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.  

Steering Trim Control Unit Trim Switches on the Steering Wheel Improve Safety and Performance.  This steering trim control unit is molded of black plastic with raised white letters to not only enhance boat appearance but also provide the ultimate in control of any high performance boat. The steering trim control unit mounts easily to steering wheel spokes to place engine trim control at your finger tips for maximum safety and ease of operation. The weather proof, rubber booted, push button switches combined with a black urethane coiled cord provide a unit which will provide trim control without removing hands from steering wheel. Features: Puts trim switches on steering wheel for convenience and safety Allows driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel Mounts easily on steering wheel spokes Weatherproof rubber booted switches Rugged urethane coiled cord Can be used for trim control or jack plate control 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.

Single Lever Side Mount Control - Black/Chrome Features: Enables easy and safe shifting by preventing accidental gear engagement unless the engine is idling Can be installed horizontally or vertically, on the starboard or port side of the boat Provided with a brake tension release system adjustable from outside Pull-out handle disengages shift for warm-up Neutral safety switch X12 - 34543 Q (optional) prevents in-gear starting Exceeds EN ISO 11547 standards when X12 safety switch is installed

Bait Caster / Spinning Rod Holder Holds a bait caster reel in a cushioned cradle.A slot in the front of the rod holder allows for a spinning reel to be securely held in position. The rod holder design has a side mounted flange, which leaves the bottom open. This allows for the rod holder to accommodate trigger grips. Pistol grip rod butts easily clear the sides of the rod holder for quick rod retrieval. Rod can be secured in holder with a soft latching strap which snaps over the top. Includes No. 241 combination deck or side mount. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

280 Bait Caster / Spinning Rod Holder Holds a bait caster reel in a cushioned cradle.A slot in the front of the rod holder allows for a spinning reel to be securely held in position. The rod holder design has a side mounted flange, which leaves the bottom open. This allows for the rod holder to accommodate trigger grips. Pistol grip rod butts easily clear the sides of the rod holder for quick rod retrieval. Rod can be secured in holder with a soft latching strap which snaps over the top. Includes No. 241 combination deck or side mount. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

No. 350 Rodmaster II Fibre reinforced engineering nylon offers strength, resilience and reliability. Also comes with a removable gimbal pin Includes No. 241 combination deck or side mount. Bolting dimensions: 1 5/16" x 3 3/16"

Portable Side Mount with Dual Lock 4 Rod Holder The great side-mount Rod Holder in a portable version.  Easy to install using a 3M Dual-lock technology.  Simply clean and place the mounting squares where you want and you're done.  The VHB adhesive mounts to plastic, wood, masonry, metal or aluminum and is a permanent adhesion.  Indoor/Outdoor use - great for aluminum boats, docks, garages - anywhere you want to store your rods.  Rod Holders can be removed easily for cleaning, or with additional mounting squares can be used in multiple locations.  Holds up to 4 Rods.

Portable Side Mount with Dual Lock 6 Rod Holder The great side-mount Rod Holder in a portable version.  Easy to install using a 3M Dual-lock technology.  Simply clean and place the mounting squares where you want and you're done.  The VHB adhesive mounts to plastic, wood, masonry, metal or aluminum and is a permanent adhesion.  Indoor/Outdoor use - great for aluminum boats, docks, garages - anywhere you want to store your rods.  Rod Holders can be removed easily for cleaning, or with additional mounting squares can be used in multiple locations.  Holds up to 6 Rods. 

Portable Side Mount with Dual Lock 8 Rod Holder The great side-mount Rod Holder in a portable version. Easy to install using a 3M Dual-lock technology. Simply clean and place the mounting squares where you want and you're done. The VHB adhesive mounts to plastic, wood, masonry, metal or aluminum and is a permanent adhesion. Indoor/Outdoor use - great for aluminum boats, docks, garages - anywhere you want to store your rods. Rod Holders can be removed easily for cleaning, or with additional mounting squares can be used in multiple locations. Holds up to 8 Rods.

