Been fishing on boats my whole life; but never had to worry about maintenance, what I have on it, etc, etc.

As a first time boat owner who is putting his boat on the water for the first time tomorrow, do you guys have a checklist of things I should go over, have on the boat, etc before tomorrow??

Thanks for the help.

BPG

Check with TPW web site they should have a list of things that you must have in your boat. Make sure the drain plug is in before you leave the house and check it again before you launch the boat. Get into a routine and do it all the exact same way every time you load or unload the boat and you should be fine. Oh and "WEAR YOUR FLIPPIN LIFE JACKET".

Since you've just bought the boat and you're using it for the 1st time, wouldn't you like to know whether or not everything works like it should? A boat is only as safe as it's working equipment and it's owner's knowledge of the equipment. I offer a pre-purchase inspection & required maintenance service complete with an 80pt.+ chk-list for you to keep.
Always, MOST IMPORTANT- PUT DRAIN PLUG IN! J/K, but please give me a call, Cary @281-312-9856. Courtesy of Cary's Mobile Marine Services.

Before you leave the house;
Life Jackets for all aboard
Drain plug in
Safety chains crossed
Lights plugged in
Hitch secured and pin in
Mooring lines not tangled

At the Lake, before you are on the ramp;
Transom Saver off
Stern Straps off
Primer Ball pumped
Lights unplugged
Drain plug in
LIFE JACKET ON
Bow Strap loose until motor is running then unhook
Before leaving the dock area ATTACH KILL SWITCH LANYARD, and all persons in boat have LIFE JACKETS

Remember that life jackets should be treated the same in the boat as seat belts in the truck/car. Most people would not think of leaving the driveway without all people seatbelted in same goes for life jackets.

Take it slow and double check everything be safe and have fun.

Wade

Oh and when you leave the lake make sure all electronics are off. or the next trip may have a dead battery. been there done that.

LOL

Previous posts cover it all except: have all your gear loaded before backing down the launch ramp, or wait until you have completed the launch and parked your tow vehicle. Then load your boat away from the ramp, so others won't be waiting for their turn while you load up your gear.

You need to have a throw cushion and turn your ligts off at the ramp so you don't blind the others trying to launch.

Take a paddle and a cell phone.