Cape Cod Boater’s Safety Checklist

​Even a copy of your driver’s license “could” get you out of a ticket if you happen to forget your wallet in the truck.

 So with that in mind, here's a quick rundown of some other "legal stuff" items I recommend you definitely have with you on your vessel:

Unwrap That Toy

I know it’s been a long cold winter, so just take a minute to step back and admire your boat. Now, let’s give her some extra attention to keep her at peak performance this summer.

This list could go on forever so I’m just going to point out the following key items: 

Your boat's battery probably the single most important maintenance item you have on your boat. Your battery should have been on a trickle charger all winter. If not, get it on one NOW.

If your battery is in good shape, clean the terminals, all the leads and then apply a generous amount of electrode grease (or something comparable) to keep the corrosion down.

If you have not changed your battery in a few years, or you are unsure of its lasting ability, take the time to get it tested, or just invest in a new one and move on.

*If your significant other gives you that look, when you tell her you’re buying a new battery, just tell her it’s a new battery or a new paddle with her name on it…

I highly recommend taking your motor to a certified mechanic and having a thorough maintenance cycle completed. Have things such as spark plugs, fuel filter, oil filter, new engine oil, new lower unit oil, and water pump checked.

I always tell my mechanics that if it looks like it’s going to fail or is somewhat questionable, change it!

Don’t forget to pull your prop off and check for that guys line you sucked up when you cut him off last year because he was fishing in your spot.

Fire It Up

Once all the prep work is done, get the boat running in your yard before you take off to the ramp. This will allow you to make sure it’s running smooth, as well as check on some crucial safety items that may have been ruined by the long cold winter.

Here are 3 items I always check before I pull out of the drive way, especially for the first time:

Also be sure to run through all your switches making sure everything is getting power. Make note of the different fuses you have in line with your electronics and pumps. I can't tell you how many times having an extra variety pack of 25 cent fuses has saved my day.

The Walk Around

Just like how it sounds, give the boat and trailer a good once over before you hit the road.

Please, please, please make sure the plug is in! I recommend you never take the plug out of your boat for the entire season. If your bilge pump works, then why take it out?

I recommend not being concerned about that gallon of water in your hull. It is just not worth it; leave the plug in. If you absolutely must remove the plug, carry an extra $3 plug in the boat, and in your truck, just in case.

Don’t Look Like a "Googan" at the Ramp

However you like to launch your boat, take the time to go to your favorite ramp and just get used to backing down again. Take your first mate and go over how everything works.

Remember what side you back down the ramp and where you like your first mate to stand so you can see and hear them. Communicate this clearly to your mate.

Make a mental note where the fenders should be in the water for optimal launching and loading. Reacquaint yourself with how the winch works. Look and see how you want your dock lines set up so you can have them pre-staged and ready to go.

Tool Bag

Many times I have got myself out of a potentially costly situation because I had some basic tools and extra items.

Here is a list of a few things I keep on the boat with me:

Safety Items

Assuming you know the required gear to have on board, here are a few extra items you might not have thought of. It’s a good rule of thumb to know that in an emergency, the only items you will have with you after the event, will be the ones that are tied to you.

I will put a * by the items that I physically tie to myself when I am alone or I am going far off shore.

It is also good practice to have your throw-able flotation device out free on the deck in case the boat goes down.

It is for that reason, if you happen to be of those lone pirates on the water, I highly recommend a compact manual inflatable flotation device you can where like a belt.

Keep your old flares, just make sure you have some that have not expired. Your flare gun may never "expire" but it can break, and does dry rot. I like to carry an extra. Of course a signal mirror never runs out of batteries and is always good to have nearby.  

A whistle never runs out of pressure like a horn does, and aeoprene cap or full head and neck hood, with bright color and/or retro reflective tape is smart when off Cape Cod.

Studies vary, but some say you can lose 25-30% of your body heat through your head.

If you do not heed any of this advice then please at least file a float plan with a person you owe money to!