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.  

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.

A California law firm this week filed a class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, alleging oil companies failed to inform boat owners that ethanol causes damage to fiberglass fuel tanks.   The suit seeks to represent a class comprising all owners of boats with fiberglass fuel tanks who filled their tanks with ethanol-blended gasoline from a California retailer. The suit also seeks to represent all persons in California who own boats with fiberglass fuel tanks that had to be replaced because of damage caused by ethanol-blended gasoline bought from a California retailer.   The lawsuit, filed by Kabateck Brown Kellner, LLP, names major oil companies, including Chevron and Exxon Mobil Corp., as defendants.   Chevron said it has not yet been served with the lawsuit.   “As such, we are not in a position to comment,” said Lloyd Avram, Chevron media relations team leader.   According to court documents, Lawrence Turner, the plaintiff, bought ethanol-blended gasoline for his boat, which had a fiberglass fuel tank. Turner then discovered the ethanol in the gasoline began dissolving the boat's fiberglass fuel tank and caused damage to the boat's engine. The court documents said Turner was “forced to spend approximately $20,000 to fix the problems caused by the defendants' ethanol blended gasoline.”   "The price of gas is bad enough, but selling gasoline that dissolves gas tanks is a new low even for the oil companies," said Brian Kabateck, managing partner of Kabateck Brown Kellner and the lead attorney on the case, in a statement. "The oil companies know this fuel is corrosive, but they're keeping consumers in the dark to pump up their profits. The cost to the consumer is thousands of dollars in repairs."   Ethanol attracts water. When enough water is absorbed by the ethanol-blended gasoline, the ethanol and water solution separates from the gasoline, with the gasoline floating to the top. This results in a layer of water with a high concentration of ethanol at the bottom of the fuel tank.   There are many underground storage tanks that are made of fiberglass, but these were developed specifically to withstand ethanol.  The vast majority of fiberglass tanks on boats were not designed to withstand ethanol.

Portable Fuel Tank - 12 Gallon with Gauge Attwood has engineered the industry’s only comprehensive EPA-certified fuel tank-to-engine solution. Tough materials and innovative design stand up to harsh marine conditions. A 12-gallon tank is ideal for pontoon boats where more fuel capacity is needed. Includes gauge. Features:  12 Gallon fuel capacity Compatible with 1/4-inch NPT fuel fittings High-Contrast, easy to read gage Additional oil and ullage/vapor capacity EPA Cap with automatic, high-flow vacuum valve UV-grade multi-layer tank material Automotive-grade, multi-layer construction withstands the pressure build-up associated with closed fuel systems Cap with built-in vacuum valve means no need for manual venting Meets EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations Complies with all ABYC/NMMA requirements for portable marine fuel tanks Dimensions: Length: (inch) 22.75" Width: (inch) 14.25" Height: (inch) 14.47" *No fuel line included

Portable Low Profile Fuel Tank - 12 Gallon with Gauge Attwood has engineered the industry’s only comprehensive EPA-certified fuel tank-to-engine solution. Tough materials and innovative design stand up to harsh marine conditions. A 12-gallon tank is ideal for pontoon boats where more fuel capacity is needed. Includes gauge and low profile save space. Features:  12 Gallon fuel capacity Compatible with 1/4-inch NPT fuel fittings High-Contrast, easy to read gage Save space; the low profile is 3 inches lower than regular 12-gallon tanks Additional oil and ullage/vapor capacity EPA Cap with automatic, high-flow vacuum valve UV-grade multi-layer tank material Automotive-grade, multi-layer construction withstands the pressure build-up associated with closed fuel systems Cap with built-in vacuum valve means no need for manual venting Meets EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations Complies with all ABYC/NMMA requirements for portable marine fuel tanks Dimensions: Length: (inch) 24" Width: (inch) 18" Height: (inch) 11.61" *No fuel line included

