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.  

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.

Euro White 2" Hourmeter (Digital) Perimeter-lighted White dial with bold Black graphics, Black aluminum bezel, contoured White pointer and flat glass lens.  Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to ground.  The register increments increase when the key switch in on.  Route power through a normally open Oil Pressure switch to count "engine running" hours. 2" - Hole size: 2.0625" (53mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Perimeter-lighted White dial 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems 10,000 Hour Scale Factory P/N MH0243 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Chesapeake White SS 2" Digital Hourmeter - (10,000 Hours)  Perimeter-lighted White dial with stylish Blue and White graphics, polished stainless steel bezel, contoured White pointer and domed glass lens. Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to ground. The register increments increase when the key switch in on.  Route power through a normally open Oil Pressure switch to count "engine running" hours. 2"- Hole Size: 2.0625" (53mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Plastic Cases for corrosion resistance and long life 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Operating Range  - 0 to 10,000 Hours Factory P/N MH0241 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Euro Black 2" Digital Hourmeter Gauge  Perimeter-lighted Black dial with bold White graphics, Black aluminum bezel, contoured White pointer and flat glass lens. Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to ground.  The register increments increase when the key switch in on.  Route power through a normally open Oil Pressure switch to count "engine running" hours. 2" - Hole size: 2.0625" (53mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Factory P/N MH0242 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included   This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Chesapeake Black 2" Hourmeter (Digital) Perimeter-lighted Black dial with stylish Blue and White graphics, polished stainless steel bezel, contoured White pointer and domed glass lens. Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to ground.  The register increments increase when the key switch in on.  Route power through a normally open Oil Pressure switch to count "engine running" hours.  2" - Hole Size: 2.0625" (53mm)  Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Perimeter lighted back light 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Operating Range  - 0 to 10,000 Hours Factory P/N MH0239 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Dress White 2" Hourmeter (Digital)  Perimeter-lighted White dial with bold black graphics, white aluminum bezel, contoured black pointer, and flat glass lens. Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to ground.  The register increments increase when the key switch in on.  Route power through a normally open Oil Pressure switch to count "engine running" hours. 2"- Hole Size: 2.0625" (53mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Scale - 0 to 10000 Hours Factory P/N MH0240 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Cockpit Marine 52mm (2-1/16") LCD Hourmeter - White Dial/Chrome Bezel  VDO Cockpit Marine offers a comprehensive modular, modern series of instruments for engine monitoring. More functions and greater flexibility in installation and design increase the scope for high manufacturing standards and guarantee the highest level of reliability and readability.  As the result of ongoing research and development work, VDO Cockpit Marine gauges offer an innovative, comprehensive standard instrumentation platform. VDO Cockpit Marine gauges provides maximum freedom to customize the cockpit and is the natural choice for an attractive price and performance ratio. Features: Digital LCD Hourmeter Voltage - 12-32V Input Type - Analog Mounting Hardware Included Records up to 100,000 operating hours Standard .250” (6.3mm) spade connectors *Sold as an Individual  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.

