ShipStore.com Beacon Newsletter | ShipStore.com Beacon #109 : Pre-Launch, A Wobbly Tug Boat and Wegos | BEACON109 from the ShipStore.com ™ on-line catalog.

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ShipStore.com Beacon #109 : Pre-Launch, A Wobbly Tug Boat and Wegos

ShipStore.com Beacon: Pre-Launch, A Wobbly Tug Boat and Wegos
Issue 109, April 30, 2007
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM

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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: A Wobbly Tug Boat and Wegos
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Pre-Launch 2007
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Pre-Launch Sale Items
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: A Wobbly Tug Boat and Wegos
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Or webmaster, Mark Engelhardt, passed along an amusing link recently and suggested that our readers might be interested. It's a photo montage and semi-fictional commentary of a tug boat mishap that ostensibly took place on the Tombigbee River on April 28th, 1979. Enjoy:

http://koti.mbnet.fi/~soldier/towboat.htm

The full (and "real"?) story can be found here:

http://koti.mbnet.fi/~soldier/index.html

With Lake Champlain's water's lapping across the floor of my own dock house, and the shoreline retaining wall about 18 inches under water, it helps to be able to laugh at someone else's expense!

On a different note, I recently received a press release regarding the Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tube recall. On July 13, 2006 Sportsstuff, Inc. voluntarily withdrew the Wego Kite Tube from the market in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to the high risk of injury associated with the recreational towable.

The Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular, yellow inflatable watercraft designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider in the tube becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube. Model 53-5000 is printed on the tube near the product valve. The floor of the tube has black caution warning stripes. The cover for the product bears a skull and crossbones and the statement "Never Kite higher than you are willing to fall."

If you own or know someone who owns a Wego, immediate action is requested by the manufacturer. Consumers should immediately stop using the kite tubes and contact Sportsstuff at (866) 831-5524 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday to learn how to obtain free replacement products. Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at http://www.sportsstuff.com for more information or visit this page on our website for assistance:

http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SPO/SPO535000.html

Okay, that's enough news, now it's time for some helpful pre-launch pointers and some relevant sale items to help you get your vessel out on the water again. I'm including a bunch of amazing deals on bilge pumps, bottom paint, varnish, cleaners, polishes, waxes, trim tabs, boat seating, VHF radios, buoys, fenders, power winches, anchors, shore power cables and adapters, life vests and lots more. You have a couple of days left to lock in the great deals.

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: Pre-Launch 2007
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Last spring I caught up with Captain Jim's brother, Larry Carroll, right after he returned from EFI (electronic fuel injection) school, and it's that time of year again to relay his advice. As head mechanic at the Westport Marina, Larry keeps his knowledge/skills current through periodic training and recertification, and he was eager to share what he'd learned. After a few minutes of Larry's enthusiastic explanation, I have to admit that I became pretty lost! I like to think I have some aptitude as a "do it yourself" boater, but my comprehension started redlining before Larry had gotten very far. Too technical for me.

Mechanics (like engineers and other technically oriented people) often forget that many of us live by the KISS principle. No, not that one! The one about keeping things simple when possible. When I mentioned to Larry that I was going to be sending our Beacon subscribers a pre-launch newsletter, he offered several important KISS "pre-dewinterization" suggestions:

- Check fluids
- Check belt tensions
- Check hose clamps
- Check mouse nests
- Check make sure batteries are charged up
- Check for service bulletins from manufacturers, etc. (ask dealer or manufacturer)
- Check exhaust boots and bellows
- Check water pump impeller (as per engine manufacturer recommendation)

Now that's what I mean by KISS... Keep it simple, silly! In fact, Larry's even offered one better: I've been invited to shadow him one day next month when he begins de-winterizing the Westport Marina home fleet. With a little luck I'll be able to distill some KISS instructions for all of you "do it yourself" boaters. Keep your eyes peeled.

For the time being I'd like to pass along our pre-launch checklist to help ensure a painless, quick and simple splash day once the water warms up a little more. Of course everybody's checklist looks a little different depending on what sort of boating you do, where you do your boating, who takes care of your boat(s) and so on, but I'll give you an example checklist from my own experience and you can pick and choose the applicable tasks.

If you're lucky enough to have a marina or boat yard who winterizes, stores and recommissions/dewinterizes your boat, then your "to do" list is pretty short. Call and set up a launch date well in advance since they're probably already getting pretty booked up.

