Steve's Marine Service Blog

   Time to Think About Winterizing Your Boat   PART TWO

Outboard Engine(s)

• Gauge the remaining fuel in the tank and treat it with the correct amount of a fuel stabilizer.
• Flush the engine with fresh water using flush muffs or the flushing port usually on the back of the engine.
• Start the engine and with it running and the cowl removed, spray fogging solution into the air intakes on the front of the engine.
• While its still running, remove the fuel line from the engine and continue spraying fogging solution until the engine dies. It is important to run the engine with the fuel line removed to burn all fuel from the carburetors to prevent build-up of deposits from evaporated fuel.
• Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads.
• Change the gear oil in the lower unit.
• Lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or polish with a good wax.
• Wash the engine down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly

Fuel

• Some manufacturers suggest filling your fuel tanks and adding stabilizer to the fuel. Full tanks leave less room for condensation to form.
• Other manufacturers, noting that ethanol may spoil over the winter no matter what you do to it, suggest just adding fuel stabilizer. If the fuel is is spoiled over the winter, there is less to drain and dispose of.
• Change the fuel filters and water separators.

Bilges

• Use soap, hot water and a stiff brush to clean up any oil spills.
• Once the bilges are clean, spray with a moisture displacing lubricant.
• Add a little antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing.

Fresh Water System

• Completely drain the fresh water tank and hot water heater.
• Isolate the hot water heater by disconnecting the in and out lines and connect them together.
• Pump a non-toxic antifreeze into the system and turn on all the facets including the shower and any wash-down areas until you see the antifreeze coming out.
• Also put non-toxic antifreeze in the water heater.

Time to Think About Winterizing Your Boat -  Part One

Well, it’s coming upon that time of the year. As the boating season is winding down, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your valuable asset. The time and effort you spend now will have a definite effect on your boat's performance and will save you time, effort and money come spring. Remember that your insurance policy may not cover damage done by lack of maintenance or neglect.

The best place for your boat to be during the winter is out of the water, under cover, in a climate-controlled boat storage area. This, however, can be expensive. If don't have this option, you should consider shrink-wrapping your boat. This provides a very safe, protective cover. If these options aren’t in your budget, make sure that your boat is well covered with a tarp or some other sturdy cover.

Your first step in winterizing should be to make a checklist of all items that need to be accomplished. Check the owner's manual of both your boat and motor for manufacturer's recommendations on winterization. If you are a new boat owner, I always recommend you  employ the assistance of a friend with experience in winterizing or hire a professional to do the job.

Since these are general tips and cover multiple scenarios, this will be covered in several Blogs.

Here are some general procedures you’ll need to follow.

Inboard Engine(s)

You should run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. This allows the oil to drain more fully. Make sure you supply cooling water to the engine via the flushing port. Remove the oil filter and properly dispose of it as well. Refill the engine, check the level and check it again for leaks.

Flush the engine with non-toxic antifreeze by using an intake hose to the water pump. Place the end of the hose in a bucket or bottle of antifreeze. Start the engine and allow the antifreeze to circulate until it starts to exit the exhaust. While you're in the engine room you should also change the fluid in your transmission. Remove spark plugs and use "fogging oil" to spray into each cylinder. Wipe down the engine with a shop towel sprayed with a little fogging oil.

Stern Drive(s)

• You should thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plant life or barnacles from the lower unit.
• Drain the gear case and check for moisture in the oil. This could indicate leaking seals that must be repaired before spring recommissioning.
• Clean the lower unit with soap and water.
• If your stern drive has a rubber boot(look between the transom and engine), check it for cracks or pinholes.
• Grease all fittings and check fluid levels in hydraulic steering or lift pumps.
• Check with your owner's manual for additional recommendations by the manufacturer.

Hamptons Police Submarine Unit Reports Successful Pilot Season

Well the unofficial end of summer has passed, and wouldn’t you know, perhaps one of the more eclectic stories of the season has been deemed a success.

The Hamptons Police Department announced this week that the inaugural seasonal patrols by its military-surplus Virginia-class submarine were a resounding success.

According the Hamptons Police department “Incidents of BWI [boating while intoxicated] are down more than 30 percent and the number of surprise boater safety inspections was up 400 percent, resulting in greater compliance with life-saving laws and regulations.

While the acquisition of a former U.S. Navy submarine came under harsh criticism by fiscal watchdogs and groups opposed to the militarization of police departments, the HPD says the results demonstrate the submarine is worth the expense.

While the vessel, itself, was compliments of the federal government, the staffing and maintenance are the responsibility of the local municipality—and Hamptons taxpayers.

On the day after Labor Day, known by locals as “Tumbleweed Tuesday,” the police department began the process to dry-dock the submarine, dubbed Jaws VIII, for the off-season. The sub will return to the water no later than Memorial Day 2016 for another summer of marine patrols.

 Jaws VIII‘s effectiveness in keeping the Hamptons safe is unparalleled and could not be accomplished by any boat or ship. And not only is the submarine a deterrent to criminals, he added, it is also a tourist attraction. Many Hamptons visitors this summer called the police department ahead of weekends to find out when and where they could see the submarine.

Many boaters learned that lesson the hard way this summer. The Hamptons Police Department Submarine Unit (HPDSU) made its first arrest June 7, busting an overcrowded pleasure boat off Montauk Point. The carousing boaters were hit with a bevy of charges, including boating under the influence, indecent exposure, harassment and possession of controlled substances, along with several boating violations, such as failure to carry required safety equipment, reckless operation and failure to display validation sticker.

thanks to Dan's Paper for the information

FALL Fun, and a chance for a bargain

The traditional round of fall boat shows have kicked off and to no one’s surprise the shows appear to have no shortage of enthusiastic attendees. While no one is making any predictions of what the attendance or sales might be, the fact that the dealers expect to be face-to-face with thousands of prospects always has them obviously positive.

One thing seems certain. Dealers in markets where there are major fall shows are slated to go, will be exhibiting. When there is an improvement in the sales picture, it can usually manifest itself at the fall shows. A prospective buyer who isn’t there could miss out.

So get out, look around, and see what’s out there and look for us at The Norwalk In Water Boat Show and the Tobay Boat show.

LOOK FOR US AT NORWALK BOAT SHOW SEPT.24  THROUGH SEPT. 27

LOOK FOR US AT NORWALK BOAT SHOW SEPT.24  THROUGH THE 27

MEET STEVE STAVRACOS 

Hi, I’m Steve Stavracos!!

Welcome to our new Blog!!

This is my initial post and I hope to highlight some insightful stories, personal experiences, and frankly some topical STUFF we all should be concerned and engaged about. I encourage your comments and welcome your feedback. 

What Will I Post?

I will be addressing topics involving my business, our industry, our environment, current events, and even mix in a little humor. I hope to engage with some of you and maybe we can learn along the way.

So please follow me and share your thoughts as we go.

When?

I hope to post twice a week 

I believe that we all are busy. We deserve quality, and should not settle for good enough. I believe in doing things right the first time.