The worst feeling at a boat ramp is watching water come up inside your boat because the drain plug is still in your glove box. Run this quick checklist in the staging area before you back down.
In the staging area
- Drain plug in. Check it first. Then check it again.
- Straps off. Pull the transom straps and the winch strap once the boat is at the water's edge — not before, or the boat slides early.
- Gear loaded. Coolers, rods, life jackets, drinks, and the keys all in the boat.
- Trailer lights unplugged. Unplug before the trailer goes in the water so you do not blow a bulb.
Before you leave the dock
- Motor starts and pees. Make sure the water stream is flowing before you idle out.
- Life jackets for everyone aboard.
- Bilge pump works.
Print it, tape it to the console, whatever it takes. Then go find your launch — pick your state and check the ramp page for docks and parking before you tow.