Helpful Ideas for newbies

[Mebassn]

Here are some things that the new guys in the boat owner arena should know (IMO)



1) Always have a safety chain or strap attatched to the bow eye and the main frame of the trailer, NOT the WINCH STAND.

2) Check your battery terminals for corrosion atleast once a month to get the most out of your batteries. If corroded clean and apply terminal protector.

3) Always rince out your livewells after fishing, even if you didnt have any fish in them. (This applies to the bracish fishermen mostly).

4) Charge your crankin battery atleast once a month unless you use the big motor for extended periods of time.

5) Grease your trailer bearings (bearing buddies) atlease once a month.

6) Check for sand and small rocks on and in the trailer carpet, this will prevent excessive wear to the hull gel-coat and repairs down the road.

7) If fishing is bracish water always rince everything used or exposed to the water, eg. reels, rods, trailer, jackplate/motor, brake assemblies.......you get the point

8) Have your trailer tires balanced, this will increase the life of your tires, and provide a better ride.

9) Follow all the manufactures guidelines as far as break-in, a little TLC now will be worth it in 5-10 yrs.

10) Check your tow vehicals hitch and ball for wear, and ensure all your lights on your trailer work at all times.



Tight lines

Eric H.



If you can think of more to add to the list.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Don't pull a hole shot with your trolling motor down.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Don't launch your boat until you've installed the drain plug.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Take in the mushroom anchor before blasting down the lake.

 

[Staci Matheis]

When on the ramp, put tow vehicle in park / apply parking brake before getting out and loading boat.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Stay some distance away from rocky outcroppings when large, displacement-hull boats pass.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Remove dead baitfish from drained livewell before leaving boat parked in the sun for a week or more.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Remove drainplug before driving through a downpour with an uncovered boat.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Be sure to lower trailer tongue onto hitch ball before attaching safety chains and driving off.

 

[Bob G.]

Lower seats before pulling a hole shot.

 

[Rob LaMoy]

Never leave light objects like a NET on the deck when pulling a hole shot.......in the event that you do, keep butterfly bandages and first aid kit, that can be found with blood running into eyes, readily accessible in boat!

 

[Greg Meyer]

Never get out of tow vehicle on ramp with engine running and no spare keys in pocket...until you have lowered the window far enough to allow you to reach in and unlock the door!!! (actually I now "issue" a set of truck and boat keys top my partners for the trip...saves embarrassment)

 

[Ken Neeley]

Never eat spinach with a stranger.

 

[Dave Muniz]

Never eat spinach with strangers? There's got to be a story there.







Dave

 

[Ken Neeley]

It's from an old commercial, I forgot what product, but it's Ben Franklin trading snippets of wisdom with George Washington....they go back and forth a few times, then Ben runs out of things to say and spits out the spinach line...kinda dumb but it just always stuck in my head.

 

[Mark Hofman]

Store a boat that has wet carpet with all of the hatches and lids open.



Wipe the boat down with an old bath towel each time you take it out of the water. Scum/algae lines are easier to remove when they are wet.



Inspect your propeller shaft and trolling motor shaft periodically for wound up fishing line. Fishing line can cut the seals and allow water into your lower unit.



At the end of a trip, take the time to get your boat ready for the next trip. It will save you stress and frustration the next time you are getting ready to go out.



Carry a spare trolling motor prop, retaining nut and installation hardware with you in the boat. If you can afford it, carry a spare main prop, retaining nut and installation hardware (prop wrench, etc.) in the boat with you.

 

[TrepMan]

when you get your new boat (from a dealer or individual) make sure someone walks you thru EVEY button, dial, latch, key, switch, tank on the boat.



If it didn't come with one, order a manual from the manufacturer for the boat, trailer and motor.



Keep at least one bottle of sunblock in a zip-lock bag on the boat.



Keep a compass and/or extra GPS batteries. Also at least one flashight.



Take someone with you the first time out to help you back in, launch and load. 4 eyes are always better than 2.



Not only don't lock the keys in the car/truck when it's runing (been there done that) keep an extra set of the door key in your wallet/boat AND 1 spare boat ignition key handy!

 

[scott lewis]

Always remember to unhook the transome tie downs before backing boat and trailer in the water.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Geez..... This boating stuff ain't so much fun after all..... :^(



me!

 

[Michael O]

Always urinate with the wind...

 

[Staci Matheis]

NOW you tell me.....

 

[Jim Clevenger]

Never push off from a tree while standing close to the edge of the boat (unless it is a hot day and you need a break)

 

[Marke Cicero]

When ever the engine won't start, check the kill switch BEFORE you take the cowling off. You can save a lot time.

 

[Bill McElroy]

Good advice ST....don't forget to grease'm too.....it's always a good thing to have tight AND greased balls... :O)

 

[Tim King]

Don't forget to throw the empty Vienna sausage cans into a compartment or trash bag. They do leave nasty little circular cut on forehead that will bleed and really hurt, an it looks rather funny afterwards! Kinda like the first time (you) or buddy shoots through a scope for first time!