Trip Checklist

[Serendipity]

A search of the forum did not produce a checklist for a trip.

So I have decided to enjoy the boat in the Gulf of Mexico for a couple months or so, but keep my home base slip. I am going to drive the boat from Northern Galveston Texas to Orange Beach Alabama/Perdido Key Florida this Weds through Saturday.

So I am charting it tomorrow, but I would estimate 400-500 miles as it is 503 miles by car. Probably closer to 400 by ICW.

Since we dont have one on the forum, can anyone share their trip checklist with us or take a picture of their written out checklist to upload and share.

We have numerous people wanting to do the great loop and more, just maybe your list will save someone a major headache or item that is needed on a long trip.

Maybe this can be a running checklist we all can check from time to time. This forum is worth its weight in Gold.

Thanks everyone and happy boating.

P.S. Being the inexperienced captain I am, my first item on my checklist is a retired Master Captain who runs a boat safety school where he teaches students how to be a captain. I am very honored to make this trip with someone who will teach me how to make a trip safely.

[denpooch]

Hey there,
I can’t provide a checklist as I have not made a trip like that but I think it’s great!
I do have a suggestion that may be of some benefit. Take a look at a free mapping program called: OPENCPN.ORG
I found out about this program at a Power Squadron seminar.
Download the appropriate maps for you area and you can get an exact measurement of distance.
You will be able to preplan the trip and your perusal will give you a good idea of ‘aides to navigationl’, hazards, etc.
The program will enable you to plan the trip in conjunction with your gps system.
Best wishes for safe and enjoyable travels. I think that your idea to take along a captain the first time around is a great idea.
Lots of luck.

[bud37]

Great call on taking the captain......enjoy your adventure.......

[PJHoffnet]

Qr Bbpost Hey there,
I can’t provide a checklist as I have not made a trip like that but I think it’s great!
I do have a suggestion that may be of some benefit. Take a look at a free mapping program called: OPENCPN.ORG

x2 ... Love this program. Do all my voyage planning and waypoint development on it ... save things to .gpx format and back to the boat it goes. End of the day on the boat, .gpx out the day's track and it gets loaded into my OPENCPN 'data base'. Easiest way, for an older 'non-wireless' capable Chart Plotter (SIMRAD NSS12, to voyage plan, and also serves as my 'back up' navigator (on phone and tablet) while underway. Free, program and charts, is the best price money can buy.


WRT a check list, I'd offer this
- Every piece of 'required' safety gear for your size boat and crew (fire extinguishers, PFDs, day/night signaling, VHF -hand held and fixed, TowBoatUS card, etc.)
- Spare parts (for things you can work on, based on skills) based on distance off shore and planned stops.
- Food that doesn't need to be cooked/refrigerated. PLENTY of water.
- Damage control tool roll with plugs, DC tape, dewatering pump with long 12V leads
- Two means of GPS (out of cell range) navigation.
- EPIRB/PLB depending on how far you're planning on going off shore.
- Float plan left behind with responsible adult/CG

[Viper]

Good list Paul. I would add though to not limit spare parts to what you're able to replace yourself. This will eliminate having to wait for a part that may not be readily available along the way. Having it on board will get you up and running faster even if you have to get someone else to do it for you.
Take fuel filters, impellers and belts.

[PJHoffnet]

Qr Bbpost Good list Paul. I would add though to not limit spare parts to what you're able to replace yourself. This will eliminate having to wait for a part that may not be readily available along the way.

Great point.