15 Maintenance Tips

Here are 15 maintenance tips for boaters to help keep their boats in good condition:

  1. Check the engine oil regularly and change it as needed.
  2. Replace fuel filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
  3. Check the battery regularly and replace it if it is weak.
  4. Keep the bilge clean and free of debris.
  5. Check the propeller and replace it if damaged.
  6. Clean the boat regularly to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
  7. Inspect the steering and control cables for damage and replace as needed.
  8. Check the water pump impeller and replace it if it is worn or damaged.
  9. Lubricate all moving parts and cables as recommended by the manufacturer.
  10. Check the hull for cracks or damage and repair as needed.
  11. Store the boat properly when not in use to prevent damage from weather or pests.
  12. Check the navigation lights and replace bulbs as needed.
  13. Check the fuel lines and fittings for leaks or damage and replace as needed.
  14. Inspect the electrical system and wiring for damage and replace as needed.
  15. Check the safety equipment, such as life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers, and replace or update as needed.

By following these maintenance tips, boaters can help prevent major problems and ensure that their boats are safe and reliable for use on the water

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Rotten to the Core

Repairing rotted core on a boat can be a more complicated repair process than fixing rot on the surface. Here are the steps to repair rotted core on a boat:

 

Identify the extent of the damage: Before starting the repair process, it is important to identify the extent of the damage. You can do this by tapping the affected area with a mallet or screwdriver to determine the soundness of the surrounding material.

 

Remove the damaged material: Once you have identified the extent of the damage, remove the damaged material by cutting out the affected area with a saw or grinder. Make sure to cut beyond the damage to ensure that you remove all of the affected material.

 

Dry out the area: After removing the damaged material, dry out the area completely to prevent further rot. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to dry the area thoroughly.

 

Prepare the replacement core: Cut a piece of new core material to match the dimensions of the removed area. The core material can be made of foam, balsa wood, or another suitable material.

 

Install the new core material: Apply a marine-grade adhesive to the area where the new core material will be installed. Then, carefully fit the new core material into the area and secure it with screws or clamps.

 

Replace the outer layer: Once the new core material is installed, replace the outer layer of the boat, whether it is fiberglass or another material. Use a marine-grade adhesive to bond the outer layer to the new core material.

 

Finish the repair: Once the outer layer is replaced, sand the area to ensure it is smooth and flush with the surrounding material. Finish the area with a marine-grade sealant or paint to protect it from future damage.

 

It is important to note that repairing rotted core on a boat can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is recommended to seek the help of a professional boat repair technician if you are unsure about the process or the extent of the damage.

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What is on your Summer Boating List?

Here are some more boating destinations around Lake Erie:

 

Buffalo, NY: Located on the eastern end of Lake Erie, Buffalo has a variety of boating options, including several marinas, boat launches, and yacht clubs. Boaters can explore the Buffalo River, Niagara River, and Lake Erie.

 

Ashtabula, OH: Ashtabula is a charming town located on the northeastern shore of Lake Erie. The town has a marina and several boat ramps, and boaters can explore the Ashtabula River and nearby Lake Erie.

 

Dunkirk, NY: Dunkirk is a popular boating destination on the eastern end of Lake Erie, with several marinas and boat launches. Boaters can explore the Dunkirk Harbor and nearby Lake Erie.

 

Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH: Geneva-on-the-Lake is a small resort town located on the southern shore of Lake Erie. The town has several marinas and boat ramps, and boaters can explore nearby Lake Erie and the Grand River.

 

Huron, OH: Huron is a popular boating destination on the southern shore of Lake Erie, with several marinas and a range of water activities available, including fishing, sailing, and kayaking. Boaters can explore the Huron River and nearby Lake Erie.

 

Detroit, MI: Located on the western end of Lake Erie, Detroit has a variety of boating options, including several marinas, yacht clubs, and boat launches. Boaters can explore the Detroit River and nearby Lake Erie.

 

Port Dover, ON: Port Dover is a small town located on the northern shore of Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada. The town has a marina and several boat launches, and boaters can explore nearby Long Point Bay and Lake Erie.

