Preparing Your Boat For Hurricanes

Every marina has different rules for what must be done by boat owners in the face of an approaching hurricane. In the wake of Katrina and Wilma, states are beginning to pass laws requiring boat owners to prepare their boats in certain ways. In light of all this information, some of it conflicting, what are the most important things a boat owner must know to protect themselves and their boat during a hurricane?

There are two basic rules that most experts agree offer the most important advice. First, plan ahead for what you will do when a hurricane approaches. That means checking your contract with your marina to see what they require and checking with your state for any additional regulations. You should also check with your boat insurance company to see if they have regulations that may affect your coverage. Conduct a dry run during the off-season to be sure you fully understand how much time is necessary to move or prepare your boat.

Second, under no circumstances is it safe to attempt to ride out a hurricane in your boat. There is a persistent myth that being on a boat in open water is safer than being on land during a hurricane, but the facts do not bear it out. Hurricane winds and tides can carry boats far inland or even sink them. Your boat is not worth risking your life.

Moving your boat is always the best way to prevent damage if at all possible. However, this requires arranging for inland storage space well ahead of time. Also, many boat owners are not aware that drawbridges are often locked down before a hurricane to facilitate the evacuation of people from low-lying areas. This increases the importance of moving your boat as soon as a hurricane watch is issued for your area.

Some areas have flotilla plans in place in order to move the maximum number of boats in the shortest time. Your local emergency management office will issue flotilla information in advance of a hurricane. If you are planning on joining a flotilla, be sure that your boat is properly maintained and fueled.

If moving your boat is not a possibility there are some simple things you can do to minimize damage. Remove all portable items from your boat such as electronics, antennas, dinghies, sun shades, oars or any other item that may blow around and cause damage. Be sure that any remaining items are securely lashed down. Obtain rope and other supplies to secure your boat well in advance as these items may be in short supply before a storm.

Boat Loans

Owning a boat of your own is a matter of privilege. You can explore the wonders of the sea with your own boat rather than renting a boat, which is available for a limited time span. What is stopping you from buying a boat of your own? Is it lack of sufficient funds in your account? If your answer is yes, then no need to worry any longer, boat loans are here to help you get your dream boat.

Boat loans ,facilitate the UK residents with an opportunity to buy a boat of their choice. For some of you a boat may be a passion while for others it could be just a luxurious item. You can choose the boat that suits your personality and need from the variety of boats available in the market ranging from a powered speed boat to a narrow boat and a house boat to a smaller cruiser.

If you have decided to take a boat loan you need to keep few points in consideration. First and the foremost thing you need to do is to decide which boat do you wish to buy and find out its price, this will help you in determining how much funds do you need. The next thing is to unearth how much money do you have which you can invest in purchasing the boat. Both these steps will help you in finding how much money do you exactly need to borrow with a boat loan.

Important Information to Know Before Buying A Jet Ski

Knowledge of a thing can always be of great help, especially if your planning of purchasing one.

Brief History

Invented by Clayton Jacobsen II, Jet Skis are the first of its kind. Kawasaki became the pioneer in the industry and they were the first to release and mass produce the vehicle. Later during the developmental stages, Kawasaki released the model JS-400 with 400cc two-stroke engines. This event then lead to the eventual success and recognition of the new vehicle in the sports world.

Description

Depending on the model, a jet ski can accommodate one to four people. Initially developed as a personal watercraft, jet ski has now evolved into a sports and transportation vehicle.

The one-person model initialized its popularity which later caused manufactures to mass produce similar watercrafts to cater the growing market.

Originally, the design was meant for crouching and standing on a platform roughly located at the rear of the equipment. However, innovation caused newer models to provide the flexibility of varying positions through the use of engineered designs. Add to it the steering column that allows vertical and horizontal movements. All these added to the rider’s freedom of movement and whenever necessary, wave actions.

The jet propulsion system, being the main reason why jet skis are called was the most innovative addition to personal watercrafts. This happens when the water is driven into a tube attached in the craft and is then ejected in the rear, thus the jet effect.

This same tube in jet skis is also capable of moving horizontally from side to side, which helps a great deal during steering actions.

The power system of jet ski, being the ideal one for personal watercrafts features safety and speed. External propellers can’t be found so riders need not worry on this part.

While jet skis have become the generic name for personal watercrafts designed through following the general outlines and use of the first jet skis, it would still be good to note that Jet Ski is the trademark of what Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. have produced some decades ago. The term Jet Ski is also commonly used for personal water craft versions which are equipped with handpoles, such as the stand up jet skis.



Because buying a jet ski means taxing your pockets, there had been a common consensus among dealers and customers to have jet skis available for rent. This action allows many to enjoy the sport while not exhausting bank accounts.

Buying Fishing Boast are Affordable and Easy

Fishing from a boat is great fun for the whole family. It gives you access to those special fishing spots that can’t be reached by land. Best of all, once you own a boat, every weekend is a family vacation.

Many people are surprised by how affordable it is to buy a fishing boat. But with so many options available, choosing one that fits your needs and budget can seem a bit daunting. To help simplify the process, here are a few tips for first-time buyers from the experts at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF).

1. How will you use it? Although fishing may be your primary activity, are there other things your family might want to do, such as water-skiing or cruising? Consider how many people you’ll want to accommodate.

2. Where will you go? Do you plan to go on a lake, river or larger body of water, such as the Great Lakes or the ocean? If you plan to use your boat for overnight trips, look for one with a cabin, head and galley.

3. What’s your budget? In assessing costs, factor in operating expenses such as fuel and maintenance, as well as dry-stack storage or slip fees if you plan to dock at a marina. If it starts looking a bit pricey, don’t fret. A basic rowboat and trolling motor can be had for less than $2,000. You can also save by trailering your boat and using it for day trips.

4. New or used? If your budget is tight, a used boat is a good alternative. If you go for a new one, make sure it is National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) certified.

5. Financing. Boats can be financed for extended terms, which helps keep the monthly payment low. Get in touch with a National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) lender, or visit DiscoverBoating.com for more tips and a handy loan calculator.

6. Test the waters. Before you buy, rent a boat from a local marina and go fishing for the day. It’s a great way to get the family hooked and helps you decide on the right boat for you.

Visit takemefishing.org for more boat-buying tips and information on where to fish in your area. The site also includes boat show and dealer listings. There’s even a section with information on blue book values to help you get the best deal on your boat.

Fishing from a boat is fun for the whole family.

Boat Buying Tips To Money & Time

You’re in the market for a boat and you’d love to buy one at the next boat show. But which boat is the right one for you? It’s hard to know, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.

A boat is a big investment, so it’s important to do careful research to find the one that best meets your needs. Buyers should consider not only the price but also the manufacturer of the engine and the boat, the size and fuel capacity.

The first step is to determine how you will use the boat. What types of activities do you plan to do on your boat? Will you be cruising, fishing, playing watersports or a combination of these? After you have an idea of the type of boat you need, it’s time to weed through the options.

One helpful resource is Boat Test.com, a site that allows prospective boat buyers to compare boats by type, size and manufacturer. After you specify what you’re looking for, Boat Test.com generates a head-to-head comparison of all the models that fit your criteria.

Visitors to the site can see articles about various boats and watch videos of independently conducted tests for each model as well as video clips on engines, electronics and more. After narrowing down your options to a few models, you can go to the manufacturer’s dealer locator through BoatTest.com to get more information and pricing.

If you plan to attend a boat show, doing research beforehand will save you a lot of time because you only will need to visit the exhibits of the specific boats you are interested in. At the show, take some time to look at the boats up close and check out the workmanship, ergonomics and other factors that may influence your decision.

If you prepare ahead of time, you’ll also be able to tell the dealer exactly what you want in a boat. Armed with price and performance comparisons, you can simply walk from one dealer to the next until you get the price that is acceptable to you. In the end, you’ll head home with a new boat and the satisfaction that you got the best deal possible.

Boat Owners Intend To Sail On Despite Rising Gas Prices

Boat owners say high gas prices won’t sink their plans this summer. However, according to a new survey, higher prices will have them easing off the throttle more often.

