Ensuring a good fishing trip, as far as the performance of the boat, not the performance of the fish, can be improved by completing proper maintenance on the fishing boat. One thing to keep in mind is that prevention of problems begins simply with maintenance.
The first thing to check before leaving the house is the charge of the batteries. They should be fully charged and full of acid. Most problems concerning the batteries are due to over charging which boils the acid out and thus greatly reducing the life of the battery.
Next, check the kill switch lanyard, especially if the boat will not start. At times, the lanyard cap will deteriorate and the button on the kill switch will be stuck in the stop mode, therefore keeping the boat from starting. To check this, remove the lanyard, depress the button and if the engine starts, replace the lanyard with a new one.
Now visually inspect all hoses and connections. Bad fuel and oil hoses can leak after a period and allow air into the system. If any of the hoses or connections appears hard when being inspected, replace the hose and the clamp. Once all the hoses and connections are retightened, pump fuel and oil using the bulb, up tight and look for leaks in the lines. All fuel and oil lines must be tight.
After checking the hoses and connections, check the engine mounting bolts. Make sure they have not backed off during the last season. Check the steering cables too, by moving them in both directions. If they are difficult to move either direction, grease the cables. If the cables are still difficult to move after being greased, then they will need to be changed.
Next, inspect the lower unit and check for any signs of water in the oil. The oil should be full, if not fill it. Now pull the propeller off and check for any fishing line that may be tangled around the shaft. With the propeller off, grease the prop shaft splines before replacing the prop and always torque prop nuts to specs.
The next thing to check is the power trim and tilt. Checking these involves tilting the engine to the up position and removing the plug. The oil level of the reservoir should be level with the threads.
Wiring is another important element of the boat to check. It is possible that the wiring has been eaten, especially if the boat has been stored for any period. If the inspection of the wiring finds that the replacing the wiring is necessary, be sure to do it to prevent electrical failure or even worse, an electrical fire.
Before going on a fishing trip, be sure and check the bilge pump and aerator for cracks in the housing due to freezing. One last thing to check on the boat is the plug. Be sure it is in the drain.
Do not forget to inspect the boat trailer when preparing to go fishing. Check the hub bearings and replaced if needed. Also, do not forget to check for any signs of water or rough spots on bearings or races. It is also a good idea to grease the trailer jack. Another thing to check on the trailer is the wiring and lights. Grease or oil uncovered light bulbs to prevent rust or corrosion.
Maintaining the boat and trailer will ensure many enjoyable trips and will aid in the boat and trailer lasting longer.
