LITTLE ROCK – When the weather heats up in Arkansas, so does the 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.

Ventilation -- Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments, built after Aug. 1, 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered ventilation. Boats with closed fuel tank compartments built after Aug. 1, 1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance." Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment. Natural air flows can suck fumes forward onto the vessel. Swimmers should never enter an enclosed area under the swim platform - even for a second. One or two breaths of the air in this area could be fatal.

Boats with generators should make sure that they are adequately ventilated as well. Carbon monoxide, a by-product of internal combustion engines, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. It can make you sick in seconds. In high enough concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatal. Sources of carbon monoxide on your vessel may include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, space and water heaters.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness. They are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Get anyone with these symptoms into fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention—unless you’re sure it’s not carbon monoxide.

To protect yourself and others against carbon monoxide poisoning while boating:

Keep fresh air flowing throughout the vessel at all times.

Know where your engine and generator exhaust outlets are located and keep everyone away from these areas.

Never sit on the back deck, “teak surf,” or hang on the swim platform while the engines are running.

Never enter areas under swim platforms where exhaust outlets are located—even for a second. One or two breaths of the air in this area could be fatal.

If exhaust fumes are detected on the vessel, immediately ventilate.

Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors inside your vessel. Replace detectors as recommended by the manufacturer.

Before each boating trip, you should:

Make sure you know where exhaust outlets are located on your vessel.

Educate all passengers about the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and where carbon monoxide may accumulate.

Confirm that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engines and generator are started.

Listen for any change in exhaust sound, which could indicate an exhaust component failure.

Test the operation of each carbon monoxide detector by pressing the test button.

At least monthly, you should:

Make sure all exhaust clamps are in place and secure.

Look for leaks from exhaust system components. Signs include rust and/or black streaking, water leaks, or corroded or cracked fittings.

Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burns, cracks or deterioration.

At least annually, have a qualified marine technician check the engine and exhaust system.

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.