Keeping your boat shipshape!
Checklists · AftLog Blog
Boat maintenance checklist for beginners
A simple pre-launch routine that catches most problems before they're problems.
- Kill switch / lanyard — present and working.
- Battery — 12.6V+ at rest, terminals clean and tight.
- Fuel — enough for the trip plus reserve; primer bulb firm.
- Engine oil — level and age. When did you last change it?
- Cooling — tell-tale stream strong within 30 seconds of start.
- Steering — free and responsive, no stiffness.
- Bilge — dry at the start; bilge pump works.
- Drain plugs — in and tight.
- Safety gear — PFDs, throwable, fire extinguisher, whistle/horn.
- Lights — nav lights and anchor light (if running late).
- Trailer — tires, lights, coupler, straps, breakaway cable.
- Plan — tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
AftLog turns this into an interactive launch checklist that teaches as you go — see the features.
Track these on your boat with AftLog — free to start, $29 lifetime Pro.