Spring Pre-Launch Checklist

Spring is just around the corner. And we all know what that means. Time to start getting our boats ready for time on the water. Annual preparation and cleaning projects are essential in helping to keep our boats protected and safe. We all want to spend more time on the water and not off once boating season begins - right?! Our friends at Discover Boating have put together some general guidelines for pre-season boat preparation with six key areas of maintenance. (Always consult your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions specific to your boat model.) Fuel System Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage; pay special attention to fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces. Evidence of damaged fuel hoses includes softness, brittleness or cracking. Replace components when necessary and verify all fittings and clamps are properly secured. Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are all functioning properly. Belts, Cables & Hoses Belts, cables and hoses are important to check, as they can become brittle and may crack during winter storage. Belts should fit tightly around pulleys to prevent slipping; a worn belt may have a black substance near the pulley and will fit loosely. Cracks or swells on the outer jacket of control cables may be a sign you have to take immediate action. Electric System Inspect all electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness—corrosion is often a sign a connection may not be safe. To prepare electrical connections for the summer, remove the terminals and use a wire brush to clean them, along with all cable ends. Charge your battery and have it tested to ensure it can hold a charge. Electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician. Fluid Levels Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs, and coolant. Be sure to change the engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants, if these tasks were not done prior to winterizing your boat. Propellers & Hulls Inspect propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion. Damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and damage to your drive train. Make sure the propeller is secured properly, and replace bearings when needed. When inspecting the hull, look for blisters, distortions and cracks. Be sure to clean the hull, deck, and topsides using an environmentally safe cleaning solution. And, make sure the drain plug is securely in place before every launch. Safety Gear Check your life jackets to ensure they are in good condition and that there are enough on board for all potential passengers. It’s important to ensure that each individual has the correct size life jacket for their body weight. Be sure all onboard fire extinguishers are the correct class for your vessel, and are fully charged and stowed in the proper place. Take advantage of any safety inspections offered by the US Coast Guard (USCG), USCG Auxiliary or US Power Squadrons.

We Are Ready for Winter Services

Yes, we know it’s cold out but Spring will be here before you know it. The winter months is a great time to start thinking about getting your boat ready for more time on the water. Get necessary service, repairs, or even upgrades completed on your boat.

Your boat is an important investment and we can help you protect that investment. Not everyone is cut out to do boat maintenance and repairs. But we are and we enjoy doing it! Our team of boat service professionals is among the best in the business. From routine boat service to complicated boat repairs, we've got you covered.

Let Sinclair Marina take care of all your boating needs. Contact our service department today!

Tips for Winterizing Your Boat and Engine

Winterizing your boat and motor is more than just pulling it out of the water. Winterizing your boat and motor is the most important maintenance you can perform to help ensure safe boating in the spring.

Whether you choose to do it yourself or have Sinclair Marina do it for you, winterizing is the best way to prepare your boat for the season to come. Whether you decide to store your boat inside or outside; much care is needed to protect your boat’s engine.

Here are some basic steps to winterize your marine engine and equipment:

• Fill the fuel tanks and add the appropriate amount of stabilizer. Run the engine long enough to get treated gas into the fuel line and engine. Left untreated over the winter, gasoline deteriorates into varnish and gum, making starting difficult.
• Flush the cooling system. (Flushing kits are available from boat dealers.) Also remove block plugs and drain all the water from inboard and inboard outdrive engines. This cleans out accumulated sediment and rust flakes. Pump in anti-freeze to avoid trapped ice pockets. Use an environmentally safe product to avoid contaminating the marine environment.
• Fog the engine with oil to prevent rust. Available in bulk or aerosol cans, fogging oil is formulated to stick to the cylinders and not slide down the walls. Follow the instructions that come with the product making sure to spray some of the oil into the cylinders through the sparkplug holes once the engine has cooled down. Check the spark plugs and replace them as necessary.
• Replace the oil and oil filter on inboard and inboard outdrive engines. Be sure to dispose of the used oil at an authorized recycling center.
• Change the lower unit gearcase lubricant on outboards and inboard/outdrive engines. Even a little water trapped in the gearcase can cause damage, especially if allowed to freeze.
• Check the props for nicks. Even slight damage can hinder performance. Worse yet, blade damage can cause vibration, damaging other engine parts and the drive system. Some damaged props can be repaired by marine dealers for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
• Store outboards in an upright position. Consider having the water pump impeller replaced every two or three years. The rubber legs can get stiff, reducing water circulation, or they may break off, eliminating coolant flow completely.
• Spray a moisture displacing lubricant such as a silicone product onto electrical terminals and the fuse panel. Read the label to make sure the spray is safe for use on electrical components.
• Inspect steering systems, including tiller steering friction fittings on outboards. Tighten them if they're loose.
• Clean the backfire flame arrester on inboard engines with carburetor cleaner.
• Clean boats inside and out and cover when stored, even indoors. Allow for air circulation under the cover to prevent mildew.
• Drain water from the bilges and leave the transom drain plug out. It's a good idea to place a reminder note in a conspicuous place to avoid embarrassment at the boat ramp next spring.
• Hang life jackets up where they can air out.
• Examine trailer tires and grease the wheel bearings, replacing them as necessary. Check bulbs and electrical contacts on the plugs as well as sockets where the bulbs screw in. Spray contacts with a moisture displacing lubricant and wrap electrical tape around the plugs to keep them dry.
• Put the trailer on blocks and remove the tires to prolong rubber life and hinder boat thieves.
• Check the owners manual for tips that are particular to your own brand of boat, engine and trailer.
  
  
  If you are not comfortable winterizing your boat’s engine, please contact us and schedule your boat’s winterization with one of our qualified marine technicians. Taking time now to get your boat and motor ready for winter means that you can be one of the first boaters out on the water in the spring.
  
  

It's Time To Winterize

As Autumn begins and the end of another great boating season approaches, it pays to take care of any potential issues and dealer maintenance in the fall, before your boat is clutched by winter's icy grip. "This winter is shaping up to be a rough one," says Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac. According to the newest edition, a decline in solar activity combined with ocean-atmosphere patterns in the Pacific and Atlantic will result in below-normal temperatures during most of the winter across much of the United States.

Why Winterize?

Winter weather can wreak havoc on a boat that's not properly prepared for freezing temperatures and harsh conditions. Comprehensive winterization is critical to maintaining the life, performance and value of your boat.

Why Now?

Just one hard freeze can cause irreparable harm. Don't get caught off guard by the quick Autumn cold snap! Any damage may not show itself until Spring, our service department's busiest time.

Call our Service Team at 478-451-0167 extension 4 to schedule your winterization before October 15th to receive 10% off.  Good on all makes and models of boats and personal watercraft. Offer not valid with any other discounts or coupons.  Excludes service call fee.