Portable Fuel Tank - 12 Gallon without Gauge Attwood has engineered the industry’s only comprehensive EPA-certified fuel tank-to-engine solution. Tough materials and innovative design stand up to harsh marine conditions. A 12-gallon tank is ideal for pontoon boats where more fuel capacity is needed. Features:  12 Gallon fuel capacity Compatible with 1/4-inch NPT fuel fittings Additional oil and ullage/vapor capacity EPA Cap with automatic, high-flow vacuum valve UV-grade multi-layer tank material Automotive-grade, multi-layer construction withstands the pressure build-up associated with closed fuel systems Cap with built-in vacuum valve means no need for manual venting Meets EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations Complies with all ABYC/NMMA requirements for portable marine fuel tanks Dimensions: Length: (inch) 22.75" Width: (inch) 14.25" Height: (inch) 14.47" *No gauge or fuel line included

Portable Low Profile Fuel Tank - 12 Gallon without Gauge This Attwood 12-Gallon Fuel Tank is ideal for use in a pontoon boat, where greater fuel capacity is commonly desired for extended days on the water. This durable, sturdy tank is EPA-compliant and it features a low-profile design. It does not have a fuel gauge. Features:  12 Gallon fuel capacity Low-profile design Compatible with 1/4-inch NPT fuel fittings Additional oil and ullage/vapor capacity EPA Cap with automatic, high-flow vacuum valve UV-grade multi-layer tank material Automotive-grade, multi-layer construction withstands the pressure build-up associated with closed fuel systems Cap with built-in vacuum valve means no need for manual venting Meets EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations Complies with all ABYC/NMMA requirements for portable marine fuel tanks Dimensions: Length: (inch) 24" Width: (inch) 18" Height: (inch) 11.61" *No gauge or fuel line included

 Outboard Fuel Line Issues   We could not start our outboard engine.  WHAT'S WRONG??    Our outboard engine usually always starts on the first pull and it is not flooded.   Trying to pump fuel through the squeeze bulb was a waste of time as fuel would not fill the bulb.  Take the line off the engine and put a screw driver in the end and sometimes it would pump fuel and sometimes it would not.  So you have to figure it is an issue with the hose or the bulb.  All fittings were factory tight and when the hose was submerged in water no air bubbles when squeezing the bulb.  Let's just replace the hose. We got lucky and got the dinghy started.  Off to the local chandlery we go, it was about a mile walk from the dock.  We were towed back to the boat because again we could not get the outboard started. This is our second fuel hose on a two year old engine.  Anyway I removed the fittings without a lot of work and reinstalled them on the new hose with new clamps.  The outboard is now starting on the first pull again.   About three weeks have gone by, we are now having starting issues again.  Now what? I pull the spark plugs out and the engine is not flooded.  That leaves a fuel issue again. I start playing with the fuel line again, it can not be this, I'm saying to myself.  I pull off the engine side of the fuel line from the bulb and nothing seems wrong.  Put that back together and take the tank end of the hose off the bulb.  There's an issue, I can't blow through it.   So I pull off the tank fitting, there it is, about a ½” in you can see something blocking the hose.  So I cut off about 3 inches of that end, I still could not blow through it. Cut off another 3 inches and found that same looking blockage twisted up in the hose.  What is this junk, this $50.00 fuel hose is garbage.  This time I have a new idea, can I pull this blockage out?  I was able to get hold of enough of that stuff to pull it all out of the hose.  It's a plastic liner and was twisted in several spots.  I ran some fuel through the hose without the liner, now to get rid of the glue that was used to keep the liner in place and then the engine ran fine.   Hose three, that's what I said hose number three.  This has to be a fluke so I bought another new hose and will change it out the next time I have an issue.  Well later is here and guess what.  The outer hose on this new replacement has shrunk some and the thin plastic liner is sticking out both ends of the new hose.  That hose was almost $65.00 as we were again in another country.   I have since replaced the Outboard Fuel Hose with Automotive Fuel Hose and put a plastic wire loom over it to protect it from the UV rays.  I'm just hoping the squeeze bulb I reused does not have a liner in it.  So far so Good two months later, our outboard starts on the first pull.       Closeouts     Rebates    Remanufactured    Specials  

