Re: New boat owner, have many questions.
Here's my take on all this:<br /><br />Generally want to leave the drive down when stored, so the bellows don't get stretched out during the off season...just don't forget to tip it up before towing<br /><br />I use Sta-Bil with every fill-up. It helps everything and hurts nothing except maybe $20 per year out of the wallet. It serves as a carb cleaner and a water remover, I always know it's thorougly in the carb float bowl for storage when the off season comes, if the boat happens to sit for a few months unused it's one less thing to worry about. The fuel is always fresh. General opinions is that new fuel begins to go stale after about 3 months.<br /><br />If your cover is tight and secure, tow with it. If it flaps in the wind, it'll shred to pieces.<br /><br />You're referring to trailering clips, and yes they should be used anytime you're towing to relieve stress from the trim hydraulic system and as a safety net in the event of a hydraulic failure that causes your outdrive to suddenly drag the interstate at 70 mph. Another $20 of cheap insurance to prevent possible $1,000 in damage. No need for them when parked because your drive will be down (see # 1 above).<br /><br />Anchor choice depends on your use. Rubber coated is nice to prevent scratching your boat, but if you're careful not needed. Many people do not understand the importance of a chain on the anchor. You can't just tie a rope to your anchor and expect it to hold. Anchors get their holding power from the weight of the chain PLUS the weight of the anchor. Usually you want chain to be a bit heavier than the anchor. For your rig, you'll probably want 6 to 8 feet of 1/4 inch chain between the rope and the anchor for general anchoring for general daytime use. If you're anchoring in deep waters or overnight/unattended, you'll want something much more significant, do some research from others more knowlegeable about anchoring than I am...<br /><br />Additional advice: Make sure you're legal (lifevests, flares/flags, fire extinguisher, registration, launch permit, etc.), take a safety class, make a prelaunch checklist and follow it, and don't forget the plug.<br /><br />I use
www.photobucket.com to post pics. There's many other similar sites. Basically you post your pic to a web URL, then post the URL here on your posting. It's pretty easy<br /><br />Welcome and enjoy your rig!
