A boat cover is an effective yet inexpensive defense against elements like sun, rain, hail, sand, salt, and grime – all of which can cause damage your boat’s finish. And if you own a Correct Craft,  chances are you have a sharp finish that needs to be protected. Especially if you own one of those customized Byerly Icon Edition Nautiques.

Byerly Edition Nautique - Courtesty of Correct Craft

Check out that shine! Your boat’s gelcoat is responsible for that colorful, glossy finish. And just like unprotected skin, your boat’s gelcoat can suffer extensive damage from the sun. It won’t turn red and peel but it will start to take on a dull, chalk-like appearance caused by oxidation.

When caught early, oxidation can generally be reversed with a little cleaner and elbow grease. But more extreme cases may require professional work (and we all know that professional work and restoration = unwanted expense).

You can easily avoid the hassle of oxidation damage by investing in a quality boat cover.  We have a large selection of Correct Craft boat covers, including custom covers with wakeboard tower slots. Don’t have a Correct Craft? Visit our boat cover finder to find a boat cover for your boat.

Now through November 30, 2011, use coupon code SAVEMORE to receive a free tie down kit and 5% off any semi-custom or custom boat cover.

Kasco Marine won’t be starring in Universal Studio’s upcoming movie “Big Miracle” alongside Drew Barrymore but they did play a part in attempting to save three gray whales trapped underneath the ice in the northernmost inhabited place on the earth – Point Barrow, Alaska.

The large mammals were discovered by local Eskimo hunter, Roy Ahmaogak, on October 7, 1988.  Roy and fellow villagers used a chainsaw to cut blocks of ice two feet thick in an attempt to create a path to open water. Their efforts were tireless as ice kept reforming in the harsh Arctic conditions.  A heavy-lift helicopter from the Alaska National Guard was brought in to create larger holes in the ice (anywhere from 10-20 feet in diameter) with a 5 ton hammer. While these breathing holes were larger than initial attempts, it was still difficult to keep them open.

The story reached Anchorage a week after their discovery and soon after the rest of the world was aware of the challenge – getting the whales to open water nearly 7 miles away. Kasco Marine reacted by sending their deicers and personnel to the area to help keep the ice from forming. Local officials were skeptical that their units would make a difference but Kasco was convinced they could help. They mounted their 3/4 HP deicer on a horizontal float mount to circulate the water and prevent it from freezing.  Despite -30° conditions, their deicers kept the water ice free allowing the endangered whales to breathe.

While keeping the ice clear was a challenge in and of itself, the real challenge was getting the whales to open water so that they could return to their summer breeding grounds. Rescuers attempted to use an Alaskan Barge to break the ice and clear a path to open water but it had been locked in. As the situation got more serious and the youngest whale was lost to drowning, the US Department of State requested help from the Soviet Union. Nearly twenty days after their discovery, the whales were set free after Soviet ice breakers broke apart miles of thirty feet deep ice. This inspiring story will hit the big screen in February 2012,  starring Drew Barrymore and The Office’s John Krasinksi.

Learn more about Kasco Marine and their line of deicers.

Now that you’ve invested in a boat cover to protect your boat, it’s time to learn how to make that investment last for years to come.  One key component to extending the life of your boat cover is a support pole. A support pole works by creating a “tent effect” that allows water, leaves, and other debris to slide off the cover (think of it as the roof on your house). Without it, water and debris can collect and form pockets which will eventually leave the cover distorted and more susceptible to mold and mildew.

This occurrence is especially common for semi-custom or styled-to-fit boat covers. While this type of cover is a great option for the value-minded consumer, it does not provide the same glove-like fit as a custom boat cover. Therefore, there may be extra fabric that is more likely to form pockets from rainfall, snow, fallen leaves, or any other debris. Installing a support pole and pulling the fabric tight is a essential to preventing this occurrence.

A standard boat cover support pole is made from an adjustable aluminum pole that fits between the deck and the underside of the boat cover. Most support poles have rubber caps on both ends of the pole that provide extra friction to hold up the pole by tension. Other styles have a male snap on one end that connects to a female snap on the boat cover. All of Carver’s custom boat covers and pontoon boat covers have a snap or several snaps (depending on the length of the boat) placed near the center of the cover.

This is just one of the many support systems available. Some boat cover support systems are better suited than others, depending on what type of boat you have. Next week we’ll feature an article on the advantages/disadvantages of each type so you can choose the best option for your boat cover.

We carry the top two dock deicer brands on the market: Powerhouse Ice Eaters and Kasco Marine Deicers. We recommend both brands to our customers but when it comes to recommending one brand over the other, its a tough call.  Each brand represents a quality product backed by years of experience and a strong reputation – which is exactly what we were looking for when we we built our deicer category. So how do we respond when our customers ask which deicer is right for them?

