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What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat by James "Doc" Lewis

As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing- yacht maintenance business I can't help but chuckle sometimes at seeing the extremes that otherwise bright, intelligent, successful, people will go to in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars.

One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed.

According to Rob Scanlan, a well known and respected Master Marine Surveyor;

"Detailing a boat is the single most important investment of time, energy and money a seller can make because a clean and shiny boat sells faster and for a lot more money. I strongly recommended that a seller enlist professional assistance to do a quality job."

yacht1ship@aol.com (Email)

www.mastermarinesurveyor.com (Web site)

We at BoatDocs1, do a lot of work here on the Emerald Coast with local yacht brokers and know what the standards are for a "ready to show" boat. These professionals know that the cosmetic appearance says everything to the prospective buyer as to the overall care and maintenance that the previous owner has given the yacht. Add to that the universal wisdom about first impressions and it's not hard to see the importance of this vital first step.

Even if you intend to do most of the work yourself we can offer the expertise to assure that your time and money are spent wisely. Our trained eyes will often pick up the little details that only a prospective buyer would notice and likely balk at.

Here is an outline of the standard procedures we use when preparing a yacht to be put up for sale:

1. Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Boat

Note: For this part, pay attention to everything you see and unless your memory is a lot better than mine, make notes on a piece of paper for later.

Wash and chamois-dry your boat top to bottom including transom.

clean Isenglass and other ports/windows

wipe down and dress all aluminum/stainless

clean and dress vinyl seats

wipe down fly bridge and cockpit

vacuum exterior carpet

clean and dress nonskid

2. Stand Back and Survey the Boat

Note: Bring your list and organize it with the following outline

Put yourself in the buyers shoes, be critical, the buyer will.

a) Is it shiny? It's the first thing most people notice.

b) What about the smell? People have a way of getting used to almost anything. Get a second opinion and see the hint below.

c) Is all hardware intact and presentable? Just because you've used that broken table for years and are rather fond of it, to anyone else, it's just a broken table.

d) What about dings, any damage to the fiberglass? Aside from the fact that broken gelcoat can let water into the core of the lay-up and delaminate the fiberglass, it just plain looks BAD.

e) What about rust? You are probably thinking right now; (what's a little rust on a boat?) Let me tell you. A little rust on a boat is a sure sign that the owner let's little things go by unnoticed and if there is one thing there are always more. What about oil changes? I wonder if he flushed out the outboard after use? The object of this little exercise is to make the boat look like you are conscientious and a stickler for having everything perfectly "SHIP SHAPE."

f) One more little tip that you have probably already thought of. Take a look around the boat and remove EVERYTHING that isn't part of the boat.

EXAMPLE:

Engine controls, compass, life jackets, flare kit, and a first aid kit ARE part of the boat. Knick-knacks, fishing tackle, cutesy wall plaques, and half full paint cans are NOT part of the boat-and look tacky. A few cleaning supplies, in their own locker is probably all right as long as they're kept neat and clean.

g) Make a list of things that need attention, and get it taken care of. A few dollars spent now will pay back in spades when the time comes to show your boat. Anything that isn't right will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, be noticed and start the price spiraling down. (if it doesn't just send them scurrying off shaking their heads)

Hint: If you are not a woman reading this and don't have a wife of your own, ask your mother or sister, or see if a friend will loan you his for a few minutes. For some reason women can smell things that a man would never notice. You may think that men buy boats but in my experience they buy the boats their women like.

Along this same line, pay particular attention to the cabin and heads.

3. Prioritize the Job

With your list you are in good shape to decide what needs to be done and whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have it done by a professional.

Most of the professional yacht maintenance companies we are familiar with, would be happy to take a look and give you an estimate of what it will cost to have the work done right. We can do part of the job, for example the compounding/polishing and will gladly help you choose the best wax to finish the job yourself.

What about those little chips and dings in the gelcoat?

Many books have been written on fiberglass repair and it isn't the intent of this article to cover the subject in any depth but many small repairs are well within the reach of a fairly skilled do-it-yourselfer. Like anything else though, if you have never done it before, "consult an expert."

I've been building and repairing in fiberglass since I was 14 and while the first wooden boat I glassed was water tight and lasted a good many years, it was far from pretty. The small investment you lay out for expert repair now will pay big dividends when your boat sells at the price you want.

In the Emerald Coast region the standard fees for compound/waxing run between $15.00/ft. and $18.00/ft. for the topside (rub-rail up) which includes a thorough cleaning and treatment of the vinyl, windows, isenglass, and metal. In other words, for the price of doing the "hard" part we'll detail the entire topsides and leave it in "ready-to-show" condition. Hulls (rub-rail down) run about $8.00/ft. but, of course, the boat must be out of the water in order to do it. (This walking on water with a hi-speed electric buffer in hand is still beyond me, but I'll let you know;-)

Fiberglass repair runs from $45.00 to $65.00 per hour and in general as with most everything else, one gets what one pays for. The up side to this is that when approached in a professional manner the dents and dings of ten years hard use can be repaired and made to look like new in an amazingly short time.

All too often we have seen people save $300.00 or $400.00 on a detail only to loose $Thousands$ on what their boat could have sold for. Then too, our local marinas are clogged with many examples of boats with "For Sale" signs which were never given the least bit of attention to make the passer by want to stop and think, "Hey, I wonder what it would be like to call that boat mine." Some of these boats have sat for years when all they ever really needed was a little T.L.C.

I remember, years ago, someone saying something about being penny wise and pound foolish? Let's not let them be saying that about us.

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in it's entirety including this resource box. Related articles can be found at www.boatdocs1.com

Boating Safety - Its For Everyone by James "Doc" Lewis

Boating Safety - Its For Everyone James "Doc" Lewis

Boating, when a few simple rules are followed, is one of the safest family activities there is. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving a car, and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you will provide a wonderful pastime for yourselves and give your children a love of the water that will last them a lifetime.

So What Goes Wrong

Having made such a sweeping endorsement of the relative safety of boating, how do we explain the glaring headlines which we find in the press on an all to regular basis

Fortunately, for you and me, there are numerous public agencies which spend a lot of time and money doing the research and compiling data. After researching their findings it becomes obvious that a little preparation and planning can all but eliminate therisks.

Some Pertinent Facts:

The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. According to the statistics over 40% of all fatal boating accidents start this way. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. An, age-old, seafaring reminder, which I first heard in the Coast Guard, goes like this. "One hand for the ship, one hand for the sailor."

Children should never be allowed to move about on an underway boat. If you need to move around on the boat, for any reason, reduce speed and make sure to get and keep a grip with at least one hand.

Alcohol and water dont mix. In a Red Cross study, two-thirds of boating injury victims had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. Besides being illegal, its dangerous to operate any kind of machinery while drinking. A boat is no exception.

35% of boating accidents were directly attributable to alcohol use and the overwhelming primary cause of fatalities was alcohol-related. If you drink and boat, you are more likely to be involved in an accident, and once involved, more likely to die.

53% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, while 39% suffered trauma and 9% died of other causes.

What About All Those Drownings

A recent Red Cross study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were either not wearing a PFD or life jacket or were wearing one incorrectly.

The US Coast Guard is even more to the point, stating that of the 519 boaters who drowned in the year 2000, life jackets could have saved the lives of approximately 445 of those boaters who drowned. In 2000, approximately eight out of every ten victims in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Always carry enough Personal Flotation Devices PFDs for each person on board, and make sure that each of them knows where they are and how to use them. Its your responsability, Captain. No one, least of all yourself, wants to hear that you thought they knew how to put on a PFD. If anyone wont prove their knowledge of the devise, or buddy up with someone to teach them, leave them ashore. Youll both be better off.

Children and non-swimmers should wear one at all times that the boat is underway. For water-skiing, fishing, or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. Its now even easier to find the ideal PFD because theyre available in a wide array of sizes, colors and patterns. You can now choose one in your favorite color, or to match your swimsuit or boat. Just make sure it fits properly!

Does boating education help in preventing accidents

I cant stress this point enough.

A recent Florida study brought out these interesting facts.

72% of operators involved in boating accidents had no formal instruction in the operation of a boat.

2.5 times as many accidents involve boaters who have had no boating safety instruction.

Boating is a wonderful pastime, and lots of fun but, there are a few things, that one needs to know, in order for it to be a safe pastime. And dont worry about looking silly, Ive been around boats all my life, 53 years and hardly a day goes by that I dont learn something new or discover a new and better way of doing something.

Two years ago I took a boating safety course with the idea that, with all my experience, I might be of help to some of the new people. Fact is, there were so many things I didnt know, or had forgotten, that I spent a good deal of time just asking questions. When the class was over, several of the students came up and thanked me for asking all the questions they werent sure how to ask. Guess I was a help to the new people, after all, just not in the way I figured.

Weather you are an old "salt", with years of boating experience, or a "lubber", who gets lost in the bathtub, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and take an approved boating safety course. The time to think through, and plan for a journey in a strange environment, is before you make the trip.

Safety Tips

To prevent ending up in the emergency department as a result of carelessness during your next boating trip, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following safety tips: Tell someone when youre going, who is with you and how long youll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving. Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and most importantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas. When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a small boat. Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment. Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppy water can mean a storm is brewing. If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed. A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. Bring an extra length of line to secure boat and equipment. Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Being "tipsy" can result in falling overboard. Your ability to swim to safety or call for help is greatly reduced as alcohol slows reactions.

So There You Have It

To learn more about safe boating, Id like to suggest these Online sources of information. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Our sister-site, Ask-BoatCat.com offers more tips on boating safety and a complete page of links to Boating Safety related websites on the Internet.

May all of your boating adventures be joyous and happy ones, unblemished by the blight of accident or injury.

About The Author

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. Related articles can be found at www.boatdocs1.com

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat by James "Doc" Lewis

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat James "Doc" Lewis

As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing- yacht maintenance business I cant help but chuckle sometimes at seeing the extremes that otherwise bright, intelligent, successful, people will go to in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars.

One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed.

According to Rob Scanlan, a well known and respected Master Marine Surveyor;

We at BoatDocs1, do a lot of work here on the Emerald Coast with local yacht brokers and know what the standards are for a "ready to show" boat. These professionals know that the cosmetic appearance says everything to the prospective buyer as to the overall care and maintenance that the previous owner has given the yacht. Add to that the universal wisdom about first impressions and its not hard to see the importance of this vital first step.

Here is an outline of the standard procedures we use when preparing a yacht to be put up for sale:

1. Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Boat

Note: For this part, pay attention to everything you see and unless your memory is a lot better than mine, make notes on a piece of paper for later. Wash and chamois-dry your boat top to bottom including transom. clean Isenglass and other ports/windows wipe down and dress all aluminum/stainless clean and dress vinyl seats wipe down fly bridge and cockpit vacuum exterior carpet clean and dress nonskid

2. Stand Back and Survey the Boat

Note: Bring your list and organize it with the following outline Put yourself in the buyers shoes, be critical, the buyer will.

a Is it shiny Its the first thing most people notice.

b What about the smell People have a way of getting used to almost anything. Get a second opinion and see the hint below.

c Is all hardware intact and presentable Just because youve used that broken table for years and are rather fond of it, to anyone else, its just a broken table.

d What about dings, any damage to the fiberglass Aside from the fact that broken gelcoat can let water into the core of the lay-up and delaminate the fiberglass, it just plain looks BAD.

e What about rust You are probably thinking right now; whats a little rust on a boat Let me tell you. A little rust on a boat is a sure sign that the owner lets little things go by unnoticed and if there is one thing there are always more. What about oil changes I wonder if he flushed out the outboard after use The object of this little exercise is to make the boat look like you are conscientious and a stickler for having everything perfectly "SHIP SHAPE."

f One more little tip that you have probably already thought of. Take a look around the boat and remove EVERYTHING that isnt part of the boat.

EXAMPLE:

g Make a list of things that need attention, and get it taken care of. A few dollars spent now will pay back in spades when the time comes to show your boat. Anything that isnt right will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, be noticed and start the price spiraling down. if it doesnt just send them scurrying off shaking their heads

Hint: If you are not a woman reading this and dont have a wife of your own, ask your mother or sister, or see if a friend will loan you his for a few minutes. For some reason women can smell things that a man would never notice. You may think that men buy boats but in my experience they buy the boats their women like.

Along this same line, pay particular attention to the cabin and heads.

3. Prioritize the Job

With your list you are in good shape to decide what needs to be done and whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have it done by a professional.

What about those little chips and dings in the gelcoat

Many books have been written on fiberglass repair and it isnt the intent of this article to cover the subject in any depth but many small repairs are well within the reach of a fairly skilled do-it-yourselfer. Like anything else though, if you have never done it before, "consult an expert."

Ive been building and repairing in fiberglass since I was 14 and while the first wooden boat I glassed was water tight and lasted a good many years, it was far from pretty. The small investment you lay out for expert repair now will pay big dividends when your boat sells at the price you want.

In the Emerald Coast region the standard fees for compound/waxing run between $15.00/ft. and $18.00/ft. for the topside rub-rail up which includes a thorough cleaning and treatment of the vinyl, windows, isenglass, and metal. In other words, for the price of doing the "hard" part well detail the entire topsides and leave it in "ready-to-show" condition. Hulls rub-rail down run about $8.00/ft. but, of course, the boat must be out of the water in order to do it. This walking on water with a hi-speed electric buffer in hand is still beyond me, but Ill let you know;-

I remember, years ago, someone saying something about being penny wise and pound foolish Lets not let them be saying that about us.

