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Here are some tips from our service department to help you keep your boat running well and looking great. These tips will help you protect your investment and have a great time on the water. If you have a tip you want to share, email it to us at service@somerspointmarina.com. |
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E-10 Gas in Winter Storage Reams have been written about the ethanol treated gasoline that was forced upon everyone in June of 2006. By now, just about everyone has learned to use a fine screen 10 micron fuel filter/water separator and initially change it anywhere from 5 to 10 hours after installation and then keep changing it at least every 50 hours. Keeping a spare filter or two on the boat also is a good idea. But, how do you deal with the so-called E-10 gas during winter storage? The ethanol has the nasty ability to actually absorb water out of the air and once enough moisture is absorbed you get something called phase separation in which the alcohol actually separates from the gasoline. And, this action results in a loss of octane. This definitely is not good for your engine and will disable it, or worse. Depending on where you are getting your information you will see everything from completely drain your gas tank to top it off. Even the engine makers are disagreeing about how to handle the situation. But, after extensive research, SPM’s Service Manager, Keith Dooner, is recommending you top off the tank to about 95% using high octane gas. That will allow for expansion and also reduce air flow into and out of the tank, thus cutting down on condensation on the tank walls. The high octane will help compensate for any loss of octane that may occur. Some publications also have recommended sealing the tank vent but that is not a good idea. Excessive pressures can build to the point where it can damage the fuel system components. About the worst thing you can do over the winter is leave your tank partially filled. The more air space in the tank the more moisture will be absorbed. Besides, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires tanks to be topped off to minimize explosive vapors. Naturally, the ethanol gas also requires a stabilizer, such as Sta-Bil. There is a very good article on dealing with E-10 ethanol gas on the Boat/US web site: http://www.boatus.com/Seaworthy/ethanolwinter.asp. |
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Checked Your Flares Lately? Each season there are numerous boaters who are refused a Coast Guard Auxiliary Courtesy Sticker or who get a ticket from the regular Coast Guard or Marine Police simply because their pyrotechnic devices (flares) are out of date. Each pyrotechnic device, be it a pistol flare or a hand-held unit, is stamped with an expiration date. Once that date is reached, that devise is no longer counted when it comes to meeting your signal requirements. Now, just because a flare is out of date does not mean you have to throw it away. In fact, it is illegal to toss them out because they are considered an explosive devise. Just keep the expired units as back-ups to your in-date flares. Do not shoot off the old ones. That might get you a visit from a Coast Guard helicopter or cutter. If you fire ‘em off on land, they are capable of starting a fire when they land. One final note if you must use a hand-held flare. These get extremely hot and will cause severe burns. Also, they produce a white hot slag that can damage your boat or set it afire. Be sure you are holding the hand-held downwind and over the water when you ignite it. |
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Ever Wonder What Your
Boat's Hull Identification Number is Telling You? Every boat is required by law to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN) stamped on the starboard transom, within two inches of the transom top. Like a cars Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), each digit of the HIN tells you something about the boat. For example, lets go with NTLAD213F506. Every Grady-White begins with the letters NTL. No other boat maker can use the NTL. The AD signifies the boat model, in this case a 208 Adventure. The 213 is the serial number of the hull. The F indicates the month of manufacture, with January starting the sequence as A. Therefore, boats with an F were built in June, the sixth month. Finally, the digit 5 indicates the boat was actually built during the 2005 calendar year and the 06 means it is a 2006 model year vessel. |
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Use the Right Sealant
for the Job Use the incorrect sealant on your boat and you could be setting yourself up for some very serious problems. The wrong sealant used below the waterline can leave you with serious leaks. Seal a deck that might have to be taken-up someday with the wrong stuff and you will find that deck impossible to get out. Silicones are excellent for sealing windows and decks. Polyurethanes, such as 3M 5200 and 4200 will produce that almost impossible to break free seal that is good for things such as thru-hull fittings and transducers. If you have any questions about the best sealant for your use, just ask Kathy Simone or Keith Aldridge in our parts department. |
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