Spring time
Now Playing: Getting the boat ready for spring
Well the weather is finally changing and I am thinking about getting the boat out and taking it to the water. Just hook up and go to the launch ramp right? No way. After sitting all winter there are several things one should do before heading out.
First, the battery needs to be checked. Examine the terminal ends and make sure that they are not corroded. Install them if they were properly removed during winterization. If you have a battery tester use it to check that the individual cells are in good condition. If not replace the battery. Not top off the water in the battery and hook up to a fully automatic charger following your chargers instructions.
Second, check your oil level. You should have changed oil in the fall so the engine would be sitting with clean oil in it during the winter. If not consider changing oil now. Check the dipstick for cloudy oil or water droplets on it.
Third, did you remember to put fuel stabilizer in the gas tank in the fall. If not you will want to determine the quality of gas in your fuel tank. If it smells like varnish you may not be able to start or run your engine. If it is a little off you may be able to add fresh gas and run your engine. When you start your engine never run it out of water more than a few seconds. Best is to run the engine with the boat in water or have a water supply hooked up to your intake.
Steering and gearshift should be operated to assure that the cables have not rusted up during the winter and that they are still operational.
When was the last time you replaced the raw water pump impellor. A overrheated engined can really shorten your boating season.
Always start your engine before you head to the water. Conflicts often develop at a boat launch when your boat is sitting at the dock and you are unable to start it, and a couple of dozen other boaters are waiting to either launch or haul out.
How is the condition of the hull? Did you hit something last year and damage the gel coat and fiberglass? Minor fiberglass repairs can often be put off until winter and avoid the spring rush. But if you did not get the repair done during the winter make an appointment now before the backlogs get to long. Also, washing, buffing, and waxing the boat sure makes the boat look better and is a good way to thouroughly check the fiberbglass and gelcoat condition.
Clean the interior with soap and water and thouroughy dry. Black mildew stains can be removed with a variety of cleaners. I like to use a mild soluthon of ammonia with a few drops of dishwashing detergent added. Remember storing a boat with ventilation can help to reduce or eliminate mold and mildew.
Is all your safety equipment in good shape and up to date. Fire extinguishers should be checked for proper charge. Flotation devices should be clean and dry and not rotted out and soggy.
Lastly, check the conditon of the boat drain plug. The rubber type do get old and brittle and begin to leak. Do not forget to install the drain plug before you launch.
Well these are just a few of the tips I use for myself before I take any of my boats out for the first of the season and I hope this advice can save you any unnecessary grief. Gary
Posted by Gary
at 1:27 PM PDT
Updated: Friday, 23 April 2010 1:36 PM PDT