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.  

Sikaflex® 291 Fast Cure Adhesive & Sealant 10.3oz(300ml) Cartridge - White Sikaflex®-291 is a 1-component, marine grade polyurethane elastomeric adhesive and sealant. Used by many boat builders, its fast cure time makes it ideal for applications where speed is important. Uses: General all-purpose, marine adhesive and sealant, which may be used for light duty bonding. Sikaflex®-291 has excellent adhesion to gelcoat, fiberglass, metal and wood that can be gunned or brushed into place. Characteristics & Advantages: Use above and below water lineResists salt water Fast strength build-up Paintable and sandable Excellent bond NSF approved for potable water (black and white only) USDA approved for incidental food contact 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.

Sikaflex® 291 Fast Cure Adhesive & Sealant 10.3oz(300ml) Cartridge - Black Sikaflex®-291 is a 1-component, marine grade polyurethane elastomeric adhesive and sealant. Used by many boat builders, its fast cure time makes it ideal for applications where speed is important. Uses: General all-purpose, marine adhesive and sealant, which may be used for light duty bonding. Sikaflex®-291 has excellent adhesion to gelcoat, fiberglass, metal and wood that can be gunned or brushed into place. Characteristics & Advantages: Use above and below water lineResists salt water Fast strength build-up Paintable and sandable Excellent bond NSF approved for potable water (black and white only) USDA approved for incidental food contact 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.

Sikaflex® 291 LOT Slow Cure Adhesive & Sealant 10.3oz(300ml) Cartridge - White Sikaflex®-291 LOT is a 1-component, marine grade polyurethane elastomeric adhesive and sealant. It is a moisture cured, non-sag system designed with a long open time for jobs that require more time. Uses: General all-purpose, high strength marine sealant, which may be used for light duty bonding with long open time capability for humid climates or jobs requiring more time that remain permanently elastic. Characteristics & Advantages: Use above and below water line Resists salt water Paintable and sandable Excellent bond NSF approved for potable water USDA approved for incidental food contact 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.

Sikaflex® 291 LOT Slow Cure Adhesive & Sealant 10.3oz(300ml) Cartridge - Black Sikaflex®-291 LOT is a 1-component, marine grade polyurethane elastomeric adhesive and sealant. It is a moisture cured, non-sag system designed with a long open time for jobs that require more time. Uses: General all-purpose, high strength marine sealant, which may be used for light duty bonding with long open time capability for humid climates or jobs requiring more time that remain permanently elastic. Characteristics & Advantages: Use above and below water line Resists salt water Paintable and sandable Excellent bond NSF approved for potable water USDA approved for incidental food contact 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.

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.

Adhesive and Sealants

Life-Calk Sealant Tube - Non-Shrinking - 2.8 FL. Oz - White A long lasting, permanently flexible marine polysulfide sealant which can be sanded, painted***, and used above and below the waterline. Tack-free in 1 to 3 days, excellent resistance to teak oils, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Ideal for teak decks, to bed deck and hull hardware, seal thru-hull fittings, and underwater seams. Will bond to fiberglass, wood, metal, glass, and itself. Cures to a firm flexible rubber seal with excellent waterproofing and adhesion qualities. Can be applied underwater for emergency repairs. Can be applied to damp surfaces. *Not compatible with all paints, Sikkens, Cetol, Deks, Olje WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Toluene which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Life-Calk Sealant Tube - Non-Shrinking - 2.8 FL. Oz - Black A long lasting, permanently flexible marine polysulfide sealant which can be sanded, painted***, and used above and below the waterline. Tack-free in 1 to 3 days, excellent resistance to teak oils, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Ideal for teak decks, to bed deck and hull hardware, seal thru-hull fittings, and underwater seams. Will bond to fiberglass, wood, metal, glass, and itself. Cures to a firm flexible rubber seal with excellent waterproofing and adhesion qualities. Can be applied underwater for emergency repairs. Can be applied to damp surfaces. *Not compatible with all paints, Sikkens, Cetol, Deks, Olje WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Toluene which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Life-Calk Sealant Tube - Non-Shrinking - 2.8 FL. Oz - Mahogany A long lasting, permanently flexible marine polysulfide sealant which can be sanded, painted***, and used above and below the waterline. Tack-free in 1 to 3 days, excellent resistance to teak oils, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Ideal for teak decks, to bed deck and hull hardware, seal thru-hull fittings, and underwater seams. Will bond to fiberglass, wood, metal, glass, and itself. Cures to a firm flexible rubber seal with excellent waterproofing and adhesion qualities. Can be applied underwater for emergency repairs. Can be applied to damp surfaces. *Not compatible with all paints, Sikkens, Cetol, Deks, Olje WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Toluene which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Silicone Rubber Sealant Cartridge - Clear An all-purpose, non-corrosive, non-yellowing, mildew resistant, low-odor, 100% marine high quality silicone sealant. Tack-free in 30 minutes or less. *Fully cured in 24 hours. For use above or below the waterline. Will not shrink, crack, or dry out. Superior flexibility and adhesion to fiberglass, plastic, metal, and wood. Retains flexibility and tensile strength even after years of exposure. Acid free cure will not corrode metal.

