ESCANABA -- Boating and fishing are two popular U.P. pastimes. But in order to safely enjoy the lakes, it's important to get your boat up to speed.
There are a few key things to consider.
“The metal boat below the hull line may rust,” explains boat owner, John Bichlar. “Make sure it's clean and basically just go over the motor to make sure the engine's in good shape and things are ready to go."
Check to make sure your battery is charged. Make sure you change the fuel filter and replace any cracked fuel lines.
Herb Rau of Cycle City in Escanaba recommended running the boat engine until it stalls and the old gas is gone. He said that stale gas will cause the filter to get plugged.
“All of us have certain costs to overcome,” said Rau. “And when you're talking fifty, sixty, seventy dollars an hour, it becomes much more expensive than if you just took care of little things you can do yourself right at home before you put it away."
But this checklist is second-nature to some seasoned sailors.
John Bichlar has had his boat since 1977, but he's always been careful to maintain it because it gets him to and from work.
He and his son often travel the waterways to get to different construction jobs. But for him, it's not just a vehicle to get him places. It's also become a houseboat to enjoy with his family.
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