About The Author

The Care and Feeding of Your Clear Vinyl Boat Windows by James "Doc" Lewis

The Care and Feeding of Your Clear Vinyl Boat Windows James "Doc" Lewis

Strataglass®, Lexan®, Plexiglass®, Isenglass, Crystal Clear, Eisenglass, etc. Whatever you call it, it all comes from polyvinyl chloride PVC which has certain definite characteristics.

1. Vinyl is a UV-sensitive material which degrades when exposed to sunlight.

2. A vinyls topcoat holds in plasticizers, softening agents which keep vinyl supple.

3. Clear vinyl has NO topcoat. The one exception to this rule is Strataglass, which has a protective coating. Unless otherwise noted, the advise in this article applies only to untreated clear vinyl and therefore excludes Strataglass.

Thats It! All you ever needed to know about vinyl boat windows in one easy lesson. Maintaining a topcoat and protecting against UV damage will keep vinyl looking good for years.

Let up, for as little as a month, in this climate, and, well, read on . . .

The sad truth is that all of those lovely, clear, vinyl windows, that you were so proud of when they were new, will yellow, scratch, and become an ugly nuisance in a very short time without proper care.

Q. What you mean Doc, you dont just hang um and forget um

Who is that guy

Unlike regular safety glass which has a fairly hard surface and resists scratching, and even your vinyl seats which have a top-coat to protect the underlying material, a vinyl window requires a protective coating to separate it from the elements.

Think of it a little like your skin. With regular washing, sunscreen, and moisturizer our skin can take the Emerald Coast summer conditions without too much trouble. Eliminate one or more of these and stay outside 24/7 and well be looking 102 years old in no time, even if were only 20.

Cleaning Procedure

At BoatDocs1 we start off by removing as much of the loose dirt as possible with a fine water spray. Its best to wet the entire surface giving the water time to soften anything stuck to the window. Next we gently wash the surface with a mild soap and water solution. No detergents or harsh cleansers, PLEASE

Next, give the window a thorough rinsing with more fresh water and then dry, either with a clean terry cloth towel or chamois.

After several years of experimentation and research we have been convinced beyond a doubt that the only product to use on vinyl is 303Products, Aerospace Protectant. Ill let you go to their web site and read their copy on why its the best. But notice I said copy, not hype, because after using it for over a year I find their advertising to actually be a little understated.

We treat by spraying the product on both sides of the surface and then polishing with a clean, dry, and well worn terry cloth towel. Old baby diapers are better but are becoming nearly as rare as DoDo eggs. . Applications last from 4-6 weeks and after the first couple of uses it seems to get easier to maintain as the surface actually seals itself and nothing seems to stick to it.

Application improves visibility and reduces wear and scratching by reducing the coefficient of friction. In laymens terms this just means that it makes the surface slicker than snail snot. It also repels water, dust, dirt, salt, and ultra-violet radiation. SPF 40 Added benefits are an anti-fog/anti-glare finish.

A monthly treatment will keep those curtains looking like new for many years.

And What About Strataglass®

At the beginning of this article I mentioned that Strataglass doesnt fit the general recommendations for regular untreated vinyl windows. The reason behind this is that it is treated, at the factory, with a special protective coating which if maintained in accordance with their recommendations will last the life of the fabric and prevent the chemical leaching which is the cause of problems for the untreated fabrics.

I dont want to get too far into specifics with this as they do have a website of their own and have care and cleaning advise which they offer their customers. If you have Strataglass® curtains on your boat I suggest going to their website at http://www.webworksgroup.com/projects/strata/beta2/index.html and seeing just what they suggest for their product.

What if were too late

If your vinyl windows have begun to show the effects of aging, we apologize.should have told you sooner We offer a restoration service consisting of fine polishing and a chemical treatment. replacement of the plasticizers In many cases we can eliminate most scratches, restore the translucent properties, and with continued maintenance with 303 Aerospace Protectant will add years to the effective life of your vinyl windows.

If you have some vinyl windows which you are thinking about replacing let us take a look and see what we can do. The service is quite reasonable when compared to the price of replacement.

Below is the step by step procedure we follow to bring back vinyl windows - hope it helps.

Overview:

This set of instructions is for windows with moderate scratching and crazing. If the scratches are very deep the process would need to be started off with wet sanding which is a subject all by itself and wont be covered in this article.

What we want to accomplish here is to polish out any scratches, stains, imperfections, or swirl marks starting with a very fine compound and then finishing with a restorer polish to replenish the plasticizers in the vinyl.

Tools:

You should find all of these items at an automotive paint store. To start with you will need a variable speed electric drill 1000-1200 rpm with a velcro backing plate which will accept foam rubber polishing pads. You will need 3 of the pads but an extra one will save some time when changing polish. Always reserve a pad for each compound or polish. While your there ask if they carry the fine, micro-polishing compounds made specifically for clear vinyl windows that you will use to actually remove the scratches. If the sales-person seems to know what theyre talking about, pick his brain on what products he sells the most of for this purpose.

I have had excellent results with a 3-M product called "Finesse-it", which is used on both gelcoat and vinyl to good effect. If your trip to the automotive supply doesnt turn up anything better this will do the job and you can use whats left over on the rest of your boat.

Another product I recommend highly, is Meguiars, "Plastx" which is perfect for the finish polish runs with the pads. It also makes a good occasional cleaner and preservative throughout the year. It uses the Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, MDAT, used in their paint and gelcoat polishes to produce a powerful, yet safe plastic cleaner. If the scratches are light you may get good results by using just this product and making a couple of passes with the buffer.

Procedure:

If you have some experience with polishing its a plus although the technique used here is unique to the material and therefore will be learned as you go along.

We usually start with the smallest, or least noticeable window first to get an idea of the amount of work needed and to check the results. If there are several small pieces choose the one which is most damaged. After completing one is a good time to compare the work involved with the expense of replacing the window. If time isnt a prime consideration but money is, then this system will serve you well.

Step by Step:

Cleaning:

First thing is to thoroughly wash the window using a mild Ivory is good soap and water solution, rinsing well, and then drying gently with a soft cotton towel. I prefer old cloth diapers when I can get them but they have become nearly extinct in my neck of the woods. The main thing is to always use the softest, cleanest towel you can find on your windows and now is a good time to start.

Polishing:

After the window is dry lay it out on a firm, flat table with plenty of soft padding underneath. Make sure the padding is smooth and level or youll leave edges as you polish. Set up your drill with the backing plate and the first pad and apply enough of the polish to the window to cover a 1 foot square section.

Immediately start buffing the section using light pressure and keeping the pad moving. The secret here is slow and easy, its plastic not concrete. Keep it moist use a water spray bottle and when the compound is nearly used up, youll get a feel for it, reapply to an adjoining section and repeat the procedure. Continue till the side has been done and then gently clean using the procedure outlined above for cleaning.

Finishing:

When the polishing and cleaning is completed both sides take a clean pad and apply the Plastx to the entire window following the same procedure as for the compound/polish. When the window has been completely covered take a clean cotton cloth and buff off the haze. The vinyl will absorb most of the Plastx which will help feed and restore the plasticizers.

As a final procedure I usually go over the entire window with 303 Products Space Age Protectant to assure protection from ultra violet radiation, the number 1 enemy of all vinyl and clear vinyl windows particularly.

A Couple of Tips on Vinyl:

NEVER use any kind of regular window cleaners, detergents, abrasives, petroleum based products, or alcohol on vinyl windows. They are too harsh and will damage the top coat, speeding up the loss of plasticizers. The vinyl will dry out, turn yellow and brittle, and soon need to be replaced. Youve seen this before, now you know why.

Right along with this is a big ditto for all of your vinyl products either on the boat or ashore. Only the mildest soap solution, complete rinsing and a safe protective coating will keep all of your vinyl goods looking like new.

About The Author

James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember. He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance company serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in its entirety including this resource box. For print publication contact the author at Doc@boatdocs1.com Related articles will be found at www.boatdocs1.com

Boat Wax-Shine On by James "Doc" Lewis

Boat Wax-Shine On James "Doc" Lewis

It has been our experience that nothing so much insures the beauty and longevity of a fiberglass boat than the continual maintenance of a good coat of high quality wax. In this article we will explore the preparation, methods, and best practices for the long term maintenance of your boats gel coat through the use of wax.

The Problem

Gel-coat, the exterior finish on fiberglass boats, is a porous mix of polyester resins and pigments that must be sealed from the damaging effects of salt, dirt, weather, and ultra-violet UV radiation.

The primary purpose of gel-coat is to protect the underlying core from water, air and sunlight, which in combination will quickly loosen the chemical bond and render the structure useless. Neglect this gel-coat, and it becomes more porous, resins oxidize and what remains is a faded, dull finish prone to absorbing water into the laminate and destroying it.

In addition to the above functional definition we also need to say a few words about the beauty factor, the shine of a newly polished and waxed boat. In a great example of form following function, gel-coat kept clean and shiny, with a good coat of wax, will perform its primary function pretty much in direct proportion to the way it looks.

The Players

Now that weve named the problem, what are the choices for solving it The simplest solution would, of course be to keep the boat away from sun, water, and oxygen. I said simple, not practical.

All of the "New", "Easy On-Easy Off", "Modern Chemical Miracle", products may look great on TV weve tried them all too ;- but in the real world of salt water, sun, fishing, spills, and air pollution, they simply dont hold up compared to the simple, natural, God made it, "Tree of Life", Brazilian No.1 Carnauba wax.

Unlike the modern marvels of chemical engineering, Carnauba comes from a tree, the Copernica Cerifera palm tree, to be specific. The color and quality of the wax are governed by the age of the leaves and care used in processing of this hard, brittle, lustrous wax. It runs from a golden yellow in color to nearly white and has an unmistakable but pleasant "tree" smell to it.

Due to the fact that carnauba is a natural plant by-product, it will not react with gel coat or painted surfaces. The Carnauba Wax acts as a protective barrier providing a very hard film over your boats surface that protect against sun and weather damage, airborne contaminates, such as acid rain, spills, fish remains, salt and bird droppings, etc.

Carnauba even swells and closes its pores tighter when exposed to water. In addition, Carnauba dramatically reduces gel coat oxidation by diffusing the UV and infrared radiation from the sun which will oxidize and dull your boats finish.

Interesting Carnauba Facts Pure Carnauba in its natural state is harder than concrete. Typical retail waxes contain 3% to 5% Carnauba by volume. Less then 5% of retail Carnauba waxes contain Brazilian No.1 Carnauba, the finest of all waxes. The greater the concentration of Carnauba, the greater the level of protection and the higher the quality of shine.

How Does It Work

3 things are needed in order for the chemical reaction which causes oxidation to occur. Oxygen Heat UV Radiation

Eliminate one or more of these and you slow the process.

A protective layer of Carnauba wax keeps airborne contaminants from reaching the gel-coat and starting a chemical reaction.

This wax layer diffuses refracts both UV and infrared radiation from the sun. Without it the radiation is absorbed by the pigment in the gel coat causing it to over heat, and trigger the chemical reaction that will dry out, dull and oxidize the surface.

A waxed boat will have a lower surface temperature than an unwaxed one. The darker the color, the greater the difference

Using a high quality paste wax applied over a clean polished surface will give you 3 to 4 months of protection here on the Emerald Coast. This doesnt mean the wax is gone in this time but the appearance and protection will begin to fade rapidly. based on our own experience, independent testing, and the reports of most of our clients

For more information on the properties of different waxes, please see Wax Comparison Table

Tying It All Together

By keeping the wax protective layer up, 3-4 waxings per year your boat will always look good and you shouldnt need any hard yearly compounding to keep it that way. This will save you money right now and add years to the time before the boat will need to be painted.

On the boats that weve maintained for several years we usually give it a thorough going over with a very fine compound in the spring just to give it that "bright" look. This removes only a very thin layer of oxidized pigment to give the wax a solid base to adhere to.

Happy Boating!

About The Author

Kiteboating by Jakob Jelling

Kiteboating Jakob Jelling

Just when you think that kiting can be for only a board, think again. With the inception of bigger and more powerful kites, the ability to speed up or move larger objects became a reality. Enter a new extreme sport Kiteboating. Imagine paddling along in a one – three man craft with kite harnessing the wind and speeding you along and over huge waves. It can happen with kiteboating.

There are many different models of wave riders that provide the exact same functionality. The fact of the matter is that they all rely solely on the wind. Some creative kiteboaters have crafted single and multiple kiteboats. These boats resemble canoes, kayaks, and even an outrigger. There are professional races that are run from time-to-time.

As with any extreme boating sport you must exercise the utmost caution and understand how close people are to your boat and wires. You will need to know weather conditions and safety procedures should you run into trouble along the way.

Most individual kiteboats start in the $1500 area and go up exponentially. Companies like Naish and Ronstan provide quality equipment and hardware should you have the urge to go kiteboating. Although this sport is picking up in popularity, there are various places around the globe you can kiteboat on vacation.

If you are just starting out in the paraboating realm, you may wish to get trained by a certified instructor who will teach you how to harness your kite and how to get it air bound should it fall from the sky. You also should take a water safety course should you need the proper training later on. All kiteboaters should wear a floatation device should their boat sink or their kite get away from them. They never know how far from shore they may be.

As with any sport learning to fly your kite first will help later on when deciding which type to purchase. You may wish to purchase a 2 or 4 line harness. It is strongly suggested that you do not attempt to kiteboat without lessons. Make sure to observe all activity around you should you have more than one kiteboater in your area.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com. Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding lessons, places to surf and much more!

