Winter Sports

Outdoor Equipment and Supplies If you plan on spending time in the great outdoors, you need the right outdoor equipment. You also need supplies and provisions so you can be prepared while you are enjoying the water and the wilderness. The right accessories can make a big difference in how much fun you have, how safe you feel, and the overall experience you have. Binoculars are a great choice when camping, and we also offer emergency weather radio options, fishing accessories, and waterproof bags & cases for winter sports. Weather instruments are popular, as well, and can help you decide whether you should move your adventure to another day.   With the right choices for tents, watches that can provide you with more than just the time, night vision, personal locator beacons, medical kits, and metal detectors, you can be ready for almost anything. We also have a good line of knives, lighting, range finders, snowshoes, and sunglasses to complete your traveling or camping kit. With all the options to choose from, and with the brand name items we carry every day, you can be sure you have the opportunity to get all of the outdoor equipment, supplies, and provisions needed for the trip you have planned.

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.  

Lets talk Personal Flotation Devices for family fun on the water.   A personal flotation device abbreviated as PFD has also been called a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket and buoyancy aid.  It is a piece of equipment designed to assist the wearer to keep afloat in water.  The wearer may be either conscious or unconscious.   PFDs are available in different sizes to accommodate variations in body weight. Designs differ depending on wearing convenience and the level of protection needed. They may take the form of a simple vest, a jacket, or their variations suited for particular purposes.  They are most commonly made of a tough synthetic fiber material encapsulating a source of buoyancy, such as foam or a chamber of air, and are often brightly colored yellow or orange to maximize visibility for rescuers.    Some devices consist of a combination of both buoyancy foam and an air chamber. Reflective "SOLAS" tape is often sewn to the fabric used to construct life jackets and PFDs to facilitate a person being spotted in darkness when a search light is shone towards the wearer.    Most Personal Flotation Devices come in a vast array of colors including camouflage for the hunter and for the kid's, different characters.   The Sterns Puddle Jumper is recommended by a lot of swim classes to give the beginner the confidence they need to start learning. (Please contact us for school discounts).  It is also the only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of its kind that can be used on a boat.   The US, federal regulations require all persons under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket (PFD) when in a watercraft. State regulations may vary and must be followed when in that state's jurisdiction.    Infant/Child vest This vest comes in a multitude of colors and characters. Weight: Up to 30lbs (14kg) Stearns Puddle Jumper   Learn-to-swim aid for beginners in the water   The Coast Guard-approved life jacket features a fun character on the front for more fun in the water,   USCG approved for use on a boat. Weight: 30 - 50 lbs. (13.6 kg - 22.7 kg) Youth Vest    Recommend forFishing, Sailing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Water Sports Weight: 50-90lbs (23-41kg)   Collar Life Jacket   Yoke-style flotation device designed to turn  an unconcious person to a vertical or slightly backward position Weight: 90lbs + Automatic or Manual Inflatable This type vest comes in two models, Automatic or Manual type inflation. The Automatic type automatically inflates upon immersionin water.or when the wearer pulls the "Jerk to Inflate" handle. This is best as the wearer could be unconcious. Inflatable Belt Pack Inflates to Full-Size Pullover Type III PFD Vest (second stage donning required)   CLR Marine carries personal floatation devices made by Mustang Survival, SOSpenders, Stearns, First Watch, Onyx Outdoor, Kent Sporting Goods and Full Throttle.  They can be found under the Manufacturers name or  MARINE SAFETY > Personal Flotation Devices at clrmarine.com.

  Timex is the nation's leading watch manufacturer. With a large and varied line of watches, Timex has a style for everyone. From the locker room to the board room, there is a great Timex style time-piece for you.     Tifosi is the Italian word referring to a super-fan, an enthusiast, and that is exactly who they are and who they make eyewear for. Tifosi's mission is to provide technically advanced eyewear to enthusiasts of all sports and outdoor activities. Tifosi designs, tests and tortures products to enhance your sport whether you're running a 5k, riding your first century or playing 18 holes on Sunday. Tifosi - they are enthusiasts about their product, their sport, and your fun.  