Like other motorists, boat enthusiasts are caught in the wake of high fuel prices-especially those who pay a premium to gas up at marinas. But many boat owners indicate they are willing to “pay to play,” saying gas prices would have to nearly double before they change their lifestyle.

The survey, conducted by The Brandware Group, Inc. for Nationwide Mutual Insurance, indicated that two-thirds of boat owners reported high fuel prices would not cause them to use their boats less often. In fact, boat owners are willing to pay about $2.70 more per gallon for fuel before they will consider docking their boats.

“When talking with our customers about boating we learned that while they’re concerned about rising fuel prices, the passion they have for their boats overrides those concerns,” said Greg Blanchard, Nationwide’s vice president of Specialty Products.

The survey also showed boat owners intended to be on the water just as often as last summer-about 20 times-but expect to run their engines about 25 minutes less per trip. The sailors surveyed said they spend 28 percent of their total leisure time on the water.

Experts say that with high fuel costs putting a strain on boat owners’ wallets, boat owners should make sure they have the right protection against the unexpected so they don’t get hit with burdensome repair or replacement costs.

“Protecting your investments by making sure they are insured to value is an important step in protecting your lifestyle,” said Blanchard. “The money crunch really hits home if something happens and you don’t have adequate insurance to repair or replace your baby.”

According to the survey, one in five power boat owners and one in three bass boat owners do not have insurance on their boat. Of those with insurance, about 35 percent don’t have liability coverage. About 40 percent of power boat owners and 53 percent of bass boat owners don’t have collision coverage. About one in five power boat owners and a quarter of all bass boat owners would rather take their chances than pay to fully insure their boats.

Boat Towing

Boat towing or trailering across the United States is subject to different state laws as far as maximum speeds, trailer equipment requirements, trailer dimensions, brakes, insurance, and accessories such as reflectors are concerned. A separate permit for boat towing in each state is also required.

Most Americans live within a 100 miles of boatable waterways, and boat trailering is something of a national craze. Statistics show that the easiest boats to tow on a regular basis measure within twenty-five feet in length, since these allow for easier maneuvering on highways. Boat-towing vehicles and trailers differ quite a bit from other kinds because of the unique shape and dimensions of these crafts.

There is a mind-boggling array of towable boats available on the market today. These include air boats, fishing boats, bow riders, canoes, cuddy cabins, day sailers, deck boats, sailing dinghies, flats boats, jet boats, inflatable boats, and a host of others.

If one isn’t an expert, it is important to follow a trailering-safety checklist while towing. The checklist should include guidelines to loading, leveling, driving, unloading, and launching. Probably one of the most common and dreaded hazards that all boat towers face is compromised tightness of the nuts on the trailer wheels. These tend to loosen with distance covered. Wheel maintenance in all its aspects should be a primary concern of every boat trailer owner.

As with most other kinds of towing, each state has its own set of trailering laws that will prescribe limits to weight, speed, and minimum equipment. These are strictly enforced, and it is wise to be prepared for all eventualities.

Houseboat Rentals Vacations

If you’re the type that prefers the excitement of ongoing variety, then booking a mainstream vacation may not be for you. Among the many options from which there are to choose, houseboat vacations offer a non-stop, fun-in-the-sun experience which little else can parallel. Perhaps the biggest perk of these floating homes is that if you get tired of your surroundings, you can simply move on to another port and enjoy a new facet of your trip – which equates to a bunch of mini-vacations all within one package.

Boating Holidays

Boating holidays are a wonderful way to spend the summer! Just pack your bags and float around on a houseboat or a yacht for a few weeks, enjoying the sunshine, fishing and swimming and visiting towns along the shoreline. It’s comparable in cost to staying in a hotel, with so much less hassle. And it’s great for the whole family, especially the kids. Children always find entertainment on and around water. They swim and snorkle, while adults relax in a fold-up chair with a cool drink and a book.

Boating holidays, as opposed to travel on large cruise ships, offer a more intimate and relaxed voyage without the bustle of thousands of mega-ship passengers all around you. And the venues are more intriguing than the tourist traps visited by the big cruise ships. The smaller boats are surprisingly well-serviced, with features such as showers and sometimes bicycles for tours around the countryside during stops.