Next check and renew insurance policies and registrations for all of your boats and trailers. It's easy to overlook the trailer, but doing so might result in an unhappy surprise from the guys with the flashing lights when trailering your boat to the launch site. Is the license plate current? Is it attached to the trailer? Are the tires in road-safe condition? Long months spent sitting, often in adverse weather may have resulted in cracked sidewalls. Or, you may simply need to top up the air. (Note: Be certain to inflate your trailer tires so that they fall within the safe range recommended by the tire manufacturer. Over-inflating is as dangerous as under-inflating.) Other trailer components that experience wear are the wheel bearings and the winch cable or rope. Last, but certainly not least, check to make certain that your trailer's brake lights and turn signals work properly when connected to your vehicle.

For outboards, it's a good idea to order new spark plugs and replace lower unit lube. Of course, there's no formula for everyone, but here are a few links to help get powerboaters started:

Spark Plugs
http://www.shipstore.com/search?search=spark+plugs

Lower Unit Lube
http://www.shipstore.com/search?search=lower+unit+lube

Marine Engine Tune-up and Repair Manuals
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SEC/00-INDEX-SEC.html

There's plenty of general maintenance to tackle early like cleaning and bottom painting and touching up the bright work. Always be certain to follow the safety instructions when painting and varnishing! Once finished painting and varnishing, the obvious next step is polishing. Whether you're polishing a fiberglass hull or chrome and brass fittings, ShipStore.com offers the best products for the job:

Take a few minutes to go online and match polish and application for best results:
http://www.shipstore.com/search?search=polish

And before you put rag to compound, review these helpful pointers for how to restore your boat's factory shine:
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/NEWS/NEWSbeacon012.html

Now's also a good time to inspect seams and update calking anywhere that needs it. Feel free to poke around a little because a hasty inspection might result in overlooking old caulking that has loosened up or hardened due to weathering. This the best time, while your boat is still high and dry, to seal everything up so that you stay nice and dry during the summer.

What about lines? Even the highest quality lines gradually break down due to the natural weathering effects of water, sun, temperature change, and salt. Even short-term use can shorten the life of lines due to abrasion, stress, rot or other damage. Now's the time to evaluate dock lines, anchor lines, and (for sailors) your entire rigging. Don't overlook your halyards! And if you decide it's time to replace line(s), be particularly attentive to what lengths and sizes you need before discarding your old lines.

It's a good time to poke around inside your boat(s) as well. Is it time to replace the bilge pump? Does the float switch work? Inspect your vessel's safety items to ensure that everything is current and in tip-top shape. Start by checking to make certain that your boat(s) is/are equipped with everything required by Coast Guard and regional authorities. These requirements sometimes change from year to year, so you should verify that you are still in compliance. Also check the dates on flares, fire extinguishers, and compressed air emergency horns. Be certain to count your flares, since sometimes an overzealous July 4th boater may have imprudently (and illegally) launched a safety flare to impress the fireworks watchers! You may also want to add or update a small first aid kit.

Perhaps the most important safety items on any vessel are Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), also called lifejackets. We've prepared a special PFD primer that you'll receive shortly in a Beacon newsletter, but I'd suggest you go ahead and take a look at your PFDs now. Do you have enough? Are they in good condition? Do you have the right sizes? If it's time to upgrade or replace this mandatory equipment that could save your life, keep your eyes peeled for the Beacon PFD special, coming soon.

At this point, it's time to shift my focus from bigger to smaller boats. Now's a great time to apply 303 Protectant to your inflatable.

http://www.shipstore.com/ss/html/AME/AME030340.html

This stuff is like magic. Use it on fiberglass, vinyl, rubber, plexiglass, plastics and sailcloth to restore that "factory new" look and protect your boat from the damaging ultraviolet rays this summer. Check for missing or damaged paddles and oars. Plugs, bailers, anchors, seat cushions... Is everything ready for summer?

By now you've pretty well covered your pre-launch objectives. But if you're still excited and want a few more suggestions, try checking the electronics and compass. Now's the time to repair or replace all accessories for your boat. And what about a new flag pole, shorepower cord and adapter or fenders? The list is as long as you choose to make it. The more you get out of the way now, the more likely you'll be able to enjoy Launch Day out on the water with your family and friends. And that's what you're really looking forward to, isn't it?

