Trailering Your Boat

More often than not, when we think of boating, we think of the boat. Why not? Getting in a boat in the water is the whole reason all of us are boaters. We are not boaters for the times the boat is out of the water. But, in all honesty, the trailer is probably the second most essential component of boating. If your trailer is out of order, so are your destination boating adventures. And, if your boat lives on its trailer, so are your boating adventures period. So in this post, we'll explore the basics you need to know about trailering a boat.




Taking Care of Your Trailer
The #1 most important thing to maintain on your trailer are the bearings. A bad bearing equals a busted trailer. Remember: your trailer hubs go in the water twice a boating trip, so they might need a little extra love. Pop off a cap every so often with a screwdriver to check the bearings. If they are dry, add a little grease. If you notice your bearings getting hot any time your trailer is in motion, stop immediately. If you don't, your trailer fix will likely turn into a trailer replacement. When you hook the trailer up to your car, have a friend stand back there and watch your lights (make sure to test the brakes and the hazards). The longer your drive with the trailer, the more important this is. We also recommend investing in a spare wheel if your trailer doesn't come with one. Just like with the spare tire in your car, it will make any road trouble a lot more bearable.

Towing Capacity
Your car will be rated for a particular tow capacity, or a certain amount of weight it can stand to pull. Boating Magazine just updated their tow guide, if you need a refresher. Don't, don't, don't push the limits of your car's rating. Overworking your car will only result in expensive engine and/or transmission work. (Trust me on that one. Been there.) Also, make sure you're not comparing your boat's dry weight to your tow capacity. Dry weight refers to the boat's weight without gear and gas, and who trailers a boat without those things? Add a few hundred pounds to the dry weight to give yourself some cushion. Even then, don't push the upper limits of the tow capacity of your vehicle.

Do you have a favorite brand of trailer? How about a maintenance schedule where you check on bearings, lights, etc?

Our Annual Customer Rendezvous Is Coming!

You might have seen the event on Facebook (and if not, you should join it!), or you might have heard us talking about it. Our annual customer rendezvous is approaching! We'll list all of the details below, but here's the most important one (so you don't miss it): To register for the Rendezvous, contact Longshore Boats at 843-216-4700 or email tanya@longshoreboats.com by May 6. To reserve accomodations, contact Sea Island Best Western at 843-522-2090.

The cost of the Rendezvous is $50 per adult and $25 for children under the age of 12. The price includes a T-Shirt and cookout. The dockage fee is $2.00 per foot per day for the boat. The hotel rate is $149.99 plus sales tax.

Questions? Contact Tanya or give us a call! We hope you'll join us for this event that is always great fun.
The cost of the Rendezvous is $50 per adult and $25 for children under the age of 12. The price includes a T-Shirt and cookout. The dockage fee is $2.00 per foot per day for the boat. The hotel rate is $149.99 plus sales tax.
Questions? Contact Tanya or give us a call! We hope you'll join us for this event that is always great fun.
Questions? Contact Tanya or give us a call! We hope you'll join us for this event that is always great fun.

This will be our 15^th Annual Rendezvous. We do this event to help promote boating and comraderie for our wonderful customers, and it is  open to Longshore Boats boat buying customers and their family and friends. Over the years we have had a blast on these trips. It gives all of us an opportunity to meet new friends and really enjoy boating. We always have an awesome, diverse group of people come with us: kids, 20-somethings, parents of grown children, retired folks and lots of friends. And we all always have a great time with one another!



This year we are headed down to Beaufort, SC parting from Charleston on Friday, June 7^th. The trip is approximately 85 miles by water. We will be traveling through Charleston Harbor and the Coastal waterways of the Stono River, Edisto River, Cumbahee River, Coosaw River and Ashepoo River. The trip will take us through one of the most scenic waterways on the entire east coast of the US. Many of these waterways are encompassed by the enormous wildlife refuge known as the Ace Basin. Typically, the trip will take approximately 3 hours at a moderate speed traveling mostly through well protected waterways. The largest expanse of water is the entrance to the Coosaw River with a run of approximately 9 miles. With a departure time of 2:00pm on Friday, we should arrive in Beaufort around 5pm.



This is a chaperoned event. Longshore Boats staff will be in several boats and will make sure that all participants get to Beaufort and back without getting lost or otherwise in trouble. We lead the way, all you have to do is follow and navigate your boat safely! To that end, we will be conducting a mandatory captain’s Mmeeting on Saturday, June 1^st at 10am at Longshore Boats. This meeting is designed to ensure that each captain understands the route and has ample time to inspect his boat for all proper safety equipment and address service issues that his boat may need to make the trip without any problems. In the event a boat does have an issue during the Rendezvous and breaks down, Longshore Boats staff will do their best to get their boat going; however, if we cannot, each captain will be responsible for any towing costs. We contact Sea Tow and TowBoat US to let them know we are making the trip and ask them to be on standby. Each captain is responsible for their own towing insurance. Longshore Boats will not tow a boat that is broken down, but we will not leave you in an unsafe area or condition.



We will be docking at the Beaufort Downtown Marina which is a short walk from our hotel - the Sea Island Best Western located directly across the street from the Marina. Beaufort Downtown Marina is an excellent facility, with an easily accessible fuel dock, plenty of deep water, fresh water, power, well stocked ship store, laundromat, and showers. The staff is always helpful and willing to accommodate. Once all of our group is docked and secured, we will make the short walk across the street to the Sea Island Best Western.



