- Undo the winterizing on purpose. Drain plugs IN (launch-ramp comedy is built on this line), antifreeze flushed, water pump impeller checked, fuel system inspected for winter cracking.
- Battery & electrical. Charge, terminals cleaned, bilge pump and blower tested, nav lights working — the DNR checks the same list.
- Safety gear audit. Life jackets for every passenger size, throwable, extinguisher charged, flares current, horn works.
- Trailer too. Bearings greased, lights working, tires aged-checked — more boat claims start on the highway than the water.
- Insurance check one: lay-up dates. If your policy has a lay-up period, launching early means calling first — coverage during the lay-up isn't full coverage.
- Insurance check two: values & liability. Boat prices moved; agreed values should too. And on busy water, liability limits deserve the umbrella conversation.
Launch day prep, hull to paperwork.
The mechanical list gets you floating; the paperwork list keeps the season from getting expensive. Both, in order.