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Pre-Launch Sale Items
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Rule-Mate Automatic Bilge Pumps, 500 to 2,000 Gallons per Hour
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/rul/rulrulemate.html

PROMO CHAIR Package with 15" PEDESTAL
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TOD/TOD780015.html

FOLDING DECK CHAIR
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SCP/SCP78501.html

Hand Held VHF Radio Mini
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/UND/UNDVOYAGER.html

Teleflex Quick Connect Steering Packages
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TEL/TELSS137.html

SPORT TABS 8 x 10 fits 17 to 20 foot Boat
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BEN/BENM80.html

TRIM TAB POSITION INDICATOR
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BEN/BENTPI2000.html

DESTROYER STEERIN WHEEL Stainless Steel
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SCP/SCP28551.html

METAL PAINT TRAY, 3 PIECE SET 9"
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/RED/RED679SET.html.html

9" CANDY STRIPE ROLLER COVER
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WBC/WBCR2099.html

3M TAPE FINE LINE 218 3/4 x 60 Yards
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMM04699.html

Life Calk Sealant in Tubes and Cartridges
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BTL/BTLLIFECALK.html

3M 5200 Sealant
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMM5200.html

GLASS PLEX GLASS CLEANER
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MKT/MKT3918.html

MILDEW STAIN REMOVER QUART
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MKT/MKT3732.html

FIBERGLASS STAIN REMOVER - FSR
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/DAV/DAV790.html

3M MULTI-PURPOSE BOAT SOAP 16 OZ
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/mmm/mmm09034.html

3M One Step Marine Fiberglass Maintenance Products
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMMonestep.html

3M MARINE PROTECTIVE LIQ WAX 16OZ
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMM09026.html

NEW BOAT OWNER'S KIT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MEG/MEGM6375.html

MARINE MATE BRUSH HANDLE SOFT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SHD/SHD1960.html

BOAT MAINTENANCE KIT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/GAR/GAR65025.html

ANTENNA RATCHET MOUNT Stainless Steel
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SCP/SCP19531.html

WEATHER DECK PANEL 4 POS GRAY
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BLU/BLU4304.html

SPORTFISH 450 Free Fall Anchor Windlass P77727
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/PWR/PWR77727.html

MOORING BUOY,12"BLUE STRIPE
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TAY/TAY22170.html

HULL GARD FENDER 3-1/2 x 13
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TAY/TAY1020.html

ANCHOR DELTA FASTSET 14 pound
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/LEW/LEW0057406.html

Hooker Economy Anchor, 5HQ QUIK-SET 4 pound
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TIE/TIE95006.html

Attwood Sahara Bilge Pumps, 500 to 1,100 Gallons per Hour
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/ATT/ATTSAHARA.html

30A 125 V, Twist Lock, Yellow Shore Power Cable, 50 feet
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HUB/HUBHBL61CM08.html

Y ADAPTER, 2 30A female to 1 50 A male
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HUB/HUBHBL64CM54.html

ADAPTER Y 2 30A 125V RECP
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HUB/HUBHBL64CM56.html

BILGE PUMP, 1500GPH, 12V 4.8A
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/RUL/RUL02.html

BILGE PUMP 2000GPH 12VDC 12A, 6 x 4-1/4
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/RUL/RUL10.html

Stainless Steel ADJ DROP DOWN ROD HOLDER
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TAC/TACF162650POL1.html

ULTRA6 PORTABLE Fuel Tank, 6 GALLON
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TEM/TEM620049.html

CHILDS HEADS UP VEST PATTERNS
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/STE/STE3002JAM.html

CHILD WATERSPRT VEST SPIDERMAN
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/STE/STE3040SPD.html

FIBERGLASS BOTTOMKOTE wth Irgarol Anit-Fouling Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/int/intbottomkote.html

Pettit Horizons Anti-fouling Bottom Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/PET/PETHORIZONS.html

Pettit Unepoxy Anti-Fouling Bottom Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/PET/PETUNEPOXY.html

Z-Spar Captain's Varnish - all sizes
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/ZPR/ZPRCAPTAIN.html

Trilux Prop and Outdirve (Lower Unit) Aerosol Antifouling Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTTRILUX.html

Brightside Polyurethanes in Various Colors
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTBRIGHTSIDE.html

Interlux Brightside Boottop Polyurethene Paints
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTBOOTTOP.html

Tempo Motor Color Acrylic Spray Lacquers
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TEM/TEMENGINEPAINT.html

EPIGLASS EPOXY QT MIXING KIT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTHT9000KIT.html

BRUSH EASE Quart
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INT433Q.html

Interlux InterProtect System
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTINTERPROTECT.html

EPOXY RESIN #105, QUART
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WSY/WSY105A.html

FAST HARDENER #205, .44 PINT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WSY/WSY205A.html

BOATERS CHOICE RESIN, GALLON
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/FIB/FIB105501.html

MICRON CSC EXTRA Anit-Fouling Bottom Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTMICRONCSCEXTRA.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

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

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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This email has been sent to you because you (or someone using your email address) subscribed to the ShipStore.com Beacon newsletter. We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal information or release your email address ever, for any reason. For details, please review our Privacy Policy.

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.