Your Top Two ...tricks of the trade.

[Nehalennia]

So you know your boat do you?
Pass along the top two tricks that you use on your boat that can work well for others.

It doesn't matter what it is, winter, spring, summer or fall.
Just give us those little things that either make life easier, or service quicker or getting out on the boat handier than it used to be.

 

[Presentation]

Cabin door lock trick:
When you unlock the door to the cabin, do not turn the key as far as it will go. Turn it only 90 degrees then remove the key. Now you can lock and unlock the cabin door from the inside.
When you unlock the door to the cabin, turn the key as far as it will go. Now you can not lock the cabin door from the inside.





It’s ironic that I’m posting this on a reply to a professional lock smith. LOL

 

[dpvandy01]

Super Iron Out

 

[SR Tech]

Always carry a spare relay.

Be friendly with your local service operator:grin::thumbsup:

 

[Sundancer]

1) Start the starboard engine first, it's crankier and needs a little more warm up time than the port engine.
2) Check the screws on the stupid mirror cabinets. They are the WORST hinges and loosen up and fall out all the time!

OK, generically for all boats here are a couple:

1) When launching your boat, note where the water line is in relation to your truck rear tires when the boat floats off the trailer. Back to the same point, or just slightly higher when retrieving and you won't have to winch your boat very far. Of course, this assumes a properly adjusted trailer. Most folks are in such a hurry to get the boat OFF the trailer they miss this key piece of information.

2) Watch out for spotlight eating trees while driving around with it on the trailer. Don't ask me how I know this one! Don't veer off your normal route to and from the water! Know how high and WHERE the highest point is on the arch!

 

[oknoproblem]

Oil Change:

Bought a drill motor pump, (the kind of pump that attaches to your drill) some thick wall i.d. 1/2” tubing, a 5 gallon bucket, a female hose end attachment, and a couple of clamps from Home Depot. Cut a hole in the top of the bucket for the hose, plus a small air outlet hole, and hook up the hose end to your dip stick, drill pump, start your drill and change your oil in (no kidding 10 minutes) per engine!
Of course you need to make a stop at your local auto parts store for your favorite type of oil (yet another thread) and filter.

 

[Cocktail Time]

Always, repeat, Always explain to guests how to operate the head and faucets. Replace the sticker on the head frequently to hilite what does and what does not get flushed...
Stowaway Boat Fenders- saved my gelcoat many a time and are easily stored...

 

[thunderbird1]

1. I highly recommend the Ironwood-Pacific Top-Snapper Tool if you regularly snap and unsnap canvas covers.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...L=true&storeNum=18&subdeptNum=58&classNum=595

2. Baby wipes are great for keeping adult & children hands, face, and other body parts clean. As they contain no alcohol, the wipes are safe to clean counters too.

 

[Turtlesboat]

Wash the boat after every use. Nice to walk onto a clean ready to go boat every weekend.

docking With stern drives, turn the wheel before you put it in gear and use only the outside engine(if you have twins). Much more controlled and keeps the speed down.

 

[mrsrobinson]

Not sure these are tricks but...

If you have an outside ice maker or refrig, when not in use leave the door cracked open. This will help to keep the moisture levels down, which is a killer to these things.

Keep a set of shop towels in the engine compartment, you always need them there.

Prior to working in the engine compartment, roll up the carpet so you are not tracking grease/grime on it when you come out.

Try not to be the loudest boat music wise, or the one with the most chicks in bikinis when passing the Po Po...chances are they will pull you over.

To stop black streaking on the hull, install strips of isinglass under the bumper rail where the water runs over.

 

[surfinjoe]

Where do you get strips of isinglass?

Not sure these are tricks but...

If you have an outside ice maker or refrig, when not in use leave the door cracked open. This will help to keep the moisture levels down, which is a killer to these things.

Keep a set of shop towels in the engine compartment, you always need them there.

Prior to working in the engine compartment, roll up the carpet so you are not tracking grease/grime on it when you come out.

Try not to be the loudest boat music wise, or the one with the most chicks in bikinis when passing the Po Po...chances are they will pull you over.

To stop black streaking on the hull, install strips of isinglass under the bumper rail where the water runs over.

 

[Four Suns]

<deleted>

 

[mrsrobinson]

"Where do you get strips of isinglass?"

Local canvas guy cut me up some for free from his scraps. 12 - 24" wide by 2" high, I rounded off the edges. Works like a charm...no more black streaks.

 

[ImpulseIII]

Rub Rail, Greg

 

[Four Suns]

<deleted>

 

[ImpulseIII]

And what mechanic would that be ?

 

[ruf1967]

I like the "303 Aerospace Protectant" for vinyl, fiberglass and I've used it on the trailer tires as well.

 

[ImpulseIII]

I find that if you invite a very wealthy person who absolutely insists on paying for fuel, it greatly enhances the boating experience!!

 

[mrsrobinson]

Rub Rail, Greg

Thanks Frank

 

[mrsrobinson]

And what mechanic would that be ?

Greg's of course, pay attention ;-)