Outside Iowa: Pulling the boat out for the season
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t pulled the boat out a couple of times already. Every year I seem to long for that first soft water trip of the year more and more.
This year was no exception, and I actually had the boat on the water during one of the final days of February. This is where I typically comment on how weird this past winter has been, but I won’t say that.
Rather, spring is turning out to be rather weird as well! Eighty degrees matched with 55-degree water temps in the middle of March? Can’t say I can recall a single year where we experienced those kinds of conditions.
Sure its nice, but I would much prefer the heat wait until mid to late May. We still got turks to kill! But, I’m not complaining.
If you have yet to get the boat out of storage there are a few vital things that need to be considered. If you adequately winterized your boat there should only be a couple steps to accomplish before you head to the lake for the first outing.
First, replace your lower-unit lube, which can be easily accomplished by using the E-Z Lube system. Its quick, clean and keeps your lower unit operating perfectly.
The second thing you will want to do is thoroughly go through your boats storage compartments and clean out any debris, and if they exist, any critters that might have attempted to make a winter home out of your boat.
It does happen and if you do find some nesting material, make sure you check every nook and cranny, under the motor hood included.
Inspect all the wiring to make sure there are no shorts and that all your electronic devices are working correctly. Replace any old gas with fresh gas and your motor will start easier.
I would also suggest taking a look at your spark plugs and if corroborators exist, make sure there isn’t too much of a carbon deposit and clean or replace them if needed.
Move to the trailer and inspect the tires closely. Make sure they are not wearing in a fashion that indicates alignment or axel issues.
After several months of cold weather and storage, the tires will most likely need a blast of air. Make sure you know what the required psi is for each tire and fill ‘em up.
Make sure the hitch component is in fine working order and of course don’t overlook the trailer lights. Hook them up to the tow vehicle to verify; make changes as necessary.
This year is going to be slightly different for me as an angler. I have reached that stage in my life where style and status don’t mean as much as they used to; rather I am more about practicality and rational approaches to my passions.
I have two young children and thus drive a mini-van. Not that cool? I agree, but I can hook my boat up to the newly labeled, “Man-Van” and haul it around this summer achieving more than twice the mileage I would have by using my pickup.
With this summer’s estimated gas prices matched with my desire to get out and fish, I am happily hauling my boat with the Man-Van as often as possible. The great thing is it offers me the option to take my wife and kids with me each time. I plan on it!
The time to get out there and wet a line or rip some lips has arrived. Make sure your gear is ready for the season and get out there and enjoy another rocking Iowa fishing season!
If you have any questions, I would be happy to help in any way I can! tha481@gmail.com
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.allen.bowhuntingroad.com