Enjoy Fishing or a Leisurely Cruise on a Pontoon Boat

January 18th, 2010 by admin No comments »

You can avail various kinds of boats in Florida. All boating agencies in Florida have a fair number of pontoon boats. This is because these boats are easy to own and are always high on demand.

What is a pontoon boat?

A pontoon is a flat-bottomed boat which is built to support a structure while afloat. It has a base made of cylindrical objects such as barrels or pipes or even boxes made of metal. This base supports a simple platform, on which a structure resembling a house or an open frame with a roof is built. Such boats are usually used for leisure fishing.

Why use a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats are the most user friendly boats for fishing or a gentle cruise. These boats offer you the flexibility of covering great distance. With them you don’t have to bother of manoeuvring and hauling like you have to do with a canoe or small boat. These boats are simple to operate and rarely sink.

From an owner’s perspective, these boats, even when equipped with engines of over 200hp, are less expensive to insure than a normal boats. Their shallow draft minimizes damages due to under water collisions and being run aground. In terms of capacity to price these boats offer a lot.

Because of its high demand, used pontoon boats are bought and sold by both agencies and individuals. Before buying one from a person or agency you must ensure that he is a member of national boating industry association. A member has to abide by industry code of practice; you can get pontoons which have not been roughly handled.

If the pontoon is on a trailer you need to inspect it minutely and make sure they are in sound condition. Try to learn more about all the work done on the boat, including steering maintenance, engine repairs, and other works. If possible you should take it out for a sea trial.

If you love, boating or fishing, try to own a personal pontoon boat, as a part of your boating gear.

Richard Thompson a Florida boat club member writes articles on boat clubs and oat rental agencies for http://www.adventureboatclub.net

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Waterwaystore: Get All Sorts of Boating Supplies as Well as Boating Accessories

January 13th, 2010 by admin No comments »

There are many people in the world who have one or the other hobby. Some people like climbing mountains, some gardening and some water sports. However if you are interested in activities like boating or fishing then WaterwayStore is the best place for you to visit.

 

Boating is no doubt considered as the most interesting activity by most of the people. It is one such activity that is liked by people of all age group. You can see the craze of boating in small kids, their parents and even their grandparents. Thus it is the activity where you can enjoy with all of your family members and friends together.

 

If you are planning for enjoying boating along with your family members and friends, then it is surely the right decision. But at the same time it is also true that there are several things that you must keep in mind in order to make your experience really memorable.

 

To start with, it is important to look out for the best store from where you can have best collection of boating supplies as well as boating accessories. Care should be taken to see if the boating supplies and boating accessories bought are of good quality or not!

 

Second important thing that you need to consider is your knowledge for boating supplies and boating accessories. It is so because sometimes you are caught in the dilemma, as to choose which sort of boating accessory and which not! Hence proper knowledge of boating supplies and boating accessories is must.

 

The third most important thing is to look for all the safety measures. It is so because in the event of any tragedy you must have some safety measures in hand so as to reduce much loss.

 

Thus you can see for enjoying boating and for your safety it is important to have best quality boating accessories as well as boating supplies.

 

If you are looking for such store that can provide you with the best quality boating accessories and boating supplies, then WaterwayStore is no doubt the best store to visit.

 

There are several advantages that a person can avail while going for WaterwayStore. Some of them are listed below:

 



Choice of selection: The first and the most important advantage that one can avail while going for WaterwayStore is to have the wide range of selection. You can have full varieties of boating accessories as well as boating supplies at WaterwayStore.

 



Choice of range: Another advantage that you can get at WaterwayStore is to have full range of prices. You can have boating accessories and boating supplies at best prices at WaterwayStore. Thus it provides the full charm of boating for all class of people.

 



Full satisfaction: Another important reason why the person should go to WaterwayStore is that it provides full satisfaction to its customers. Unlike other stores where the main motive of the company is to earn money, here the stress is on making money but after the customer’s satisfaction.

