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Boating Safety Tidbit:
Boater Checklist
- Does your boat meet all safety regulations?
- Is your boat seaworthy and capable of handling
the prevailing water conditions?
- Do you have an approved lifejacket for every
member of your party?
- Do you have safety flares and a waterproof
lighter?
- Do you have two buoyant towlines?
- Do you have an anchor?
- Do you have a sound-emitting device, such
as a horn or whistle?
- Do you have paddles or oars?
- Do you have tools to perform minor mechanical
repairs?
- Do you have a first aid kit?
- Do you have a fire extinguisher?
- Do you have sufficient fuel?
- Have you checked for fuel system leaks or
fumes?
- Do you have water and nourishment?
- Do you have protection from the elements -
sun, wind or rain?
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Boating Guide
Your Boat Trailer Don't Forget It
by: Adam Lenk
Anglers love their boats. In the fall and all winter long
they can be found in the garage waxing, buffing and maintaining
their beauties in anticipation of a break in the weather.
But while most boaters take the time to ensure that their
crafts are in proper working order, many fail to pay attention
to a vital piece of boating equipment: the boat trailer.
It is estimated that nine out of every 10 trailer malfunctions
and accidents are the result of neglect and inadequate
preventative trailer maintenance. It's not that people
don't care whether or not their trailers are in working
order; it's just that boat trailers are not that glamorous,
and when put next to the boat itself, they often take
a backseat on the maintenance schedule.
The truth is that taking proper care of your boat trailer
really does not take a whole lot of time and attention.
And taking as little as a few minutes each time you get
ready to hit the road can save you from disaster. Just
think about it this way, a boat trailer is the only thing
between your precious boat and the road. Shouldn't you
take a few extra minutes to make sure your boat is safe?
Here's what to check for:
Wheels and Suspension. Before taking off, make sure to
check your tire pressure and that of the spare tire. Check
the lug nuts to make sure they're tight. Visually inspect
the suspension undercarriage for signs of rust, pitting,
or cracking. If you see a problem, get it fixed right
away or you may find your boat kissing the road.
Brakes. If your trailer is equipped with electronic trailer
brakes, make sure that they are working properly. When
hauling heavier boats, your tow vehicle's brakes may not
be enough to stop your boat.
Lights. Always keep a replacement supply of boat lights
on hand so that you can replace them during your pre-trip
inspection if they are found to be not working. While
a trailer light may not cost you your boat or your life,
it will cost you money in fines if you are caught.
Transom Savers. Winch Straps and Transom Tie Downs. Always
check these straps for signs of fraying or damage. Having
all of these harnesses in proper working order can save
your boat from sustaining unnecessary shock during transport.
This shock can lead to structural damage.
Wheel Bearings. Bearings need to be inspected and greased
regularly. Doing so can help you avoid trailer-related
malfunctions and allow for an easier tow.
Bunks and Rollers. Visually inspect the bunk and roller
for scratching and gashing. Check the carpeting for tears
and patch or replace when necessary. Also you must grease
the rollers occasionally to ensure smooth movement.
As you can see it does not take a great deal of time to
give a little bit of extra attention to your boat trailer.
And doing so can save you a great deal of money, hassles
and heartache in the end. Just finding one of these problems
and fixing it early can keep you from disaster and just
may even save your boat.
In addition to keeping your boat safe, a trailer in proper
working order also keeps other travelers safe. And that
is the number one reason why you should not forget to
inspect your boat trailer before each and every trip.
About the Author
By Adam Lenk
For more boating information vivit http://www.boatingproshop.com |
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