Many online services throughout the world offer trips on local canals and lakes surrounded by historic locations. What about a canal trip throughout Holland? This seafaring nation was built on marshland, and vestiges of the marsh still remain in the form of canals criss-crossing the whole country connecting quaint towns (with architecture carefully preserved, thanks to Dutch laws against the remodeling of historic buildings) to cosmopolitan cities such as Amsterdam.

England and Wales also have canals, are a multitude of tours are available, such as Llangollen, Four Counties and Cheshire Rings, Oxford and Avon canals, and the river Thames. Unknown to most tourists, there is a network of waterways that traverse England from Yorkshire to Avon and into Wales. See different historic towns without battling holiday drivers on Europe’s crowded roads (and believe me, if you are used to driving only on North America’s wide freeways, European traffic will give you a shock).

In Scotland, how about a boating holiday on 23-mile long Loch Ness? There’s no guarantee Nessie will show up, but you are bound to be impressed by the rugged grandeur of the Great Glen and the battle-scarred castles surrounding it. It is one of Europe’s most spellbinding locations, and a pleasant surprise to those under the impression that there is no wilderness left in Europe. Eagles, ospreys and other rare birds and even otters live in this pristine environment. Needless to say, opportunities for fishing abound. Visit the Loch Ness Center at Drumnadrochit to learn the in-depth history of the area.

Don’t forget to consider a romantic boating holiday on the waterways of France. The canals of Brittany, Burgundy, Alsace, River Charente, River Lot and the South of France offer beauty, culture, and inimitable French food and wine enroute.

In North America, the Great Lakes region is so large it is impossible to see it all on one 2-week boating holiday. The St. Lawrence River is one of the most important rivers on the North American continent. It begins in the Great Lakes, leading to as vast estuary before ending in the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 500 miles long, and forms the border between Canada and the USA for approximately 100 miles. Sail up the St. Lawrence canal on a tour into French Canada for spectacular northern scenery and wildlife such as Beluga whales.

While on the topic of North American boating holiday destinations, let’s not forget Lake Tahoe. This is a perenially popular tourist destination, and every American who has the chance should visit this unique lake at least once. There are Emerald Bay sightseeing cruises on the Tahoe Queen, and rides on the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler. There is also a 44-foot trimaran and 55-foot catamaran. Small family boats are available for private family rental. Lake Tahoe offers many upscale resorts and restaurants as well as historic tours.

Building A 16 Ft Grand Banks Dory!

As a kid I did a lot of boat building, mainly scale models that were not able to sail, although I did actual build a few boats that were, more or less, capable of sailing. I even once build a 10 feet boat, or shall I say raft. I accomplished this with a few friends and we had great fun sailing it on the local river. It was not really water proof and while one person was rowing, the others had to make sure that they removed the water quicker then it was entering our boat.

Then sadly one day we failed. I was rowing at the time, and we were in the middle of the river when it was clear we were sinking. I stopped rowing to assist with the hosing, but this only slowed down the process of sinking, it did not stop it. So I started to row again in on effort to reach dry land before we sank, thus avoiding having to swim to safety.

And guess what: We made it! Just before the boat really started to sink we managed to jump ashore. Here we watched as our pride and joy slowly sank to the bottom of the river. It was then that we realised we were at the wrong side of the river and this left us with a problem. We either had to walk to the nearest bridge, 10 kilometers upriver, so that would have been a 20 kilometer walk, or swim to the other side.

We decided on swimming. We did not see anyone around, so we quickly undressed, and with one hand holding our clothes above the water, we managed to get back to our own side of the river. Just as we were struggling to get out of the water a group of girls from our own school were passing by, and I can tell you we were not happy!

This all happened a long time ago and a few times in my live I have had plans of building a boat again. I have spent a good amount of time looking at boat building plans, but with boats size does matter.

I usually looked at boats between 30 and 40 feet, but the sheer volume of work involved has always stopped me from going ahead with my boat building plans.