 



Ease of buying: Another important advantage that one can get while going for WaterwayStore is to have ease of buying. It is possible to have the product of your choice just at the click of a button etc.

Plan your boating trip only after ensuring quality boating supplies and boating accessories from a reliable store.

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Preparing your Boat for Hurricane Season

January 10th, 2010 by admin No comments »

Prepare your boat for hurricane season:

With hurricane season upon us, you want to be prepared and know what to do with your boat. Modern technology allows us to be warned of an approaching hurricane, so we can get ourselves to safety. However, it is slightly more work to get your boat out of harms way. The most important thing to remember is not to ever stay with your boat during a hurricane. You will not be able to do anything to help, and will only put yourself in danger. The hurricane is much stronger than you are.

Before the storm:

There are precautionary measures that should be taken now, in the event that a storm hits. Make sure the insurance on your boat covers hurricane damage. Check with your marina on their policy for handling hurricanes. Some marinas may make you take your boat out of the water. Find a safe place on dry land ahead of time, preferably a garage or barn. Decide the best routes to take in the event of an evacuation. Take inventory of the items on your boat, and make a list of what should be removed. This will make it much easier when the time comes.

A storm is approaching:

The best thing to do is to take action as soon as you are warned of an approaching hurricane. Do not wait until the storm has hit, and you are fighting strong winds to get to your boat.

If your boat is easily trailerable your best bet is to take it out of the water to be on the safe side. You should take it far away from the danger of rising water. The safest thing for your boat is to put it in a covered garage.

However, everyone does not have access these facilities. If your only option is keeping the boat outside, secure it by tying it to strong trees. The heavier it is, the less likely it is to be carried by a strong wind. To add weight to your outboard motor boat, fill it with freshwater and leave the drain plug in. If it is an inboard motor you cannot fill it with water because it would damage the engine. To support the extra weight, put wood blocks between the trailer and the springs.

Keeping your boat in the water:

Sometimes you have no other option but to leave your boat in the water. Perhaps you didn’t have time to take it out. You can still take measures to make the boat as safe as possible.

If your boat is docked, make sure it is at a strong dock with sturdy pilings. Double up on mooring lines as you tie it to the dock. Be sure to provide enough slack to compensate for rising tide waters. Cover the lines with a garden hose cut lengthwise. Put these pieces of hose where the lines will need protection from wearing away as they are rubbed against the dock. Put extra bumpers and fenders along the boat.

If your boat is anchored in a harbor make sure that the bottom of your boat will hold strong to the anchor. Anchoring your boat allows for it to move around a little more than at the dock. There is less chance of damage because there are no docks or boats to bump into. Be sure to use heavier anchors than usual and using more than one is better.

The best place for your boat if it must be in the water is a hurricane hole. These are deep inlets or coves that are surrounded by tall, strong trees and tend to be more protected from strong winds and rising tides. Tie your boat to the surrounding trees for anchor lines. It is a good idea to look for these hurricane holes, and know where they are before a hurricane hits.

Whether you keep your boat in the water, or take on dry land; make sure to take off everything that can be ripped off in strong winds. This would include canvas, seat cushions, rods, radios, documents and anything else that is not securely bolted down.

You are out on your boat during a storm:

Worst case scenario: you decide to go out on your boat because you think the storm you heard about on the news this morning won’t hit. Not a great idea. If there are reports of an approaching storm, always take extra precautions. Check the weather reports and forecasts on your radio continuously. If you hear static on your AM radio, there may be a thunderstorm nearby. Keep your eyes alert to any change in the weather, such as darkening clouds.

If you do get caught in a thunderstorm make sure that everyone puts on a personal flotation device immediately. The best place to be is below deck, and away from metal objects.

Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl’s Blog on SellUrBoat.com.. These articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit SellUrBoat.com to view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. SellUrBoat.com is The Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling ‘Ur’ Boat.

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Used Boat Motors – How to Inspect and Buy One

January 10th, 2010 by admin No comments »

A dependable boat motor is just as important for your safety as the boat itself.  Without one, you might end up using your hands as a paddle.  Knowing what to look for when searching for the best used outboard boat motor will save you money, expensive repair costs and a lot of aggravation. In this article you will learn a little about the boat motor and what to look for when buying a pre-owned one.

Propelling your boat through the water is the main purpose of a boat motor.  Just as a car engine has many moving parts, a boat motor also has many parts.  The main parts of a boat motor are the propeller, the engine itself and various components built inside.

Typically a new boat motor will have some type of warranty against defects and will be serviced at a discount or free.  A used boat motor usually will not have any warranty or coverage and if something goes wrong then you will be stuck with a huge bill.  It is always best to buy one from a reputable dealer.  If you buy one from an auction site make sure the person has excellent feedback ratings and offers some type of warranty or refund period.

When buying a <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.used-boatmotors.com”target=”blank”>Used Boat Motor</a>, there are several important things to do and look for.  If it is currently attached to a boat, take it for a test drive and if possible run it wide open.  Ask the owner the age of the motor and if it has had any major repairs. In addition to the repair history, ask if they have any repair receipts so that you can look at them.  When inspecting the boat motor, first check the general condition of the motor and look for any type of outside wear and tear.  Look for any type of welding or work that was done.  The propeller should be spun to look for any wobbles or abnormalities.  Also check the prop for any dings, dents or gouges. 

You will need to have a compression test done in order to check the cylinders.  Typically what you are looking for is compression which is plus or minus 10% of each other. Remove the cowl and check for any fuel, water or exhaust leaks.  If you are not mechanically inclined, it is best to hire a mechanic who can do the previous checks.

The boat motor is one of the most expensive items you will need for your boat. Although you can never be 100% sure about a pre-owned boat motor, a proper inspection will increase you chances of success.  Buying a good used boat motor will save you a lot of hassles, costly repairs and a night stranded on the lake.

Mark Ralph is a prolific author and an Expert in several fields. He maintains a Boating site and is the President of a Marketing & Consulting Firm. For Used Boat Motors, click: http://www.used-boatmotors.com or go here for buying Discount Boat Motors.

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BuyingFishing Boats – 4 Tips To Ensure You Get What You Desire

January 8th, 2010 by admin No comments »

Experienced boat-based fishers have perfected the processing of buying a fishing boat into a fine art. But for the first-time buyer, buying the right fishing boat can be a difficult and imposing task. Here are some tips that may help:

For dedicated fishing enthusiasts, a fishing boat has only one true purpose – fishing. But there are subtle factors to consider in making your buying decision.

1. How will you use your fishing boat?

Where will you fish? Will you be taking your boat out for deep sea fishing? If so, you’ll need a sturdy hull to withstand the waves and constant rolling. And your craft will need plenty of room for supplies and fuel. But if you’re planning on fishing inland on lakes or reservoirs, you can afford a smaller, less hardy craft.

When do you plan to fish? Will you be taking your fishing boat out for sunrise fishing or for overnight trips? There’s little more joyful experience fishing at sunrise from a simple row boat or motorized fishing raft. Overnight trips require space for sleeping and meals and must provide shelter from inclement weather.

2. What can you afford to spend?

Fishing boats can get very expensive, especially those that are capable of long trips on heavy waves. And if you want comforts and fancy accessories, you may be looking at a steep bill. The more simple fishing crafts like kayaks and fishing utility boats can be had for less than a thousand dollars. A simple inflatable fishing raft may be as little as $100 to $150. A good kayak will costs around $500 or $1000.

But if you’re intent on deep sea fishing or more luxurious fishing on your local lake, expect to spend thousands of dollars, maybe even tens of thousands. Size, speed, sleeping accommodations, and luxuries will dictate the price of your deep sea fishing boat. It’s a good idea to surf the Internet to get some ideas about what you want and what you’re willing to pay for.

3. Does the fishing boat have a good warranty?

Without a genuine, comprehensive warranty, your new fishing boat could end up costing you a mint, no matter how big the savings you got on purchase. Warranties vary greatly, so you should read it carefully and compare it to others available on the market. The warranty can cover costs of repairs on a new fishing boat and may provide for replacement of faulty parts. Buying a used fishing boat directly may save a lot of money at the beginning, but buying a new fishing boat from a reputable dealer may give you the best insurance against long-term maintenance costs.

4. Is your fishing boat certified?

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) provides certifications that guarantee your fishing boat meets the agency’s standards for safety. Their certification covers fuel and electrical systems, steering, flotation, and ventilation – included in manufacturing regulations established by the U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to the Coast Guard regulations, NMMA certification also indicates that the craft meets the more stringent standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council.

No matter what type of fishing boat you plan to purchase, you should do your homework. Know how and when you’ll be using your craft, and learn how to identify its important safety and durability features. Consider the benefits and consequences of buying a used or new fishing boat to make sure you get the most from your hard-earned money. And check out the warranties and certifications – they may save your life.

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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Colorful boats

January 6th, 2010 by admin No comments »

boat

Image taken on 2008-07-09 19:57:33 by Wagman_30.

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10 Tips on How to Save Money on Boat Insurance

January 1st, 2010 by admin No comments »

Boat Insurance protects you and the boat from many risks. There are many different kinds of insurance coverage available for boats.

Insurance provides security and protects the boat from accidents, natural disasters, vandalism and more.

There are many ways in which you can save on boat insurance:

1. Find out what category your boat fits under. Insurance policies for boats are based on the size of the vehicle, location of the vehicle, how many use the boat and so on. Find out what kind of insurance is applicable for your boat and who the leading providers are.

2. Check online and offline for boat insurance policies and their costs. Get quotes from at least 2-3 insurance companies and compare the features of the policies as well as costs.

3. Determine which kind is more useful agreed value or actual cash value. Agreed value polices are more expensive so it is important to study the risks involved before deciding on which kind of policy to buy.

4. Ask about a boat safety discount. If you or others who use the boat complete a course run by a state based course, US Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron Course then you may be available for special boat insurance discounts. Information on safety and the courses are at www.cqaux.org or www.usps.org.

5. Many insurance companies have what is popularly termed as a multi-policy discount. So ask the insurance agent or company who holds your vehicle insurance whether they have any special schemes.

6. In case you own more than one boat then you could get a comprehensive coverage. More than one boat can be covered by a single policy. So before buying a policy weigh all the options available.

7. Find out whether your club membership or any other affiliation entitles you to boat insurance at a discount.

8. There are safety measures and other aspects like great sailing record, personal credit report and no claims on vehicle insurance that may in some way get you a greater discount on boat insurance.

9. Ask whether special rates are offered if you will pay one year premium in advance. Many insurance companies run schemes that save the time and money and save the insurer money too.

10. Adding safety devices to the boat could lower insurance costs. Find out the details and determine what the cost of installation of devices would be, the benefits, and the savings you will make on insurance premiums.

Boats are fun and the ownership can be stress free with the right kind of boat insurance. Always read the policy with a fine tooth comb and understand what each of the clauses mean. Try and get all risk coverage. Find out whether coverage includes all damages; certain policies exclude in fine print damages caused to boats by freezing or underwater objects. Be an educated boat owner and update your knowledge by reading unbiased insurance reviews and articles on the internet.

Matthew Pawlina is a writer for Boat Insurance , the premier website to find, boat insurance company, boat insurance, boat insurance quote, insurance boat auction, online boat insurance, power boat insurance, marine boat insurance and many more.

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Fishing Boats – Different Boats In Different Sizes!

December 31st, 2009 by admin No comments »

Boats made of aluminum come in two varieties, that is, the fourteen foot and the twenty-two foot varieties which can accommodate up to three people. These kinds of boats are very much available in different models, like the v- bottom or flat bottom which come along with the casting decks. The decision regarding the choice can be finalized based on the individual’s budget and preference.

