ShipStore.com Beacon: The January Boater, Part 2
Issue 103, January 4, 2006
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: The January Boater, Part 2
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: January Boating Closeouts
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: The January Boater, Part 2
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A steely grey morning, despite a dramatic fuchsia and violet sunrise. Nevertheless a fisherman trolls slowly along the Vermont shoreline far across the lake. Perhaps the day is more pleasant in Vermont? It's actually not cold at all for this time of year, 39 degrees Fahrenheit. There's no snow on the ground nor even a frost. But still, it's January 4th!

I was working away at my laptop when something caught my eye in the window. Sure enough, there it was. A small runabout with a Johnson outboard engine and a blue bimini top headed north through with downriggers trailing behind. Weird, right? I know, you're probably thinking, "Come on, George. What's weird about that? You're the one who waterskis six months a year despite freezing temperatures and ice!" I hear you. And maybe you're right. But frankly something still seems a little mind boggling. I mean usually we'd be buried in snow this time of year. The ponds have been frozen for over a month. January's just not the most popular fishing season in the North Country. For one thing, there's no marine service in the winter. No marinas open to get gas. But I suppose the fisherman trailers his boat, so he can swing by the gas station before launching. And perhaps he's a master mechanic and carries a full tool chest right next to his tackle box in case of emergencies.

While jotting you this note, I remembered having the same bizarre experience last year. Check it out here:

http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/NEWS/NEWSbeacon064.html

I remain concerned about mid-winter boating in our northern climate, and I think it's pretty fair to say that conventional wisdom advises against it. That said, if you ARE foolhardy enough to tempt fate in pursuit of "fish this big" or a few quiet moments away from your spouse, then please take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. At the very least you'll want to have high quality, well functioning communications equipment including VHF radio and a cell phone. Also lifejackets for everyone on board, and probably cold water emergency suits for everyone as well.

If on the other hand you're like me and waiting another several months longer before you go boating, there are still some important suggestions to keep in mind. Examine your boat, engine and trailer for problems that may have developed during the boating season as well as new problems just becoming apparent. Fiberglass boats should be inspected for hull blisters, chips, and cracks. Check through-hull fittings and scuppers for clogging and/or leaking, and look for stress cracks in the transom. Test out all of your hardware, looking for abrasion, worn threads, loose fittings, etc. Tighten engine mounting hardware which is particularly susceptible to loosening due to vibration. Check your skeg(s) and/or rudder for damage and determine whether or not it's time to replace your zincs. Check lubricants, fuel tank and other fluids. Consider applying a corrosion protectant to all metal surfaces. Inspect the trailer for welding cracks and rust damage; functional lights and functional, well lubricated bearings; and ensure that the tires are still in good condition and fully inflated.

Review our "Mid-Winter Boat Check-Up" for more suggestions:

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/NEWS/NEWSbeacon028.html

If you have continued to use your boat during the winter, I suggest you read "Ten Tips to Stay Safe During Severe Winter Weather":

http://sailing.about.com/b/a/139013.htm

This article, published at About.com, comes from a press release issued by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. It offers excellent instructions for how to stack the odds in your favor if you just can't wait until springtime to get back out on the water. I just hope the lone boater who puttered past my window read "Ten Tips to Stay Safe During Severe Winter Weather"! Enjoy the rest of January.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: January Boating Closeouts
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KENT Adult life jackets with storage bag (4 each)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/KEN/KEN420719.html

Sevylor Child Life Vest: 30-50 pounds
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD418D.html

Sevylor Life Vest: 32-36 inch chest
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD600.html

Sevylor Life Vest: 36-40 inch chest ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD610.html

Sevylor Life Vest: 40-45 inch chest ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD620.html

Sevylor Life Vest: 45-50 inch chest ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD630.html

Sevylor Life Vest: 50-55 inch chest ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD640.html

Adult Life Vest: 42-58 inch chest ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD800.html

Sevylor HF Adult Life Vest: 32-40 inch chest ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD801.html

Adult Paddler Life Vest: 32-42 inch chest
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD995.html

Adult Paddler Life Vest: 42-52 inch chest
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEV/SEVPFD996.html

Comfort Series Boating Vest BLUE, SMALL
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE2220BLUSM.html

GLO-BUG Childs Heads-Up Life Vest
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3002GLO.html

Child's Heads Up Vest (PFD), Orange
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3002ORG.html

Childs Heads Up Life Vest PFD, Assorted Patterns
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3002P.html

Scooby-Doo Childs Heads Up Vest
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3002SDM.html

Child Heads Up Vest Taz
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3002TAZ.html

Stearns Heads up PFD 30-50lbs, Tweety BIrd - Looney Tunes
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3002TWT.html

Child Ski Vest 30-50 pounds
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE3040ORG.html

Classic Sportvest Green L/XL
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE4142GRNLXL.html

Paddlesport Vest (Blue ), large/extra large ()
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE6600BLULXL.html

Paddlesports Vest (Blue) , Small/ Medium
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/STE/STE6600SMBLUE.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 20, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031220.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 30, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031230.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 10, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033810.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 15, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033815.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033825.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035825.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 30, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035830.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 35, NYLON TWIST
Supplies limited (end of stock)
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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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
6039 Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993
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Toll Free: 877-SHIPSTORE (US and Canada)
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