It's that time again when Old Man Winter is shortening or ending our sailing season. Maybe you store your boat in a garage, barn, or at a marina. Now is the time to brush up on safe and useful storage tips.   1. When packing up, clean your electronics with a microfiber cloth by wiping down buttons and screens. A soft cloth is recommended with bottled water to clean screens that may have been stained by saltwater. Screen cleaners will not do the job. You may want to document the wiring so that installation is easy when you are ready to launch.   2. 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.   3. Remove all batteries. Charge your batteries, clean the terminals, and put a light coat of grease on the terminals. Store your batteries in a warm, dry place. Not in the boat.   4. Winterize the engine: Use fresh water to flush the engine, including the cooling system, to remove corrosion, dirt, salt, and residue Refill the cooling system with antifreeze. Warm up the engine to loosen impurities. Replace the oil and filters. Look for the residue of old oil. Remove and store all belts.   5. Fill the engine with gas and stabilizer. Run the engine for 15 minutes so that the mixture reaches the engine. If your engine uses E-10 fuel, take extra care in that it absorbs moisture ten times more than typical gasoline. (source: trailervalet.com).   6. A thorough cleaning of the boat before you store is a must, whether you have a small fishing boat or a six-cabin yacht. Soap and water will do a thorough job. Clean lockers, refrigerators, coolers, sinks, and cushions. Open all and allow to dry before you store. Next, clean the entire outside from bow to stern. End your cleaning with a coat of wax to the exterior and polish. Leaving a clean boat will make the launch process a lot easier when it's time.   7. Keeping mold and mildew at bay: Mildew comes from humidity. The best way to reduce humidity is ventilation. Although some skippers button up their boats to be airtight for the winter, there has to be some ventilation source. Use products that absorb moisture such as Damp Rid or purchase a dehumidifier such as Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifiers. Find and seal any leaks and keep the boat clean. Cover the boat with either shrink wrap or a boat cover.   8. Shrinkwrap or a canvas boat cover? Ratings and opinions from the Hull Truth Boating Forum suggest that canvas covers are a better option for durability and cost. The canvas covers can be used season after season. With shrink wrap covers, there is the cost of installation every year. One source said if you are north of Boston, shrink wrapping is preferable because snow will slide right off the plastic wrap, versus weighing down the canvas. Contributors also felt the boat stays cleaner with shrink wrap.      Remove boat cushions, or not? The jury is out about removing boat cushions. Many skippers remove all cushions and bedding. Others spray the cushion bottoms with anti-mold spray. If keeping cabin cushions on the boat, stand them up on end to reduce the chance of mold. Most important is to keep as much moisture out of the cabin, as mentioned above.   Do everything you can to keep your boat critter-free during the winter. Lock all windows. Many small, rabid animals, especially raccoons, are looking for a warm place to nest for the winter. Raccoons are drawn by any food left in boats and will chew carpeting and cushions. Once inside a locked boat, they have no way to exit since they have most likely fallen from an open window. The messes they leave, including their waste, can be very unpleasant and a costly wake-up call in the spring. Keep mice out by plugging up scuppers and vents. Many skippers use Dryer Fresh Cab rodent repellent hoping the strong scent will repel rodents.   Circle Saturday, May 22, 2021, on your calendar. That 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 for a great boating season.   Fair Winds. Smooth Sailing     To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact 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    

