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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/.
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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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TP325 Top Plate f/Converting Merriman/Yacht Specialties Steering Systems to 12" Wide 1.25" Diameter AngelGuard
12" Top Plates are used for upgrading from an existing 1" diameter pedestal guard to a 1.25" StraightGuard or AngleGuard. Specifically designed for Converting Merriman or Yacht Specialties steering systems.
12" Top Plates Include:
316 Stainless Steel
Mirror Polished Finish
Precision Laser Cut
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191.99 |
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SilverSteer™ 2.0 High-Performance Front Mount Outboard Hydraulic Steering System - 1500PSI FM V2
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by overtightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
Features:
Horsepower: Single engine, 350hp, dual engine, 600hp
Helm: 7.3 cu in/120cc
Hose: 1,500psi
Turns Lock-to-Lock: 4.3
Included Equipment: UP25 F-SVS front mount helm pump, UC128/2-SVS front mount outboard cylinder, hydraulic oil (two qts.), Hose kits sold separately
Steering Wheel: Sold separately
Steering Wheel Shaft: 3/4" tapered
Warranty: Two years
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1199.34 |
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SilverSteer™ Universal Front Mount Outboard Hydraulic Tilt Steering System - 1500PSI V1
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by over-tightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
SilverSteer™ Package Kit Contains:
UC130/1-SVS Cylinder
UP25F-SVS Helm
2 Quarts of Hydraulic Oil
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1670.20 |
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SilverSteer™ Universal Front Mount Outboard Hydraulic Tilt Steering System - 1500PSI V2
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by overtightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
SilverSteer™ Package Kit Contains:
UC130/2-SVS cylinder
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1670.20 |
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SilverSteer™ Universal Front Mount Outboard Hydraulic Steering System w/ UC128-SVS-1 Cylinder
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by over-tightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
SilverSteer™ Package Kit Contains:
UC128-SVS-1 Cylinder (fittings are on the face of the cylinder, between the cylinder and boat's transom)
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1385.16 |
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SilverSteer™ Front Mount Outboard Hydraulic Steering System w/ UC130-SVS-1 Cylinder
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flats boat or tournament-style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive, and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by over-tightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
UC130-SVS-1 Cylinder is ideal for applications with limited space or potential pinch-points between the cylinder and transom (i.e., when tilting the motor all the way up or motors mounted on a jack plate). The end-mounted fittings keep the hydraulic hoses free and clear.
SilverSteer™ Package Kit Contains:
UC130-SVS-1 Cylinder (fittings face out from the ends of the cylinder)
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1402.52 |
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SilverSteer™ Outboard Hydraulic Tilt Steering System - UC130 V1
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by overtightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
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1199.99 |
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SilverSteer™ Front Mount Outboard Hydraulic Steering System - UC130 V2
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by over tightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
Specifications:
Volume: 130 cc - 7.93 cu.in
Output force: 492 kg - 1085 lbs
Inside diameter: 36 nm - 1.43"
Stroke: 185 nm - 7.28"
3/8" fittings: For high pressure flex hose
Bleed fittings: DN5 quick connect
Kit Includes:
UC130-SVS 2
UP25F-SVS
2x Oil 15
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1402.52 |
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SilverSteer™ Outboard Hydraulic Tilt Steering System - UC130 V2
Specifically designed for high performance and high torque applications, the SilverSteer features a 1,500 psi helm and keyed bullhorns on the cylinder for maximum durability and minimal lost motion.
Whether a bass boat, flat boat or tournament style offshore fishing boat, the SilverSteer™ will deliver smooth, responsive and precise steering.
Adjustable boss style fittings allow precise hose routing without the risk of breaking the fittings by overtightening or leaking fittings from loosening during installation, a common problem on competing cylinders.
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1687.20 |
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Fourtech 6' Black Mach Rotary Steering System with Helm, Bezel & Cable
Fourtech offers performance, flexibility, and durability increased by top-quality materials and construction. Centered on the main drive shaft, this helm requires less room behind the dash and is a direct "drop-in" replacement for the competing systems; requiring no new holes for installation.
Kit Includes:
T91 Helm
X34 - 90° bezel
M90 Steering Cable - 6'
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200.24 |
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Fourtech 7' Black Mach Rotary Steering System with Helm, Bezel & Cable
Fourtech offers performance, flexibility, and durability increased by top-quality materials and construction. Centered on the main drive shaft, this helm requires less room behind the dash and is a direct "drop-in" replacement for the competing systems; requiring no new holes for installation.
Kit Includes:
T91 Helm
X34 - 90° bezel
M90 Steering Cable - 7'
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200.24 |
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Fourtech 8' Black Mach Rotary Steering System with Helm, Bezel & Cable
Fourtech offers performance, flexibility, and durability increased by top-quality materials and construction. Centered on the main drive shaft, this helm requires less room behind the dash and is a direct "drop-in" replacement for the competing systems; requiring no new holes for installation.
Kit Includes:
T91 Helm
X34 - 90° bezel
M90 Steering Cable - 8'
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200.24 |
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Fourtech 9' Black Mach Rotary Steering System with Helm, Bezel & Cable
Fourtech offers performance, flexibility, and durability increased by top-quality materials and construction. Centered on the main drive shaft, this helm requires less room behind the dash and is a direct "drop-in" replacement for the competing systems; requiring no new holes for installation.
Kit Includes:
T91 Helm
X34 - 90° bezel
M90 Steering Cable - 9'
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200.24 |
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Fourtech 10' Black Mach Rotary Steering System with Helm, Bezel & Cable
Fourtech offers performance, flexibility, and durability increased by top-quality materials and construction. Centered on the main drive shaft, this helm requires less room behind the dash and is a direct "drop-in" replacement for the competing systems; requiring no new holes for installation.
Kit Includes:
T91 Helm
X34 - 90° bezel
M90 Steering Cable - 10'
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200.24 |
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