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.  

Wired Shore Power Sensor Plug The Shore Power Sensor Plug allows boaters to monitor system-critical shore power from anywhere. Receive an alert in the event that shore power is lost and avoid costly system shutdown. The Shore Power Sensor Plug is ideal for larger vessels relying on external power sources to run critical systems while on the dock. Specifications: Dimensions: 3ft (wire) 2.5x1.5in (body) Standard AC to DC adapter, 3V DC output Plugs into AC outlet Works with MTC and Siren 3 Pro

120V AC Shore Power Relay - Wired The 120VAC Shore Power Relay is used to detect presence and loss of AC shore power. The relay is meant to be hardwired directly to your AC distribution panel.  This relay is the hard wired alternative to the Siren Marine Shore Power Sensor Plug for boats with 120VAC systems. Features: Coil Voltage: 120VAC Contact Current: 10A

Shore Power Relay - 240V The 240VAC Shore Power Relay is used to detect presence and loss of AC shore power. The relay is meant to be hardwired directly to your AC distribution panel. This relay is the hard wired alternative to the Siren Marine Shore Power Sensor Plug for boats with 240VAC systems. Features: Coil Voltage: 240VAC Contact Current: 10A Works with MTC and Siren 3 Pro

Marine Shore Power Adapter Pigtail L5-30P Male to 5-15R Female Pigtail shore power 30A to 15A dogbone adapter power cord twist lock L5-30P male to 5-15R female with an LED indicator. Heavy Duty Over Molded Construction: Custom grip for comfort Marine quality 5-year warranty Led indicator Female Connector: 15/250A 125V straight blade Attaches to a cordset or boat inlet Male Plug: 30A 125V locking Attaches to dockside receptacle/cordset Specifications: Weight: 1.6 lbs Dimensions: 12 × 6 × 3 in.

Shore Power Clips - 4-Pack The safe and reliable way to secure electrical shore power cords in high traffic areas. Easy to install and use, the Shore Power Clip is designed to hold a sturdy 30 Amp marine power cord in its' low profile "toe-friendly" shape.

Shore Power Cord Holder Features: 15 degrees bent butt Perfect for holding your shore power cord or hose while cleaning boat. Easily stowable, portable, and great for travel Constructed of anodized aluminum Fits standard 1-5/8” rod holders

100 Amp 120/208V 4-Pole, 5-Wire Shore Power Cable - No Neutral Wire - 75' All Marinco cordsets are made of the highest quality, marine grade construction with features you won’t find on other power cords.  Features: For use with 100 amp 120V/208V shore power systems  High visibility, 2 AWG, flexible yellow STOW cable is oil, water, UV resistant, and rated to 221°F (105°C)  Ergonomic non-slip TPE coated gripping surfaces  IEC pin and sleeve plugs and connectors are designed for harsh environments, watertight, and corrosion resistant.  Feature integrated locking rings.  Internal frame terminals provide high clamping force for safe and secure contact  Options for use with on-board isolation transformers and male plug only power supply purposes  UL and ABYC approved components Specifications: Length: 75' Neutral Wire: No Female End: Yes Application: Isolation transformer cordset Color: Yellow WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

100 Amp 120/208V 4-Pole, 5-Wire Shore Power Cable - No Neutral Wire - 100' All Marinco cordsets are made of the highest quality, marine grade construction with features you won’t find on other power cords.  Features: For use with 100 amp 120V/208V shore power systems  High visibility, 2 AWG, flexible yellow STOW cable is oil, water, UV resistant, and rated to 221°F (105°C)  Ergonomic non-slip TPE coated gripping surfaces  IEC pin and sleeve plugs and connectors are designed for harsh environments, watertight, and corrosion resistant.  Feature integrated locking rings.  Internal frame terminals provide high clamping force for safe and secure contact  Options for use with on-board isolation transformers and male plug only power supply purposes  UL and ABYC approved components Specifications: Length: 100' Neutral Wire: No Female End: Yes Application: Isolation transformer cordset Color: Yellow WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

