Universal Ladder Rack Tie-Down System - 2" Retractable Tie-Down - 1 Pair Ladder rack users can permanently mount the CargoBuckle Ladder Rack Tie-Down System to their truck racks. Valuable equipment is held securely with 7 feet of professional-quality 2′′ web and a strong double J-hook. The strap automatically retracts out of your way when not in use. The Ladder Rack Tie-Down System includes the CargoBuckle Retractable Ratcheting Tie-Down, the ladder rack universal mount adapter, and mounting hardware. Features: Complete ladder rack tie-down system for trucks with universal bracket for permanent mounting on square or round racks 7 feet of professional quality webbing and a strong double J-hook to secure your load Ideal for securing and towing a wide variety of gear — from powersports and automotive to hardware and building materials Systems are available to accommodate square racks and round ladder racks with the universal mount Universal mount for both Square or Round rack systems 2″ Break Strength – 2000 lbs. each 2″ Safe Working Load – 677 lbs. each Includes: Two retractable ratcheting tie-downs  Universal ladder rack adapter mount and mounting hardware Specifications: Weight: 5 kg Size: 2 in. Package Size: Includes two tie-downs

CYBER MONDAY SALE ON OUR EXTEND YOUR STEP LADDERS !!   USE COUPON CODE: 2018LastSale , when checking out. While supplies last.         Extend Your Step offers a convenient and easy solution to increase the length of your ladder without major modifications or an expensive total replacement. It's compatible with many stock boarding ladders and takes just minutes to install.   At 10” wide and 24” long, it provides plenty of extra reach and is made to fit many types of boarding ladders. Made from premium high-density polyethylene, it is far superior than any type of rope ladder in terms of durability, sturdiness and simple convenience. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Extend Your Step features wide compatibility: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1”, flat or round.  It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. There's plenty of room for both of your feet on one step. Perhaps you won't need that much space; you can easily adjust Extend Your Step down in size with a hacksaw and Philips screwdriver as needed.   Extend Your Step makes it much easier to get on and off your boat in a variety of circumstances. There's no need to risk injuring yourself or others by relying on the shorter stock ladder of your boat. Some of the uses for either of the boarding ladder extensions is a boat swim platform ladder, or pontoon boat ladder extension.   ALL NEW – Extend Your Step Three   You asked for it – a longer and non-moving version of Extend Your Step. That's exactly what you get with Extend Your Step Three. When attached to the second step of your boarding ladder, Extend Your Step Three won't swing, while providing you with a convenient ladder extension. This ladder extension is 10” wide and 41” long and fits ladders with up to 1.25” rungs. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Enjoy the same boarding ladder compatibility and durability as Extend Your Step along with 3 additional steps. If you don't mind if it swings, Extend Your Step 3 will provide you with 3 additional steps on your boarding ladder, making it easier than ever to get on and off your boat in any circumstance.   Extend Your Step 3 features: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1.25”, flat or round. It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1.25” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. It can even be used as a boarding ladder for your dinghy.       Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ON OUR EXTEND YOUR STEP LADDERS !!   USE COUPON CODE: 2018LastSale , when checking out. While supplies last.         Extend Your Step offers a convenient and easy solution to increase the length of your ladder without major modifications or an expensive total replacement. It's compatible with many stock boarding ladders and takes just minutes to install.   At 10” wide and 24” long, it provides plenty of extra reach and is made to fit many types of boarding ladders. Made from premium high-density polyethylene, it is far superior than any type of rope ladder in terms of durability, sturdiness and simple convenience. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Extend Your Step features wide compatibility: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1”, flat or round.  It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. There's plenty of room for both of your feet on one step. Perhaps you won't need that much space; you can easily adjust Extend Your Step down in size with a hacksaw and Philips screwdriver as needed.   Extend Your Step makes it much easier to get on and off your boat in a variety of circumstances. There's no need to risk injuring yourself or others by relying on the shorter stock ladder of your boat. Some of the uses for either of the boarding ladder extensions is a boat swim platform ladder, or pontoon boat ladder extension.   ALL NEW – Extend Your Step Three   You asked for it – a longer and non-moving version of Extend Your Step. That's exactly what you get with Extend Your Step Three. When attached to the second step of your boarding ladder, Extend Your Step Three won't swing, while providing you with a convenient ladder extension. This ladder extension is 10” wide and 41” long and fits ladders with up to 1.25” rungs. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Enjoy the same boarding ladder compatibility and durability as Extend Your Step along with 3 additional steps. If you don't mind if it swings, Extend Your Step 3 will provide you with 3 additional steps on your boarding ladder, making it easier than ever to get on and off your boat in any circumstance.   Extend Your Step 3 features: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1.25”, flat or round. It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1.25” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. It can even be used as a boarding ladder for your dinghy.       Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR EXTEND YOUR STEP WITH FREE SHIPPING.   Our extend your step would make a great Christmas or Birthday gift.   Orders must be placed by December 12, 2019 by 2pm Central Time.  Please visit out website for all the information on our ladders. https://www.clrmarine.com/Boat-Boarding-Ladder-Extension         Free Shipping on Extend Your Steps until 2pm Central time on Dec 12, 2019 use Coupon Code ShipItToME     Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

