Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/510657
25 a p c s hor e l i n e s.c om | 2015 Vol :1 Top Left: Photo by Billy Brown — At the boat ramp, check to make sure your battery will easily start the engine by itself. Bottom Left: Photo by Billy Brown — Check all trailer lights and make sure your tag is current. Right: Photo by Billy Brown — Check the oil in the lower foot. engine all by itself. But right beside the battery is my backup battery, so if the No. 1 battery goes dead, I have a 100 percent backup. Again, the No. 1 battery is wired to the engine. At the boat ramp with the engine running, I use jumper cables to attach the backup battery to the No. 1 battery. While out on the water, the engine is now charging both batteries. Don't leave the batteries hooked up, as a drain will kill both and then you will have no backup. Drains happen: You accidentally leave a light or the radio on overnight. Now look hard at the trailer. A lot of the trouble people have in boating is not with the boat but with the trailer. If the tires are over seven years old, it is time to replace them, regardless of their tread. If you don't, a blowout is coming soon. As with most trouble, this will likely happen far from home at the most inconvenient time. The easiest way to upgrade your tires is to put new wheels/tires on your trailer and keep the current ones for spares. Don't cut corners on your tires unless you live within sight of the lake. Check the trailer lights, make sure you have a current tag and spot- paint any rusty areas. Grease the axles before and after a long trip. Bearing buddies make this easy. Check your tie-down straps and lube the hookup to the vehicle. Sand the battery and connections and adding a dab of dielectric grease will ensure the electrical connections are good. By the way, remember to unplug your lights before backing the trailer into the water. Cold water and hot lights mean you will soon be buying new lights. Check the prop for nicks and, if small, use a small grinder to smooth them out. Of course, a bent prop or big nicks mean a new prop must be purchased immediately. Do not run your engine over idle speed with a damaged prop because the vibration will damage the engine. While looking at the engine, consider replacing the oil in the lower foot. MAKE SURE YOU'RE THE ONE WHOSE BOAT ISN'T GETTING TOWED ON THE L AKE THIS SEASON.