Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Get the Boat Ready for Some Time on the Water!

Details

Created on Saturday, 16 April 2011 17:18

Written by Nathan

Green Mountain Reservoir photo by member Linda Abbott

By BRIAN MARSH

It’s that time of year again to get the boat ready for some open water fun. Before hitting the water, there are a few things to check on both the boat and the trailer. By checking a few things, you can be assured to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

The first thing to check is the boat itself -- check the upholstery, carpeting and wiring to make sure the neighborhood squirrels haven’t chewed up anything. The next thing to do is put the batteries back in the boat if they were removed in the fall. Make sure they are fully charged, too. After hooking up the batteries, take time to check the bow and stern lights if the boat is equipped with them as well as any running lights.

The next thing is to check is your PFD’s, throw-able flotation device and lifejackets. Look for any tears that need to be fixed, check the buckles and replace any that are beyond repair. The fire extinguisher is one of the more important items to check to make sure it is charged and ready if needed. Also check your air horn.

This is a good time to go through you first aid kit to see if there are any items that need to be added. If you have a small tool box, make sure there are fuses and any other spare parts that might be needed in a fix to get you back to the dock. You also want to check the plug for the boat. If it is a rubber one, look for any dry rot and replace it if necessary.

Related: Hybrid trout biting at Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Once the boat is done, it's time to check the trailer and make sure everything is ready to go. Start by checking the tires, make sure the air pressure is at the correct PSI (don’t forget to check the spare) and look for any dry rot or anything that could compromise the tires' integrity.  Then check the lights to make sure the blinkers work as well as the running lights and brake lights. Check the wires too for any corrosion or if any of them need to be replaced. This is also a good time to squirt a little grease in the wheel hubs if it wasn’t done in the fall. If the trailer is equipped with breaks, check those as well. The next thing to check is the winch strap to make sure that it is in good working condition along with the winch itself. Lastly, inspect and tighten the tie-down straps to keep the boat securely on the trailer.

Now that the trailer and boat have been checked out, I like to fire up the motor and get some fresh oil circulating in the cylinders. This is the time to make any adjustments to the motor. If you don’t know how to make the adjustments, take your boat to a professional. Once the boat is launched into the water and the truck is parked, take a quick minute to inspect the carpeted bunks or rollers on the trailer. If your boat is equipped with a livewell, it’s also a good idea to check to see that the pump is working to fill the well.

Once this checklist is complete, it's time to get out and enjoy your time on the water!