Check And Repair Before First Time Out

Perhaps the best sign of spring came from the wife of a friend who remarked recently: “Well, spring is here, our slip at the marina’s been paid for, but the mortgage isn’t.”

The Kootenai County boating season traditionally runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day, or roughly paralleling the school/family summer vacation.

The “daily dunkers,” those who keep their boats on a trailer, don’t pay much attention to a so-called “season,” but watch the weather reports for warm, sunny days. The larger vessels that have a wet bottom all year will throw off their winter covers and come alive under blue tarpaulins.

There’s more to it than taking off the winter covers and hooking up the trailer, though, if you want to have a really pleasant summer of boating. In talking to some of the better boat mechanics in the area - and Kootenai County is fortunate to have some of the best - there’s about a dozen things that need to be checked before enjoying your first outing.

Check and replace the engine oil with manufacturer’s recommended quality oil.

Check and replace as necessary all engine filters, including those on the water intakes.

Inspect sea cocks, hoses, clamps and pipes, even the exhaust system, for weakness or any signs of leakage or cracking, Expansion and contraction due to temperature changes can affect these fittings even though the vessel is in dry storage.

Check and lubricate the steering and control linkages, including the gearshift lever, particularly those that use hydraulic fittings.

Bring the boat’s batteries up to full charge and if possible take them to a dealer for a load test. Batteries in a boat, as in a car, are the “heart.” With a dead battery you can’t even call for help unless you carry a cell phone.

Test all lights. Corrosion has a way of getting inside bulb sockets and it’s best if you remove each bulb and polish the contacts.

Inspect the propeller(s). Dents and dings that were left over from last season or even occurred somehow over the off-season can delay your fun while repairs are made.

Inspect your boat’s safety gear, including opening the first-aid kit and on-board tool kits. Murphy’s Law states clearly that the screwdriver you left in your shop at home is the one you will need when you are off somewhere afloat. Life jackets need close scrutiny since storing in damp conditions can facilitate rotten fabric. An operational fire extinguisher is a requirement, so have an expert look yours over.

If your boat is on a trailer, there’s even more to do. Tires and wheel bearings need a look-see. Even if you have Bearing Buddies, moisture in the form of condensation can cause problems.

Inspect and lubricate the winch, changing frayed or worn lines and tiedowns. And while you’re at it, check out rollers and roller guides. It’s easier with the boat off the trailer, but well worth the extra time taken on that first time in.

Test the trailer’s lights and the electrical connection to the tow vehicle. It might be a good idea to see if your trailer conforms to code. There’s been some changes over the years.

And plan ahead. Have personal flotation devices for those unexpected small guests who will show up from time to time. Even a life jacket for your family pet is a good idea.

It’s interesting that the above list applies whether you have a personal water craft or a 50-foot classic yacht. Attention to these details at the start of a boating season can have the same effect as lengthening the season.

Your boat usually is ready to go when you are, and there’s little or no down time.

As noted earlier, North Idaho is home to some excellent boat mechanics and they will be happy to get you ready for the season. A major problem is that everybody wants the work done immediately as the season opens and it’s likely you’ll have to wait.

Finally, a Vessel Safety Check decal displayed on your boat will indicate to any authorities that your boat is ready for the season. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons can perform the necessary inspection. This decal replaces the CMB decal of past years and is the one recognized by the State Boating Law Administrators.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HELP US OUT

We want this column to be your column and request that you send information about events or regattas on Kootenai County waterways, along with your questions to: The Idaho Spokesman-Review, 608 Northwest Blvd. Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. You can reach us by fax at 765-7149 or by e-mail at rbka@televar.com.