News Blip:
How To Get Your Boat Ready For Season
Arizona Game And Fish Department Reports On Boating Season Coming Upon Us, And Recommends Ways To Inspect Your Boat So You Are Prepared To Spend The Day On The Water Without Complications.
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through AZGFD's website.
The Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) gives tips for preparing your watercraft for boating season. To experience a safe and successful start this summer, AZGFD recommends that boaters thoroughly inspect and prepare their boats before launching on the water to help prevent potential problems. The steps are laid out in detail in this article. Discussed are seven key steps to inspecting a boat or personal watercraft and ensuring boat maintenance before you get to the marina.
1. Fuel system — Check the fuel system for any leaks or damages. Give special attention to any fuel lines and connections.
2. Belts, cables and hoses — As with fuel lines, inspect all belts, cables and hoses that may have been damaged while in storage. Inactive items can become brittle and may crack. Ensure belts are fitted tightly and that there are no cracks on the outer jacket of the throttle, shift and steering control cables.
3. Electric system — Have a certified boat technician inspect all electrical connections to ensure they are clean, tight and corrosion free.
4. Fluid levels — Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and engine coolant. Make sure the oil has been changed, as well as having a new oil filter and drive lubricants.
5. Propellers and hulls — Ensure propellers are free of dings, pitting, cracks and distortion, and that they are secured properly. On the hull, inspect for blisters, distortions and cracks. Also make sure the vessel’s drain plug is in place before launching.
6. Safety gear — Ensure all life jackets are on-board and in good condition and that they are the right size and fit for your passengers properly (adherent to your state regulations) On average in Arizona, life jackets should be replaced every five years. State law requires that anyone 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway and there should be one life jacket aboard for every passenger.
7. (Recommended) Take boat safety course — The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers free boat safety courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City each month to provide boaters with information and tips needed to stay safe on the water. Of course, carry along and/or install the necessary boat accessories to improve your trip experience and customize your vehicle as you desire. First is safety, but fun is the ultimate goal.
For the full article written by AZGFD, click here.