I thought it might be helpful to some if we made a list of things to check on your boat before leaving on a trip.  This is my list.  Please add anything you do that I don't (yet:))

Hook up trailer-check lights (brakes also if applicable)

Turn on batteries, 1,2,both(make sure switch functions)

Check all electronics,radio(s), radar,finder,etc.  

Check fuel/oil and fuel-water seperator

Safety equipment check-class 1 lifesuits(offshore) life jackets(inshore),flares, anchor(s),throwable flotation, check eperb

Check extinguisher system for charge

Start motor

Kill switch(to be checked when motor is started)

Boat lights

First aid kit

All boat papers/permits/liscences

Go fishin'!

LBH, you forgot one of the most important things! Make sure you put the plug in!!  

LBH, you forgot one of the most important things! Make sure you put the plug in!!

RITFLMAO!!!! ;D

That might be a little important!!!!

although, I have hard of it happening.

one other thing to check if applicable

Trailer brakes.

um,...blub,blub,blub

no plug in my boat, scuppers   ;D

Good one though

RITFLMAO!!!! ;D

That might be a little important!!!!

although, I have hard of it happening.

one other thing to check if applicable

Trailer brakes.

One little tip for those of us that have plugs. (LBH, you are fishing primatively in your flat bottom so you don't count~ ;D)

Anyway, for those of us, ahem, with more sophisticated rigs (just kidding LBH) if you ever launch your boat and forget to put the plug in, here is what you do.

You will no doubt remember when you notice the back end of your boat getting REALLY low after fishing for a bit at your first stop.

Immediately turn on your bilge pump to start the evacuation process, then put your boat up on plane.

The centrifigul force of the movement combined with the pump will all but drain your bilge area and give you time to insert the plug. The pump will take care of any leftover water.

Problem solved!!

Or in my freshwater case, ahem, you know I do own a 21 ft center console ,lol, but in my red jon, a dunkin donuts cup with lid removed serves for a suitable bilge pump replacement ;D