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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/.
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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.
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1-1/2" Type A2 Fuel Fill Hose - Sold by the Foot
Trident 1-1/2" ID A2 fuel fill hose for gasoline (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends).
Features:
Sold by the foot
This hose is built with the best fuel, fire, and age-resistant formulation
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also, provides excellent bend-ability
Applications:
Marine Fuel Hose for fill and vent plus diesel distribution
Approved, for all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube & Cover: NBR / Neoprene
Reinforcement: High tenacity polyester 2 spiral, spring steel helix
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-20ºC to 100ºC)
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 1/2" / (mm) 38
Outer Diameter: (inch) 2 / (mm) 51
Wall: (inch) 0.25 / (mm) 6.4
Working Pressure: (psi) 60 / (mpa) 0.41
Bend Radius: (inch) 5.5" / (mm) 140
*The #327 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2; and is NMMA Type Accepted, CE certified, and Lloyds Registry Type Approved
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14.21 |
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2" Type A2 Fuel Fill Hose - Sold by the Foot
Trident 2" ID A2 fuel fill hose for gasoline (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends).
Features:
Sold by the foot
This hose is built with the best fuel, fire, and age-resistant formulation
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also, provides excellent bend-ability
Applications:
Marine Fuel Hose for fill and vent plus diesel distribution
Approved, for all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube & Cover: NBR / Neoprene
Reinforcement: High tenacity polyester 2 spiral, spring steel helix
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-20ºC to 100ºC)
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 2" / (mm) 50.8
Outer Diameter: (inch) 2.48 / (mm) 63.5
Wall: (inch) 0.25 / (mm) 6.4
Working Pressure: (psi) 50 / (mpa) 0.345
Bend Radius: (inch) 7.0" / (mm) 178
*The #327 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2; and is NMMA Type Accepted, CE certified, and Lloyds Registry Type Approved
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22.56 |
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1-1/2" x 50' Coil Type A2 Fuel Fill Hose
Trident 1-1/2" ID A2 fuel fill hose for gasoline (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends).
Features:
This hose is built with the best fuel, fire, and age-resistant formulation
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also, provides excellent bend-ability
Application:
Marine Fuel Hose for fill and vent plus diesel distribution
Approved, for all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube & Cover: NBR / Neoprene
Reinforcement: High tenacity polyester 2 spiral, spring steel helix
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-20ºC to 100ºC)
Length: 50 ft. (15.24 m) Coil
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 1/2" / (mm) 38
Outer Diameter: (inch) 2 / (mm) 51
Wall: (inch) 0.25 / (mm) 6.4
Working Pressure: (psi) 60 / (mpa) 0.41
Bend Radius: (inch) 5.5" / (mm) 140
*The #327 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2; and is NMMA Type Accepted, CE certified, and Lloyds Registry Type Approved
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507.43 |
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2" x 50' Coil Type A2 Fuel Fill Hose
Trident 2" ID A2 fuel fill hose for gasoline (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends).
Features:
This hose is built with the best fuel, fire, and age-resistant formulation
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also, provides excellent bend-ability
Application:
Marine Fuel Hose for fill and vent plus diesel distribution
Approved, for all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube & Cover: NBR / Neoprene
Reinforcement: High tenacity polyester 2 spiral, spring steel helix
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-20ºC to 100ºC)
Length: 50 ft. (15.24 m) Coil
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 2" / (mm) 50.8
Outer Diameter: (inch) 2.48 / (mm) 63.5
Wall: (inch) 0.25 / (mm) 6.4
Working Pressure: (psi) 50 / (mpa) 0.345
Bend Radius: (inch) 7.0" / (mm) 178
*The #327 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2; and is NMMA Type Accepted, CE certified, and Lloyds Registry Type Approved
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805.72 |
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5/8" Type A2 Fuel & Vent Line Hose - Black - Sold by the Foot
Trident 5/8” A2 Fuel Hose for gasoline vent hose (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends). This hose is built with the best fuel, fire and age resistant formulation.
