Revised 4-12-18
 Many boaters elect to pre-start their boat engines using a flushing adapter. Here are three good tips to follow prior to doing so.

One, be kind to the neighbors. Boat engines tend to be noisy when ran on a flushing device. Don't run your engine too early or late in the day. Two, keep pets and the kids inside when running the engine on a flushette. And three, go through the check list below before attempting to run the engine.

Refer to your boat and engine owners manual for specific procedures for using a flushing device, and for supplies you will need. If you are not familiar with such procedures, seek the help of a qualified boat technician.

We offer a complete supply of discounted boating maintenance items and parts to help you have a safe and fun season. We also carry engine oil and oil filters along with gearcase lubricants and drain/fill gaskets and o-rings for Evinrude, Johnson, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, Yamaha, Mercruiser, OMC and Volvo Penta.

And our exclusive interactive touch screen kiosk makes it easy and fast to find the items you need.

Boat Check List

Check the entire fuel system, hoses and fittings for loose or broken clamps, leaks, or deterioration.

Check all engine fluids levels such as gearcase fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil, oil tank, tilt and trim reservoir, and trim tabs.

If you have an onboard water system, fill it with clean water, turn the system pump on and check for leaks. Consider using "Starbrite Aqua Clean" to clean and freshen up your water system.

If your boat is equipped with a head or porta-potty, be sure to flush down the proper amount of "Aqua Chem" waste treatment additive and check for any leaks at all fittings and hoses.

Make sure battery connections are clean and tight. We recommend using locking or regular nuts and avoid using wing nuts which can easily loosen and cause problems. Be sure to use stainless steel nuts to prevent corrosion or rust.

We are happy to do a free battery load test if you bring your battery in. This will let you know if it's time for a replacement.

Be sure to check the engine battery information in your engines owners manual for the correct battery capacity requirements for your engine. Never use a deep cycle battery as your main battery for starting the engine.

Check the operation of throttle and shift controls while running the engine and inspect for wear. For safety, we recommend removing the propeller before hand. This is also a good time to grease the propeller shaft splines with "Mercury 2-4-C Grease". Be sure to properly torque the prop nut. A loose nut can result in propeller shaft breakage.

Check the condition of ignition components such as plug wires, distributor, and wiring for deterioration.

If it has been a while since your last tune-up or 3 year E-Tec service, you may want to consider having it done now before launching your boat for the season.

Refer to your owners manual for items requiring lubrication, and always use the marine grade grease and lubricants.

Inspect the steering system, paying close attention to connectors, pins, and proper smooth operation.

Check navigation lights, horn, bilge pump, blower, and instruments for proper operation.

Now is a good time to turn on the depth finder and GPS to check operation if you have them.

Check fastener tightness on seats, seat bases and posts, cleats, and other boat hardware.

Check the condition of the propeller, and have it rebuilt if needed.

Don't forget the trailer. Check lug nuts for proper tightness, wheel bearings for growling when you rotate the wheels, winch and strap for damage, and check all fasteners for tightness. Be sure to check the lights for proper operation. And put the proper amount of air pressure in the tires including your spare.

Finally, check your safety equipment. fenders, mooring lines, life jackets, paddle, anchor, flare kit expiration date, and fire extinguisher to make sure everything is in working order.

When filling fuel tanks be sure to add an initial dose of "Marine Grade Star-Tron" and check for any leaks. Make sure any boat covers are removed or fully open to properly vent gas fumes. On internal fuel tanks have someone watch the fill hose connections, vent hose connection and the engine fuel lines when filling. If there are any leaks stop filling immediately and have the leaks repaired. Portable tanks should be checked for leaks with the filler cap on and tight.