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Originally Posted by playinghooky
It's always helpful for a new boater to make up a checklist of the things that need to be done and follow it each time you launch. Even experienced boaters can forget something. Items on the check list should include things like:
Put the plug in
Untie the hold down straps
Get dock lines ready
Turn on blower for 2 minutes prior to starting the motor
Ensure that lower unit is in the up position
Be sure you have the key
Make sure all saftey equipment is on board and available (life jackets fire extinguisher, throwable life preserver, etc)
Unplug the wire to the trailer lights
Make sure you have a chart (Bizer) on board
Put everything on board before you launch (coolers, food etc)
I'm sure there are other items as well but these will get you started. You can add to the list as you go along. The most important part is to do all the prep-work prior to backing down the ramp. The most frustrating thing for other boaters is waiting for someone to launch and doing these on the ramp rather than doing them while you are off to the side and out of everyones way. You should choose a ramp that has a dock along side in the beginning until you get used to launching. It comes in handy. Enjoy the new boat but remember since the water is so high right now that the Marine Patrol is urging everyone to stick to headway speed on until the lake level gets lower. This will be hard to do with a new boat as I'm sure you'll want to see what the boat can do, but for now just go slow!
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I have printed your list out. Great list! What else would you suggest for our Class "B" camper? Its a stretched, self-contained Dodge van, and we will be launching a 24 foot boat. This site had a map somewhere so we can put in our stickpin? We visit there two months a year from Sacramento, California. Thanks.