Tips on Buying a Boat: Seven Tips on What should you look for when investing in watercraft by Keith Binnersley

Tips on Buying a Boat: Seven Tips on What should you look for when investing in watercraft Keith Binnersley

I discovered sailing many years ago and found it to be a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family as well as a way to get away from the office and become totally entranced and absorbed with a world that I did not know existed. I love to sail, so much that I became a certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor.

It has been 30 years now that Ive sailed the Chesapeake Bay, East Coast U.S.A. and the Caribbean Islands and Ive been fortunate to have owned a number sailing vessels, currently two Beneteau sail boats.

Im often asked by my students what to look for when making an investment in a sailing vessel. I often share the following seven tips and hope that you too may find some value in them.

First carefully examine where you expect to use your boat, long term. Will it be on the Ocean, trans-Ocean, near the shore, in a Bay, on the Caribbean or all of the above. If you plan to sail Ocean or trans-Ocean then be sure that the construction is class "A" or rated for extended off shore passage making.

Beware of the buying philosophy "Ill buy a smaller boat now and get a bigger one later." If youre buying new you will suffer two large depreciations. If buying used, the money you put into the first boat to bring it up to your own personal standards and needs will go a long way to paying a down payment or many monthly payments on the second boat. You will be upgrading the second boat anyway. Buy now what you expect to own for 5-10 years.

Take into account the area where you will be sailing and who you will be sailing with. Decide on the type of berths that will be suitable for you, your family and your guests. For example, aft doubles aligned with the axis of the boat or an aft double that runs across the boat port to starboard. Although the latter tends to be larger and more comfortable in the slip it is definitely not a sea going berth. How easily does the main salon table convert into a berth and is it sturdy enough to do so repeatedly In a pinch or in good weather can any one sleep in the cockpit

What is your likely cruising range If just 2-4 days then water and diesel tankage can be respectively 20 and 80 gallons or less. If it is 5-10 days then a minimum would be 50 and 160. If you buy a boat with say 100 gallons diesel and 2-300 gallons water then the designer will have given up berth space to accommodate the tankage. Depending on the size of the boat the left over space may not be well utilized until you reach say a 50 ft. long boat. Look for living and storage space that is well utilized. Odd placement of the main salon settees, chart table and galley may indicate poor utilization of space and hence you may be paying good money for little advantage.

Boats that are heavy displacement, say 28,000 lbs for say a 42 ft. boat rather than say 17,800 lbs for a medium displacement, 42 footer will need 10- 15 knots of wind to develop any kind of "feel" at the helm and in many locations such as the Chesapeake Bay with winds typically 5 - 15 knots in the summer you may have purchased a very nice well equipped power boat. However these heavy displacement cruisers are excellent for extended off shore passage making and live-aboard sailing either in the Caribbean or the U.S.A..

One of the best tips, If you are a first time sailor and want to buy a boat in the 25 to 50 ft range, is to sail with someone who knows how to sail, take a sailing class and then charter a boat in the length range that interests you. Picking a boat with out sailing a boat of similar size is risky although many have done it successfully. Keep in mind that many of the modern designs of the last 10 years are designed specifically for two people to sail easily whether in the Bay or in the ocean.

Lastly, do insist on a survey. If the boat has any of the defects listed below find out the cost to correct them if you are expecting the boat to pass the insurers surveyor. Insurers have their own requirements. Your insurance agent and the surveyor should be working hand in hand. This is where a purchaser of a used watercraft can suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. Costly defects include but are not limited to:

Soft or cracked gellcoat on the deck.

Deck leaks around windows, masts, caprail, traveller or through deck fittings.

If the engine that has stood idle for more than 6 months diesel may be contaminated with bacterial sludges, have pistons seized, injectors blocked and electrical system contaminated with water. Insist on at least a 2-4 hour run in the water at cruising speed. Check for undue vibration, overheating, proper charging of the batteries and that the engine can come up to its cruising rpm.

If the boat is more than 6 years old have the surveyor check that the engine mounts are OK and particularly that all mounting bolts are intact. Two can be broken without any obvious signs or effects. When #3 breaks the engine is loose! This is a common problem on older boats that encounter rough waters while under power and can easily be overlooked by the surveyor.

Obviously you will need an out of the water inspection. Check for blisters, gellcoat cracks, soft spots, shaft play in the cutlass bearing and loose rudder bearings, hull integrity around through hulls and the gap between the hull and the top of the keel which should be filled with sealant else corrosion of the keel may have caused the keel to separate from the hull.

Rigging should be checked by a rigger and all running rigging must be overhauled end-to-end to detect hidden chafe.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Best wishes to you on your investment, maybe Ill see you on the Chesapeake Bay or near the British Virgin Islands sometime, Ill either be sailing on Majjik II or Majjik III.

About The Author

Keith Binnersley is owner of Upper Bay Sailing School, Inc. http://www.upperbaysailing.com. He is a Certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor and holds a 50 ton Masters USCG License. You can contact him at majjikll@msn.com.

Common Boating Questions – Part 1 by News Canada

Common Boating Questions – Part 1 News Canada

Which type of boat is right for me

For most buyers, general purpose craft which serve as fish, ski and picnic boats are ideal; for others needing something specialized, a wide selection is offered in most markets.

How big a boat will I need

Size is a function of who will be on board and where it will be used. Options range from 12-ft. dinghies to power and sail yachts. If it is a question of two to four-feet in size, buy more if your budget allows. This will keep you in the boat longer.

What about power needs

What will it cost

Most newcomers are surprised that, with financing, boats can be paid for in monthly installments and often cost less than they think. Pre-owned boats often cost one-half of similar new models.

What is the best time of year to buy

The best time of year to buy is when you are ready. Boat shows provide great opportunities to find "show specials." However, specials only work if you have done some homework and identified the right type of boat for your needs. There are good deals on boats throughout the year.

To get lots more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Considering Buying A Boat Check Out These Guidelines by News Canada

Considering Buying A Boat Check Out These Guidelines News Canada

NC—Boating tends to be a family activity, so members of the family should be involved in the process of choosing the boat. Will it be a fishing boat most of the time A water-ski tow machine The basic picnic cruise boat Determine what it is the family wants the boat to do, then go find the model to fit those needs. Most boats are multifaceted – they can be fishing boats in the morning and ski boats in the afternoon.

Make notes of the familys "must haves," and "can do withouts." Determine your monthly budget for boat ownership and try to stick to it. But, dont give up a necessity for a few dollars that will cost you convenience or usage later on. Remember that you will often be inviting guests aboard, so plan a little extra room for them and for you.

Many boats are now being pre-packaged with motor and trailer as a complete unit. The manufacturers have been careful to outfit such products for the comfort of the average boater ... and the attractive prices of these units reflect cost savings passed on to buyers.

Generally, the packaged boat units will offer some power choice, so make sure there is enough push. Dont go overboard, either; too much power can be fuelish, costly or simply unsafe.

Remember that the dealer that sells the boat will be your partner for advice and service. He or she should be willing to listen to what you want in a boat, then make several recommendations. When the boat needs scheduled service or repairs, the dealer should be there to stand behind the sale. When shopping for a boat, also shop for the dealer you feel most comfortable with or one recommended by friends.

Finally, dont think youre making a lifelong commitment to a particular boat. Its not a marriage; its more like an enjoyable relationship. Thats because most boat owners trade up as their skills grow and needs change.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Safe Boating... All Summer Long by News Canada

Safe Boating... All Summer Long News Canada

NC—In Canada, studies show boating is a safe family activity. Almost every problem we hear about is the result of a stupid decision – mixing alcohol with boating and/or ignoring safety regulations. There are some very simple ways to keep you and your family safe while boating.

The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. In fact, 40% of all fatal boating accidents arise from this. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. If you need to move around in the boat, hold on to both sides and keep your weight low.

Dont mix alcohol and water. In a Red Cross Society study, two-thirds of boating injury victims – where the blood alcohol level was recorded – had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. In addition to being illegal, its clearly a dangerous idea to operate a boat and drink.

Always carry enough Personal Floatation Devices PFDs for each person on board. For water-skiing, fishing or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. Its now even easier to find the ideal PFD because theyre available in a wide array of colours and patterns. Choose one to match your swimsuit or boat and make sure it fits properly! The Red Cross Society study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a PFD or lifejacket correctly!

Boating, practiced by smart boaters is safe. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, youre guaranteed to have a great time boating all summer long.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Stocking up your Boat by Ieuan Dolby

Stocking up your Boat Ieuan Dolby

There, you have just got a boat. A nice new hobby for the weekend and it is time to stock it out. It is time to get all that equipment and gear that you have read about in all the magazines and that you have dreamt about for so long. Time to fill that boat up with all the latest goodies and set sail into the unknown. Sail out and over the horizon, ready for all that may be placed in your way!

The engine has always been my greatest problem and I have this constant nightmare of breaking down whilst away from shore. The last thing that I want to do is to call for help and admit to everybody that I was not ready. Spanners, screwdrivers, engine tool kit and a few essential spares are of course a necessity but the Chain Block and the torque wrench, the hydraulic spanner and the ten-pound hammer I am not so sure that I will ever really need them at sea.

What are you going to do with them Lift the engine off the block and do a complete strip down whilst bobbing on the water Let us look into this before we dive in and fill the boat up full to the brim with unessential items. Before we fill up the cabin drawers with tools of all shapes and sizes and electrical equipment that would stretch your power supply to its limits. It must be remembered that if the problem is a serious one then nine times out of ten you will not have the correct spare part anyway! So what do you really need before you make a storeroom out of every available space onboard

Tools are essential and maybe the saving grace to any that lose their power at sea. Tools are required to unblock a fuel filter or cure a leaking pipe, but you are not going to be doing a complete overhaul so leave the 18” monkey wrench behind along with the engine lifting frame and the welding machine. Leave them safely at home in the garage and set sail with the minimum of required tools for essential repairs. Have in your boat enough tools to do the job and leave plenty of space for all the food and goodies that will make the trip into what you dreamt it would be like. Don’t turn your boat into a nightmare with unnecessary tools falling out of cupboards and leaving oily stains everywhere, just have what you need and set sail happily. Don’t have your friends and guests complaining of stubbed toes and bruises on the head as they work there way through the cupboards whilst searching for some food to eat!

The crucial point to remember about engine maintenance and repair is that it should all have been done before you left port. The engine and auxiliary equipment should be in a good condition and able to do the job it is meant to do before you take the last rope off the jetty. So any repairs and work should have been carried out before you even thought of stocking up for the trip. When you set sail you should have underneath you a boat ready and prepared for all occasions, one that you can trust in to do the job that it is required to do.

In many situations the amount of equipment that you carry does depend on the skills that you yourself possess. First of all, if you are not very good at engine overhauls then it is pointless to have the larger pieces of equipment anyway. If you are good at doing engine overhauls and have knowledge about what you are doing then you should not have set sail with a faulty engine in the first place. It is possible that you breakdown through no fault of your own but it is far better to have a good communication system to call for help and swallow your pride than to try and fix the engine yourself.

Essential items therefore consist of a set of spanners, a couple of hammers, a set of screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench. One monkey wrench of a small size, filter removal strap for the Fuel filters and LO filters, hand crank handle if the engine is small, a spare set of batteries, some spare Lubricating Oil and some odds and ends of screws and nuts and bolts. Along with these items should be the engines tool kit, essential spares for the engine including a couple of injectors, fuel filter and LO filter inserts and anything else that the manufacturer recommends for that engine.

Leave behind the Chain Block, the large Monkey Wrench and the Hydraulic Spanners. Leave behind the spare heads and the spare crankshaft and all the spares that require the use of a chain block. Make sure before you leave that the engine is in top working condition and that you can trust in its ability to take you where you want to go without breaking down on the way. And finally make sure that your communication system is suitable and in a good working condition, so that if a problem does arise help is not far away.

There is no pride to think of when you breakdown. Safety is of a higher priority.

About The Author

Ieuan Dolby, from Scotland is an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy. He has been travelling the world for 15yrs on an endless tour of cultural diversification. Currently based in Singapore he writes various articles for magazines and newspapers and is working on a marine glossary. ieuandolby@lycos.com

Teak-The Care of Boat Hardwoods by James "Doc" Lewis

Teak-The Care of Boat Hardwoods James "Doc" Lewis

In this article we will look at the several alternate methods of restoring and preserving teak on your boat or yacht in order to place you in a more informed position to decide on which method best suits your situation.

Whether it be a lovely piece of teak furniture sitting elegantly on the aft deck of a luxury yacht, or a 12" by 12" inch pad under a sheet winch on a daysailer, theres just something about teak that says "salty."

It has been said that nothing so brightens the nautical appearance of a boat so much as well maintained teak. Having made such a sweeping generalization we are now faced with numerous variations on just what makes teak well maintained.

If our boats lived in clean air we could let the wood go. Over time, it would weather naturally to an attractive ash gray and we could concern ourselves with other things. Unfortunately the assault of modern-day air pollutants, the proximity to the sea, and old father sun himself quickly turn bare teak nearly black. Scrubbing only removes some of the stains leaving a mottled look.

As beautiful as it is here on The Emerald Coast where I write this, it only takes a few days to see the effects of air pollutants and intense sunlight on anything left outside.

Preparation

Regardless of the method of preservation used the first thing which must be done is to clean and restore the teak to its natural state.