    Purchasing and owning a boat is a major investment. If you want to get the most from your investment, you must keep your boat in working order and in good condition.   Many new boat owners don’t know how to keep up with maintenance. Fortunately, it’s not impractical if you understand what boat maintenance entails and develop a system. Below, CLR Marine discusses some maintenance essentials to prolong your boat’s lifespan and avoid safety issues on the water!   Engines   No component is perhaps more critical than your boat’s engine. Engine failure is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous when you’re out on the water. That’s why it’s important to prepare and repair your engine while you’re on land and have access to the necessary parts.   There are many steps to checking and maintaining a boat engine, but here are a few of the most crucial ones   ●Replace all engine filters and fluids each year. ●Inspect all hoses and clamps, replacing them as needed. ●Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage, and replace any components that are not in tiptop shape.  ●Regularly evaluate the ventilation and exhaust systems. ●Regularly inspect the raw water pump, replacing the rubber impeller once a year.  ●Closely evaluate hoses, cables, and any other engine components.   The easiest way to keep up with the responsibilities is to use PDF files to track, update, and share maintenance schedules and duties. Use this tool to add pages to a PDF and easily modify the document as needed.   Electrical Components   Your boat’s electrical system is also challenging to maintain when you’re already on the water. Avoid leaving the radio, light, or other electrical parts on for extended periods when the engine is running; otherwise, you could face a dead battery.   Inspecting the battery and cable connection for corrosion and other damage is also a good idea. Replace the battery, cables, breakers, switches, fuses, and any other parts that need it. Further, you’ll want to ensure all the lights are functioning and that you have quality jumper cables for emergencies.   Hull, Propeller, and Motor   It’s critical to check the hull, propeller, and motor to ensure they are in top condition. Fight the temptation to procrastinate on replacing any necessary components until next season. The last thing you want to do is forget and face problems on the water.   The propellers should be properly secured, straight, and undamaged. Ensure the hull doesn’t have any distortions, cracks, or blisters, and give it a good deep cleaning. While you’re at it, evaluate your anchor and its rode to confirm they are up to the task.   Safety Gear   The importance of having a good set of jumper cables for emergencies. Several other items are necessary to protect you and others on the water. Make sure you have the following safety equipment and that they’re in working order:   ●Life jackets ●Fire extinguishers ●Carbon monoxide detector ●A basic first aid kit   ●An emergency signal kit   Cosmetics   Finally, you want to ensure your boat looks the part. This means cleaning it regularly and winterizing it for the cold months. Also, Make sure you have the right to use the right supplies and tactics to keep your vinyl upholstery sparkling and free of mildew stains.   Don’t allow your investment to go to waste. Keeping up with boat maintenance is essential for keeping your boat safe, functioning, and attractive. Coming up with a schedule and a checklist can make the difference between enjoying a long-lasting boat and paying for expensive repairs.     Would you like to read more helpful content or browse our wide selection of marine supplies? Visit CLRMarine.com today!   Written By Kelli Brewer

Towing & Trailering   Trailering can add new dimensions to the sense of freedom that comes with boating, and that's one of the reasons it's so popular. With a trailerable boat, you're free to boat on just about any lake, river, bay or inlet. Trailering is great way to explore different waterways in your state or region it's also the most affordable way to store your boat. The tips below can help you learn all about towing and boat trailer maintenance.   Look for Certified Trailers  NMMA Trailer Logo. Highly trained third-party inspectors visit the manufacturer each year and physically inspect boat trailer models, ensuring compliance to all certification requirements.     Trailering your boat can add new dimensions to the freedom that comes with boating.  If you've never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider. First, determine the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV. You can find this information in the owner's manual of your vehicle. Usually compact family sedans are not suitable for towing more than a small, aluminum fishing boat or PWC with a properly mounted hitch and lighting plug . Most standard pick-up trucks and SUVs can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but always consult your vehicle owner's manual for limitations.   The owner's manual of your boat will list the "dry” weight of the boat, less fuel and gear. When you're assessing your vehicle's towing capacity, be sure to add several hundred pounds to the dry weight to account for gear, gas and accessories.     As the weight, length and beam (width) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it. A small boat may be easy for one person to handle at the ramp, but larger boats (generally those more than 25 feet) may require additional hands. Don't be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if you need it, trailer boaters are always happy to help.   STOP Invasive Species   By following these guidelines:   Never release live or dead bait or bait packaging into a water body, or release aquatic animals from one water body into another. Share live bait with other anglers or empty your bait bucket in the trash before leaving the area. Don't drive the boat through aquatic plants; avoid chopping vegetation with outboard motor propeller Once on dry land, drain water out of every conceivable place that can hold water: Follow factory guidelines for eliminating water from engines. All engines hold water, but jet drives on personal watercraft and other boats can hold extra water. Remove the stern drain plug and put boat on an incline so that all the water drains out. Drain livewells, bilge and transom wells. Empty water out of kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc. Remove any visible plant, fish, and animal or fragment as well as mud, which can house them. Check trailer, in and around the boat itself, the anchor, props or steering nozzle (PWCs and jet boats), lines, fenders, paddles Rinse your boat, trailer, and equipment. Clean and dry anything that came in contact with the water. It is best to use high-pressure, hot (104°F) water or a solution of one percent table salt and water. A garden hose will work if no other option is available. Air-dry your boat and equipment for as long as possible—at least five days is optimal.               Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates  