Silicone Rubber Sealant Cartridge - White An all-purpose, non-corrosive, non-yellowing, mildew resistant, low-odor, 100% marine high quality silicone sealant. Tack-free in 30 minutes or less. *Fully cured in 24 hours. For use above or below the waterline. Will not shrink, crack, or dry out. Superior flexibility and adhesion to fiberglass, plastic, metal, and wood. Retains flexibility and tensile strength even after years of exposure. Acid free cure will not corrode metal.

Silicone Rubber Sealant Cartridge - Black An all-purpose, non-corrosive, non-yellowing, mildew resistant, low-odor, 100% marine high quality silicone sealant. Tack-free in 30 minutes or less. *Fully cured in 24 hours. For use above or below the waterline. Will not shrink, crack, or dry out. Superior flexibility and adhesion to fiberglass, plastic, metal, and wood. Retains flexibility and tensile strength even after years of exposure. Acid free cure will not corrode metal.

Surface Mount LED Side Navigation Light Set - 1-3/4" TACO's LED selection is the Surface Mount LED Navigation Light Set – a pair of low-profile lights mounted in a heavy-gauge stainless steel cover designed to fit on flat surfaces and ideal for up to 40-foot boats. Features: Ideal for boats up to 40-feet long Provides reliable, long-lasting LED lighting for thousands of hours of maintenance-free use 3-watt white LED with a low draw of only .6 amps that compares to 10-watt incandescent light Easy installation with marine adhesive sealants Designed to fit small transom areas Meets ABYC-USCG requirements for both sail and powerboat designation 2nm Low-voltage 12 to 24VDC Anodized cylindrical aluminum heat sink for maximum heat dissipation LED light is mounted in a heavy-gauge, polished stainless-steel cover for a clean and unobtrusive look Water-resistant IP68 rating 1-year limited warranty

Sikaflex® 221 Multi-Purpose Polyurethane Sealant/Adhesive - 10.3oz(300ml) Cartridge - Black Sikaflex®-221 is a high-quality multi-purpose non-sag 1-c polyurethane sealant/adhesive that cures on exposure to atmospheric humidity to form a durable elastomer. Meets approvals ASTM C920 types Sikaflex®-221 is tested and classified in accordance with ANSI/UL 723 “Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials”. Uses: Sikaflex®-221 bonds well to a wide variety of substrates and is suitable for making permanent elastic seals of high adhesive strength. Suitable substrate materials are wood, metals, metal primers and paint coatings (2-c systems), ceramic materials and plastics. Characteristics & Advantages: Highly elastic and durable Resistant to aging and weathering exposure Non-corrosive Can be sanded and overpainted NSF registered, Proprietary Substances and Nonfood Compounds (black, gray, and white) UL listed for potable water (black, gray, and white) 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.