Typical Pre-Departure Checks for Small Boats: A Comprehensive Guide for All Boaters
Preparing for a safe and enjoyable day on the water requires a thoughtful approach that starts well before you reach the dock. Whether you're planning a quick trip or a longer journey, completing thorough pre-departure checks will help prevent issues and ensure your time on the water goes smoothly.
In this blog, we’ll break down these essential checks, explaining why they’re critical for your boat’s performance and safety. We’ll begin with the checks to complete at home and move on to the on-board checks, following a clear and logical order.
Pre-Departure Checks to Begin at Home
Weather conditions
Before even heading down to your boat, it’s important to check the weather forecast. Small boats in particular, can be more vulnerable to changes in weather due to their size and stability. High winds or choppy seas can make navigation difficult and poor visibility could lead to collisions or getting lost.
Why it’s important: Sudden changes in weather can quickly turn a calm outing into a dangerous situation, especially if your boat is not equipped to handle rough conditions. Regularly monitoring the weather helps ensure you’re not caught off guard by storms or high winds.
What to check: Look for wind speed, wind direction, rain, storms and fog. Marine-specific weather reports, such as those from the Met Office, offer detailed forecasts for boaters.
Tide information
Tides play a major role in coastal boating, especially in shallow areas. Incorrect timing could cause you to run aground or get stuck in strong tidal currents, making it hard to steer or even return to your berth or launch location.
Why it’s important: Tidal currents affect boat handling and fuel efficiency. Low tides can expose underwater hazards, while high tides can make it difficult to dock or launch. Planning around tides ensures smoother navigation and reduces the risk of accidents.
What to check: Use local tide tables to determine the best times for departure and return, ensuring safe water levels for your route. Many marinas and launch locations display local tidal information on the website or noticeboards.
Float Plan and route planning
A float plan is a safety precaution that involves sharing your intended route, departure time and estimated return time with someone onshore. In case something goes wrong and you're delayed or go off course, this person can notify authorities.
Why it’s important: If you encounter mechanical problems, bad weather or an emergency, someone will know your route and expected time of return. This increases your chances of a prompt rescue.
What to check: Plan your route carefully, taking into account navigation markers, shallow areas and potential hazards. Leave the float plan with a reliable person who can contact emergency services if needed.
Personal essentials: sunscreen and hydration
Spending time on the water exposes you to the sun’s reflective rays, making sun protection more important than you might think. Dehydration can also sneak up on you, especially in hot weather, so staying hydrated is critical.
Why it’s important: UV rays can be much stronger on the water, leading to severe sunburn. Dehydration affects your focus and decision-making ability, both of which are crucial when boating.
What to check: Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water. Remember to apply sunscreen before you set off and keep reapplying throughout the day.
On-Site Pre-Departure Checks: Once You Arrive at the Boat
Now that you’ve completed your at-home checks, it’s time to get hands-on with the boat itself. It’s often helpful to stick to a logical routine, either bow to stern or stern to bow, to ensure nothing gets missed.
Check over the transom
Start by checking the transom at the stern of the boat, paying close attention to the rudder and propeller. Both of these components are critical for steering and propulsion.
Why it’s important: Debris like seaweed, fishing line or plastic can easily get caught in the propeller or rudder, leading to reduced efficiency or even damaging the parts. A fouled propeller can also cause strain on the engine and increase fuel consumption.
What to check: Clear any debris from the rudder and propeller to ensure smooth operation. This simple check can prevent major issues later on.
Check fuel level
Fuel is the lifeblood of your boat and running out mid-trip can be a serious problem. It’s vital to check your fuel level before departure and ensure you have enough for the entire trip.
Why it’s important: You should always have more fuel than you think you’ll need. It’s easy to miscalculate how much fuel will be consumed, especially if the weather or tides change and you need to alter your route.
What to check: Use the “rule of thirds” one-third of your fuel for the trip out, one-third for the return and one-third as a safety reserve in case of emergencies.
Check fuel filter
Over time, your fuel filter can collect water or debris, especially if you’re using older fuel or refilling in less-than-ideal conditions. A clogged fuel filter can severely limit your engine’s performance.
Why it’s important: Water or debris in the fuel can cause engine failure or damage. Draining the filter ensures your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
What to check: Open the fuel filter to see if any water or dirt has accumulated. Drain it if necessary and ensure it’s clean before setting off.
Check bilges
Your bilge is the lowest part of your boat, where any water that enters will collect. Keeping your bilges clear and dry is essential for boat stability and preventing issues while on the water.
Why it’s important: Water in the bilge can make the boat heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, leading to reduced efficiency and increased fuel consumption. In severe cases, water in the bilge can compromise the boat’s buoyancy.
What to check: Ensure that your bilge is clear of water and debris. Test the bilge pump to confirm that it’s working properly and can pump out any water that collects during your trip.
