Read Our January Service Newsletter!

SPRING PREP FOR YOUR BOAT:

WHY WD-40 IS A MUST-HAVE

It’s cold and windy, and there’s little chance you’ll be using the boat anytime soon. But spring will get here faster than you think and there’s no time like right now to do a few things to get the vessel ready. Preparedness is always a good idea. Despite the rain, sleet and snow (a couple inches are forecast for this weekend), things still get damp. Which is no good for electronics. That’s why legions of boaters and anglers long ago started using water displacement products to keep their electronics clean and rust free.

QUESTION & ANSWER

QUESTION: WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO CARE FOR MY BOAT BATTERIES DURING THE COLD MONTHS?

ANSWER: Cold weather is tough on batteries, and leaving them unattended for months can significantly shorten their lifespan. If your boat is stored for the season, the best practice is to remove the batteries and store them in a dry, cool place with a trickle charger attached. This helps maintain their charge and keeps them in top condition for spring.

For those using their boat during the off-season, it’s still a good idea to use a trickle charger. Modern boats, with advanced electronics, can draw power even when everything is turned off. If charging on board isn’t possible, disconnecting the battery cables can reduce discharge by preventing systems from pulling power.

Healthy batteries are essential for modern boats, as they’re highly voltage-sensitive. Take care of your batteries now, and they’ll ensure smooth operation when you’re ready to hit the water!

PARTS HIGHLIGHT:

Your One-Stop Marine Shop at the Boatel

This month, we want to remind our guests about the marine store located in the launch office at our boatel. Stocked with a variety of high-demand boating essentials and accessories, the store offers items like life jackets, ropes, anchors, cleaning supplies, and a wide selection of lighting and safety equipment. You’ll also find lubricants, including engine oil, gear oil, and grease. Open seven days a week, the marine store is here to serve your needs. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact our parts department for further assistance.

Check Out Our Parts Department

CATALYTIC EXHAUST OVERHAUL
AND DRIVE REPAIRS

This month, our team tackled a major overhaul of a customer’s catalytic exhaust system on their V8 engine. It was a tight fit, but our skilled technician successfully removed the exhaust and discovered it was due for replacement. We cleaned the catalytic inserts, installed them into new exhaust manifolds, and reassembled everything back onto the engine.

During the process, the technician identified a leaking drive and found water intrusion in the exhaust bellows, along with a cracked gear lube hose. The intermediate bearing and bellows hoses were in rough shape, as seen in the photos. We replaced the bearing, bellows hoses, and added fresh zincs before reinstalling the drive.