Yacht Check-In Process – Before Charter

The yacht check-in process is critically important and should be carried out with calm focus and attention to detail.

Modern yachts are equipped with a wide range of systems — some of which are essential for safety and overall sailing experience — as well as many supporting components such as accessories, tools, first aid kits, and more.

The checklist below provides a professional summary of the key systems and items that should be inspected prior to departure.
Depending on the time available and the level of detail you wish to explore, you may choose to go deeper into specific areas.

If you come across any issues or non-functional items, use your judgment to decide what is worth insisting on and what can reasonably be overlooked.
For example, a single broken fan may not be worth losing hours from your first sailing day — but if the anchor windlass isn't working, do not leave port until it’s resolved.

General recommendation:

It is highly recommended to raise the sails shortly after leaving the marina, if conditions allow, to ensure they are fully operational and that the sail system is functioning properly. If any issue arises, it’s still possible to return to the marina for assistance — which is far preferable to discovering a problem on the third day of the cruise.

Yacht Check-In Checklist

1. Initial Checks

--> Ensure the dinghy is fully inflated (to be rechecked at the end to confirm it holds pressure).

--> Verify shore power is connected and functioning, then disconnect (this will help reveal battery or charging issues).

--> Turn on the refrigerator.

--> Turn on navigation and anchor lights.

2. Deck and Sails

Walk around the deck: check for visible damage, stanchions, stern platform, and cockpit area. (Photograph any damage and note it on the inspection form.)
Ensure shrouds (standing rigging) and guardrails are tight and secure.
Check all deck hatches are intact and operational.
Confirm navigation and anchor lights are working.
Verify fuel and water filler caps are clearly marked.
Count the number of fenders (these will be recounted by the charter company during check-out).
Familiarize yourself with the sail plan, rigging, and operation of all sail control lines.
Check winches and rope clutches (spinlocks).
Make sure you have at least two winch handles

3. Anchoring System

Ensure the anchor chain is securely connected to the boat.
Operate the windlass: lower and retrieve the anchor.
Test the quick-release function.
Check for chain length markings (if available).
Secure the anchor for sailing.
Locate the windlass circuit breaker/fuse.

4. Electrical System

Confirm the shore power cable and appropriate adapters are onboard (if not connected).
Check battery voltage after disconnecting shore power.
Locate the battery banks.
Locate the battery master switches.
Verify the VHF radio is operational and note if it has a dedicated battery and voltmeter.
Ensure at least one working 12V socket or USB charging port is available.
Check if an inverter is installed and operational.
If a generator is onboard, learn how to operate it (consider recording a demonstration video).
Learn how to operate the air conditioning system (if installed).

5. Interior Inspection

Check that the bilge is clean and the bilge pump is functioning and set to "auto".
Locate all seacocks and underwater through-hulls (toilets, sinks, showers, transducers, A/C).
Locate the diesel tank shutoff valve.
Identify and count all fire extinguishers.
Ensure lights and fans in the saloon and cabins are working.
Document and photograph any scratches or interior damage.
Ensure the number of blankets, pillows, sheets, and towels matches the number of crew members.

6. Engine (in case of catamaran, make it double)

Start the engine and verify cooling water is exiting via the exhaust.
Test forward and reverse gear engagement and check idle RPM.
Check for leaks, vibrations, or unusual noises.
Verify the fuel tank is full.

7. Heads and Showers

Check that toilet pumps are functioning properly.
Test shower drain pumps.
Locate holding tank valves and confirm operation.

8. Fresh Water System

Locate the fresh water pump and tank selector valves (ensure only one tank is open at a time).
Check water flow from all faucets and showers.
If a watermaker is installed, learn how to operate it (video recording recommended).

9. Galley

Test all stove burners and the oven.
Locate the gas shutoff valve.
Ensure a fire blanket is available in the galley.
Verify the refrigerator is operational.
Spot-check tableware: plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery.
Spot-check cookware: pots, pans, bowls, cutting board, strainer.

10. Onboard Safety & Utility Equipment (Presence only)

Life jackets
Safety harnesses and jacklines
First aid kit
Pyrotechnics (flares)
Toolbox
Spare parts kit
Sail and dinghy repair kits
Boat hooks
Day shapes
Cable/bolt cutter
Sea anchor (floating anchor)
EPIRB
Flashlight
Handheld compass
Pilot book
Nautical charts
Bosun’s chair
Owner’s manual
Binoculars
Sound signal (horn)
Companionway door and keys

Ensure depth sounder is calibrated and reading in meters. (Clarify whether it reads from sea level, keel, or transducer.)
Test the autopilot.
Confirm GPS shows current location and chartplotter displays the chart. (in your preferred language)
Verify wind instrument is working.
Check that the main compass is accurate and fluid-filled.

12. Dinghy

Fully inflated and holds air.
Oarlocks and retaining nuts are secure.
Bowline and securing line attached.
Start the outboard engine and verify it runs smoothly.
Kill switch lanyard is present.
Outboard securing line attached.
Dinghy seat is onboard.
Dinghy pump is available.
Dinghy oars.
Dinghy anchor.

13. Cockpit Equipment & Systems

Test bow thruster.
Bimini and sprayhood in good condition.
Manual bilge pump is operational and handle is accessible.
Lifebuoy with light.
Swim platform and boarding ladder.
Stern shower.
Two winch handles.
Emergency tiller.
Spare anchor.
Fire extinguishers.
Mooring lines (minimum 4 short, 2 long).
Spare fuel can for main engine.
Spare coolant, engine oil, and gear oil.
Fuel tank for dinghy.
Funnel.
Water hose + fittings.
Bucket.
Deck brush.
Mask and fins.
Full gas cylinder + spare.
Gangway with securing line.
Cockpit cushions.
Liferaft.
Cockpit speakers are working.

14. Final Checks

--> Dinghy still inflated.

--> Battery voltage stable.

--> Refrigerator is cooling.

--> Fill freshwater tanks.

--> Collect license and documentation folder from the charter company.