Float plan - let a friend know when you're leaving, where you're going, when you expect to return, what to do if you don't, and a description of your boat
Charts of the area and compasses
Registration certificate or documentation
Personal Flotation Devices (wearable and throwable) - cg approved, good condition, readily accessible, assigned and fitted
Fire Extinguishers - right number, size, and class for boat; charged, not corroded, nozzle clear, bracketed, readily accessible
Visual Distress Signals - current dates on pyros, proper number, batteries good if lights or epirb
Anchors and Line - adequate anchor for bottom, adequate line for water depth
DeWatering device - bilge pump operable, alternative bailing device available
Watch or clock - operable
Boarding ladder (or other means of boarding)
Heaving lines - at least 30 feet with monkey fist
Mooring lines - bow, stern, and spring lines, preferably three-stranded nylon with an eye in one end and of adequate length for your boat and mooring conditions
Bright flashlight or searchlight
Navigation lights - tested and operable, spare bulbs
Batteries - fully charged, encased in plastic boxes or terminals covered, securely fastened down
Sound producing device - horn, whistle appropriate for boat
Alternate propulsion - paddle or oar
Boat hook(s)
FCC license - if VHF radio, radar, epirb or other transmitter aboard and you plan to enter a foreign country
Oil discharge and trash placards affixed - if required by boat size
Bell - if required by boat size
First Aid Kit
Gauges - functional and reading properly
Ventilation - power ventilation operable (blower) and natural ventilations cowls open and clear
Tools and spare parts
Depth sounder, lead line, or sounding pole
Compass
Copy of Colregs (NavRules) - if required by boat size
Spare propeller and lock nut
Sunscreen and sunhat
Extra clothing...wool sweater, gloves, socks and other articles for warming if temperature drops or someone gets wet
Binoculars
AM radio...static on AM forewarns of nearby lightning
Drinking water
Personal needs like prescription drugs