Tom-N-Jerry’s Boats – Basic Things to Keep Your Outboard Running Strong

Every year, outboards advance in sophistication, but still require regular maintenance to keep them running at peak efficiency. The knowledgeable technicians at Tom-N-Jerry’s Boats have been servicing outboards for nearly forty years and know these basic things to help keep their client’s outboards running strong.

• You need to check the gasket and latches of the cowl from time to time. The rubberized gasket around the base of the cowl works to seal out water.
• Flush the engine with fresh water after each outing. This will help to flush away any salt that may have built up on the powerhead.
• Periodically inspect and lubricate the throttle and shift. The points that connect the cables to the control box and engine need special attention.
• Don’t use fuels that have more than ten percent ethanol.
• If steering becomes sloppy, check the fluid level of the hydraulic steering system and bleed the lines.
• Check the blades of your propeller on a regular basis. Dents, dings, or a slightly bent blade all impact the performance of the boat.
• Change the lube in the gear case of the lower unit per the recommended service intervals. Be sure you are using the appropriate oil to avoid any problems.
• Replace the water pump impeller and related parts according to your boats service schedule.

Many of these items can be easily taken care of on your own. For those items that are a little more complex, contact a reliable service provider like Tom-N-Jerry’s Boat Center in Mount Vernon, Washington.

Tom-N-Jerry’s Boats – Protecting Your Aluminum Boat from Salt Water Corrosion

The staff at Tom-N-Jerry’s Boat Center in Mount Vernon, Washington specialize in aluminum boats and know that they can sometimes get salt oxidation marks on them, which can quickly lead to galvanic corrosion. If you own an aluminum boat, there are several things you can do to help prevent your boat from becoming a victim of galvanized corrosion.

• Don’t mix metals. If you are going to mix metals be sure to use metals that are close to each other in the galvanic series.
• The bolts on your boat should be less active than fittings. Bolts are small so any loss of metal is more serious.
• Do whatever you can to electrically isolate fittings from each other. This is important to do even on small craft.
• Anodes should be securely fastened. Make sure that there is a firm contact with the metal that needs to be protected.
• When it comes to anodes, you never want to paint them. The metal that it is fastened to also needs to be free of paint, scale, and dirt.
• Never allow an impressed current voltage to exceed 1,300 millivolts when protecting aluminum.
• Always repair any scratches and paint chips that expose bare metal.
• Don’t use lubricants that contain graphite aboard a boat that is made from aluminum.
• Wash down the boat with fresh water after every use to remove any salt that has built-up.

Protect your aluminum boat and equipment from the rigors of the marine environment. If you have questions or concerns regarding your aluminum boat, contact the knowledgeable staff at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats, specialists in aluminum boats.

Tom-N-Jerry’s Boats – Tips on How to Buy Your First Boat

If you are thinking about purchasing your first boat, let the experts at Tom-N-Jerry’s Boats Center help you find the right boat for your family’s needs. Before you head to the dealership, here are some things you will want to know to help you make the right choice.

The first thing you want to figure out is what kind of boat you want to get. In order to figure this out, you need to know where you are going to use the boat and for what purpose. You need to find the right boat to fit your activities, tastes, and needs. Do some research and look at the differences of each boat and how they are best used. When you decide on the type of boat you want, there are still a number of options that you have to consider as each type of boat has its own special considerations.

Next, you will have to decide if you want to buy a new or used boat. There are many used boats on the market that are considerably less than the new ones. While buying used can save you money up front, it also increases the variables. There are some boat models that have evolved significantly over the last several years, making it harder to find a comparable used boat hard to find.

Once these two decisions have been made, it’s time to start looking at the nuts and bolts of buying a boat. When you are buying a boat, some aspects of the process are just like buying anything else. You need to do your research, take to people and find out their opinions, and don’t believe everything you read. You can check out owners’ forums to see what other people are saying about both the good and bad aspects of the boat you are considering.

The best place to start looking at boats when you are ready to purchase one is online. Here you can compare models, prices, and can even take virtual tours of the boats. To avoid any letdown between the pictures and the actual boat, here are some tips to help you weed out those that may let you down.

Compare photos of similar boats. Make a note of anything that isn’t mentioned in the particular listings. This could be a red flag area for the boat.