100 Amp 120/208V 4-Pole, 5-Wire Shore Power Cable - No Neutral Wire - One-Ended Male Only Cord - Blunt Cut - 125' All Marinco cordsets are made of the highest quality, marine grade construction with features you won’t find on other power cords.  Features: For use with 100 amp 120V/208V shore power systems  High visibility, 2 AWG, flexible yellow STOW cable is oil, water, UV resistant, and rated to 221°F (105°C)  Ergonomic non-slip TPE coated gripping surfaces  IEC pin and sleeve plugs and connectors are designed for harsh environments, watertight, and corrosion resistant.  Feature integrated locking rings.  Internal frame terminals provide high clamping force for safe and secure contact  Options for use with on-board isolation transformers and male plug only power supply purposes  UL and ABYC approved components Specifications: Length: 125' Neutral Wire: No Female End: No, Blunt Cut Application: Cable Winch with Isolation Transformer Color: Yellow WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

100 Amp 125/250V 3-Pole, 4-Wire Shore Power Cordset - Neutral Wire - One-Ended Male Only - Blunt Cut - 75' All Marinco cordsets are made of the highest quality, marine grade construction with features you won’t find on other power cords.  Features: For use with 100 amp 125V/250V shore power systems  High visibility, 2 AWG, flexible yellow STOW cable is oil, water, UV resistant, and rated to 221°F (105°C)  Ergonomic non-slip TPE coated gripping surfaces  IEC pin and sleeve plugs and connectors are designed for harsh environments, watertight, and corrosion resistant. Feature integrated locking rings.  Internal frame terminals provide high clamping force for safe and secure contact  Options for use with on-board isolation transformers, male plug only power supply, and extension purposes  UL and ABYC approved components Specifications: Length: 75' Neutral Wire: Yes Female End: No, Blunt Cut Application: Cable Winch Color: Yellow WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

100 Amp 120/208V 4-Pole, 5-Wire Shore Power Cable - No Neutral Wire - One-Ended Male Only Cord - Blunt Cut - 100' All Marinco cordsets are made of the highest quality, marine grade construction with features you won’t find on other power cords.  Features: For use with 100 amp 120V/208V shore power systems  High visibility, 2 AWG, flexible yellow STOW cable is oil, water, UV resistant, and rated to 221°F (105°C)  Ergonomic non-slip TPE coated gripping surfaces  IEC pin and sleeve plugs and connectors are designed for harsh environments, watertight, and corrosion resistant.  Feature integrated locking rings.  Internal frame terminals provide high clamping force for safe and secure contact  Options for use with on-board isolation transformers and male plug only power supply purposes  UL and ABYC approved components Specifications: Length: 100' Neutral Wire: No Female End: No, Blunt Cut Application: Cable Winch with Isolation Transformer Color: Yellow WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

OnDeck™ Shore Power Sensor  Monitor the status of your shore power remotely using the OnDeck™ Hub and this sensor. Connect this accessory to an electrical outlet and your OnDeck Hub to get started. Compatible with North America, Europe, U.K., and Australia standard electrical outlets from 100 Vac to 240 Vac.

50AMP 125/250V Shore Power Cable - 12' - Yellow All Marinco cord sets are made of the highest quality marine-grade construction with features you won't find on other power cords. Features: Watertight molded plug and connector for safety and durability Heavy duty, super flexible marine-grade cable (30 amp 10 gauge, 50 amp 6 gauge) All models include a standard threaded ring for hook-up to ordinary threaded inlets Corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated contacts Power Indicator Light: Boatside connector features a molded-in LED light. When it glows red, you know you have power over the boat. Contour Grip with Thumbnail Locator: Both plug and connector ends are molded to fit the contour of your hand. When the thumbprint is in the 12 o’clock position, the blades line up for easy connection. The Marinco Easy Lock system: Quickly locks the cord set to the inlet in just 1/8 of a turn. The exclusive locking tabs engage slots built into all Marinco inlets.

100 Amp 125/250V 3-Pole, 4-Wire Shore Power Cordset - Neutral Wire - Female End - 75' All Marinco cordsets are made of the highest quality, marine grade construction with features you won’t find on other power cords.  Features: For use with 100 amp 125V/250V shore power systems  High visibility, 2 AWG, flexible yellow STOW cable is oil, water, UV resistant, and rated to 221°F (105°C)  Ergonomic non-slip TPE coated gripping surfaces  IEC pin and sleeve plugs and connectors are designed for harsh environments, watertight, and corrosion resistant. Feature integrated locking rings.  Internal frame terminals provide high clamping force for safe and secure contact  Options for use with on-board isolation transformers, male plug only power supply, and extension purposes  UL and ABYC approved components Specifications: Length: 75' Neutral Wire: Yes Female End: Yes Application: Standard Cordset Color: Yellow WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.