Well known sailor and blogger Behan Gifford of SV Totem has posted a number of useful articles on passage planning a float plans:
Passage Planning – The Float Plan: Behan Gifford – SY Totem
It would be nice to think you can just step onboard your boat, slip lines and head out for the day, but taking a little time to make some simple checks will result in a happier and safer cruise.
World Cruising Club’s report on pre-departure checks download.