Compare the highlights between the boat listings. This will give you a good idea about what is stock dealer equipment, and what is unique about each boat.

Be careful about boats that may include a lot of extra stuff that you won’t use or may have to replace, like outdated electronics.

A great place to shop for used boats is Tom-N-Jerry’s Boats in Mount Vernon. They have a large selection of new and used boats to choose from.

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Explains the Dangers of Aquatic Nuisance Species

Aquatic nuisance species are illegal to transport on any boat, according to Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center. This is not only a conservation and environmental protection issue, but it is a state law in Washington. Aquatic nuisance species are considered as any plants or animals that are not native to the state or environmental region. Invasive species may not be transported purposefully, and could be introduced to the environment by sheer accident. To avoid this, it is crucial that you keep your boat, trailer, bait well, and fishing gear cleaned and free from nuisance species.

If while boating you spot an invasive species, you can and should report that sighting to the proper authorities. There are websites and toll free numbers available, allowing boaters and fisherman to make reports through the internet or telephone. Washington residents can also find more information from the Washington Invasive Species Council.

Aquatic nuisance species are dangerous because they upset the environmental balance within an ecosystem. In this case, the ecosystem is the body of water in which you are boating or fishing. When a nuisance animal, such as a Siberian salamander or a Japanese brown frog, is introduced to a body of water, a power struggle for food and shelter begins. Along with frogs, toads, and salamanders, Washington’s nuisance species list also includes newts, turtles, crayfish, piranhas, and a host of different fish species. If you would like more information about aquatic nuisance species, speak to the staff and technicians at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats, they are happy to answer any of your questions.

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Discusses Proper Battery Care and Fire Safety

A common issue that boaters face while trying to enjoy a day on the water, according to Tom-N-Jerrys Boats, is a lack of battery preparation. To avoid the hassle and frustration of calling it an early day, follow these battery tips.

In your emergency pack, which should be kept in a watertight container, you should always have spare batteries. This means batteries for your portable navigation devices, hand held radios, flashlights, or any other on-board accessories that require battery power. If you use rechargeable batteries in your devices, don’t forget to charge them before you leave dock. If you have not been out on your boat for a while, or cannot remember when you last used your battery operated devices, check their charges before you leave. Sitting unused for long periods of time can lead to drained batteries or batteries that have corroded. Better to be safe than sorry, replace those batteries before setting out.

If you use a dual charging system on your vessel, check that the selector switch on the unit is in the right position. Having the wrong charging option selected can lead to problems with charges that leave you stranded. Also, always make sure that the power is working to every part of your boat.

The crew at Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center would also like to remind everyone that you should have one working fire extinguisher on every boat. When batteries are faulty, they can cause a spark, and you will want a quick way to prevent a fire.

 

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats on Pre-Departure Checklists

The staff at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats believes that each boating trip should begin with a pre-departure checklist and inventory of supplies. There are certain items that every boat should have, and every boat captain should own. The first and most important of these items is life jackets. The coast guard requires that there is a life jacket on board for each passenger on the boat, and a minimum of two life jackets at all times. The life jackets must be coast guard approved. For boats that are longer than sixteen feet, you should also have an extra floatation device on board. Make sure everyone on your boat knows where to find the life jackets and throw-able floatation devices.

They also suggest that each boat and captain have the proper emergency locator beacons. If you don’t already have one, get an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). This beacon is registered to your individual boat. In case of an emergency, setting off this beacon will tell the coast guard and other rescue services exactly who is in trouble. All EPIRB beacons are registered through the NOAA Satellite and Information Service. Another great safety option is a Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB. These beacons are worn on the body, and are registered to the specific user. Offshore voyages that take boaters far from land or into areas that are known to be treacherous are especially dangerous.Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center says having a PLB on your person will allow the coast guard and NOAA to locate your exact position if you call overboard.

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Discusses Aluminum Boats

According to the experts at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats, aluminum boats are highly versatile and easy to maneuver. They are a great option for the novice boater or the more advanced offshore angler. When you use an aluminum boat in saltwater, there are certain things that must be done to protect the hull of the boat from corrosion. By following these steps, your new or used aluminum boat will have a long and healthy life.

