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Tips
on how to float your boat
Parks & Recreation urges boaters to
prepare for season
BOISE Boating season is nearly upon us. The Idaho
Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) reminds Idahoans
of a few simple steps they can take to prepare their boat,
before they float.
Behold, the spring commissioning checklist, courtesy of IDPR.
Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard,
following this checklist is an easy way to get ready for the
season, Department of Parks & Recreation officials
explain.
BEFORE YOU LAUNCH:
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Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and
hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary.
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Replace deteriorated zincs.
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Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion.
Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try
moving the shaft - if it's loose, the cutlass bearing may
need to be replaced.
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Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn't
been bent.
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Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions
and stress cracks.
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Make sure your engine intake sea strainer
is free of corrosion and properly secured.
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Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing
boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, be sure
to check these as well as through-hulls for leaks.
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Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports
and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.
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If equipped, ensure that stern drain plug
is installed.
OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES:
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Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked,
dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the
folds), and replace if suspect.
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Check power steering and power trim oil
levels. Replace worn-out zinc plates to avoid corrosion
on aluminum hulled vessels.
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Inspect outer jacket of control cables.
Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the
cable has to be replaced.
ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS:
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Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent
hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all
joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported
with noncombustible clips or straps with smooth edges.
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Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters
for leaks. Clamps should be snug and free of rust. Clean
fuel filters.
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Inspect cooling hoses and fittings for stiffness,
rot, leaks and/or cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and
are double-clamped.
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Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust
manifold for corrosion.
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Clean and tighten electrical connections,
especially both ends of battery cables. Wire-brush battery
terminals and fill cells with distilled water.
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Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.
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Inspect fittings for cracks and rust. Inspect
wire halyards and running backstays for "fishhooks"
and rust.
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Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate
threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh
tape.
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Recaulk through-deck chainplates as necessary
(generally, once a decade).
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Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks
or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure.
Don't forget the spare!
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Inspect bearings and repack as necessary.
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Test tail and back-up lights. Test winch
to make sure it's working properly.
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Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and
paint to prevent further deterioration.
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Check expiration dates on flares and fire
extinguishers.
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Check stove and remote tanks for loose fittings
and leaking hoses.
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Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make
sure it's working properly.
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Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.
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Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.
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Check shore power cable connections for
burns, which indicates the cable needs to be replaced.
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Make sure your boating license and/or registration
is up to date. Don't forget your trailer tags.
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Review your boat insurance policy and update
coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance
coverage.
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