Ask the Experts | Early Season Boat Care Tips

[toneeees]

By Tom Bingham, Gold Eagle [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]This year's unpredictable weather is not only affecting the usual suspects in the North and Midwest, but even typically warmer climates. For boaters in those areas, a little cool weather is no reason to stay off the water. With the right preparation and products, you can protect your boat and gear and still enjoy a fun day on the water, safely. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]To help boat owners quickly and effectively prep their boats for a cool spring ride, Tom Bingham, director of marketing for STA-BIL, America's #1 fuel stabilizer, and certified mechanic and power equipment industry expert, has some helpful time and money-saving tips to ensure boats are properly prepped. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Preparation is the Key
Make sure to get the marine weather forecast before you schedule your day. Many local TV stations feature the daily boating forecast both on TV and online. If there are any advisories or warnings, consider postponing your outing. Also, make sure to let your friends or family know your boating plan and itinerary. Then let them know you've safely returned to shore. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Protect Your Boat's Surfaces
Make sure to protect your boats surfaces from the harsh elements and UV rays. 303? Aerospace Protectant is one of the best products you can use on your boat because it is very versatile. For starters, using Aerospace Protectant can help keep rubber seals, rubber stripping and vinyl seats from cracking in cooler temperatures.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]It's also great on the boat trailer, as it keeps the trailer frame from rusting, especially in the welds and will keep tires from dry rotting and spare tire covers from drying out. It's also great for fiberglass and decals, as it will protect them from drying out and peeling off. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]It's also important to have a cleaner on hand to help maintain surfaces year round. Using a product like 303? Multi-Surface Cleaner will help remove any dirt residue left behind on the carpet, vinyl seats, Bimini tops, boat covers and more. If left over time, dirt and residue will start to deteriorate and discolor materials, and can also start to grow mildew. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Pack Warm Weather and Safety Gear
It's always a good idea to have a stash of warmer weather gear on hand for unexpected cold blasts. Some good items to keep handy, include blankets, extra clothing, shoes and a flotation coat. Flotation coats serve a dual purpose, they are insulated coats that act as a warm jacket and a life jacket. If you want to go a step further, you might want to keep an immersion or survival suit on board, as it provides flotation and hypothermia protection if you ever need to enter colder waters.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT]


[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]And, never leave shore without having flares and whistles on had in case you need to signal for help. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Protect Your Fuel System
Fuel system problems are the #1 problem among boat owners and with ethanol blended into today's gasoline, boat owners face an even higher chance of corrosion in their fuel system, which can lead to costly repairs. To avoid potential problems, add a stabilizer like STA-BIL? 360 Marine at every fill up and before storage as gas can go bad in as little as 30 days. Make sure you do NOT top off your tank because when it gets warm again, the gas may expand, causing spills. [/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif] [/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Once you've filled your tank and added a stabilizer (for STA-BIL 360 Marine use 1 oz. to every 5 gallons of gasoline), run the engine for a few minutes to make sure the stabilized fuel is pulled into the carburetor and injectors. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Now that you have this handy check list, you're all ready for a day on the boat rain or shine, sun or snow. Enjoy and stay warm! [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Written by Tom Bingham - Tom is director of marketing at Gold Eagle Co. [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]A complete selection of Formula 303 and Sta-Bil products is available from iboats.com. Just click here for: [/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]303 products - www.iboats.com/303/dm/keywords.brand_1_303--search_in_category.t--view_id.217282
Sta-Bil products - www.iboats.com/Gold-Eagle/dm/keywords.brand_98_Gold_Eagle--search_in_category.t--view_id.21
Flotation Jackets - http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Jackets-Immersion-Suits/dm/view_id.217525[/FONT]