Newport SS 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter for Gas Inboard - 6000 RPM The Newport Stainless Steel (SS) family of marine gauges is a classic style of gauge, engineered to be the new Modern Retro.   Designed with the latest fog resistant features, this Retro Style gauge far surpasses all expectations.  Perimeter lighting makes reading these gauges easy to read Day/Night.  Features:  Perimeter lighted Retro White Dial Black and Gray Graphics  Domed fog resistant lens  Two-piece Black pointers  Hand-polished Stainless Steel bezel Studded connection for ring terminals Red illuminated edge-lighting Technical Specifications:  Operating Range  - 0 to 6000 RPM w/digital hourmeter 3.375" (85 mm) Mounting hole Operating Voltage - 12/24 V In the box: Gauge Mounting Hardware Installation Manual Factory P/N TCH253 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Newport SS 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter for Gas Outboard - 7000 RPM The Newport Stainless Steel (SS) family of marine gauges is a classic style of gauge, engineered to be the new Modern Retro.   Designed with the latest fog resistant features, this Retro Style gauge far surpasses all expectations.  Perimeter lighting makes reading these gauges easy to read Day/Night.  Features: Perimeter lighted Retro White Dial Black and Gray Graphics  Domed fog resistant lens  Two-piece Black pointers  Hand-polished Stainless Steel bezel Studded connection for ring terminals Red illuminated edge-lighting Technical Specifications: Operating Range  - 0 to 7000 RPM w/digital hourmeter 3.375" (85 mm) Mounting hole Operating Voltage - 12/24 V In the box: Gauge Mounting Hardware Installation Manual Factory P/N TCH324 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Newport SS 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter for Diesel with Magnetic Pick-Up - 4000 RPM  The Newport Stainless Steel (SS) family of marine gauges is a classic style of gauge, engineered to be the new Modern Retro.   Designed with the latest fog resistant features, this Retro Style gauge far surpasses all expectations.  Perimeter lighting makes reading these gauges easy to read Day/Night.  Features: Perimeter lighted Retro White Dial Black and Gray Graphics  Domed fog resistant lens  Two-piece Black pointers  Hand-polished Stainless Steel bezel Studded connection for ring terminals Red illuminated edge-lighting Technical Specifications: Operating Range  - 0 to 4000 RPM w/digital hourmeter 3.375" (85 mm) Mounting hole Operating Voltage - 12/24 V In the box: Gauge Mounting Hardware Installation Manual Factory P/N TDH271 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Newport SS 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter for Diesel with Mech Take Off - 4000 RPM  The Newport Stainless Steel (SS) family of marine gauges is a classic style of gauge, engineered to be the new Modern Retro.   Designed with the latest fog resistant features, this Retro Style gauge far surpasses all expectations.  Perimeter lighting makes reading these gauges easy to read Day/Night.  Features: Perimeter lighted Retro White Dial Black and Gray Graphics  Domed fog resistant lens  Two-piece Black pointers  Hand-polished Stainless Steel bezel Studded connection for ring terminals Red illuminated edge-lighting Technical Specifications: Operating Range  - 0 to 4000 RPM w/digital hourmeter 3.375" (85 mm) Mounting hole Operating Voltage - 12/24 V In the box: Gauge Mounting Hardware Installation Manual Factory P/N TDH272 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Cockpit Marine 52mm (2-1/16") LCD Hourmeter - Black Dial/Chrome Bezel VDO Cockpit Marine offers a comprehensive modular, modern series of instruments for engine monitoring. More functions and greater flexibility in installation and design increase the scope for high manufacturing standards and guarantee the highest level of reliability and readability.  As the result of ongoing research and development work, VDO Cockpit Marine gauges offer an innovative, comprehensive standard instrumentation platform. VDO Cockpit Marine gauges provides maximum freedom to customize the cockpit and is the natural choice for an attractive price and performance ratio. Features: Digital LCD Hourmeter Voltage - 12-32V Input Type - Analog Mounting Hardware Included Records up to 100,000 operating hours Standard .250” (6.3mm) spade connectors *Sold as an Individual  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.

Kronos 2" Hourmeter (10,000 Hrs) Polished Stainless Steel bezel, flat glass lens, perimeter lighted spun aluminum dial with Gold and Black graphics. Gold increments and Logo on dial are embossed.   Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to ground. The register increments increase when the key switch in on.  2" - Hole size: 2.0625" (53mm) Specifications: Flat Scratch Resistant Lens Polished Stainless Steel bezel LED Illuminating around the Perimeter of the Dial Factory P/N MH0144 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

Coral 2" Hourmeter - Digital Perimeter-lighted Black dial with stylish white and blue graphics, Black aluminum bezel with burnished leading edge, contoured White pointer, and flat glass lens. Hourmeter operates by applying battery voltage across the gauge's register motor to the ground.  The register increments increase when the key switch is on.  Route power through normally open Oil Pressure switches to count "engine running" hours.  2" - Hole Size: 2.0625" (53mm) Specifications: Scratch Resistant Lens Black Aluminum Bezel Contoured White Pointer Factory P/N MH0244 *Sold as an Individual **Gauge Cover not Included