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.

Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Boat

Pictured: 2003 Supra Launch SSV Gravity/SK - $28,500

Are you exploring the market for a "new to you" boat or pontoon? We have some helpful tips to save you time and headaches; whether you're thinking about purchasing from us or going with a private seller.

Buying From a Dealer

Buying a pre-owned boat from a trusted boat dealer can save you headaches and extra costs that might come along with buying from a private seller. We inspect every pre-owned boat so that it is ready and waiting for you to inspect it yourself. We stand behind all our boats, service, and maintenance. Your boat is an important investment and we can help you protect that investment. Having access to really good trustworthy boat service professionals is a key element of carefree boat ownership. Not everyone is cut out to do boat maintenance. But we are and we enjoy doing it. Our team of boat service professionals is among the best in the business. 

Sinclair Marina is part of the Classic City Marinas' Network Program. As part of Classic City Marinas' Network Program, our customers are welcome to use the marina facilities of any of our affiliate marinas. So if you live in Eatonton, Georgia, for instance, and you have your boat at Sinclair Marina, but you are a huge Clemson Tiger fan and spend fall weekends in Clemson, SC, you are welcome to reserve a temporary slip (subject to availability) at Clemson Marina at no additional charge to extend your weekend fun while in Tiger Town.

Buying From a Private Seller

Thinking about going with a private seller? Most private sellers do not allow you to test drive the boat that you are interested in purchasing. Most private sellers also do not stand behind the boat sale or offer mechanical and other help should a problem arise once the boat is yours.

If you're still considering purchasing a boat from a private seller - look for scratches, dents, cracks – open all doors and cabinets. Make sure to check the cables and steering. You may even consider hiring a qualified professional boat surveyor to look over the boat and to do a complete certified inspection. Always make sure that you’re working with a well known, local, and highly recommended seller.

Avoid Online Boat Sales
Stay away from long distance online boat sales. You may end up spending more money in traveling expenses, only to come back home with a broken boat or even worse, not coming home with a boat at all! Never purchase a boat online without inspecting it first, or hiring a certified professional to inspect it for you.

We Offer a Free Online Boating Safety Course

In cooperation with BoatUS and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Sinclair Marina is pleased to offer this free online boating course. You will learn about state regulations, laws, safety and proper operation while on the water. Be a safe and responsible boater by expanding your knowledge with this course. And if you would like additional one on one skills training afterwards, please contact the Sinclair Marina staff at (478) 451-0167 to set up an appointment. Our professional staff can help you put your knowledge to the test in a real life setting.

Ready to access the course? Click here.

Why Should I Buy a Boat?

Are you thinking about getting on the water for the 2014 boating season? Like many first-time boat buyers, you’re probably wondering if the boating lifestyle is right for you and your family.

Here are a few reasons why you should buy a boat:

Improve Your Quality of Life

In case you did not know, it’s a proven fact that recreational boating improves your quality of life. Leave your troubles and stress at the docks.

Affordable

Think owning a boat is out of your budget? Boats can be financed for as little as $200 per month. Boating lenders are willing to work with you to make your dream of boat ownership a reality.

Close Water Access

Almost 90% of Americans live less than an hour away from a navigable body of water. Water access is closer than you think.

Bond with Friends and Family

Almost 54% of households listed fishing as their favorite boating activity? Close behind was cruising and relaxing with family and friends. Boating is quality time away from the hectic day-to-day routine of life.

Convenience

We already mentioned that over 90% of Americans live less than an hour away from a navigable body of water. Enjoy fresh air and water in no time.

Engaging and Rewarding

Recreational boating provides for opportunities of personal growth. You can learn to water ski, teach your child to fish and then enjoy eating fresh fish you caught yourself.

Good Exercise

Boating provides sporting enthusiasts many options to choose from water skiing to wake surfing.

Easy to Learn

Are you new to boating? There are many boating classes and courses available to choose from so you will be out on the water in no time.

Boating is FUN

What can we say? There are many activities you can enjoy while boating. Or simply, just spending a relaxing day on the water is reason enough.

Model Year End Clearance Sale

All our 2013 in stock inventory has been reduced! We will not be undersold! We guarantee the absolute lowest prices on any of our in stock 2013 boats.

