---
title: "Example Checklists"
description: "Example sailing boat checklists: preparing to sail, after sailing, heavy weather, leaving the boat, storm prep, laying up and haul-out."
---
Working checklists from a 36' sailing boat. Each task belongs to one or more checklists, so the whole set is kept as a single master list.
Adapt them for your own boat: download the 
[spreadsheet (.xlsx)](../../downloads/example-checklists.xlsx) — it opens in Excel, Numbers, LibreOffice and Google Sheets — or print 
[all checklists (PDF)](../../downloads/example-checklists.pdf).
## On the Water
### Preparing to Sail
40 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-preparing-to-sail.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Bow thruster battery on | ☐ |
| Cabin | Check bilges | ☐ |
| Cabin | Check water tank level | ☐ |
| Cabin | Close all hatches | ☐ |
| Cabin | Diesel heater off | ☐ |
| Cabin | Engine battery on | ☐ |
| Cabin | Ensure all lockers secure | ☐ |
| Cabin | Ensure PLB worn or at companionway | ☐ |
| Cabin | Lockers secure | ☐ |
| Cabin | Move milk frother to locker | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check bow thruster operating | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check fuel tank status | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Ensure life raft and grab bag accessible | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Ensure lines untangled and run freely | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Ensure more than hoseful of water in exhaust | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Fasten solar panels | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Record engine hours | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Remove helm/table/winch canvas | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Remove instrument covers | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Shut off gas regulator | ☐ |
| Crew | Briefing on weather and tides | ☐ |
| Crew | Gloves ready | ☐ |
| Crew | Life jackets on | ☐ |
| Crew | Tethers ready | ☐ |
| Deck | Check gates closed | ☐ |
| Deck | Disconnect shore power | ☐ |
| Deck | Ensure dinghy tied down and not fouling sheets | ☐ |
| Deck | Secure anchor with safety wire | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Check coolant level | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Check engine bilge & fanbelts | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Check oil level | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Open engine sea cock | ☐ |
| Heads | Check toilet switched to pump out only | ☐ |
| Nav Station | Turn on compass, navigation | ☐ |
| Nav Station | Turn on VHF and tune to CH 16 | ☐ |
| Provisioning | Lunch on the go ready | ☐ |
| Provisioning | Snacks ready | ☐ |
| Rig | Check both sail covers off | ☐ |
| Rig | Ensure no lines in the water | ☐ |
| Rig | Re-attach halyard | ☐ |
### After Sailing
10 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-after-sailing.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Bow thruster battery shut off | ☐ |
| Cabin | Check bilges | ☐ |
| Cabin | Engine battery shut off | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check covers on all nav instruments | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Lock steering wheel | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Record engine hours | ☐ |
| Deck | Secure anchor with safety wire | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Close engine sea cock | ☐ |
| Rig | Check sail covers on | ☐ |
| Rig | Move halyard to back of boom | ☐ |
### Heavy Weather Prep
5 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-heavy-weather-prep.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Secure power station | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Bimini down and secured | ☐ |
| Crew | Full foul weather gear | ☐ |
| Crew | PLBs and AIS beacons enabled and on person | ☐ |
| Crew | Tethers attached to lifejacket | ☐ |
## At the Marina
### Arriving on Boat
8 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-arriving-on-boat.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Check bilges | ☐ |
| Cabin | Check hatches and bolt-heads for leaks | ☐ |
| Deck | Check and adjust fenders | ☐ |
| Deck | Check mooring lines | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Check engine bilge & fanbelts | ☐ |
| Hull | Check hull for damage | ☐ |
| Nav Station | Turn on house battery | ☐ |
| Rig | Ensure no lines in the water | ☐ |
### Leaving Boat
44 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-leaving-boat.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Bow thruster battery shut off | ☐ |
| Cabin | Check bilges | ☐ |
| Cabin | Check hatches closed | ☐ |
| Cabin | Close all blinds | ☐ |
| Cabin | Close all hatches | ☐ |
| Cabin | Diesel heater off | ☐ |
| Cabin | Empty bin | ☐ |
| Cabin | Engine battery shut off | ☐ |
| Cabin | Take home outboard | ☐ |
| Cabin | Take home power station | ☐ |
| Cabin | Take home Starlink | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check bungees secure on cockpit tent | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check covers on all nav instruments | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Ensure clutch closed on all lines | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Jib furling line clutched and coiled | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Lock steering wheel | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Lock the companionway | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Padlock the cockpit lockers | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Put on canvas winch hats | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Put on helm/table canvas | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Shut off gas regulator | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Snub jib sheets on winch | ☐ |
