Home >> Fishing Basics >> Spring Boating Checklists

Spring Boating Checklists

Spring Boating Checklists

• Introduction
• Boat Checklist
• Trailer Checklist
• Miscellaneous Checklist
• A Word on Safety

At Fishresource.com, spring is always an exciting time, because it is when the ice on the lakes finally disappears and we get the boats ready to put back in the water. The last thing we want to have happen is have our fishing trip spoiled by poor planning or from something that is easily preventable. Something as simple as a checklist can help make sure your spring boat launch is a successful one. Nobody wants to pull away from the dock and encounter a problem.

Spring is also a great time to remember any of the little things you wanted to do, such as reposition rod holders, etc., that you didn't get around to doing last year. We can't cover everything in terms of a checklists, since there is such a variety of boats, trailers, etc. Our intent is to provide you with a solid starting point to help make your start of the fishing season a positive one. Please advise us if you think there are things we should add here to be more helpful.

Boat Checklist

Please find below a brief checklist that we use and recommend. It is by no means a complete list, but one that has saved us on more than one occasion.

• Documents: review your license, registration, etc. This is best kept in a watertight bag or container.
• Life Jackets: always check your Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) to ensure that they are in good condition and that there are enough for everyone. It is also important to ensure that each individual has the correct size PFD for their body weight. There should be no rips or missing parts. The PFDs should be in good condition.
• Fire Extinguisher: ensure any fire extinguishers you have on board are fully charged and mounted in the proper place and are the correct class of extinguisher for your vessel.
• Plugs: make sure that any/all drain/stern plugs are in place tightly and that any rubber seals or gaskets are in good condition and haven't cracked or dried out over the storage season.
• Hoses and Clamps: have a look at all hoses and clamps and replace as necessary - a quick inspection is worthwhile, especially on larger motors.
• Propellers: always inspect your propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. Damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and can cause damage to your drive train. Make sure any connectors, such as cotter pins, are secure and grip the prop to see how loose it is. It is not uncommon to have to replace bearings when loose shafts are found.
• Inboards: examine the rudderstock to ensure it has not been bend or compromised in any way.
• Hulls: this may be an obvious one, however, hull examination is often overlooked. Look for blisters, distortions and cracks.
• Water Intake Strainer: make sure your strainer is free from obstruction, is secure and is free from corrosion.
• Large Inboards: check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness before and after you launch. Also ensure your through-hulls have no leaks.
• Outboards and Outdrives: ensure with a visual inspection that your outdrive bellows are not cracked, dried or deteriorated. Pay careful attention to the folds and replace any that are questionable.
• Fluid Levels: check all of your fluid levels, from engine oil to power steering and power trim reservoirs. Also don't forget to replace any worn out zincs.
• Cables: a simple inspection of the outer jacket of your control cables will let you know if you have to take immediate action. Make sure there are no cracks or swells and look for corrosion. This is an area where you want to pay special attention, especially if you see signs of deterioration.
• Fuel Lines: inspect fuel lines as best you can. The crew at fishresource.com found a loose line a few years back that could have been disastrous. Check very closely every spring, including fill and vent hoses. Look specifically for softness, brittleness or cracking. We found a leak because of a bad clamp. Remember, you are dealing with combustible fluids!
• Fuel Tanks: check your tanks annually, as well as pumps and filters. Replace your filters every spring.
• Hoses: cooling hoses and even exhaust/blower hoses/pipes should be inspected for stiffness, rot and leaks. Make sure exhaust/blower hoses are connected tightly - double up on clamps if necessary.
• Electrical Connections: inspect as many electrical connections that you can for cleanliness and tightness. Corrosion is often a sign that your connection may not be a good one, especially on battery cables. It's a good idea to remove the terminals and wire brush them along with the cable ends.
• Bilge Pumps: check for leaks and for float switch operation as well as corrosion.

Trailer Checklist

• Trailer Tires: inspect tire treads and sidewalls for wear, cracks and replace as necessary.
• Tire Inflation: ensure that you have the appropriate air pressure for your tires and don't forget the spare!
• Bearings: inspect bearings and repack if necessary.
• Trailer Lights: inspect all trailer lights, brake lights, turn indicators and don't forget the reverse lights.
• Trailer Winch: have a look at the winch and cable or strap. All can wear and become dangerous in time. If any parts are not working properly they should be replaced right away.
• Trailer Frame: we encourage inspection of all the working parts and electrical system of the trailer, however, don't forget the trailer itself. Look for rust and action accordingly.

Miscellaneous Checklist

• Flares and Fire Extinguishers: every spring, before you head out, you should check your safety equipment, especially flares and fire extinguishers for expiration dates and pressure, if appropriate. Give extinguishers a bit of a shake to keep the powder loose.
• Ropes and Lines: have a quick look at your lines - make sure they are not damaged, chafed or deteriorating, and replace as necessary. Keep lines untangled and coiled for ease of use.
• Charts and Maps: examine your charts and maps - update or replace as necessary.
• Paperwork: make sure your boating license and/or registration is current. Make sure you have current trailer tags, if applicable. Also, spring is a good time to make sure you have insurance!
• Life Jackets: life jackets are critical, especially in the more northern locations, since the water can often be deadly cold in the spring. Properly sized and wearable life jackets that are in good condition must be on board for every passenger, especially children.
• Kill Switch: check to see if your kill switch is working properly.
• Emergency Lights: your emergency lights and signal devices should be inspected and make sure you have new batteries.
• Running Lights: make a quick check to see if all of your running lights are working.

A Word on Safety

Generally speaking, freshwater sport fishing is not a very dangerous activity, yet every year there are multiple deaths and injuries reported. Any activity that involves water and motorized vehicles, towing, hooks, etc., will have accidents. Always exercise caution from the moment you leave your front door to the time you return, whether you are towing a larger vessel or simply fishing off a bridge.

Anglers using boats have a number of additional safety concerns ranging from fueling and launching to operating and towing, and should take extra safety precautions. It is important not to overload your boat - too much weight resulting from too much equipment or people, and it is essential that everyone have a properly fitting life jacket / Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and the required safety equipment on board the vessel.

The minimum legal requirements for boating safety equipment are somewhat consistent from state to state and province to province, but you should check your local regulations if you are unsure. You can quickly look up your local requirements by visiting our State Government Links Page or our Provincial Government Links Page to make sure you meet the minimum requirements for safety compliance.

Freshwater Fishing Basics

Search Fishresource.com Try searching Fishresource.com or search Google for additional information on freshwater fishing, North American freshwater fishing resorts, guides, camps and lodges and let us know if you have a link that we should add to this site by sending an email to: links@fishresource.com.

Enter your search terms Submit search form   Web www.fishresource.com