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With almost two months of the new year already behind us, many of you are probably counting down the days until you can get your boats back out on the water.
Those of you us on the South East Coast have a bit of an advantage since our boats can come out in various stages throughout the year. But for those of you, in area's that freeze's it’s a little trickier with the weather, making Memorial Day weekend a popular time to officially launch the new boating season.
No matter where you are or what type of craft you have, there’s no time like the present to start getting your boat ready. The team of CLR Marine has identified the first three things we’d recommend you tackle.
1) Start checking your Safety Equipment, make sure it is still usable.
a. Inflatable Life Jackets, did they open up during the winter due to humidity?
b. Have the life jackets molded? Would you wear it or have a guest wear it?
c. Is the whistle and strobe light still attached to the life jackets?
d. How old are the Bobbin's in your inflatable life jacket?
e. Replace all batteries in all strobes at least once a year.
f. Are your fire extinguishers fully charged?
2) Eprib's, Personal Locator Beacons, and Lights
A. If it has a battery check the expiration date and replace them.
b. Clean all battery contact locations.
c. Remember it is your life and the life of others this equipment will be saving.
3) Your boats Electrical Panel, Check all the wire connections.
a. Are they clean, is there any corrosion on them?
b. Are all wire connections tight?
c. Once you are happy they are clean and tight, be sure to spray it down with CRC QD Electronic Cleaner.
If you are going to be traveling where there is commercial shipping, you really need an AIS System.
CLR Marine will always recommend the Vesper AIS, and the new Cortex V1 VHF + AIS + Monitor is out of this world.