Posts Tagged ‘Boats’

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Boats Collide in Anti-whaling Clash in Antarctic

February 5th, 2010


A violent clash between a conservation boat and a Japanese whaler has left the smaller boat badly damaged. Both sides are trading blame for the collision, which took place in Antarctic waters. (Jan 06)

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Thames River Boats – High Maintenance or Cheap to Run

February 3rd, 2010

A Thames river boat like any boat is a pit where you continuously poor money! The Thames in London is particularly aggressive on boats due to the tide and constant river traffic. Boats that normally sit at a quiet marina berth on the South Coast are ripped to pieces when left alongside a pier in Central London for a day or two. This and the fact that London’s boats are very busy means the wear and tear is significant.

Different boats require varying amount of care and repair. Boats specifically designed for sightseeing and private charter – i.e. continuous use are generally far more robust with steel hulls, reams of fender and engines capable of continuous operation.

Prettier boats on the Thames in London generally require more attention to remain looking so! Wooden hulls require more frequent maintenance and less fenders, and rubbing strips mean more opportunities for damage to be caused. The small RIB’s are great having basically inflated tubes around them, but hit one of them to hard and it will be punctured…

Fibreglass is about the worst material as it is light and easily scored, broken and shattered. This means where most boats can take the odd nudge here and there and come away with merely a few grazes a fibreglass hull tends to require a lot more attention!

Grounding can also cause obvious problem with a hull and propulsion system especially if their isn’t protection built into the boats hull.

The more traditional type of propulsion, i.e. a propeller, has occasional problems picking up stray ropes which then wind themselves around the boats prop shaft often melting into a lovely lump before halting the prop!

Waterjets are a very safe and powerful means of propulsion used on all shapes and sizes of craft from the London Jet Boat, which does spins and zips about the river, through to the river buses continuously serving London’s commuters. The nature of a water jet is that it sucks in water and pumps it out to create drive for the vessel which of course means any floating debris also gets sucked in. This can cause problems when for example a log or plastic lid gets wedged in the inlet and restricts water flow. Often back flushing can solve, but when it is well and truly wedged divers are required. In fact divers have a lot of action on the river.

Generally these problems rarely cause affect to clients on charter and crew are well trained in dealing with almost any situation including things like loss of steering, electrical faults and loss of power.

In-terms of annual maintenance boats generally go to dry dock where they are taken out of the water and given a full overhaul including re-painting inside and out, deep cleaning, new fender and rubbing strips as well as inspections to ensure all is well both above and below the water line. Often refits such as new wash rooms and new dance floors are also done during the dry docking period.

The boats on the river Thames in London are among the best kept in the World. Europe’s legislation on standards and safety are led by that of the boats on the Thames in London. You can be assured you are in one of the safest places in the World when aboard a Thames passenger boat!

South African born Keith has lived in the south of England for most of his life. After graduating from University with a degree in Business Information Systems Management he decided to start Strawberrysoup; a website design company based in West Sussex and Dorset.

Keith successfully gained entry into the Southampton University Air Squadron and spent over 12 months training to fly. Since then he has continued to follow his interest in flying and has now began his own training in the form of a Private Pilot’s Licence.

Keith also spent 13 months working within the Image and Printing Group at Hewlett Packard in Bracknell. Throughout his time there, he was responsible for many activities including events organisation and website design and maintenance.

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

January 8th, 2010

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

boat

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

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Fishing Boats – Different Boats In Different Sizes!

December 31st, 2009

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

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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Commercial Fishing Boats Business – 3 Points To Consider Before You Begin

December 23rd, 2009

If you are interested in fishing boats and want to start your own business, then perhaps Commercial Fishing Boats is something to consider. You may just be looking for that special large boat, durable and of a high quality to be used for your business. The boats are specifically designed for fishing with large storage areas for your catch of fish, engines that are very powerful with lots of features that a boater will need. Entering the market of selling Commercial Fishing Boats, you will need to know the options to consider when purchasing, so your boats are up to standard and requirements expected.

Purchasing a Boat

Firstly when you come across a commercial boat, look at the current ownership. You will save on price by buying a boat that has already been used, or you can choose to purchase something that is brand new, with all the mod cons, with just about everything that you would need. When buying a new boat from a dealer, then it is best to shop around and compare prices for the same kind of product. The prices are flexible so try to negotiate for the best price. If you want to save and buy from a used dealer or a boat on sale from the owner, there are many points to consider before you think about buying from them.

1. You need to know your engines so take a good look at it professionally, how the boat functions and inspect the body of the boat. Note down anything that needs repairing and try to get a cut on the offer price to allow for that. Estimate how long the boat will last and whether it is a good investment or not.

2. Look at the service record, the age of the boat and how long it has been in use as a commercial fishing boat. Some boats have been unused for a period.

3. Try to determine what maintenance the boat has undergone and the care it has had. You can usually tell from the look of the boat, how clean the motor runs and how it looks generally. Get a professional opinion in case you have overlooked something and to make sure that this is the right purchase for you.

Commercial Fishing Boats are designed with all the features and services that you should need, although a used boat has been tried and tested and will certainly save you money. By investing in a boat of high quality, that has been well looked after with some years left in it, this is the perfect match for starting up a business with worthwhile Commercial Fishing Boats.

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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Bay Boats

December 7th, 2009

boat

Image taken on 2008-11-15 04:18:09 by light_arted.

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Purchasing Inflatable Fishing Boats – 2 Useful Tips

November 28th, 2009

Inflatable boats for fishing come in various sizes and could hold a whole family or just one or two people. What size to go in for depends on the choice of the individual and what he wants to use it for. These boats are very light and easy to use and can be transported very easily too as they become a compact package once they are deflated. When you do decide on buying yourself an inflatable boat, you should consider what you want to use it for and how many of you it would have to accommodate. The price is also affordable and it is a worth while investment to have one of these alongside a normal fishing boat. This way you will have the option of different activities.

1. Tips to make the right choice for Inflatable Boat
When deciding on an inflatable boat, you will have to make your choice according to the kind of use you have in mind. Once you know how you are going to use it you can decide on the kind of boat you should buy. You could go through tenders or catalogues to see what is suitable for you. What you would have to think about is whether you would prefer a rigid hulled inflatable boat, a high performance hull or a V hull. You should choose a boat that is easy to maneuver can be used for many activities and most important should be the best that is available to you and the most affordable too.

2. Features of an inflatable boat
Before you buy your inflatable boat you will definitely want to know some of the features and see if it is suitable for you. You should see how much of load it is capable of carrying and also the stability of the boat. Inflatable boats are very stable and do not move around when the person sitting in it moves like the small boats. So you need have no qualms about the safety factors and can go ahead and buy yourself one. The only thing you would have to think about is the capacity of the boat and what would suit you.

The performance of an inflatable boat will automatically suit your need and do what you want to do, no more or no less. The other plus points of the inflatable boats are their light weight and which makes them easy to cart along, their stability in almost any situation, and their flexibility of use. With all these plus points you should definitely go for an inflatable boat for your own use. The only other point you would have to take into consideration is the cost of the boat, and with the wide range of choice and price this should not be a problem too. Buy one that is affordable and you will never regret this purchase.

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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Boats and Yachts

November 15th, 2009

boat

Image taken on 2006-11-21 09:32:49 by autumn_leaf.

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