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.

Bennett Trim Tabs on Sale in April at CLR Marine       Bennett Trim Tab Kit with Euro-Style Rocker Switch Now until April 30, 2012, Bennett Trim Tab Kits are on sale with an additional 10% off on all sets with Euro controls. Bennett Standard Trim Tab Kits are ideal for cruisers who want to optimize performance over a broad range of sea conditions. The Euro-Style Rocker Switch is included with these trim tab sets. Kits are complete with all the necessary components for installation.     Bennett Trim Tab Kit with Electronic Indicator Control (EIC) Bennett Trim Tab EIC Sets have been discounted for 2012 - that's a 25% savings on the cost of an EIC5000 when purchased in the set. These kits contain two stainless steel trim tabs, two preasembled actuators with sensors, a hydraulic power unit, Electronic Indicator Control (EIC) all necessary wiring, tubing, hardware and installation instructions. 3-in-1: : The Electronic Indicator Control saves space on the helm by combining three features into one sophisticated control - the popular Bennett rocker switch control, trim tab indicator and the Auto Tab Retractor. Water resistant, highly accurate and features variable intensity LEDs for night or day. The Auto Tab Retractor automatically retracts the tabs when the boat's ignition is turned off. This especially protects trailered or dry storage boats from getting trim tab damage during storing, hauling and trailering.     Bennett Trim Tab AC3000 Keypad ATC-Ready: The EIC is also designed to connect easily with another innovative product, the Auto Tab Control (ATC). The ATC plugs right into the EIC Relay Module, interacting directly with the trim tab system to automatically monitor and maintain the perfect cruising attitude. The result is an optimum ride and significant fuel savings.     The Bennett Advantage: A trim tab system that is quiet, responsive, low-maintenance, and a great long-term value, with a 5-year warranty that Bennett stands behind without hassles or headaches.

Insta-Trim 10" x 10" Trim Tab Set Insta-Trim, the original hydraulic boat leveler, provides a better ride every time you leave the dock. Each Insta-Trim system features: Wiring: Color-coded wiring in 25' and 40' lengths with quick connect fittings, meets federal standards for heat, pull and insulation. Solenoids: Our solenoids are custom designed for Insta-Trim Boat Leveler company, epoxy sealed and humidity resistant, thereby preventing shorting out. The solenoids lock the tabs in any position, eliminating drift back. Barb type hose fittings provide tight, secure connections. Motor: A powerhouse with coated wiring that resists temperature and amperage build-up. 1 3/4" stack windings and top mounting eliminates oil leakage. The motor is mounted with stainless steel nuts and bolts, and is easily disassembled. One pint of Insta-Trim biodegradable transmission oil, funnel and mounting hardware is supplied. Pump: Designed and engineered exclusively by Insta-Trim. The built-in bypass is factory set at 400 P.S.I. Tolerance held to +/-.00025. Amperage doesn?t exceed 16 because the unit circulates oil, rather than stalling out or trying to pump additional pressure. Brackets: Swivel type brackets allow cylinders to be mounted and adjusted to any angle. Knockout pins act as shear pins if the tab strikes an object. Cylinders: Impact resistant, fiberglass reinforced nylon cylinders eliminates expansion and resists ultra-violet rays. Two expanding type seals, plus 0-rings, eliminates high and low pressure leaks. Barbed cylinder fitting and an inserted tubular steel rod prevents hose blow-off and breakage. A stainless steel spring retracts the cylinder when the boat is not in motion. Stainless Steel Trim Tabs: 12 gauge 304 stainless steel trim tabs are available in standard and custom lengths. They are guaranteed against electrolysis, remaining strong and secure. Insta-Trim systems use hinges that prevent most spray and can be used for transom or bottom mounting. Motor cover: High impact abs plastic cover with a built-in oil reservoir mounts easily with two screws. Our cover protects the motor from occasional wash down. Hose: Designed and manufactured exclusively for Insta-Trim with nylon reinforced webbing and a UV resistant coating. Rated at 2000 lbs. Burst pressure, 15; of hose is supplied for your system. Stainless steel clamps hold the hose to barb fittings at the solenoids and at the cylinder connection. Rocker type controls: Mounted on the dash, they are easy to operate. Optional touch button waterproof switches: Adjust the tabs for maximum control and performance. 3" Diameter.

Insta-Trim 12" x 12" Trim Tab Set Insta-Trim, the original hydraulic boat leveler, provides a better ride every time you leave the dock. Each Insta-Trim system features: Wiring: Color-coded wiring in 25' and 40' lengths with quick connect fittings, meets federal standards for heat, pull and insulation. Solenoids: Our solenoids are custom designed for Insta-Trim Boat Leveler company, epoxy sealed and humidity resistant, thereby preventing shorting out. The solenoids lock the tabs in any position, eliminating drift back. Barb type hose fittings provide tight, secure connections. Motor: A powerhouse with coated wiring that resists temperature and amperage build-up. 1 3/4" stack windings and top mounting eliminates oil leakage. The motor is mounted with stainless steel nuts and bolts, and is easily disassembled. One pint of Insta-Trim biodegradable transmission oil, funnel and mounting hardware is supplied. Pump: Designed and engineered exclusively by Insta-Trim. The built-in bypass is factory set at 400 P.S.I. Tolerance held to +/-.00025. Amperage doesn?t exceed 16 because the unit circulates oil, rather than stalling out or trying to pump additional pressure. Brackets: Swivel type brackets allow cylinders to be mounted and adjusted to any angle. Knockout pins act as shear pins if the tab strikes an object. Cylinders: Impact resistant, fiberglass reinforced nylon cylinders eliminates expansion and resists ultra-violet rays. Two expanding type seals, plus 0-rings, eliminates high and low pressure leaks. Barbed cylinder fitting and an inserted tubular steel rod prevents hose blow-off and breakage. A stainless steel spring retracts the cylinder when the boat is not in motion. Stainless Steel Trim Tabs: 12 gauge 304 stainless steel trim tabs are available in standard and custom lengths. They are guaranteed against electrolysis, remaining strong and secure. Insta-Trim systems use hinges that prevent most spray and can be used for transom or bottom mounting. Motor cover: High impact abs plastic cover with a built-in oil reservoir mounts easily with two screws. Our cover protects the motor from occasional wash down. Hose: Designed and manufactured exclusively for Insta-Trim with nylon reinforced webbing and a UV resistant coating. Rated at 2000 lbs. Burst pressure, 15; of hose is supplied for your system. Stainless steel clamps hold the hose to barb fittings at the solenoids and at the cylinder connection. Rocker type controls: Mounted on the dash, they are easy to operate. Optional touch button waterproof switches: Adjust the tabs for maximum control and performance. 3" Diameter.

