Barefoot Watersports Tips: Spring Startup
As you get ready for a great season on the lake there are some inspections and checks that must be accomplished before getting on the water. Some of them are obvious but others are often taken for granted. You have probably forgotten about your Boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC) since last fall and it will need attention before you fire it up. The following are some basic items to check. You will want to consult the Owner’s Manual for specific items.
1) Make sure your bilge drain plug is installed (yes people do forget).
2) Make sure your block and manifold drain plugs are installed. If Barefoot Watersports winterized your boat last year, the plugs are already installed.
3) Charge up your battery and make sure that the terminals are free of corrosion.
4) Open the engine hatch and inspect the bilge for debris and water. A small amount of water is common but if there is a lot of water contact your marine repair company.
5) Check the operation of the bilge pump. There are two modes of operation. The manual mode is operated by the switch at the helm. The automatic mode should come on if the float switch on the bilge pump senses enough water in the bilge to activate it. You can lift the float manually to see if the bilge pump comes on.
6) Check the operation of the engine compartment blower. You should hear the blower operate. Inspect the hose for any damage. It looks like a dryer vent hose. If it is damaged or not connected the blower will not be able to remove dangerous fumes from the engine compartment.
7) Check the fluid levels
a) Engine oil level. Dirty or contaminated oil can harm your engine
b) Two Stroke oil level (if the engine is a two stroke engine)
c) Drive oil reservoir level
d) Trim fluid reservoir level
e) Fuel quantity
8) Check the Navigation lights and Anchor light for proper operation.
9) Ensure that all NC State required safety equipment is on board. Follow the link for a complete list required equipment and regulations: www.ncwildlife.org
10) With boat in the water or a water supply properly connected start the engine - if the engine had been winterized the engine may run rough and smoke more than normal, but this should clear up quickly.
11) Check the gauges for:
a) Proper oil pressure
b) No warning lights or alarms
c) Water flow out of tell tale on outboard engines
d) Proper water temperature
e) Listen for any abnormal sounds or vibration
If after checking the boat over all these items pass inspection you should then be ready to go out on the lake.
1) Make sure your bilge drain plug is installed (yes people do forget).
2) Make sure your block and manifold drain plugs are installed. If Barefoot Watersports winterized your boat last year, the plugs are already installed.
3) Charge up your battery and make sure that the terminals are free of corrosion.
4) Open the engine hatch and inspect the bilge for debris and water. A small amount of water is common but if there is a lot of water contact your marine repair company.
5) Check the operation of the bilge pump. There are two modes of operation. The manual mode is operated by the switch at the helm. The automatic mode should come on if the float switch on the bilge pump senses enough water in the bilge to activate it. You can lift the float manually to see if the bilge pump comes on.
6) Check the operation of the engine compartment blower. You should hear the blower operate. Inspect the hose for any damage. It looks like a dryer vent hose. If it is damaged or not connected the blower will not be able to remove dangerous fumes from the engine compartment.
7) Check the fluid levels
a) Engine oil level. Dirty or contaminated oil can harm your engine
b) Two Stroke oil level (if the engine is a two stroke engine)
c) Drive oil reservoir level
d) Trim fluid reservoir level
e) Fuel quantity
8) Check the Navigation lights and Anchor light for proper operation.
9) Ensure that all NC State required safety equipment is on board. Follow the link for a complete list required equipment and regulations: www.ncwildlife.org
10) With boat in the water or a water supply properly connected start the engine - if the engine had been winterized the engine may run rough and smoke more than normal, but this should clear up quickly.
11) Check the gauges for:
a) Proper oil pressure
b) No warning lights or alarms
c) Water flow out of tell tale on outboard engines
d) Proper water temperature
e) Listen for any abnormal sounds or vibration
If after checking the boat over all these items pass inspection you should then be ready to go out on the lake.
- Barefoot Watersports would be happy to inspect, repair or service any of these items.
- Book a service appointment - 704-896-2121 or info@barefootwatersports.com
(c) Barefoot Watersports 2013
