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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.
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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.
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Summer, swimming and boating are all synonymous with having a good time on the water. Whether you are on a boat or on a dock, when the heat of the sun kicks into high gear, your first impulse is to head for the water.
Swimming off a boat or dock can be refreshing, but safety has to be the first consideration. Unfortunately, it is the swimming accidents and statistics about these accidents that stick in our minds.
What to do if you see Electric Shock Drowning
According to ESFI, The Electrical Safety Foundation International, a premier non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, the following should regarding potential Electric Shock Drowning:
Do not enter the water.
• Turn off the source of power
• Call 911
• Use an insulated device (such as fiberglass rescue crook) to attempt to remove the victim from the water
If a swimmer is experiencing difficulty, such as paralysis, don't let anyone jump in the water! Get the dock power turned off immediately. Most docks have an emergency shut off switch. Contact your dockmaster for its location, or about getting one installed. Anyone using the dock should know where the emergency switch is located.
To assist the swimmer who has been shocked, get a nonmetal device. Stay away from the dock's metal swim ladders.
Electricity can seep into the water from a boat, hot tub, pool or marina. Swimmers can also experience electric shock when reaching for a metal ladder (mentioned above) that has been in the water with electrical current.
The Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating people on the risks of electric shock drowning, has recorded 84 cases in the U.S. since 1986. It may seem like a low number of fatalities, but if it is someone you love who dies, one death is too many.
The best way to avoid electric shock is to install ground fault devices on power sources at the breaker.
A ground fault device protects the entire power source from its start and prevents the current from following any unintended paths during a ground fault (contact between an energized conductor and the ground).
Swimming off the dock in a marina.
Please don't do it. It is a dangerous adventure that can quickly turn fatal. Electric Shock Drowning (ESD), will most likely be fatal. It happens when 120-volt AC (alternating current) from nearby boats, or docks electrocutes or incapacitates swimmers in freshwater. As swimmers enter the water the electricity
paralyzes their muscles, causing the person to drown.
Swimming off a boat
Electric Shock Drowning happens in freshwater and many times involves a swimmer making contact with a metal ladder that is electrically charged. If a swimmer is attempting to board your boat and feels any tingling or paralysis:
• don't jump in the water
• turn off all power on the boat
• Call 911, the marine police, coast guard, or coastguard auxiliary to get help underway.
• Use wooden oars or some nonmetal objects to rescue the swimmer.
More safety features when swimming off a boat
• With swimmers in the water, one adult who knows how to operate the boat should be on board at all times.
• All engines should be off before swimmers enter the water
• A flotation device attached to a tow rope or line secured to the boat should be in the water for a swimmer to grab if needed.
Keeping your boat safe
Talk to marina owners or operators about the danger of ESD. Ask your marina operator to prohibit swimming at their facility and post signs.
Ask marina operators if they are aware of and following the guidelines from NFPA 303 (Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards) and National Electric Code (NEC) 555.
Never use household extension cords on your boat. Shore power cords meeting UL standards are required.
Your boat can be tested and inspected for electricity leaks by a qualified electrician trained to ABYC standards.
Whether in freshwater or saltwater, never dive on your boat for repairs while connected to shore power.
ESD How does it happen
ESD is caused by alternating current (AC) flowing through fresh water encountering a human body. The current tries to pass through the body and causes skeletal muscular paralysis, which ultimately results in a drowning. The above picture shows you how the current flows.
There are many devices that can be installed in the water near your boat, dock or pool to detect electrical leaks that could lead to electric shock. One example is. It is used for boats, pools, and marinas. The ShockAlarm is easy to test and continually monitors while in the water. One user said it had detected electricity in the water on several occasions before swimmers were about to enter. Users suggest that this alarm is in the water at all times when swimmers are present.
Swimming during the summer or anytime should be enjoyable, refreshing, and safe. Have a great summer on the water.
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, 2020
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Dock Edge Cleatlite Solar Dock Light w/ SS Mooring Cleat 12"
These solar lights are mounted on top of a sturdy steel base, housed inside an attractive, Colonial style 12" tall, 4" wide vinyl pillar. Easy to install and NO WIRES. These decorative and functional dock accessories will add style to your dock day or night. The lamp is designed to illuminate your boat, dock and stainless steel cleat, and not shine in your eyes.
Each kit includes, pillar, stainless steel cleat, mounting base, solar light and rechargeable batteries.
Product Specifications:
Part No.: 96-250-F
Description: CleatLite, Solar Dock Light c/w SS Mooring Cleat
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84.13 |
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Wake Watchers Mooring System
Features:
Protects passengers and your boat
Securely moors boats up to 3500 lbs (1500 kg)
Protects your boat from dock contact
Allows your boat to come close to the dock for easy passenger boarding
Automatically repositions your boat safely 3 ft (1m) away from the dock
Adjustable tension
Resists lateral, vertical & horizontal motion
Featured in Popular Science magazine
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417.23 |
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6' x 5' Inflatable Dock
The 6x5 dock is constructed to comfortably fit up to 5 people with minimal tossing, turning, or tipping and is the optimal size as a maintenance platform.
