| O'boy its that time again and I'm sure everyone is as | | | | that might spill when you remove it. Make sure to put a |
| anxious to get back out on the water as I am. Its | | | | film of oil on the filter gasket and tighten ¼ turn |
| tempting to pull off the cover and just go, but there are | | | | past hand tight. Add oil, run the motor for one minute |
| 5 things you should take care of first to avoid the | | | | then check oil to make sure it is at the proper level. |
| maiden voyage from Hades, well you get my point. | | | | The third item on the list is the fuel filter. Most boats |
| Number one on the list is the battery. I can't stress this | | | | have at least one and most have two. My boat has |
| enough. If you make it away from the dock and your | | | | four and take it from me this isn't something you want |
| battery isn't 100% you're asking to be towed back. | | | | to ignore. After sitting all winter the fuel may be |
| Check the water in each cell unless it is a sealed | | | | contaminated with water, dirt, sludge, and I've pumped |
| battery and add if needed. Charge fully and keep the | | | | stuff out of my tanks that resembled jelly. Better not |
| first trip short in case you do need assistance. | | | | do this while the battery is charging. Spilled gas and |
| Second is changing the oil. If you didn't do this last fall, | | | | electricity don't mix. |
| now is the time. You can take care of this while the | | | | Next make sure all your safety equipment is on board |
| battery is charging. If you have never done this it may | | | | and in working order. Life jackets, horn, flare gun and all |
| be a little different than changing it in the family car. | | | | other items required by law need to be in good shape |
| Most of the time you need a small pump with a tube | | | | and easily accessible. |
| that is fed down the dipstick tube and the oil is pumped | | | | Fifth and last on thelist is a good cleaning. Wash, wax |
| out. Make sure to warm the engine slightly to thin the | | | | and vacuum. It always seems like your boat runs |
| oil and suspend any contaminates (but not to hot) | | | | better when it sparkles and nothing makes you feel |
| before removing with the pump. Place rags under the | | | | better than gliding across the water in something so |
| oil filter and a garbage bag around it to catch any oil | | | | beautiful every one wishes they were you. |