Guide · Updated November 14, 2026
Boat pre-departure checklist: what to check before every trip
Most bad days on the water start at the dock: a dead battery, a forgotten drain plug, not enough fuel, nobody told where you went. Ten minutes with this list catches nearly all of it.
Before you leave the house
- Check the marine forecast and local conditions for the whole time you'll be out, not just right now.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back (a float plan).
- Pack your registration or documentation, and a charged phone or VHF.
Safety gear
- A wearable life jacket for everyone aboard, the right size, and a throwable device if your boat needs one.
- Fire extinguisher charged and in date.
- Visual distress signals in date, and a horn or whistle.
- Engine cut-off switch lanyard attached to the operator.
- First aid kit, anchor and line.
Boat and engine
- Drain plug in.
- Enough fuel: plan on one-third out, one-third back, one-third in reserve.
- Engine oil level, and no fuel smell. On an inboard, run the blower before starting.
- Battery charged and connections tight.
- Bilge pump runs and the bilge is dry.
- Steering moves freely lock to lock; throttle and shifter work.
- Once running: cooling water stream (telltale) is strong and no alarms are on.
- Navigation lights work, even if you plan to be back before dark.
Log it
Write down the engine hours when you leave and anything that seemed off. A small note like 'telltale weak' or 'slow to start' is often the first sign of a problem, and it becomes part of the boat's history when you sell.
Common questions
What should I check on my boat before every trip?
Weather and a float plan, life jackets for everyone, fire extinguisher and signals in date, drain plug in, enough fuel, oil level, battery, bilge pump, steering and controls, cooling water stream once running, and navigation lights.
How much fuel should I bring on a boat?
A common rule is one-third of your fuel to get out, one-third to get back, and one-third kept in reserve.
Why run the blower before starting an inboard?
Fuel vapor is heavier than air and can collect in the engine compartment. Running the blower for a few minutes clears it before you start the engine.
Keep your checks and your history together
My Boat Logs keeps your maintenance log, receipts, documents, costs and reminders for each boat in one place, and one link shows a buyer the documented history with your personal details removed. $39.99 a year per boat after a 14-day free trial.