Portable Fuel Tank - 3 Gallon with Gauge Attwood has engineered the industry’s only comprehensive EPA-certified fuel tank-to-engine solution. Tough materials and innovative design stand up to harsh marine conditions. A 3-gallon tank is perfect for small outboards. Includes gauge. Features:  3 Gallon fuel capacity Compatible with 1/4-inch NPT fuel fittings High-Contrast, easy to read gage Additional oil and ullage/vapor capacity EPA Cap with automatic, high-flow vacuum valve UV-grade multi-layer tank material Automotive-grade, multi-layer construction withstands the pressure build-up associated with closed fuel systems Cap with built-in vacuum valve means no need for manual venting Meets EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations Complies with all ABYC/NMMA requirements for portable marine fuel tanks Dimensions: Length: (inch) 16.6" Width: (inch) 11.45" Height: (inch) 7.3" *No fuel line included

Happy New Year! This past year has been a time of tumultuous panoptic upsets: The pandemic, political unrest, and nature's mayhem of hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires. However, boaters still have our beautiful waterways, lakes, harbors, and our oceans to enjoy and use as an oasis of tranquility, peace, and sports. We eagerly look forward to the boat shows across the country to learn new techniques, sample new products, and get ready for a safe and fun-filled boating season. The following is a snapshot and calendar of 2021 Boat Shows going live and in-person and shows going virtual. Before attending an in-person show, please go to the show's link to find out about COVID-19 policies. The big three shows that draw national and international crowds are the Ft Lauderdale, Annapolis, and the Chicago Boat Shows. Chicago The Chicago Boat Show, usually held the second week of January, was cancelled for this year. Show promoters have told fans to plan on the in-person show from January 12-16, 2022. Annapolis, MD Annapolis, MD, promises a wonderful in-person United States Sailboat Show October 14-18, 2021, at the City Dock in beautiful downtown, historic Annapolis. This internationally acclaimed sailboat show is recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious sailboat show. Fort Lauderdale Miami -The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (or FLIBS as it is affectionately called) will be held October 27 - 31, 2021. The show claims to be the largest boat show globally, covering more than 2,992,367 square feet. The 2021 Boat Shows Cleveland Boat Show & Fishing Expo. January 15-24, 2021. Virtual Seattle Boat Show. January 28-31, 2021. Virtual  Michiana Boat & Sports Show February 19-21, 2021 The Boat Show in Springfield, IL February 26-28, 2021 Lake County Boat Show February 26-28, 2021 Akron Boat Show & Water Sports February/March 2021 Downtown Knoxville Boat Show March 4-7, 2021  World Fishing & Outdoor, Suffern, NY March 4-7, 2021  Orlando Boat Show  March 5-7, 2021 Atlantic City Boat Show April 7-11, 2021  Tampa Boat Show September 10-12, 2021 Norwalk Boat Show, Norwalk, CT September 23-26, 2021 2020 – Catalina Yachts Suffers Two Losses Frank Butler, the founder of Catalina Yachts, died in late November 2020. Frank Willis Butler, 92, president and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, died at Westlake Village on Nov. 15, 2020, from unexpected complications from a recent illness. Butler founded Catalina Yachts in 1969 in Hollywood, CA. The company has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States.Long Beach Yacht Club Commodore Charles Legeman said, "Frank Butler is the one person who helped take the Congressional Cup to the top level in the world by his donation of the Catalina 37s, which were specifically built for match racing." Catalina Yacht fleets of Catalina owners sprang up across the county. Many skippers, both of us included, owned Catalina sailboats throughout our sailing history. Catalina sailboats provided sailing ease in addition to sound design and were very forgiving for the less-than-experienced sailor. Another Blow to Catalina Yachts In mid-December of 2020, the Catalina Yacht factory in Largo, FL, was hit by a tornado. The high winds did extensive damage to the factory building, and boat molds that weigh 20,000 pounds were pushed around like paper. Sharon Day is the company's president and explained, "Workers at the plant work a 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shift, so no workers were on duty when the tornado hit." As we venture into 2021, we wish our readers safe boating, fair winds, and smooth sailing. To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact 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  