For recreational purpose, fiberglass is used to make boats that are usually fifteen to thirty feet long and are made for good endurance and speed. These boats are used preferably used by fishermen who want good speed. But, maintenance and repair of these fiberglass boats are difficult because they are heavier compared to aluminum.

Certain boats are manufactured to serve multiple purposes, being able to adapt to both saltwater and freshwater conditions. For a person living near both the freshwater and the coast, and for those with varying interests, these boats are best serving.

Bass boats are said to have a sleek and low profile, that suit fishing with two to three anglers. These bass boats can extend up to twenty-six feet, and are being nicely designed for a fishing type called bass fishing.

Other types of boats include inflatable, folding, less sturdy, and more portable and adaptable boats. Even though, these do not posses the endurance of sturdier boats, these provide great results in calm water.

Anglers looking for large fish can use the sport fishing boats which are provided with compartments for sleeping, provisions for cooking, plumbing and are capable of housing fishers for days together. This makes long fishing trips very much possible and very enjoyable.

The walks about boats are fishing boats that are large in size, extensively used in coastal areas, huge bays and in the Great lake area. They are basically used by anglers looking for salmon and other species of the ocean. These boats house rod holders and various other attachments which make following big fish, easy and efficient.

Irrespective of the variety of fishing one wants to perform, recreational boats are always available that would suit one’s interest. Also, all the available boats are definitely present in a large range of price level and sizes. Hence, one can assure oneself of choosing the perfect boat, providing the individual the ideal weekend vocation.

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, “Fishing Mastery!” from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

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Children and Boats: Teach Them How to Water-ski

December 27th, 2009 by admin No comments »

I’m sure that we’ve all seen people trying to learn how to water-ski They crash everytime the boats starts to go, while their friends in the boat grow more and more exasperated. After you see this, you think “no way” when one your children says that he wants to learn how to water-ski. Actually, teaching your children to water-ski is a fantastic way to get your children more interested in the family boat. The steps that I’m about to discribe should cut down on the exasperation and provide a much simpler, tear- free course for teaching children to ski. My brother and I learned using these procedures, I taught my 10 year old son using these procedures, so I know they are valid.

One of the first things to think about is the boat itself. A 200hp boat can be very scary for the kids. I leaned to ski behind a 14′ boat that had a 50hp outboard motor and to me that was very scary. A 12′ boat with a 35hp outboard motor is probably big enough. I’ve even seen photos of people water-skiing behind a jet-ski.

The actual procedure for teaching your ski can be broken down into two parts with several steps in each part.

One of the first considerations is the boat. You have to put yourself in the child’s place. A 200 hp boat can be very intimidating to the child. My dad taught me behind a 14′ boat powered by a 50 hp outboard motor, but to me it looked like the Titanic. A 12′ boat with a 35 hp engine is probably big enough. I’ve even seen pictures of people skiing behind a jet-ski.

The actual procedure for teaching a child can be broken down into two parts with several steps in each part

Part I Training

1.) The first step of my course eliminates the boat altogether and therefore the intimidation factor. The child should be in shallow water, close to shore. The average ski rope is about 200 ft. long, so at least two adults (more is even better) should hold one end on the shore while the rest of the rope is stretched out into the water to the child.

2.) For the child, one of the hardest parts of skiing is learning to control the skis while sitting in the water. For this step, an adult should get in the water to help the child get the skis on and help hold the skis up until the launch takes place.

The adult helping the child should probably wear a life jacket too, even if he is a good swimmer. He will be busy helping the child, so he shouldn’t have to worry about keeping his head above the water.

3.) Once the child has his skis ready, then the adults on the shore should pull the rope taunt and get ready to run. At this point, it is important to impress upon the child that he is in control. The pullers don’t go until the child screams for them to run.

