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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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Universal Fuel/Water Separator Kit with Bracket
Keep your engine running at peak efficiency by filtering out any water that may get into the fuel system. 10-micron filtering capability and fits all 2 and 4-cycle engines.
Features:
10 Micron Filter and bracket included
Outfitted with 2 brass plugs for secure connections and universal 3/8 inch (.85cm) ports
Double seal for enhanced performance
Replaces Mercury 35-60494A4
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Yamaha Fuel Line Kit 6' x 3/8"
Attwood's low-permeation fuel line kits set the standard in performance, safety, and value. Along with featuring Attwood's award-winning Universal Sprayless Connector, these kits meet strict United States EPA regulations. Attwood Corporation has been an award-winning leader in engineering, testing, and manufacturing the highest quality marine products for over 100 years. We deliver safe and reliable lighting, fuel systems, water systems, seating & pedestals, swim ladders, custom upholstery, and general marine accessories that are easy to install and meet regulatory compliance.
Features:
Includes Attwood's award-winning Universal Sprayless Connector; no more dangerous fuel sprays when connecting and disconnecting pressurized lines
Multi-layer low-permeation primer bulb with 60% more fuel output compared to competitors
Includes 3/8-inch low-permeation fuel hose that resists kinking and hardening; rated up to 100 degrees Centigrade
Versatile: compatible with Ethanol blended fuels, Yamaha Brand engines and tanks
Attwood products are both compatible and reliable, engineered and built with a never-fail attitude
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.
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Fuel/Water Separator
Keep your engine running at peak efficiency by filtering out any water that may get into the fuel system. 10-micron filtering capability.
Features:
Double seal for enhanced performance
Replacement for: Mercury 35-60494-1, Aqua Power 6031, GLM 24940, Sierra 18-78250, SMI 15494, Valmar 52113, Marpac 7-0872
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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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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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Euro Black 4" Multifunction Gauge - Volt/Fuel/Oil/Water Temperature
Perimeter-lighted Black dial with bold White graphics, Black aluminum bezel, contoured White pointer and flat glass lens.
Multi-Function Gauge Displays:
Fuel (E to F)
Volts (10 to 18 AMPS)
Oil Pressure (0 to 80 PSI)
Water Temp. (120 to 220° F)
4" Gauge - Hole size: 3.4" (86.36 mm)
Features:
Anti-scratch glass lens
Plastic Cases for corrosion resistance and long life
Perimeter-lighted Black dial
Can be adapted for 24 VDC systems
Factory P/N GF0001
*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.
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Spun Silver Box Set of 6 Gauges f/ Inboard Engines - Speed, Tach, Voltmeter, Fuel Level, Water Temperature & Oil
Packaged and ready for the display counter. This 6 gauge boxed set offers a complete set of gauges ready to install.
Boxed Set Includes:
Tachometer (0 to 6000 RPM)
Speedometer (0 to 55 MPH)
Fuel Level (E to F)
Voltmeter (10 to 16 AMPS)
Water Temperature (100 to 250° F)
Oil Pressure (0 to 30 PSI)
Factory P/N KTF0184
*Sold as a Box Set
**Gauge Covers not Included
This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.
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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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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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As part of its efforts to create more environmentally-responsible products, Yanmar Marine USA Corp has endorsed the use of B5 biodiesel in its diesel engines. The eco-friendly diesel alternative has been approved for use across Yanmar's recreational marine line.
Compared to standard diesel fuel, B5 biodiesel can help reduce greenhouse gases and particulate matter, also known as soot, according to the engine maker. Producing less pollution, the blended fuel is 95 percent standard diesel with a maximum of 5 percent biodiesel. This B5 base conforms to stringent specifications outlined in ASTM D6751 or ISO EN14214.
Yanmar Marine offers a variety of pleasure boating engines approved for B5 biodiesel use. For the 9.1- to 125-hp range, the 1GM10, 2YM15, 3YM20, 3YM30, 3JH4E, 4JH3-HTE, 4JH3-DTE, 4JH4E, 4JH4-TE and 4JH4AE all accept the greener fuel.
B5 biodiesel-compliant engines from 150- to 260-hp include the 4LHA-HTP, 4LH-HTZP, 4LHA-DTP, 4LHA-DTZP, 4LHA-STP, 4LH-STZP, 4BY150, 4BY150Z, 4BY180, 4BY180Z, 6BY220, 6BY220Z, 6BY260 and 6BY260Z.
