Tag Archives: battery

Recreational

Stay current with e-bikes

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Bicycling is a whole lot easier than it used to be. The addition of a compact battery and motor has turned a bike into an e-bike, helping riders get up hills or across town with a lot less pedal cranking.

Forget about your grandpa’s moped from the 1970s. E-bikes are true bicycles that appeal to urban riders looking for green and easy-to-park transportation, and they also attract recreational riders looking for a power-assist on roads and trails.

Because e-bikes can reach speeds over 25 m.p.h., and cost a good deal more than the 10-speed you rode in middle school, some states now require insurance. Their laws and regulations treat them like a motorcycle.

American Modern welcomes e-bikes in our Motorsports program. They get the same great coverage, options, and discounts that we offer to any standard motorcycle.  

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.

Recreational

Our top 5 tips for boat maintenance

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Any day spent on the water is a good day. And who wouldn’t want more fun, sun and getting nothin’ done? Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you rely on the pros, you can help your boat run well, stay safe and last a long time. The key is investing some time in regular boat maintenance.  

Doesn’t matter if you’re out for family, fun or fishing, take good care of your boat and it’ll return the favor. Here’s a quick maintenance checklist for keeping your boat ship-shape. 

  1. Keep Things Clean: Boating can be a messy business, but a clean, well-kept vessel should last longer than its slimy, shabby counterpart. Regularly remove scale and algae scum from the hull and watch out for buildup. Maintain upholstery with proper marine cleaners and protectants to avoid replacing it down the road.
  2. Stay charged up: Marine batteries can last years if properly cared for. Make sure the battery is secured and firmly mounted to the boat before every trip. Recharge it fully after each use to decrease the chance of sulfate deposit buildup. And make sure its water is always at the right level. 
  3. Eye the engine: Most boats are run hard on the weekends and left idle the rest of the week. This irregular use is hard on any watercraft. That’s why it’s so important to check all engine components and fluids every time you hit the water. If you find a leak, get it fixed right away to prevent more damage and keep toxins out of the water. 
  4. Check the prop: Your propeller needs to be inspected regularly. Any dents, nicks, or dings can slow things down, drive up fuel costs, and create internal damage. A few times each season, remove the entire propeller and get rid of any built-up gunk or debris around your prop shaft, and relubricate. 
  5. Don’t Stop Now: Don’t stop now: The end of boating season doesn’t mean the end of boat maintenance. Boats aren’t built to be cold. Have yours professionally winterized to prevent freezing damage to the engine and hull, and make sure it’s properly covered for winter storage. 

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.

Other, Recreational

5 tips to summer-ize your watercraft

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Summer’s just around the corner and the water’s calling! Time to make sure your watercraft is shipshape. Derek Wolfe, one of our senior watercraft underwriters, offers 5 favorite tips for preparing your vessel. Here’s how to get ready for a season full of fun.

  1. Check the battery. Your wet cell battery probably lost water over the winter. Charging it when it’s low on fluid can invite all sorts of unpleasant surprises—from engine control issues to electrical shorts, even fires. Before you drop it in the boat or on charge, make sure it’s topped off with distilled water.
  2. Show your trailer some love. We could do an entire blog on prepping your trailer. Let’s just say it needs as much affection and attention as your boat does. To keep wheels rolling smoothly, your brakes working well, and protect your boat from scuffs:
    • Pack and lubricate wheel bearings and seals.
    • Bleed brake fluid to keep it clean and free from water and rust.
    • Check trailer bunks for deteriorated wood or worn-out carpet that needs replaced.
  3. Inspect the hoses. Look for deteriorated or dried out hoses, splits or cracks, or foul odors coming from your black or gray water tanks. Even a minor water, fuel or exhaust leak is a problem. While you’re down there, double-check and tighten your hose clamps.
  4. Replace trailer tires. Between summer sun and winter storage, trailer tires may be ripe for replacement long before the tread wears out (usually every 3 years). To see if it’s time, check for any cracks, splits and tread separation. Or just check the date code stamped near the mounting ring.
  5. Protect the top deck. Not all damage happens below the water line. Sealant can shrink and crack over time, loosening fittings and creating gaps in the fiberglass deck. Rainwater loves gaps. Left untreated, it’ll find its way into the cabin, hull and deck. Simply loosen the fitting, apply a high quality marine sealant with UV protection, and tighten it back up.

Of course, if you’re not sure about anything, you can have it inspected or serviced by a qualified marine technician.

For information only. Not applicable to all situations.