"TC" wrote in message
...
I have an aluminum trailer. Is there anything I can spray on the
hardware (like WD-40) to help protect it?

I used to own SeaDoos and they had an engine spray that would coat the
engine to protect it from the elements. Is there something similar for
my Yamaha outboard? Is it wise to do this? As soon as I get the
manual for my motor, I'll read up on it.

I plan to go off-shore and will need a radio to communicate in the
event of an emergency or whatever else, but primarily for emergencies.
I'm thinking a handheld. Any thoughts? I would mostly use it out
about 1 - 25 miles off shore. I live in central FL. Or is there an
alternative?

TIA!

I'm not a super expert on these questions but I *think* I know the answers
so....
- You should not have to protect an aluminum trailer, that's the reason
(beside weight)
that aluminum is used. If there is steel hardware (brackets, bolts, etc) you
need to
protect those. The best way it to have them properly painted (stripped, all
rust removed,
painted with a good paint system).

I don't know about the engine question.

For radio: handhelds are ok when you are not going far from shore. But your
25
miles is far enought you sould have a fixed unit. The problem with
handhelds is A: they have less power (watts). Fixed mount units usually go
up to 25
watts - handhelds only to 5 watts. B: you are only, say, 6 feet off the
water when using them. The higher the antenna is the more distance your
signal can
travel. Fixed

Good Luck,
Gary