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.  

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            

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    

Congratulations!  You've made it through the heart of the boating season.  You survived the demands of the early spring and Memorial Day, you kept your head above water during the busy summer and 4th of July, and now you've just gotten through the last major boating holiday of the season, Labor Day.  You might think now is a good time to relax and take it easy... and you would be wrong!   That's because now it's time to prepare for the winter.  Your customers need their boats properly winterized to prevent harmful damage during the cold months of the year.  You'll need to stock up on plenty of supplies, like impellers, filters and more.  And we can help.  CLR Marine is stocked and ready to provide you with all of the necessary parts and supplies you will need for winterizing.   Send Page to Friend

CLR Marine Winterizing Specials   Don't miss out on CLR Marine's Winterizing Sale. Save on your winterizing needs on select products from Caframo, CE Smith, BoatBuckle, Bulldog, Powerhouse, Davis Instruments, DMC, Boatsafe, Xtreme Heaters and ProMariner.   Sale is valid October 1st until October 31st or while supplies last.                Closeouts     Rebates    Remanufactured    Specials  

CLR Marine Winterizing Specials   Don't miss out on CLR Marine's Winterizing Sale. Save on your winterizing needs on select products from Caframo, CE Smith, BoatBuckle, Bulldog, Powerhouse, Davis Instruments, DMC, Boatsafe, Xtreme Heaters and ProMariner.   Sale is valid October 1st until October 31st or while supplies last.                Closeouts     Rebates    Remanufactured    Specials    

CLR Marine Winterizing Specials   Don't miss out on CLR Marine's Winterizing Sale. Save on your winterizing needs on select products from Caframo, CE Smith, BoatBuckle, Bulldog, Powerhouse, Davis Instruments, DMC, Boatsafe, Xtreme Heaters and ProMariner.   Sale is valid October 1st until October 31st or while supplies last.                Closeouts     Rebates    Remanufactured    Specials  

Winterizing Boat Supplies Preparing your boat for winter can take time and effort, but with the right supplies it is much faster and easier. We offer a full range of winterizing boat supplies, including water flushing systems, oil change systems, and more. Come to us for all your winter covers, and de-icers, and make sure you remember your cleaning supplies. Getting your boat clean before you store it away for the cold weather months can help protect the finish and get things going faster in the springtime. We offer options for battery management, along with trailer winches and other trailer accessories.   If you need heaters/dehumidifiers to protect your boat while it is being stored in the wintertime, we can help with that, as well. And be sure you remember to pick up any repair manuals you might need. The winter months are a great time to work on your boat, so it will be ready when the weather warms up and boating season begins again. With the right winterizing boat supplies and cleaning options from brands like Powerhouse, Davis Instruments, Jabsco, Shurhold, Swobbit, and more, you will be on your way to thoroughly protecting your boat when the temperature drops.

    Boat Covers   Carver boat covers are available in several categories to give the boat owner a balance between perfect fit and perfect price. Each boat cover category is available in a selection of carefully engineered fabrics to provide you with choices that are right for you and best for your boat.     Carver Quality in Personal Watercraft Covers   High Performance protection in Custom Fit and Styled-to-Fit covers in a wide variety of patterns for the serious Personal Watercraft/Jet Ski owner! Carver takes pride in what they build so you can have the highest level of confidence when choosing a cover to protect your investment for years to come!     Kayak/Canoe Covers   Carver's Styled-To-Fit and Specialty Kayak and Canoe Covers will keep your units clean and protected. Available in high-quality materials.     Specials    Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates

    Boat Covers Carver boat covers are available in several categories to give the boat owner a balance between perfect fit and perfect price. Each boat cover category is available in a selection of carefully engineered fabrics to provide you with choices that are right for you and best for your boat.     Carver Quality in Personal Watercraft Covers High Performance protection in Custom Fit and Styled-to-Fit covers in a wide variety of patterns for the serious Personal Watercraft/Jet Ski owner! Carver takes pride in what they build so you can have the highest level of confidence when choosing a cover to protect your investment for years to come!     Kayak/Canoe Covers Carver's Styled-To-Fit and Specialty Kayak and Canoe Covers will keep your units clean and protected. Available in high-quality materials.   Specials    Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates  

  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

  CLR Marine October - Get Ready for Winter Specials   Save on all of your winter prep necessities with select products from ProMariner, Marinco, Blue Sea, Johnson Pump, CE Smith, Jabsco, SHURFLO, Meguiar's, Swobbit, Mothers Polish, Shurhold, Davis, DMC, Powerhouse, Fulton, Bulldog, BoatBuckle, CargoBuckle, Tow Ready, Pro Series, Fulton, Reese, TACO, Attwood, Xtreme Heaters, BoatSafe, Caframo, Deeper, Humminbird and StrikeMaster.       *The October Winter Prep Specials are valid now until October 31st, 2016. Closeout items are valid while supplies last.             Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates

  CLR Marine October - Get Ready for Winter Specials   Save on all of your winter prep necessities with select products from ProMariner, Marinco, Blue Sea, Johnson Pump, CE Smith, Jabsco, SHURFLO, Meguiar's, Swobbit, Mothers Polish, Shurhold, Davis, DMC, Powerhouse, Fulton, Bulldog, BoatBuckle, CargoBuckle, Tow Ready, Pro Series, Fulton, Reese, TACO, Attwood, Xtreme Heaters, BoatSafe, Caframo, Deeper, Humminbird and StrikeMaster.       *The October Winter Prep Specials are valid now until October 31st, 2016. Closeout items are valid while supplies last.             Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates

D-I-Y Boat Winterizer Engine Flushing System Quickly and efficiently service inboard/outboard marine engines. The Do-It-Yourself Winterizer allows flushing and preparation of boat engine for winter storage with just five gallons of antifreeze and your flusher. Save time and money season after season. Great for technicians, too. For front mounted raw water pump systems, use the Flush Adapter, sold separately. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including LEAD 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.

  Depending what part of the country you are in, you may soon be prepping boats for winter storage. That storage can last six, seven, eight months or more! Without proper steps being taken now, when that boat comes out of storage, there will be a lot of problems to address!   When an engine is in storage, the oil and lubricants in the motor can often drain away from the components they were designed to protect, leaving the engine susceptible to corrosion. Upon restart, that corrosion can lead to severe damage of the cylinder head, pistons and valves. If you don't have the right tools for winterization, it's going to be a very long Fall. Don't get stuck performing engine flushes and oil changes manually. Get the tools that do those jobs right. Save time and increase the number of jobs you can do and the amount of money you can make! Pick up all the winterization supplies you need - including powerful oil change pumps.             Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates