BOAT CARE PAYS.

Byline: Bill Schulz Associated Press 

It's a good idea to spend the first few hours of the spring boating season on dry land, getting your boat ready for a summer of fun.

In the fall the reverse is true. It's time to get the boat ready for storage so it won't surprise you in the spring.

If you care for your boat at both the end and beginning of the season, you'll know when the boat slides off the trailer you'll not only be able to enjoy it, but you'll be able to drive it back on the trailer when the day is over.

``I see it all the time. People get their boat in the water and it just doesn't work,'' says Claude von Plato, national service manager for Yamaha Marine. ``Often times they can't drive it back onto the trailer, so they're forced to deal with the problem in the water.

``Believe me, it's a whole lot easier to remedy the problems caused by months of winter storage while you're in the driveway than when you're at the loading ramp.''

Here's a rundown of things to check each spring:

Make sure the battery is fully charged. Check securing straps or clamps for corrosion or damage, and replace if needed.

Check fuel hoses for cracks or other damage. It's a good idea to drain old fuel, dispose of it properly, and refill the tank. Change the fuel filter if you didn't do it last fall.

Some engines have a water trap, so check the bottom of the reservoir for that. Then make sure the reservoir is full. Drain it first if necessary.

Check the starter rope for damage, if your motor has one, and replace if necessary.

Check that the shift and throttle operate smoothly. Make sure mounting bolts are tight. Replace any missing nuts. If your boat is used in salt water, check the zinc anodes and replace them if necessary.

Grease engine fittings.

Change oil in the lower unit.

Check the propeller for nicks and dings. Make sure the retaining net is secure and that you have extra cotter pins.

Then start the engine. Remember it must be cooled with water while running. You can run water to the engine by using a flushing attachment on a garden hose.

Make sure the electric system works and that all lights operate properly.

Give your trailer a once-over, too. Check brakes, if it has them, and wheel bearings. Clean, grease and reseal the bearings if necessary.

Check the lights and wiring harness; the frame, painting where needed; bunks and rollers, repairing or replacing damaged parts; the winch cable or strap, and replace if worn; tongue jack, greasing if needed.

Make sure wheel lug nuts are tight.

Before you put the boat in storage in the fall, flush the engine and fog it with a fogging oil. Don't forget the carburetor. Disconnect the fuel line and run the engine out of fuel.

Spray the powerhead with a light lubricant to protect from winter corrosion. Check and grease the steering cable, hydraulic cylinder pivots and sliders, and the tilt and pivot points. Change oil in the lower unit.

Turning to the boat itself, degrease and flush the bilge and wash and wax the hull. Oil any teakwood. Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Change the fuel filter. Check all wiring, lights and electronics. Then remove any batteries, clean and recharge them and store them in a cool dry place. Recharge them once a month until spring.