Every time you take out a cruising boat, there are several steps you should follow. These should become part of your routine so that you do not miss any of the basics. As you go thru these steps, you should be instructing your crew on how to do things.


  • Before starting the engine, disconnect the shore power in the following order as follows:
    • Turn off the shore power at the dock pedestal and disconnect the cable.
    • Disconnect the shore power cable from the boat and store neatly on the pedestal on the dock.
  • Retrieve the key from the lockbox and open the companionway lock. If using a combo lock, rotate the latch to the side so people don't run into it as they enter the cabin.
  • If the boat is set up with a single battery switch, turn the battery switch to #2 and pick up the ignition key from the VHF radio handle (or engine raw water seacock handle during the winter season). On boats with an ACR (automatic charging relay), the battery switches are not changed and should be left in their ON position.
  • Start cruise log entry and record the names of everyone on board. 
  • Check the fuel level and record it in the log. 
  • Get the winch handles and horn out to the cockpit.
  • Remove mainsail cover and attach the halyard. Leave two of the sail ties attached.
  • Figure out how the reefing system works on that particular boat.
  • Perform basic rig checks
  • Make sure there is an anchor on board and it is attached to the boat.
  • Make sure the lifesling is mounted on the stern pulpit and it is tied to the boat
  • Follow the engine startup procedure to warm up the engine for 3 minutes.
    • Make sure there are no lines in the water
    • Insert key in the ignition
    • Make sure the kill switch is pressed in (not all boats have this)
    • Put shifter in neutral
    • Advance throttle to fast idle while staying in neutral (single lever controls have a button in the center)
    • Crank the engine to start (do not crank more than 10 seconds at a time, up to 5 times with a 30-second rest in between)
    • Check for water flow by visually confirming the discharge out the exhause


  • Unlock the wheel (there is usually a knob for the wheel brake on the side of the pedestal) and center it
  • Brief the crew on departure plans and assign line handlers
  • Make sure there is a PFD for everyone on board
  • Make sure all (non-member) guests have signed the BSC waiver