Is your boat ready for spring weather?

The warm weekend has kicked spring fever into high gear. A few early birds were out on the lake this past weekend, and the deck at TBones on the Lake was hopping with activity as folks got out to enjoy the sunshine.

I remember all too well the summer that my boat was at the mechanic’s from Memorial Day until a few days before Labor Day. It wasn’t pretty. The mechanics get awfully busy during the warm months, and that particular year, they were overwhelmed. So, before you find yourself landlocked, make sure your craft is ready to launch!

Do it yourself, or take ‘er in for a good cleaning and annual maintenance.

Spring Cleaning
– Clean the exterior and put on a good coat of wax.
– Clean the upholstery, polish the metal.
– Make sure all of the compartments are tidy and free of debris.

Engine & Battery
– Check the battery for corrosion, make sure it is fully charged
– For inboard motors, change oil and filters.
– Check transmission fluid & bilge blower.
– For outboards, check & replace spark plugs if needed.

Check lights on boat and trailer. Make sure your boat is fully stocked with anchor, ropes, life jackets, bumpers.

boating lake wylie
Boating on Lake Wylie

For more tips and resources for enjoying Lake Wylie, visit the best site for Lake Wylie real estate.  The Lake Wylie Man is consistently the top selling waterfront realtor in the area, and is your source for all Lake Wylie waterfront homes for sale and events on Lake Wylie.

 

 

Upcoming Boat Parade on Lake Wylie

One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Lake Wylie is the annual “Lights on the Lake” boat parade.  Launched from T-Bones on the Lake, the brightly lit boats sail towards the Buster Boyd Bridge, circle around in front of Riverpointe, and pass by the Lake Wylie boat landing.  Most of the crowds gather along the shorelines of Lake Wylie near the boat landing, and cheer favorites as they sail by.

In the past couple of years, the event has grown, with “Christmas by the Lake” set up waterfront at the boat landing.  Various businesses and churches offer free hot chocolate, campfires for roasting marshmallows, a live nativity scene, and live music.

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Boat entries are judged based on creativity, theme, and showmanship.  New participants are encouraged! Just sign up with the Lake Wylie Chamber to register your entry.

Tips for photographing the parade along the waterfront:  use a tripod if possible.  You’ll want to shoot with a high ISO, because you’ll need to shoot with a speed at least 1/125 of a second, as the boats are moving.  Shoot without a flash.

Hope to see you at the parade!  For more Lake Wylie holiday events and the best Lake Wylie real estate information, visit TheLakeWylieMan.com.