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.  

Round Voltage Meter 5V-15VDC with Rainbow Dial This digital dual-round volt meter displays voltage for the main and auxiliary batteries simultaneously. With the same compact size as a standard 12V receptacle socket, this volt meter supports many installation options.  Features: Constructed of injection-molded nylon Red LED display IP65 rating Specifications: Input: 10-48VDC. Diameter: 1-7/16 in. Length: 1-3/8 in. Height: 1-1/8 in. Volts: 10-48 Weight: 0.04 lb.

Dual Volt Meter Rock Switch 10V-48VDC This digital dual-voltage meter monitors and displays the voltage for the main and auxiliary batteries simultaneously. Rocker switch styling means this voltmeter fits any standard 13/16 in. x 1-7/16 in. rocker switch panel slot. Constructed of injection-molded nylon. Red LED display. Input 10-48VDC. IP65 rating. Features: Rocker switch styling means this voltmeter fits any standard 13/16 in. x 1-7/16 in. rocker switch panel slot Constructed of injection-molded nylon Red LED display Input 10-48VDC IP65 rating Specifications: Width: 13/16 in. Height: 1-7/16 in. Volts: 10-48 Weight: 0.04

Round Voltage Meter - 6V-30V Compact size allows for installation in a variety of locations - the same round size as a standard 12V receptacle. For interior or fully protected locations only.  Specifications: Type: Round Digital Voltage Meter 4V-30V DC 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.

Round Voltage Meter DC - 5V-15V with Rainbow Dial The rainbow dial digital voltmeter gives the user quick visual color-coded voltage information. Red/yellow for low voltage. Green for normal voltage. The compact round size allows for installation in a wide variety of locations. For use with 12V systems. IP65 rating. Injection molded nylon. 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.

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.

Round Rainbow Voltmeter with USB & USB-C Power Socket Rainbow Volt Meter with USB 3.0 & USB-C Power Socket charges two devices simultaneously while the rainbow dial displays voltage status. The total output 6A load is split 3A per side as needed. USB 3.0 features Quick Charging (QC) for supported devices, giving enough power to charge phones, pads, and tablets quickly and efficiently. USB-C features Power Delivery (PD) for faster and more flexible charging. A protective dust cap extends the life of the charger. The rainbow display gives the user quick, visual, color-coded voltage information.  Includes an On/Off button to conserve battery power when not needed.  Features:  Red/orange means the voltage is too low  Green means voltage is normal  Rainbow volt meter reads voltage up to 14.6 volts Constructed of injection molded nylon  Installation is as easy as drilling a 1-1/8” hole, inserting the socket body, tightening the locking nut, and connecting the wires  Also, fits Sea-Dog® Power Socket Shell (426100) and Mounting Bracket (426105)  RoHS compliant & IP65 rating Specifications: Output DC: 5V/6A Input: 8-32VDC USB-C Watts: 60W@24V  USB Watts: 36W@12V Plug-In Side Diameter: (inch) 1-7/16" Length: (inch) 1-1/2" *Sold as an Individual

Round USB & USB-C Power Socket with Hidden Voltmeter USB 3.0 & USB-C Power Socket with Voltmeter charges two devices simultaneously while the LED screen displays voltage status. The total output 6A load is split 3A per side as needed. USB 3.0 features Quick Charging (QC) for supported devices, giving enough power to charge phones, pads, and tablets quickly and efficiently. USB-C features Power Delivery (PD) for faster and more flexible charging. A protective dust cap extends the life of the charger.  Features:  LED volt meter reads voltage up to 14.6 volts  Includes an On/Off button to conserve battery power when not in use  Constructed of injection molded nylon  Installation is as easy as drilling a 1-1/8" hole, inserting the socket body, tightening the locking nut, and connecting the wires  Also, fits Sea-Dog® Power Socket Shell (426100) and Mounting Bracket (426105) Blue LED display  IP65 rating & RoHS compliant. Specifications: Output DC: 5V/6A Input: 8-32VDC USB-C Watts: 60W@24V  USB Watts: 36W@12V Plug-In Side Diameter: (inch) 1-7/16" Length: (inch) 1-1/2" *Sold as an Individual

Round USB & USB-C Power Plug with Voltmeter USB 3.0 & USB-C Power Plug with Volt Meter charges two devices simultaneously while the LED screen displays voltage status. Can be used on a boat, car, or RV. The total output 6A load is split 3A per side as needed. USB 3.0 features Quick Charging (QC) for supported devices, giving enough power to charge phones, pads, and tablets quickly and efficiently. USB-C features Power Delivery (PD) for faster and more flexible charging.  Features:  This portable version fits all Sea-Dog® Power Sockets and any standard 12V receptacle Constructed of aluminum and injection molded nylon Blue LED display FCC, CE, RoHS compliant Specifications: Output DC: 5V/6A  Input: 8-32VDC  USB-C Watts: 60W@24V  USB 3.0 Watts: 36W@12V Plug-In Side Diameter: (inch) 1-1/4" Length: (inch) 2-1/2" *Sold as an Individual

Insta-Trim Boat Leveler 12 Volt Solenoid Valve with White Wire. They are custom designed for Insta-Trim Boat Leveler Co., epoxy sealed and humidity resistant, thereby preventing shorting out. The solenoids lock the tabs in any position, eliminating driftback. Barb type hose fittings provide tight, secure connections.