At BoatDocs1 we believe in accomplishing this in the gentlest way possible while still achieving the desired results. If the teak is just dirty a thorough cleaning with laundry detergent, chlorine bleach, scrub brush, and a little elbow grease will do the job.

If the wood has weathered for long, has remnants of a previous sealer, varnish, lacquer, or the like, and/or if mildew has set in we will have to use oxalic acid to kill the organisms, bleach out the black and stained areas, and deep clean the wood.

If you are doing this yourself the main thing to remember is that anything remaining from a previous product will interfere with the bonding of the new coating. This can cause anything from a minor color shift to causing the new coat to not stick at all and actually blister and peal away from the surface.

So take your time, use plenty of water to rinse away all of the soap and residue of previous products and allow at least 24 hours drying time before your first coat.

As with any paint, lacquer, or varnish, it is the preparation that sets the professional results apart from the want-to-be attempts. If you figure on about a 80%/20% ratio for preparation to application you should be pretty close.

Everybody and their dog can swing a paint brush but it takes a little savvy and a good bit of patience to hold off on the brush till the wood is ready. Without that forbearance the job is doomed before the can is ever opened.

Now the choices begin.

Teak Oil

Teak oil is one of the oldest and in many ways easiest methods of maintaining the natural look to teak.

More choices, linseed or tung oil. In general, tung oil is a more refined version of linseed oil. The higher quality/price is an individual call depending on the application.

Our main concern here is the various additives including pigments, UV filters, and mildew retardants. The additives are a must here on the Emerald Coast and anywhere you have the combination of sun, heat, humidity, and sea air. The choices should be based on the exposure to the elements the wood will be getting, with the higher concentrations of additives and corresponding darker pigmentation for any wood which will be exposed a great deal of the time.

Characteristics: Gives the wood a matte finish without shiny spots. Requires recoating periodically, 1-3 months depending on exposure factors. While teak oils, when properly applied and maintained resist and displace water they do not completely eliminate its getting into the wood. works well but requires frequent maintenance or will tend to turn black and degrade rapidly A big plus is that unless the wood is very rough, no sanding should be required.

Teak Sealer

Teak sealers are actually an adjunct to Teak Oil in that they seal in the oil and lengthen the time between applications. We have had excellent results with several products in our climate and the choices are mostly related to desired look and durability.

Sealers are a good choice for those who dont mind doing a little extra work at the beginning and end of the season in order to not have to worry about it during.

Characteristics: Teak treated with sealer is more water resistant than if treated with teak oil, has a more uniform appearance, and doesnt tend to turn black. Slightly more preparation required than with oil but if maintained will only have to be done once. when wood is well prepared and the sealer applied correctly it will last up to a year between maintenance application Only initial sanding required, prior to first coat none needed between coats.

Varnish

Ah, the beauty of a newly varnished teak deck.

On the plus side:

Offers real protection for the wood.

Wood will not dry out and split

" will not absorb moisture and rot

" is unaffected by dirt and pollution

" will not be stained by spills

The not-so-plus side:

* Varnishing any wood requires thorough and painstaking sanding and preparation.

* The standard for a ship-shape job is 7 coats with sanding between each coat. Ive often done 12 to 14 to achieve desired results.

* Additional coats, with thorough sanding between, are required to maintain the look.

* The humidity must be low or a milky appearance will result, requiring more sanding to remove the affected coat.

Characteristics:

Poems have been written about the beauty of well varnished teak and Ill leave it to them to do their job on this one. From a purely practical point of view, if you have the time to do-it-yourself or the money to have a professional take care of it for you then varnish will preserve the wood better than any other method and at the same time be a beautiful accent to your yacht.

The Road Less Traveled

I should mention one more possibility before closing, one that Ive used myself on a couple of occasions. If you watch old seafaring movies youve seen this one too. Teak decks can be scrubbed periodically with sea water and a stiff brush and will actually last about the same length of time as an oiled deck.

The main drawback to this is that without any protection the wood will absorb everything which is spilled on it, and many modern oils and greases, to say nothing of not so modern wines and berries will leave stains which will be just about imposable to remove. On the other hand if you have a lot of teak on your boat you could likely write a book with the time you would save by not having to keep up the varnish.

Whatever you decide, may all of your boating adventures be happy ones.

About The Author

Rocking The Boat by Wayne and Tamara

Rocking The Boat Wayne and Tamara

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 5, 2004

I work in a factory, and we have supervisors who play favorites. They have about six girls who can do no wrong, and they have easier jobs than the rest of us. These girls go out after work to bars, and that is why they are in with the supervisors.

The boss over these supervisors will not do anything because his boss is the father of one of these supervisors. So long as "Daddy boss" is still there, this boss will not do anything to the supervisors. One girl played around and made the machinery malfunction for an operator, but she didnt get into trouble because of the favoritism.

Do we go to the owner of the company with a complaint on why these bosses will not fix this mess

Carol

Carol, we will not tell you that you should go to the owner. What we will tell you is how this usually plays out.

Some things are worth doing because you feel they are the right thing to do, even when you know they will not succeed. As a rule, whistleblowers do not succeed. Complaining or whistleblowing makes you the problem, instead of the problem you are calling attention to.

Human beings are social animals, and family and social connections in the workplace usually count for more than merit or truth. Truth is very weak. There is nothing pushing it. It cant stand up to people pushing their own agenda.

The one place where truth, fact, and objectivity are supposed to rule is science, but even in science it is a problem. The physicist Max Planck once observed that an important scientific innovation is usually accepted not because people readily accept its truth, but because the older generation of opponents grows old and dies off.

Carol, you have three options: you can overlook the unfairness and become immune to it, you can seek other employment, or you can try to fix the problem. Fixing the problem is the solution least likely to occur. In all probability, your workplace is a boat the owner does not want rocked.

Wayne & Tamara

The Quality Of Mercy

I am Ali from Pakistan, and I need your help on a weird issue. First, let me tell you something about me. I am a student of information technology. I am not from a rich family, but our family is a respected one. When I turned 20, I left my family for studies in computer science. Okay, now here started the problem.

I used to use the Internet as a resource for knowledge, but two years ago I got free time and started chatting online. I am not very good talking to girls, at least maybe not to the sharp ones. I do not know the exact reason, but one can be that I am a little shy and cant talk the talk.

I met a girl online, and we shared a lot. At least, I did. But I lied to her. Out of nowhere, though, I was in love with her. I told her some mushy lines because it was hurting to think of her not in my life. Then I told her I lied to her. It was a difficult time because she was so angry, but I finally managed to get her mercy. Is she really okay with me How do we go back to our old chat sessions we both used to enjoy

Ali

Ali, Mark Twain said, "If you tell the truth, you dont have anything to remember." You also dont have anything to apologize for or explain away. You may have gained her mercy, but what is the quality of her mercy

How do you go back to the old familiarity and trust, when that was interwoven with lies You wonder how you would feel if she lied to you. Probably, you would still doubt her.

Tamara

About The Author

Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.

Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.

Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience by Dana Sanders

Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience Dana Sanders

If you’ve dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don’t necessarily have the bank account to buy a luxury vessel, don’t despair. There are ways to make that dream happen without breaking your bank.

Boat timeshares offer a unique vacationing experience for almost any budget. By getting involved in a timeshare, you have the right to use that luxury vessel to make your dreams come true, but you alone are not solely responsible for all the expenses. Timeshares provide an excellent way for someone not willing or able to take on the expense of purchasing a great vacationing boat themselves to still experience the adventure of life on the water.

A variety of companies offer would-be Captain Ahab’s the ability to take to the sea without shelling out a lot of cash. Boat timeshare companies and programs are readily available and accessible across the Internet. Boating timeshare companies are active all over the world with even some finding their homes on America’s Great Lakes.

Basically, a boat timeshare offers a sailor a chance to buy into a piece of a boat for a season. Similar to a yacht club, but without all the expenses of owning your own yacht, these programs lets sailors sail minus the headaches. Some programs allow members to purchase blocks of time over the course of a sailing season to use a boat. Many programs work by giving several “skippers” the same boat during the sailing season. These skippers book multiple sail times, show up, sail, have a blast and return the boat for the next skipper to take over.

While boat timeshares provide everything needed to sail, members still are responsible for making sure the boat is in good condition when it’s returned. Swabbing the deck isn’t out of the question. However, many timeshare programs will even go as far as to include maintenance, fuel and so on in the initial price. This leaves the member responsible for simply safely piloting the vessel, keeping it clean and enjoying their high seas adventure with their family and friends for a fraction of the price of owning a yacht themselves. The insurance, boat licensing and other worries are generally handled by the timeshare company itself.

For those who lack the skills to man their own vessels, many boat timeshares will provide a crew including a captain, instructor, and/or cook at a small additional cost. One company in particular, Trade Winds Cruise Club, offers all-inclusive cabin rentals and is RCI’s Resorts Condominiums International only Caribbean yachting affiliate. As an RCI Member, you have the option of exchanging your timeshare week for a cabin space onboard crewed catamaran charters.

So, what is pricing like for these nautical adventures Not bad considering a luxury boat can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. And even better when you consider buying your own boat doesn’t include fuel, maintenance, licensing and insurance costs and so on! A timeshare that covers an entire boating season can cost upwards of $7,000, a reasonable expense considering the headaches removed by taking part in such a venture.

To learn more about boat timeshares and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/boattimeshare to do a thorough search. A variety of companies with different programs and options are operating in a bevy of locations around the world.

About The Author

Dana Sanders Looking for information about timeshares Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

webmaster@atimesharesz.com

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat by James "Doc" Lewis

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat James "Doc" Lewis

As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business I cant help but chuckle sometimes at seeing the extremes that otherwise bright, intelligent, successful, people will go to in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars.

One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed.

According to Rob Scanlan, a well known and respected Master Marine Surveyor;

yacht1ship@aol.com Email www.mastermarinesurveyor.com Web site

We at BoatDocs1, do a lot of work here on the Emerald Coast with local yacht brokers and know what the standards are for a "ready to show" boat. These professionals know that the cosmetic appearance says everything to the prospective buyer as to the overall care and maintenance that the previous owner has given the yacht. Add to that the universal wisdom about first impressions and its not hard to see the importance of this vital first step.

Here is an outline of the standard procedures we use when preparing a yacht to be put up for sale:

1. Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Boat Note: For this part, pay attention to everything you see and unless your memory is a lot better than mine, make notes on a piece of paper for later. Wash and chamois-dry your boat top to bottom including transom. clean Isenglass and other ports/windows wipe down and dress all aluminum/stainless clean and dress vinyl seats wipe down fly bridge and cockpit vacuum exterior carpet clean and dress nonskid

2. Stand Back and Survey the Boat Note: Bring your list and organize it with the following outline * Put yourself in the buyers shoes, be critical, the buyer will. Is it shiny Its the first thing most people notice. What about the smell People have a way of getting used to almost anything. Get a second opinion and see the hint below. Is all hardware intact and presentable Just because youve used that broken table for years and are rather fond of it, to anyone else, its just a broken table. What about dings, any damage to the fiberglass Aside from the fact that broken gelcoat can let water into the core of the lay-up and delaminate the fiberglass, it just plain looks BAD. What about rust You are probably thinking right now; whats a little rust on a boat Let me tell you. A little rust on a boat is a sure sign that the owner lets little things go by unnoticed and if there is one thing there are always more. What about oil changes I wonder if he flushed out the outboard after use The object of this little exercise is to make the boat look like you are conscientious and a stickler for having everything perfectly "SHIP SHAPE." One more little tip that you have probably already thought of. Take a look around the boat and remove EVERYTHING that isnt part of the boat.

EXAMPLE: Engine controls, compass, life jackets, flare kit, and a first aid kit ARE part of the boat. Knick-knacks, fishing tackle, cutesy wall plaques, and half full paint cans are NOT part of the boat-and look tacky. A few cleaning supplies, in their own locker is probably all right as long as theyre kept neat and clean. Make a list of things that need attention, and get it taken care of. A few dollars spent now will pay back in spades when the time comes to show your boat. Anything that isnt right will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, be noticed and start the price spiraling down. if it doesnt just send them scurrying off shaking their heads

3. Prioritize the Job

With your list you are in good shape to decide what needs to be done and whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have it done by a professional.

What about those little chips and dings in the gelcoat

I remember, years ago, someone saying something about being penny wise and pound foolish Lets not let them be saying that about us.