The inflatable dock was invented with one goal in mind: to create a floating “home base” on the water. Throw on some lounge chairs and a cooler, and you’ve created your own floating island to kick back with friends and family. Designed with premium-grade PVC & our state-of-the-art drop stitch technology, our inflatable docks feel rigid when inflated, and are incredibly light & compact when folded up.
The concept is quite simple – they’re really just floating rectangles. But when you take a closer look, they become so much more – hang out on it, work off it, launch off it. The possibilities truly are limitless.
Drop-stitch core - Drop-Stitch is constructed of thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom pieces of PVC together. This technology allows for high-pressure inflation, creating a flat & rigid surface, with a solid feel.
PVC Exterior Layer - The top layer of the inflatable dock is constructed with 1000 Denier, 3 Ply, PVC material. This premium-grade material is extremely durable, UV & Puncture Resistant, and tough enough to withstand harsh marine environments.
Fabric-reinforced PVC rail - The inflatable dock’s exterior rails are double-reinforced to ensure seam durability and toughness. Its extra-reinforced exterior layer is designed to absorb impact from hard objects, so you can confidently tie up against other boats and docks.
Features:
Ties up to anything, anywhere
Accommodates chairs, coolers, and more
Doubles as a portable water sports launch pad
Modular design for easy connection
Equipped with high-pressure Halkey Roberts (HR) valve
Additional 30 square feet of floating real estate
Pet-friendly PVC material
Equipped with (6) D-Rings to attach necessary tools
Double-layered PVC rail eliminates the risk of hull damage when tying to your boat or dock
Allows access to hard-to-reach spots you couldn't before
Technical Specifications:
Folded size - 21" x 15" x 7"
Inflated size - 6' (L) x 5' (W) x 6" (H)
Recommended pressure - 10 PSI
Weight - 22 lbs
In the Box:
Floating dock
Pump
Carry bag
Repair kit
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281.99 |
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8' x 5' Inflatable Dock
The 8x5 dock is constructed to comfortably fit up to 6 people with minimal tossing, turning, or tipping and is the optimal size as a maintenance platform.
The inflatable dock was invented with one goal in mind: to create a floating “home base” on the water. Throw on some lounge chairs and a cooler, and you’ve created your own floating island to kick back with friends and family. Designed with premium-grade PVC & our state-of-the-art drop stitch technology, our inflatable docks feel rigid when inflated, and are incredibly light & compact when folded up.
The concept is quite simple – they’re really just floating rectangles. But when you take a closer look, they become so much more – hang out on it, work off it, launch off it. The possibilities truly are limitless.
Drop-stitch core - Drop-Stitch is constructed of thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom pieces of PVC together. This technology allows for high-pressure inflation, creating a flat & rigid surface, with a solid feel.
PVC Exterior Layer - The top layer of the inflatable dock is constructed with 1000 Denier, 3 Ply, PVC material. This premium-grade material is extremely durable, UV & Puncture Resistant, and tough enough to withstand harsh marine environments.
Fabric-reinforced PVC rail - The inflatable dock’s exterior rails are double-reinforced to ensure seam durability and toughness. Its extra-reinforced exterior layer is designed to absorb impact from hard objects, so you can confidently tie up against other boats and docks.
Features:
Ties up to anything, anywhere
Accommodates chairs, coolers, and more
Doubles as a portable water sports launch pad
Modular design for easy connection
Equipped with high-pressure Halkey Roberts (HR) valve
Additional 40 square feet of floating real estate
Pet-friendly PVC material
Equipped with (6) D-Rings to attach necessary tools
Double-layered PVC rail eliminates the risk of hull damage when tying to your boat or dock
Allows access to hard-to-reach spots you couldn't before
Technical Specifications:
Folded size - 24" x 16" x 7"
Inflated size - 8' (L) x 5' (W) x 6" (H)
Recommended pressure - 10 PSI
Weight - 26 lbs
In the Box:
Floating dock
Pump
Carry bag
Repair kit
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341.99 |
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10' x 8' Inflatable Dock
The 10' x 8' dock is constructed to comfortably fit up to 8 people, making it the perfect size to party, play, relax, or unwind on the water. Throw on your chairs and cooler, and you have yourself your own private island.
The inflatable dock was invented with one goal in mind: to create a floating “home base” on the water. Throw on some lounge chairs and a cooler, and you’ve created your own floating island to kick back with friends and family. Designed with premium-grade PVC & our state-of-the-art drop stitch technology, our inflatable docks feel rigid when inflated, and are incredibly light & compact when folded up.
