Plane and simple
http://www.pdbmagazine.com Pontoon & Deck Boat March (^201813)
someone’s vital signs after he’s been
unconscious for a while? It’s kind of like
that.
Let’s start with the battery. Make sure
to wipe the terminals clean, especially if
there are any signs of corrosion, and then
check the strength with a battery tester.
If it’s dead, it might be time to buy a new
one if it won’t hold a charge.
Also make sure to check your engine.
Get in there and do some of the basic
maintenance such as installing new spark
plugs, making sure all the connections
are well-lubricated, reconnecting the fuel
lines and greasing the propeller shaft.
Then don’t forget to check all the hoses
as well.
Fire ’Er Up
Before you test your engine,
make sure you have some gas in the tank,
and while you’re at it, top off the cooling
system. Then don’t forget to change the
fuel filter, the oil and the oil filter if you
didn’t take care of that before winter lay
up.
Now it’s time to test your engine. An
outboard motor needs water running
through it when running so be sure not
to run it without a supply of water to the
raw water pump. A set of outboard rabbit
ears should be used to bring water to
the intake from your hose to test it while
it’s out of the water.
There usually isn’t anything to worry
about if there’s a bit of smoke at first
because it’s pretty normal for your engine
to smoke when starting it for the first time
after hibernation. However, if it continues
to smoke it could possibly catch fire and if
so you’re in trouble for obvious reasons.
Once the engine is running, look for
leaks from the cooling system and take
note that the discharge stream is spitting
out in a straight line.
To The Launch
There are just a couple last things to
check before you head out to launch your
boat.
The first is your equipment. As you’re
loading your gear back into the boat,
make sure to inspect everything to make
sure it’s still in working order and not
expired. That includes equipment such as
personal flotation devices, first aid kits,
flares, ropes, fire extinguishers and any
electronics.
Lastly, you’ll want to look over your
boat trailer as well. Just like when you
checked your boat, keep an eye out for
wear and tear, cracks or bends. Test the
lights and signals to make sure they’re
working, and make sure all your straps are
in good shape without fraying. Then don’t
forget to make sure the coupler and latch
are good and tight as well.
Now for the moment of truth: the
launch.
At this point you should be good to go
after you’ve made all the previous checks,
but still pay attention to the bilge and
make sure there aren’t any leaks. Also
note that the water intake mechanism
is working and the engine is shifting
smoothly.
If everything is functioning
accordingly, you’re home free and you can
get on with the boating season!