ShipStore.com Beacon: Snow (Nieve), V-Day, Mardi Gras, "Clear the Deck"
Issue 107, February 17, 2007
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Snow (Nieve), V-Day, Mardi Gras, "Clear the Deck"
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: It's time for your Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up Specials
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Snow (Nieve), V-Day, Mardi Gras, "Clear the Deck"
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Murphy's Law? Tempting destiny? Call it whatever you will, but the irony is evident. This is how I opened last week's Beacon newsletter to you:

"My email box has been filling up with worried notes from family and friends lately. Seems like the whole country is being bombarded with new stories and footage of the snowstorms in "upstate New York", but the good news (so far at least) is that we haven't been hit. The huge snowfalls have been far west of us, dumping moisture from the Great Lakes which seldom makes it all the way to Westport..."

I should have kept my trap latched! The media and meteorologists were licking their chops as the weather patterns moved into place. "Finally, the BIG one!" they were thinking. They hyped the storm and ran through predictions with pent up enthusiasm. If you've visited ShipStore.com over the last couple of days, this is often updated news ticker you've seen:

Wednesday - "Offices closed Wednesday due to a blizzard! Nearly 3 feet on the ground. We hope to be dug out by tomorrow."

Thursday (morning) - "County-wide State of Emergency declared until Noon Friday ET. No cars or pedestrians allowed on the roads.

Thursday (afternoon) - "Emergency lifted. Much shoveling to do! We'll be open on Friday, but it may take until after noon to break through from the road."

Friday - "We made it to the office - some are still snowed into their houses. It will probably be next week before we can get caught up on email. Orders are being entered as quickly as possible."

Wow! That'll teach me to wait until August to let you know that we've had a light winter.

It made for a snowy Valentine's Day in the Northeast (V-Day can still be plenty romantic under a blanket of new fallen snow, you know?), but warmer times are just ahead. February 20 is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) which means party time in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Venice and most everywhere else for that matter. Send us a photo and make us jealous! You can monitor the official New Orleans countdown to Fat Tuesday here:

http://www.mardigras.com

Speaking of celebrating after the storm, I have two more hot news items for you. The first (just to peak your jealousy) has to do with my current whereabouts. I'm going to keep you in suspense a little longer, but here's an apt hint. Although Columbus muttered, "Nieve...", the Spanish word for snow when he first laid eyes on this destination, I'm oh-so-very far from snow. In fact, my 2007 boating season has just begun (if only for ten days before I return to the quasi-arctic North Country!) Can you guess where I am?

And the second, and arguably more exciting news item to you, is that we're ALMOST ready to launch the "Clear the Deck" Sale. Captains Jim and Brian have been toiling away, putting together the single biggest and best clearance sale that ShipStore.com has ever thrown! As soon as the crew gets caught up from the snowstorm, then we'll make the announcement and brace for the flood of orders. Over a period of two weeks the crew will race to fulfill your orders as the warehouse inventory disappears. Don't miss the opportunity to stock up on all of your boating needs before summer while locking in close out pricing.

Do you remember how the "Clear the Deck" Sale works?

Twice each year ShipStore.com empties our warehouse to make room for new merchandise by offering our most loyal customers truly unbeatable prices on some of our most popular items. We spread the items over two newsletters to help us keep up with the flood of orders. Because many of these items are "last in stock" products, once they are gone, they're GONE! First come, first served, so you need to place your order immediately after receiving the "Clear the Deck" Sale announcement to guarantee that you'll get the best deals. Here are a few important reminders:

1. All orders subject to stock on hand. These amazing deals are only valid until our stock is depleted!
2. All "Clear the Deck" items are final sales unless defective from the factory.
3. There will be no backorders. "Ship or cancel" policy in effect.
4. First come, first served. (Note: This could mean you order an item which shows in stock, but someone places an order just ahead of you and you are unfortunately out of luck. We'll email any shortage notices to customer promptly and void those items from your order.)
5. As items sell out, we'll try to keep the list as current as possible, changing it daily through the end of the sale.
6. The "Clear the Deck" Sale only lasts for two (2) weeks.

That's all you need to know. We'll update you next week.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up
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It's time for a mid-winter boat checkup. Take fifteen minutes now to ensure that you're happy come spring. Here's a quick set of guidelines for what to do during a visit to your stored boat.

1. First off, how's gravity treating your liquid asset? You should inspect your trailer and/or blocking for settling, shifting, etc. Temperature change, humidity fluctuations and activity in and around your boat can destabilize boat stands, blocks and even your trailer. Make sure that the vessel is secure (no significant movement side-to-side or front-to-back) and that it isn't leaning. If in doubt, ask someone to assist you in re-stabilizing it.

2. Is your boat dry inside? Open hatches and check for water leaks, mildew, mold, etc. If not (and maybe even if so, just to be safe,) grab a Starbrite mildew control bag and throw it in your bilge. Repeat for any other suspect areas.

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/STA/STA89900.html

3. Are your lines tidy and snug? Remember that exposure to the elements (especially extremes in temperature combined with moisture) shortens the life of your lines. When possible, remove your lines, halyards and other ropes and store them in a dry spot. This will extend the functional life of your lines, and it will result is more flexible and supple lines come boating season.

