Skip Novak, Ullman Sails Brand Ambassador

Any ocean crossing checklist should be exhaustive in view that you will be in the middle of the ocean with no recourse for re-supply or in getting any help whatsoever.

Most comprehensive lists include both checks on the functionality and condition of primary systems, obtaining spares for each, and checks of various appliances.  On top of these steps, offshore checklists often include accoutrements that are not really necessary for a safe passage, but might be for a comfortable passage.  Therefore you need to separate everything into two lists:  the essentials and the non-essentials.  Here we will only cover the essentials as the non-essentials list could be endless.

For the essentials it is all about imagining what could go wrong to prevent the voyage from continuing, and then establishing plans to mitigate those possibilities.

Rig and Sails
A top-to-bottom rig check is fundamental.  If your rigging is relatively new you are probably on safe ground. If not some jury rig material might be appropriate, i.e. consider what you need to repair a broken shroud, etc.  Sails and running rigging also have to be sound.  Sails should be checked by a sail loft if possible. If it is not then at least lay each sail on the ground and meticulously look and fix any problems that can easily be repaired before setting off.

Steering System
Checking the steering system is fundamental.  Inspect the cables, sheaves, chain and quadrant.  Spare steering cables must always be onboard.  Have you tested your emergency steering system?  If you lost your rudder, what would your plan be?  There are many options, but you need to make a decision on how you will manage this before setting off.

The Hull Itself
Dive into the bilge and check every through hull fitting.  Knowing exactly where they are is a good start.  Are the valves free?  Are all hose clamps secure and doubled up?  Does every through hull fitting have a wooden bung attached?  Test each bilge pump. Never assume it is working.  Several spares kits for each type of pump are another essential. If you can’t haul the boat out, a dive to check the bottom is required.  Check any issues with the rudder bearing moving the rudder from side to side while watching for asymmetric motion.  Is the prop secure and does the shaft revolve by hand?  Is the hull-to-keel joint sound?

The Main Engine
The main engine needs to have a full service before you leave.  A comprehensive spares inventory onboard is also a must, which might include but not limited to injectors, injection pump, fuel lines, thermostat, starter motor, alternator(s), heat exchanger, miscellaneous gaskets and more – and don’t forget the specific tools to change these spares out.  Take more fuel filters than you think you need.  A bad load of fuel is always possible.

Watermaker
Depending on your water tank capacity and if you have a watermaker, you need to assume that the watermaker might fail. An emergency supply of water, usually 3 liters per person per day, must be in the tanks and jerry cans to go the distance.

Of course there is much more – communications and navigation systems, medical kits, stove functioning and sufficient stove fuel, and of course a basic set of safety equipment. But if you can motor, sail and steer, and keep her afloat, you are essentially on safe ground… or rather water.

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For more about offshore cruising, check out Ullman Sails South Africa’s Winston Wiggins two-part series about long-term offshore cruising.

You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
http://ullmansails.com/essential_grid/preparing-for-long-term-offshore-cruising-part-1/
http://ullmansails.com/essential_grid/preparing-for-long-term-offshore-cruising-part-2/