Question: When the "Extend Your Step" boarding ladder extension is in the water does it hang straight down or does it float horizontally outwards?

EXTEND YOUR STEP Is on Sale at CLR Marine now until Dec 31, 2013 Enter coupon code FBEYS2013 to save 10%.  This coupon code is good for the Extend Your Step and the Extend Your Step Three.

HUGE SALE ON OUR EXTEND YOUR STEP LADDERS !!   USE COUPON CODE: 2018LastSale , when checking out. While supplies last.         Extend Your Step offers a convenient and easy solution to increase the length of your ladder without major modifications or an expensive total replacement. It's compatible with many stock boarding ladders and takes just minutes to install.   At 10” wide and 24” long, it provides plenty of extra reach and is made to fit many types of boarding ladders. Made from premium high-density polyethylene, it is far superior than any type of rope ladder in terms of durability, sturdiness and simple convenience. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Extend Your Step features wide compatibility: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1”, flat or round.  It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. There's plenty of room for both of your feet on one step. Perhaps you won't need that much space; you can easily adjust Extend Your Step down in size with a hacksaw and Philips screwdriver as needed.   Extend Your Step makes it much easier to get on and off your boat in a variety of circumstances. There's no need to risk injuring yourself or others by relying on the shorter stock ladder of your boat. Some of the uses for either of the boarding ladder extensions is a boat swim platform ladder, or pontoon boat ladder extension.   ALL NEW – Extend Your Step Three   You asked for it – a longer and non-moving version of Extend Your Step. That's exactly what you get with Extend Your Step Three. When attached to the second step of your boarding ladder, Extend Your Step Three won't swing, while providing you with a convenient ladder extension. This ladder extension is 10” wide and 41” long and fits ladders with up to 1.25” rungs. The recommended weight limit should not exceed 230 pounds.   Enjoy the same boarding ladder compatibility and durability as Extend Your Step along with 3 additional steps. If you don't mind if it swings, Extend Your Step 3 will provide you with 3 additional steps on your boarding ladder, making it easier than ever to get on and off your boat in any circumstance.   Extend Your Step 3 features: It can fit any type of tubular boarding ladder and flat steps up to 1.25”, flat or round. It fits most boarding ladders with a rung size up to 1.25” made by Garelick, AFI, Windline, Seachoice, and it also fits all round rung ladders. It can even be used as a boarding ladder for your dinghy.       Specials    Closeouts   Remanufactured    Rebates

