Charleston Boat Club
Charleston Boat Club
CBC Member Education
Member Education Chairman
Homer Graham
Welcome to the first in a series of maintenance tips we plan to offer as a regular feature on our Website. If you have a maintenance tip that you would like to share call Homer Graham at 744-3324 and he will publish it.
SINCE you've had a nice long enjoyable summer and there's probably another month or longer of Boating left..NOW is a really good time to check the water level in the batteries on your boat. Chances are they have been recharged a time or two and you really haven't had the chance to check the water level. Here's how to do it... first you need distilled water, (which is available at Rite Aid and most grocery stores)...secondly you need to carefully lift or unscrew the caps off the tops of the batteries, there should be six fill holes to be "topped off". They are full when you got the water level up to the top of the little circle with a slot in it, about 1/2 inch from top. Be careful you are dealing with an acid solution that will eat holes in your cotton clothing... also a good idea to wear safety glasses. If you want to get tricky NAPA sells a device made for filling batteries that won't let you overfill them, and it makes the job easier (about $20.00) and it will last for years..Well maintained batteries are at the heart of trouble free boating!!
MAINTENANCE TIP # 2
Boat dealers normally try to do all the fluid changes and filter changes, in engines and drive systems when they winterize a customers boat. Some people question the merits of doing all of this in the fall. Why not wait until spring? Consider this: IF you should happen to have any water in the outdrive which may have gotten in there because of seals leaking etc., then the water will cause further rust and corrosive damage to the expensive internal parts of the drive system, by remaining in there during the lay-up period. The same thing applies to the engine, oil diluted by condensation and unburned fuel should be changed before lay-up. Most experts agree it's better to do all this in the fall so you're ready to go in the spring.
Potential Scam on Documentation renewal
For those of you with documented boats, you will receive a simple form from the US COAST GUARD DOCUMENTATION SERVICE, once a year that allows you to renew your documentation by signing the form and mailing it back to them at no cost except for the stamp. and you will receive the Renewal Certificateby return mail. This occurs on an annual basis, and as most of you are aware, it is a very simple process.
We have just been made aware of an outfit that will do this for you for a fee of $75.00!! They go on to say that failure to renew can result in a fine of $500.00 a day and they even include a self addressed envelope for your check. (how nice)
This outfit is called Specialized Yacht Services of Islip N.Y., but there may be others. Usually if there's one sneaky rat who tries to pull a fast one...there will be others.
It appears these people have obtained the information through the freedom of information act (FOI), and are timing their mailing jsut a few weeks ahead of the Individual's renewal anniversary. My guess is there's nothing illegal about this but it sure isn't necessary.
Winter Maintenance
Most of us winterized our Boats in early November, and SOME PEOPLE have not seen them since, although they are in the water. It's like out of sight out of mind. If you can, let me suggest you go by the Boat Club and check out your boat. Make sure there's no excess water in the bilge and the batteries are ok. Make sure the lines have not chaffed and just look it over in general. Besides your boat misses you and wants to see you! Surely you know boats have feelings and need love and care??
Have a great (and short) winter season.
SPRING IS HERE!!
Two tips for a successful start up and a trouble free summer.
1) When you start your engine for the first time (or even if you have already started it,) it's imperative that you open the hatch so you can see your engine running and take ten minutes to look for water leaks, loose belts, etc. Remember too keep your hands clear of moving parts, generally all you need to do is look with your flashlight. If any leaks are present the water will find its way to the bilge. To check for loose belts, turn off the engine and press on the belts with your fingers. If you have more that 3/4 inch of play it should be tightened, or replaced.
2) Check the water level in your batteries, and top them off with distilled water.
If you have questions or comments on these items you can contact me at:
hgraham@charlestonmarine.com
Homer Graham
Member Education