Hatch Springs & Supports

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.  

Stainless Steel/Nylon Hatch Spring This strong Hatch Spring has an internal cable that prevents the spring from being overextended during normal use. Ideal for larger hatches and dock boxes. Constructed of corrosion resistant formed 304 stainless steel with heavy duty molded nylon mounting pads on both ends. Installs with eight #10 RH fasteners (not included).

Boat Hook Mooring Cover Support Plate Crown & Webbing Straps Combine a Sea-Dog Boat Hook with the Support Crown and mooring cover support crown straps (#491115-1) for the perfect solution to nature's pooling pressures. Boat Hook Mooring Cover Support Plate Crown Features: Fits the tip of an adjustable boat hook (or any universal threaded device) to support a mooring cover or canvas top Helps eliminate pooling from rain, sleet or snow UV resistant injection molded nylon construction Webbing Straps These Mooring Cover Support Crown Webbing Straps are used for positioning the Mooring Cover Support Crown (491110-1) securely in place. Includes three 15' straps, with a securing loop on one end and an adjustable snap clip on the other. They are designed to set once and then simply clip in and out later for ease of use.

Boat Hook Mooring Cover Support Crown  Constructed of UV resistant injection molded nylon this crown fits the tip of an adjustable boat hook, or any universal threaded device, to support a mooring cover or canvas top. The unique configuration has strap or line attachment details designed to secure the support crown in the correct location eliminating problems caused by water pooling from rain, sleet or snow. Combine any Sea-Dog® Boat Hook with the Support Crown 491110-1 and mooring cover support crown straps 491115-1 for the perfect solution to nature's pooling pressures. 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 Hook Mooring Cover Support Crown Webbing Straps  Three nylon webbing straps used for positioning the mooring cover support crown securely in place. Each strap is 15’ in length, with a securing loop on one end and an adjustable snap clip on the other they are designed for setting once and then clipping in and out later for ease of use. Each set includes 3 straps. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 17" - 60#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 20" - 20#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 20" - 30#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 20" - 40#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 20" - 60#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 20" - 80#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.

Gas Filled Lift Spring - 20" - 90#  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs and hardware are manufactured to marine OE standards and have been installed in marine and RV applications for several years. You can count on our high quality and a 2-year warranty on all Sea-Dog® Gas Springs.  Sea-Dog® Gas Springs are the ideal choice for all marine, RV, truck cap, tool box, and utility applications because of their unique multi-lobe seal which offers superior service life and performance. Hard chromium plated shafts, bronze bushings, and polymer end fittings mean you are buying THE BEST.  Other applications for Sea-Dog® Gas Springs: Hatches, doors, tool boxes, farm machinery, golf carts, luggage doors, engine hatches, canopies, access hatches, seating, RV doors, furniture, truck caps, and utility boxes. Accepts 10 mm ball. 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.