync tasks across devices, and collaborate with fellow boaters to enhance your experience. Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended voyage, this checklist will keep you organized and ready for adventure.
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Toggle Before Departing status

Before Departing

Toggle Fuel status

Fuel

This is obvious, but make sure you have enough to get where you're going.
Toggle Personal Flotation Devices status

Personal Flotation Devices

Also called safety jackets by some, these are a must before going anywhere.
Toggle Fire Extinguishers. status

Fire Extinguishers.

The reason for this should be obvious, but be sure that they stay in working order!
Toggle Tools status

Tools

Make sure that tools that would be used to fix problems on board are on the boat, and some spare ones as well.
Toggle Battery status

Battery

Be sure that the battery is fully charged, cleaned and not corroded. Replace if needed.
Toggle Distress Signals. status

Distress Signals.

Do your distress signals (horns, lights, flares, etc) work properly? If not, fix or replace them!
Toggle Forecast status

Forecast

Squalls can do damage to boats, so pay attention to the forecast.
Toggle Equipment status

Equipment

Toggle Anchors status

Anchors

This is common sense, though some people don't think about it; check for weak or broken links, and replace if needed.
Toggle Masts status

Masts

Sailboats need to be checked over thoroughly for cracks in the masts after bad storms, especially if the boat has tipped over.
Toggle Sails status

Sails

Check for rips or tears; quite often they can be patched, but sometimes the sail has to be replaced.
Toggle Oars status

Oars

Rowboats that do use these need to make sure that the oars don't have splits in them, and are still in usable shape.
Toggle Spare Batteries status

Spare Batteries

Always have at least one, preferable two spare batteries, and a charger on board, just in case.
Toggle Leaks status

Leaks

Check for leaks in all systems of the boat. Replace necessary lines where needed.
Toggle Grab rails status

Grab rails

Ensure that the rails are tight in the deck, and have not come loose.
Toggle Non-skid surfaces status

Non-skid surfaces

Make sure that the non-skid surfaces are just that; there should not slippery spots that need to be fixed or replaced.
Toggle What to Pack status

What to Pack

Toggle Food status

Food

At the very least, have a day's worth of food with you on the boat at all times.
Toggle Water status

Water

Bottled water is a necessity as well; salt water will dehydrate you. Take a day's worth.
Toggle Communication status

Communication

Radios and cell phones are the best way to keep in contact with the mainland, especially if a storm hits.
Toggle First Aid Kit status

First Aid Kit

Make sure that this is fully stocked with everything, and keep the items in it fresh. Extra gauze and pressure bandages would be great.
Toggle Lights status

Lights

Flashlights for getting around in the dark onboard if the power goes out.
Toggle Sunscreen status

Sunscreen

This is a given, unless you want to look like a lobster and turn bright red.
Toggle Identification status

Identification

Because you'll be on the water, put your identification in waterproof envelope or something similar, along with a health card.
Toggle Directions status

Directions

Your itinerary should be listed with the local authorities, and you should at the very minimum have a nautical map.
Toggle Tips for Safety status

Tips for Safety

Toggle Maintenance status

Maintenance

Always maintain your boat, and follow your different checklists to a tee.
Toggle Itinerary status

Itinerary

Turn one in with the local authorities so that if something happens, they know where to start looking.
Toggle Practice drills status

Practice drills

Use these to make sure you know how to safely deal with emergencies on your boat when needed.
Toggle Awareness status

Awareness

Always stay aware of what's going on around you; the weather can change, something can break instantly, so pay attention.

Download or Print this Boating Checklist

Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.

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Presented by:

Jefferey Rondman

Jefferey Rondman
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Tasks

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Tags

PersonalLeisureRecreationSafety

Details

Boating continues to become more popular every day, especially during the spring and summer months. Whether you are learning how to go boating for the sheer fun of it or to start a business, there are a few things to know. Learn how to use the safety jackets, and teach others to use them.  Learn how to properly use everything on the boat you're manning, and always be prepared for anything that may come up. Always remember, safety is the most important thing, then fun; but you can do both at the same time!

Tips

Safety begins with the knowledge of how to use a number of different pieces of equipment on board a boat. Safety jackets and flotation devices are the most important piece of safety equipment for anyone on a boat. Depending on the type of boat, properly operating the sails and motors might be another skill to consider. Skill is learned, and what will help you become even safer out on the water.

Weather is always a huge factor when boating; if a storm is coming in, the waves can make it next to impossible to navigate. This would be where a lot of experience is important. Being smart enough to say you're going to go stay onshore is always a wise thing, and quite often, life-saving as well.

Deciding which body of water to go boating in is important. Always make sure that there is an experienced sailor on board. Have a plan as to where you are going, and when you'll arrive, and make sure people on shore know your plans and when to expect you. As your skills as a sailor increase, you can take on more responsibility.

Who it's for

This Boating Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your Boating essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven Boating structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this Boating Checklist

  • Save Boating Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Boating (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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Scores 4.80 with 327 votes

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