While some skippers argue that preparation levels can vary based on your trip, this approach creates a false sense of security. The ocean is unpredictable, and the line between calm sailing and a challenging situation can blur quickly with experience.
Imagine this: You're days into your long-awaited voyage, the wind picks up unexpectedly, waves rise, and fear grips your crew. Suddenly, minor maintenance issues snowball into a major problem because you weren't fully prepared.
Don't let this be your story.
Invest in peace of mind with thorough pre-departure preparation. It doesn't require a fortune. With basic tools and DIY skills, you can significantly improve your boat's seaworthiness.
Here's your secret weapon: A comprehensive pre-departure survey that identifies and addresses potential problems before they become emergencies. This guide walks you through a step-by-step process, ensuring you:
- Inspect critical equipment: Steering cables, through-hull fittings, self-steering systems, and your engine are all thoroughly checked.
- Ensure watertight integrity: Leaky hatches, companionways, and deck hardware are identified and addressed. Learn how to test for leaks with a simple hose trick.
- Prepare for the unexpected: Bilge pumps, safety gear, and emergency equipment are inspected and readied.
- Secure your vessel: Lockers are secured, the galley is prepped for rough seas, and electronics are tested for functionality.
This may seem time-consuming, but it's an investment that pays off tenfold. The first time might take a while, but the process becomes second nature with practice.
Think of it this way: Spending a few hours preparing ensures countless worry-free hours exploring the vast wonders of the sea. Don't let a lack of preparation sink your dream adventure. Set sail with confidence, knowing you and your boat are ready for anything.
Accessibility
Here's the thing about boats: once they're built, there's not much you can do about the overall layout. That's why accessibility needs to be a top priority from the very beginning. This applies when you're deciding what gear to bring and where to store it.
Steering Gear
Our pre-departure checklist starts at the stern and works its way forward. First up: steering! Meticulously inspect the cables for signs of wear, paying close attention to the connections at each end. Also grease the rudder bearings (if needed), check the steering chain for cracks, and ensure the cable tension is correct.
Through-Hull Fittings
Inspect all through-hull fittings. Ensure the designated soft wood plugs are readily available and all valve handles close smoothly. Quickly check the double hose clamps for rust and any nearby hoses or electrical cables for chafing.
Self-Steering
For extended passages, reliable self-steering is crucial. Here's what to check:
- Windvanes: Tighten connection bolts, inspect control lines for chafing, and ensure all assembly pins and fasteners are secure.
- Autopilots: Verify the unit is dry, wiring connections are tight and clean, and the system functions properly. Pay close attention to the drive motor mounting bolts and its attachment to the rudder or steering quadrant.
Engines
Before setting sail, dedicate time to inspecting your engine(s) and vital components.
- Belts and Brackets: Check V-belt tension and alignment for all belts, and ensure all brackets supporting the engine and its accessories are secure. Inspect for cracks around bends, holes, or welds.
- Shaft and Mounts: If it's been a while, tighten the shaft coupling and ensure proper torque on motor mounts, their bolts, and any other bolts on vibrating brackets.
- Fuel and Cooling: Clean the saltwater strainer, check the engine cooling pump impeller, and consider replacing fuel filters if they are nearing their recommended change interval (it's easier to do this in port!).
- Stuffing Box and Electrical: Verify the stuffing box is properly adjusted, and ensure clean and tight battery terminals. Top off battery cells with water if necessary.
- System Checks: Run all electrical and mechanical systems not used daily to confirm they are functioning correctly.
Safety Gear
- Liferaft & Emergency Gear: Inspect the liferaft and its lashings, ensuring everything is secure. Flashlight batteries, personal strobe lights, and MOB (man overboard) lighting batteries are all replaced if older than six months.
- LifeSling Check: Finally, meticulously check all LifeSling attachments for functionality.
Check for Leaks
Leaks are the bane of any skipper's existence. They not only dampen your spirits but can wreak havoc on your electrical systems, mechanical equipment, and personal belongings. That's why a thorough leak prevention check is crucial before cruising. Here's what to focus on:
- Seal Up the Entry Points: Inspect all areas where water could potentially intrude below deck. Ensure cockpit lockers have good seals and secure latches. Verify ventilator boxes, engine air intakes, and through-deck openings all have secure caps. Don't forget to check anchor pipe plugs and ensure deck hatches have tight-fitting storm covers.
- Fortify Vulnerable Spots: Sliding hatches, washboards, side windows, and companionway hatches are all at risk during rough seas. Make sure sliding hatches and washboards have internal locks. Consider installing storm shutters on windows and ports, and test them in good weather for easy use. A well-placed teak deflector above the companionway hatch can also significantly reduce leaks.
- Relentlessly Test and Inspect: Use a high-pressure hose with someone below to check for leaks around deck hardware, chain plates, mast boots, and hatch gaskets. Look for damaged gaskets, ensure proper compression when hatches are dogged down, and consider adding a preventative layer of duct tape for particularly troublesome areas.
Bilge Pumping
- Clean Bilges are Key: Despite preventative measures, some water intrusion is inevitable. Maintain clean bilges to allow for efficient water removal. Remember, motion at sea can stir up even seemingly clean bilge sumps, potentially clogging pumps.
- Strainer Savvy: All bilge pumps require strainers to prevent debris from clogging the system. Ensure both the pump and strainer are easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. Consider installing a "strum box" for added protection – a cage-like strainer around submersible pumps or on the hose end for remote mounted pumps.
- Pump Power: Invest in a large-capacity hand pump that's readily accessible during rough seas. Many experienced sailors recommend two hand pumps – one near the helm and another below deck. Carry spare diaphragms and valves for your pumps, and know how to replace them.
- Engine Power as Backup: Consider utilizing your main engine's water pump as an emergency bilge pump by installing a T-junction and a simple valve on the incoming water side.
-
Early Warning System: Install a bilge-level alarm with a float switch and buzzer to provide early notification of any bilge water accumulation. Test the float switches regularly to ensure they, and the connected pumps, are functioning properly.
Securing the Interior
- Lock It Down: Double-check that all lockers are securely latched to prevent items from dislodging. Secure your saloon cushions with ties to keep them in place.
- Stow It or Stow It Away: Address any loose decorations, vases, or items you might have on display while anchored. Find them a safe and secure storage spot for the passage. We recommend placing plants in the galley sink for safekeeping.
- Galley Grub Readiness: For extended trips with potential rough weather, prioritize easy access to food in your fridge and freezer. Designate a specific area in the galley for easy-to-grab snacks while you're at sea.
- Banish Rolling Bottles: Ensure all lockers are packed strategically to prevent cans and bottles from becoming runaway hazards! There's nothing worse than listening to them roll around while you're trying to catch some rest.
Electronics
- Weather First: We monitor PredictWind 2-10 days before departure to look at daily briefings, tables, wind and wave maps, receive weather reports and confirm planned routing.
- Power Up All Systems: The day before departure, run all electronics – radios, nav instruments, GPS, autopilot, radar, AIS, etc. – for at least one hour to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Don't be intimidated! This pre-departure checklist may seem extensive at first, but it becomes second nature with practice. As you gain familiarity with your boat and equipment, you and your crew can complete this entire process in just a couple of hours. It's an investment of time that pays off in peace of mind and a smoother, safer voyage.