Outdoor Briefs

TAKE A FEW MINUTES

NDOW recommends having
a boat check up

It's that time of year when boaters become increasingly eager to launch their vessels on a favorite waterway. Boaters will spend time cleaning their boat, making sure their gear is stowed in just the right place and trimming off that last 10 pounds before donning their swimming attire, but they don't always take the time to make sure their boat is going to work once it hits the water.

Therefore, a common sight when boating season gets under way each spring is boaters in distress due to a mechanical malfunction of one sort or another, according to boating safety officials with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. These malfunctions often occur because the boater didn't invest the time in having the vessel given a thorough post-winter check up before driving to their boating destination.

"Giving one's boat a thorough checkup involves much more than simply wiping off the dust and topping off the fuel tank. Boats that have been stored for long periods of time can sometimes develop unexpected problems," said Capt. David Pfiffner, boating law administrator for NDOW.

When it comes to a boat's spring check up, a good place to start is at a qualified boat mechanic. He knows what to do and how to do it, especially if a problem is identified. Also, boaters can visit the local Coast Guard Auxiliary for a vessel safety check that, although it does not check for mechanical function, does cover an exhaustive list of safety equipment. For those who are hands-on people, NDOW offers the following tips:

Inspect the fuel system for leaks and hose damage such as cracks or brittleness. Check all fuel hose connections and replace any components that are worn or show signs of weakness and replace the fuel filter/water separator. Also be sure to inspect the fuel tank and see that the ventilation system is functioning.

Make sure the batteries are fully charged and have them tested to determine whether they will hold a charge. It also pays to check all electrical connections for signs of corrosion and tightness. Clean and tighten as necessary. It is also important to inspect your navigation lights, don't wait until you need to use them.

Don't forget the motor. After changing the oil and topping off other fluid levels, visually inspect all hoses, belts and cables. Look for any sign of weakness such as cracking and replace them as needed. Check the steering system and control cables and lubricate where necessary.

With those things accomplished, double check the integrity of the hull itself. Look for cracks and other damage that may cause problems on the water. Also examine the drain plug and make sure it is still in working order. Start your motor to ensure everything is operating as it should. Keep an eye on your gauges and use the appropriate-sized motor flusher to keep water flowing through the cooling system when running the motor on land.

NDOW also encourages boaters to inspect their safety equipment before getting to the lake and make sure all required equipment is on board before you get to the launch ramp.