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.

Rope Boat Tow Harness - Blue The Rope Boat Tow Harness allows you to tow behind outboards and inboard/outboards.  It's durable carabiners are great for quick and easy attaching in combination with the heavy duty nylon rope. Features: Tow behind Outboards and I/ O's Durable carabiners for quick and easy attaching Heavy duty nylon rope *Sold as an Individual 

Nylon Webbing Boat Tow Harness - Red The Webbing Boat Tow Harness allows you to tow behind outboards and inboard/outboards.  It's durable carabiners are great for quick and easy attaching in combination with the heavy duty nylon webbing. Features: Tow behind Outboards and I/ O's Durable carabiners for quick and easy attaching Heavy duty nylon webbing *Sold as an Individual 

Chesapeake White SS 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 6000 RPM (Gas) (Inboard) Perimeter-lighted White dial with stylish Blue and White graphics, polished stainless steel bezel, contoured White pointer and domed glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Perimeter lighted back light 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Technical Specifications: 7 character LCD display 0-999999.9 Hours Updates in .1 increments Factory P/N TC9128 *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 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 7000 RPM (Gas) (Outboard) Perimeter-lighted White dial with stylish Blue and White graphics, polished stainless steel bezel, contoured White pointer and domed glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Plastic Cases for corrosion resistance and long life 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Technical Specifications: 7 character LCD display 0-999999.9 Hours Updates in .1 increments Factory P/N TCH008 *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 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 6000 RPM (Gas) (Inboard) Perimeter-lighted White dial with bold Black graphics, White aluminum bezel, contoured Black pointer and flat glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Scale - 0 to 10000 Hours Factory P/N TC9124 *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 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 7000 RPM (Gas) (Outboard) Perimeter-lighted White dial with bold Black graphics, White aluminum bezel, contoured Black pointer and flat glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Scale - 0 to 10000 Hours Factory P/N TCH013 *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 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 6,000 RPM (Gas - Inboard) Perimeter-lighted Black dial with bold White graphics, Black aluminum bezel, contoured White pointer and flat glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Plastic Cases for corrosion resistance and long life Perimeter-lighted Black dial Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Technical Specifications: 7 character LCD display 0-999999.9 Hours Updates in .1 increments Factory P/N TC9122 *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 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 7,000 RPM (Gas - Outboard) Perimeter-lighted Black dial with bold White graphics, Black aluminum bezel, contoured White pointer and flat glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ingition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed above. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Plastic Cases for corrosion resistance and long life Perimeter-lighted Black dial Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Technical Specifications: 7 character LCD display 0-999999.9 Hours Updates in .1 increments Factory P/N TCH015 *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.

Kronos 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 7,000 RPM (Gas - Outboard) 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.  All instruments include two piece Newport pointer with White hub.  Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed above. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: 7 character LCD display 0-999999.9 Hours Flat Scratch Resistant Lens Polished Stainless Steel bezel LED Illuminating around the Perimeter of the Dial Newport style White Pointer Factory P/N TCH305 *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 4" Tachometer with Hourmeter (4000 RPM) (Diesel) (Mech Takeoff & Var Ratio Alt) Perimeter-lighted Black dial with bold White graphics, Black aluminum bezel, contoured White pointer and flat glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ingition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed above. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Plastic Cases for corrosion resistance and long life Perimeter-lighted Black dial Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Technical Specifications: For alternator and variable ratio mechanical take off (MTO) diesel only Range - 3 to 30 pulses per rev 7 character LCD display 0-999999.9 Hours Updates in .1 increments Factory P/N TC9102 *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  4" Tachometer with Hourmeter - 6000 RPM (Gas)  (Inboard) Perimeter-lighted Black dial with stylish Blue and White graphics, polished stainless steel bezel, contoured White pointer and domed glass lens. Electronic tachometers work by counting pulses generated by the ignition system, alternator, tach signal generator or magnetic pickup sender. The tach is hooked up to +12VDC, Ground and one of the signal sources listed. By selecting the right tach and setting the switch on the back to the correct position you let the tachometer know how many pulses are sent per each engine revolution. 4" - Hole size: 3.375" (85mm) Specifications: Anti-scratch glass lens Perimeter lighted back light 12 VDC negative ground Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems Scale - 0 to 10000 Hours Factory P/N TC9127 *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.