To the water sports enthusiast, an ocean or lake is a source of endless excitement for boating, fishing, or cruising on personal watercraft. But that same body of water, whether it is salt water or fresh water, can also be a source of damage from corrosion for boats, watercraft and fishing gear.

The good news is that costly repairs can be avoided—and the lifespan of water vehicles and fishing equipment extended—with a simple preventative maintenance routine that includes WD-40. In addition to serving as a superb lubricant and penetrant, WD-40 also belongs in every boat house and tackle box because it is a first-rate moisture displacer, rust preventative and cleaner.

The testimonials are piling up. Chris Flores, a boating and fishing specialist with H&M Landing of San Diego, Calif., wrote the WD-40 Company after applying WD-40 to the hardware on the decks of his charter fishing boats.

"Anything that's metal and exposed we hit with WD-40," Flores wrote

The growing consensus among boaters is that using WD-40 on metal snaps and zippers on bimini tops, bolts, engine casings, masts and wind instruments can help keep harsh salt water and salty air from taking its toll. In fact, WD-40 protects all metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients and even gets under dirt and grime to clean.

And, as a weapon against corrosion, a growing number of boating enthusiasts are turning to WD-40. Dale Finkbeiner, of Lutz, Fla., uses WD-40 on his boat's stern drive to protect the outer finish from salt water corrosion.

"Just the few minutes it takes to spray WD-40 after each use has saved me from having to make replacements," he said, "and keeps my boat looking like the day I bought it."

Personal watercraft enthusiasts have also discovered the benefits of WD-40. "Before a Sea-Doo