On-Water Sea Trial Checklist

This checklist is for the on-water boat trial after the survey is already complete. Use it to confirm real-world performance, handling, and that every system works the way we expect on our 2008 Regal 2565.

Bring and set up

• Phone charger and a notepad (or screenshots)
• Basic tool kit, flashlight, paper towels, zip ties
• Handheld IR thermometer (optional, nice for checking temps)
• Camera for quick video clips of startup, shifting, and WOT run
• Everyone onboard wearing PFDs for the trial run

Before starting (at the dock)

• Shore power disconnected and cord stowed properly
• Batteries set correctly (note switch positions)
• Bilge area: dry or normal, no fuel smell, no unusual odors
• Blower runs and is audible (run a few minutes before start)
• Bilge pump(s) cycle and float switch works (test if possible)
• Engine hatch lift works and stays open
• Raw water seacock (engine) is open
• A/C raw water seacock is open
• Fire extinguishers present and charged
• CO detector(s) present and test button works
• Verify key gear: fenders, dock lines, boat hook, horn
• Steering moves freely lock-to-lock (smooth, full travel both directions)

Cold start and idle checks

• Engine starts cleanly (note how fast it fires)
• Idle is stable (no hunting, surging, or stalling)
• Gauges: oil pressure, coolant temp, volts, fuel, trim, tach all respond
• Alarms: no warning tones or fault lights
• Inspect exhaust and engine area: no smoke, no leaks, no unusual vibration
• Steering at idle: smooth, no binding

Docking and low speed handling (our normal Rideau pace)

• Shift forward and reverse: crisp engagement, no grinding or long delay
• At idle and 6 to 8 km/h: tracks straight, steering corrections feel normal
• Practice slow turns both directions (note prop walk tendencies)
• Sideshift bow thruster: short bursts work both directions
• Confirm control feel: throttle friction, neutral detent, trim button

Acceleration and getting up on plane

• From displacement speed, smooth throttle up to plane without hesitation
• No excessive bow rise beyond what is expected for this hull
• Engine sounds normal under load (no knocking, no sputter)
• Trim response: boat settles and rides properly as trim changes
• Temps and oil pressure remain stable while running on plane

Cruise checks (steady run)

• Pick a comfortable cruise and hold it for 5 to 10 minutes
• No surging, misfire, or vibration through the hull or steering wheel
• Steering has no wobble, pull, or wandering at speed
• Check for water intrusion: open engine hatch after the run and look again

Wide open throttle run (short and controlled)

• Only if conditions are safe (room, calm water, good visibility)
• Trim set appropriately and run WOT briefly (15 to 30 seconds)
• Note RPM reached and top speed (compare to expected range for the setup)
• No alarms, no overheating, no unusual vibration

Turning and handling tests (on plane)

• Moderate turn both directions: no ventilation, no slipping, no sudden RPM spikes
• Track in chop or wakes (if available): feels controlled, no pounding surprises
• Slow back down: no stalling, no weird transition, steering stays normal

Systems test while underway

• GPS / chartplotter (if installed) powers on and gets a fix
• VHF radio powers on and transmits on a test channel (as allowed)
• Depth sounder reads and updates (if installed)
• Windshield wipers (if applicable) and horn function
• Cabin lighting and cockpit lighting

Comfort and house systems (dock or underway)

• Fridge powers on (AC and/or DC mode if applicable)
• Water pump pressurizes and holds pressure (no constant cycling)
• Hot water (if safe to test) and faucets run clear
• Head flush and holding tank indicators (if installed)
• AC and heat run and blow cold/warm as expected (shore power test)
• Battery charging: confirm voltage rises on charger and/or alternator

Return and docking test

• Re-enter marina and do a full docking sequence (forward, reverse, pivot)
• Thruster helps as expected without tripping a breaker
• Engine returns to smooth idle after running hard
• Shut down and restart once (warm restart)

After the run (final inspection)

• Engine bay check: any new fluid, water, or fuel smell
• Look under the engine and around the bilge for drips
• Check belts, hoses, and clamps visually (anything wet or sprayed)
• Confirm bilge is not filling during operation
• Note any faults, quirks, or items that need service before launch season

Performance log (fill this in during the trial)

Deal-breakers and negotiation notes

• Any fuel smell in bilge or cabin (stop and investigate)
• Persistent overheating, alarms, or unstable oil pressure
• Hard shifting, prop slip, or unusual drivetrain vibration
• Steering play, binding, or wandering at speed
• Water accumulating in bilge during normal running
• Thruster issues (weak, intermittent, breaker trips)

Wrap-up (what we should walk away with)

• A completed performance log with RPM and speed notes
• A list of items that must be fixed before delivery
• A list of nice-to-fix items we can live with for season 1
• Short videos of startup, shifting, and the WOT moment (if done)