By now, the skipper in your life has probably dropped a few hints about holiday gifts. Was it the note left on the coffee pot about Articulated ABS Barrel Hinge foldable Aluminum Tubing? At first glance, one would have thought that the message was a reminder about being out of coffee filters. Then it comes back to you that there was a conversation in the car about GemLock Assembled Folding Struts.    Foldable aluminum tubing is one of the hottest trends in stainless steel hardware for marine canvas and solar panel frames. The tubing offers versatility in styling, high quality, and ease of use. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/manufacturers/g/gemini-marine.html   Back to your captain's holiday gift list. Was there a subtle hint, while you both were swimming off the boat, and your skipper showed concern that the transom ladder seemed a little short by a few steps? She would find getting out of the lake sooooo much easier if she didn't have to reach her foot up so far to the lowest step. She had also mentioned a discussion with other boat captains about the Extend Your Step, an easy-to-use boat boarding ladder extension. Several of her sailing buddies already have them and raved about the ease and portability. .   All of the products mentioned above are available at CLR Marine.com. How confident are the folks at CLR Marine about the Extend Your Step regarding ease in boarding and extending the ladder length? This product reflects the confidence and integrity of CLR Marine's owner, Chuck Reed. He invented the Extend Your Step! When shopping for the extending ladder, be sure to check out the Extend Your Step Three – a longer and non-moving version of the Extend Your Step! https://www.clrmarine.com/Boat-Boarding-Ladder-Extension   It's possibly time for your captain to give the best seat in the house – on your boat- an upgrade. There is no better place to watch the glint of the sun on the waves than in a stern perch seat. Stern rail seats are now available for older model boats, even pre-1993, and the seats are removable. https://www.clrmarine.com/sternperch-seats.html     Stocking Stuffers   Floatable key rings. If you are old enough to have keys, then you are old enough to lose keys. House keys, boat keys, car keys – when these fall into the drink and aren't retrievable, your boat outing takes a turn for the worse. Car key fobs are expensive to replace. Neon colored strong straps or carabiner clips offer added security against key loss. DryCASE Smartphone Case   The DryCASE waterproof cell phone case keeps your electronics protected, whether surfing, paddle boarding, or canoeing. The DryCASE uses vacuum seal technology to ensure a watertight seal every time. Best of all, you'll still be able to use your touch screen to text or make calls, and the crystal clear covering makes taking pictures a cinch. When you purchase the DryCASE you will also receive a small hand pump, neoprene armband, and a lanyard  $36.92. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/45443—drycase-smartphone-case.html   RAM Mount AQUA BOX Medium RAM AQUA BOX® cases provide sealed enclosure and protection for your handheld devices. The clear, touch through screen allows you to view your electronics and use their function keys while in place. There is even a place for a small lock to serve as a theft deterrent. The AMPS hole pattern on the back of the box allows this enclosure to be attached to many RAM mounting bases and kits. Ideally suited to Motorcycles and ATV's, the AQUA BOX keeps your portable devices safe, dry, and accessible $36.49.   Scotty 130 Paddle Safety Leash   Paddles, rods, nets, gaffs, and many other items can be secured while in use with the Scotty Safety Leash. Features include two extra strong Scotty 1009 swivel snaps; super-strong Flex Coil cord allows for maximum unrestricted movement and stretches to approx. 6'. Unit Includes two figure eight securing straps $11.99. https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/37811--scotty-130-paddle-safety-leash-black.html Gifts under $30.00   Don't forget about covers for your water toys. The Dallas Manufacturing Co – Pedal Boat Cover will keep your pedal boat dry, dirt free, and protected from the sun when not in use. Features include 150 Denier Silver Polyester, fits both 3 and 5 Person Pedal Boats and is backed by a one year warranty $13.19.  https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/36879—dallas-manufacturing-co-pedal-boat-polyester-cover.html   Mustang Lil' Legends 70 Youth Vest -  Fluorescent Yellow-Green/Gray   Have guests arrived on your boat with a small young family member who needs a life vest? The Mustang Lil's Legends is a quality youth vest, and it never hurts to have a spare on board. It fits a child 50-90 pounds  $21.59.  https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/49897—mustang-lil-legends-70-youth-vest-50-90lbs-fluorescent-yellow-green-gray.html     Be good—Santa's watching. Stay healthy. 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     

