As the Fall months creep into our calendars, boat owners in cooler climates acknowledge, with sadness, that it’s time to put the boat away. Outside Storage? It’s a thought and an option but consider that you may be threatened by snow build up, tornadoes or hurricanes. The success of storing your boat outside depends on how well your boat is protected from the conditions outdoors.                          Rinse/Flush Rinsing the outside of your boat and trailer thoroughly with fresh water will remove excess salt. Pay particular attention to your trailer’s leaf springs, wheel hubs and brakes that are constantly submerged during launching and retrieval of your boat. Flush your engine's cooling system with fresh water in line with your engine manufacturer’s salt removal recommendations. This will minimize corrosion and overheating issues come spring. Drain your boat of all water – bilge, head, sink lines, water tanks, sea-cocks, and pipes. If you are in an area with extended periods of freezing, put antifreeze in the low parts if there is still some water present. Salt Watch out for salt. Buy a good salt remover to minimize corrosion. Add fuel stabilizer to top off your fuel tanks. Here is one recommended by CLR Marine. Diesel Formula Fuel Stabilizer & Performance Improver - 32oz *Case of 4* STA-BIL Diesel Formula Fuel Stabilizer is a diesel additive that keeps fuel fresh for quick, easy starts and maximized for engine performance. Designed for use with all diesel engines, and all diesel fuels, Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer Diesel formula prevents sludge and sediment formation, cleans and lubricates fuel injectors to improve performance and helps remove water. It is safe to use and recommended for use at every fill up, with the 32 ounce bottle treating up to 320 gallons of fuel. Batteries Remove the batteries from your boat and store in your garage or basement. Batteries should be connected to a battery charger that will give them a good charge and one that w automatically switches to a float/trickle charge to keep your batteries topped up. Match your charger to the type of battery you are charging. Using a charger manufactured for lead acid batteries to charge an AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery will cause damage to the battery. If you choose to keep your batteries in the boat, connect a solar trickle charger. These chargers will keep your batteries topped off without the hassle of removing heavy batteries from your boat. Cleaning Clean the exterior with the proper fiber glass or wood cleaner needed for your boat. Bright work can be cleaned by removing the wood or cleaning it as it is - installed. Be careful to not get the wood cleaner onto the deck surfaces. The exterior should be dried with a chamois cloth. Vinyl seat cushions and backs should be cleaned with vinyl cleaner. Hard surfaces inside the vessel can be wiped with all purpose cleaners. End your cleaning with a coat of wax to the exterior and polish. Don’t forget the bottom paint. Before you store, spend the time to give your boat a thorough cleaning. CLR Marine has many products by trusted brands such as Powerhouse, Davis Instruments, Jabsco, Shurhold, and Swobbit, to help winterize and clean. You will be grateful in the spring during launch time that your boat is already clean as the new boating season begins. Cover Up If you store outside in your yard, driveway, or a boat yard, a boat cover is a must to prevent damage from winter conditions. Leaving your boat in the water is not recommended. The boat is exposed to rough weather, and has a greater possibility of sinking if you aren’t monitoring it often. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/boat-outfitting/winter-covers.html and https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/winterizing.html Circle May 21, 2022, on your calendar. The date is almost ten days before Memorial Day, next year when most harbors open for the season. Start your prep work, tune-ups, sanding, and painting to get out on the water and a great boating season. In the meantime, during the cold winter months, cozy up to the fire and read your boating manuals, new safety regulations and weather information. Fair winds and smooth sailing.   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please get in touch with CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/. _________________________________________________________________________ Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.  

Hull Protection

Plastic Boat Hook Hull Scraper Boat Hook Hull Scraper can be attached to any Sea-Dog® Boat Hook/Boat Pole or universal/Acme threaded device. Great for waterline cleaning from inside the vessel and scraping ice from windshields. Specifications: Scraper Width: (inch) 6" Scraper Height: (inch) 3"

Boat Outfitting Equipment and Supplies When it comes time for outfitting your boat, you can get all your boating supplies and boating accessories from us. You will never need to go anywhere else for your boat outfitting, because we have all the boat supplies you need. If you're looking for anchors/chain/rope, anodes, antifouling systems or boarding ladders, we have you covered. We can also offer you a selection of bottom paint and bow thrusters to choose from. You may also want cleaning supplies that offer deck/galley options so you can get your boat sparkling and ready to enjoy. We also have display mounts and docking accessories to complete your outfitting needs.