| Deck | Check all hatches closed tight from outside | ☐ |
| Deck | Check and adjust fenders | ☐ |
| Deck | Check dinghy secure | ☐ |
| Deck | Check mooring lines | ☐ |
| Deck | Disconnect shore power | ☐ |
| Deck | Double up lines | ☐ |
| Deck | Secure anchor with safety wire | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Check engine bilge & fanbelts | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Close engine sea cock | ☐ |
| Galley | Leave fridge open | ☐ |
| Galley | Release water pressure in taps | ☐ |
| Galley | Shut off gas at cooker | ☐ |
| Heads | Check toilet switched to pump out only | ☐ |
| Heads | Close 2 below water sea cocks in heads | ☐ |
| Heads | Release water pressure in taps | ☐ |
| Heads | Take home toothbrushes | ☐ |
| Nav Station | Ensure automatic bilge pump on | ☐ |
| Nav Station | Shut off house battery | ☐ |
| Rig | Check sail covers on | ☐ |
| Rig | Check several turns of sheet round headsail | ☐ |
| Rig | Ensure no lines in the water | ☐ |
| Rig | Move halyard to back of boom | ☐ |
### Pontoon Storm Prep
12 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-pontoon-storm-prep.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Check bilges | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check MOB equipment secured | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check swim platform secured | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Fasten solar panels | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down deck tent | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down sprayhood | ☐ |
| Deck | Add mid-cleat line on other side | ☐ |
| Deck | Check and adjust fenders | ☐ |
| Deck | Deflate and remove dinghy | ☐ |
| Deck | Double up lines | ☐ |
| Deck | Secure anchor with safety wire | ☐ |
| Outside | Check neighbouring boat lines | ☐ |
## Maintenance
### Engine Service
6 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-engine-service.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Room | Change engine fuel filter | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Change fan belt | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Change oil filter | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Change Racor filter | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Clean out raw water strainer | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Inspect exhaust manifold | ☐ |
### Laying Up
32 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-laying-up.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Check mini dehumidifiers | ☐ |
| Cabin | Close all above water sea cocks | ☐ |
| Cabin | Diesel heater off | ☐ |
| Cabin | Ensure all lockers secure | ☐ |
| Cabin | Open all lockers | ☐ |
| Cabin | Remove lifejackets, tethers, foulies | ☐ |
| Cabin | Remove portable electronics | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Check swim platform secured | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Drain deck shower | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Fasten solar panels | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Record engine hours | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down Bimini canvas | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down deck tent | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down MOB equipment | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down spray hood canvas | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Take down sprayhood | ☐ |
| Deck | Deflate and remove dinghy | ☐ |
| Heads | Drain shower | ☐ |
| Heads | Flush toilet with fresh water | ☐ |
| Hull | Block air intake and exhaust | ☐ |
| Hull | Take home gas bottles | ☐ |
| Rig | Freshwater clean for foresail | ☐ |
| Rig | Freshwater clean for main sail | ☐ |
| Rig | Lash Boom | ☐ |
| Rig | Take down sail pack | ☐ |
| Rig | Take off foresail | ☐ |
| Rig | Take off main sail, removing battens | ☐ |
| Tanks | Add steriliser to water tanks | ☐ |
| Tanks | Drain calorifier using valve on tank | ☐ |
| Tanks | Empty water tanks | ☐ |
| Tanks | Pump out holding tank | ☐ |
| Tanks | Top up diesel tank | ☐ |
### Hauled Out
22 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-hauled-out.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Check hatches and bolt-heads for leaks | ☐ |
| Cabin | Open every cabinet and locker for ventilation | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Service winches | ☐ |
| Cockpit | Treat signs of algae on teak | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Change sail drive oil | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Close engine sea cock | ☐ |
| Engine Room | Flush cooling system with antifreeze | ☐ |
| Home | Bring wooden pallet to sit anchor on | ☐ |
| Hull | Change bow thruster anode | ☐ |
| Hull | Change hull anodes | ☐ |
| Hull | Change prop anode | ☐ |
| Hull | Change sail drive anode | ☐ |
| Hull | Check hull for damage | ☐ |
| Hull | Check rudder, stock bearings | ☐ |
| Hull | De-scuff | ☐ |
| Hull | Inspect anchor and chain | ☐ |
| Hull | Inspect prop | ☐ |
| Hull | Move anchor and chain to ground | ☐ |
| Hull | Pressure wash undersides | ☐ |
| Hull | Washout chainplate recesses | ☐ |
| Nav Station | Shut off house battery | ☐ |
| Rig | Standing rigging check | ☐ |
### Splashing Prep
7 tasks · [Print (PDF)](../../downloads/example-splashing-prep.pdf)
| Area | Task | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Hull | Anti-foul cradle patches while in slings | ☐ |
| Hull | Buff old anti-foul | ☐ |
| Hull | Clean topsides | ☐ |
| Hull | Polish topsides | ☐ |
| Hull | Two coats International Cruiser 250 | ☐ |
| Hull | Wax topsides | ☐ |
| Marina | Book night in the slings prior to splash | ☐ |
## All Tasks
Every task, and which checklists it appears on.