 

Conneaut, OH: Conneaut is a small town located on the northeastern shore of Lake Erie. The town has a marina and several boat ramps, and boaters can explore the Conneaut Creek and nearby Lake Erie.

 

These are just a few of the many boating destinations around Lake Erie. Each destination offers its own unique experiences and opportunities for boaters to enjoy the beauty of the lake and its 

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Finding Balance: Embracing the Thrill of Hockey and Boating in Lake Erie

Lake Erie is a beautiful and captivating body of water that spans several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. For many people, the lake represents the perfect opportunity to indulge in two of their greatest loves – hockey and boating.

 

Hockey is a fast-paced and intense sport that requires skill, strategy, and quick reflexes. Many people in the Great Lakes region are passionate about hockey, and Lake Erie is no exception. The lake is home to several professional and amateur hockey teams, as well as countless community leagues and tournaments. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a fan in the stands, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a good hockey game.

On the other hand, boating is a leisurely and relaxing activity that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Erie at your own pace. Whether you’re fishing, swimming, or just cruising around the lake, boating is the perfect way to unwind and recharge. With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque islands, and stunning sunsets, Lake Erie is a boater’s paradise.

 

But what happens when you love both hockey and boating? Can you truly have the best of both worlds? The answer is yes!

In fact, many people in the Lake Erie region have found a way to balance their love of hockey and boating. They spend their winters at the rink, honing their skills and cheering on their favorite teams. And when summer rolls around, they switch gears and head out to the lake, where they can enjoy all the fun and relaxation that boating has to offer.

 

Of course, there are some challenges to balancing these two loves. For one, the seasons don’t always line up perfectly. Hockey season typically runs from October to April, while boating season runs from May to September. This means that if you want to enjoy both activities, you’ll need to be prepared to switch gears quickly and make the most of the time you have.

Another challenge is logistics. If you’re a hockey player, you’ll need to make sure you have all the equipment you need, including skates, pads, and sticks. And if you’re a boater, you’ll need to make sure your boat is in good condition and that you have all the necessary safety gear on board.

 

Despite these challenges, however, the rewards of loving both hockey and boating are well worth it. You get to experience the thrill of competition on the ice and the tranquility of the water. You get to challenge yourself physically and mentally, while also taking time to relax and recharge.

 

So if you’re someone who loves both hockey and boating, don’t feel like you have to choose between them. Embrace both activities, and find a way to balance them in a way that works for you. Whether you’re on the ice or on the water, you’ll be living life to the fullest and making the most of everything that Lake Erie has to offer

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2021 Boating Season Retrospect

At Craft Marine in Sandusky, Ohio

As the 2021 boating season concludes… I need to share with you the reason behind the lack of my posting anything over the past 2 years. In 2011 I stepped away from my love of officiating ice hockey. When I did, I gained nearly 200 LBS. In May of 2021 after trying everything to get my life back for almost 10 years, I was blessed enough to have Gastric Bypass. As of this day, I lost 130LBS and have 70LBS to go.

Holding on for dear life as the lift operator took me far higher than the 3 rungs I am comfortable climbing on a ladder

I have not been posting much because I just did not feel well enough to do anything outside of going to work then recovering from work to go back to work. The excess weight took its toll. Blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep apnea all became a problem. Today, I am free of those problems. I can finally enjoy boating once again. I have also returned to ice hockey.

Ever notice how your boat accumulates “stuff” on the day of haul out?

When I tell you I have spent my life on the water I really mean it. Boating in the summer and ice hockey in the winter. Its all a matter of state.

My uncle took a picture of me holding on to the arch as my life flashed before my eyes

As my weight peeled off this season, I went boating quite a bit more with my uncle on his 38 foot Silverton Express. I did not spend much time under way on my Baja WB340. Not for a lack of desire or because of some mechanical problem… it was just that the opportunity to use my boat was less this season. Next season, I think my boat will see FAR more use.

Tell me about some of your experiences this season!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajayachts/

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