Email
PrintMarine Winter Upgrades: Renew, improve and enjoy your boat again
The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping and suddenly you are in the mood for chili. Yes, it's that time of year again — time to do upgrades on your boat while you are not using it. That will give you more time on the water in 2012 and avoid that last-minute rush to get projects done before the “big weekend.”
There are also winter deals, special rates and bargains for marine work that will stretch your dollars.
The list of boat upgrades is long and interesting. You could add underwater or cockpit lighting, a new Ipod-ready stereo with remote or the ultra-cool Waves and Wheels QAP pod. New video toys or upholstery can really make your boat seem new and theft-prevention devices can make your boat more secure. Don't forget, choosing winter for major marine renovations makes it more convenient than ever to have a top-grade audio-visual system on the water.
Lighting
Underwater lighting is a great way to modernize your boat, Justin Wagner, president of Waves and Wheels in Osage Beach, says. This simple upgrade is an attractive and chic accent and adds excitement when you dock at your favorite bar and romance to that late-night cove out. These lights can be added to any boat or personal watercraft.
Sound system
Keep the party going when you’re off the boat and in the water with an Ipod-ready stereo equipped with helm and transom remotes. These innovations give you full control over the boat and on the dock. The Waves and Wheels QAP pod is an arch system designed to project music to the bow, stern and far beyond.
"You and your guest can enjoy your music on the bow, in the water or on the dock without saturating the cockpit with sound," Wagner said. This feature gives you the ability to carry on a conversation even as the party rolls.
Audio/video and alarm systems
Audio and video upgrades are always a great way to fall back in love with your boat. Consider video upgrades like adding a cockpit LCD screen to enjoy your favorite movies or music videos, or adding a custom LCD cover for durability and protection through all types of weather.
A marine alarm system is a wise choice to protect your vessel and hardware from thieves and keep furry forest friends from tearing up your pride and joy. Marine alarms not only scare away intruders, but also can track the location and route of your vessel. Some alarms notify you if your boat has been touched and allow you to arm or disarm the system from anywhere in the world from your computer or smart phone.
Upholstery
The sun, rain and wet feet take a toll on boat interiors. Winter is the perfect time to rehab your upholstery. Putting new upholstery in the cockpit or cabin of your boat can take time, time you don’t want to give up when the sun is shining.
Upgrading your current boat can be a lot cheaper than buying a new boat and a winter project will give yourself something to look forward to. Transform you boat from decent to decadent with time and money to spare — before it’s time to go boating again.
