[PHOTOSTORY 1: OUTDOORS] Getting Ready for A Weekend On The River

By: Abbegayle Stallons

Evan and Griffin are arranging the new trailer so it is ready when they swap it over.
The other trailer for Evan's boat had bad hubs, so they needed to swap over to this trailer for tomorrow. 

Dylon and Evan are taking a quick break to dump all the trash out of their boats and trucks.

They went out to the river last weekend and had been working on their boats all week so they had accumulated a bit of trash. 

Now, Dylon and Evan are placing the motor of Dylon's boat onto the boat.
They took it off to build the jack plate and are now reattaching it. 

Dylon is back to the trailer, adjusting the hitch to make sure that the dropping mechanism is still functioning-even though it may be rusted.
Sometimes the mechanisms on a trailer may be stuck and it is important to be up to code and make the trip safe. 

Both men are making sure all of the back-up tools that may be needed are in order.
Sometimes on the river, parts of the motor or trailer may get damaged and you need to be able to make on-the-fly repairs in order to get back to the ramp or back to your house. 

Dylon is continuing to adjust the trailer's drop-bars.
This ensures that the trailer is even and will not tilt so that the tires don't get hot or potentially pop.

Evan is seeing if there is enough gas in the tank, and filling it up to the proper levels.
This time, the gas can was full. 

Evan is adjusting the cowling and making sure that the choke is fully functional.
If this step is missed, the cowling may fly off and not be able to protect the motor. The choke is also very important to be operational since it is what will allow you to start your motor. 

Dylon is loading up the chairs for the sandbar.
Everyone makes sure to grab a chair for themselves and that it is in the boat before the morning. 

Dylon is loading up fishing rods for the river.
Lots of people enjoy fishing on the river, it is important to make sure that the rods are dismantled and covered and the reels are also covered so they don't get damaged. 

Dylon is connecting the bilge pump to the boat with adhesive.
The bilge pump will allow him to get any water out that makes its way into the boat while taking off. 

Dylon is stocking up the cooler.
Dylon is loading up his favorite drinks and water to make sure he is having fun but also being hydrated. 

Dylon is putting the plug in his boat.
This will ensure that no water gets in the boat or sinks it. 

Dylon is adding his trolling motor to the back of the boat.
There are some areas in the river that he may want to go slower or just troll while he fishes. 

Evan is connecting his battery to his motor.
It is important to make sure that you are putting the clamps on the correct conductors. 

Evan found an issue with his wiring, so he is looking to make sure there is no corrosion. 

This will keep any fire hazards and other complications from happening when starting his motor.

Dylon is tying his anchor on and making sure the knot is secure.
Sometimes, if the anchor has been sitting for a while, it will come undone or loose. 

Dylon is putting an extra pop in his live well.
He has had a prop spin-off so he wants to make sure he has a backup in case. 

 Dylon is making sure he has his paddle.
If all else fails, a paddle will get them home. 

For the very last step, Evan is making sure the boats are secured to the trailer, as well as the motor to the boat for the ride.
He is using ratchet straps to wrap around the motor, through eye hooks on the boat and to the base of the trailer to make it all stable.