For boaters who require more powerful 260- to 500-hp engines, the 6LPA-DTP, 6LPA-DTZP, 6LPA-STP, 6LPA-STP2, 6LPA-STZP, 6LPA-STZP2, 6LYA-STP, 6LY2A-STP, 6LY3-ETP, 6LY3-STP, 6LY3-UTP and 6CXM-STP are also compliant. In the 720- to 900-hp range, the 6SY-STP, 6SY-STP2, 6SY655 and 8SY-STP can all operate on B5 biodiesel.
With any biodiesel blend, there's a chance it may adversely affect certain metal, rubber and plastic engine fuel system components that aren't compatible with the eco-friendly alternative, according to Yanmar. The fuel can also produce higher moisture content, cold temperature flow and possible damage to painted surfaces.
Yanmar says consumers and boatbuilders should verify they are using biodiesel-compatible parts for all fuel supply and return systems, as failure caused by using non-compatible materials would void the engine warranty.
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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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Towing & Trailering
Trailering can add new dimensions to the sense of freedom that comes with boating, and that's one of the reasons it's so popular. With a trailerable boat, you're free to boat on just about any lake, river, bay or inlet. Trailering is great way to explore different waterways in your state or region it's also the most affordable way to store your boat. The tips below can help you learn all about towing and boat trailer maintenance.
Look for Certified Trailers NMMA Trailer Logo. Highly trained third-party inspectors visit the manufacturer each year and physically inspect boat trailer models, ensuring compliance to all certification requirements.
Trailering your boat can add new dimensions to the freedom that comes with boating. If you've never trailered a boat, there are several things you need to consider. First, determine the towing capacity of your car, truck or SUV. You can find this information in the owner's manual of your vehicle. Usually compact family sedans are not suitable for towing more than a small, aluminum fishing boat or PWC with a properly mounted hitch and lighting plug . Most standard pick-up trucks and SUVs can trailer boats up to 25 feet, but always consult your vehicle owner's manual for limitations.
The owner's manual of your boat will list the "dry” weight of the boat, less fuel and gear. When you're assessing your vehicle's towing capacity, be sure to add several hundred pounds to the dry weight to account for gear, gas and accessories.
As the weight, length and beam (width) of a given boat increase, so does the muscle power needed to launch and retrieve it. A small boat may be easy for one person to handle at the ramp, but larger boats (generally those more than 25 feet) may require additional hands. Don't be afraid to ask for help at the ramp if you need it, trailer boaters are always happy to help.
STOP Invasive Species
By following these guidelines:
Never release live or dead bait or bait packaging into a water body, or release aquatic animals from one water body into another.
Share live bait with other anglers or empty your bait bucket in the trash before leaving the area.
Don't drive the boat through aquatic plants; avoid chopping vegetation with outboard motor propeller
Once on dry land, drain water out of every conceivable place that can hold water: Follow factory guidelines for eliminating water from engines. All engines hold water, but jet drives on personal watercraft and other boats can hold extra water.
Remove the stern drain plug and put boat on an incline so that all the water drains out.
Drain livewells, bilge and transom wells.
Empty water out of kayaks, canoes, rafts, etc.
Remove any visible plant, fish, and animal or fragment as well as mud, which can house them. Check trailer, in and around the boat itself, the anchor, props or steering nozzle (PWCs and jet boats), lines, fenders, paddles
Rinse your boat, trailer, and equipment. Clean and dry anything that came in contact with the water. It is best to use high-pressure, hot (104°F) water or a solution of one percent table salt and water. A garden hose will work if no other option is available.
Air-dry your boat and equipment for as long as possible—at least five days is optimal.
Specials Closeouts Remanufactured Rebates
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Walbro FRB-13-2 Fuel Pump 6-8 Psi 12V
Pressure: 6.0 - 8.0 psi
Service Life: 18,000+ hr
Magnetic Trap: Yes
Minimum Flow Rate: 43 gph
Dry Lift: 48"
Current Draw: 2.3 Amp
Inlet/Outlet: 1/4-18 NPSF
Fuse: 5A
Inlet Filter Screen: 70 Micron
Weight: 1.83 lb
Voltage: 12V DC
Outlet Check Valve: None
The FRB is an advanced electric fuel pump with internal circuitry allowing it to operate at a variable frequency.
When turned on, it will cycle as long as there is a demand for fuel, but when fuel demand decreases, the pump slows down as it builds pressure in the fuel delivery line - until the pump's rated maximum pressure is reached, and the pump stops.