Yukon Charlie's - New Line   Snowshoeing has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world today and it is easy to see why when considering the ease and enjoyment of this low impact winter sport. Check out Yukon Charlie's at CLR Marine today!           Closeouts     Rebates    Remanufactured    Specials

SurfStow develops stand up paddle board accessories that are affordable without sacrificing quality. SurfStow is passionate about getting as many people paddle boarding as possible by making it as easy as possible. Check out SurfStow!   NOCO is the leading manufacturer of battery technology solutions for many businesses and government agencies around the world. Check out Noco!   Aqualuma brings an extensive range of high quality LED lights that are the best in the business. Aqualuma's LED lighting products include solutions for LED Marine Lighting and much more. Check out Aqualuma LED Lighting!   Yukon Charlie's snowshoeing has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world today and it is easy to see why when considering the ease and enjoyment of this low impact winter sport. Check out Yukon Charlie's!     Other product lines Coming Soon to CLR Marine is WASPcam and BEP   Specials     Rebates     Close Outs     Remanufactured    

Unfortunately for us boaters in the Northern Hemisphere the cold and snow is on it's way.  So instead of dreading it, embrace it with toys for winter fun.  Here are just a few new ones added today at CLR Marine.       SPORTSSTUFF GIZMO SNOWMOBILE SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF RALLY SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF SNOPEDO SNOW BODYBOARD       SPORTSSTUFF DOUBLE AMERISPORT SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF AMERISPORT SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF AIR FLYER SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF BIG CROSSOVER SNOW/WATER TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF SUPER CROSSOVER SNOW/WATER TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF HEATSEEKER SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF SPEEDSEEKER SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF SWISS LUGE SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF STING RAY SNOW TUBE       SPORTSSTUFF SNO FORT       AIRHEAD TRIANGLE FREEZE SNOW TUBE       AIRHEAD ROUND ELECTRON SNOW TUBE       AIRHEAD FIGURE 8 HAVOC SNOW TUBE       AIRHEAD CHAOS SNOW TOBOGGAN       AIRHEAD TRIPLE MAYHEM SNOW TUBE

EL-X651SPW 6.5" Sports Grill Covers - White f/ EL Series Speakers Providing another option to suit your EL Series Sports speakers to your vessel, the 6.5" Sports speaker grilles are now available in a stylish Sports White.  Just like your existing EL Series speakers, these grilles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation on board. Simply remove your Sports Grey grille, fit the white grille into place, and enjoy quality audio from a stylish system that best suits your on-board aesthetics. Compatible With: EL-FL651SPG EL Series 6.5" Full Range Shallow Mount Marine Speakers with LEDs Specifications: Diameter: 176mm (6-15/16") Depth: 19mm (3/4") Sold as a Pair 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.

The United Heroes League (UHL) honors military kids with free sports gear, pro-sports tickets, access to free sports camps, and grants to cover the costs of sports association fees. Any active service member or Honorably discharged Veteran who deployed to a combat zone (as defined by DOD or VA), with children under 18, are encouraged to apply. Read the Full Story at  https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/61327/free-gear-tickets-military-veteran-kids/  

EL-X651SPG 6.5" Sports Grill Covers - Grey for EL Series Speakers Refresh your on-board aesthetics with the EL Series Sports Grey speaker grille. Just like your existing EL Series speakers, these grilles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation on board. Simply remove your existing Sports styled grille, fit the new grey grille into place, and enjoy quality audio from a stylish system that looks great on board. Compatible With: EL-FL651SPG EL Series 6.5" Full Range Shallow Mount Marine Speakers with LEDs Specifications: Diameter: 176mm (6-15/16") Depth: 19mm (3/4") Sold as a Pair 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.

