Checking the weather forecast, it’s difficult to tell, but according to the calendar, spring is almost here. In much of the country, it’s time to pull your boat out of winter storage. In the rest of the country, it’s still a great time to take care of some annual maintenance. While you may be eager to just get out on the water and fish, taking the time to make sure your boat is seaworthy will reward you with uninterrupted, enjoyable fishing time the rest of the year.
Fuel system
Start with the fuel itself. Hopefully, you remembered to treat your tank with a fuel stabilizer before you put it into hibernation. If not, you may need to drain the tank, and start fresh. Next, visually inspect for leaks or any visible damage, especially to fuel lines. If fuel lines look cracked, brittle or swollen, you’ll want to replace them before they become a problem on the water.
Belts, cables and hoses
Similarly to fuel lines, these parts are often made of rubber which can dry out and crack over time. Make sure that belts are tight and control cables are free of cracks and swells and lubricated as required.
Electrical
Please do not wait until you get to the boat ramp to confirm the state of your batteries charge. Check with a volt meter and charge as necessary. Inspect for and eliminate corrosion with a wire brush and, if necessary, replace any badly corroded components.
Fluids
Check oil, power steering and power trim reservoirs and coolant levels. Unusually low levels are probably a sign of a leak or some larger problem and should be serviced. Replace any fluids that weren’t changed when the boat was winterized.
Propeller and hull
Look for places where the exterior of the boat has been compromised by dings, scratches, cracks or distortion. Check the propeller for nicks and dents which can affect balance and cause premature wearing and/or failure of the prop shaft bearing. Spin the prop in neutral and watch the center of the prop shaft to confirm that it is perfectly straight. If any wobble is detected, or grinding is heard, have it checked/serviced by a certified technician.
Safety gear
Research the minimum legal safety requirements for your body of water. Make sure you have a proper, certified life vest for each passenger. You should also check that your fire extinguishers are the correct class for your boat, and that they’re charged, not expired and easily accessible.
Owning a boat comes with a bit of responsibility. Taking the time now to be responsible for your boat’s condition will improve your safety, increase your enjoyable time on the water and decrease potential pain to your wallet. We wish you a memorable and safe fishing season!
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