Dozens of do-it-yourself boaters gathered in Dallas on Saturday to spend hours discussing engines and maintenance at DIY’s first Skills Class.
The weather was hot and so was the topic: how to solve the common problems that many boaters encounter.
“A lot of the expensive repairs we run into are caused when people don’t do routine maintenance,” said Kent Nielson, a service manager at Marine Max.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Dennis Gibbs, a professional surveyor who hosts a radio program for boaters, opened the class by addressing some of those problems, from batteries and bilge pumps to leaky topsides. Gibbs brought large photos to illustrate each point.
Nielson took over from there, discussing engine maintenance, including impeller changes, oil changes, winterization and more. Nielsen and his mechanics brought a selection of gear that had been worn or damaged, giving boaters a chance to see first hand how engine components fail and what causes those failures. Clustered around a table, boaters fired questions at Nielsen for the better part of an hour, with many taking notes as he answered.
Demonstrations continued as Brian Piper of Texas Harbor Helpers explained proper techniques and products when it comes to cleaning, buffing, polishing and waxing. Piper worked directly on a boat that was trucked in for the process, resulting in a “before and after” comparison.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
When presentations ended, Gibbs, Nielson and Piper stayed to talk with boaters one-on-one, allowing attendees to discuss problems they encounter on their boats. The Coast Guard Auxiliary was also on hand to discuss safety gear, and Interstate batteries sent experts to answer questions.
A raffle was held and eight boaters won prizes that included a marine security system by Paradox Marine, hand-held VHF radios by Icom and Cobra Marine, a iPod Touch and boat and engine covers by Coveralls. Attendees also received a gift bag, packed with products and discount coupons.
The event, sponsored by Star brite, Coveralls, BoatNameGear.com, Interstate Batteries, Shurhold Industries, Navimatics and other companies, drew the attention of the Dallas Morning News and several local radio shows.
DIY’s Skills Classes are an opportunity for boaters to learn essential skills in a single afternoon, at a price that won’t sink anybody. The next Skills Class will be held in Annapolis, Md., in October.
Surveyor Dennis Gibbs, "The Boat Guy" on KSKY 660 AM radio in Dallas, discussed common boat problems.
Kent Nielsen, of Marine Max, talks impeller maintenance.
Boaters get hands on with engine components.
A boat was on hand for cleaning demonstrations.
Broken impellers and other damaged parts were on hand to inspect, so boaters know what to look for.
Brian Piper, of Texas Harbor Helpers, suggests a product strategy for exterior cleaning.
Brian cleans with non-detergent soap and brush.
Brian buffs with compound, then polish.
Tags: Batteries, Bilge, Cleaning, Compound, Featured, Impeller, Oil, Polish, Skills Classes