Cast-Off Checklist (Power Boats)
- Weather, tides, route, and float plan confirmed
- Fuel level checked + reserve planned
- Engine oil, coolant, belts, bilge, and blower checked
- VHF radio check + channel plan
- PFDs, flares, extinguisher, horn, and first-aid aboard
- Navigation lights and electronics working
- Dock lines and fenders ready for departure
- Passengers briefed (seating, handholds, no-go zones)
- Through-hulls/seacocks set as needed
- Cast off sequence assigned (bow/stern/spring)
How to run the checklist without rushing
The best cast-off routine is slow before it is smooth. Start at the helm, walk the boat once, then come back to the helm and say the plan out loud. On a power boat, the common misses are simple: a loose shore-power cord, a fender still tied low, a hatch left open, a spring line released in the wrong order, or a crew member standing where a loaded line can sweep them.
For Great Loop days, add one route-specific pause before the first line comes off: confirm the first bridge or lock, the first fuel or pumpout option, and the first bailout stop if weather or current is worse than expected.
Power boat departure notes
- Run blowers and sniff the engine space before starting gasoline engines.
- Check raw-water flow shortly after startup, especially after a lay day or maintenance stop.
- Assign one person to watch stern swing until the boat is clear of pilings, neighbors, and dinghies.
- Keep a roving fender and boat hook ready until the boat is fully out of the fairway.
- Delay stowing lines until the boat is in open water and nobody is balancing on a narrow side deck.
Common departure mistakes
Most bad departures start before the boat moves. Someone assumes another person checked the shore cord, a spring line is released too early, the helm does not know the wind plan, or passengers begin moving around while the boat is still in a tight fairway.
- Do not release the last controlling line until the helm has said where the bow and stern will move first.
- Keep passengers seated until the boat is clear of dock traffic.
- Avoid packing fenders away while still inside the marina.
- If the departure feels confused, pause and reset the line plan instead of rushing.
Publication notes
Written and maintained by TheCenterOf editors. Last reviewed: 2026-07-06. This page is planning guidance for boating and Great Loop readers. It is not a substitute for current charts, notices, marina confirmation, weather forecasts, official rules, professional advice, or onboard judgment.
Corrections, broken links, and first-hand route updates are welcome through the contact and corrections page.