Return checklist

Before leaving the boat

• Tidy up
  • wipe kitchen surfaces
  • sweep/wipe cabin floor
  • sweep/wipe cockpit surfaces
  • wash/scrub topsides with freshwater
• Complete log entry, including:
  • date and time
  • estimated engine hours and fuel level (use mechanical gauge underneath port salon bunk cushion)
  • name of person making the entry
  • description of trip, including destination, route, weather
  • enumeration of things that were repaired, need to be repaired, will soon need to be repaired
• Remove ensign from stern and stow.
• Remove MITNA burgee and stow.
• Stow winch handles in tray in starboard lazarette
• Stow boat hook in starboard lazarette
• Replace metal binnacle cover if removed
• Ensure that mainsail is well-tied and covered
• Ensure that headsail is furled and secured, and jib sheets are tight
• Ensure that main halyard is attached to aft end of boom and boom is held level
• Ensure that the boom and sailcover will not touch the dodger
• Close hatches (there are 3) and window ports (there is 1)
• Stow cockpit cushions on edge in cabin
• Ensure that stove switch and propane tank valve is closed
• Set all electrical switches to 'off'
• Set battery switch to 'off'
• Install companionway boards and lock
• Replace key in its proper position in the starboard lazarette
• Tighten steering brake with rudder in centered position
• Deploy the guppy, secure to rail, and attach clamp to backstay
• Secure lifeline gate when leaving the boat

For the dinghy before leaving the marina

• scrub floor
• freshwater rinse
• wipe salt residue from motor surfaces
• secure lock
• cover motor

After every few trips

• deck
  • scrub the decks
  • remove scuff marks from transom and aft hull
  • freshwater rinse exterior above the waterline
  • flush soot and dirt from toe rails
• head
  • drain holding tank then flush it a few times
  • scrub/wipe all surfaces
  • clean drain pan and grid
• bilge
  • scrub with brushes and rinse
  • clean bilge well of any particles
  • remove all slime and debris from pump strainers
• kitchen
  • clean stove and oven
  • clean sinks
  • clean countertops
• main cabin
  • wipe/scrub all wood surfaces with murphy's wood soap (diluted)
  • wipe/scrub ceiling with simple green (diluted)
  • wipe/scrub hatches and mast with simple green (diluted) to remove salt residue