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doomster · General Secretary Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 2594

Well, I am in the process of getting my ski boat out and cleaned up and checking over all my accessories and all. Boat & Engine/Mechanical are good, just needs a good cleaning up from storage over the winter....a little rubbing and she'll look new again! The jet ski, same way with the exception I believe its gonna need another battery, after keeping it on the tender from time to time it still does not want to take a charge.

Just a few things for you all to check over before getting started this season:

1. Check all of your safety equipment, whistles, horns, fire extinguishers, life vests, ropes, anchors, paddle, and lights. Check to ensure your bilge pump is working correctly. Make sure your battery is good before you hit the water, if you are unsure.....REPLACE it. Check and or change all oils & lubes and such if you didn't do it at winterization.

2. If you got gas last year that had ethanol in it.....check it out before starting your engine! This fuel breaks down and you may need to drain your tank before hitting the water. You can get a filter to solve this issue partly from your marina, check with them on these issues....its better to check it out now than having to replace an engine.

3. On your first outing be sure to launch it and check to make sure the drain plug is in.....on the first time out make sure everything is working correctly and operating with ease like it should before taking a long trip.

4. Last but not least.....check your fuel levels and lets hope gas stays where it is so we can enjoy our boating this year!!!! I got tired of floating and island hanging last year when gas went over $4 a gallon!

5. Remember your local marinas and boat dealers when buying a new boat this year or parts for your boats.

-Davis Marine is your source for boat parts in Roanoke Rapids, Sea-doo Parts and accessories, and even repairs.

-Roanoke Valley Motorsports has Yamaha Boats and jet skis, sales and service, located in Roanoke Rapids.

-Fred's Boats just west of Roanoke Rapids has a good shop and they also sell some boating accessories as well as new boats.

-Bill Bryant on Hwy 48 South had a few pontoons and several trailers, a few fishing boats as well with good pricing.

-Lake Gaston Sales and Service, Eaton's Ferry Marina, and Corky up in Henrico all have LKG covered with your boating needs and accessories.

You all have a happy and safe 2009 boating season!!!!!!

Roostercogburn · Forum General Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 1532

I can't wait to hit the Lake! If I could just figure out how to get the damn game wardens off my back. It seems like everytime I go, they forget they checked me last time and make me show them everything again. I wish they had a decal that you could place on your vessel like with the Coast Guard, that shows you have have already been inspected and have all your safety gear on board and in good shape!
_________________
We have enough youth.
How about a Fountain of Smart? ~ Rooster

doomster · General Secretary Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 2594

I got one of those stickers last year after an inspection at the gas pumps at Outdoor World by the Coast Guard, a few weekends later got pulled over by Wildlife enforcement and they were actually impressed the coast guard here had the stickers. I even got the portable signaling device for free (a blank CD). I usually don't have a bunch of trouble from Wildlife, they hit me up once or twice a year....just keep your stuff maintained and you are good to go.