These FRB pumps are especially suitable for applications where battery life, low noise, and best durability are important.
Not recommended for applications such as heater or stove systems as output pressures are too high.
For heater and stove fuel pumps, use the lower pressure Walbro FRD Series. See Related Products, below.
The FRB is designed to serve as a primary pump (replacing a mechanical fuel pump) or as an auxilliary fuel pump (assisting the existing pump) for internal combustion engines.
A common application is supplying fuel to the those diesel refrigeration units mounted high on tractor-trailer trucks.
These pumps incorporate a new piston mechanism which, unlike rubber diaphragms, is not affected by modern, high-tech fuel blends.
• Pump cycles only when fuel is demanded - so the pump cycles on and off
• The non-adjustable maximum output pressure is factory pre-set in the ranges specified in the table, below
• Continuous duty life (diesel fuel): >18,000 hours
• Can run dry for up to 4 hours
• Flow rates as high as 60 gph, but 30 gph is a more typical maximum
• Compatible with all commercially available pump grade gasoline, gasoline-alcohol blends, diesel, and bio-diesel fuels
• Self-priming to 4 feet
• Current draw averages less than 2 amps
• USCG 16623-1 and 16623-2 approved; ignition protected
• Anodized, corrosion protection coating passes 1,000 hr salt spray test - suitable for marine applications
• Replaceable internal 70 micron mesh filter
• Magnetic trap for ferrous contaminants
• Inlet (lower, side)/Outlet (top): 1/4-18 NPSF (Dryseal American National Standard Straight Pipe Thread) — will accept NPT tapered fittings without leaking, thread sealant recommended
• Dimensions: 5.83"H x 2.76"Dia.
• Note - a suffix number (typically -1 or -2) in part number refers to type of packaging
• Made in USA
NOTE — Although the included instructions indicate that FRB pumps are supplied with hose clamps, at this time (5/8/13), these pumps do not include any installation fittings.
Technical
Selecting among the Walbro FR Series electric fuel pumps:
• All the FR electric pumps provide fuel until the fuel demand decreases, or flow is restricted - but they have different mechanisms for doing so.
FR pumps will cycle (pump) until they build up the pressure (head) in the outflow line - with an accompanying decrease in fuel flow - and reach their factory preset maximum pressure.
At this point, constant frequency pumps like the FRA will continue cycling - but no fuel will flow.
Variable frequency pumps, like the FRB and FRD, will slow and eventually stop cycling as the pressure builds.
If the pressure on the outflow side of the pump drops, both types of pump will start supplying fuel again.
• Choosing an FR Series pump is often less dependent on the application, and more a matter of user preference:
— FRA pumps are lower cost, basic models.
They have no built-in filter, and their constant cycling means electric current draw is constant - regardless of output, they are always making noise, they typically have a shorter lifespan (higher wear), and they can wear unevenly as the stroke can be shortened when operating near their maximal pressure.
— FRB and FRD pumps have a more expensive variable frequency circuit board, always use their full stroke length - so wear is evenly distributed, do not always operate at full capacity/maximal cycling — so less wear, longer life, less noise, and lower average current draw.
Additionally, the FRB models include a built-in/replaceable 70 micron mesh filter, so the user doesn't need to supply a pre-filter.
• What the FR fuel pump is designed to do:
— In carbureted applications - The FRA and FRB fuel pumps self-regulate to their maximum output pressure when the carburetor bowl is full, and respond to float movement in the carburetor as required.
When the engine demands more fuel, the pump increases its flow rate.
When the engine demand drops, the pump reduces its flow rate.
— In diesel applications - The FRA and FRB pumps will deliver fuel to the diesel injector pump, assuring a positive pressure at the injector pump inlet.
These pumps are designed to refill diesel filters after service or replacement.
— In transfer applications, including fuel polishing, FRA and FRB pumps run continuously, as long as electrical power is supplied to the pump, and output back pressure is low.
— In diesel heater and stove applications, the task-specific FRD pumps will slow their cycling rate to deliver only the fuel required by the stove fuel metering valve ("carburetor").
FRD pumps can also fill day tanks in gravity feed installations.
• Complete list of approved fuels for FR pumps:
— Unleaded regular gasoline, premium gasoline, gasoline-alcohol blends, diesel fuel, bio-diesel, Stoddard solvent, E85.
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