CleaRinse Washdown System filters the water you clean your boat with

If you use filtered water to drink, cook, or wash dishes with, why not filter the water that you use to clean that boat you paid so much for?

The CleaRinse Washdown System from G2 Products does just that.CleaRinsse is a self-contained water softening and filtration system you can use to clean your boat from the dock, trapping the minerals and contamination from incoming water that could damage your boat's finish. A built-in meter tracks your usage.

CleaRinse comes in two models: one cleans 2,000 gallons before recharge for boats up to 65 feet, the other can handle up to 5,000 gallons for larger boats.

Source: CleaRinse Washdown System

Airberth lifts your boat out of the water for easy service

The AirBerth system allows you to clean and service your boat by lifting it out of the water. Cleaning your boat easier, and it is sure to be an attention getter at the marina when you lift your boat out of the water like a Las Vegas magician.

According to AirBerth...

Spend more time boating and less on maintenance!

You wouldn't park a Ferrari in the street so why would you leave your boat in the water?

AirBerth is the revolutionary way to keep your boat out of the water eliminating the hassles of towing, launching, mooring and cleaning. It simply attaches to your current jetty, pontoon or marina berth, giving you instant access to your boat anytime.

Now that's peace of mind!

• Eliminate the need to anti-foul your boat
• Minimise electrolysis and osmosis on your boat
• High Density Polyethylene plastic construction
• Portability allows for easy relocation
• No submerged metal parts
• Isolated air and water for added safety

Source: Airberth

How to avoid the six most common boat winterizing mistakes

The Boat US newsroom features a list of the six most common mistakes made when winterizing a boat.

Failure to winterize the engine: Freezing temperatures occur in all 50 states and while they are taken seriously up north, it’s the balmy states of California, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia where boaters are most likely to have freeze-related damage to engine blocks. It routinely occurs to boats stored ashore here. Boats left in a slip are less susceptible to sudden freezing as the surrounding water retains heat longer than air.

Failure to drain water from sea strainer: If your winterizing plan calls for draining the engine, the seawater strainer must be winterized or residual water could freeze and rupture the watertight seal. Sometimes you won’t know it’s damaged until spring launching and water begins to trickle in.

Failure to close seacocks: For boats left in the water, leaving seacocks open over the winter is like going on extended vacation without locking the house. If a thru-hull cannot be closed the vessel must be stored ashore – the sole exception are cockpit drains. Heavy snow loads can also force your boat under, allowing water to enter thru-hulls normally well above the water line.

Clogged petcocks: Engine cooling system petcocks clogged by rust or other debris can prevent water from fully draining. If one is plugged, try using a coat hanger to clear the blockage or use the engine’s intake hose to flush anti-freeze through the system.

Leaving open boats in the water over winter: Boats with large open cockpits or low freeboard can easily be pushed underwater by the weight of accumulated ice and snow. Always store them ashore.

Using bimini covers as winter storage covers: A cover that protects the crew from the sun does a lousy job protecting the boat from freezing rain and snow. Unlike a bonafide winter cover, biminis tend to rip apart and age prematurely by the effects of winter weather.

Source : Boat US Newsroom

Remodeling a boat to use as a second home

The West Linn Tidings feature a story on a couple who bought and remodeled a boat as a home away from home.

The couple bought the 42-foot-long Uniflite boat in 1984 and set to work remodeling the interior.

The article details how the couple picked lightweight and moisture-resistant materials, along with finding storage for items needed for day to day living.

Clean your boat to protect the water against harmful critters

The South Bend Tribune features a story on a request from the The Indiana Department of Natural Resources on keeping your boat clean.

Animals, plants, and diseases that can cause fish kills, such as Eurasian water milfoil, hydrilla, zebra mussels (pictured left), or emerging viral hemorrhagic septicemia can be transmitted by boats.

Painting and protecting your boat hull

MotorBoating.com features a story on picking the right bottom paint for your boat to protect the hull from underwater growth.

Bottom paints differ in cost and durability. The article features information on differences between categories of bottom paint and suggestions for getting the best results when applying.

Have you painted your boat's hull recently? What paint did you choose? Any suggestions? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

A checklist for boating season

As the weather warms up and the boating season begins, The Daily Herald features a handy checklist getting your boat ready.

Tip include how to take your boat out of storage, inspecting your boat for damage, and checking over the engine and wiring.

Do you have any tips for getting a boat ready after storage? Leave a comment below and share your advice.