|
 LITTLE
ROCK - With a mild winter behind them and a warm spring just around the
corner, Arkansas anglers are in action on the state's lakes, rivers and
streams.
As the days become even more inviting, boaters and fishermen will line
up at boat ramps to enjoy lake and river outings. But to prevent a fine
day on the water from turning into a miserable experience, some simple
but important boat maintenance is required.
Boaters should prepare their boats and trailers for a trouble-free warm
weather season. Anglers and boaters who follow a few simple steps can
ensure that everything works properly and all safety gear is in order.
 Outboard
motor -- Replace the lower unit grease. Grease all fittings on the
motor, and make sure the steering mechanism is lubricated and working
smoothly. Clean or replace spark plugs and make sure they are gapped to
specifications. Check all fuel lines for wear, cracks and leaks. A small
leak in any fuel line is a serious fire hazard. If you have portable gas
tanks, replace old gas. If you have a built-in tank, it's a good idea to
use a fuel stabilizer while the boat is stored. Remove prop and check
for nicks or gouges. Remove any old fishing line or weeds that may have
wrapped on the shaft. Grease shaft and replace cotter pin on shaft nut.
 It's
also a good idea to start the motor before your first trip to the lake.
You can start the motor in your driveway if you have a pair of motor
muffs, which attach to a garden hose and force water into your motor's
water intake ports. This allows you to run the motor at low RPMs and
tune if necessary. Never start your motor dry. If your engine is oil
injected, fill oil reservoir and test temperature warning signal device.
Making sure your motor is in good running condition before you arrive at
the boat ramp also prevents the ramp from being congested during peak
use times.
Batteries -- Batteries should have been charged every 30 days
throughout the offseason. Water levels should be checked in each cell,
and batteries should be fully charged long before the first trip. Check
the batteries several days later and make sure they are holding a
charge. Inspect and clean all battery connections.
Electrical gear -- Go through a quick check of all bilge pumps
and electrical gauges. Tighten any loose connections and secure wire
harnesses.
Safety Gear -- Inspect all personal flotation devices and
throwable cushions. There must be one PFD for each person on board, and
all must be in good working condition to be legal. Replace any that have
become worn or water-soaked. Check the fire extinguisher for proper
charge. Be sure a sound-making device is on board or that the horn
works. Test boat lights, clean connections, and replace bulbs if needed.
Trailer -- Grease wheel hubs. Check tires for weathering and
proper inflation. Check wire connections and make sure all lights work.
Lubricate trailer winch and check winch strap for wear. Make sure hitch
is sound and safety chains are in place. Check ball and tighten if
necessary.
Other items: drain plug and spare, first aid kit, anchor, paddle, tool
kit, electrical tape and wire connectors, variety of spare fuses, extra
two-cycle oil, spare trailer light bulbs, extra life jacket.
 For
those new to boating or those just wanting to become more familiar with
laws and navigation rules, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the
U.S. Power Squadron
and the U.S. Cost Guard Auxiliary conduct boating education classes.
Young motorboat operators
and
personal watercraft riders need to be
aware that boating education is mandatory in Arkansas for anyone born
after Dec. 31, 1985.
The courses are free and are given by the AGFC. Dates and places for the
courses can be obtained by phoning (501) 223-6377
or (877) 493-6424. Course dates and
locations can also be found on the AGFC website at
www.agfc.com.
The AGFC also publishes a boating laws guide that all boaters should
have on board. For more information, contact Boating Education, Arkansas
Game and Fish Commission, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR
72205. |
