Friday, November 30, 2007

Workshop on Lake Wylie River Buffer

Did you miss the workshop? Visit my website to read more about this issue and other topics that affect Lake Wylie waterfront property owners.

The York County Planning & Development Services Department has invited all of the Lake Wylie community to a workshop regarding the river buffer. The staff will facilitate a discussion to obtain input on recommendations for future ordinances, and to develop a Best Management Practices Manual. The manual will provide guidelines for the protection of the waters of Lake Wylie and tributaries of the Catawba River.

This is a hot topic among property owners, developers, and environmental organizations such as the Catawba Riverkeepers Foundation. Some want all construction prohibited within the buffer zone, others want limited construction permitted, and some want no buffer regulations at all.

The purpose of the buffer is to protect water quality by keeping construction runoff from entering the lake. However, some man-made improvements can actually help in these efforts. The proposed changes in the ordinance will define what is allowed, and whether or not variances are permitted.

If you'd like to become involved, call Dave Pettine, the zoning administrator, at 803-909-7234.

Plan to be involved in the workshop - scheduled Dec. 12 6-8pm, at Crowders Creek Elementary on Hwy 49 in Lake Wylie.

Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Time to Winterize!

The frost is on the pumpkin, so guess what? Time to winterize! If you're a new boat owner and have never had to winterize your boat, don't panic. It isn't that difficult. But don't put it off too long, either! The time and effort you spend now will save you boatloads in the spring.

The best place for your boat during the winter is out of the water, under cover. Whether on a lift or on a trailer on your driveway, make sure your boat is covered with a tarp or fitted boat cover. If you must leave your boat in the water over the winter, be sure to close all seacocks and gate valves in order to protect the thru-hulls.

You should check your owner's manual of your boat for information on winterizing, but here is some basic information:

Fuel: Fill your fuel tank to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. (Condensation can lead to corrosion and clogging.) Add a fuel stabilizer. Change the fuel filter and water separators.

Inboard Engine: First, change the oil (best done when the engine is warm, so that impurities in the oil are drained away.) Change the oil filters. Then flush the engine with fresh water. Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the waterpump to a bucket of antifreeze. Check the fluid in the tranmission.

When an engine is not being used, oil tends to settle at the bottom, exposing pistons and valves to air and humidity, which can cause corrosion. To avoid this, remove the spark plugs and spray "fogging oil" inside the carburetor. Then, clean and replace the spark plugs.

Replace ethe engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. You can dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center.

Outboard Engines: Flush the engine with fresh water. Let all water drain from the engine. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. Make sure all fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil in the cylinders. Change the gear oil in the lower unit.

Interior: Open all drawers and bins and clean thoroughly. Leave refrigerators, hatches, etc. open so that air can circulate. Of course, make sure to remove any food, valuables, and flammables. If possible, bring cushions and life jackets inside. At the very least, turn cushions up on ends to prevent growth of mildew. You can also use moister absorber products such as "Damp Away" to absorb excess moisture while your boat is under wraps for the winter.

If this all sounds intimidating to you, you can take your boat to a marine service center and and they'll do it all for you. Visit my website for a list of local Lake Wylie Boat Service and Repair.

Whatever option you choose, do not neglect this maintenance chore. When that first beautiful spring day arrives, you want to be enjoying your boat on the lake. You don't want to spend that gorgeous day joining the long waiting list who need boat repairs because they didn't get around to properly winterizing their boats!

Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for damage or injuries that may occur as a result of this information.

Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.