Cramming Cats -- Think about it!

[CampCook]

I like memory aides -- probably because I am nearly as old as dirt.

For what it is worth, Here is one I use on Gypsea Dream to make sure everything is cool whenever I change operating configurations

CRaM CaTS Limits

Centerboard.............Proper depth
Rudder.....................Up /Down /Secure
Motor........................Up / Down

Connection...............motor to rudder or stowed
(ballast) Tank............Full or Empty
Sails .........................Properly deployed or stowed
my personal Limits....for this mode

Fair Winds
Dave

[Billy]

Same here. I always check with "Mr. C" before pulling my X out of the water--has saved me a lot of money & embarrassment. Yes, I've paid the price & learned.

M. . . . . .motor
R. . . . . .rudders
C. . . . . .centerboard

[Ixneigh]

This boat is very complex. A few days ago I put the main up and forgot I had emptied the ballast. Whoops.
I have decided to post a little sign by the helm ESP to help in panic situations.

Motor linkage
Ballast water
Fuel petcock
Daggerboard
Canvas off

Those words should help me remember all the critical stuff.
Hopefully in a few years it will become 2nd nature.
Ixneigh

[Tomfoolery]

Put a red flag on something you have to use when sailing to remind you about the ballast, like small aircraft 'remove before flight' control wheel locks and engine air intake plugs (with a ribbon to a cap on the top prop tip), something like that, so you have to remove and stow it before hoisting the main. Maybe on the winch you use for hoisting the main, if you use one. Something to jog your memory in case you forget.

I leave ballast in mine all the time, even when floating it onto its trailer (I let it drain as I pull the boat), but that's one thing that does give me pause - sails up with no ballast.

[Crikey]

I'm leaning towards a simplified checklist. Some thing I'll call the WTF factor:

Weight - Ballast in or out?
Trim - Sails set or reefed?
Fuel - Enough to get you out of trouble?

[MacNCheese]

WTF:
Weight - Ballast in or out?
Trim - Sails set or reefed?
Fuel - Enough to get you out of trouble

MR. C
M. . . . . .motor
R. . . . . .rudders
C. . . . . .centerboard

These are helpful

I think I will borrow 2 of your mnemonic devices and combine them:

WTF MR. C!

[kmclemore]

L
S
M
F
T

[Crikey]

L
S
M
F
T

We're waiting......

[FLembo18]

L
S
M
F
T

Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco (Brand Slogan) OR Loose Straps Means Flabby T%Ts (rhymes with MITTS)

GEEZ, every old salt knows that one. If missed something please advise.

Frank L.

[kmclemore]

L
S
M
F
T

Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco (Brand Slogan) OR Loose Straps Means Flabby T%Ts (rhymes with MITTS)

GEEZ, every old salt knows that one. If missed something please advise.

Frank L.

We have a winner.

[Phil M]

Loose straps? ...

Forget the mnemonic devices and just use a long checklist with four sections (taped on the cabin wall for any crew to view as well):
Part A - setup
B - launch
C - getting ready to dock
D - post takedown (before hitting the highway)

I usually glance at the setup checklist, and at times the others. I have forgotten so many things that I can't remember what I've forgot.

Phil M

[David Mellon]

And don't forget the ladder, if you back up with it down it folds backwards!