About The Author

Choose the best boat or yacht at our online auction by Ben Stewart

The best way to enjoy a water escapade is to buy your own boat. Boat or yacht auctions is just the kind of place for you to pick up a boat or yacht of your choice at down to earth prices! A whole range of boat parts, hardware, accessories, electronics and instruments are also on offer on boat parts auctions! But buying a boat or yacht at online auction also requires some careful planning so as to ensure that you get the best deal available. Here we provide you some useful tips that may help you in choosing the best boat or yacht at our online auction! Tips for buying boats at boat auctions Online boat auctions offer a wide range of boats, yachts and watercrafts and so some experienced opinion would help you make the right choice. If you're a first time buyer, we suggest you engage a professional boat surveyor to help you - not only to assess the boat you're interested in, but also to decide what sort of boat is most appropriate for your needs. • For instance, do you need the boat primarily for your own use, i.e. fishing boat or cruising, or will do you plan to take your family members out in it too? Then make sure you don’t end up with a boat too small for your family’s needs or one too big for just one person! Be sure to think about what is really important to you and those around you. • Most used boats for sale online need some work done on them and it is better you do some research beforehand, study some boats preferably in the company of someone experienced, to assess what work is required and how much it would cost additionally. You will be amazed to find how this would help you avoid putting money in boats with problems you can’t fix. • Examine carefully the equipment and safety items in the boat – whether they are in good condition or would it cost a fortune to have them replaced? Sometimes, you may also find a boat has a lot (and we mean a lot) of equipment that doesn't get factored into the sale price. If the equipment's sound, these boats can make great buys. • Online boat auctions offer a wide choice of models. Opt for a popular model, which makes it easier for you to find replacement parts or even resell the boat at a later date. Do a market study on the prices of different models so that you pick the best deal. Boat or yacht auctions try and set a fair market value for goods. • A larger boat will require higher costs to operate, maintain and store it. A general guideline for boat cost is to take the boat’s monthly payment and double it for estimating your total monthly outlay. A boater is likely to spend that amount due to added cost for gas, insurance, maintenance and mooring or storing the boat. Fortunately, Galleys (cooking, head and sleeping quarters) do qualify in most states for a write off as a second home. Check with your accountant before you buy a boat to see what the tax implications are. Tips for successful boat auction sales For conducting successful boat auction sales, we are providing some useful selling tips too! Boats typically fall into five categories: Fishing Boats, Power Boats, Sailboats, Personal Watercraft and Self powered boats. • Make sure to put up some good photos of your boat in your listing in our online boat auctions. Photos should be exterior side view, rear shot, helm and interior. Buyers won’t bid for plain text description of your boat. • Add value to your used boat by mentioning that you are including a radar, fish finder, downriggers etc. These often spur buyers to opt for a used boat rather than a new one. • Put a clean boat for sale and not a filthy one. It’s much easier to find buyers for a clean boat. • If your boat has had repairs, list them. It is normal for most used boats to have undergone repairs. Ignoring these will only create suspicion amongst your potential buyers. • Price your boat right! Do a survey on the internet for similar boats to ensure that you don’t price yours too high. Moreover, it will help you find out what advantage you have over the others – either in price or features. • If your boat is over 5 years old, it is advantageous for you to get a survey done on it before you list it. A survey will help you identify the weak points. This is especially true for Yacht and High Performance boats. If you are on the hunt to buy your dream boat, yacht or watercraft or any other hardware, parts or accessories, visit Auctions4Wheels.com for some truly affordable online boat auctions. Registration is FREE with this auction site. You can choose to place a bid and if successful you will receive a confirmation message. If your bid fails to outbid the current high bidder you will be offered the option to place a higher bid. About the author: Ben Stewart

Recommended Steps To Take Before Hiring a Transport Company To Ship Your Car, Boat, Horse, Furniture, or Move. by John Kaufman

When you are having your valued items shipped, it is important to find the best hauler for job, not necessarily the cheapest. Customer service, reliability, and trustworthiness are all important factors in choosing a transport company. An unscrupulous trucker can cost you money, damage your property, and cause you a hard time.

Recommended Steps to take before hiring a transport company:

Ask Questions - When you first contact a hauler, you should ask as many relevant questions as you can regarding the care they will take with your property, scheduling, contract issues, what type of equipment they have, licensing, insurance, and take some time to get a feel for the type of people you are dealing with. The vast majority of truckers / haulers are reputable business people that simply want to help you, the best way to weed out the few that aren't is in this first stage.

Get References - Most haulers should be prepared to provide you with several references in regards to RECENT jobs they have done. If time allows try to contact every reference and ask questions regarding the type of service they received from their hauler. Remember, that no one is perfect all of the time, so if there are any less than perfect reviews, follow up with a question to see how the hauler resolved the issue.

Sample questions to ask provided references: What did you have __(company name)___ haul? When did they haul it? Did they keep you well informed of their pickup / delivery schedule? How well did they keep their original promised schedule? Did they take good care of your (car, boat, horse, furniture, etc..)? If any problems occurred, how did the hauler resolve them? How would you rate your overall experience with this hauler? Would your recommend this hauler to others?

Use the above questions in an e-mail or as a template for a phone conversation with the provided references, and you will have a very good idea of what to expect when you use the hauler yourself.

Check Licensing - Your hauler should be able to provide you with his DOT number, and MC, Number. You can check the validity of their DOT number at the FMCA website: http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_carrlist - A DOT license lets you know that the hauler has filed the proper paperwork and pays the proper taxes and fees when hauling your items.

Check Insurance - It's important for you to know that your carrier has adequate insurance to cover potential damage to your property. If you choose an uninsured or underinsured transport company you risk not being compensated for loss or damage of your (car, boat, horse, furniture, etc..).

Check FindAHauler Profile - If your hauler has a profile in the FindAHauler.com Directory: http://FindAHauler.com/directory/ you can view any feedback left regarding the hauler by other visitors to the site.

Read contracts carefully - Many haulers will have you execute a transport contract prior to hauling your (car, boat, horse, furniture, etc..). Make sure that you read the contract and understand the provisions of the contract. If there is a down payment required, make sure you know the conditions under which it will or won't be refunded. Is the down payment due prior to the pickup of your property, when is the full payment due?. It is generally not advisable to pay a down payment prior to pickup of your property. If it is practical, you may want to negotiate the full payment upon delivery of your property.

If you follow the above advice, you should have an easy and stress free experience having your car, boat, horse, furniture, etc... transported. Thousands of people have had their cars, horse, boats, trailers, livestock, etc... shipped using FindAHauler.com since September of 2002, and it is very rare for any of them to have a problem with a hauler they have found using our site. We have a very aggressive stance on any users of our site not operating in an ethical and straightforward manner, and do our best to provide an easy and safe environment for all.

About The Author

John Kaufman

Get Free Shipping Quotes for Cars, Boats, RV's Horses, & just about anything you can think of at http://FindAHauler.com

Research Haulers before you choose a transport company to ship your Car, Boat, Horse, Furniture, etc... by John Kaufman

When you are having your valued items shipped, it is important to find the best hauler for job, not necessarily the cheapest. Customer service, reliability, and trustworthiness are all important factors in choosing a transport company. An unscrupulous trucker can cost you money, damage your property, and cause you a hard time.Recommended Steps to take before hiring a transport company:- Ask Questions - When you first contact a hauler, you should ask as many relevant questions as you can regarding the care they will take with your property, scheduling, contract issues, what type of equipment they have, licensing, insurance, and take some time to get a feel for the type of people you are dealing with. The vast majority of truckers / haulers are reputable business people that simply want to help you, the best way to weed out the few that aren't is in this first stage.- Get References - Most haulers should be prepared to provide you with several references in regards to RECENT jobs they have done. If time allows try to contact every reference and ask questions regarding the type of service they received from their hauler. Remember, that no one is perfect all of the time, so if there are any less than perfect reviews, follow up with a question to see how the hauler resolved the issue. Sample questions to ask provided references:- What did you have __(company name)___ haul?- When did they haul it?- Did they keep you well informed of their pickup / delivery schedule?- How well did they keep their original promised schedule?- Did they take good care of your (car, boat, horse, furniture, etc..)?- If any problems occurred, how did the hauler resolve them?- How would you rate your overall experience with this hauler?- Would your recommend this hauler to others?Use the above questions in an e-mail or as a template for a phone conversation with the provided references, and you will have a very good idea of what to expect when you use the hauler yourself.- Check Licensing - Your hauler should be able to provide you with his DOT number, and MC, Number. You can check the validity of their DOT number at the FMCA website: http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_carrlist - A DOT license lets you know that the hauler has filed the proper paperwork and pays the proper taxes and fees when hauling your items. - Check Insurance - It's important for you to know that your carrier has adequate insurance to cover potential damage to your property. If you choose an uninsured or underinsured transport company you risk not being compensated for loss or damage of your (car, boat, horse, furniture, etc..).- Check FindAHauler Profile - If your hauler has a profile in the FindAHauler.com Directory: http://FindAHauler.com/directory/ you can view any feedback left regarding the hauler by other visitors to the site.- Read contracts carefully - Many haulers will have you execute a transport contract prior to hauling your (car, boat, horse, furniture, etc..). Make sure that you read the contract and understand the provisions of the contract. If there is a down payment required, make sure you know the conditions under which it will or won't be refunded. Is the down payment due prior to the pickup of your property, when is the full payment due?. It is generally not advisable to pay a down payment prior to pickup of your property. If it is practical, you may want to negotiate the full payment upon delivery of your property. If you follow the above advice, you should have an easy and stress free experience having your car, boat, horse, furniture, etc... transported. Thousands of people have had their cars, horse, boats, trailers, livestock, etc... shipped using FindAHauler.com since September of 2002, and it is very rare for any of them to have a problem with a hauler they have found using our site. We have a very aggressive stance on any users of our site not operating in an ethical and straightforward manner, and do our best to provide an easy and safe environment for all.

About the Author

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An Introduction to Steamboat Springs, CO by Elizabeth Morgan

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, or “Ski Town” as it is affectionately known, is one of the most charming and unique vacation destinations in the United States. The town prides itself as a place that offers world class service and amenities without the high prices. For the traveler tired of being taken advantage of, this attitude is very welcome. Steamboat Springs offers just as many exciting things to do in all four of the seasons. Visitors can choose between fast and exciting river rafting, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing as well as fishing and a myriad of other activities. There is also a downhill slide called “The Howler” that has people lined up in the warmer months for a fast paced ride down Howelson Hill.Steamboat Springs is also known for its western hospitality so bring your cowboy boots and belt buckles, kick up your heels, and be prepared to enjoy yourself. Go horseback riding, take part in a real cattle drive (remember the movie “City Slickers”?) or just set a spell and let all that tension from the city fade away into a sunset so beautiful it will bring tears to your eyes. Here you can enjoy some of the best barbeque east of the Rocky Mountains or choose from a variety of four star restaurants that any major metropolitan city would be proud to claim as its own.In Steamboat Springs you’re in good company for whatever suits you. Want to put your athletic abilities to the test? Steamboat Springs has been the training ground for more Olympians than any town in North America, so if you’re using your vacation to get ready for the next triathlon, you’ve come to the right place. Mostly, the atmosphere is lighthearted and casual with a climate that brings out the best in everyone who visits. Kids especially, enjoy the many recreational activities that are designed exclusively for them – without their parents. Come one, come all for a good time, any time in Steamboat Springs.

About the Author

Steamboat Springs Info provides detailed information about Steamboat Springs real estate, restaurants, ski resorts, lodging, snowmobiling, and more. Steamboat Springs Info is the sister site of Poconos Web.

Boat Timeshares - A Unique Vacationing Experience by Dana Sanders

If you’ve dreamed of sailing the seven seas, but don’t necessarily have the bank account to buy a luxury vessel, don’t despair. There are ways to make that dream happen without breaking your bank. Boat timeshares offer a unique vacationing experience for almost any budget. By getting involved in a timeshare, you have the right to use that luxury vessel to make your dreams come true, but you alone are not solely responsible for all the expenses. Timeshares provide an excellent way for someone not willing or able to take on the expense of purchasing a great vacationing boat themselves to still experience the adventure of life on the water. A variety of companies offer would-be Captain Ahab’s the ability to take to the sea without shelling out a lot of cash. Boat timeshare companies and programs are readily available and accessible across the Internet. Boating timeshare companies are active all over the world with even some finding their homes on America’s Great Lakes.Basically, a boat timeshare offers a sailor a chance to buy into a piece of a boat for a season. Similar to a yacht club, but without all the expenses of owning your own yacht, these programs lets sailors sail minus the headaches. Some programs allow members to purchase blocks of time over the course of a sailing season to use a boat. Many programs work by giving several “skippers” the same boat during the sailing season. These skippers book multiple sail times, show up, sail, have a blast and return the boat for the next skipper to take over.While boat timeshares provide everything needed to sail, members still are responsible for making sure the boat is in good condition when it’s returned. Swabbing the deck isn’t out of the question. However, many timeshare programs will even go as far as to include maintenance, fuel and so on in the initial price. This leaves the member responsible for simply safely piloting the vessel, keeping it clean and enjoying their high seas adventure with their family and friends for a fraction of the price of owning a yacht themselves. The insurance, boat licensing and other worries are generally handled by the timeshare company itself.For those who lack the skills to man their own vessels, many boat timeshares will provide a crew including a captain, instructor, and/or cook at a small additional cost. One company in particular, Trade Winds Cruise Club, offers all-inclusive cabin rentals and is RCI’s (Resorts Condominiums International) only Caribbean yachting affiliate. As an RCI Member, you have the option of exchanging your timeshare week for a cabin space onboard crewed catamaran charters.So, what is pricing like for these nautical adventures? Not bad considering a luxury boat can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. And even better when you consider buying your own boat doesn’t include fuel, maintenance, licensing and insurance costs and so on! A timeshare that covers an entire boating season can cost upwards of $7,000, a reasonable expense considering the headaches removed by taking part in such a venture.To learn more about boat timeshares and the unique vacation opportunities they provide, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.atimesharesz.com/boattimeshare to do a thorough search. A variety of companies with different programs and options are operating in a bevy of locations around the world.

