This past week, we were doing a boat delivery trip for our friends at Dallas Boat Sales. Part of the delivery trip is to talk through the systems on the vessel. We provide a checklist to the new boat owner on startup and shutdown procedures. In addition, we talk about the sea strainers and how often to clean them. Pro Captain Staffing recommends cleaning the A/C Strainer every month during the summer (May through September) and quarterly during the rest of the year. As we were cleaning the A/C strainer, we found what I would personally consider a HUGE Zebra Mussel.
Zebra Mussels came to the US in the late 1980’s, invading the Great Lakes. Since then, Zebra Mussels have spread throughout the US. Texas Parks and Wildlife states the following lakes are considered to be infested:
Austin, Belton, Bridgeport, Canyon, Dean Gilbert, Eagle Mountain, Georgetown, Lady Bird, Lewisville, Livingston, Randell (local Denison access only), Ray Roberts, Stillhouse Hollow, Texoma, and Travis. Just so happens this boat delivery was at Pier 121 on Lake Lewisville. Lake Grapevine has tested positive for Zebra Mussels or larvae but is not considered infested. For full details, see the TWPD website at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/exotic/zebramusselmap.phtml
What can you do? For starters, if your boat is stored on a trailer, make sure you wash your boat, empty the livewells and bilge of all water before you launch your boat in another lake. For boats stored in the water, clean your strainers when recommended by the manufacturer. What would a blog post be without a plug for our services :). This year we launched Total Boat Management with a few different levels to best suit your needs. At all levels, we inspect your boat monthly, provide a detailed report with pictures and keep your AC Strainer clean. Check our our website for all details and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
See you on the water,
Capt Bob