The weeks before Christmas are fleeting by and shopping for gifts can be a frantic time.  Let's be clear. Gifts for your skipper don't have to be for Christmas or Hanukkah. During these winter months, it is prime buying time for boat products, so you can take advantage of Black Friday sales, and to peruse boating catalogs while you are sitting by a warm fire. Gift Ideas Give it some thought. Maybe it is a gift for the captain, but also something that will make your own life better on the high seas. Does it ever annoy you that swim ladders seem about two rungs too short? Take a look at the CLR Marine Extend Your Step Ladder. It adds several rungs to your existing swim ladder, and hangs on the bottom most rung. It lengthens your ladder by several additional rungs. Extend Your Step stays right on your boarding ladder, so you never need to store it.     While you are sailing, at some point you have to drop anchor, or tie up to a dock. It may be raining, so what better way to sit out a storm, or catch up with your favorite football game, than a Jensen 19" 12 volt television.      No guilt allowed about  closing the hatches or watching some late night television while you are anchored. The 19" LED DC TV packs a punch with an integrated HDTV tuner and JCOM, allowing it to communicate with your Jensen HDMI-equipped stereos.    Maybe it's time to treat yourself to some updated foul weather gear. Onyx 7501 Flotation Jackets and First Watch H20 Flac jackets are popular  this season.The Onyx 7501provides better hypothermia protection than a traditional, vest style life jacket in colder water conditions. The First Watch H20 Flack jacket is engineered for warmth, breathability and rugged performance.     While most fishermen prefer to pick out their own rod and reel, a great gift to compliment the pole is an organizational bucket for lures, tools and line. Wild River Rigger 5 Gallon Bucket has many compartments to keep a fisherman organized while casting.     It doesn’t matter who cooks the grub for the crew, but it makes lots of sense to keep the cook happy. Why not outfit the galley with new cookware, or an updated stern grill. Everything a galley cook needs is in the full set of Magma Nesting 10-Piece Induction Compatible Cookware with its Magma Red Exterior & Slate Black Ceramica Non-Stick Interior. All ten pieces are easy to store. A Magma Chef’s Mate gas grill is easy to install, is transportable, and folds away for easy storage. It excels with equal heat distribution. Making the skipper happy with some new tools and gear is fodder for a great sailing season.   Enjoy the holidays.   Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing. All items listed above are available at 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.   ©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.

Dealer Special Purchase 3 two step and 3 three step EXTEND YOUR STEP Ladder Extensions There are (3) 3 steps individually packed and (3) 2 step individually packed in one shipment.   How to put the Extend Your Step together   How to use the Extend Your Step   Exclusively made for and sold by CLR Marine made in Springfield, Missouri

Quick-Release Transom Tie-Down Straps 2" x 4' Pair When properly secured to transom eyes and trailer, transom straps reduce vertical and lateral movement to safely secure the boat to the trailer. They also reduce the bouncing of the boat on the trailer pads or rollers. Two inches wide for larger tailorable boats. Specifications: 2 inches wide 4 ft. long Webbing:  Strong webbing  Resists rot, oils, gasoline, and most chemicals Buckle:  Quick-Release (Over-Center) buckle  Strong and secure, yet easy to use  Quick tightening  Cinch tight and secure by depressing buckle handle Release by lifting the buckle handle Hook:  Vinyl-Coated S-Hook to prevent scratching boat or trailer finish  Corrosion resistant  Heavy-gauge Special Features:  Protective pad behind the buckle to prevent marring and scratches on gel coat and painted surfaces Hook-N-Loop closure secures the buckle handle in the locked position

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.  

     'EXTEND YOUR STEP' Your Boarding Ladder Extension Chicago & Miami Boat Show Special now until 02-28-2014 Use Coupon Code EYS2014 for any Extend Your Step  Also Available the Extend Your Step Three.   Never a need to find a storage place, the Extend Your Step stays on your boarding ladder.   The Extend Your Step will never yellow and cleans up with soap and water when needed.

Sailboat Boarding Ladder Extensions On SALE!!!     Get your coupon here for 10% OFF our Sailboat Boarding ladders.  They are the best and safest way to re-board your boat after going out for a nice dip in the ocean!     They are made from a highly durable high-density UV-stabilized polyethylene.  And made right here in the USA!!! ??   Don't forget our rewards program.  For every $100 you spend you get $5 towards future purchases!!!

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