About the Author

Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

Buying A Boat by Valerie Giles

Why is it, that when you are looking to buy a boat, you can never find one that suits your needs. This is what has happens to many people every year and in particular to ourselves. It’s just like buying a house. When you are selling, it is a buyer’s market and when you are buying it is a seller’s market! This year my husband and I decided that it was time to buy our first boat. Now we have been boating with our friends on their Bayliner for many years. They pay for the boat expenses and we bring the food and drink in exchange. Not a bad deal we figured, until we got the boat bug ourselves. Now we want to own our own boat. After six years of boating and as many seasons of boat shows, we decided to take a boating course. So a couple of winters ago, we signed up for a rather lengthy boating course of 16 weeks. We decided that firstly we wanted to be safe boaters and secondly we wanted to protect our very expensive boat investment when the time came. Week after week of classes, lesson after lesson of plotting and tying knots came and went and finally it was time to graduate and try our luck at boating with all this new found knowledge. We decided first to try out our expertise on our friends’ boat, but discovered that was like having two cooks in the same kitchen. Things don’t really run as smoothly as one would like. Tie a knot. Have someone retie it for you. Hang the fenders over the side. Have someone reposition them. So after several weekends of unsuccessful attempts, the decision was made to buy our own boat sooner rather than later where we could tie our own brand of knot and observe the channel markers the way we had been taught! So we started to look. What happened to all the “For Sale” signs that we had seen only weeks before in every marina that we cruised by? Where were all those perfect boats that we had seen in every cove and tied up to every dock? They were no where to be found. Finally after perusing the yachting magazines and journals, talking to several boat brokers and searching many internet boats for sale sites, we found what we thought to be the perfect yacht for us - right in our own backyard. Only five minutes from our home there is located a marina with lots of power boats. Last year there were many for sale. But as luck would have it, we were not looking then. This year, there were few boats for sale. But on this one particular morning as we drove through the marina parking lot, we spied the perfect boat. We hopped out of the car and walked over to take a closer look. The boat had been pulled out of the water, so we were able to look it over from all sides including the bottom. The information that was posted beside the boat looked very promising. Just the right length. Just the right age. We had already agreed that this boat make was good quality. An inflatable dinghy with motor and seawise electric lifting { http://www.boats-anchors-and-more.com/inflatable-boats.htm ) system was also included. The boat also had a GPS and all the trimmings. But the price, could it be correct? It seemed a bit low for this particular yacht. You guessed it! The twin engine system was gas, not diesel. This was the reason for the excellent price. We thought that we had found the perfect boat! In fact we had except for one very expensive item. For those of you who own your own boat, you can related to the expense of a gas engine yacht. Gas engines are fast and great for skiing and lake touring in small boats, but on the ocean and in a large yacht, the cost can be prohibitive. So once again, our search begins in earnest. And once again, there are no boats for sale. Or is that just our take on the situation? Surely the boat for us is just out there waiting to be discovered! About the author: Valerie Giles owns and operates Boats, Anchors and More http://www.boats-anchors-and-more.coma boating resource site featuring boat accessories, boat chartering, new & used boats, fishing lure manufacturers, inflatable boats, outerwear, thermal underwear & sunglasses. Everything you need for the boating season.

Exploring New England’s Shore By Sailboat by David Dunlap

Of the six states that comprise our country’s quaint New England, five are on the coast, making the area a prime place for enjoying water sports, including a top favorite, sailing. Whether you make your home there or decide to take in the sea air during your next vacation, you’ll never encounter a lack of ways to enjoy the water while sailing these unique waters. The coast itself is remarkably different from others farther south on the Atlantic; here, you’ll find craggy cliffs, white beaches, and rocky beaches mixed with cracked shells. Because New England is a relatively small area, you’ll also enjoy the “sea-to-city” landscape; you can sail far off the New England coast or one of its islands and still see the city lights blinking back at you. For exceptional sailing opportunities, you can always find a “sailboat race” or regatta going on, and you can either join in the competition or get a good seat for a perfect view from land. Some of the best-known beaches, such as Massachusetts’ Cape Cod, and its glamorous “little sister,” Martha’s Vineyard, bring thousands of tourists yearly to enjoy the high cliffs, dunes, and white sands. The other great thing about sailing in New England is that you can easily “jump the waters” to another state and enjoy excellent sailing in Maine’s 100 miles of beaches, including Cape Elizabeth, and New Hampshire’s coast, as well. And if you’re looking for a little privacy, there are several “out of the way,” less “touristy” beaches and islands to drop your anchor. One is Block Island, off Rhode Island’s coast. You can opt to take a leisurely shoreline cruise on a guided tour, or grab the helm yourself and “bareboat sail” the day away at your own pace. And don’t forget to sample the renowned New England fresh lobster; take along the champagne and cook it up on board for a festive afternoon of sailing while watching for whales and other wildlife indigenous to the area. Lighthouses also dot the shore, which make for a romantic sight from your vantage point at sea. So start your next sailboating adventure where America’s history began – you’ll be guaranteed to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste some of the most sensuous sensations ever!

About the Author

David Dunlap is the owner and founder of All About Sailboats and The Ocean Sailing Guide, two online resources for every sailing enthusiast. For sailing information and resources, including boat insurance and sailing charters, visit http://allaboutsailboats.com or http://theoceansailingguide.com

Get Swept Away on Your Wedding Day: Rent a Sailboat or Yacht! by David Dunlap

For a day you’ll never forget on that special occasion, take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the world’s waters – rent a sailboat or yacht for your wedding – or for your closest loved ones. Imagine saying your vows while sailing across the ocean blue – either on a bright morning or a lovely afternoon, just as the sun is setting – it’s sure to be an occasion both you and all your guests on board will never forget!

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Rim to the Atlantic shore, sailboat and yacht rental companies are doing big business in weddings and wedding receptions these days, promising a very romantic walk down the aisle – in real style.

Most sailboat and yacht companies are set up to suit your special needs, accommodating from two to 60 guests. Because the romance of getting married at sea is becoming more and more popular, most of the details, such as catering, flowers, champagne, bartending, music, and wedding cakes, are provided by the yacht or sailboat staff or their partners on land. And, although most sailboat captains are licensed to perform weddings, you certainly may provide your own minister or rabbi, as well.

Also, for the all-important photography and/or audiovisual recording of your choice, either bring your own hired hands on board or choose from an array of professional photographers specializing in nautical wedding photography. (For a sample, see www.sfbayimages.com.)

And the celebration certainly doesn’t stop stateside: You can choose to be married anywhere in the world – whether you choose Tahiti in winter or off England’s coast in summer, the world’s your oyster when it comes to a nautical-themed wedding. Sailboats and yachts await you for your special day – if you can imagine it, they can make your dreams come true.

And one more thing: You’ll have the “something borrowed” already covered, leaving you one less item to check off that list!

For more information, see www.allaboutsailboats.com and www.onlyforyachts.com.

About The Author

newlink@allaboutsailboats.com

Houseboats Give Us The Freedom To Explore by Jane Stokes (courtesy of News Canada)

(NC)-Ask those who do it. Most people say it is a very special kind of freedom to cruise this continent's most beautiful inland water routes in their own private family houseboat.

The 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway of Ontario for example is a National Historic Site illustrating an extraordinary engineering feat of 36 conventional locks, a boat railway, and two of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world. Pine forests and parkland surround the quiet coves and sand beaches of 20 lakes and at least a dozen rivers. Landmarks include Pigeon, Balsam, Sturgeon, and Stoney Lakes, as well as the communities of Buckhorn, Bobcaygeon, Rosedale and Fenelon Falls.

Houseboat vacations combine the advantages of cottage living with the adventure of travel and exploration. You can explore a different Ontario town or village every day without the worry of accommodation. Prepare your own meals on board, or enjoy dining out at countless restaurants. Stop for shopping, lakeside golf, swimming or fishing anytime you please. Soak up the sun, enjoy the scenery, make new friends at the locks, or find a secluded wilderness bay for relaxation.

To find out about houseboat rentals, go to www.ontariotravelguides.com. One of the better-known outfitters on the Trent-Severn Waterway is Eagan Houseboat Rentals, a family operation for 30 years. Eagan houseboats accommodate from one to three couples, or one to two small families. Rates range from $939 midweek, to $1,339 and $1,639 per week, depending on the vessel size. More information can be found at www.houseboat.on.ca, or by calling toll-free 1-800-720-3426.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

If you are chasing the most up-to-date help in relation to boat trailers. by Tom

If you are chasing the most up-to-date help in relation to boat trailers. When you are looking for better-quality information on boat trailers, you'll find it hard separating superior information from misguided boat trailers suggestions and advice so it is imperative to know how to qualify the information you are often given. Look for boat trailers Find boat trailers at one of the best sites the Internet has to offer! Here are a few pieces of advice which we advise you to use when you are searching for information concerning boat trailers. Hold in mind the wisdom we're offering you is only applicable to internet advice about boat trailers. We can't give you any tips or guidance when you are also conducting research in books or magazines. boat trailers in the Free Online Encyclopedia Read about boat trailers in the free online encyclopedia and dictionary. Over 600,000 articles on any topic and completely free access to the entire content. An excellent tip to follow when offered information and suggestions on a boat trailers webpage is to research who is behind the website. This may divulge who is behind the site boat trailers credibility The easiest way to reveal who owns the boat trailers site is to find the 'about' page. All reliable sites providing content on boat trailers, will nearly always have an 'about' or 'contact' page which will list the people behind the site. The fine points should detail a number of key indications about the site owner's capability. This enables you to make an assessment about the webmaster's training and understanding, to offer advice about boat trailers. About the author: Don Smith is the webmaster for http://www.boat-trailers-accessories.info

Inflatable Boats: An Overview by Kristy Annely

Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas, or neoprene, and hold air at high volume but low pressure. They need to be fitted with a frame to which an oarlock mount is firmly attached. Such frames are either made of metal or wood, or a combination of the two.Inflatable boats with motors are high speed, maneuverable, stable and can be easily launched from a ship. For this reason, US Navy SEAL’s use the inflatable boat small (IBS) for their operations.Twenty-three foot long Rigid Hull inflatable boats are best suited for retrieving people stranded on rocky pinnacles among the waves, and are used by the US Coast Guard during Search & Rescue operations.There has been a lot of development in Inflatable boats. The large inflatable boats have rigid boards in them, and are called Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB’s). They can be driven by oars or outboard engines. The large ones are considered good enough to be used by the Lifeboat men. The modern life raft is a well thought out, well-equipped, seaworthy fully inflated boat. However, if there isn’t enough air inside, inflatable boats are apt to fold in the middle. Thus, they need to be pumped up to the proper pressure using bellows. Most Inflatable Boats are portable rafts. An inflatable yacht that is 8 feet (2.4 m) long is rated to carry three people when used with a motor. It weighs 35 pounds (15 kgs.) when dry, which makes it a reasonable load for one person to carry for a long distance if necessary. The next size is 9 feet long, which does not sound much more, but the difference is great, in fact. The 9 feet boat is heavier and has much larger air tubes.People use inflatable boats for exploring, and manually haul them to remote places. There are many brands of high quality inflatable boats available in the market, but whatever brand is chosen should be roughly 8 feet long, rated for 3 people, have a motor, be a reasonable load for one person to carry, and does not have a wooden floor, or other heavy parts.Inflatable Boat Sales are taking place online. Inflatable boats are available for sales – both as new ones, and as used boats. Prices range from $25 right up to $2,800. The range covers 8-foot yacht tenders, fishing boats, and 14-foot inflatable sail boats.

About the Author

Inflatable Boats Info provides detailed information on pontoon, rigid and fishing inflatable boats, as well as trailers, repairs, used inflatable boats and manufacturers. Inflatable Boats Info is the sister site of River Rafting Web.

