Posted by Mitchell Bernardo on 21st Oct 2022
As we enter winter the dinghy make not get as much use as it did this summer. What tends to happen is the last time it was used we think we will be back to use it again but weeks then months go by and we didn't properly store the dinghy. What happens next is dead battery, fuel contamination in the fuel tank and in the motor, tubes have lost air and the battery switch was never turned off. So to help avoid this from happening I suggest you put on your calendar the last day that you will be using your tender this could be after Christmas holiday etc. Plan to wash the boat, put battery on trickle charger or remove battery from boat, turn off battery switch, if you have a carburated motor run it out of fuel by removing the fuel supply. Make sure the drain plug is removed to allow for drainage if you are storing out of the water.Add some fuel additive to the tank, just a little...fill tubes with air, put on the boat cover and secure so it will not blow off when you are not around. This will help to guarantee that the dinghy is ready when you want to use it in the Spring!
The last couple of years we have been selling the E Propulsion electric outboard. In my opinion this motor changes everything for small outboards in the under 6 hp range. It offers so many benefits over a gas outboard. Let me highlight them. Most of the disadvantages also apply to propane motors...I want to mention [...]
Beginning January 1st 2018 California will be begin the process of issuing boaters cards to those persons that complete the boating safety course required by the state of California. Beginning now the card is required for all persons driving a boat between the age of 15 years old and 20 years old. Starting next year [...]
We have this discussion often with customers about why to choose hypalon or PVC fabric for an inflatable boat. Some will tell you that hypalon is the better material and should be the only material you select for your inflatable boat. The fact is PVC fabric may be fine for your needs. PVC boats can [...]
To bottom paint or not to bottom paint that is the question. If you plan to leave your RIB inflatable boat in the water for more than about 4 days at a time then I would recommend bottom painting. Painting the bottom of an inflatable RIB is not the same as painting the bottom of [...]
The small outboards that run on gas still need some routine maintenance to keep them ready for the next time you want to use them. These smaller gas outboards have smaller carbs and small jets for idle speeds. They can easily be blocked by the evaporation of the fuel in the carb when fuel is [...]
The larger center console dinghys are in big demand. They are comfortable, they offer lots of freedom on the water. In Catalina and around the harbor you can cruise in comfort. The challenge is how do you bring the center console dinghy with you to Catalina if you don't have a davit? The answer for many [...]
Now that you have marked all the spots where you found leaks by using soapy water on your tubes I will tell you how to patch the boat. We recommend that you bring the boat to us for repair if possible but if not you can do it yourself. The first thing to do is [...]
The time has come to begin getting ready for summer boating. Your inflatable boat has not had any love in awhile so what can be done to prepare for the summer. First thing is to check your boat for water and air leaks. This can be easily done with some soapy water in a spray [...]