motor mount with tight nut

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Before launching a boat for the first time each season, the Division of Watercraft urges boaters to complete the following checklist to reduce the chances of being unprepared while out on the waterways.

*  Check the boat registration.  Boat registrations expire on March 1 of the year displayed on the boat sticker.  For example, if your tag says “2005″ you need to renew your registration this year before you put your boat on the water.

*  Check your safety equipment.  Look at the required equipment chart in the Division of Watercraft publication SC Boat Operator’s Guide to make sure you have all the equipment needed on your boat after it has been stored.

*  Inspect your life jackets.  In addition to making sure you have a properly sized wearable life jacket for each passenger, check each life jacket for mildew, rot and tears in athe material, seams and straps.  Discard and replace any damaged life jackets.

*  Check flares and fire extinguishers.  Buy new flares if their ixpiration dates have expired, and make sure the fire extinguisher is properly charged.

*  Check the first-aid kit.  Replace any supplies that were used last season or have passed the expiration date. 

*  Check fittings.  Thru-hull fittings below the waterlin