Monumental Houseboating on Lake Powell by Kriss Hammond

Monumental Houseboating on Lake PowellRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comhttp://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cruise02/hboats02/powell.htmlMILLIONAIRE STRIPERSOur weekend party boat pulled out from the Wahweap Marina fully stocked with booze, beer, bait, and soon to be baked boatswains. We were pulling a pair of wave runners and a fishing boat through the Colorado River channel. past buttes, bluffs, banks, spires, cathedrals, and towering monuments, the kind you see at the Bijou during a John Wayne/John Ford film festival.Before pulling out of the marina we power boated over to the marina store to buy fishing licenses. There was a million dollar fish tournament going on at Lake, Powell, and we were determined to catch that rascal. We were informed that we had to have a fishing license for both Arizona and Utah, because Lake Powell shares the borders of both states. We realized that we had Utah licenses but were fishing in Arizona waters.PADRE POINTIt took a couple of hours to motor up and around Padre Point and Padre Bay and into Labyrinth Canyon, and across the transparent state-line from Utah to Arizona. We were happy to moor in Labyrinth Canyon because a storm was brewing. "Scurvie" and his crew of motley maties buried the four anchor lines in the oxide red/orange powder sand, and then it was a round of cocktails as the Cheetos and other snacks were busted out.After the storm blew over, the sun came out in a radiant splash, and Janna, the "Jet Boat Queen," was the first out on the water, blasting through the narrow confines of Labyrinth Canyon to its terminus. Water-skiing and jet skiing is best in the broad, calm waters of the backwater bays, like Labrinth, but not in the Colorado River main channel, Water safety rules of Utah and Arizona apply: 800 RIDE PWC — Utah; 602/774-5045 — Arizona.Meanwhile, everyone else threw their gear into assigned bunks. That night Chef Boy-ar-dee "Scurvie" whipped together a cordon bleu salmon dinner fit for a five star table as the sun set on Tower Butte, a ragged, decayed molar rising like a Pleistocene fossil out of the plateau off our port side.LET'S HAVE A RUM PUNCHAfter a few more rum punches, it was a conversation of past adventure bragadoccio, yarns, and blarney. Everyone seemed to agree in appointing Scurvie the galley swag for the rest of the trip, even though it was mainly hotdogs and sandwiches during the day. But the next night it was marinated steaks grilled on the propane foredeck stove, with the meat proving to be as tender as sandal soles. I didn't tell Scurvie I used my cut as fish bait. I think everyone else demoted him a Michellin star or two as well, but no one wanted to cook, so we continued to pump up his food finesse.LAKE POWELL GOLFThe two teenage boys onboard, "Wild Bill" and "Wild Blakely," lost their imaged milion dollar fish prize poker hoards to the Professor in a continuous game of Five Card Stud, reminiscent of the Barbary Coast, with the Professor's made-up rules.The next morning Danny powerboated Jaime and Scurvie into the National Golf Course in Page, Arizona, for a round or two on the links. Everyone else just sunbathed on the top deck like ruby-throated rainbow trout left too long on the grill. Some people should never be allowed into the wilderness. The skipper (Danny) returned a few hours later as another terrific storm swelled up, sending the greasy sunbathers below. Golf ball-sized hailstones pummelled the alumnium houseboat roof like popcorn, rattling everyone's nerves, and then gleamed in the oxide sand and red sandstone rocks, like while alien gemstones. As this spring storm blew out the lake returned to a pacific peace.in time to pick up the two pickled duffers stranded at the 19th hole. Read more on the Lake Powell National. Click Here.LAKE POWELL MARINASThere are five marinas on Lake Powell, all operated by the Aramark Corporation, and all are open daily to the public. All marinas are land-based, except Dangling Rope Marina, which is accessible only by boat.Lake Powell Resorts and MarinasPO Box 56909Phoenix, AZ 85079-6909You can rent a houseboat at any of the four land-based marinas. For reservations for houseboats or accommodations, boat rentals, charters, or day lake cruises, call toll free 800/528-6154. In greater Phoenix 278-8888 or fax 602/331-5258.Reservations office is open 7 days a week, 7:30 am to 4:40 pm Mountain Standard Time, March through October. Open Monday through Friday other months. Closed Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.Wahweap Lodge and MarinaBox 1597Page, AZ 86040602/645-2433Fax: 602/645-5175Bullfrog Resort and MarinaLake Powell, UT 84533Fax: 801/684-2312Halls Crossing MarinaLake Powell, UT 84533801/684-2261Fax: 801/684-2319Hite MarinaLake Powell, UT 84533801/684-2278Fax: 801/684-2358Dangling Rope Marina is 41 miles from Glen Canyon Dam and has no phone, and runs on solar power. It has it's own gas dock.You boat into Padre Bay around Padre Point, from Utah, and then you are in Arizona, under Tower Butte, part of the Navajo Indian Reservation. Tower Butte has identical symmetry on all four sides. From Wild Horse Mesa it rises 800 feet, its flat top three feet less than a mile above sea level.Labyrinth Canyon winds its way from Padre Bay like a boney finger, pinching the sandstone puffball canyon walls narrower and steeper. At the end of the canyon I hiked on miles of sandy trails through rivertine shrubs, dead animals, shade, sun, shade, sun, and like an English maze garden. other canyons that shoot off or into the one we are on. But which one? I would not want to be here during a flash flood. In fact, there is no trace of the earlier storms the last two days, the sand sucked every molecule into it's earthern lair. The sand is dry; we take our shoes off; the oxide pushes between our toes like old, but still warm, campfire coals. The horizon is only up and it is an infinite turquoise and cloudless. Blakely and I hear sheep bleating, so we know we are on the Navajo Indian Reservation.Back at the houseboat the passing storms stirs the fishing into a frenzy, and poles are hung over the top and bottom decks, with every other cast snarled in someone else's line. That night we caught plenty of stripers and in the morning it was channel cats on anchovies, but the million dollar fish received a good conduct medal for not landing on our lines. Everyone was cursing their bad luck and that had to be the most reviled fish in the lake. At least we saved film. By noon everyone was getting a little sunburned so it was time for more beer and Cheetos, and by the looks of some of the crew, they could have cut back on both.MILLION DOLLAR FISHING TOURNAMENTTo read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/cruise02/hboats02/powell.htmlKriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

About the Author

Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.

Taking A Paddleboat Cruise by Mary Hanna

In May my husband and I took a wonderful steamboat trip on the Colombia River, 1,240 miles long, and Snake River, 1,038 miles long, aboard the American West’s Empress of the North. This is the first time we had ever done a “niche” type cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Yes, the clientele tends to be older, but, what a shame that the younger mature adults are missing out on all this fun. It is steam boating in the true sense of the word. The paddlewheel turns as you leisurely make your way up and down the rivers and through the many dams that have been erected since the time of Lewis and Clarke. The ship is patterned after the river boats that plied the waters of Alaska, Oregon and Washington over 100 years ago and has a distinctly Russian flavor.

On the particular adventure that we took it was to follow the path of the Lewis and Clarke expedition so it was historical as well as fun. We boarded the Empress of the North in Portland, Oregon with no mishaps just a bit of a long wait. However, they did supply entertainment and refreshments while they prepared the ship for us. Once aboard we were escorted to a lovely stateroom that was right out of the riverboat era. It was roomy, beautifully decorated and had a balcony with two chairs and a table. There was a TV but we never used it since the real entertainment was the trip and the excursions which were included in the price of the cruise. The rooms reminded you of the river boat era but were very much up to modern standards.

Just a little tidbit: The “Portland Penny” is how Portland got its name narrowly missing being called Boston. The partners Lovejoy and Pettygrove who had filed the claim staking the territory needed to come up with a name for the quickly expanding territory. Lovejoy being from Boston, Massachusetts was adamant that this would be the name, while Pettygrove equally adamant wanted it to be called Portland after his beloved Portland, Maine. Hence the “Portland Penny” when Pettygrove won two out of the three tosses.

The artwork on the Empress was truly impressive. There were beautiful Russian artifacts and amazing pictures of the gold rush and life in the Northwest during the 1800’s. I spent a lot of time just going up and down the four hallways perusing the artwork. (Every floor has a different theme).

Our first night out of Portland we were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeurves at the Paddlewheel lounge which is in the back of the boat and has windows overlooking the paddle wheel. We were still busy getting situated so we grabbed a cocktail and took it back to our room to get organized. Dinner was in the Romanov Dining room and the atmosphere really was one of a riverboat. The food was very good served by a courteous and fun American crew. Dinner lasted about an hour to an hour and a half and then it was off to the Golden Nugget showroom to watch the Pat O’Neal and the River Boat Jazz band play great Dixieland Music. Well, if you weren’t into it by then you never were going to be. What fun and you are sharing it with only 200 other passengers. After the show you could stay in the Showroom for dancing or go to the Paddlewheel Lounge for the duo of Kari & Jerry who were not only very good but extremely friendly.

Of course, you are in a new place everyday and everyday brings a new exciting, educational and different excursion. Our first day out we where cruising the Columbia River Gorge taking in the breathtaking vistas, granite cliffs and waterfalls from which the Cascade Mountains takes it’s name.

We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would recommend to other adults, this not a ship for children.

For more information on the cruises please contact Mary C. Hanna or visit http://www.cruisetraveldirectory.com/.

Contact:

Mary C. Hanna Publisher 800-577-6524 http://www.cruisegold.com

About The Author

Mary Hanna has cruised the world on ships enabling her to sail on almost all of the top cruise lines. After over 60 cruises she decided to compile her expertise in an e-book to share with other cruiser, first timers or seasoned cruisers. http://www.FirstCruiseBestCruise.com.

mary4165@verizon.net

The Bottom Line On Yacht & Boat Charters. by John Thompson

Whether you are considering your first yacht charter vacation or simply looking to live the experience again there is a lot of vital information you need before planning and embarking on your voyage. Firstly, you need to consider the type of yacht charter that is suitable for you. There are crewed or unscrewed yacht charters, bareboat or even a motorised yacht. Each have their advantages and personal preference will dictate the chosen charter for you. One thing for certain, though, whatever type of vessel you go on, there are many destinations to choose from each of them offering beautiful islands and shimmering seas by day and exciting or romantic night life. As with any vacation you need to plan carefully, but when chartering a yacht it is absolutely imperative that you take the essentials and spares. Once you’re out to sea there will be few opportunities to stock up and an emergency is much of an emergency when you’re hundreds of miles from the nearest chemist or shop. Many who are chartering for the first time do so for a little quality time with family, friends and loved one because chartering a yacht is one of the most tranquil and peaceful vacations you can decide on. What experience is required for charters. The experience you need is dependant on the type of charter you are looking for. A bareboat charter means you and a group of family or friends charter the boat with no crew to assist. For a bareboat charter, you are always required to have some former sailing experience and usually need to submit a sailing resume to the charter company. Many will require that you have experience on a similar sized boat and with similar displacement and rig. A number of chartering companies may request that you go on a short sail around the harbour to make sure that your actual skills match your resume. If you or a member of your group does not have this experience then you should consider chartering a crewed yacht. Chartering a boat and crew requires little or no experience. You may decide that your sailing skills are a little rusty, in which case you can take a captain or small crew for the first few hours of your trip to help you get your ‘sea legs’ back. Alternatively, if you have no experience whatsoever with yachting then you can take an entire crew and spend your vacation safe in the knowledge that your boat and your vacation are in safe hands. What insurance do I require, and what is available? As well as the usual travel insurance, you may want to consider further insurance for your yacht charter vacation. In fact, some charter companies will demand it. Accidents happen in everyday life and this is no different when chartering a yacht, however, there are some vital differences; the cost of a yacht and any parts of the yacht can be very pricey. The charterer is responsible for loss or damage to any of these parts. While many charter companies offer insurance that will cover a certain amount of damage, you should consider taking extra Charterer’s liability insurance, usually costing approximately $250 for $1m cover. This figure can change depending on the terms of the agreement and the time of year you intend to charter the boat. Additional health insurance is advised but not essential, although you should especially consider this for foreign travel of any kind not just charter vacations. Another good idea is to take cancellation or curtailment insurance because many charter companies require a deposit of up to 50%. If you any of your party cancel or need to finish the vacation early, this insurance will become invaluable. Charter vacation destinations. But where should you go? There are many places you can charter a yacht, so you should consider exactly what you are looking for in your vacation. The Galapagos is an archipelago that consists of 13 volcanic islands as well as 40 small islands. It is a haven of beautiful plants and exotic animals including marine iguanas and sea lions, the weather is very good, and there are many coves and incredibly picturesque beaches to relax on and around. The Bahamas is a popular destination consisting of more than 700 islands. There are countless cays and beaches to explore as well as some incredible nightlife and beautiful settings. The reef and shallow waters make this a safe place for families to charter a yacht. And then there’s the Greek Islands. One of the world’s most enchanting cruising grounds, with ancient history and culture at every turn. Islands such as Lesvos, Mykonos and Paros offer a combination of breathtaking scenery and history. Still in the Mediterranean - at the western end - there are the Balearic islands off the coast of Spain. There’s Majorca, it’s smaller sibling Menorca, and the hedonistic playground of Ibiza. You’ll find it a little busier than the Greek islands, but on the plus side the back up and support is first class. On to the Caribbean: It has it all. Many different cultures and nationalities, hundreds and hundreds of islands to explore, and clear blue waters. Yachting at it’s best. The choice of destinations is amazing, and the beauty of chartering a yacht is that you are free to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, drop anchor, pour a stiff drink and soak up the sun! © 2005 John Thompson

About the Author: John Thompson is webmaster for http://www.yacht-and-boat-charters.com , an online information resource for yacht and boat chartering.

Source: www.isnare.com

Traveling to Boston? Eight tips to save you a boatload of cash. by John Williams

You may be ready for your trip to Boston, but is your bank account? As one of the most expensive cities in the country, Boston can quickly deplete your vacation funds. The average hotel cost per night in 2004 according to the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is $187. Now imagine all your other expenses added on top of that. Here’s some ways to hold on to that cash:1. Consider booking a hotel just outside the city. Brookline and Cambridge are two nice cities that come to mind. You can easily hop on the “T” for a short ride and take it into Boston and back each day. You can save a large chunk of change depending on how long you are staying on your trip. 2. Check out the prices of flights arriving into Providence. It is only a 50-minute bus ride to Boston. Southwest Airlines, which can offer significantly lower rates, does not fly directly into Boston so what you’ll lose in convenience, you’ll gain in savings. 3. Book a package deal. Websites such as Orbitz.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and Travelocity.com all offer packages that will save you money by purchasing air and hotel together. You may even want to check directly with the hotel to see if they are offering a lower rate than advertised online. 4. Stay at a local B&B or rent a furnished apartment. Normally, they end up being cheaper and give you a better feel of what living in Boston is really like. Two companies that offer many prime Boston locations are The Bed and Breakfast Agency of Boston (http://www.boston-bnbagency.com/) and The Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony (http://www.bnbboston.com/). 5. Ride the MBTA (also known as the “T”). This is the subway and bus system that covers all of Boston. Driving and parking in Boston can be frustrating and expensive. If you plan on seeing many sights, you can pick up a visitor pass for a flat fee of $7.50 for one day, $18 for three days, or $35 for seven days. Most rides are $1.25 otherwise. 6. Buy a Boston CityPass (http://www.citypass.com/). This allows you to see six of Boston’s most famous attractions for 50% off the price and avoid the ticket lines. You can purchase this pass online or at the first attraction you visit for $36.75 for adults and $25.50 for youths. These include the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the JFK Library & Museum. 7. Spend time at the free attractions. You can enjoy the street performers and browse the shops at Quincy Market. Go for a walk on the Freedom Trail. Spend time in Boston Common, the oldest US park. Ride its famous swan boats for under three dollars. Go to the Harvard University Art Museums on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon to receive free admission. Other museums offer specials as well so check their websites. 8. Use coupons. Check with your travel company or with the hotel you are staying with for specials and coupons. When I booked my trip to Las Vegas through Expedia.com, I was given a booklet at my hotel with numerous discounts throughout the city. If you are a member of AAA, give them a call to see what deals they offer. You can even check an attraction’s main website. Follow these tips above and you can save significantly on your upcoming trip to Boston. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Courtesy of Travelticket.net, http://www.travelticket.net We feature crazy travel stories and travel information.Have a crazy travel story to share? Send it to us right through the site.

