TIPS AND TRICKS

[missed_shot]

Does anyone have tips or little tricks they have learned and used . Anything from boats, motors, fishing, trailers etc .-- I'll start. I have a 25 hp. with a 9 gal. gas tank. Instead of screwing and unscrewing the air vent , I put an aerosol spray can cap over the vent and hold it in place in the deep groves in the removable gas cap. Water can't get in and it stayes vented. I don't have to worru about extreme tempt. changes in my tank . anyone else ??

 

[ED21]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I spray silicone on my trailer bunks after I launch. The carpeted bunks stay nice & slick & the boat slides right off even if the water is low & also can be pushed off fairly easily if the boat isn't floating at all. (16' alum w/ 40hp). A big change from before since a ramp I often use is shallow & subject to wind blown tides.

 

[roscoe]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I leave the plug out of the boat when I launch. Its the easiest way to wash the carpet. <br /><br />I used the silicone too. Now I actually use wd-40, $12.99 a gallon, put it in an old shampoo bottle, much cheaper than spray cans.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

Hey Roscoe, doesn't the WD-40 collect dirt???????<br />Just wondering if it was abrasive after awhile.....Silicon dries to film, would it collect dirt as well????<br />I've seen the nylon slides they have for sale, but it seems like that would push the hull in where it sets on the trailer....I've never thought about a little lube, I just back down, dunk the bunks, pull up a little with the theory the wet bunks make it slide on easier........don't know that it matters for me though, I can't get it on straight anyway.

 

[roscoe]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I suppose it collects some dirt, but the top of the bunk where I put the wd40, is covered by the boat, so not much of a chance for the dirt to get on there. I only apply the wd40 about every 10 trips.<br /><br />After reading the package carefully, I bought a set of the "polysilicone glideslicks" to put on the bunks. When I read the direction INSIDE the package, it said "not for use on Aluminum boats".<br />Since my 16' fish & ski is not only aluminum, but also a welded hull, I decided not to use them.<br /><br />I did put them on the trailer I use for my 12' aluminum rowboat, which only gets used a couple times a year. The only damage I see is to the slicks, which seem to get nicked up by the boat.

 

[salty87]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

i bought some of those glideslicks, too. i also returned them. the papers said you should also expect marks on fiberglass hulls. it also says for boats over 22' or so, to double-up on the slicks. i said the hell with all that, returned 'em, and use spray silicone a couple of times a year.<br /><br />great minds think alike!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

plain old dish soap on the bunks works great.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I bet the dish soap keeps the bottom free from bunk marks as well. HAHA!!

 

[ED21]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

Just a quick spray of silicone. It dries to a film. It doesn't need to happen every time out.Gallon containers aren't really needed.<br />Another trick that has served me well-I put the plugs in before I leave home. Less to remember at the ramp, especially if it's busy.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

Cheap Trick on remembering drain plug. You can buy those little zip ties(4"), about 50 for a couple of bucks in all different colors, at the discount stores. Every time you pull out and pull the plug, zip tie it to your steering wheel. The next time you get in the boat to launch, you WILL not forget to put the plug in. If your plug does not have a hole in the handle, drill a small one in it to loop the tie through. I do this every time in my runabout and never forget. After all, you are hanging onto the steering wheel when you put in. Can't miss it!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I'm with Ed on the silicone. Boy does it work on those carpet bunks! My toon slides right off! I spray mine about every 4th or 5th time. Just don't cut loose of the the winch release too early!!!

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I see in the boat store a product in a spray can called bunk slick or somathing like that. About $10 a can. Pure Silicone spray (not wd-40) in the hardware store $3 a can. Is it the same stuff??<br />Thanks, Fitz

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

up

 

[osark]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I have a 24ft Bayliner with a Command Bridge. I like to shower. I mounted a bilge pump under one of the swim grids so it draws surface water. The lake I boat on the water at 5ft is cold, therefore I don't like diving in to rinse. I connected a hand held shower to the pump. I stand on the swim grid, soap up and wash then with pump running I rinse with warm surface water. Thanks for reading my thing.<br /><br />Harry

 

[roscoe]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

ED, I use lots of wd40 for other things, therefore the gallon is economical. I just us a little plastic bottle on the trailer bunks. Quick and easier to apply, than from an aresol can.<br /><br />Great shower idea.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I keep a terry towel and a chamois in the truck, when I retrieve my boat after a day on the water, I wipe off any scum lines with the towel and chamois the rest of the boat dry, this only takes about five minutes, and keeps the boat looking just waxed all the time.

 

[ED21]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

Rick,<br />Good idea. Now if I only had a steering wheel.

 

[CTD]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

I have a spare plug wired onto my winch handle, everytime I touch the handle it reminds me of the plug. (which I've left out several times)

 

[BrianFD]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

Northern Eclipse,<br />I do the SAME THING!! And I get compliments all the time on how my boat looks freshly waxed & clean. I have a chamoix on the boat to do a wipe-down of the outside while swimming, noodling, etc.<br />Also, I keep a small bottle of 707 on board. When we're anchored (or adrift), listening to tunes, I'll break it out and do a quick once-over on all the vinyl go keep it nice & clean & shiny. There's also a 'tube' of window cleaning towelettes for the windshield. To keep flies and yellowjackets at bay, I hang several dryer fabric softener sheets up under the bimini top.<br />Well, that's all the 'tips' I can think of now. Sure there's more!!

 

[vidar]

Re: TIPS AND TRICKS

HI! WD40 does not contain silicone.... its almost the only spray lube that dosnt...