St Kilda Boat Sales - Boating Season Open
2 October 2011
Boating Season Open
The boating season here in Victoria Australia, has officially opened today!!!
Our boating season starts as soon as the AFL Grand Final finishes at 5pm on the last Saturday in September (Saturday 1st Oct). The season continues until the closing weekend at Easter, some 7months later. Weather dependant, the 2012 closing weekend is usually Easter Monday which is April 9th and can be stretched until ANZAC Day 25th April, with some nice Autumn Boating Weather.
So it's springtime now, you can smell it in the air. The Snapper are about 1-3 weeks away from their season opening. In readiness, it's now time to get your boat ready for the summer season ahead.....
Get ready by following these simple tips to de-winterize it after a long, hard winter. If you did winterize your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and possible headaches now, which means the road between your boat and the water is shorter!
Although it is always best to winterize a boat before putting it into storage, if you didn't, don't worry. You can perform those tasks now for the spring commissioning.
Here's how:
1. Have Your Manufacturer's Manual Handy
If you have a copy, great. If you don't, it would be a good idea to get one. You'll need it to replace fluids and parts properly. Never take apart anything without consulting the manual first.
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2. The engine is the heart of the boat
Since it will most like take the greatest amount of time and be the messiest, start here. If you didn't change the oil at the end of last season, do so now. After running your boat all summer, it's likely that water, acids and other byproducts have built up. It's important to change the oil to prevent corrosion and excessive wear which can lead to loss of power, poor fuel economy or engine failure. At the same time you change the oil, be sure to change the oil filter. Change the oil in transmission or the outboard's lower unit as well.
Next, flush the cooling system and replace the antifreeze with a 50/50 ratio of water to coolant.
Check your fuel lines for leaks, loose clamps and/or corroded lines. You must also check fuel supply and ensure it's not stale. If in doubt, replce your fuel on board with a fresh supply and safely dispose (ask your fuel supplier and/or marine mechanic to assist)
Finally, replace the batteries and perform a thorough engine test.
3. Inspect the Canvas & Vinyl
Check your bimini top, seats, covers, and other vinyl and canvas items for tears, mildew and dirt. Repairs tears and holes, and then clean with the proper cleaner for canvas and vinyl.
4. Inspect the Hull
Carefully inspect the hull for blisters or other chips and cracks as well as for chalky residue. If you find blisters, repair them. If the boat's hull is chalky, it could indicate oxidation. Determine the level of oxidation, and then restore the boat's gelcoat to its original luster. Then, throughout the summer, follow the gelcoat maintenance plan to keep oxidation at bay.
5. Clean and Wax the Hull
First clean your boat's exterior using a marine safe cleaner from a marine supply store. Then, apply a fresh coat of wax according to the instructions in the gelcoat maintenance plan.
6. Inspect the Windshield Wipers
Inspect and replace windshield wipers if necessary. If the wipers are in good condition, apply a rubber lubricant to protect them from the harsh marine environment. Some experts recommend stowing wipers until you need them to keep them in good condition longer.
7. Polish the Metal and Teak
Known as brightwork, metal and teak enhance the look of your boat. If it's dull, your boat will not have the same visual appeal as it might otherwise have. Also, prolonged neglect of metal and teak can result in pitting and eventually compromise the integrity of the materials and their intended use. To protect the metal, use metal polisher like Never Dull. For teak, it is usually recommended that you sand it and then apply stain and varnish.
8. Replace and Test all Electronics
Bring all the electronics back on board and do a thorough test to be sure they are working properly. Test the radio, GPS, compass, depth finder, and any other marine electronics.
9. Clean the Interior
Whether you have an open deck or cabin with full galley, clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
Alternative, you can simply call our Service Centre here at the marina and book your boat in for her annual service. That way you can leave it to the experts and it's hassle free!!!!
St Kilda Boat Sales Service Centre - phone: 03) 9534-8213
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We are a Victorian & Tasmanian Caribbean Runabout and Big Boat dealer. Uniquely positioned and well credentialed. We are the Caribbean dealer in Australia, to market the entire Caribbean product range, every model from 16ft trailerable Half Cabins and Runabouts, to the classic and timeless lines of the Bertram inspired Big Boat Flybridge Cruisers.
St Kilda Boats Sales has emerged as one of Australia’s premier, new and used boat dealerships and boutique brokerages. We are a Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIA Vic) "Accredited Dealer" adhering to industry code of practice and ethics at all times.
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We offer quality, well-maintained used boats, most have low engine hours. Victorian boat owners are very fussy and given the geographic location of Melbourne, many have never been seriously fished. Well over 50% of our used boats sold, are to residents of; WA, QLD or NSW. Interstate buyers Victorian registered used boats.
Known as Melbourne’s central on-water brokerage, offering both NEW Caribbean Big Boats and Trailerable Runabouts as well as all makes and sizes of quality USED boats. Brands include; Bertram, Caribbean, Riviera, Maritimo, Mariner, Sea Ray, Sunrunner, Mustang, Four Winns, Quintrex, Streaker and Haines.
Advice for Used Boat Buyers (.pdf)
Things You Must Know - Before Buying A Used Boat
Proud of our credentials:
- Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIA Vic) "Accredited Dealer"
- Government Licensed & Accredited "Secondhand Dealer & Pawnbroker" (No: 9680)
- Vic Roads "Certified Registered Delegate" (No: RC 0429/1)
Our Vic Roads Certification enables us to inspect, register & transfer in-house: both vessels and trailers that are purchased from us.
St Kilda Boat Sales - phone: 03) 9525-5500