The Sea Island Best Western is a Beaufort landmark and one which we have used many times for previous Rendezvous events. It is very clean, centrally located, and has a great pool area and serves a wonderful breakfast. But what makes it so special are the people who help us put on such a great event. They always treat us with true southern hospitality.



On Friday evening, our crew is on their own and free to explore Beaufort. It’s a short walk ino Beaufort (approx. 100 yards from the hotel). Beaufort is the definition of a southern coastal town. It is located right on the water and has a beautiful waterfront park adjacent to a variety of local restaurants, pubs, and shops. For those looking to experience true southern charm, Beaufort is the place to be.



Saturday, June 8^th we will have breakfast and venture out and explore the waters of the immediate Beaufort area. Unlike past Rendezvous in which we had an organized “raft up,” we encourage this years participants to take the time and explore the waterways around Beaufort. Just to the south of the city is Paris Island, home of the USMC and just a little further is Hilton Head Island and the great destination of Harbortown. For those more adventurous, Savannah is about an hour further south. For those who just want to hang out by the pool at the hotel or shop and explore Beaufort, by all means have at it. Save some energy because on Saturday night we will have a catered cookout with live music. In years past as things wrap up at the cookout, folks will wander into Beaufort for a nightcap.



Sunday morning is departure. We ask that people travel back to Charleston in groups and normally everyone is underway by 10am for the trip back to Charleston. Often, people stop for lunch, swimming, or just hanging out.



Each captain and crew is responsible to supply their own food and drink for the weekend. We recommend bringing foul weather gear just in case, plenty of suncreen, towels, and lots of water. We also recommend that children under 12 always wear their life jackets. Each captain is responsible for the safe operation of their boat and its safe running condition. Historically, we have 25 boats participate in the Rendezvous with a group size of 100 to 125 people.

On-Board Tool Kit

It’s always best to be prepared when on your boat. Carrying US Coast Guard mandated safety items is a must, but carrying a tool kit with you is also a good idea. You never know when you might need to repair line or tighten a bolt. So what should you include in your tool kit? Here are a few basic tools you should keep in your tool kit onboard at all times.

Waterproof Box: Because you need something to put the tools in! A good box with compartments will help keep your tools organized and handy, but will also protect your tools from water damage.

Canvas Snap Tool: Easily align and fasten inside and outside snaps. Ideal for unsnapping snaps without damaging the canvas.

Duct Tape: Because everyone knows that duct tape can fix anything! Electrical tape is another good thing to keep handy.

Manuals: Chances are, if you need your tool kit, you’ll also need your manual – whether for your engine, plumbing, ventilation, or just your boat in general. You should keep these manuals in your tool box with your tools so that you don’t have to search for them when you truly need them. Keep these in a large plastic zip lock bag so that they don’t get wet.

Wrenches: Make sure you have several different sizes with you if you aren’t quite sure of the exact sizes that you’ll need.

Screwdrivers: Pick up one of those handy dandy 11-in-1 screwdriver sets at your local hardware store – you’ll thank yourself later.

Canvas Repair Kit: This kit should include small pieces of canvas, needles and string.

Super Glue: Because just like duct tape, it can fix anything when you’re in a pickle.

Multi-Tool: Having a small multi-functional tool (like a Swiss army knife) on board can definitely come in handy. Many of these tools include small screw drivers, scissors, knives of all sizes and more.

Socket Set: If you have the room for a complete set, perfect. If not, figure out the sizes you need for your on-board equipment and keep them in the tool kit.

Spare Flashlight: Include fresh batteries. Make sure your flashlight is waterproof and floats (you never know!).

There are several other things to consider keeping on board in your tool kit (depending on the size of your boat and add-on equipment) such as extra fuses, impellers, spare keys, wire cutters, spare electrical wiring, etc.

Make sure you keep your tool kit in a place where you can easily access it, especially in a time of emergency. If you have to use something in your tool kit (such as a spare part) or if something in your tool kit breaks, be sure to replace it as soon as you get back to dock. Remember, keep calm and carry a tool kit.

Get That Outboard Ready for Spring

You might be mentally ready to spend hours on the water, fishing away. But is your boat physically ready? Here are a few basic steps you should take to ensure your outboard is just as ready for spring as you are.

• Drain and refill your fuel tanks. Even if you put marine fuel treatment in your tank last winter, ethanol will collectswater over the winter. So, dispose of all fuel over a month old.
• Charge your batteries or replace them if they are more than two years old.
• Replace your fuel filters, lower unit lube and spark plugs.
• Replace your water pump impeller if it is more than two years old.
• Check all steering, throttle, and shift cables and connections to make sure they work smoothly and are tight.
• Check the operation of the engine "kill switch". Run the motor and pull on the kill switch cord to make sure the engine dies instantly.

Those were our engine basics. Ready for a steps that might be a little more in-depth?

• Remove your prop and lube the prop shaft. Fishing line under the prop can cause failure of the prop shaft seals, and now is a good time for this inspection. Turn the prop shaft, checking to make sure it is not bent; then re-torque the prop to factory specs.
• Find and clean or change your oil injection units.
• Check all oil lines to make sure they are not cracked or so hard and brittle that they will break in rough water.

Last, of  course, check your owners manual or factory service manual for its recommended service. And if you aren't the do-it-yourself type, not to worry - give us a call and we'll take care of it for you.