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 

In what has to be the closest 11th hour scenario in the US recreational marine industry's history, President George W Bush signed the Clean Boating Act of 2008 into law. The president's signature prevents a "bureaucratic nightmare" for millions of US boaters as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It also represents a significant lobbying victory for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and other boater groups that campaigned for the passage of the bill through both houses of Congress, all the way to the White House.   "The recreational marine industry and boaters throughout the US can now rest easy and go boating without a federal or state permit, heavy penalties and absurd legal jeopardy," said Scott Gudes, NMMA vice president of Government Relations, in a statement. "We applaud President Bush and Congress for their bipartisan efforts to reverse the unintended and potentially devastating consequences of an overbroad federal court decision."   In 2006, a US federal judge mandated that recreational boaters be included in a sweeping decision to issue permits for discharges from vessels using US waters, overturning a longstanding policy by the EPA to exempt recreational boaters from the same rules for commercial vessels and sewage treatment plants under the Clean Water Act.   The NMMA appealed the decision in federal court, but knew they were fighting against time. The EPA was set to implement the new permitting regulations for millions of US boaters by October 1, 2008.   The Clean Boating Act passed Congress in record time, especially during an election year. At one point, less than a month ago, some NMMA insiders seemed to be pessimistic about it being passed before the presidential election in November. They also worried that a new set of potentially onerous regulations would give boaters another reason to leave the sport.   This is welcome news for all recreational marine manufacturers across the country," said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president, in the statement. "We are thrilled that Congress and the President have prevented the bureaucratic nightmare that was set to become law.   A number of other boaters' groups like Boat/US also joined in the effort to back the Clean Boating Act. The association prompted its members to contact their Members of Congress to lobby for its passage. Articles about the EPA permitting scheme also began to appear regularly in mainstream US newspapers.   The real success of this campaign rests on the shoulders of this country's millions of recreational boaters and anglers. Without their loud collective voice, we would not have reached this momentous event.   Passage of this legislation is a testament to what is possible when our community joins forces and speaks with one voice before key decision-makers

The new year is in full swing meaning the boat show season began the week of January 9th. The big three across the USA are the Annapolis, Chicago, and Miami boat shows, all touting the latest and greatest in gadgets, trends, and equipment. The shows draw water sports enthusiasts from fishing, kiteboarding, diving, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, surfing, wakeboarding, and more. Engines and engine technology, water safety, and equipment seminars are great learning experiences for any boater.   During the third week of January, Dusseldorf, Germany, hosts the world's largest boat and water sports show, with more than 250,000 visitors attending from 70 countries. The nine-day event showcases equipment and seminars from 2,000 exhibitors.   The International Boat Builders' Exhibition and Conference, IBEX, held in Tampa each October, is the largest marine equipment trade show in North America. This conference is not open to the public.   More knowledge about boating is the universal focus of all conferences and exhibitions, and safety and security are the front row focus now more than ever. Two of the hottest trends for boating, smart lighting and remote monitoring are at the core foundation of peace of mind when it comes to safety and security.   Smart Lighting   Most boaters already know about trendy lighting such as mood lighting, (because you are always in a mood). Underwater lighting (old school); and lit up drink holders, so you can always find your drink, have some new gadgetry as well.   For 2020, Smart Lighting is operated from a multi-function display, or better yet, your Smart Phone. You can choose the right color hue from a color pallet that creates hundreds of color combinations. You can program the on/off displays, so your boat is fully lit as you walk down the dock.  Keep a toggle light switch on board in the event that remote systems have a problem. Battery powered lanterns and flashlights should always be on board.   Remote Monitoring   Whether out at sea or sitting in your easy chair at home, boaters want to be connected. New cloud-based remote monitoring systems let you keep a watchful eye on your boat from a monitor at home or an app on your phone. How fantastic is it to check your boat battery levels from the comfort of your home, or see if the bilge pump is doing its job?   Setting up a boat security system in the form of a geofence and camera system would alert you if an unwanted visitor decides to take your boat for a ride. For skippers with added luxuries and amenities such as air-conditioning (my dad is rolling over in his grave on this one) or refrigeration, you can turn on both as you are driving to the harbor.   Soft Decking   The flooring with soft decking is a hot item this year for the added comfort of our feet, knees, and almost all body parts. Consider that while comfortable boating shoes should be the norm, lots of visitors to your boat will be barefoot, wearing flip-flops, sandals, or shoes never meant for a slippery deck. In my sailing experience, I had one woman show up in spiked high heels, and another brought her daughter along who was sporting an ankle plaster cast. Both were not invited back on board.   Good quality soft decking can add to the life of your boat, and help prevent added injury when there is a fall. Soft-touch foam is a more comfortable alternative to carpeting or nonskid material. It is softer on bare feet and still provides nonskid. The foam also stays cool and dries more quickly. Foammaker Non-Slip Boat Flooring Decking Pad and 6mm Thickness EVA Foam Faux Teak Marine Mat are just a few of the decking items causing a lot of buzz at the boat shows.   Whether you are setting sail for the first time, or you are an old salt who could circumnavigate while blindfolded, visit one of the many boat shows happening during the first quarter of 2020. Think about the added knowledge you'll gain for fun on the water, fair winds, and 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  

Several of our most recent blogs have been about emergencies while on board. This blog presents probably the most critical type of emergency and rescue in the form of airlift by a helicopter from your boat to shore. A helicopter is brought in when this is the only way to immediate safety and medical services.     Two events prompt evacuation by helicopter: Weather so severe that you will perish without removal, and a medical emergency where time is critical.   First, your VHF radio must be tuned to Channel 16 at high volume. When you make the emergency call for the helicopter, know your position. The helicopter pilot will give instructions as to what your course heading should be, and your speed. Clear your deck of any loose items that could blow into the water or create problems, such as coolers, soda cans, garbage cans, buckets, towels, jackets, etc. Lower all antennas, if possible. If you are on a sailboat, all sails should be lowered and secured.   The only passengers on deck should be the one rescued and those who can help. All others should be below.   Important things, every skipper should know. 1. The helicopter pilot sits in the starboard seat, and the retrieving cable is launched from the starboard side of the helicopter. 2. No spotlights or flares are launched or shined in the direction of the aircraft.   Your boat and the helicopter work better when both are aligned and underway on the same heading. If the boat engine is not working, then the vessel should still be set to the course indicated by the helicopter pilot.   Follow through with all instructions from the helicopter pilot before the helicopter is overhead. Once the aircraft is overhead, be prepared for extreme noise and windy conditions. At this point, the only signals from boat to helicopter will be hand signals because of the noise.   When an item is lowered from the helicopter – a static discharge cable is usally attached to the, stretcher, hook, or equipment – the spinning blades act like a generator and can generate thousands of volts of electricity into the cable. To avoid an electrical shock, let the static discharge cable touch down on the boat or in the water before touching it.    If the helicopter is lowering a person, the person may be lowered directly to the boat. Another way to lower a person or item to the vessel is with a high wire safely flown to the vessel's deck, and then the equipment will be lowered. Never secure a cable to the boat that is directly attached to the helicopter. If an ill or injured person is being secured into a gurney on deck, the helicopter will move away until the individual is ready to be hoisted up.   In extreme weather where the entire crew needs to be evacuated, know that the boat will be lost. There won't be anyone from the rescue squad that will be bringing the boat back to shore.   Rescue by helicopter is most likely a life and death situation. Remain calm. Listen to the directions of the emergency personnel. Review safety instructions with all visitors to your boat.   Fair winds. Smooth sailing.   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------   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   To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.  

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.