Bareboating for first-timers and even for experienced sailors is truly a thrilling, fun, and memorable experience.
But it can also be a bit daunting.
So for a safe and enjoyable adventure, follow these bareboating tips and guidelines before chartering a yacht and during checkout.
Before Yacht Charter • See to it that you know the company number and VHF frequency of the yacht charter company.
• Know if the company provides a mobile phone you could use to contact them directly.
• Practice backing up the sailboat.
Know some warping techniques.
• Practice reefing and hoisting main.
During Check Out • Make sure the tank/s are full.
Learn how to switch tanks.
Check if the heat exchanger is providing hot water.
• Check the holding tank discharge valve.
Keep in mind that holding tank should only be dumped in open water, and never in anchorage or harbour.
• Check the fuel level • Locate tool kit on board • Ask the charter company regarding hanging 12v cockpit light.
• Do a radio check, send and receive.
Bring your own hand-held VHF.
• Locate flares, life vests, spotlight, sound-emitting devices, first-aid kit, and fire extinguisher.
• Locate the documents for the boat and secure them in a dry place.
• Before departure, check anchor locker.
• Test the anchor windlass at dock, and review reset switch with the company's staff.
• Make sure the fridge works fine.
Before departure, check its temperature using a temperature gauge, and bring the device with you.
Make sure the refrigerator is staying cold under the power from the engine.
• Check the battery isolator(s).
The starting battery must be isolated from the house system.
Ask a staff member to show you the proper way of switching to different batteries.
• Before departure, run the engine without shore power for at least one hour.
Make sure all batteries are individually charging above 12V under engine power only.
If they are wet batteries, make sure there's water in every cell.
• Check and make sure you understand all of the running rigging.
Make sure you know how clutch and winches work.
• Run the outboard motor on the dinghy.
Put it forward and reverse.
Check the fuel level.
Make sure that the dinghy is properly holding air.
Mark your dinghy so you can recognize yours at night.
• For mooring the balls, you should use two lines, one from each bow cleat.
Then loop each through the mooring pendant, cleat off back at the original cleat.
It's important to bear in mind these things for you to have a safe and remarkable bareboating trip.