He said proper maintenance of his boat was the only thing that made him feel comfortable those two goals would be met.
Most boat owners know the fall is the best time to do maintenance. While one can do maintenance on his/her own boat, many prefer to put their watercraft in the hands of a professional. In fact, this is the busiest time of year for marinas.
But for the boat owner who expects to head out on that first boat trip next weekend, it’s too late to take it anywhere now. It’s either do the work yourself or postpone the trip.
“We’re backed up already,” said Darren Ross, service manager for Eagle Creek. “We’ve had eight boats come in during the past two days.”
For those who attempt to do their own regular service, here is a checklist of some items to consider:
— Check the condition of your battery. Fill with water; clean connections and apply a small amount of grease to prevent corrosion. Charge on “slow” setting for 24 hours.
— Check fuel system for cracked hoses. Replace the primer ball if necessary.
— Check fluid levels.
— Change spark plugs.
— Check ropes and anchor connections.
— Make sure trailer tires are inflated to the pressure written on the side; inspect for cracks and wearing. Repack wheel bearings.
— Check lights (if you forgot to disconnect them when you backed your trailer into the water, they might have blown). Test lights and horns.
— If the gas tank has old, unstabilized fuel, fill it with fresh fuel (and oil for engines without oil injection). Add stabilizer.
— A clean, waxed hull helps a boat perform better.
— Don’t forget to replace your drain plug.
Ross pointed out that perhaps the most important checklist is the one for safety equipment, making sure all life jackets are in excellent condition, all flairs are current, all fire extinguishers have been inspected.
“Before you buy a (used) boat from someone, make sure you have it checked out by a professional,” Choate said. “If the person you are buying it from won’t let you do that, then it’s not a good idea to buy that boat.
“We get calls from people literally sitting in the middle of a lake on a cell phone saying, ‘I’m stuck. The motor won’t start. What do I do?’”
The answer is to do the maintenance now and not wait until you need it.
Hawk release: Glen Helen Raptor Center will release a rehabilitated Cooper's hawk back to the wild at an Earth Day program at 2 p.m., April 21 at 1075 State Route 343, Yellow Springs.
The program will feature eight species of hawks, falcons and owls. After the program, visitors may tour behind the scenes to learn about the center’s wildlife rehabilitations.
Parking is limited. You can walk from the main lot on Corry Street. For information, call (937) 767-7648.
Tournaments set: The Buckeye Crappie Challenge will hold its first tournament of the year on Saturday at Buckeye Lake. The circuit also will sponsor six more tournaments in 2013, including events at C.J. Brown, Grand Lake St Mary's and Indian Lakes. After that will be the Classic in October at Rocky Fork.
Each entry fee is $75 per team, with an optional big fish fee of $10. For more information or entry forms, visit BuckeyeCrappieChallenge.com or call Frank Dimos at (513) 335-3291.
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