Features:
Sold by the foot
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also provides excellent bend-ability
NMMA Type Accepted & CE certified
Applications:
Fuel Hose for vent and diesel distribution
For all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube: Nylon Internal Barrier, NBR
Cover: NBR/PVC Blend
Reinforcement: Polyester 2 spiral
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-28ºC to 100ºC)
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 5/8" / (mm) 15.9
Outer Diameter: (inch) 0.960 / (mm) 24.4
Burst Pressure: (psi) 200 / (mpa) 1.38
Working Pressure: (psi) 50 / (mpa) 0.34
Bend Radius: (inch) 3" / (mm) 76.2
Weight: (lb/100 ft.) 25.84 / (kg/m) 11.72
*The #317 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2
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5.62 |
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5/8" x 50' Boxed Type A2 Fuel & Vent Line Hose - Black
Trident 5/8” A2 Fuel Hose for gasoline vent hose (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends). This hose is built with the best fuel, fire and age resistant formulation.
Features:
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also provides excellent bend-ability
NMMA Type Accepted & CE certified
Application:
Fuel Hose for vent and diesel distribution
For all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube: Nylon Internal Barrier, NBR
Cover: NBR/PVC Blend
Reinforcement: Polyester 2 spiral
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-28ºC to 100ºC)
Length: 50 ft. (15 m) Boxed
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 5/8" / (mm) 15.9
Outer Diameter: (inch) 0.960 / (mm) 24.4
Burst Pressure: (psi) 200 / (mpa) 1.38
Working Pressure: (psi) 50 / (mpa) 0.34
Bend Radius: (inch) 3" / (mm) 76.2
Weight: (lb/100 ft.) 25.84 / (kg/m) 11.72
*The #317 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2
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160.07 |
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5/8” A2 Fuel & Vent Line Hose - Black - Sold by the Foot
Trident 5/8” ID A2 Fuel Hose is a gasoline vent hose (including ethanol blends) and diesel (including bio diesel blends).
Features:
Sold by the foot
This hose is built with the best fuel, fire, and age-resistant formulation
Provides extraordinary resistance to aging, fire, heat, cold, and the ozone
Also, provides excellent bend-ability
Application:
Marine Fuel Hose for vent and diesel distribution
For all marine fuels including gasoline, alcohol blends, diesel and bio-diesel
Construction:
Tube: NBR
Cover: NBR/PVC Blend
Reinforcement: Polyester 2 spiral
Temperature Range: -20°F to 212°F (-28ºC to 100ºC)
Length: Sold by the Foot
Specifications:
Inner Diameter: (inch) 0.625" / (mm) 15.9
Outer Diameter: (inch) 0.960" / (mm) 24.4
Burst Pressure: (psi) 200 / (mpa) 1.38
Working Pressure: (psi) 50 / (mpa) 0.34
Bend Radius: (inch) 3" / (mm) 76.2
Weight: (Lb./100ft.) 25.84 / (Kg/m) 11.72
*The #317 series exceeds ABYC H-24 & H-33, SAE J1527, ISO 7840, & USCG Type A2; and is NMMA Type Accepted & CE certified.
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5.22 |
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Fuel System Locking Cap f/ 1-1/2" Non-Vented Fills
(1324)
Black Plastic with Gasket
Built in Lock Cylinder
Size #0 Fits PERKO Fills 1313 & 1399
Cap Outside Thread Diameter: 1-15/32"
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31.62 |
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Fuel System Locking Cap f/ 1-1/2" Non-Vented Fills
(1324)
Black Plastic with Gasket
Built in Lock Cylinder
Size #1 Fits PERKO Fills 0520, 0527, 0528, 0557, 0599 and 1270
Cap Outside Thread Diameter: 1-7/8"
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34.79 |
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Pontoon Boat Cover Support System
Extend the life of your pontoon boat cover by preventing water from pocketing. This easily installed system includes two adjustable support poles (bright dip anodized-snap ends). Poles adjust from 27" to 50" maximum height. 60ft of 1" polypropylene webbing, quick release adjuster buckles and four injection molded hooks to secure to decking.
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83.10 |
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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.
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Outboard Fuel Line Issues
We could not start our outboard engine. WHAT'S WRONG??
Our outboard engine usually always starts on the first pull and it is not flooded.
Trying to pump fuel through the squeeze bulb was a waste of time as fuel would not fill the bulb. Take the line off the engine and put a screw driver in the end and sometimes it would pump fuel and sometimes it would not. So you have to figure it is an issue with the hose or the bulb. All fittings were factory tight and when the hose was submerged in water no air bubbles when squeezing the bulb. Let's just replace the hose. We got lucky and got the dinghy started. Off to the local chandlery we go, it was about a mile walk from the dock. We were towed back to the boat because again we could not get the outboard started.
This is our second fuel hose on a two year old engine. Anyway I removed the fittings without a lot of work and reinstalled them on the new hose with new clamps. The outboard is now starting on the first pull again.
