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You recently got that new trawler or motor yacht and you are excited to get her underway to get her home. You are running around for what feels like months getting everything complete. Groceries, beverages, apparel, the list goes on and on. Suppose you forgot something? To assist you to recall everything, here is a simple list with just about everything you will need to get underway. Navigation - Be certain to have paper charts on your vessel and that you know how to read them; you never know when your chart plotter will choose to quit on you. Maptech Chart Kit Dozier's Waterway Guide Set of binoculars Updated flare kit First aid kit Suitable dock lines Suitable fenders Laptop with air card Handheld VHF Flashlight Mechanical - It is crucial to have standby parts on your boat. They may be challenging (if not impossible) to find on your journey home. You might be anchored out in the middle of nowhere and require a substitute part. Biobore diesel fuel additive Deck fill key to open fuel/water fill ports Bridle if chain rode 25 foot dock line 2 stainless steel shackles (1 spare) 2 sets of pliers (1 extra) Bleach to sanitize water tanks, 1 tsp/10 gallons water Mask and fins Fuel filters Standby impellors for engines Extra bilge pump Extra bilge pump float switch Spare fresh water pump Spare air conditioning water pump Oil absorbent pads Rags Tools - sockets, wrenches, screw drivers Lubricants, WD-40, Corrosion Block Engine oil Coolant Propane if boat so equipped Lighter Fill fuel tanks Outboard gasoline Outboard 2-cycle oil if needed Muriatic acid if heads use salt water to flush Provisions - Be certain to purchase enough to last the entire cruise home; you don't know if you will have access to a supermarket, especially if you are in the Bahamas. Food Drinks Beer or liquor if so desired Cups Glasses Pots and pans Utensils Dish soap Rubbish bags Galley towels Napkins/paper towels Bath towels Bed linens Bath soap Toilet paper Fill water tanks Coffee maker/coffee Personal Items - Pack more than you think you will need. You don't know if you will get wet because of an unexpected thunderstorm. Apparel Deck shoes Hats Sun shades Rain gear Cash for tipping dock hands Camera You now must locate a place to stow everything so it will not clutter your trawler or motor yacht or fall over if you happen to be in rough water. You also need to check all systems to make sure they are operating correctly and that all engines have appropriate fluid levels. Then you need to plan your trip home which means sitting down with charts and figuring how far to cruise each day. Dozier's Waterway Guide is a super help in locating marinas and things to do in the local vicinity. You may also choose to anchor out on the cruise home. Be sure your generator is running well and that its fluids are topped off too. It is time to get a good night's sleep in preparation for your first day underway in your new boat. The captain will operate the trawler and his first mate will help with navigation and line handling. The first mate should study the paper charts while the captain keeps his eye on the chart plotter. It is imperative to have paper charts on your trawler; electronics inevitably will break down at some point in time. When pulling into a marina for the night, dock hands will assist you with your lines and electrical connections. It is customary to tip a minimum of $5.00 per dock hand for their assistance. After a short period of time, you will become accustomed to the way your boat operates and feels. Docking will also come naturally after some practice. Your trawler or motor yacht will become so familiar to you that the slightest weird noise or smell will alert you to a problem. Mike Dickens, the author, is a live aboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide. 904/556-9431 Visit the Paradise Yachts website to view our selection of Used Trawlers, Used Motor Yachts, and Used Sailboats for Sale
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