Visual check around the engine
It’s crucial to perform a thorough visual inspection of the engine and its surroundings. Look for signs of wear and tear that could cause problems later on.
Why it’s important: Engine belts and hoses can fray or split over time, leading to mechanical failure. Oil or coolant leaks are also signs of underlying issues that could become serious if left unchecked.
What to check: Look for any cuts, splits or frayed belts and hoses. Also, check for oil or coolant in the engine bay, which could indicate leaks.
Check engine fluid levels
Just like a car, your boat engine relies on several fluids to run properly. It’s important to check engine oil, gearbox oil and coolant levels before heading out.
Why it’s important: Low fluid levels can lead to engine overheating, failure, or serious damage. Topping up fluids is a simple way to ensure your engine operates at peak performance.
What to check: Ensure engine oil, gearbox oil, and coolant levels are correct. Top up any fluids that are running low.
Turn battery isolator switch on
Your battery is essential for starting the engine and running your boat’s electrical systems. The battery isolator switch prevents power drain when the boat is not in use.
Why it’s important: If your battery is dead or low, you won’t be able to start the engine or use any electrical equipment like lights, radios, or navigation tools.
What to check: Turn the battery isolator switch ON before you start the engine to ensure the battery is ready and able to supply power.
Check raw water strainer
The raw water strainer filters out debris from the water before it enters the engine’s cooling system. A clogged strainer can prevent cooling water from reaching the engine, leading to overheating.
Why it’s important: A blocked raw water strainer leading to severe damage to the engine ins a short space of time. Keeping the strainer clean ensures your engine stays cool and operates efficiently.
What to check: Remove and clean the raw water strainer if necessary, ensuring it’s free from debris before starting the engine.
Open seacock
The seacock is a valve that controls water flow into your boat’s systems, including the engine’s cooling system. It needs to be open to allow water in but closed when not in use to prevent flooding.
Why it’s important: If the seacock is closed when the engine is running, no water will flow through the cooling system, leading to overheating. Conversely, if it’s left open when the boat is not in use, it can cause water to enter the boat.
What to check: Make sure the seacock is open before starting the engine to allow cooling water to flow in.
Start the engine
Now that all essential checks have been completed, it’s time to start the engine. Listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations that could indicate a problem.
Why it’s important: A well-functioning engine is crucial for a safe and smooth trip. Starting the engine before setting off allows you to identify any issues that need to be addressed.
What to check: Turn the key to ‘START’ and hold it until the engine fires. In cold conditions, use the ‘Heat’ setting for a maximum of 6 seconds before starting. Let the key return to the ‘RUN’ position once the engine is running.
Check for water flow
Once the engine is running, check that water is being expelled through the exhaust. This indicates that the engine’s cooling system is working properly.
Why it’s important: If no water is coming out, it means the engine is not being cooled, which could lead to overheating and engine damage.
What to check: Ensure a steady stream of water is coming from the exhaust. If not, stop the engine immediately and investigate the cause. Start with the obvious, check your seacock and strainer first.
Final checks: secure loose items and safety equipment
Before casting off, take a moment to ensure that everything on board is securely stowed and any loose items are tied down. This includes gear, personal belongings and any equipment that could shift or become a hazard while underway.
Why it’s important: Loose items can slide or roll around when the boat moves, causing tripping hazards or damage to equipment. Securing everything ensures a safer, more organised environment on board. Additionally, knowing where all your essential safety gear is stored including spare life jackets, flares and first aid kits can be crucial in an emergency.
What to check: Ensure all gear, coolers and personal items are safely stowed. Double-check that safety equipment is easily accessible and confirm that no items are obstructing hatches, pathways or exits.
After this final check, you'll be ready to cast off and enjoy a smooth day on the water!
Summary Checklist: Pre-Departure Checks for Small Boats
Pre-departure checks:
Weather and tides
Review the weather forecast and check the tide times.
Float plan
Plan your route and inform someone onshore.
Personal essentials
Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and plenty of water.
On-site pre-departure checks (stern-to-bow routine):
Check over transom
Ensure rudder and propeller are free from debris.
Check fuel level
Confirm fuel levels are sufficient for the trip.
Check fuel filter
Inspect for debris or water and drain if necessary.
Check bilges
Clear bilges and test the bilge pump.
Visual check around engine
Look for cuts, splits, fraying belts/hoses, and signs of oil/coolant leaks.
Check engine fluid levels
Top up engine oil, gearbox oil, and coolant if needed.
Turn battery isolator switch on
Check raw water strainer
Remove debris from the strainer.
Open seacock
Start engine
Turn key to ‘START’ and hold until the engine fires. Pre-heat for a maximum of 6 seconds if cold.
Check for water flow from exhaust
Following these steps ensures your boat is well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable day on the water. From weather checks at home to systematic on-site inspections, this routine covers all the critical points to keep your boat running smoothly.
