OutdoorNebraska

9 Chapter 2 ■ Courtesy on the Boat Ramp Boat ramp traffic jams can be prevented if everyone practices common courtesy at the ramp. Be sure you observe these simple courtesies. ◆ Prepare your vessel for launching or for the drive home well away from the ramp. ◆ Use at least two experienced people to launch and retrieve the vessel—one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the vessel. ◆ Never block a ramp with an unattended vessel or vehicle. Move the vessel away from the launch lane immediately after removing it from the trailer. Return briefly to pick up the vehicle driver once he or she has parked the vehicle and is back at the ramp. ◆ When retrieving, do not pull your vessel into a launch lane until the towing vehicle is at the ramp. The line is formed by vehicles with trailers, not by vessels in the water. Drop off the vehicle driver, and wait offshore and clear of the ramp until he or she arrives with the trailer. Vessel Maintenance Keeping your vessel well-maintained will extend its life and give you and your family many more years of enjoyment. ◆ Examine the interior and exterior of the hull when it is out of the water. • Check for oxidation, a common problem on aluminum hulls, that appears as white powder spots. Use fine sandpaper on oxidized areas until spots are replaced by bright shiny metal. • To protect the environment, use only environmentally safe, non-phosphate detergents to remove oil and algae from fiberglass hulls. Avoid abrasive materials, which can remove the shiny top layer (gel coat). Patch holes immediately with a fiberglass patching compound. • Check through-hull fittings to make sure they are not cracked or leaking. • Remove all puddles from the interior before and after every outing. ◆ Store vessels in a dry area out of the sun. If you must store the vessel for a long period of time, place the trailer on blocks to preserve the tires. Keep the vessel covered, leaving an opening to circulate air. Hang canoes upside down. ◆ Clean all lines (ropes). Dirt and sand cause deterioration. Keep lines out of the sun when not in use, and replace weakened or fraying lines. ◆ Clean sails with a soft brush. Examine them for small tears or open seams that can be repaired by taping or sewing. ◆ Refer to the owner's manual for a maintenance schedule. Use at least two experienced people to launch and retrieve your vessel—one to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the vessel. If launching and retrieving by yourself, it is recommended to place wheel chocks behind the wheels of the towing vehicle. Engine Maintenance Engine maintenance is important. Follow a regular maintenance program. ✓ Keep your engine clean and tuned properly. Refer to your owner's manual for a mainte- nance schedule. ✓ Check the oil and fluid levels before every outing. Change the oil according to the owner's manual. As the engine ages, increase the frequency of oil changes. Clean oil extends engine life. ✓ Tighten battery connections. Clean battery terminals by disconnecting the terminals and removing corrosion with a wire brush. If the battery is weak when you start the engine, recharge it. ✓ Inspect the engine for anything that shows signs of wear or requires tightening, such as hoses, belts, and bolts. Make sure everything is fitted properly, including the engine cover. ✓ Never use automotive electrical parts. Use marine parts only. Use of automotive parts rather than sealed marine parts (such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, and other electrical parts) could cause a spark that could ignite a fire. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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