The concept is quite simple – they’re really just floating rectangles. But when you take a closer look, they become so much more – hang out on it, work off it, launch off it. The possibilities truly are limitless.
Drop-stitch core - Drop-Stitch is constructed of thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom pieces of PVC together. This technology allows for high-pressure inflation, creating a flat & rigid surface, with a solid feel.
PVC Exterior Layer - The top layer of the inflatable dock is constructed with 1000 Denier, 3 Ply, PVC material. This premium-grade material is extremely durable, UV & Puncture Resistant, and tough enough to withstand harsh marine environments.
Fabric-reinforced PVC rail - The inflatable dock’s exterior rails are double-reinforced to ensure seam durability and toughness. Its extra-reinforced exterior layer is designed to absorb impact from hard objects, so you can confidently tie up against other boats and docks.
Features:
Ties up to anything, anywhere
Accommodates chairs, coolers, and more
Doubles as a portable water sports launch pad
Modular design for easy connection
Equipped with high-pressure Halkey Roberts (HR) valve
Additional 80 square feet of floating real estate
Pet-friendly PVC material
Equipped with (6) D-Rings to attach necessary tools
Double-layered PVC rail eliminates the risk of hull damage when tying to your boat or dock
Allows access to hard-to-reach spots you couldn't before
Technical Specifications:
Folded size - 29" x 18" x 10"
Inflated size - 10' (L) x 8' (W) x 6" (H)
Recommended pressure - 10 PSI
Weight - 48 lbs
In the Box:
Floating dock
Pump
Carry bag
Repair kit
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557.99 |
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10' x 10' Inflatable Dock
The 10' x 10' dock is constructed to comfortably fit up to 10 people, making it the perfect size to party, play, relax, or unwind on the water. Throw on your chairs and cooler, and you have yourself your own private island.
The inflatable dock was invented with one goal in mind: to create a floating “home base” on the water. Throw on some lounge chairs and a cooler, and you’ve created your own floating island to kick back with friends and family. Designed with premium-grade PVC & our state-of-the-art drop stitch technology, our inflatable docks feel rigid when inflated, and are incredibly light & compact when folded up.
The concept is quite simple – they’re really just floating rectangles. But when you take a closer look, they become so much more – hang out on it, work off it, launch off it. The possibilities truly are limitless.
Drop-stitch core - Drop-Stitch is constructed of thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom pieces of PVC together. This technology allows for high-pressure inflation, creating a flat & rigid surface, with a solid feel.
PVC Exterior Layer - The top layer of the inflatable dock is constructed with 1000 Denier, 3 Ply, PVC material. This premium-grade material is extremely durable, UV & Puncture Resistant, and tough enough to withstand harsh marine environments.
Fabric-reinforced PVC rail - The inflatable dock’s exterior rails are double-reinforced to ensure seam durability and toughness. Its extra-reinforced exterior layer is designed to absorb impact from hard objects, so you can confidently tie up against other boats and docks.
Features:
Ties up to anything, anywhere
Accommodates chairs, coolers, and more
Doubles as a portable water sports launch pad
Modular design for easy connection
Equipped with high-pressure Halkey Roberts (HR) valve
Additional 100 square feet of floating real estate
Pet-friendly PVC material
Equipped with (6) D-Rings to attach necessary tools
Double-layered PVC rail eliminates the risk of hull damage when tying to your boat or dock
Allows access to hard-to-reach spots you couldn't before
Technical Specifications:
Folded size - 29" x 18" x 11"
Inflated size - 10' (L) x 10' (W) x 6" (H)
Recommended pressure - 10 PSI
Weight - 54 lbs
In the Box:
Floating dock
Pump
Carry bag
Repair kit
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623.99 |
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8' x 5' Luxe Dock with Traction Pad and Ladder
The 8' x 5' dock is constructed to comfortably fit up to 6 people with minimal tossing, turning, or tipping. Featuring a split EVA grooved traction pad constructed with an 8" core providing additional buoyancy & stability.
The inflatable dock was invented with one goal in mind: to create a floating “home base” on the water. Throw on some lounge chairs and a cooler, and you’ve created your own floating island to kick back with friends and family. Designed with premium-grade PVC & our state-of-the-art drop stitch technology, our inflatable docks feel rigid when inflated, and are incredibly light & compact when folded up.
The concept is quite simple – they’re really just floating rectangles. But when you take a closer look, they become so much more – hang out on it, work off it, launch off it. The possibilities truly are limitless.
Drop-stitch core - Drop-Stitch is constructed of thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom pieces of PVC together. This technology allows for high-pressure inflation, creating a flat & rigid surface, with a solid feel.
PVC Exterior Layer - The top layer of the inflatable dock is constructed with 1000 Denier, 3 Ply, PVC material. This premium-grade material is extremely durable, UV & Puncture Resistant, and tough enough to withstand harsh marine environments.