Insta-Trim Boat Leveler 12 Volt Solenoid Valve with Green Wire. They are custom designed for Insta-Trim Boat Leveler Co., epoxy sealed and humidity resistant, thereby preventing shorting out. The solenoids lock the tabs in any position, eliminating driftback. Barb type hose fittings provide tight, secure connections.

Ultra Safety Systems Ultimate SR 24/32 Volt Bilge Switch ULTRA PUMPSWITCH SR Automatic Bilge pump operation (1 1/4" differential) with isolated high water alarm switch (at 3"), built-in. 24/32V at 10 Amps U.L.(30 Amps relay). Alarm circuit is Normally Open or Normally Closed contacts (current limited to 100 mA max).  Lifetime warranty.

Boat Gages We have gages from suppliers like Faria, VDO and Veratron.  We also carry Pitot Kits, senders ans sensors to hook the gages up.   Tach Gages, Speed Gages, RPM Gages, Trim Gages, Volt Gages, Oil Pressure Gage, Temp Gage

Summer, swimming and boating are all synonymous with having a good time on the water. Whether you are on a boat or on a dock, when the heat of the sun kicks into high gear, your first impulse is to head for the water.   Swimming off a boat or dock can be refreshing, but safety has to be the first consideration. Unfortunately, it is the swimming accidents and statistics about these accidents that stick in our minds.   What to do if you see Electric Shock Drowning   According to ESFI, The Electrical Safety Foundation International, a premier non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, the following should regarding potential Electric Shock Drowning:     Do not enter the water.     • Turn off the source of power     • Call 911     • Use an insulated device (such as fiberglass rescue crook) to attempt to remove the victim from the water     If a swimmer is experiencing difficulty, such as paralysis, don't let anyone jump in the water! Get the dock power turned off immediately. Most docks have an emergency shut off switch. Contact your dockmaster for its location, or about getting one installed. Anyone using the dock should know where the emergency switch is located.   To assist the swimmer who has been shocked, get a nonmetal device. Stay away from the dock's metal swim ladders.     Electricity can seep into the water from a boat, hot tub, pool or marina. Swimmers can also experience electric shock when reaching for a metal ladder (mentioned above) that has been in the water with electrical current.   The Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating people on the risks of electric shock drowning, has recorded 84 cases in the U.S. since 1986. It may seem like a low number of fatalities, but if it is someone you love who dies, one death is too many.   The best way to avoid electric shock is to install ground fault devices on power sources at the breaker. A ground fault device protects the entire power source from its start and prevents the current from following any unintended paths during a ground fault (contact between an energized conductor and the ground).   Swimming off the dock in a marina.             Please don't do it. It is a dangerous adventure that can quickly turn fatal. Electric Shock Drowning (ESD), will most likely be fatal. It happens when 120-volt AC (alternating current) from nearby boats, or docks electrocutes or incapacitates swimmers in freshwater. As swimmers enter the water the electricity  paralyzes their muscles, causing the person to drown.     Swimming off a boat                               Electric Shock Drowning happens in freshwater and many times involves a swimmer making contact with a metal ladder that is electrically charged. If a swimmer is attempting to board your boat and feels any tingling or paralysis:     • don't jump in the water     • turn off all power on the boat     • Call 911, the marine police, coast guard, or coastguard auxiliary to get help underway.      • Use wooden oars or some nonmetal objects to rescue the swimmer.   More safety features when swimming off a boat       • With swimmers in the water, one adult who knows how to operate the boat should be on board at all times.    • All engines should be off before swimmers enter the water    • A flotation device attached to a tow rope or line secured to the boat should be in the water for a swimmer to grab if needed.        Keeping your boat safe   Talk to marina owners or operators about the danger of ESD. Ask your marina operator to prohibit swimming at their facility and post signs. Ask marina operators if they are aware of and following the guidelines from NFPA 303 (Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards) and National Electric Code (NEC) 555. Never use household extension cords on your boat. Shore power cords meeting UL standards are required. Your boat can be tested and inspected for electricity leaks by a qualified electrician trained to ABYC standards. Whether in freshwater or saltwater, never dive on your boat for repairs while connected to shore power. ESD How does it happen              ESD is caused by alternating current (AC) flowing through fresh water encountering a human body. The current tries to pass through the body and causes skeletal muscular paralysis, which ultimately results in a drowning. The above picture shows you how the current flows.     There are many devices that can be installed in the water near your boat, dock or pool to detect electrical leaks that could lead to electric shock. One example is. It is used for boats, pools, and marinas. The ShockAlarm is easy to test and continually monitors while in the water. One user said it had detected electricity in the water on several occasions before swimmers were about to enter. Users suggest that this alarm is in the water at all times when swimmers are present.   Swimming during the summer or anytime should be enjoyable, refreshing, and safe. Have a great summer on the water.   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, 2020  

  Kestrel Fire Weather Kestrel is proud to introduce the 2016 Fire Line which includes models such as: Kestrel DROP D3FW Fire Weather Monitor, Kestrel 3500FW Fire Weather Meter, Kestrel 5500FW Fire Weather Meter Pro and the Kestrel 5400FW Fire Weather Meter Pro WBGT with LiNK Compass and Vane Mount.     Specials   Closeouts    Remanufactured    Rebates