| Area | Task | Preparing to Sail | After Sailing | Heavy Weather Prep | Arriving on Boat | Leaving Boat | Pontoon Storm Prep | Engine Service | Laying Up | Hauled Out | Splashing Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Bow thruster battery on | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Bow thruster battery shut off | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Check bilges | ✓ | ✓ | | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | | |
| Cabin | Check hatches and bolt-heads for leaks | | | | ✓ | | | | | ✓ | |
| Cabin | Check hatches closed | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Check mini dehumidifiers | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Check water tank level | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Close all above water sea cocks | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Close all blinds | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Close all hatches | ✓ | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Diesel heater off | ✓ | | | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Empty bin | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Engine battery on | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Engine battery shut off | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Ensure all lockers secure | ✓ | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Ensure PLB worn or at companionway | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Lockers secure | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Move milk frother to locker | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Open all lockers | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Open every cabinet and locker for ventilation | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Cabin | Remove lifejackets, tethers, foulies | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Remove portable electronics | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cabin | Secure power station | | | ✓ | | | | | | | |
| Cabin | Take home outboard | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Take home power station | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cabin | Take home Starlink | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Bimini down and secured | | | ✓ | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Check bow thruster operating | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Check bungees secure on cockpit tent | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Check covers on all nav instruments | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Check fuel tank status | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Check MOB equipment secured | | | | | | ✓ | | | | |
| Cockpit | Check swim platform secured | | | | | | ✓ | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Drain deck shower | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Ensure clutch closed on all lines | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Ensure life raft and grab bag accessible | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Ensure lines untangled and run freely | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Ensure more than hoseful of water in exhaust | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Fasten solar panels | ✓ | | | | | ✓ | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Jib furling line clutched and coiled | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Lock steering wheel | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Lock the companionway | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Padlock the cockpit lockers | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Put on canvas winch hats | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Put on helm/table canvas | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Record engine hours | ✓ | ✓ | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Remove helm/table/winch canvas | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Remove instrument covers | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Service winches | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Cockpit | Shut off gas regulator | ✓ | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Snub jib sheets on winch | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Cockpit | Take down Bimini canvas | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Take down deck tent | | | | | | ✓ | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Take down MOB equipment | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Take down spray hood canvas | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Take down sprayhood | | | | | | ✓ | | ✓ | | |
| Cockpit | Treat signs of algae on teak | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Crew | Briefing on weather and tides | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Crew | Full foul weather gear | | | ✓ | | | | | | | |
| Crew | Gloves ready | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Crew | Life jackets on | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Crew | PLBs and AIS beacons enabled and on person | | | ✓ | | | | | | | |
| Crew | Tethers attached to lifejacket | | | ✓ | | | | | | | |
| Crew | Tethers ready | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Deck | Add mid-cleat line on other side | | | | | | ✓ | | | | |
| Deck | Check all hatches closed tight from outside | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Deck | Check and adjust fenders | | | | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | | |
| Deck | Check dinghy secure | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Deck | Check gates closed | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Deck | Check mooring lines | | | | ✓ | ✓ | | | | | |
| Deck | Deflate and remove dinghy | | | | | | ✓ | | ✓ | | |
| Deck | Disconnect shore power | ✓ | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Deck | Double up lines | | | | | ✓ | ✓ | | | | |
