CLEAN THE BOAT • Wash the boat with a good boat wash or fiberglass cleaner. Apply a coat of wax. Wash down the deck and clean it to remove any oil or slippery substances. Polish all the metal (rails, cleats, window frames etc.) with a metal polish and apply a coat of wax. For boats that will be left in water for more than one or two days, have bottom painted by a Marina. Use only environmentally friendly products for cleaning and painting. TUNE THE ENGINE • Check owners manual for spring preparation. For four stroke engines, if the oil was not changed in the Fall, change the oil and the filter. The same for spark plugs. Check all cable end couplings (Throttle, choke etc). Lubricate moving parts-WD-40 or standard oil squirt can. Grease steering rack and pinion. Check all hoses for damage and loose clamps. Check fuses and electrical connections for corrosion and tightness. Clean if corroded. Reconnect or reinstall battery (Put positive terminal on first). Make sure battery terminals are covered or battery is in a box. Check all lights. Check horn. Test bilge pump. Check electronics (radio, depth finder etc.) for proper operation. Lower outboard motor or outdrive to operating position. Connect rabbit ears or external water hose connection for engine cooling and start engine. Do not race the engine. Run engine at 1000 to 1500 RPM until it runs smooth and idles OK. Let engine run until it comes up to operating temperature to make sure thermostat is working. Check all hoses and engine area for leaks. With engine at idle, make sure prop area is clear, shift into forward gear and check that the prop is turning smoothly. Shift back to neutral and then into reverse and ensure prop is turning smoothly. Shift back to neutral. Turn off water and shut down engine. Raise outboard motor or outdrive and check that the hydraulic tilt system is working properly. SAFETY • Check all chocks and cleats for breaks or loose fasteners. Check handrails for loose fittings and rust. Check windshield mounting. Examine all lines for frayed sections or excess wear and replace if any question about integrity. Check fire extinguisher. Check flares (3 hand held, USCG approved, within expiration date). Check PFD’s (Life preservers) for wear and tear or other damage and replace if questionable. You must have one Type I, II, or III for each person aboard plus one Type IV (throwable). The PFD’s must fit the persons on board. If children are to be aboard, make sure you have a child type PFD of the right size for each child. Check the First-Aid kit TRAILER • Check tires for treadwear, sidewall cracks or other damage. Check tire pressure. Check the wheel bearings and repack with wheel bearing grease if needed. Install Bearing Buddies if axle is to be submerged during launch or retrieval. Check springs and shackles for excess rust and pitting where springs fasten to axle. Check the axle at the wheel bearings. If rust or pitting is severe, have trailer checked by a mechanic. Check winch, cable and hook connector. Spray with WD-40 or T-9. Check hitch coupling and make sure coupler lock works properly. Check brakes if so equipped. Make sure the plug is in before you launch the boat. • For a free Vessel Safety Check: Call USPS: (410) 641-5622 or USCG Auxiliary: (410) 289-4497 HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE BOATING SEASON