ShipStore.com Beacon: In-Water Preventive Maintenance
Issue 87, July 13, 2006
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn From Market!
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: In-Water Preventive Maintenance
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Discount Boat Maintenance Products
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn From Market!
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Important news arrived this morning: SportsStuff has recalled the Wego Kite Tube. We've stopped selling this insanely popular inflatable and will be returning our remaining inventory to the manufacturer. You can download the Consumer Information document that SportsStuff has published on their website:

http://www.sportsstuff.com/news/07-12-06/images/Consumerletter07-10-06.pdf

In short, they have responded to recent reports of serious injury resulting from use of the
Wego Kite Tube. "While Sportsstuff does not believe that the products are defective or unreasonably dangerous, in an abundance of caution, Sportsstuff is cooperating with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to withdraw the kite tubes from the market and to undertake a voluntary recall to replace those in the possession of consumers with products of comparable value."

If you've already purchased a Wego, you are advised to cease use of the product and contact SportsStuff directly at 1-866-831-5524, and you'll be instructed how to obtain the replacement product(s). We will be contacting all ShipStore.com customers who purchased Wegos to explain the manufacturer recall.

We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause, but I am confident that you'll understand that SportsStuff has made a prudent decision. We endorse the recall and have complied immediately.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: In-Water Preventive Maintenance
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We're smack dab in the middle of summer. Hopefully your boating season's been a little bit drier than ours, permitting you to log more hours out on the water. We're still experiencing record water levels, and another soaker passed through yesterday, washing out dirt roads and flooding streams.

Nevertheless we're boating whenever the sun is out, and that means ongoing boat maintenance and care. I suppose you can double file the following tips under boater vanity and preventive maintenance. We all want our "liquid assets" to look sharp and run well. It's a point of pride for many boaters! But it's also a matter of prudence to keep your boat in good working order. A well maintained boat is safer, lasts longer and holds its value better than a neglected boat. Here are some tips to get you started.

Engine(s): Inspect your power source frequently and systematically. Invest in the appropriate manual (see CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS below) if your boat didn't come with one. Periodic maintenance should include all engine components and fluids.
- Oil Changes: follow manufacturer's recommendations
- Other Fluids: follow manufacturer's recommendations
- Impellers/Pumps: inspect for failure and replace if indicated
- Hoses/Belts: inspect for deterioration and replace if indicated
- Water Strainers: inspect and clean/unclog as necessary

Transmission/Lower Unit: follow manufacturer's recommendations.

Prop/Shaft: maintain in good working order

Navigation Lights: Whether or not you use your boat at night you should have operatioal navigation lights. Have someone help you by looking at each light while you toggle switches from the helm.

Bilge Pump: Test your bilge pump(s) frequently and remove any debris from your bilge that might clog the pump. Your bilge pump is your friend! Oh, and it's just about the cheapest insurance policy you'll ever own.

Electrical System: It's challenging to inspect your boat's electrical system since much of it is obscured, but you need to pay attention nonetheless to prevent loosening connections and corrosion. Prudent placement and water repellant, corrosion inhibitor (or grease) will help you keep your electrical fittings dry.

Electronics: For some reason gremlins love to wreak havoc with your marine electronics, but we usually don't discover it until it's too later. Routinely test all of your electronic devices such as horn, VHF marine radio, GPS, depth sounder, radar, etc. even if you don't frequently use them.

Batteries: Check your batteries frequently. If you have a battery that is beginning to fail, you may be able to top up the fluid level and restore it with a deep trickle charge. If its voltage is still low, replace the batter before you get in trouble.

Generator: As above, you should "exercise" your A.C. power generator (if you have one) regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that it works when you need it.

Leaks: Always inspect for oil/water leaks before boating.

Through Hull Fittings: Routinely inspect all thru hull fittings, seacocks, stuffing boxes, etc., and open/clean as necessary

Dock Lines: Inspect dock lines (and fenders) daily or at least weekly for chafing, fraying and wear. Adjust your spring lines since wave action, wind, change in water levels, moisture/dying action can effect the way you've tied your boat.

Hull/Decks: It's not just vanity that should compel you to clean and wax your boat frequently. It protects above-water surfaces from UV deterioration (chalking, pitting, etc.) caused by sun exposure. And clean/polished below-water surfaces increase speed and improve fuel efficiency.

Metals: Boaters' wage an ongoing struggle with corrosion, especially in salt water. Keep all stainless and aluminum clean and polished with a suitable metal wax to prevent corrosion from starting. It's difficult to stop once it starts, so vigilance is key.

Washing: Wash and chamois down your boat at least once a week, if not more. Dirt and grime are collecting on your boat even as you read this article. The dirt gets ground into the deck as you and your crew walk aboard. What does not get ground in, runs down the sides of your boat when it rains and makes those dreaded black streaks. I, personally, am convinced that the sea gulls and martins at my marina have designated the B.O.B. (Big Old Boat) as their official bombing range.

I hope that list of pointers didn't take the fun out of boating for you! Break up the tasks, and make them routine. After a while you won't even notice any more.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Discount Boat Maintenance Products
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SELOC Marine Engine Repair Manuals
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SEC/00-INDEX-SEC.html

STAR BRITE Polish Chrome & Stainless, 8oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/STA/STA82708.html

MEGUIARS All Metal Polish, 5oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MEG/MEGM2805.html

NEVR DULL Metal Polish
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/GEO/GEODULL.html

FLITZ Polish Liquid Metal, 3.5oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/FLT/FLTLQ04535.html

FLITZ Microfiber Polish Cloth 21x24
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/FLT/FLTMC2124.html

MEGUIARS Detailing Cloth
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MEG/MEGM9910.html

Yacht Brite Brite Wash, 32oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/YBP/YBPYBP0301.html

GARRY'S WAX Royal Satin Creme Wax, quart
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HWC/HWCG129.html

MEGUIARS Mirror Glaze Plastic Polish, 8oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MEG/MEGM1008.html

STAR BRITE Plastic Polish Restorer, 8oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/STA/STA87308.html

MEGUIARS Oxidation Removal Kit, 3-16oz
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MEG/MEGM4965.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 by submitting your 4th of July photos for the Independence Day Photo Contest. Photos should clearly capture the Independence Day theme, but the subject is totally up to you. Get creative. To be eligible, all you have to do is send us your photo(s) before July 19. If you have a digital camera, please send your photos as an attachment, preferably in JPG format. If your photos are printed, please scan them and send the digitals as an email attachment to: editor@shipstore.com . It's that easy! Also, remember to include your name and contact information.

You'll be sent a confirmation email to let you know that we've received your submission. Good luck.

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
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Westport, NY 12993
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