Check List when Picking up a New Boat

Before you leave to pick up the boat:
Call insurance company back to verify your coverage is "in the system".
Verify hitch ball size with dealer. Likely 2" ball.
Ask dealer about motor break-in period and warm-up period.
Find out your state's boat registration grace period
Verify price was as quoted and includes freight, prep, battery, prop, etc “ready to run”, plus tax/title/reg.

Things to bring with you:
Electrical adapter (truck to trailer)
Tongue Lock (may not be necessary)
Hitch Lock (may not be necessary)
Tie Downs
Tie Downs (Yes, I know that's listed twice. Don't even THINK about moving the boat without making sure it's tied well to the trailer.)
A car GPS or iPhone or Android app to GPS speed test.
Side view mirror extensions, if you need them.

Things to check while at the dealership:
Hull ID # - Check that you have the right boat if the dealer told you what the hull ID was in advance.
Trailer Serial Number
Motor Serial Number and Manufacture Date

Boat Inspection:
OPTIONS/UPGRADES: Bring your option list and use it to check that all options ordered are on the boat.
BOAT : Check above options, check for defects, check railings for sharp edges, check pontoon tubes for slag, look for metal drill filings, open/close all storage areas, changing room, open/close all gates, check captain seat adjustments, tilt steering, electrical circuits and switches, stereo/speakers, raise/lower bimini, check LEDs, bow lights, mast light, horn, spare keys, 12 V socket. Check all electrical items and anything that moves.
TRAILER: Make sure turn signals and brake lights work, test surge brakes, verify bunks and guides tight, all bolts tight, carpet/glides secure and complete, wiring attached securely
MOTOR: Size/model correct, check manufacture date, prop correct size/pitch/brand
TEST RIDE: Verify depth graph works, power trim/tilt, check steering (full left, full right, smooth operation), verify top speed was what the dealer told you, check anything else used while boat is in motion, check all electrical items. Check for vibrations.
PAPERS: Make sure you leave with all documents and manuals, including those for the motor and trailer.
TOWING HOME - If you tow it without the cover on, make sure all removable items are removed so they don't blow out on the road. This includes the table and any seat cushions that come off. USE YOUR TIE-DOWNS!

Boating Check Lists

Pre-Season Checklist:

• Registration stickers (odd years)
• Registration papers in boat
• Trailer Registration in boat
• Tire pressure
• Polish pontoons
• Wax fence
• 303 vinyl
• Vacuum
• Battery Install
• Lube cover snaps
• Start engine (muffs)
• Grease steering (motor) and 2 zerks
• Grease prop splines
• Check wheel bearing grease
• Inspect bunk carpet
• Other motor maint? Plugs, impeller, etc.

Trailering Checklist – Trailer, Vehicle and Boat

• Attach mirror extensions on truck
• Install hitch and cotter pin
• Install light plug
• Attach trailer
• Close ball latch
• Check that ball is clamped in correctly
• Insert safety pin
• Attach safety chains to vehicle
• Attach emergency brake cable to vehicle
• Connect lights to vehicle
• Winch locked and tight
• Install front tie-down or safety chain
• Crank down trailer
• Put tongue wheel up and lock
• Check lights working
• Check tire pressure
• Check wheel bearings
• Motor down and straight
• Install rear tie-downs
• Ladder up and locked
• Bimini in radar position and struts locked
• Cover snaps secure. If not covering, remove all loose items from boat
• Remove wheel chocks
• All 3 gates shut and locked
• Fenders/bumpers stowed
• Test trailer brakes when pulling out

Heading Out on Lake – Safety Items:

• Life vests – Tell passengers where they are.
• Kids – Vests on. Check for tightness now, might forget before they jump in.
• Sunblock
• Everyone in the boat? Seated?
• Count passengers
• Remove keys from ignition when stopped
• Motor trimmed down when off, turn prop away from ladder

Heading Out on Lake - Starting Motor:

• Swimmers in boat
• Propeller Clear
• Ladder Up
• Secure or stow loose items
• Start motor, check motor cooling stream running
• Motor Won’t Start – Neutral? Safety Lanyard?
• Take in Bumpers/Fenders after leaving dock

Coming in from Lake - Docking:

• Bumpers out
• Lines ready
• Boat hook ready
• Remind passengers to stay seated
• Give assignments if needed

Post Docking List:

• Motor Down (don’t hit back of garage)
• Ladder Up
• Bimini Lowered (don’t hit garage door)
• Dash Switches Off
• Key Off
• Dock Lines Tight
• Cover on if needed.