OFF-SEASON ACTIVITY (WINTER REPAIR & STORAGE)

Each summer appears to "roll by" faster then the preceding one and here it's time again to think of plans for the coming winter or off-season months - things to do to keep the shop and shop personnel on the job while "spreading" the work out to avoid being snowed under come spring and another boating season.

A letter to the owners on your list is your best initial approach, followed by a postal card reminder advising that facilities and time are available during the off season months to perform a post-season tune-up, repair, protect against the effects of atmospheric conditions during months of "idleness" and arrange for storage, if desired - all to avoid the customary early spring rush.

This letter includes the details you're prepared to cover - such as:

1. A check and reconditioning of the ignition system. 2. Flushing of the fuel system - includes the carburetor, fuel screens and/or filter elements and fuel lines. 3. Inspect, test and flush the fuel tank. 4. A check of fuel pump where used. 5. Remove carbon from the combustion chambers, "freeness" and head of pistons. 6. A check of piston ring installations for "freeness" in their respective ring grooves to insure maximum compression - perhaps recommend a tear-down and corrective measures if necessary. 7. Inspect condition of the gear case, flush and refill with fresh gear lubricant. 8. Check of propeller blades, if "off pitch", correct on pitch block to overcome malfunctioning or advise a new installation if damaged beyond repair to affect over all motor performance. 9. "Fogging" of internal motor parts with rust inhibiting (fogging) oil to guard against rusting and pitting of vulnerable surfaces as result of condensation during period of idleness. 10. A check of Electric Starting (and generating) equipment - starter, generator, starting and generating system wiring, battery, etc. 11. A wash down and fresh coat of paint. 12. Provide an estimate of complete over-haul during the off season months - perhaps on a "pay as you go" basis. 13. Off season storage - in proper surroundings. 14. A trailer and boat check.