A revamped DiscoverBoating.com Web site officially launches today, featuring an updated look and several new, interactive features designed to show visitors how easy it is to become a boat owner.   “All of the new tools on DiscoverBoating.com, both active and planned, are designed to generate additional boating prospects, which is especially important this year for our industry stakeholders,” Carl Blackwell, vice president of marketing communications for Grow Boating, Inc. and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said this afternoon.   The site focuses on activities for boaters, while incorporating images of people partaking in fishing, sailing or watersports.      Consumers have the opportunity to select their activity of choice by clicking on the specific icon and are redirected to a page providing relevant information about that particular activity, including boat type selections, tips and resources.   “By increasing the focus on boating activities and making the site more interactive, we anticipate people will get that much more excited about getting out on the water and, ultimately, buying a boat,” said Armida Markarova, director of interactive marketing for Grow Boating Inc. and the NMMA, in a statement   DiscoverBoating.com also features the Boating Affordability Tool/Budget Planner, which compares the cost of boat ownership to several other popular family leisure activities.   Another new feature is the “Baby Boomer” section, which goes live this week. The Boomer section positions boating as the ideal activity to enrich a person's “Golden Years.” The Boomer section features a call to action for visitors to request a free copy of the “Get Started in Boating” DVD, experiment with the Boat Selector Tool and calculate the cost of boat ownership.   To answer pleas from wannabe boat owners, the Spousal Conversion Kit also launched this week as part of DiscoverBoating.com's overall redesign. The kit provides Web site visitors with a seven-step process to help convince their significant other that the time has come to purchase a boat.   Blackwell said recent media coverage of the Spousal Conversion Kit and our spokesperson, Mike Schmidt, a baseball hall-of-famer, has helped drive people to the Web site.   “Schmidt conducted countless interviews recalling his experiences talking his wife into allowing him to purchase a boat (eventually two boats) that were fun and entertaining,” Blackwell said. “It resulted in stations all across the country coming to us requesting interviews. The interview drove people back to DiscoverBoating.com, as Schmidt mentioned his experiences as a boater and angler and the time he spent on the Web site. The results far exceeded our expectations.”      For information about DiscoverBoating.com, contact Markarova at (312) 946-6284 or amarkarova@nmma.org.  

GFS™ 10 Fuel Sensor Add fuel tracking capabilities to your Garmin chartplotter and optimize your boat's fuel economy. The GFS 10 tracks fuel flow use and sends the data to your chartplotter via the Garmin CANet or NMEA 2000. Unlike other fuel flow sensors, the GFS 10 will include fuel level sensing capability when connected to an existing analog fuel gauge or resistive fuel tank sensor. Maximum fuel flow rate for the GFS 10 is 50 gallons per hour, and the minimum flow rate is two gallons per hour. Note: GPSMAP 4xx and 5xx series CANet compatible units require a CANet kit to complete the connection. The GFS 10 does not work with diesel engines. The GFS 10 does not work with fuel injected gas engines with a fuel return line. 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.