De-Winterizing Your Boat

Spring is near and it's almost time to utilize your boat with the great weather.

Here are some tips to De-winterize your boat's engine:

• Install fresh spark plugs
• If you didn't change lower gear case oil last fall, do it now
• Check all other fluid levels
• Lubricate all moving connection
• Reconnect fuel lines (and tighten or replace hose clamps if needed)
• If you disconnected any electronics, now is the time to reconnect them and test each item before you launch. Don't forget to take a look at your oil, fuel and air filters, and replace them if needed.

Don't forget to check safety equipment including signaling devices, fire extinguishers, hand pumps, first aid supplies and life preservers.

The Spring Start-Up Checklist at DiscoverBoating.com offers this advice for pre-season boat preparation:

• Inspect your fuel system for leaks. Soft, brittle or cracking indicates damaged hoses that need to be replaced.
• Charge your battery and test it to make sure it can still hold a charge.
• Inspect your propeller for damage that can cause unwanted vibration and harm your drive train. Make sure the propeller is secured and replace the bearings if needed.
• Check belts and cables for wear. Black residue near the pulley could indicate a worn or loose belt. Cracking and swelling on control cable covering requires immediate attention.

Be sure that you test your engine before you launch. Do this in an open, well-ventilated area (definitely NOT inside your mini storage unit).

Bring your boat to Cascade Marine Service LLC to get your boat De-winterized!

Trailering a Boat

Here is how you trailer your boat to your vehicle.

1. Back vehicle up to trailer to match up with hitch.

2. Lower trailer onto hitch.

3. Lower tongue latch and insert lock or pin.

4. Connect wire harness.

5. Attach chains to receiver.

6. Turn on lights and check all bulbs for operation.

Smooth Operation for Beginners

Practice driving in less populated areas. Making wide and tight turns, stopping and backing up. Remember to keep plenty of room in front of you because other drivers may not be aware, and can slam on their brakes or turn in front of you at any given moment!

You don't want to show up at the dock and not know how to back up to it. A good trick is to practice at the dock early in the morning or during the week when there aren't many boaters. However, if you get in a bind during the "real thing" most other boaters will understand and be happy to help out.

Fun Facts on Boats

Long before there were cars or even wagons and carts, people used boats toget around and travel. The first boats were simple rafts, made from logs tied together or canoes, made from dug out logs. Native Americans used canoes to get up and down rivers or to explore the coast line.

Boating Infographic

Happy New Year!