Ten-Minute Checklist
A checklist for your 10-minute new boat walkaround
by David Brown
Step #1 — Hull and Gel Coat, Time 1:30 Port and Starboard Sides — Gel coat surface smooth and highly polished, hull fair with no hard spots,no or minimal print-through of underlying woven roving and hard chines free of hollow spots. Transom — Gel coat surface smooth and highly polished, no or minimal print through of underlying woven roving and corners where transom joins hull free of hollow spots. Step #2 — Deck and Fittings, Time 2:00 Fiberglass Deck Molding — Gel coat surface smooth and highly polished, deck fair with no hard spots, no or minimal print-through of underlying woven roving and cabin and hatch corners free of hollow spots. Deck Hardware — Cleats large enough for boat, cleats and life rails properly through-bolted, backing plates for all deck hardware and life rails at least 24 inches high and 3/4 inches in diameter. Deck Safety — All walking areas treated with nonskid. Step #3 — Helm Station, Time 0:30 Primary Control Station — Good visibility forward and to sides, controls logically positioned for easy use, adequate engine instrumentation and provision made for compass installation. 12-Volt Switch Panel — All circuits protected with fuses or breakers and few in-line fuse holders. Step #4 — Cabin Hatches and Windows, Time 2:00 Opening Portholes — Must close absolutely weather tight, metal frame or high-quality plastic construction and approved safety glazing. Deck Hatches — Able to support minimum load of 300 pounds, minimum rectangular opening of 14 1/2 by 18 1/2 inches; all windows have approved safety glazing and no RV quality sliding windows. Step 5 — Engine and Machinery, Time 4:00 Engines — Easily accessible via hatches or moveable furniture, engine and transmission oil levels easily checked and provision to drain engine oil. Shaft Log and Coupling — Some disassembly of interior for access OK. Steering — Emergency tiller if mechanical system fails. Wiring — All wires properly color coded or identified, wires and cables supported throughout length and wiring routed out of areas where water will collect. Batteries — Installed in easily-accessible location, ventilation for hydrogen gas, covered boxes or terminal protection and short runs to engine starters. Through Hull Fittings — Seacocks or ball valves on all through hull and hoses double clamped with stainless-steel clamps. Interior Fiberglass Layup — Bulkhead and stringer tabbing neat, no rough glass. Print-through of roving OK.
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