Black Side Mount LED Navigation Lights - 1 NM - Port & Starboard  LED Side Mount Lights 400078 are approved for USCG 1 NM (Colreg 1 mile). Constructed of injection molded ABS. One pair includes port and starboard lights. Surface mounts vertically with two #8 FH fasteners (not included). 12VDC. Low amp draw.  All USCG approved navigation lights must be mounted properly to provide the correct visual alignment and allow unimpeded sight lines. Please refer to USCG regulations for 1 NM and 2 NM navigation lights for more information. 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.

Stainless Steel Side Mount LED Navigation Lights - 2 NM - Port & Starboard  LED Side Mount Side Lights 400079 are approved for USCG 2 NM (Colreg 2 mile). Constructed of corrosion resistant stamped 304 stainless steel. One pair includes port and starboard lights. Surface mounts vertically with two #8 FH fasteners (not included). 12VDC. Low amp draw.  All USCG approved navigation lights must be mounted properly to provide the correct visual alignment and allow unimpeded sight lines. Please refer to USCG regulations for 1 NM and 2 NM navigation lights for more information. 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.

Mechanical Remote Control for side Mounting VETUS single lever remote control for side mounting, with stainless steel (AISI 316) handle, black plastic housing and red knob. With neutral safety switch. The SICO single lever remote control features throttle advance in neutral facility, plus pre-installed 'start in gear' protection micro switch for sports boats. The handle friction is adjustable. The push-pull cables may be installed both horizontally and vertically. DIMENSIONS (LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT) 5-25/32" x 5" x 3" x 7-7/8" (handle length) MECHANISM DEPTH (INCHES)    9-19/32" This product may not be returned to the original point of purchase. Please contact the manufacturer directly with any issues or concerns.

MEGA Live Hand Control with Universal Mount Every detail, in any direction, now for every boat. The Universal Hand Control for MEGA Live provides hand control steering of the MEGA Live transducer. This brings this technology to virtually any boat, thanks to an adjustable GeigerTec mount, made from billet aluminum. And since Universal Hand Control for MEGA Live is mounted independent of your trolling motor's steering, you'll have an uninterrupted picture of what's below, even while fishing in wind, waves, or using Spot-Lock™. Features: Compatible Humminbird control heads: All APEX™ models, All SOLIX® models, and HELIX® 8-12 G3N & HELIX 7-15 G4N models (Must be MEGA Side Imaging or MEGA Down Imaging model). MEGA Live Imaging allows fish and structure to be seen in real time, with no gaps in sonar coverage, powered by the unmatched detail and clarity of MEGA Imaging® throughout the entire sonar view. Choose from multiple viewing modes: Forward Mode for partial coverage below the boat and out away from the boat, Down Mode for a full view below, and Landscape Mode for a wide, top-down view looking out and around the boat. Mark and view waypoints on the MEGA Live Imaging sonar screen to remember productive fishing spots for next time. Transducer shaft length: 50 inches. The mounting Plate can be direct mounted or mounted in a Cannon Aluminum Mounting Track. Mounting Bracket Material: CNC-machined billet aluminum. What's Included: MEGA Live Imaging Transducer, Adjustable Mounting Arm, Shaft and Handle, Ethernet Cable, Power Cable, and Mounting Hardware. Specifications: Live Sonar Coverage: 20 degrees x 120 degrees Independent Mount 2-Year Limited Warranty

Rail / Side Mount Lets you secure your downrigger to the rail of your boat. No cutting or drilling necessary. Just clamp this aluminum mount to the rail and position your downrigger on the base. It can also be used to mount a downrigger to the side of your boat when gunwales won't accommodate deck plates or bases. Should be attached at the "T" joint of the rail. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (dehp) which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Side Mount Outrigger Holders OH2018S Size: 1.75" Dimensions: 4 1/2 x 7 1/2 Side Mount Bracket utilizes same curved tube as Gunnel Mount. One piece Bracket construction. Tube, Feet and Bar-Pin are all cast simultaneously for the ultimate in strength. Unit provides same three positions as Flush Mount. Same rugged Chrome on Brass Cosntruction. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including LEAD which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to P65Warnings.ca.gov.