| Deck | Ensure dinghy tied down and not fouling sheets | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Deck | Secure anchor with safety wire | ✓ | ✓ | | | ✓ | ✓ | | | | |
| Engine Room | Change engine fuel filter | | | | | | | ✓ | | | |
| Engine Room | Change fan belt | | | | | | | ✓ | | | |
| Engine Room | Change oil filter | | | | | | | ✓ | | | |
| Engine Room | Change Racor filter | | | | | | | ✓ | | | |
| Engine Room | Change sail drive oil | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Engine Room | Check coolant level | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Engine Room | Check engine bilge & fanbelts | ✓ | | | ✓ | ✓ | | | | | |
| Engine Room | Check oil level | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Engine Room | Clean out raw water strainer | | | | | | | ✓ | | | |
| Engine Room | Close engine sea cock | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | ✓ | |
| Engine Room | Flush cooling system with antifreeze | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Engine Room | Inspect exhaust manifold | | | | | | | ✓ | | | |
| Engine Room | Open engine sea cock | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Galley | Leave fridge open | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Galley | Release water pressure in taps | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Galley | Shut off gas at cooker | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Heads | Check toilet switched to pump out only | ✓ | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Heads | Close 2 below water sea cocks in heads | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Heads | Drain shower | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Heads | Flush toilet with fresh water | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Heads | Release water pressure in taps | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Heads | Take home toothbrushes | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Home | Bring wooden pallet to sit anchor on | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Anti-foul cradle patches while in slings | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Hull | Block air intake and exhaust | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Hull | Buff old anti-foul | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Hull | Change bow thruster anode | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Change hull anodes | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Change prop anode | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Change sail drive anode | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Check hull for damage | | | | ✓ | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Check rudder, stock bearings | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Clean topsides | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Hull | De-scuff | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Inspect anchor and chain | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Inspect prop | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Move anchor and chain to ground | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Polish topsides | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Hull | Pressure wash undersides | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Take home gas bottles | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Hull | Two coats International Cruiser 250 | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Hull | Washout chainplate recesses | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Hull | Wax topsides | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Marina | Book night in the slings prior to splash | | | | | | | | | | ✓ |
| Nav Station | Ensure automatic bilge pump on | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Nav Station | Shut off house battery | | | | | ✓ | | | | ✓ | |
| Nav Station | Turn on compass, navigation | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Nav Station | Turn on house battery | | | | ✓ | | | | | | |
| Nav Station | Turn on VHF and tune to CH 16 | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Outside | Check neighbouring boat lines | | | | | | ✓ | | | | |
| Provisioning | Lunch on the go ready | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Provisioning | Snacks ready | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Rig | Check both sail covers off | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Rig | Check sail covers on | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Rig | Check several turns of sheet round headsail | | | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Rig | Ensure no lines in the water | ✓ | | | ✓ | ✓ | | | | | |
| Rig | Freshwater clean for foresail | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Rig | Freshwater clean for main sail | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Rig | Lash Boom | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Rig | Move halyard to back of boom | | ✓ | | | ✓ | | | | | |
| Rig | Re-attach halyard | ✓ | | | | | | | | | |
| Rig | Standing rigging check | | | | | | | | | ✓ | |
| Rig | Take down sail pack | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Rig | Take off foresail | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Rig | Take off main sail, removing battens | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Tanks | Add steriliser to water tanks | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Tanks | Drain calorifier using valve on tank | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Tanks | Empty water tanks | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Tanks | Pump out holding tank | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |
| Tanks | Top up diesel tank | | | | | | | | ✓ | | |