Insta-Trim 18" x 11" Trim Tab Set Insta-Trim, the original hydraulic boat leveler, provides a better ride every time you leave the dock. Each Insta-Trim system features: Wiring: Color-coded wiring in 25' and 40' lengths with quick connect fittings, meets federal standards for heat, pull and insulation. Solenoids: Our solenoids are custom designed for Insta-Trim Boat Leveler company, epoxy sealed and humidity resistant, thereby preventing shorting out. The solenoids lock the tabs in any position, eliminating drift back. Barb type hose fittings provide tight, secure connections. Motor: A powerhouse with coated wiring that resists temperature and amperage build-up. 1 3/4" stack windings and top mounting eliminates oil leakage. The motor is mounted with stainless steel nuts and bolts, and is easily disassembled. One pint of Insta-Trim biodegradable transmission oil, funnel and mounting hardware is supplied. Pump: Designed and engineered exclusively by Insta-Trim. The built-in bypass is factory set at 400 P.S.I. Tolerance held to +/-.00025. Amperage doesn?t exceed 16 because the unit circulates oil, rather than stalling out or trying to pump additional pressure. Brackets: Swivel type brackets allow cylinders to be mounted and adjusted to any angle. Knockout pins act as shear pins if the tab strikes an object. Cylinders: Impact resistant, fiberglass reinforced nylon cylinders eliminates expansion and resists ultra-violet rays. Two expanding type seals, plus 0-rings, eliminates high and low pressure leaks. Barbed cylinder fitting and an inserted tubular steel rod prevents hose blow-off and breakage. A stainless steel spring retracts the cylinder when the boat is not in motion. Stainless Steel Trim Tabs: 12 gauge 304 stainless steel trim tabs are available in standard and custom lengths. They are guaranteed against electrolysis, remaining strong and secure. Insta-Trim systems use hinges that prevent most spray and can be used for transom or bottom mounting. Motor cover: High impact abs plastic cover with a built-in oil reservoir mounts easily with two screws. Our cover protects the motor from occasional wash down. Hose: Designed and manufactured exclusively for Insta-Trim with nylon reinforced webbing and a UV resistant coating. Rated at 2000 lbs. Burst pressure, 15; of hose is supplied for your system. Stainless steel clamps hold the hose to barb fittings at the solenoids and at the cylinder connection. Rocker type controls: Mounted on the dash, they are easy to operate. Optional touch button waterproof switches: Adjust the tabs for maximum control and performance. 3" Diameter.

Steering Trim Control Unit Trim Switches on the Steering Wheel Improve Safety and Performance.  This steering trim control unit is molded of black plastic with raised white letters to not only enhance boat appearance but also provide the ultimate in control of any high performance boat. The steering trim control unit mounts easily to steering wheel spokes to place engine trim control at your finger tips for maximum safety and ease of operation. The weather proof, rubber booted, push button switches combined with a black urethane coiled cord provide a unit which will provide trim control without removing hands from steering wheel. Features: Puts trim switches on steering wheel for convenience and safety Allows driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel Mounts easily on steering wheel spokes Weatherproof rubber booted switches Rugged urethane coiled cord Can be used for trim control or jack plate control 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.

Waterproof Trim Tab Switch - Black/Black Buttons The rocker-type switch controls are easy to install and operate. the positive action and silver contact points allow for easy bow-up, port, and starboard correction. The wiring for these switches meets federal standards for heat, pull, and insulation. Each set of switches comes color-coded with a switch plate installed. Black Xylon Coated screws, A 20 Amp fuse, and electrical eye fittings, making installation easy, our rocker switches come standard with all trim tab systems and also adapt easily to other brands of trim tabs.

Boat Gages We have gages from suppliers like Faria, VDO and Veratron.  We also carry Pitot Kits, senders ans sensors to hook the gages up.   Tach Gages, Speed Gages, RPM Gages, Trim Gages, Volt Gages, Oil Pressure Gage, Temp Gage

Insta-Trim Boat Leveler Insta-Trim is the original hydraulic boat leveler that provides a better ride every time you leave the dock. Easy to install, Insta-Trim boat levelers are strong, durable and come in lengths to fit most boats. Custom sizes are available also, so any boating enthusiast can enjoy a superior ride. Insta-Trim has been committed to the boating industry for over 40-years always assuring you of a quality duct with excellent performance.

  Lenco Automatic Trim Tab Control System   A real automatic boat control/trim tab control system that actually works - completely and automatically!  The Auto Glide system controls your trim tabs from the time you leave your dock until you come home again.  The Auto Glide uses engine data and GPS data (depending on your installation method) to drive your boat to the most efficient running angle by adjusting your Lenco trim tabs as needed. This optimum running angle is determined during the set-up process after the installation of your Auto Glide system.              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    

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  

    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

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.