It's that time again when Old Man Winter is shortening or ending our sailing season. Maybe you store your boat in a garage, barn, or at a marina. Now is the time to brush up on safe and useful storage tips.   1. When packing up, clean your electronics with a microfiber cloth by wiping down buttons and screens. A soft cloth is recommended with bottled water to clean screens that may have been stained by saltwater. Screen cleaners will not do the job. You may want to document the wiring so that installation is easy when you are ready to launch.   2. 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.   3. Remove all batteries. Charge your batteries, clean the terminals, and put a light coat of grease on the terminals. Store your batteries in a warm, dry place. Not in the boat.   4. Winterize the engine: Use fresh water to flush the engine, including the cooling system, to remove corrosion, dirt, salt, and residue Refill the cooling system with antifreeze. Warm up the engine to loosen impurities. Replace the oil and filters. Look for the residue of old oil. Remove and store all belts.   5. Fill the engine with gas and stabilizer. Run the engine for 15 minutes so that the mixture reaches the engine. If your engine uses E-10 fuel, take extra care in that it absorbs moisture ten times more than typical gasoline. (source: trailervalet.com).   6. A thorough cleaning of the boat before you store is a must, whether you have a small fishing boat or a six-cabin yacht. Soap and water will do a thorough job. Clean lockers, refrigerators, coolers, sinks, and cushions. Open all and allow to dry before you store. Next, clean the entire outside from bow to stern. End your cleaning with a coat of wax to the exterior and polish. Leaving a clean boat will make the launch process a lot easier when it's time.   7. Keeping mold and mildew at bay: Mildew comes from humidity. The best way to reduce humidity is ventilation. Although some skippers button up their boats to be airtight for the winter, there has to be some ventilation source. Use products that absorb moisture such as Damp Rid or purchase a dehumidifier such as Eva-Dry Mini Dehumidifiers. Find and seal any leaks and keep the boat clean. Cover the boat with either shrink wrap or a boat cover.   8. Shrinkwrap or a canvas boat cover? Ratings and opinions from the Hull Truth Boating Forum suggest that canvas covers are a better option for durability and cost. The canvas covers can be used season after season. With shrink wrap covers, there is the cost of installation every year. One source said if you are north of Boston, shrink wrapping is preferable because snow will slide right off the plastic wrap, versus weighing down the canvas. Contributors also felt the boat stays cleaner with shrink wrap.      Remove boat cushions, or not? The jury is out about removing boat cushions. Many skippers remove all cushions and bedding. Others spray the cushion bottoms with anti-mold spray. If keeping cabin cushions on the boat, stand them up on end to reduce the chance of mold. Most important is to keep as much moisture out of the cabin, as mentioned above.   Do everything you can to keep your boat critter-free during the winter. Lock all windows. Many small, rabid animals, especially raccoons, are looking for a warm place to nest for the winter. Raccoons are drawn by any food left in boats and will chew carpeting and cushions. Once inside a locked boat, they have no way to exit since they have most likely fallen from an open window. The messes they leave, including their waste, can be very unpleasant and a costly wake-up call in the spring. Keep mice out by plugging up scuppers and vents. Many skippers use Dryer Fresh Cab rodent repellent hoping the strong scent will repel rodents.   Circle Saturday, May 22, 2021, on your calendar. That 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 for a great boating season.   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    

  ACR Fall/Winter PLB and EPIRBs Promotion   ACR's Fall/Winter PLB Promotion is going on now until December 31st, 2016. Save on PLBs with a $100 rebate on AquaLink View and a $50 rebate on all other ACR PLBs.       ACR Fall/Winter EPIRB Promotion   ACR's Fall/Winter EPIRB Promotion is going on now until December 31st, 2016. Save on EPIRBs with a ResQLink+ with the purchase of the GlobalFix iPRO and up to $100 in mail-in rebate savings.     Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates

  WOW - WORLD OF WATERSPORTS       The WOW-SOUND SPEAKER is the ultimate outdoors, waterproof/shockproof/dust-proof speaker. The uniquely shaped design makes this a truly 360-degree, omnidirectional speaker with high volume stereo sound. It comes with 4 two inch active speakers spaced evenly around the circumference of the system and one 4 inch passive radiator on top for a big, deep bass. The WOW-SOUND SPEAKER makes for a great backyard fixture that you can leave outside all summer long.     There's no better way to relax in style and comfort than in your own Greek Spa. Float down a river or lake like the gods and goddesses of an earlier time in the Parthenon Canopy Spa Island. A place where you can take in the outdoor surroundings, enjoy the company of friends and even listen to a couple tunes or two.   The Parthenon is an inflatable, fully shaded floating island that is easy to assemble and navigate, as well as tie off to any pier or buoy off the coast because it comes equipped with a large grommet and an anchor bag. Relax and chill under the shade or take a dip in the water as you please. Feel like a god or goddess for the day on the Parthenon Canopy Spa Island and let your worries fade away.     SHOP: WOW         Specials    Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates  

Winterizing Your Boat      When the boating season is winding down, it's time to start thinking about protecting your valuable recreational asset. The time and effort you spend now will have a definite effect on your boat's performance, or lack of it, and certainly save you time, effort and money come spring. You should remember that your insurance policy may not cover damage done by lack of maintenance or neglect.   The best place for your boat to be during the winter is out of the water, under cover, in a climate-controlled boat storage area. This, however, can be expensive. If don't have this option perhaps you should consider shrink-wrapping your boat. This, too, is a little expensive but provides a very protective cover. Short of these two items, make sure that your boat is well covered with a tarp or some other sturdy cover. Your first step in winterizing should be to make a checklist of all items that need to be accomplished. Check the owner's manual of both your boat and motor for manufacturer's recommendations on winterization. If you are a new boat owner, perhaps you should employ the assistance of a friend with experience in winterizing or hire a professional to do the job.   CLR Marine sells the winterizing products you will need for winter storage and regular maintence of your boat.         Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates