| Get Ready for Spring Make-Ready Sure, most of us have the usual things done to our boat and motor prior to the spring launch, but there are a few other items that you might want to consider having done, if not every year, then every couple of years. These include oil tank service, steering service and electrical system service. • The oil tanks can get a sludge build-up and the filter can get clogged. This could result in a loss of oil flow to your engine and cause excessive engine wear. • Is your steering getting tight? Over time, salt water corrosion and excessive grease buildup can “gum up” the works, making steering stiff and possibly causing it to break. • An electrical system check will make certain all your electrical components are functioning, especially your bilge pump and navigation lights. It also will give you a heads-up if corrosion starts to raise its ugly head on your terminal strips and connections. • And, when was the last time your water pump and thermostats were replaced? If you can’t remember, that's a sure indicator that is should be done. |