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Find Us On Facebook at Boating On The Hudson
Dave Weakley is the owner of
American Boat Restoration
and has been helping
Northeastern boaters keep their boats in fine trim and good repair for over 40 years.
Dr. Gel
by Dave Weakley
Ask
2006 • Over a Decade with Dr. Gel • 2017
“Email me or call me with your questions! I’ll be happy to help you out”
americanboatrestoration.com /
email:
boatrepair@aol.com/
Office:
413.665.7424 /
Cell:
518.577.7799
Wrapping it up!
Shrink wrap- Shop around; there are many good mobile
services available. Experience, quality of workmanship and
materials is important. I have seen shrink wrap burned and
melted on seats and repaired scorched gelcoat numerous
times. Best to have white wrap! White will reflect sun light,
keeping your boat cooler.
Before the boat is shrink wrapped be sure it is dry inside.
Check the carpets, seats, bedding, etc. Protect your carpet
if you are planning to have work done on your boat. Take
out all canvas, store in cool dry place at home. Take out
wet towels, dock and ski lines, and life jackets. If you have
an anchor locker; pull out that wet anchor line – clean it
and dry it. Clean your fenders and lines. Remove and clean
anything that is damp or will smell.
Make sure the shrink wrap is vented. Install mildew
control bags. You may want to place a product called
“Damp Away Dehumidifier” on board. Also consider
having a zipper access door so you can check on your
boat from time to time.
Plan ahead, be first on the schedule to have shrink
wrap done rather than last. Last could mean that your
boat is filling up with leaves, ice and snow. Last year
we did a repair on a boat that had to thaw for days and
had a foot thick block of ice in the cabin and bilge. The
motor cover was frozen to the floor. The 21’ boat had a
tongue weight in excess of 1000#; it was a struggle to
haul with my dual wheel F-350.
Haul-Outs
It’s a good idea to be present when your boat is taken
out of the water if your boat requires a travel lift or
hydraulic trailer. Lots of things can happen during
lifting and moving. I have done many repairs as a result
of improper boat moving and blocking.
End-of-Season
Rituals