Offshore - Seatrials

Checklist: Seatrial Inspection for Offshore Passage

The following checklist is to be used after the offshore maintenance checklist has been completed and the boat is ready for sea trials. The sea trial is the chance to operate all of the systems of the boat and make sure they work while underway. The objective is to load critical systems up and put them under some of the stress that they will encounter on the voyage. The sea trial will also give you the opportunity to practice skills such as MOB recovery while on the water.

Offshore Sea Trials Checklist

	Item	Link to Detail
Anchoring / Docking
	Anchor windlass (if installed) operates in both up and down direction
	Bow thruster (if installed) operates in both directions
Cooking
	Stove swings freely on its gimbals and balances with a full pot of water on a burner. Make sure to check while sailing on both tacks.
	Pot holders keep a full pot of water from sliding when boat is rolling.
Communication
	Alternator noise from engine doesn't impact the VHF radio
	VHF works properly when "noisy" items like the refrigerator, autopilot and inverter are running.
	SSB (if installed) works properly when "noisy" items like the refrigerator, autopilot and inverter are running.
Fuel System
	Gas (diesel) tank gauge works - shows increasing level as fuel is pumped in.
	If multiple tanks are installed, engine works properly off of either tank.
Generate Electricity
	Alternator charges batteries at an acceptable rate; note how long it takes the engine to recharge the batteries from a deep discharge.
	Alternate energy source(s) such as solar, wind or water generator operate while the boat is sailing on either tack.
	Measure actual electricity usage while underway - revise your 12v energy budget if you're using more amp-hours than previously thought.
Head
	Macerator pump operates - check this only when sailing more than 3 miles from the coast.
MOB Recovery - Note: practice this at anchor, not while underway
	Deploy the MOB pole - evaluate if it would be easy while on a port or starboard tack.
	Recover a swimmer (wearing a PFD) from the water using the LifeSling. Note: do NOT try this on open water. Only do this at anchor or while on a mooring in calm waters.

Motoring
	Engine starts easily
	Engine can run for 1/2 hour at full throttle load without overheating or malfunctioning.
	Engine runs without excessive vibration or noise
	Engine gauges work. Check operation of oil-pressure and temp warning lights on panel.
	Drip rate on shaft packing is acceptable - one drip every 10 to 20 seconds while engine is running in gear. WARNING: be careful not to catch clothing, hair or tools in the spinning shaft while performing this inspection.
Navigation
	GPS functions correctly
	Adequate space exists for working on paper charts. Navigator can work on both port and starboard tacks
	Adequate night-lighting (preferably red) exists to allow for chart-work
	Depth sounder works
Sailing and sail handling gear
Mainsail and control lines
	Mainsail runs up track easily; only have to use winch for last 1/4 to 1/3 of the hoist
	Telltales on luff and leech of mainsail allows you to observe sail trim
	Mainsail traveler / windward sheeting system works smoothly. Traveler car works when the main is loaded and can be moved to windward or leeward.
	Rope clutches hold under load and don't slip
	Mainsail reefing works under windy conditions (20kts + )
	Mark halyards and reef lines with indelible marker to indicate proper hoist/reef points
	Boom brake prevents uncontrolled movement of boom when gybing
Jib/Genoa and control lines
	Jib roller furler works under windy conditions (2okts + )
	Jib sheets run freely
	Jib lead cars move smoothly on their tracks and allow changing of sheet lead positions
	Primary winches spin freely
	Telltales on luff of jib allows you to observe sail trim
Whisker Pole / Spinnaker Pole and control lines
	Pole control lines work freely
	Pole car slides freely on its mast track
	Pole ends work smoothly
Salt Water Leaks
	Hatches and ports are watertight. Sail the boat hard to windward to check.
	Mast boot is watertight. while sailing
Standing Rigging
	Tune the rig - check rigging tension by sailing the boat hard on the wind on both tacks. Leeward shrouds should not loosen or sag when sailing close hauled. Verify both port and starboard side If they are loose, return to the dock, retune the rig, and go out sailing to check them again.
Steering & Autopilot
	Steering works smoothly
	Steering handles loads of a hard-over turn at high speeds
	Autopilot can handle the loads of an imbalanced sail trim
	Autopilot isn't influenced when crew is transmitting on the SSB
	Emergency tiller fits properly and isn't impeded by the wheel or helm
Warmth
	If installed, verify that the heater works while underway

___________________________________________