Is your boat ready to take to the water?

With warmer weather, the urge to get out on the water for a little fishing, skiing or tubing can be irresistible. Just make sure your boat is ready to go before heading out to the lake.

If you’re one of those taking your boat out for the first time this weekend, remember that after sitting all winter, there are a few things you should check on your boat before you leave the house.

It’s far better to check things out and make sure you’re ready to go in your driveway rather than at the boat ramp, while holding back other boaters who also want to get in the water .

On every boat I have owned, the batteries have been the first thing I checked when preparing my boat for the water. To confirm this, I asked an expert, Dave Bargell of Young’s Marine here in North Platte, when he was on my radio show a while back.

“It’s good to check the batteries first,” Bargell said. “If your battery is not in good condition, your engine cannot start, navigation lights, trolling motors, aerators and marine electronics will not work either. Don’t waste a whole day looking for fuses or checking wiring when only the battery needs charging.

Many boaters attempt to start the engine for the first time and simply hear “clicks” when they press the starter. This is a relatively common indication that the battery has lost its charge over the winter.

You should also make sure that all terminal connections are tight and clean, especially at the battery, while you perform your routine checks. Loose or corroded connections cause many problems.

You should also inspect all the cables and links that control the steering. A steering cable left untouched for several months may rust or simply “stuck” in place.

I once towed an individual to the boat ramp because he discovered his steering wheel only turned a few degrees and he couldn’t maneuver back to shore. If you cannot turn your steering wheel freely from lock to lock, disassemble the control cable ends and correct the problem or take it to a marine store, such as Young’s Marine, to have it checked.

Examine all your lights. Bow lights and stern lights must be in working order to operate in low light conditions. A common problem for removable stern lights is corrosion of the contacts during the winter months.

Before changing bulbs, make sure all contact surfaces are clean and snug. Here’s a tip: a wire brush for cleaning .22 barrels works great for cleaning these connectors.

If you have a trailer, make sure all your parking lights are in working order. Wheel bearings should also be inspected. Correct any problems before pulling out of the driveway, rather than late at night along a lonely stretch of highway or on the side of the Interstate.

Another easily overlooked item: don’t forget to check your trailer’s tires. Tires can lose a lot of pressure during the winter. Make sure you check them and that they are inflated to the correct pressure. An underinflated tire can become hot and cause a blowout.

Humidity can be a problem. Condensation may develop in the cylinders during winter, making starting difficult. I remove the spark plugs and check their condition. I like to inject a little WD-40 into each cylinder and then crank the engine by hand to get the engine ready to run.

Did you know that WD in WD-40 means “water displacement”? It will drive out any moisture and provide some lubrication to the cylinder walls before mounting it.

Moisture can also cause problems in your fuel system. If you left fuel in your tanks over the winter, check to see if water has gotten into them.

Remember that gasoline is lighter than water, so all the water will end up at the bottom of the tank. If you are unsure whether water is present, shake the tank. If there is water in the tank, the fuel will appear cloudy after shaking.

Check your lower unit for the proper gear oil level. Make sure water does not seep into this area during the winter. A few seconds of preventative maintenance here can save you a lot of trouble and a lot of money.

Once you have charged the battery, check all electrical connections and verify that you have good fuel, it is time to start the engine.

Never operate a liquid-cooled engine without a method of getting water to the lower unit. A garden hose and set of engine mufflers allow you to operate your engine safely for initial starting. Make sure water enters the lower unit and the cooling system.

A small stream of water should come out of the motor after a few seconds of operation. If you don’t see this, something is wrong. Shut down the equipment and have your engine checked by a certified marine mechanic.

One more thing: find all your life jackets and check their condition. More than one boater has taken a PFD out of storage and discovered that small creatures have taken up residence there during the winter.

You must have a life jacket on you or within reach for each person on board. Make sure your Class IV flotation device is always on board and in good condition.

Most often in the shape of a seat cushion, this item constitutes essential equipment in addition to the life jackets that you already have on board.

The most recent data compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard on boating safety is from 2022. It shows that Nebraska has experienced 14 boating accidents resulting in two deaths. It’s not much in the grand scheme of things, but it could always be better.

I ran into Kevin Halley of North Platte as he and some friends were leaving Maloney Lake recently. We talked a little about their day and boating safety.

“We were on the water about six hours today,” said Don Chambers of Cozad.

“It was a slow day, but fun,” Halley added, while holding up some of the day’s catch.

“I didn’t get a chance to go out with my pontoon boat last year,” Halley said, “so we were out the other day checking everything out and running around the lake. Everything works well.

This is how the first starts for the nautical season should take place. Have a great summer safely on the water.

Mark your calendars. The Lincoln County Wildlife Gun Club of Lake Maloney will host a sporting clays shoot on June 1st. If you’ve never shot sporting clays, give it a try. It’s funny.

Clay targets come from any direction, fast or slow, single or in pairs. I believe sporting grounds more closely resemble real-life hunting situations than any other shooting location.

The first round will cost $40 and $35 for the addition rounds. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and the last group to draw will be at 4 p.m.