Early Season Boat Concerns

[ndfinfan]

Planning to take out the boat Saturday for the first time this year. Do you guys have a list of "what to watch for" the first few times out when you start a new boating season? Will start the big motor and check all electronics along with the trolling motor before I leave the house. Thanks gents...

 

[RustyTackleBox]

making sure the plug in is a good start, put a good battery charger on and make sure everything is 100%, motor starts and good fuel

 

[Allen]

I just always plan on going upstream, or upwind from the boat dock. While I've never had an issue, it's a lot easier to limp back to the trailer if Mother Nature is helping.

Besides that, I always, ALWAYS, clean battery connections and test/charge the batteries before heading out for the spring's first outing.

 

[fj40]

Batteries and the pee hole.

 

[3Roosters]

Fish God's require you to christen the bow with your favorite nectar.:fishon:

 

[sweeney]

If you store your boat outside it doesn't hurt to check your lower unit to make sure your oil looks good and that no water was in it over the winter if you didnt check that before storing it. also I have seen hoses come off livewells and bilges that can cause problems, check your lights, and tighten anything that may have loosened up.

 

[Jigaman]

dont check anything before you go to the lake on a busy day. do it all at the ramp and take your sweet time.

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but honestly, dont forget to check over the trailer as well. Check air pressure, grease the hubs, check the lights, etc.

 

[ndfinfan]

I just always plan on going upstream, or upwind from the boat dock. While I've never had an issue, it's a lot easier to limp back to the trailer if Mother Nature is helping.

Besides that, I always, ALWAYS, clean battery connections and test/charge the batteries before heading out for the spring's first outing.

Good point Allen...just in case!

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dont check anything before you go to the lake on a busy day. do it all at the ramp and take your sweet time.

- - - Updated - - -

but honestly, dont forget to check over the trailer as well. Check air pressure, grease the hubs, check the lights, etc.

Yup...had to change one of the signal lights on the trailer and fill both tires. Greased the jack on the front as well.

 

[Fishmission]

Seems no matter what I do first trip of the year entails something breaking or getting smashed. Usually at least 1 rod gets stepped on by a size 14.

 

[ndfinfan]

Fish God's require you to christen the bow with your favorite nectar.:fishon:

No way...I'm too cheap to break a bottle of Jack on the bow!

 

[shorthairsrus]

1st lesson is go when it's a nice day. End of story. Spring g overrated. Sandles, cold Busch light, shorts and a tshirt

 

[ndfinfan]

1st lesson is go when it's a nice day. End of story. Spring g overrated. Sandles, cold Busch light, shorts and a tshirt

Seems like it's already a month later than when I got out last year! Hoping for 60 on Saturday...winds less than 20!

 

[LBrandt]

Make sure you have a spare pee plug. They have a tendency to disappear. I have 4 extra, one in boat, one in truck and 2 in tackle boxes so when I travel with others. Same with fuse's. Always carry extra every where.

 

[johnr]

snacks, just in case you get hungry

 

[buckhunter24_7]

snacks, just in case you get hungry

I almost always forget that part but I usually remember the beer though

 

[Fishmission]

A man could die out there without.

 

[sig357]

I found a bad wheel bearing this year already. Caught in town right at the gas station. It wasn't making noise but the wheel that it was on had a slight lean to it. I went over and gave it a few pushes back and forth on the tire and there it was....... new bearings for it.

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but honestly, dont forget to check over the trailer as well. Check air pressure, grease the hubs, check the lights, etc.[/QUOTE]

 

[ndfinfan]

I found a bad wheel bearing this year already. Caught in town right at the gas station. It wasn't making noise but the wheel that it was on had a slight lean to it. I went over and gave it a few pushes back and forth on the tire and there it was....... new bearings for it.



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but honestly, dont forget to check over the trailer as well. Check air pressure, grease the hubs, check the lights, etc.

[/QUOTE]

Sig...how old is your trailer? Mine was brand new last year, don't think the bearings are a concern yet but should check the grease in the hubs I guess.

 

[raider]

inform bride and turn off cell phones when leaving ramp... r&r is expected, but seldom respected...

 

[shorthairsrus]

When do u guys repack trailer grease