Captain Evangeline’s Boat Lists

Getting ready for the SHAKEDOWN CRUISE (first boat day of the season on the boat) can be like an Olympic Event in my house.  There is so much to think about!  What’s helped me remain somewhat calm and not a complete psycho is that we need to make lists.  I can’t live without them.

For the other list lovers out there, I’m happy to share with you my various lists that vary from Coast Guard requirements to personal belongings.  If you think of anything else, please put it in the comments.  This is a working document and open to improvements!

US Coast Guard Requirements:

  • Proper display of registration numbers
  • Copy of Registration/ Documentation on board
  • Personal Flotation Devices for everyone aboard plus one throwable device for boats over 16 Ft.
  • Visual Distress Signals that are not expired
  • Fire Extinguishers that are fully charged
  • Sound Producing Devices – Horn, Whistle or Air Horn
  • Working Navigation Lights
  • Marine Sanitation Device must be Coast Guard approved, only if it’s installed.
  • Pollution Placard (over 26 Feet)
  • Marpol Placard (over 26 Feet)
  • Copy of Navigation Rules onboard boats (over 39.4 feet)

Recommended Items:

  • VHF Marine Radio
  • GPS and nautical chart for back up
  • Dewatering Device and back up like a bilge pump with an additional bucket or manual pump
  • Boat Hook
  • Mounted Fire Extinguishers
  • Bow Anchor with enough line for the area (7 feet x depth or area)
  • Stern anchor for the beach with a chain and about 50 feet of line
  • First Aid Kit
  • Person in Water Kit (PIW which consist of one extra wearable PFD and a throwable Type IV PFD with line)
  • Bottle of Fuel Stabilizer Additive to be added every time you fill up
  • Oar or Paddle if engine quits
  • Knife to cut a line around a fouled propeller
  • Snorkel Mask to inspect what’s going on under the boat
  • Heavy Duty Flashlight
  • 4 Fenders with lines, two for each side
  • Bungee cords to tie down beach chairs or other items that bounce around
  • Extra set of Tools

Lines Needed (get the recommended thickness for your size boat and not too much bigger.  Your cleats may not fit them)

  • Bow line
  • Stern Line
  • Spring Line
  • Long Tow Line @ 50-60 feet for towing your boat or another boat
  • Dock Lines that stay at the dock, if preferred.

Boat Cleaning/Maintenance Items:

  • Environmentally friendly boat soap
  • One step cleaner and wax
  • Boat polish for the final coat after cleaner wax
  • Microfiber rags
  • Woody’s Wax for vinyl, rubber, electricals components
  • Magic Erasers
  • Vinyl cleaner and protectant

Comfort Items Left on The Boat:

  • Extra water bottles and nonperishable snacks for emergencies
  • Blankets/extra towels
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Extra hats
  • Koozies
  • Paper Towels
  • Five-gallon bucket with a toilet seat and toilet paper
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Dishtowels/ Rags for messes
  • Trash bags

Boat Packing List for Passengers:

  • Bathing suit
  • T- Shirt
  • Shorts
  • Underwear
  • Sweatpants
  • Sweat shirt
  • Windbreaker
  • Flip flops
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen/bug spray
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Full Cooler of yummy food and drinks!