SPRING COMMISSIONING

It’s January while I write this, and here in southeastern Virginia, we’ve just had a week of 60-plus-degree temperatures and sunny skies. While there’s still more winter to come, it’s a harbinger that indicates it will soon be time to get the boat ready for the season. There is no better time of year on a boater’s calendar. Let’s see how ready you are.

(Answers on page 10)

1. If you check your gear case/ drive unit and the fluid is milky or watery, you should: A. Refill it with fresh fluid. B. Don’t worry about it—it will be fine. C. Bring it to a dealer/ technician to check for internal damage. D. None of the above 2. When removing the boat’s cover, you see evidence of rodent droppings and mildew. For next winter, you should: A. Ensure that your winter cover is better-sealed and the perimeter is tight, leaving no potential openings for rodents. B. Ensure that your cover has well-placed vents to allow air circulation. C. Place rodent repellent in strategic places around and inside your boat. D. None of the above E. All of the above

3. Before trailering your boat to the ramp, it’s important to check several very important areas. They should include: A. Be sure you’ve inserted the hull drain plug. B. Check the trailer wheel hubs for grease condition and amount, and the trailer tires for rot, tread wear and tire pressure. C. Ensure that the hull is properly winched tight to the trailer bow stop, and tied down at the stern with adequate straps. D. Make sure you have snacks for the trip. E. A, B and C F. All of the above

4.. You go to crank the engine over, and it just clicks—and won’t turn over. What could be the cause of the problem? A. The battery is dead. B. The starter motor is frozen/seized. C. The battery cables are not tight, or otherwise compromised (corroded inside, broken, etc.) D. The starter solenoid is defective and won’t

make the connection between the battery and starter. E. All of the above

5. After removing the winter cover, you notice that there is a distinct line where the sun has bleached your boat’s gelcoat. The part under the cover looks fine. What can you do?

A. Nothing, it’s now forever

altered.

B. Carefully buff out the hull sides where the fading has occurred, wet-sanding with very fine (2,000- or 3,000grit) sandpaper if necessary.

C. Bring the boat to a gelcoat expert who can restore the finish.

D. B or C

E. None of the above 6. After starting your outboard for the first time in spring, you notice it won’t idle unless you keep pushing the primer/choke; it starts hard and runs roughly. What could be the cause? A. The fuel is stale and possibly laced with water/condensation. B. The fuel injectors (or carburetors) are gummed up with dried, stale fuel and water mix. C. The gear case/drive is stuck in reverse. D. A and B E. All of the above