NOT SNAPPY

Q: What is a good lubricant to use for canvas snaps?

Cheryl Sprague Homosassa, Florida

A: I use Vaseline or ChapStick. If you prefer a marine product, use Star brite Teflon. In all cases, apply sparingly.

CIRCUS ACT

Q: Dear Boat Doctor, I am new to boating and am enjoying my purchase of a Monterey bowrider. My question is regarding launching from the trailer. I find I need to walk on the trailer tongue, sometimes quite the balancing act. I haven’t gotten wet yet, but that’s a possibility. What do more-experienced boaters do? Suggestions?

Jack Maloney Portland, Oregon

A: There are a variety of trailer-tongue steps and accessories you can purchase, and all have their place.

DIY solutions include using U-bolts to fasten a plank to the tongue, and also painting the tongue with epoxy resin and sprinkling with sand before it cures. These will all help, and I will leave it to you as to which system works best for your boat. I’ll finish with this thought: A pair of tall rubber boots might allow you to approach the bow of the boat without walking on the trailer tongue or getting your feet wet. However, even that solution might prove hazardous because many boat ramps are very slippery, especially those in tidal waters.