We start by asking them about their deicing situation. Are you an individual trying to protect your private dock? A marina in need of several deicers to protect a large area? Or a duck hunter who wants to keep an area of water open? Both dock deicers are equipped to work in each of the above scenarios but one may be better suited than the other.

Kasco deicers are designed with a heavy-duty motor surrounded by a protective case made from stainless steel. They are typically better suited for rough situations where the dock deicer is subject to continuous operation. You might find these types of situations at a marina, civic works project, or any commercial application.

Powerhouse Ice Eater’s motor and propeller are encased in a PVC shroud which does 2 things (1) it protects the propeller and (2) it improves the ability to point or direct water flow. Because the PVC shroud is not as durable as stainless steel case, the Ice Eater may be more suitable for private docks, boat houses, or slips.  Powerhouse offers more mounting configurations (like a shallow water stand) and a smaller 1/4 HP model for smaller deicing situations.

For a detailed feature comparison, visit our complete article “Comparing the Kasco Marine Deicer and the Ice Eater by Powerhouse.” If you have additional questions, give us a call at 866-560-1330 or contact us by email. We would be happy to help you select a dock deicer that will best suit your needs.

Selecting a boat prop can be challenging. There are a number of different factors that come into play during the selection process that can be confusing for a newcomer or even a veteran boat owner. In order to make things a little easier, we’ve developed an easy-to-use Boat Prop Finder. This tool will help guide you through the process of selecting a boat prop but there’s still a few key terms we think you should understand before you begin your search.

Boat Prop Hub

The boat prop hub acts as a connector between the propeller at the drive shaft. Each centralized hub is designed to fit a specific drive shaft system which varies by the manufacturer of the engine. There are two general types of hubs;  fixed and removable. To learn more about hub types, visit our article “Fixed Hub Propeller or Removable Hub Propeller“.

Splines

Propeller Pitch:

If you need help finding a boat prop for you boat, visit our Boat Prop Finder or give us a call at 866-560-1330. Now through October 31, 2011, we are offering free shipping on all stainless steel boat props.

A few days ago I ran across a forum post that prompted me to write about this particular topic. A forum user had asked for advice on how to clean his boat cover and received a few wacky responses…something like  “throw it in the washing machine with some bleach“. Eeek! While forums can be a handy source for advice, this particular instance proved wrong.

If you want to extend the life of your boat cover (and who doesn’t?), we recommend listening to the experts. Carver Industries has been a leader in the boat cover industry for over 30 years so we highly regard their advice on matters like these. We sought their advice and outlined some general guidelines below.

First and foremost, washing your boat cover in a washing machine is not recommended by Carver. Nor is washing the cover with a harsh cleaner like undiluted bleach or laundry detergent. These types of cleaners can minimize the cover’s water repellent finish and promote the growth of mildew – which is something you really don’t want to encourage.

To properly clean your boat cover, start by sweeping the cover with a soft brush to remove any loose dirt and rinse with lukewarm water. Then, mix a solution of lukewarm water (about a gallon) and 1/4 cup mild soap like Ivory™  for cleaning. Rinse the cover thoroughly and allow to air dry thoroughly.

If you are facing tough stains or mildew damage, mix up a non-bleach mildew remover by combining 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of Borax powder (available at any grocery store), and 2 cups of warm water in a bucket or sprayer. Apply mixture to mildew spots and let set for no longer than 10 minutes. For tough spots, use a soft bristle brush.  Rinse well and allow the boat cover to completely air dry.

For additional tips on caring for your boat cover, visit our “Essentials of Boat Cover Care” article.

According to Nauset Marine, a well-maintained Boston Whaler has the highest resale value in the marine industry. One way you can help maintain that resale value is to invest in a boat cover. A boat cover will help protect your boat from elements like rain, dirt, and UV rays which can cause damage to your boat’s exterior.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in a boat cover for your Boston Whaler, you’re in the right place. We offer semi-custom and custom boat cover options for nearly all Boston Whaler models from the entry-level Super Sport to the larger Dauntless and Conquest. Let’s take a look at your Boston Whaler boat cover options:

Semi-Custom Boston Whaler Boat Cover

Semi-custom Boston Whaler boat covers fall somewhere between a universal cover and custom cover in terms of fit. They are designed to fit the general hull and deck style of a boat in a specific size range. Unlike universal boat covers, semi-custom covers are trailerable when properly secured and accommodate specific details like bow rails and t-tops. This is a great option if you’re looking for the best value.