4.) Once he is stable, the child should yell at the adults onshore to run! The child should be told that after he starts moving, he should pull the tails of his skis up towards his bottom. Then, he should be told that after he pulls up the tails of his skis, he should stand up. At this point, it should be easy to stand up because of the pull on the rope. This pull will tend to make the child lean forward, which should make it easy to stand.

5.) The child should be pulled ashore several times. There is no substitute for experience . I remember being pulled into shore as being a lot of fun!

6.) On the last few pulls, the child should be instructed in making simple turns away from the centerline of the pull. The child should be told that if he puts more of his weight on the left ski, he’ll turn to the right. Conversely. if he puts more of his weight on the right ski, he will turn toward the left. These turning skills will be necessary when being pulled behind the boat.

Part II The Moment of Truth

Before the first tow with the boat, the child and the boat driver should talk about what is going to happen. At this time, the child will be very nervous, so it is important that he feels like he is in complete control of the situation. The main source of his nervousness will be the fear that he doesn’t have control over the boat.

1.) The first tow behind the boat should start with the child once again in shallow water with an adult helping him to get set. This first trip behind the boat should be planned out extensively by the child and the driver. I would suggest that they plan a small circle with the boat slowing down and stopping at its starting place. This will allow the child to slowly sink back into the water while still holding onto the rope. I’ve seen a lot of people crash after letting go of the rope.

2.) The child and the driver should have a pre-arranged signal in case the child wants to keep going. This signal could be as simple as pointing one thumb up while holding on to the rope.

A few other tips for the first tow:

The child should be instucted to stay behind the boat, so he stays inside the wake where the waves won’t be so bad. The boat doesn’t really cut down the waves very much, but if you tell the child that it does, it will help him relax.

b) The driver and the observer should be the only ones in the boat so it makes the smallest waves possible.

c) Ski in the morning when the water is at its smoothest.

The above techniques could be used with a small adult also, but you may need more bodies for pulling on the rope. If you use these techniques with children, you and your children will have far less frustration and far fewer tears on the part of the kids. The best part is; once you teach them to ski they will be anxious to go on family boat trips. They might even wash the boat!

Craig Stanford has been driving boats ever since he was about six years old and tries to get outside as much as he can. He owns the

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What to Look for When Buying a Fiberglass Boat

December 23rd, 2009 by admin No comments »

Fiberglass boats are great, inexpensive watercraft with long-lasting durability. They are also easy to care for and come in many shapes, sizes and designs capable of fitting the needs of any boater. In fact, with so many options to choose from, the biggest problem with fiberglass boats is determining what to look for.

First off, it’s importand to determine what you are looking for in a boat. While many boats are multi-utility, odds are that you have one or two primary goals in mind, and you should get a boat best suited to those needs. It may be possible to fish from a speedboat, but if your goal is bass fishing in the reeds, then the low-draw of a bass boat is clearly of more interest to you. Likewise, most fishing boats can’t accomodate the large motors necessary for high-speed boating. So before you go boat shopping, it’s key that you decide what you intend to use your boat for, and to buy accordingly.

The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. Luckily, boats tend to last for awhile, and you are likely to be able to find a used boat which is in good shape and meets your needs. If you choose to buy a used boat, be sure to inspect it carefully, and if possible take it for a test run. Boats which have been in storage for awhile often have hidden leaks or cracks in the hull which, while repairable, are things you should know about. You should also ask the previous owner what he or she used it for, and if they had any problems. You can avoid this hassle by buying a new, if more expensive, fiberglass boat, but you should still make sure that the boat is free of manufacturing defects and that it suits your needs and budget.

The boat you should buy is determined by your needs and your budget, but with a little work it’s always possible to find a craft which meets both. Just be sure to inspect and test it before purchasing it, and make sure you have storage space for it and equipment to keep it in tip-top shape. If you take care of your boat, it’ll be there for you for years!

For more information on boating, visit http://www.fiberglassboats.com

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