Trojan Boat Forum

This is a pre-Launch Check List that Boat U.S. put out. Whether you are a new boater or an old salt, you may want to look at it to double check before you launch.
http://www.boatus.com/seaworthy/spring_checklist.asp

drain plug...drain plug...drain plug...did i mention to check the drain plug?...yes i have nearly sank a boat or TWO lol

Drain plug? What's a drain plug? I used to have nightmares worring that I wouldn't rtemember to put the drain plug back in. It hasn't happened yet but I'm getting older and forgetful. Thankfully she's floating and the engines started up right away. All I need to do is the other thousand things to get her up to where I want her.

PS. On our boat there are 2 drain plugs.

My marine mechanic ties the drain plug to the throttle at the end of the season when he winterizes the engines. That way he won't forget to put it back in. They usually put the batteries back in and fire the engines up on the dry land before hauling her to the launch. I am always there for the launch and the plug is the first thing I look for to make sure it is in.

My method, I leave the boat in the slings open engine compartments and aft hatch. When the boat is in the water Still in slings I inspect in insure no water is coming into the bilge. Then start engines and again inspect to insure on probles with cooling hoses, shaft logs or thru hulls. It only takes a few minutes and gives me peace of mind that I can relift and fix any minor problem.