Flex-Fit™ PRO Polyester Size 1 Boat Cover for V-Hull Fishing Boats & Jon Boats - Grey *14'-16' Centerline Length  *78" Max Beam Width Available in 10 sizes that fit practically all 14 – 23 foot boats. Economically priced, our Flex-Fit™ PRO universal cover is an excellent choice for storage and trailering. Our Flex-Fit™ PRO boat covers feature a strong and durable 1/4″ shock cord encased into the hem for a snug fit. One tie-down kit is included for quick and easy tie-down. Mesh Storage bag is included. Poly-Flex II - Economically-priced 5.3 oz. Solution-Dyed Marine Polyester with urethane coating. Lightweight and strong. Good resistance to tearing. Durable water repellency, UV and mildew resistant finish. Breathable to help allow interior moisture to escape. Designed and sewn in the USA. (3 Year Limited Warranty).  Boat Types: V-Hull Fishing Boats V-Hull Narrow Bass Boats Jon Boats Open Jon Boats Drift Boats Features: Construction - Join seams are folded four-ply. No raw edges  Stitching - Double stitch construction for added strength and durability  Weather Resistant - Anti-wick thread throughout construction  Double Reinforced - Tie-down loops sewn into hem  Best Warranty in the Business - Best Warranty in the business based on fabric selection All Carver Covers are Made in the USA

P79 In-Hull Transducer w/Humminbird #9 Plug - 7-Pin Our P79 in-hull transducer easily adjusts to hull dead rise angles up to 22º. This ensures that the beam is vertically oriented to receive echoes, resulting in accurate depth readings. Unlike traditional "puck" type transducers, our P79 consists of a base that is bonded to the hull and filled with liquid. The separate transducer then attaches to the base with a twist lock. The sound waves travel more efficiently though the liquid, giving the best possible performance. Features: Adjusts to hull deadrise angles from 2° to 22° No holes to drill Depth only Recommended for solid fiberglass hulls Adheres to aluminum hulls under 3.8 mm (0.16") thick Recommended for planing-hull power boats, trailered boats, rigid inflatable boats (RIBS), and racing sailboats No hull protrusions Boat Size: Up to 8M (25') Specifications: Weight: 2.3kg (5lb) Hull Deadrise: 0° to 22°   Acoustic Window: Layered plastic urethane This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

P79 NMEA 2000 In-Hull 235 kHz The P79 in-hull transducer easily adjusts to hull deadrise angles up to 22 °. This ensures that the beam is vertically oriented to receive echos, resulting in accurate depth readings. Unlike traditional "puck" type transducers, our P79 consists of a base that is bonded to the hull and filled with liquid. The separate transducer then attaches to the base with a twist lock. The sound waves travel more efficiently though the liquid, giving the best possible performance.  The unique adjustable-angle design ensures the beam is vertically oriented for maximum echo returns and the best possible performance. Because the transducer is mounted inside the hull, it is the perfect solution for rigid inflatable boats (RIBS) and racing sailboats.  Features: Adjusts to hull deadrise angles up to 22° No holes to drill Depth Only Frequency: 235 kHz Cone: 11° Recommended for solid fiberglass hulls Epoxies to aluminum hulls under 0.38 mm (0.150”) thick Recommended for planing-hull power boats, trailered boats, rigid inflatable boats No hull protrusions 6M (20’) NMEA 2000® cable & connector This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

