Fisherman Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Just about that time of year, everybody is getting itchy to get the boat in the water. Time for a little pre launch check. I took the old battery to Wally world yesterday morning, load check please I said to the mechanic. He plugged it in to the meter and the printout says, 434/500Amps, not bad for an 8 year old battery,(dated D-3), 87% and that's at about 4C so it would come up a bit when it's warmer. Check engine oil, lower unit oil full, new fuel filter. Front and rear lights on the boat work, check safety kit, make sure it's all there. Drain plug in the hole. Paperwork, licence and ownership in the waterproof box. 2 new tires for the trailer, the others were almost 7 years old and showing signs of cracking. Bearings okay. Go around the trailer with a couple of wrenches and make sure all the nuts and bolts are tight. Check trailer lights, nothing worse than following some nimrod in the dark that has little or no lighting. And the worst part, having to fill the tank $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skeeter Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Did you jack up the trailer wheels and give them a spin and shake to check the bearings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 And be absolutely certain that the lug wrench for your truck will also fit the lugs on your trailer.....cause they often don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12footspringbok Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Already seen one launch ramp outboard diagnoses/trouble shoot saturday.... Atleast they got out of the way so we could put the boat on the trailer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Posted April 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Did you jack up the trailer wheels and give them a spin and shake to check the bearings? Oh ya, the trailer sits on small jackstands all winter in the garage, tires off the cement, I give them a spin every now and then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nipfisher Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Don't forget LIFE JACKETS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dondorfish Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Don't forget to check / change the batteries in the flashlight in your safety kit. The flashlight MUST work - even for daytime fishing trips. Tracker (Don) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 As mentioned dont forget to put the drain plug in With the excitement of getting on the water,you must remain calm and methodical.I did forget last summer, and when i got back to the dock after parking my truck.......SUBMARINE ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harrison Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Check your bilges folks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oggie Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 (edited) What kind of paperwork do I need to carry in the boat? It's a larger princecraft. Operator Card obviously but what else? Dan O. PS. Did the same thing Mercman! Fortunately my wife was yelling and I got there in time! Edited April 13, 2011 by Oggie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkpie Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 I just run a little 14 footer now, so gas is not an issue. I do need to replace the float in my carb though, probably rebuild the carb too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookinforwalleye Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 Check your bilges folks! bilges we don`t need no stinking bilges!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookinforwalleye Posted April 13, 2011 Report Share Posted April 13, 2011 What kind of paperwork do I need to carry in the boat? It's a larger princecraft. Operator Card obviously but what else? Dan O. PS. Did the same thing Mercman! Fortunately my wife was yelling and I got there in time! Boat documents showing you actually own the boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbuck Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 -Fresh engine oil (make sure you use the correct type and grade), I know for I/0's it's usually 20W50 at least. -Fresh lower unit oil. Fresh gas (I store mine nearly empty with Marine Stabil in it and when I pull up to the pump it's really gonna hurt). -Charge batteries. -Trolling motor connections and functionality. -Make sure all fittings are tight. -Lights need to be checked and contacts cleaned where possible. -Bilge emptied out. -Engine started on muffs to see if it runs. -Condition of propellor and skeg? Repair if needed. -Instrumentation, does it work like it's supposed to? -Electronics working? -Condition of Canvas/covers?? Any repairs needed? -Hull condition?? Any visible cracks or damage? -Safety kit on board (does the flashlight work?? put fresh batteries in). -Lfe jackets (one or 2 more than you usually need). -Paperwork, insurance and ownership onboard in a watertight container. -Wash and Wax, she has to be nice and shiny before she hits the H20. Trailer: -Condition of Winch and winch strap? -Tires? Correct pressure and condition. -Bunks and rollers, fasteners snug? -Lights all working?? -Inspect bearings. Jack up and see if there is any play in the wheel. Does the wheel spin freely? -Trailer brake conditon?? -Condition of the trailer itself. Any broken or damaged welds? Metal condition? BOAT LAUNCH AND LAKE FOR TEST DRIVE!! SMILE, PRICELESS!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 What kind of paperwork do I need to carry in the boat? It's a larger princecraft. Operator Card obviously but what else? Dan O. PS. Did the same thing Mercman! Fortunately my wife was yelling and I got there in time! Mine just waited until i got to the dock, then asked if it was normal for there to be 12 inches of water in the bottom My first boat, her ist time IN a boat.Tried to use the motor to empty but with only an 8HP.....bad move .Bailed for an hour, went back home... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbuck Posted April 14, 2011 Report Share Posted April 14, 2011 Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, PUT THE DRAINPLUG IN!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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