A well-executed boat handover is a prerequisite for a relaxed and safe cruise. Nobody wants to discover malfunctioning equipment at sea when everything can be resolved in the marina before departure. Therefore, take your time when inspecting the vessel and be diligent.
Embarkation day is usually hectic. Nevertheless, do not underestimate the boat handover and try to plan your trip to the marina so that you have enough time to examine the boat carefully.
Try to do the check-in process only with the charter company technician and no more than one crew assistant. There's also nothing worse than inspecting the boat while all your stuff is loaded. It is much faster and more convenient without luggage and food. Therefore, ask the crew in advance not to move on board until the boat has been handed over. Ideally, send them to shop for groceries or to a local café and stow the luggage on the pier (you can make an exception for food that needs to be stored in the fridge).
HINT: Ask the charter company office if you can board the boat right away and start the preliminary check. Usually, they allow you to do so, and you can begin the check-in on your own. Then, once the technician arrives, you'll be ready, and together you'll go over what you don't understand or any discrepancies found.
What is the key to a smooth boat handover?
- Enough time;
- Peace of mind and the crewless boat during the inspection;
- Familiarity with navigational instruments and a bow thruster operation;
- Checking the location of all valves, circuit breakers, water tank switches, and other control elements;
- Record everything carefully, use a mobile phone: photo/video;
- Understand the minor damage the boat may have.
How to check-in?
Once you get on board, start the engine for a test run. Check the throttle control, forward, and reverse gear. Write down the engine hours and check the level of the fuel tank. Then leave the engine humming in neutral. Next, get into the deck below and turn on everything you can turn on at the switchboard. Then go back on deck and begin a detailed inspection.
Deck check
Start in the cockpit and focus on the essential equipment for a safe cruise. Check for any play in the wheel by turning it left and right. If you feel the rudder blade respond immediately, all is well; if you feel any play, ask the charter company technician to check the steering mechanism. Look for a reserve tiller extension and familiarize how to handle it properly.
Next, focus your attention on the winches and their proper function. Recalculate the winch handles to operate them. After checking the cockpit equipment, head to the bow and gradually check everything you encounter along the way: stanchions, rails, pulleys, trolleys, dinghy, and its accessories, yard or external damage to the hull.
A good skipper can dive under the boat and check the keel, rudder blade, and propeller. But it's far better to do such a check outside the marina.
At the bow, pay attention to the anchor and anchor windlass. The engine is on, so try lowering and raising the anchor a bit. Use the winch handle to check the brake tightening and visually inspect the shackle which connects the chain and anchor. Are there marks on the chain, what colour is it, and how long is it overall? Is the chain attached to the boat at the end?
At the bow, make sure that all lights are on.
As you go back to the cockpit, check everything on the other side of the deck. And in the cockpit, go through all the lockers.
Check the sails
If the wind is light and favourable, you can also pull up the sails in the marina and check their condition. Look for their weak spots – the clew, the foot, and the leech. With a jib/genoa, examine sail thoroughly in the forestay area, as they are often punctured here. In case of damage, photograph everything. In strong winds, postpone the sail inspection until you get offshore – if you find any problems, take photos and report back to the charter company.
The lower deck is as important as the deck.
Once you get to the lower deck, turn on all the lights and open the lockers. Follow the same procedure as on deck and go through everything systematically in one direction, from the cabins to the saloon, galley, and navigation table.
Almost all electronics and controls are found here! Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to operate them and know their exact location! For example, an anchor windlass or bow thruster can easily trip their circuit breakers.
After inspecting the lower deck, you need to know the exact location and the way of handling the following:
- Fuses and circuit breakers for the anchor windlass and bow thruster
- Water tank switches
- Valves, not just from the waste tanks
- Safety equipment
- Generator and air conditioning
- Engine spare parts – impeller and v-belts
Next, go through the lockers and benches and check their contents.
Don't skip the engine check
Make sure you check your boat engine even if you are not a mechanic! Once you open the engine compartment, the first impression will tell you a lot. If it's clean, the power unit is probably regularly maintained.
For a more detailed check, use the British "WOBBLE" method:
- W – Water filter: Check the water filter visually. Its cap is transparent, so you can immediately see if it is clogged;
- O – Oil: Check the oil level with a dipstick, and look for any leaks;
- B – Belt: Check the tension of the belt using your finger. You should not dent more than 1-3 cm;
- B – Bilge: Check for any fluid in the bilge under the engine;
- L – Level: Check the coolant level;
- E – Exhaust: Check the exhaust when the engine is running. The cooling water must drain out at regular intervals.
Safety first
Check the exact location of all rescue equipment thoroughly. The skipper and crew must know the lifebuoy's whereabouts and how to handle it. The flares, life jackets, and safety harnesses are equally important!
Use modern technology
Despite a well-executed check-in, you may miss out on something. Therefore, it's a good idea to use your mobile phone, turn on video recording and take a "walk" around the ship. Film everything on board and lower deck. If any dispute arises when you return it, you will have a record of the condition you accepted the boat in. Carefully document any problems discovered during the cruise as well.
Enjoy the sailing!
