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Pre-Launch (Planning & Preparation)

 

A. Initial Consultation
  • Review vessel specifications and condition
  • Confirm delivery route and timeline
  • Discuss expectations, responsibilities, and communication
  • Conduct preliminary inspection and inventory
  • Establish documentation, insurance, and permissions
  • Build rapport and confidence with yacht owner





 

 

Vessel Assessment

Assessment Checklist

 
1. General Condition
Hull & Exterior: No visible damage or blistering; gel coat in good condition
Props & Running Gear: No visible damage; props recently balanced (confirmed by invoice)
Deck Hardware: All cleats, rails, and davits secure
Canvas/Isinglass: Clean and intact; all zippers operational

2. Mechanical Systems
Engines: Twin MAN V8s; 845 hours; no oil leaks; both started cleanly
Generators: Northern Lights 20kW – 670 hours – tested under load, passed
Throttle & Steering: Responsive; hydraulic steering fluid topped off
Cooling System: Raw water strainers cleaned, impellers recently replaced
Bilge: Dry, no oil or fuel residue

3. Electrical & Electronics
Batteries: House, engine, and thruster banks at full charge
Shore Power: 50A system functional; no signs of corrosion at inlet
Navigation Suite:
Garmin MFDs (2) – updated charts loaded
Raymarine Radar – functioning
AIS – Transmitting
Autopilot – Tested on simulated route
VHF – Primary and backup tested with strong reception

4. Plumbing & Fuel
Fresh Water Tanks: 80% full; water pump operational
Fuel Tanks: Full (approx. 1,500 gallons total)
Fuel Filters: Primary Racor filters clean; spare filters onboard
Heads: Two electric heads; both operational, macerator tested
Holding Tank: Emptied pre-departure; Y-valves labeled and compliant

5. Safety Equipment
Life Jackets: 12 adult, 2 child; all USCG-approved
Fire Extinguishers: 6 onboard – all within expiration
EPIRB: Mounted at helm, registered and tested
Life Raft: 6-man offshore rated; serviced April 2024
Flares: Unexpired, variety of visual and audible signals
First Aid Kit: Fully stocked, updated this month
Throwable Devices: 2 ring buoys with lines

6. Interior Condition
Salon & Cabins: Clean, no mildew or water intrusion
Galley Appliances: Refrigerator, freezer, stove, and microwave operational
Air Conditioning: Blows cold throughout; compressor cycles properly
Securing Items: Owner to secure artwork, décor, and loose objects before departure

7. Documentation Onboard
USCG documentation certificate (copy also provided to captain)
Vessel insurance policy with delivery rider
Engine manuals, logbooks, and recent service history
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Route Planning & Weather Monitoring

1. Navigational Apps
2. Understanding your Chart Plotter
3. AIS
4. Route Planning
5. Fuel Use
6. Meteorology
7. Tides
 
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Safety & Compliance Checks

1. Lights & Safety Equipment
2.  Emergencies: Fire, Grounding, Injury & Illness, breakage
3. CFR's and USCG Regulations
4. MOB
5. Dailey checks & maintenance
 
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Provisioning & Crew Coordination

1. Boat systems management: Water, Black Water, Electricity, Marpol
2. Marinas
3. Fuel Docks
4. Anchoring and mooring/Bahamas mooring/Mediterranean mooring
5. Etiquette
6. Flags
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