Conservation Corner: June 4, 2001

Preparing For The Boating Season
by James L. Cummins

National Fishing and Boating Week is June 1 - 10 and we are right in the middle of it. And unless you have already done so, now is the perfect time to check your boating equipment.

However, for most fishing and boating enthusiasts, the only time we think about our equipment is when something is broken. And this usually occurs when we are late, hungry or in the most remote area. Only now do we realize the true meaning of words like "fear," "stress," "self-control" and "preventative maintenance," as well as use a few other words that we won't mention here. In other words you may be so excited to get on the water that you might not spend enough time checking safety equipment, maintaining your boat and motor or making other preparations for a safe trip.

There are several things one must consider in preparing for the season. The primary function of your boat trailer is to move your boat. Contrary to popular belief, it is not to cause you to look for wheel bearings or tires before daylight on Saturday morning, or to take long walks to the nearest pay-phone. We both know the original plan was to be skiing, pleasure riding or fishing. Right? Minor details like tire maintenance or replacement, wheel bearing lubrication or replacement will help you at least get to the water before trouble begins.

On to the boat. Boats are designed to move us from point A to point B. And boats that do not run properly have been known to ruin an otherwise great day at the lake. So, after taking your boat out of storage, and after you have fixed the trailer, there are several things you can do to enable the boat and motor to run better and longer. First, check navigation lights on your boat. A boat without navigation lights is part of the formula for disaster.

Next, check the lower unit of the motor. There should be two plugs in it. If you open the lower one and oil comes out, it is okay. However, if water runs out, have the lower unit checked by your local outboard dealer. Water indicates that a seal has been broken or lost. This seal is not expensive to replace, but if you run an engine with a broken seal major problems can occur and ruin your day.

If your gas tank has been left with gas in it throughout winter, a small amount of condensation may have occurred. If you use that gas, adding an octane restoring additive will improve engine operation. Also, if the engine has not been run in several months, a small amount of rusting may have occurred on the cylinder walls. To alleviate this problem, add a small amount of oil to each cylinder.

Next, pull the propeller, grease the prop shaft and check the shaft for any monofilament line or string that may be entangled on the shaft. Check the prop since a bent prop or one where a blade has been broken can hurt performance of the engine. Running a motor with a broken prop can cause damage to a very expensive lower unit. A prop shop can usually repair the damaged prop.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.