Jim Kalkofen shares advice from experts on critical preseason boat maintenance.

Getting your boat in shape

Fishing dreams are slowly turning towards open water. Crappies first, then the walleye season opener. When it warms, everything bites. That is, if we can get to the ramp and fire up the outboard.

Boat problems do occur. I asked several experts about the causes for these breakdowns and how to prevent them. According to Pete Johnston, a marine service manager, “At least 90 percent of problems are caused by fuel and not treating it as the life-blood of any outboard.”

No more old gas

Mercury Marine technical school instructors tell the mechanics that gasoline is good for two weeks. Fresh gas is mandatory. “If followed, this alone would prevent most carburetor problems,” Johnston said. With every tank of gas, “Add fuel-system cleaner and stabilizer to two-stroke and four-stroke motors, new or old.” His advice to those who don’t fish or boat often, “Buy only what you need, burn it up and add fresh next time out.”

Properly oiling the machine

Other preparations for the season include buying only oil with the same label as your outboard. Outboards operate at 5,000 to 6,000 RPMs when running down the lake. A Suburban runs about 2,000 RPMs at cruising speed. The right lubrication will keep an engine running longer. For those mixing gas and oil, he said to follow instructions. Never add more than called for.

Easy to check are gaskets, trailer lights, the gas line and prop shafts. Both Mercury and Yamaha tell customers to change their fuel lines every three years. Systems with oil filters between the oil reservoir and the outboard should be changed every year. The water pump impeller should be changed every three years.

New plugs are always a good idea. It’s the first thing Johnston checks when someone brings in a rough-running outboard.

The lower unit grease is another spring checklist item. If cloudy or milky, have the dealer drain, check which seal is leaking, replace the seal, and re-fill the lower unit. He suggests that anglers pull their props every month, check the shaft for fishing line, remove the line, and replace the prop. Line can cut through the prop shaft seal. He offered one more in-season tip, “Always trailer with outboards in as vertical a position as possible. It’s much easier on everything.”

Your new to-do list

George “Coop” Cooper worked on outboards for many years and wrenched on every motor imaginable from train engines to cars to lawnmowers. Before fishing this spring, check over Coop’s impressive “must-do” list.

1. Check all boat and trailer electrical connections and lights.
2. Clean terminals and fuse connectors with baking soda and water.
3. Clean the battery case (top and sides), also.
4. After dry, spray all electrical fittings with corrosion preventative.
5. Make sure battery terminals are clean and coated.
6. Check and clean all fuses, trailer light bulbs, receptacles and lights.
7. Check tire air pressure and check spare tire.
8. Inspect wheel bearings; grease as necessary.
9. Check lower unit lubrication.
10. Clean boat and polish hull.
11. Grease any outboard fittings.
12. Tighten bolts, screws, lug nuts, trailer winch stand bolts.
13. Lube any linkage (if accessible).
14. Check manual and grease/lube starter shaft – if accessible.
15. Check winch strap.
16. Start, run, and then replace plugs.
17. Check fire extinguisher.
18. Check fuel lines and fuel primer bulb.
19. Check PFDs (life jackets) and throw cushion.
20. Add boat safety and fishing equipment.
21. Check first aid kit and update.
22. Check tie lines, bow line, anchor line.
23. Add a couple extra boat plugs this year.
24. Inspect prop shaft for fishing line; grease if necessary.
25. Add some extra fuses.
26. Replace fuel.
27. Make sure your boat and trailer meets state licensing requirements.

After 40 years as a boat-rigger and respected electronics expert, Jim Wentworth, said, “At least 50 percent of electronics and electric trolling motor problems are due to batteries.” Wentworth said he’s seen it all, and batteries are the highest-priority item in the boat.

He said, “Check the terminals and circuit breakers. Clean them. Tighten the battery cables. If anything is corroded, replace it immediately.” He also said a glance of the transducer would show if it needs to be tightened or re-aligned. On electronics units, he said, if they turn on, great. But, he said GPS and Global Mapping manufacturers offer many upgrades on line and should be done prior to season. Clean electronics screens with regular eyeglass cleaners and lens tissues.

You’ll find lots of helpful information to prepare you for spring fishing in the March issue of MidWest Outdoors, available now at the newsstand or by subscribing on our website.