16 things to do as Spring nears
With the warm burst of air and sunny days in between the polar force winds that we are experiencing, many folks are getting the itch to get their boat out on the water.
Just some friend reminders or check list of things to do.
1. If it's a four stroke it's a good time to change the oil in the motor. Sometimes it is easier to buy a kit that includes the oil filter and gasket for the oil plug. But the good oil is vital to the motor lasting you a long time.
2. If you have a fuel water separator it's a good time to change it out also or add one to your boat. This helps keep the contaminants out the motor. They are inexpensive and prevent a lot of problems especially in the carbureted motors.
3. Replace the spark plugs is also another good prophylactic thing to do. Examining them will tell you if your motor has been running lean, got, etc.
4. Examine the fuel in the gas tank and look for water that's settled to the bottom. You can put items like heat to help out with that. Also it's best to keep a full tank to help prevent the condensation of water in the tank. It is always a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer like stabil or seafoam.
5. Check the connections on the batteries for rust and corrosion. The corrosion can be cleaned up with a mixture of baking soda and water made into a paste. Apply to the terminals then wash off with water. You can apply a corrosion preventative which will help deter it in the future. Also check the water levels if you run wet cell batteries. Distilled water is best to top them off with.
6. Examine the lower unit oil by removing the bottom screen on the lower unit. If it is milky in color you have a leaking seal and needs attention. It's a good time to change it out too regardless.
7. Take your prop off the big motor and trolling motor and look for fishing line or other items that may be wrapped around the shaft. These will eat into the seal and cause damage to the foot of your motors.
8. Good time to check and make sure all your Trailor lights are in working order and replace bulbs or lights with LED lights.
9. Check your tire pressures as the air temperature changes so does the psi in your tires change. Under inflated tires are common when it get cold.
10. It's good to jack your Trailor up and spin your tire and check for slack in it or bearing noise which might indicate a bearing going bad. If it has been a while repack your bearings and hubs.
11. Clean your live wells out with a mild bleach or vinegar solution. Rinse them well afterwards.
12. Check all the screws or bolts on your rod racks or lockers, ram mounts, etc as they can loosen over time from vibration.
13. Check your navigation lights and make sure they still function as they can build up corrosion on the plug on the boat. You can put a small dab of Vaseline on them to keep the corrosion down.
14. Take time to rinse and drain the boat out getting all that fish slime from last years trips off the carpet.
15. Take out the fire extinguisher and make sure it still works if you have an 18ft or larger boat.
16. Take the life jackets out and make sure they haven't dry rotted along with your throw cushion if required to have one. The pfd that uses the gas charge may need to be looked at for expiration of the gas charge that came with the unit.
Hope every has a happy and safe fishing season this year.