DST800L-235-N2 235kHz Bronze Thru-Hull - Long Stem - NMEA 2000 The DST800 is a Smart Triducer multi-sensor that offers depth, speed, and temperature functions in one compact thru-hull fitting. Digital signal processing inside the housing provides depth, speed, and temperature data to a chart plotter, radar screen, or digital display, eliminating the need for a dedicated depth sounder. One hole in the boat's hull makes this Triducer multi-sensor attractive to both boat builders and boat owners. And the retractable multi-sensor is available with NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000®, or custom CAN protocols. The wide port-starboard, fan shaped beam is able to find bottom even when installed on high-deadrise hulls or on sailboats when heeled. Features: Thru-Hull, Long-Stem Depth, Speed, and Temperature NMEA 2000® output , 100 W RMS power 235kHz output will not interfere with fishfinders Maximum depth range 100 m (330’) Minimum depth range 0.5 m (1.6’) Retractable Insert 6 m (19.8’) NMEA 2000® cable and connector Usable Shaft Length: 102 mm (4”) Can be installed with High-Performance Fairing (sold separately) Can be installed with Low-Profile adapter ring This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Airmar R111LH 2kW In-Hull Transducer, CHIRP Low (38-75kHz)  & CHIRP High (130-210kHz) This in-hull transducer uses narrow beams at low/high frequencies to display depth and temperature data to your Garmin Marine Network via your sonar, such as the GSD 26. Designed to allow both traditional and Spread Spectrum scanning, this 2kW barewire, plastic transducer has a maximum depth of 8,000 ft; an operating frequency of 38 to 75 kHz and 130 to 210 kHz; and a beamwidth of 10x19 degrees. The in-hull mounts on a 0-25° deadrise angle; the pocket mount is installation dependent. Transducer kit comes with installation instructions. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your boat. *In-hull not recommended for cored-hull vessels WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Voyager 2-Person Inflatable Boat Kit with Oars and Pump Inflatable fishing boat ideal for protected waters and up to three people. Four-chamber, double hull, heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring. Accepts up to 2 HP motors with optional #30050 motor mount (not included). Integrated with bow handle, grab lines, and swivel oar locks. Features: 360 lbs weight capacity 4 chamber, double hull heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring Inflatable bolster seat(s) included Fishing rod holder Handle and grab lines Swivel oar locks In the Box: Boat Oars Pump

Voyager 3-Person Inflatable Boat  Inflatable fishing boat ideal for protected waters and up to three people. Four-chamber, double hull, heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring. Accepts up to 2 HP motors with optional #30050 motor mount (not included). Integrated with bow handle, grab lines, and swivel oar locks. Features: 600 lbs weight capacity 4 chamber, double hull heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring Inflatable bolster seat(s) included Fishing rod holder Handle and grab lines Swivel oar locks

Voyager 3-Person Inflatable Boat Kit with Oars & Pump Inflatable fishing boat ideal for protected waters and up to three people. Four-chamber, double hull, heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring. Accepts up to 2 HP motors with optional #30050 motor mount (not included). Integrated with bow handle, grab lines, and swivel oar locks. Features: 600 lbs weight capacity 4 chamber, double hull heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring Inflatable bolster seat(s) included Fishing rod holder Handle and grab lines Swivel oar locks In the Box: Boat Oars Pump

Voyager 4-Person Inflatable Boat Inflatable fishing boat ideal for protected waters and up to three people. Four-chamber, double hull, heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring. Accepts up to 2 HP motors with optional #30050 motor mount (not included). Integrated with bow handle, grab lines, and swivel oar locks. Features: 750 lbs weight capacity 4 chamber, double hull heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring Inflatable bolster seat(s) included Fishing rod holder Handle and grab lines Swivel oar locks

Voyager 4-Person Inflatable Boat Kit with Oars & Pump Inflatable fishing boat ideal for protected waters and up to three people. Four-chamber, double hull, heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring. Accepts up to 2 HP motors with optional #30050 motor mount (not included). Integrated with bow handle, grab lines, and swivel oar locks. Features: 750 lbs weight capacity 4 chamber, double hull heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring Inflatable bolster seat(s) included Fishing rod holder Handle and grab lines Swivel oar locks In the Box: Boat Oars Pump

Voyager 6-Person Inflatable Boat Inflatable fishing boat ideal for protected waters and up to three people. Four-chamber, double hull, heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring. Accepts up to 2 HP motors with optional #30050 motor mount (not included). Integrated with bow handle, grab lines, and swivel oar locks. Features: 1150 lbs weight capacity 4 chamber, double hull heavy-duty construction with I-beam flooring Inflatable bolster seat(s) included Fishing rod holder Handle and grab lines Swivel oar locks