While many boaters around the country are busy storing their boats until next spring, at Canyon Lake this is usually some of the best weather we have all year. It may not last long, but the sunny days in the 70’s and cool nights make for great times on the water, or just hanging around the marina. Coming up this month is the “Turkey Day” dinner and party, and it’s not too early to start thinking about our “Parade of Lights” in December. We had a terrific turnout last year (thanks Joe Pyle) and hope to have even more participants this year. Check your newsletter calendar and the HCYC website for other events in November and December and come join the fun.

The joke in this part of Texas is the way that we winterize our boats is “to put on a jacket”, and there is a lot of truth to that. But, there are things we all can do to protect our investments during the coming season. Since the winds frequently top 20-30 knots, check your dock lines first. Nothing else you do will matter if these don’t hold. There are so many other things to consider: engine, hull, rigging, electronics, fresh water system, steering, fuel storage, marine head, bilges, interior … the list goes on and on. It is difficult to remember everything, so here are a few websites that might help with your specific needs:
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/37.htm
http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/winterupdate.htm
http://powerboat.about.com/cs/repairsservice/a/layup_partII.htm