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For Open Water! (22-2)
By William E. Taylor
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 Spring
fever has brought a new wave of energy to the Power
Boating Canada office, as our staff members are busy
prepping their boats for the coming season. The flurry
of activity around the gear locker hasn’t been
this highly charged in years, with everyone checking
their PFDs, emergency supplies, and navigation aids
in anticipation of a new season of boat tests and cruising
throughout Canada’s most scenic waterways.
While we are fortunate that most of the boats we review
have been thoroughly checked out by the manufacturers
and their participating marinas, our own boats require
the same TLC at this time of year as every one of our
reader’s boats.
Over the winter, the fuel and lubricants in your engine
settle, and a thorough flush of the engine is a good
idea. Plugs and electrical cables should be checked
for wear and corrosion, and all mechanical linkages
should be cleaned and lubed.
With the boat out of the water, it is a good idea to
schedule a day to prep the hull, cleaning and examining
the surface for any cracks or abrasions that should
be repaired prior to your first spring launch. While
you are at it, take a really good look at your boat
trailer, inspecting the tires, brakes, and running lights,
and checking the hitch and safety equipment. Also be
sure to check and grease the wheel bearings. Don’t
forget the first aid, personal supplies and foul weather
gear – you are always wise to be prepared for
any emergency.
Once the boat is shipshape, you can begin to plan your
summer’s activities as there are several on-water
events to excite and entertain boaters throughout Canada
from the 24th of May weekend until well past Labour
Day. For a full schedule of events check our website
– www.powerboating.com, and stay tuned to the
pages of Power Boating Canada Magazine for destination
suggestions and event highlights.
With Canadians becoming much more aware of the need
to preserve the natural environment, boaters should
plan to do their part by assuring that their engines
are operating at peak efficiency and that all systems
aboard are properly maintained. Your local marina is
the best place to visit for the annual spring tune-up
– their trained mechanics will make sure that
your boating adventures will be as trouble free as possible.
The Power Boating Canada crew will be on-site at many
of the in-water shows and events during the spring and
summer months – if you see us at your favourite
event, please drop by to say hello, and by all means
drop me an e-mail with any suggestions or comments you
may have concerning the magazine, or boating in general. |
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