Fabric-reinforced PVC rail - The inflatable dock’s exterior rails are double-reinforced to ensure seam durability and toughness. Its extra-reinforced exterior layer is designed to absorb impact from hard objects, so you can confidently tie up against other boats and docks.
Features:
Ties up to anything, anywhere
Accommodates chairs, coolers, and more
Doubles as a portable water sports launch pad
Modular design for easy connection
Equipped with high-pressure Halkey Roberts (HR) valve
Additional 40 square feet of floating real estate
Pet-friendly PVC material
Rope style ladder
Eva split traction pad is designed with ultra-cushioned, grooved, split traction pad material for stability and comfort.
Equipped with (7) D-Rings to attach necessary tools
Double-layered PVC rail eliminates the risk of hull damage when tying to your boat or dock
Allows access to hard-to-reach spots you couldn't before
Technical Specifications:
Folded size - 24" x 23" x 11"
Inflated size - 8' (L) x 5' (W) x 8" (H)
Recommended pressure - 10 PSI
Weight - 31 lbs
In the Box:
Floating dock
Pump
Carry bag
Ladder
Repair kit
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503.99 |
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10' x 8' Luxe Dock with Traction Pad and Ladder
The 10' x 8' dock is constructed to comfortably fit up to 8 people with minimal tossing, turning, or tipping. The faux-wood traction pad for luxury look & feel. Dock is constructed with an 8" core providing additional buoyancy & stability.
The inflatable dock was invented with one goal in mind: to create a floating “home-base” on the water. Throw on some lounge chairs and a cooler, and you’ve created your own floating island to kick back with friends and family. Designed with premium-grade PVC & our state-of-the-art drop stitch technology, our inflatable docks feel rigid when inflated, and are incredibly light & compact when folded up.
The concept is quite simple – they’re really just floating rectangles. But when you take a closer look, they become so much more – hang out on it, work off it, launch off it. The possibilities truly are limitless.
Drop-stitch core - Drop-Stitch is constructed of thousands of polyester threads that connect the top and bottom pieces of PVC together. This technology allows for high-pressure inflation, creating a flat & rigid surface, with a solid feel.
PVC Exterior Layer - The top layer of the inflatable dock is constructed with 1000 Denier, 3 Ply, PVC material. This premium-grade material is extremely durable, UV & Puncture Resistant, and tough enough to withstand harsh marine environments.
Fabric-reinforced PVC rail - The inflatable dock’s exterior rails are double-reinforced to ensure seam durability and toughness. Its extra-reinforced exterior layer is designed to absorb impact from hard objects, so you can confidently tie up against other boats and docks.
Features:
Ties up to anything, anywhere
Accommodates chairs, coolers, and more
Doubles as a portable water sports launch pad
Modular design for easy connection
Equipped with high-pressure Halkey Roberts (HR) valve
Additional 80 square feet of floating real estate
Pet-friendly PVC material
Rope style ladder
Faux-wood ultra-cushioned, non-slip traction pad material that creates a luxury look and feel.
Equipped with (6) D-Rings to attach necessary tools
Double-layered PVC rail eliminates the risk of hull damage when tying to your boat or dock
Allows access to hard-to-reach spots you couldn't before
Technical Specifications:
Folded size - 33" x 26" x 11"
Inflated size - 10' (L) x 8' (W) x 8" (H)
Recommended pressure - 10 PSI
Weight - 68 lbs
In the Box:
Floating dock
Pump
Carry bag
Ladder
Repair kit
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779.99 |
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Oceanic Boutique 40" Dock Box
This dock box measures 40" X 21" X 19" and has one hasp for locking the box.
UV Gel Coat offers long lasting Durability
Reinforced Fiberglass Dock Box with
3/16" - 1/4" Wall Thickness
Stainless Steel Hardware include the following:
Gas Springs, Hinges, Ventilation Grids, and Hasps.
This item ships by truck from Miami Florida. Please go to https://www.clrmarine.com/Contact-Us to request a shipping quote. Please provide us the following information. Ship to address with zip code, also tell us if there is a forklift or dock at the ship to address.
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499.00 |
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Oceanic Boutique 51" Dock Box
This dock box measures 51" X 22" X 24" and has one hasp for locking the box.
UV Gel Coat offers long lasting Durability
Reinforced Fiberglass Dock Box with
3/16" - 1/4" Wall Thickness
Stainless Steel Hardware include the following:
Gas Springs, Hinges, Ventilation Grids, and Hasps.
This item ships by truck from Miami Florida. Please go to https://www.clrmarine.com/Contact-Us to request a shipping quote. Please provide us the following information. Ship to address with zip code, also tell us if there is a forklift or dock at the ship to address.
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660.00 |
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