Custom Boston Whaler Boat Cover

A custom boat cover will offer the best fit for your Boston Whaler because it will be designed for your boat’s specific make, model, and year. We offer custom Boston Whaler boat covers from two top boat cover manufacturers: Carver and Westland. Between the two manufacturers we cover a wide range of Boston Whaler boats but it is important to note that custom boat covers are not available for all boat models.

If you need help finding a a boat cover for your Boston Whaler visit our Boat Cover Finder or give us a call at 866-560-1330. Now through October 31, 2011, we are offering 5% off all custom and semi-custom boat covers, free shipping in the continental U.S. and a free tie down kit with coupon code SAVEMORE.

We are excited to announce that we are now offering Free Shipping on all dock deicers. This offer is valid for all de-icers shipping within the continental United States.

We carry two of the top dock de-icer brands on the market: Powerhouse and Kasco. Both brands use a powerful, electric motor to pull warm water found near the bottom of the lake or body of water and circulate it to the surface. The continuous movement of warmer water causes the surface ice to melt.

Dock de-icers are used by house boat owners, marinas, and private dock owners alike. By clearing the water around these structures, a de-icer will protect them from becoming part of the frozen lake but more importantly it will avoid costly damage to the structure caused by shifting ice.

For more information about dock deicers, visit our Ice Eater and Dock Deicer Article Library. Here you will find a dock deicer brand comparison, installation information, and additional product details.

Learn how to prevent mildew damage like this!

Protecting your boat with a boat cover is a smart decision but if you aren’t careful you can create the perfect environment for mildew growth.

The two things that mildew needs to grow is heat and moisture. When you enclose your boat with a boat cover, the temperature under the cover naturally rises.  Pair that rise in temperature with moisture from rainfall or humidity and you’ve got a breeding grounds for mildew.  Besides being a pain to clean, mildew can be bad for your health – aggravating allergies and causing all kinds of other respiratory problems.

1. Choose a Breathable Boat Cover Material

It is important to choose a boat cover material that compliments the climate in which you live in. If you live in a hot or humid area, it is essential that your boat cover is made from a highly breathable fabric like Performance Polyguard or Sunbrella. Both materials received a 5 out of 5 star rating in breathability.

2. Install a Vented Support Pole

A vented support pole provides the needed air flow to release heat that can get trapped under the cover and reduce moisture build-up. The vented support pole consists of two plates that twist and lock together on the top and bottom of the boat cover. These plates are designed to allow airflow but will not let water, like rainfall inside. It is important to note that you will have to cut a hole in your boat cover in order to install the vented support pole. To view the installation requirements, visit our YouTube video on Assembling the Carver Support Poles.

3. Use an Air Dryer or Dehumidifier

Air dyers are designed to reduce humidity levels in the air in order to reduce condensation (one of the factors that causes mildew growth). There are both electric and non-electric air dryers available in case your boat is stored in a location that doesn’t have electricity. Electric dehumidifiers, like the DryWave Boat Air Dryer, slightly raise the air temperature above the dew point to prevent mildew. Non-electric air dryers, like the Eva-Dry Dehumidifier, consist of a gel or crystals that collect and store moisture from the air.

As you prepare to winterize your boat this fall, consider these tips for preventing mildew growth under your boat cover.

We recently introduced the entire line of First Watch life jackets and inflatable PFD’s to our selection of safety products. We chose to add the First Watch brand because we admired the unique and thoughtful features they added into their designs.

CO2 Cartridge Inside Manual PFD

One product that stood out for us was their inflatable PFD and we would like to highlight a few of the unique features this vest offers. Like all other PFD manufacturers, First Watch offers an auto inflatable PFD and a manual inflatable PFD. The distinction between the two models is simple. A manual inflatable PFD requires the user to pull down on the red tab to inflate the PFD.  That “pull” causes a small pin to pierce the CO2 cylinder that fills the inflatable bladder to capacity. An auto inflatable PFD is equipped with a small yellow tablet (or bobbin) that dissolves on water contact and releases a spring-loaded pin that punctures the CO2 and fills the bladder.

Once the bladder is inflated, the most unique feature of First Watch’s PFD is revealed. First Watch uses what they call WaveBarrier™ technology. The interlocking design of the inflatable bladder blocks water from being channeled directly into the wearer’s airways. This design also places the manual mouthpiece and emergency whistle at a more convenient location than the competitor.

Normal Inflatable PFD Inflated	First Watch Inflatable PFD with WaveBarrier™ Technology

Other notable features of the First Watch Inflatable PFDs include:

We are currently giving away a First Watch manual inflatable PFD in our “Best Catch” contest on Facebook. To learn more about this contest, visit our Facebook Fan Page.