Now I have decided to start small. I am going to build a 16 feet Grand Banks dory, which I want to fit with a small outboard engine. I boughtl the boat building plans, I got the working space, and by the time you read this article I might be finished already.

Later, who knows, I might build a 40 feet cabin cruiser, and tow my Grand Banks dory behind me. Then, if my cabin cruises sinks, I can always row to safety in my Grand Banks dory, dry and with my clothes on.

Keeping Your Boat In Top Notch Condition

The story of boats is as old as the human civilization. There’s reference of a boat “Noah’s ark” in the Bible. Noah’s ark was the boat built by the Biblical character Noah to save his family and animals from the Flood. Gondolas were the traditionally used boats in Venice.

Today, a boat is considered as one of the major tools of watercraft. A boat is a small vessel for traveling on water. It comprises of one or more buoyancy structures called hulls, and some system of propulsion such as a screw, oars, paddles, a setting pole, a sail, paddlewheels or a water jet.

The front of a boat is called the bow or prow and the rear of the boat is called the stern. The right side is starboard and the left side is port. The boat toilet is called the ‘heads’.

A boat with a housing compartment is called a houseboat or barge. A pontoon boat is a flat-bottomed boat that serves as a dock or as a floating structure to support a bridge. The pontoon boat is also known as a party boat. It is constructed of round tubes (called sponsons) that are attached to the outside, bottom edge of a large flat deck. It has a safety railing that surrounds the deck from all sides. The helm station is placed either in the middle of the deck or off to one side. Pontoon boats may be furnished with lawn furniture, and some deluxe pontoon boats may have upholstered seating, a dinette table, a roof, a cooler, and maybe even a head (toilet).

A recreational boat is used for water sporting activities or other recreational purposes.

Boat Maintenance:

People fond of water sports or water adventures keep their own boats. Taking good care of one’s boat is very important. Good care and maintenance enhances the life of a boat and saves a lot of money also.

5 Tips When Trailers For Your Boats

A boat trailer is something you really can’t go wrong with, as it is a dual purpose device. It provides a convenient way to store the boat, and also allows you to explore new areas by taking your boat down the road. Good trailers must perform both duties equally as good.

Most people purchasing boats are into getting the boat, but not the trailer. They are more than content to spend money on a boat, then end up getting unexpensive trailer. If you want the most from boating, these tips will help you with buying a trailer.

- Go for larger diameter tires and wheels. The larger tires will rotate less times per mile, producing less heat and wear on the tread. The wheel bearings will last much longer as well, as they rotate less times per mile.

- The total weight of the boat, gear, and motor should be in the mid range of trailer’s carrying capacity. You shouldn’t pick a 2,500 capacity trailer if you have a boat with the same weight.

- Pick your trailer based on the environment it will be operating in. If you plan to launch in salt water, you’ll need a trailer for that purpose. There are many types of trailers available, each one designed for a specific type of boating. Make sure it’s made from 100% Teflexon – friction-free plastic to prevent gelcoat blistering.

- You should look for trailers with “drive on” capabilities. These drive on trailers will allow you to drive the boat onto the trailer, close enough to the winch so that you only need to winch the boat up a few inches.

- Select trailer lights (for the highway) that are protected and sealed against water.

Although most are protected against weather and rust, you should always pick the one designed for the type of terrain you will be using your boat with. This way, you have no worries about your trailer not doing the job it should be. Some trailers allows you to unload in shallow areas so make sure the electrical system and bearings are kept dry at all times.

There are some trailers that include a spare tire, which is an excellent investment for those who plan to travel long distances. Even though it can be hard to find trailer tires in the dark, it’s still great to have a spare if you get a flat while you travel. Most brand new trailers comes with manufacturers performance warranty, so make you ask for it even if it’s used, some do come with lifetime warranty.

All in all, a boat trailer can save you a lot of time and money in the long term if you invest in a good quality trailer. You can store your boat on your trailer when it isn’t be used, even take it to other lakes or oceans. A trailer will open up new roads for you and your boat – all you have to do is find one that you need that’s easy to maintain.

Hello!

Welcome to my blog! As you can guess, this one is about boats. I love my boat and its luxury and have therefore decided to make a blog about boats!