Its that time of year again. Its time to remove your boat cover, hose out your boat, and get ready to take family and friends to the lake for a summer full of fish and fun. Maybe you’re a new boat owner wondering what you need to be comfortable and safe on the river. Fear not friends, for Action Jackson is about to tell you what you need and what you’ll want to have on the water.
Before You Leave Home
Proper engine maintenance is the key to well-performing and long-living outboard motors. Change your engine’s oil and filters. Drain and refill gear lube. Check spark plugs, hoses running to fuel tanks and battery connections. Check trailer lights, trailer tires and lubricate trailer wheel bearings. Trailers take a beating year after year and are often overlooked when preparing the boat for the upcoming season. A blown tire or frozen wheel bearings can be very dangerous. Take the time to check your trailer, or take it in to folks who specialize in tires and wheels. Many modern outboard motors can be connected to a garden hose (with “ear” muffs, which use suction cups to feed water to your motor’s lower unit intake) and allow you to test your motor in the driveway. Start up your motor and make sure everything works as it should. I also recommend having a small tool box in the boat with some emergency supplies (screwdrivers, socket set, extra spark plugs, spare boat plug, duct tape, zip ties, pliers). Even if you aren’t mechanically inclined, you’ll be able to tighten up a bolt or stop a leak in a gas line.
Safety First
Depending on the size of your boat, federal and state regulations require different life saving equipment. Boats less than 16 feet (including canoes, kayaks and rafts) must have a Type I, II, or III personal flotation device for every person on board. Boats over 16 feet (except for canoes and kayaks) must have, in addition to PFDs for every person, must have a Type IV throwable flotation device. All flotation devices must be readily available for persons on board. My advice is to spend a little extra to get PFDs that are more comfortable and WEAR THEM AT ALL TIMES. Children under 12 must wear flotation devices at all times, NO EXCEPTIONS. For kids, make sure flotation devices fit properly and are comfortable.
Motor boats are also required to carry lights, fire extinguishers and emergency signal devices. The Oregon State Marine Board has a great website that lists complete requirements, based on boat length, http://www.boatoregon.com/Laws/Requirements.html. You can also call them at (503) 378-8587 for more information.
Another overlooked safety item is an anchor and anchor rope. Imagine crabbing near the mouth of the Siuslaw River when the motor suddenly dies. You could be pushed against the jettys or swept out to the bar before help arrives. An anchor might make the difference between a close call and disaster. And while an anchor might not hold in strong winds and currents, it will at least slow the boat down.
A Word About Boater Education
This year, all boaters regardless of age will be required to carry Operator’s cards. According to the Oregon State Marine Board website, citations for non-compliance have increased to $94. Younger boaters (less than 15 years old) also are restricted in certain ways. Courseroom classes are available statewide and will teach folks something new, guaranteed. You can also take a Marine Board-mandated test online. More information can be found on the Boat Oregon website http://www.boatoregon.com.
See You On The Water,
Action Jackson
(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)
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