We are ready to deal. This is your best opportunity to purchase the new boat you have been thinking about at a price that no other dealer can beat. 

We invite you to stop by our showroom and explore our in stock inventory.

Fall Fishing and Boating Tips

With Autumn weather comes cooler water temperatures. You may want to take the boat out one last time before putting it away until next boating season. Our friends at BoatUS Foundation has some great fall fishing and boating tips to keep you safe while out on the water.

Sunshine isn’t your friend: Don’t let the sunny day deceive you - while it may be T-shirt weather in the morning at the launch ramp or dock, the weather can change quickly during this time of year. Bring extra clothing to dress in layers and always bring foul weather gear.

Float your plan: The fishing hole of raft-up spot crowds may be gone, but that also means your closest potential rescuers are long gone too. A simple sharing of your float plan with family or friends letting them know where you’re going and when you’ll be back could save valuable time in locating you if something happens.

Murphy likes you: Does your boat have any lingering maintenance issues? This isn’t the time of year to find out. Ensure any problems - engine, fuel, charging systems, or safety issues such as navigation lights - are fixed before you go.

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up: A simple fall overboard can kill this time of year. Hypothermia is a real threat. By wearing your life jacket, if you do find yourself accidentally over the side you will float and have time to get back aboard, preferably with a knotted or looped rope attached to the gunnel or ladder that be reached from the water. If you’d like to see just how hard it is to get back in a boat, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation/boardingladders.

Don’t leave without me: If you are alone and fall out, will the boat keep going? It won’t run away if you had your engine cutoff lanyard attached to you or use another type of shutdown device.

Do You Need To Register Your Boat?

If you've been holding off registering your boat - we suggest you don't hold off any longer. If you have an expired or expiring registration; make sure you renew your boat decals before October 24, 2013 when a new state law will add a $10 late fee for registration renewal after expiration.

Your boat registration is good for three years. It expires on the last day of your birth month in the third year of registration. Avoid having to pay the extra $10 by renewing your boat's registration before it expires.

Do you need more information on Boat Registration? Click here.




 

Free Online Georgia Boating Safety Course

The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The course consists of six lessons and a final exam. Each lesson has a 10-question quiz at the end to test your knowledge. The final exam is 75 questions and you must pass with a score of 80% or better in order to print your certificate of completion.

Georgia residents who are 12 to 15 years of age are required to pass a Georgia DNR approved boating safety course in order to operate a PWC or motorboat. Click here for more details on exactly who is required to take a course and what they are permitted to operate.

Are you ready to take the online boating safety course? Click here to get started.

Tips For Boating With Dogs

Have you thought about taking your dog boating? If so, check out the tips below to help you keep your dog safe and happy while out enjoying time on your boat. 

Doggy Life Jackets

Life jackets can be a lifesaver in case of an accident. Dog’s simply doggy paddle. If their body is made up of mostly muscle, they can quickly get tired. They will not be able to float easily and keep their head above water. Make sure your pups life jacket fits properly. Introduce the life jacket to them before taking them out so they can become familiar with it. 

Fluids

Take plenty of fresh drinking water. Helpful tip: Take water in a sports bottle to make it easier for your dog to drink. Your dog can quickly become dehydrated being outside in the sun. They tend to lose dehydration quicker due to panting. Do not let your dog drink directly from the lake or river, there could be potentially dangerous algae, pollutants, and parasites that may make them very sick.

Sun Awareness

Protect your dog’s skin with sunscreen (especially if they have short or light colored hair). Keep an eye out for sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. Have your dog take an occasional swim in the water to cool off. If your dog happens to become extremely lethargic, starts to gag or vomit, get them out of the sun right away and call your vet.

Bathroom Breaks

Give your pup plenty of opportunities to take bathroom breaks and pack baggies to dispose of their waste properly.

Good Behavior

Keep an eye on your dog at all times and make sure they are respectful to others while on the boat, on the water, and on the docks. Be sure to reward them for good behavior.

We recommend taking your pup out on a few short trips to see how they do (especially if it's their first time). If your dog does not enjoy boating after a few times out, it might be better to leave them at home.

Are you ready to take your dog out on the water? For those who do take their dog out often, what other tips could you recommend?