4. Are loose lines, halyards or tarp straps chafing of causing abrasion? Loose lines and cables can unfortunately damage your bright work, gel coat and other surfaces when permitted to repeatedly flap against them. If you've used a tarp to cover your boat, the ropes you used to secure it may have loosened from exposure or simply come untied. Find and secure all loose lines, halyards, etc.

5. Are your stanchions bent or loose? Whether from the weight of a snow laden boat cover or as a casualty of hauling and storing your vessel, stanchions bend and stanchion bases come loose from the deck. This is the perfect time to catch the problem. Replacing or rebedding a stanchion now will save you time in May or June when you're itching to get out on the water, and after a couple months of dry storage there's little or no danger that moisture in the hull, gunwale, base/mounting or backing plates will compromise the connection.

6. Are your hull and deck in good repair? Examine both for chips, cracks and blisters. If moisture is permeating your boat's "skin" then winter's dramatic temperature fluctuations can result in blistering, or even pitting of your gel coat that will help you identify problem areas that should be repaired or watched closely. Chipping and cracking can also indicate stress along seams (i.e. between hull and transom or hull and keel) that should be carefully inspected to determine if additional maintenance is required. Much better to tackle these problems now (or get a work order on file with your boatyard) than getting stuck with your boat in dry dock in the middle of July!

7. Is your vessel adequately protected? Inspect your custom boat cover, shrink-wrap cover or tarp. Look for rips or sections that may have come loose. Repair and secure your cover to prevent rain, snow and ice damage. Although it's vital to prevent the weather from finding its way into and onto you boat, it's important to make certain the covering is breathable to prevent moisture buildup inside and mildew or mold. If your boat is uncovered because it is stored indoors, I suggest you close and lock your hatches if there's any risk of vandalism or theft.

8. Did you remember to check in on your BABY boat too? If you have a dinghy, you should inspect it as well. Winter's a perfect time to tackle the dinghy maintenance issues which are often overlooked during the boating months. Inspect the hull and repair as needed. Sand and varnish the bright work. Examine and replace worn hardware. Check for leaks. Anti-foul the bottom. And generally spruce up the unsung hero of your boating activities, the loyal tender so often overshadowed by your "big boat".

Simple enough, right? Consider it preventative maintenance. A check-up to simplify and expedite your launch. Or, maybe just a chance to go visit your nautical love and reminisce over some great boating experiences from last season.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up Specials
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STARBRITE MILDU BAGS
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/STA/STA89900.html

HORN COMPACT TWIN 12V
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/AFI/AFI10001.html

COMPACT MINI HORN 12V
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/AFI/AFI10035.html

GIT ROT KIT 4 OZ.
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/BTL/BTL1063.html

DOCK BOX MAXI (CAN SHIP UPS)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/BWP/BWP323.html

DOCK BOX LARGE
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/BWP/BWP426.html

DOCK BOX EXTRA LARGE
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/BWP/BWP625.html

TIDEMATE CLOCK AND TIDE, BLUE, 6 INCHES
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/HMC/HMC645156.html

GOGGLES
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/MMM/MMMR1620ES.html

ULTRA6 PORTABLE FUEL TANK, 6 GALLON
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TEM/TEM620049.html

JERRY JUG, 6.6 GALLON,#81062
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/WED/WEDW620.html

BOARDING HANDLE
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/WIN/WINBH1.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 12"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46370.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 15"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46371.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 18"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46372.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 24"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46374.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 15, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031215.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 20, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031220.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 25, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031225.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 30, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031230.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 10, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033810.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 15, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033815.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 20, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033820.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033825.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035825.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 30, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035830.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 35, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035835.html

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com. To be eligible for future "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawings all you have to do is subscribe to the Beacon. All current subscribers are eligible for the random drawing. If you're not already subscribed, then visit http://www.shipstore.com and click the "Win a Shopping Spree!" link along the top of your screen.

Once you subscrive you'll be sent a confirmation email which you must respond to in order to activate your subscription and be added to our mailing list. This double opt-in procedure enables us to prevent accidental subscriptions and spam. As soon as your confirmation is confirmed, you will be entered into the "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawing for a $100.00 free merchandise from ShipStore.com. Good luck.

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NEWSLETTER SENT BY PERMISSION ONLY
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If you prefer not to receive to the ShipStore.com Beacon newsletter, please send a BLANK e-mail to beacon-on@list.shipstore.com with "Subscribe" (remove the quotation marks) in the Subject Field. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE, please send a BLANK e-mail to beacon-off@list.shipstore.com. If you have any questions or suggestions contact the editor by e-mail editor@shipstore.com. Please include a helpful subject like "Question for the Captain", "Suggestion for Article" or "Remove Duplicate Mailing" to help us sort through the e-mails more easily.

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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COPYRIGHT 2007 ShipStore.com (tm) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Permission is granted to electronically copy, print or forward this newsletter for use as a shopping, boating or travel resource as long as it is not altered in any way and sent in its entirety. Any other use of materials on this Web site--including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or republication--without the prior written permission of Westport Marina, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
6039 Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993
Telephone: 518-962-2700
Toll Free: 877-SHIPSTORE (US and Canada)
Fax: 518-962-4582

E-Mail sales@shipstore.com with any questions.