Teen Sailing
How to section
Posted March 24,2010
Welcome to the new "How To" section! In here I will be posting videos and articles about maintenance and products that you could run in to in the boating world. Im hoping that I will be able to start having members from the site post articles and videos soon too. This section is going to have helpful information along with "How To" videos on cheap and effective ways to repair your boat back into shape. Along with this I am also going to post general maintenance tips and advice along with brands and where to buy. Feel free to send me an article that you wrote or maybe a video that you think could help contribute, to [email protected] . I hope to hear from ya!
Welcome to the new "How To" section! In here I will be posting videos and articles about maintenance and products that you could run in to in the boating world. Im hoping that I will be able to start having members from the site post articles and videos soon too. This section is going to have helpful information along with "How To" videos on cheap and effective ways to repair your boat back into shape. Along with this I am also going to post general maintenance tips and advice along with brands and where to buy. Feel free to send me an article that you wrote or maybe a video that you think could help contribute, to [email protected] . I hope to hear from ya!
Update
The boat is almost done being sanded and we will move on to the next process shortly! I have to finish sanding the back and put new rudder and motor mounts back on. We will then move on to the pre wash and what the best type of washing mixture is for paint prep. Then we will go in to painting the boat.
Well I have tested the quick steel in the water and it held up to a point but does not create a water tight bond in all areas! I recently just picked up some new stuff called aqua mend at Home Depot and have applied it to the boat. It is the same price but for boats and things that will be submerged in water. Also I have found that Home Depot carries very affordable fiberglass products. You can be all set for about $25 so thats what were going to try next.
-Update-
The Aquamend holds up just about perfect so that is what I recommend.
-Update-
The Aquamend holds up just about perfect so that is what I recommend.
Fall is near! Prepare your boat!
With fall on its way here, you should start getting ready to store your boat for the winter months to come. Doing so will help keep your boat in ship shape for the coming year. Also winter time is a great time to work on your boat and make all the upgrades and fixes you wanted. It is also a great time to repaint that bottom and get her looking pretty again. This time of year is also great for repairing your motors and maybe even rebuilding them.
If you are not going to be making repairs to your boat you should think about how you want to store it, where you want to store it, and if you want it wrapped.
First of all, when you store a boat for winter you need to do a couple of things to prolong the life of the boat. First off, when removing it from the water you should give the underside a thorough cleaning and put a coat of wax on it (if its a hard bottom paint). You should also purge the bilge pump to remove all water from the lines. This should also be done to all other places where liquids and wastes are stored ie; fresh water tank, waste tank etc. Now that you have it clean I would recommend taking all running rigging, coiling it up and setting it off to the side. If the boat has a cabin I would also remove all of the cushions and put them with the rope too. The sails should be folded properly and set with your rope as well.
Oil all of the shackles and blocks that need oiled. Winter is a hard month for many boats especially if you plan to store it outside or in a barn.
If your boat has a kicker motor or a inboard motor, you should winterize it to keep it in good running order for the following year. Also remove all gas from the boat except what you need to winterize the boat. A guide to winterizing boat motors can be found here.
You should store all ropes, cushions, life vests, sails and any other equipment you feel neccassary in your home or somewhere that animals and rodents will not be able to get to. This will keep all of your gear in shape for the coming years.
If you plan on storing your boat by your self you should make sure that it is protected from the elements. If you have a mooring cover use that and then cover the boat with a tarp for added protection. If you are able to park the trailer on cement not in the grass. This will keep the tires in good condition. Don't forget to chock off the trailer wheels.
If you have some money then I would recommend you getting your boat shrink wrapped and stored. This is a great way to protect your boat and not take up space at your home over the winter. Many marinas offer this sevice and it should be taken advantage of if possible. If you can't afford this you can always store the boat at the marina. They usually charge by the foot and the prices are fairly reasonable.
I hope this article helps all of you fellow boaters out there. Just remember that proper maintence and care will keep you on the waters for much longer!
If you are not going to be making repairs to your boat you should think about how you want to store it, where you want to store it, and if you want it wrapped.
First of all, when you store a boat for winter you need to do a couple of things to prolong the life of the boat. First off, when removing it from the water you should give the underside a thorough cleaning and put a coat of wax on it (if its a hard bottom paint). You should also purge the bilge pump to remove all water from the lines. This should also be done to all other places where liquids and wastes are stored ie; fresh water tank, waste tank etc. Now that you have it clean I would recommend taking all running rigging, coiling it up and setting it off to the side. If the boat has a cabin I would also remove all of the cushions and put them with the rope too. The sails should be folded properly and set with your rope as well.
Oil all of the shackles and blocks that need oiled. Winter is a hard month for many boats especially if you plan to store it outside or in a barn.
If your boat has a kicker motor or a inboard motor, you should winterize it to keep it in good running order for the following year. Also remove all gas from the boat except what you need to winterize the boat. A guide to winterizing boat motors can be found here.
You should store all ropes, cushions, life vests, sails and any other equipment you feel neccassary in your home or somewhere that animals and rodents will not be able to get to. This will keep all of your gear in shape for the coming years.
If you plan on storing your boat by your self you should make sure that it is protected from the elements. If you have a mooring cover use that and then cover the boat with a tarp for added protection. If you are able to park the trailer on cement not in the grass. This will keep the tires in good condition. Don't forget to chock off the trailer wheels.
If you have some money then I would recommend you getting your boat shrink wrapped and stored. This is a great way to protect your boat and not take up space at your home over the winter. Many marinas offer this sevice and it should be taken advantage of if possible. If you can't afford this you can always store the boat at the marina. They usually charge by the foot and the prices are fairly reasonable.
I hope this article helps all of you fellow boaters out there. Just remember that proper maintence and care will keep you on the waters for much longer!
