Getting Your Summer “Toys” Ready for Storage with the Right Snaps and Hooks

Written By Rachel Novak

If you’re asking, “Where did the summer go?” you’re not alone. We’ve already had early glimpses of autumn with cooler evenings and early mornings. If you live further north, some of the leaves may already be changing. If you’re a boat owner, you’ll want to take advantage of every sunny day before it’s time to store your summertime home away from home.

If you’re a new boat owner, it’s very important for the life of your boat that you perform key maintenance tasks. Here’s a handy list of “To Do’s” to check off:

  • When hauling your boat out of the water, be sure to have the hull cleaned, maintained and painted annually. Some people think they’re saving money by having these jobs done once every two or three years. However, that could really cost you in the long run.
  • If you’re a DIY boat-owner, make sure your rope lines are in good shape and showing no signs of fraying or separating from their metal fastenings.
  • Inspect your pulleys, snap hooks and clips to be sure they are also in good condition and free of rust.
  • Once your boat is out of the water, be sure to check your running gear, propellers, wiring, drains, bilge and through-hulls for wear and corrosion.
  • Once your boat is cleaned and serviced, you may also need to get the bottom re-painted to ensure your boat’s longevity and efficiency.
  • Check your canvas boat covers and tarps to make sure your snaps and clips are in good condition.
  • If you are a sailboat owner, check all lines, rigging and masts.
  • Check your canvas boat covers and tarps, as well as your rope lines and other hardware.

Knowing that you have a game plan in place for your fall maintenance and storage of your boat will allow you to enjoy these last few weeks of summer on the water with your favorite toy. When September or October arrives, you can rest assured that your boat will make it out of the water and safely on to dry land, instead of having no plan and a possible “dry dock” disaster!

Henssgen Hardware has a complete online catalog, with a comprehensive inventory of marine hardware and rigging equipment. Visit us at www.henssgenhardware.com/catalog/

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