About three weeks have gone by, we are now having starting issues again. Now what? I pull the spark plugs out and the engine is not flooded. That leaves a fuel issue again. I start playing with the fuel line again, it can not be this, I'm saying to myself. I pull off the engine side of the fuel line from the bulb and nothing seems wrong. Put that back together and take the tank end of the hose off the bulb. There's an issue, I can't blow through it.
So I pull off the tank fitting, there it is, about a ½” in you can see something blocking the hose. So I cut off about 3 inches of that end, I still could not blow through it. Cut off another 3 inches and found that same looking blockage twisted up in the hose. What is this junk, this $50.00 fuel hose is garbage. This time I have a new idea, can I pull this blockage out? I was able to get hold of enough of that stuff to pull it all out of the hose. It's a plastic liner and was twisted in several spots. I ran some fuel through the hose without the liner, now to get rid of the glue that was used to keep the liner in place and then the engine ran fine.
Hose three, that's what I said hose number three. This has to be a fluke so I bought another new hose and will change it out the next time I have an issue. Well later is here and guess what. The outer hose on this new replacement has shrunk some and the thin plastic liner is sticking out both ends of the new hose. That hose was almost $65.00 as we were again in another country.
I have since replaced the Outboard Fuel Hose with Automotive Fuel Hose and put a plastic wire loom over it to protect it from the UV rays. I'm just hoping the squeeze bulb I reused does not have a liner in it. So far so Good two months later, our outboard starts on the first pull.
Closeouts Rebates Remanufactured Specials
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Purchasing and owning a boat is a major investment. If you want to get the most from your investment, you must keep your boat in working order and in good condition.
Many new boat owners don’t know how to keep up with maintenance. Fortunately, it’s not impractical if you understand what boat maintenance entails and develop a system. Below, CLR Marine discusses some maintenance essentials to prolong your boat’s lifespan and avoid safety issues on the water!
Engines
No component is perhaps more critical than your boat’s engine. Engine failure is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous when you’re out on the water. That’s why it’s important to prepare and repair your engine while you’re on land and have access to the necessary parts.
There are many steps to checking and maintaining a boat engine, but here are a few of the most crucial ones
●Replace all engine filters and fluids each year.
●Inspect all hoses and clamps, replacing them as needed.
●Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage, and replace any components that are not in tiptop shape.
●Regularly evaluate the ventilation and exhaust systems.
●Regularly inspect the raw water pump, replacing the rubber impeller once a year.
●Closely evaluate hoses, cables, and any other engine components.
The easiest way to keep up with the responsibilities is to use PDF files to track, update, and share maintenance schedules and duties. Use this tool to add pages to a PDF and easily modify the document as needed.
Electrical Components
Your boat’s electrical system is also challenging to maintain when you’re already on the water. Avoid leaving the radio, light, or other electrical parts on for extended periods when the engine is running; otherwise, you could face a dead battery.
Inspecting the battery and cable connection for corrosion and other damage is also a good idea. Replace the battery, cables, breakers, switches, fuses, and any other parts that need it. Further, you’ll want to ensure all the lights are functioning and that you have quality jumper cables for emergencies.
Hull, Propeller, and Motor
It’s critical to check the hull, propeller, and motor to ensure they are in top condition. Fight the temptation to procrastinate on replacing any necessary components until next season. The last thing you want to do is forget and face problems on the water.
The propellers should be properly secured, straight, and undamaged. Ensure the hull doesn’t have any distortions, cracks, or blisters, and give it a good deep cleaning. While you’re at it, evaluate your anchor and its rode to confirm they are up to the task.
Safety Gear
The importance of having a good set of jumper cables for emergencies. Several other items are necessary to protect you and others on the water. Make sure you have the following safety equipment and that they’re in working order:
●Life jackets
●Fire extinguishers
●Carbon monoxide detector
●A basic first aid kit
●An emergency signal kit
Cosmetics
Finally, you want to ensure your boat looks the part. This means cleaning it regularly and winterizing it for the cold months. Also, Make sure you have the right to use the right supplies and tactics to keep your vinyl upholstery sparkling and free of mildew stains.
Don’t allow your investment to go to waste. Keeping up with boat maintenance is essential for keeping your boat safe, functioning, and attractive. Coming up with a schedule and a checklist can make the difference between enjoying a long-lasting boat and paying for expensive repairs.
Would you like to read more helpful content or browse our wide selection of marine supplies? Visit CLRMarine.com today!
Written By Kelli Brewer
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