The presence of saltwater alone does not cause what is known as galvanic corrosion. However, when aluminum, saltwater, and another metal come into contact with each other, the corrosion can occur. The saltwater acts as a conduit for the other metal to strip away atoms from the aluminum of your boat. As the atoms are removed, the aluminum becomes weak. Over time this can be a big problem, especially since no one wishes to have holes in their boat.

One of the easiest ways to protect your aluminum boat from galvanic corrosion is to keep the bottom and outside surfaces painted with a protective coating that creates an electrically resistant barrier. On a positive note, each hour that your aluminum boat spends dry docked, adds natural protection to the surface. As oxygen in the atmosphere come in contact with the aluminum, the surface develops a dense film of aluminum oxide. This heavy and naturally occurring coating, bonds to the hull of your boat very tightly. The staff at Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center explains to buyers that aluminum oxide helps protect your aluminum boat.

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats -Tips for Buying a Used Boat

In addition to specializing in and selling brand new boats, Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center also offers a wide range of used boats to their customers. These boats are usually ideal for first time buyers who are looking to get into boating but are wary of making the financial commitment that a new boat requires. However, there are a number of things that customers must keep in mind when purchasing a used boat.

Decide on the Boat Type

There are many different types of boats out there, so you need to know which is right for you. Consider the activities that you will be doing and the waters you will be boating. If you are still uncertain, try consulting an expert.

Get Prices

Unless you completely trust your supplier to be fair with pricing, it is a good idea to get a range of quotes so that you gain a handle on how much you will expect to pay on average. This allows you to weed out companies that charge too much, and those who charge so little that the price seems unrealistic.

Talk to the Dealer

Establish a relationship with your dealer before making a purchase, instead of just rushing right into it. This will allow you to take your time and make use of their knowledge, while also opening up the opportunity to ask questions about the boat, such as why it was sold in the first place.

Take it on the Water

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats always recommends that those buying a used boat should take it out on the water before committing. Not only will this give you a feel for the boat, but it will also allow you to identify any issues that might not be obvious when simply viewing it.

 

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats – Choosing the Right Boat for You

Purchasing a boat is a big investment, which is why the staff at Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center works so hard to help customers get exactly what they need whenever they visit the store. There are a number of different factors that go into choosing the right boat for you, so all of the following need to be considered before you make a purchase.

Your Budget

You need to understand exactly how much you’re willing to spend on your boat before committing to a purchase. Going for the most expensive boat you can find might sound like an attractive option, but it becomes less so if you have to struggle to afford it only to find that a less expensive boat offers much the same experience. Consider your options, which often include financing, and base your purchase around what you can comfortable afford.

Type of Boat

There are many different types of boat, so it helps to know what you are looking to use the boat for before making a purchase. It is a good idea to rent a few different types if you are uncertain, allowing you to get a feel for them without committing to a purchase right off the bat.

Your Supplier

Ideally you will want to buy from a supplier that has many years of experience in the marine industry, such as Tom-N-Jerrys Boats. The experience and knowledge that they have to offer will prove invaluable when you are making your decision, so be sure to take full advantage of it and only buy from a supplier that you know you can trust.

 

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats – The Secret to Great Customer Service

Having been in the marine services industry for more than 40 years, the team at Tom-N-Jerrys Boat Center know a thing or two about providing great customer service. All of the following should help any new store, be it marine or otherwise, that is struggling to keep customers happy.

Knowledge

When it comes to customer service, it is vital that staff members have all of the knowledge they need in order to provide the service that customers expect when they walk through the door. Make sure to provide proper training and ideally hire people who have a genuine interest in the service that you provide. This way, they will be motivated to update and maintain their level of knowledge, which will ensure they are abler to help customers.

Communication

Customer service, at its core, is all about communication. Staff should be able to listen properly to the customer’s issues, before communicating a solution to them in a clear, concise and, most importantly, polite manner. When speaking to a customer, maintain a positive focus and try to resolve every issue that you possibly can. It is also a good idea to end the conversation by confirming that the customer is satisfied, usually by asking if there is anything else you can help with.

Don’t Take It Personally

Everybody who works in customer service is occasionally going to find themselves in a situation where they are dealing with a frustrated customer, no matter how good a job they are doing. In these instances, Tom-N-Jerrys Boats believes it is important for staff to have a thick skin and the ability to not take it personally. One bad experience should not affect the service they provide afterwards.