Boat launch checklist

Open this page on your phone before you head out. Pages you have opened keep working at the ramp, even without signal.

Safety gear

• A properly sized life jacket for every person on board
• Throwable flotation device (for most boats 16 feet and longer)
• Fire extinguisher, if your boat requires one
• Sound signal: whistle or horn
• Navigation lights working, if you may be out near dusk
• First aid kit, sunscreen and drinking water
• Phone in a waterproof case

Paperwork

• Boat registration
• Fishing license, if you'll fish
• Boater education card, where your state requires one

Rules differ by state. Each state, lake and county page has a "Before you launch" box linking to that state's license, registration and invasive species pages.

Boat and trailer

• Drain plug (in your pocket or already in)
• Battery charged, fuel topped up
• Trailer lights and tire pressure checked
• Bow and stern lines, fenders
• Winch strap, safety chain and transom straps in good shape

Before you leave the house

• Wind forecast and any advisories checked
• Water level checked (lake and river pages show live USGS readings)
• Ramp picked, with a backup on the same lake
• Someone knows your plan and return time

At the ramp

Follow our step-by-step launch guide, and finish the day with clean, drain and dry.