Prepping the Boat for Spring
by Don M. (LundLover)
If you are like me, you have stared at your boat all winter. If fact, if you are like me, you probably will talk to your boat when you walk by, just to make sure it knows you care. But Spring is settling in, the ice is coming off the lakes and it won't be long before you and your two thousand pound best friend head off together for some good times on the lake.
In preparation for your first trip there are a few things you can do to get ready for your big day; checking the boat and trailer, making sure you have the correct gear, doing a final walk-around before you launch, and observing some simple etiquette rules at the ramp.
Checking the Boat and Trailer:
If you are like many boat owners, you will have performed some winterization to your boat prior to putting it away for the last time. A typical winterization, at a minimum, will normally include filling the gas tank up to full to prevent condensation, the adding of a fuel stabilization additive such as Sta-Bil, and the use of fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Finally, most will apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads, and change the gear oil in the lower unit and an oil change. Additionally, if you store your boat out of the water, it is recommended that you remove your battery and keep it charged through the winter.
A visual inspection of your boat and trailer will tell you if there are any glaring problems that have developed over the winter. Depending on your chosen storage location, you may find that you have to deal with damage caused by rodents, or water seepage through the tarp. I have been told that rodents will avoid your boat if you put mothballs or old dryer sheets in your boat prior to tarping it for storage. I can say that it has worked for me. Additionally, you can avoid water seepage in your tarp by "tenting" your tarp with some wood beams placed across your boat prior to storage. This will allow the water to roll-off more affectively instead of pooling on your tarp.
Provided that you don't have any issues there, it would be a good time to re-install your battery. Make sure that all batteries are fully charged. If they need water, add it as necessary. Makes sure all of the terminals are tightened and correctly fastened to the correct positive and negative posts.
Start the engine to make sure that everything is running properly and check your gauges. Please be aware that most engines are water cooled and that you should only start your motor out of water if you have a correct size motor flusher to keep water flowing through the cooling system when you are on land. If you are unsure, check with your local boat dealer for advice.
I should mention that this is a GREAT time to install the drain plug on your boat if you have removed it for storage. Remembering to install the plug AFTER it has sunk at the ramp is a BAD idea. In fact, you should install the drain plug NOW and then check it again when you are doing your final launch walk around which we will talk about in a bit.
If you haven't already done this, now is a great time to clean your boat, stem to stern. While you have the boat out anyway, it's a great time to get out the vacuum cleaner, the window cleaner, and make your pride and joy SHINE!
After you have started the boat and made sure things are functioning properly and clean, it's a good time to visually inspect your trailer. Check all hard wear, rollers and bunks for signs of wear or cracking. (checking your rollers and bunks may actually be easier after you launch the boat for the first time) Make sure that all of your nuts and bolts are tight. Grease the bearings in your wheels as needed. (Bearing Buddies are great for this) Plug your trailer into your tow vehicle and make sure that your brake lights and turn-signals are working properly. Also, make sure that your tires are properly inflated. This will not only improve trailering, but also improve your gas mileage.
Finally, make sure your boat is properly secured, both front and back with the proper straps and tie-downs to keep your boat from bouncing off or shifting on the trailer.
Checking for the Correct Gear
Now is the time to check your gear and make sure that everything you need on your boat is there. This is both a legal requirement and a common sense requirement.
Equipment Requirements
- LIFE JACKETS: Life Jackets: Every vessel except sailboards, including any buoyant device capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, shall carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved, Type I, II, lIl or V Life Preserver for each person on board. Every vessel except personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks and sailboards, shall carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable flotation device (Type IV) in addition to other required devices. All such devices shall be in good condition and be so placed as to be readily accessible. All passengers and operators of personal watercraft shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life preserver while the PWC is under way.
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER: Inboard/Outboard; Inboard or any motorboat which has closed compartments, closed living spaces or permanently installed fuel tanks; Class 1 and 2: One (1) U.S. Coast Guard approved type B-l fire extinguisher; Class 3, two (2) U.S. Coast Guard approved B-l or one (1 ) B-ll fire extinguisher; Class 4, three (3) U.S. Coast Guard approved B-l or two (2) B-ll fire extinguisher; All airboats must carry the number of fire extinguishers according to their class. None required for outboard motorboats under 26 feet in length of open construction and not carrying passengers for hire.
- OARS: Every vessel, except personal watercraft, sailboards or similar devices, and Class 3 or 4 motorboats, shall carry an oar or paddle.
- BAILING BUCKET: Every vessel, except personal watercraft, sailboards or similar devices, shall be equipped with a bailing bucket, efficient bilge pump or sponge.
- MUFFLER: Exhaust of all internal combustion engines used on motorboats shall be effectively muffled in a reasonable manner.
- WHISTLE/BELL: Every vessel of Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall have an efficient whistle or other mechanical sound-producing device. Every mechanically-powered boat of Classes 3 and 4 shall be equipped with an efficient bell.
