12-06-2020, 03:50 PM
These are regular, daily occurrances at the Gorge for the entire winter, starting a few weeks ago, carrying through February. There are some tricks of the trade for winter regulars. Pump the brakes on the tow vehicle after launching to prevent frozen brakes. Drive around the lot a few times with the trailer to dry out the water and keep wheels from freezing. Spray the bunk carpet a few times with silicone to prevent boat from freezing to the carpet. (One treatment lasts all winter, 40+ launches) All just part of my everyday routine, like blowing out the pee tube on the motor every evening so it pisses water upon start every below-zero morning. Warm up sonar screens. Take rods inside every night so they work the next morning. Same with trolling motor remotes. Handwarmers in pockets to warm up remotes. Have chains laid out and untangled in the truck bed for morning launch. Keep fuel tanks full. Fully charge every battery every night, including the starter. Coat the trolling motor shaft with Armorall so it can be deployed. (keeps ice buildup to a minimum) . . .