- FLAME ARRESTOR: Every motorboat with an inboard motor using gasoline fuel shall have the carburetor of every engine equipped with an efficient flame arrestor or similar device. These devices shall meet U.S. Coast Guard approval.
- VENTILATING: Every motorboat, except those of open construction, using volatile liquid fuel shall have a prescribed venting system for bilges and fuel-tank compartment.
- DIVER'S FLAG: The Divers' Flag must be displayed in Nebraska whenever diving or underwater-powered spear-fishing to give fair warning to boaters of a diver in the area. Boaters must approach this warning with caution. The flag must be mounted on a float or buoy and must be at least 12 inches square, with a red background and white diagonal stripe that is one-fifth the width of the flag. The stripe must run from the top of the hoist to the bottom of the flag. It is unlawful to display this flag when not diving. A diver or underwater spear-fisherman must stay within 150 feet of his flag.
Water Skiing
- OBSERVER: All vessels, when pulling a person on skis, surfboards, or similar devices and not equipped with a wide-angle rear view mirror must have a responsible person, 12 years or older, as an observer in the vessel with the operator.
- LIFE SAVING DEVICES: It shall be unlawful for any boat operator to tow or otherwise assist any person on water skis or other device or for any skier to manipulate water skis or similar devices unless the skier is wearing a life preserver, buoyant vest, or ski belt that is in good condition. The only exception is during state-authorized regattas and similar ski and water shows.
All lines, when not in use shall be stowed immediately aboard the towing vessel.
- ORANGE FLAG: Whenever a waterskier, surfboarder, or any person engaged in a similar activity or associated equipment, is down in the water the operator or observer of the tow boat must display a hunter orange flag of a size not less than 12 inches square or at least 144 square inches. This flag must be visible 360 degrees.
While the above mentioned items are the legal requirement, now is the time for some common sense activities as well. Take a moment and have each adult and or child that will be on your boat try on their life jackets to make sure they are functioning correctly and still fit. If they are ill fitting, or have broken straps or clasps, its time to get a new one.
Also, make sure that your fire extinguisher is easily within reach and adequately charged.
Another item that is worth considering in your boat is a first aid kit. Considering the close proximity of knives, hooks, and other pointy objects to bare hands and feet, its always a good idea to have a small but stocked kit in the boat. Additionally, I like to keep some Tylenol in my kit so it’s a good idea to replace those old pills from last year.
Final Walk Around
There are three complete walk-arounds I do with my boat. Before I leave my house, before I launch the boat, and before I trailer it home. It may seem like a lot, but a quick mental checklist will keep you from forgetting some things that are vitally important and could damage your boat.
Before I leave my house, I will check that the boat is properly connected to my hitch. That includes that the trailer is properly secured to the ball, the lynch pin is secured, and both safety chains are secured to the back of my truck. In addition, you should again check that the wiring is correctly hooked up and that both your left/right blinkers and break lights are functioning correctly. I make sure all tie-downs are affixed, that the motor is raised for travel, and the transom saver is properly secured. One of my big "faux paus" every year is that at least once, I will forget to raise my trailer jack. I don't get far before I remember. You don't mistake that noise. So make sure your trailer jack is raised.
Upon arrival at my lake, but prior to getting on the ramp, I do another walk around. The first thing I do is unplug the electrical from my trailer. This will allow time for the tail lights bulbs to cool so they don't crack when they hit cold water. After that, I remove the rear tie-downs, the transom saver, and lower my motor slightly. Be careful not to lower it all the way until it is in the water. Otherwise you will scrape your motor on the concrete. (Another sound you can't mistake) Finally, unhook the boat in the front. You are ALMOST ready to go. One last thing, check your drain plug and make sure that it is securely fastened. If it is, you should be ready to go. Only after I do my final walk around do I approach the ramp.
My final walk around involves all of the things previously mentioned only I do them when I remove my boat from the water and prepare to trailer it home. Make sure the boat is properly secured both front and back with chain and tie-downs. Motor is lifted and transom saver is installed (if you use one), and electrical is hooked back up with a quick check of turn signals and break lights. Additionally, I make sure that all loose items in the boat are secured for travel and will not fly out.
Launch Ramp Etiquette
One of the common frustrations of many boaters is the hectic and sometimes confrontational time at the boat launch site. It seems the longer you have to wait, the more likely frustrations are to flare. So some common etiquette tips can help a great deal.
Launch
- Prep your boat and do your walk-around inspection BEFORE you get in line at the ramp.
- Once you are completely ready, then get in line at the ramp.
- When it is your turn, back your tow vehicle down quickly, launch your boat and quickly move your vehicle to the parking lot.
- It is recommended that someone on your boat start the motor and move the boat to one of the waiting docks nearby.
- Do NOT wait until your boat is in the water to prepare and load it with gear.
- Always be forgiving of those who are struggling with backing down the ramp. Remember, you had a first time too.
Hopefully, with a little extra time spent in preparation, you can have less frustrating and wasted time at the docks, fewer unexpected and costly surprises, a safer boating experience and more time spent on the water!
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