About the Author

Courtesy of Travelticket.net, http://www.travelticket.net We feature crazy travel stories and travel information.Have a crazy travel story to share? Send it to us right through the site.

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat by James "Doc" Lewis

As the owner/operator of a full service boat detailing-yacht maintenance business I can't help but chuckle sometimes at seeing the extremes that otherwise bright, intelligent, successful, people will go to in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars.

One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed.

According to Rob Scanlan, a well known and respected Master Marine Surveyor;

yacht1ship@aol.com (Email)

www.mastermarinesurveyor.com (Web site)

Here is an outline of the standard procedures we use when preparing a yacht to be put up for sale:

1. Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Boat

Note: For this part, pay attention to everything you see and unless your memory is a lot better than mine, make notes on a piece of paper for later.

Wash and chamois-dry your boat top to bottom including transom.

clean Isenglass and other ports/windows

wipe down and dress all aluminum/stainless

clean and dress vinyl seats

wipe down fly bridge and cockpit

vacuum exterior carpet

clean and dress nonskid

2. Stand Back and Survey the Boat

Note: Bring your list and organize it with the following outline

* Put yourself in the buyers shoes, be critical, the buyer will.

Is it shiny? It's the first thing most people notice.

What about the smell? People have a way of getting used to almost anything. Get a second opinion and see the hint below.

Is all hardware intact and presentable? Just because you've used that broken table for years and are rather fond of it, to anyone else, it's just a broken table.

What about dings, any damage to the fiberglass? Aside from the fact that broken gelcoat can let water into the core of the lay-up and delaminate the fiberglass, it just plain looks BAD.

What about rust? You are probably thinking right now; (what's a little rust on a boat?) Let me tell you. A little rust on a boat is a sure sign that the owner let's little things go by unnoticed and if there is one thing there are always more. What about oil changes? I wonder if he flushed out the outboard after use? The object of this little exercise is to make the boat look like you are conscientious and a stickler for having everything perfectly "SHIP SHAPE."

One more little tip that you have probably already thought of. Take a look around the boat and remove EVERYTHING that isn't part of the boat.

EXAMPLE:

Make a list of things that need attention, and get it taken care of. A few dollars spent now will pay back in spades when the time comes to show your boat. Anything that isn't right will stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, be noticed and start the price spiraling down. (if it doesn't just send them scurrying off shaking their heads)

3. Prioritize the Job

With your list you are in good shape to decide what needs to be done and whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have it done by a professional.

What about those little chips and dings in the gelcoat?

I remember, years ago, someone saying something about being penny wise and pound foolish? Let's not let them be saying that about us.

Houseboat Manufacturers by Peter Lenkefi

Houseboat Rental by Peter Lenkefi

Houseboats Types by Peter Lenkefi

Maintaining Your Boat by Ray La Foy

Adventures In Boat Building – Your Own Grand Banks Dory by Sanjib Ahmad

Imagine having your boat, and not just an ordinary boat. Imagine building with your own hand and being the proud owner of a Grand Bankers Dory. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines dory as: Dory n. pl. Dories A small, narrow, flatbottom fishing boat with high sides and a sharp prow. The common Dory size ranges from 10 feet to 14 feet in length and can hold from 3 to 5 persons. A Grand Banks Dory is usually 16 feet in length. The traditional Grand Banks Dory is also notable as a seaworthy vessel. The fishermen have successfully sailed with the Dory many miles of the North Atlantic Ocean under varied weather conditions. The Grand Banks Dory has a strong shear line. The outward curve of sides near the bow is well defined. The Dory also has a sharp entry point so that it cuts through the water easily and with speed. The bottom of the boat is flat and doesn't have keels or skegs. This makes the boat slide along waves with little resistance. The Dory rows well and can be fitted with a sail rig. The Grand Banks Dory could be built from your home and in your pastime. It could be a relaxing hobby while providing the opportunity to showoff your friends and family that you are building a boat. You don't need carpentry skills to build your Grand Banks Dory but it can help if you do. You can build your own 16 Foot long Grand Banks Dory in as little as 2 - 3 weeks. All of the materials needed for this project can be picked up at any local hardware store and lumberyard. The recommended method to plank your boat is with White Pine. The Grand Banks Dory is a great investment. If properly cared for, it can easily last 30+ years. If you want to learn how-to build your own Grand Banks Dory you can try Wilbert Weir's step-by-step instructional ebook Banker Dory Plans. About The Author: Sanjib Ahmad – Freelance Writer and Product Consultant for Sports-rec.Marc8.com (http://sports-rec.marc8.com/). You are free to use this article in its entirety as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content, and include the resource box listed above. Copyright Sanjib Ahmad - http://sports-rec.marc8.com

Avoid Boat Buying Fraud by Tim Gottschalk

If you have attempted to sell a boat (or car, etc.) on the internet, chances are you may have come across prospective buyers offering to buy your boat for more than it is worth. The story usually goes something like this. They email you telling you they like your boat. They (or their client) want to buy the boat, and have you ship it overseas to Nigeria, or some similar country. The prospective buyer will send you a cashier's check for more than the amount. The buyer may tell you this additional amount will be used to cover the shipping cost. Another tact they use is to tell you they have a debtor in the US that owes them money. You settle with the debtor for the amount of the boat, and send them the difference.If you are approached with this situation, Please proceed with extreme caution. These scammers will go to the trouble of sending you a check via certified mail that is a forgery. At first glance the checks appear real. But in reality are not worth the paper they are printed on. Just remember; certified checks are NOT GUARANTEED. Your bank will honor the check and give you cash against it. A counterfeit cashier's check may not be discovered until weeks after it has been cashed. When the forgery is discovered, you will be held responsible for the funds drawn on this check!Not only will you be out the money, your boat is now overseas. It will be very difficult to prosecute someone from a foreign country.We recommend if you are dealing with someone overseas, make sure you do thorough background checks. Get as much information about the buyer as possible. Also try to use a 3rd party escrow company for the funds, to help protect you.And finally- IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!If you have been victimized by the Nigerian scam forward appropriate documentation to the United States Secret Service, Financial Crimes Division, 950 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20223. Don’t expect much help though. The Secret Service has not jurisdiction in these countries. They cannot force the Nigerian Government or Police to act.

About the Author

Tim Gottschalk operates several boating related websites including: http://www.houseboatingworld.com andhttp://www.netboater.com - featuring boatsfor sale. He has been an avid boater for over 20 years.

Boat Dock Accessories by Thomas Holley

Boat dock accessories can help customize your boat dock to be not only more functional, but also more enjoyable for yourself and others you may take on boating adventures.There are a variety of different boat dock accessories available for you to purchase to outfit your boat dock and turn it in to the boat dock of your dreams.If you use your dock not only as a place to store your boat, but also as a location to entertain, you may want to consider boat dock accessories such as a gazebo or another type of shaded roof structure. Purchasing some sort of shaded roof structure will allow you to spend time out on your boat dock during warmer months without being completely exposed to the sun. A shaded roof can give you an indoor refuge while you are still outdoors, and surrounded by water on your boat dock.You may also want to include, along with a shaded roof or gazebo, some sort of boat dock accessory that will provide seating for you and your guests while on the dock. Boat dock accessories such as benches can not only provide seating, but depending on the bench that you choose can also make your boat dock more attractive to look at.Installing a permanent bench can also prevent you from having to carry chairs down to the dock each time you want to spend time on it, and an attached bench can help prevent your seating from being blown over, or even blown away during heavy winds.The addition of a swimming ladder off the side of your boat dock can also allow for more enjoyable entertaining, allow guests to enter and exit the water with ease.Functionality wise, there are several boat dock accessories to choose from that can make wonderful additions to your boat dock.Some popular functionality based boat dock accessories include bumpers to protect your dock when your boat and dock have an unplanned meeting, gates to keep unwanted guests and children off of your dock, and storage closets, for all of your gear.What boat dock accessories you choose depends greatly on how large your boat dock is, and what you plan on using the dock for. When purchasing boat dock accessories, have the picture of your ideal dock in mind and purchase accessories, that will help make your boat not only more functional but fun!

About the Author

Thomas Holley is owner of Pontoon-Boat-Products.com where you can find all your pontoon boat products and accessories. Pontoon-Boat-Products.com, because we know where you'd rather be. Also, be sure and sign up for our free newsletter, "The Pontoon Boating Life."

Boating Myths - Part I by News Canada

Houseboat Manufacturers by Peter Lenkefi

Since the discovery that an entire house can be put on top of a boat and made to float up and down the river in leisure, boatyards have never been the same. Day in and day out, these yards have been trying as much as possible to surpass each other with elegant, sporty or royal deisgns to appeal to a wide range of individuals and boat renting companies.

We take a lot at the big companies in this area and how each differs from the other in small or great terms.

JRW Mfg. (http://www.adventurecraft.com/) offers boaters the opportunity to own luxurious yet affordable houseboats. Based in Palmetto, Florida , it has to date produced over 250 houseboats which are distributed through its dealer network.

JRW has the 28.5 foot boat which costs $30,000 .

Their flagship houseboat features two sleeping quarters, four cabin seating areas, a gallery, a head with shower and portable toilet, a fiberglass tri-maran hull, a walk-around deck, two dining areas, a lounge deck with molded chairs and a roomy 6-foot-4 headroom. Buyers have the option of a flybridge with dual steering, an A/C and heating package, an aluminum trailer, navigational equipment, a refrigerator, a generator and a hot-water heater.

Catamaran Cruisers (http://www.catamarancruiser.com/) is another giant in the houseboat building industry.

Located in Columbia, Tennessee it has earned a high reputation for producing user-friendly and low priced crafts.

The company's LiL Hobo trailerable featuring 56 gallons of freshwater storage, gas heater and tinted window and Aqua Cruiser lines are the most popular. Their boats range from 35 feet to 62 feet.

Catamaran boats have fiberglass hulls which enables the craft to lift and effortlessly glide over water. They also have gelcoat fiberglass exteriors and non-skid fiberglass decks and roof.

The company sells about 200 crafts each year.

Destination Yachts (http://destinationyachts.com/) is uniquely headed by Sheldon Graber, a boat building veteran .

Destination yatch has a great product line including houseboats with floor plans of 37x10, 45x14, 53x14 and 60x16.

The company's Destination Q-Series boats come with .125 aluminum twin hulls and exterior decking. The cabin exterior walls are made of fiberglass and all rails are powder coated.

The company is found at Montgomery, IN and has to date sold about 80 houseboats.

Houseboat building is an art of its own. Over the years, companies have included a lot of domestic luxuries into their product line in response to customer demand and partly as part of their own desire to outcompete each other. The trend to come is clear - more and more household utilities shall find their way into houseboats until apart from the engine whining, someone on board will never know he is living in a houseboat.

About The Author

Peter Lenkefi

For more more information about houseboat manufacturers please visit http://www.luxury-houseboats.net.

plenkefi@yahoo.com.au

Houseboat Rental by Peter Lenkefi

You have lived on ground almost all your life so its about time to wake up to a new life on a boat. Houseboating has become a popular past time for both the young and old, especially attracted by the thrill of living on rivers and lakes and enjoying its green banks. Of late, housbeoating rental companies have tried to add a lot of incentives to this boating holiday to make visitors feel like they are in an urban setting. Some boats now feature fully connected satelite tv, gas cookers, radios, etc.

You can book a houseboat for a day, two weeks or a month as your plans require. Ther are several companies offering visitors the ability to rent their boats and explore rivers upstream or downstream, seeing lakes and rivers in all their beauty and scenery. For bird watchers and environmental enthusiasts, this is a great opportunity to combine a holiday with business exploration..

Going on a houseboating adventure differs not much from an ordinary camping. You need to take enough suplies but not bedding as the houseboats are equiped with beds and sitting room furniture to imitate everyday household living conditions. You may however need to take along food and drink supplies . Of late some people, send along water skis and some fishing rods to do some fishing.

One company at the forefront of houseboat renting is Sunset Marina & Resort, loacted at Sunset Marina & Resort Sunset Dock Rd.Byrdstown, TN and online at http://www.sunsetmarina.com. The company has a new 20' wide boat which can be used to explore the entire Dale Hollow Lake at a great comfort. The boat has 6 private bedrooms with closets, 2 full baths and a fly bridge with canopy top and hot tubs.

If you intend to go on a houseboat vacation, you will have to know something about the high and low seasons. During the high seasosn, expect to pay as much as $1,500 to $3,000 a week depnding on facilities available. A low season price can be between $800 to $1500 depending on facilities again.

Find out from the boating company which routes the craft will pass. If you intend to go on environmental or eco holiday, you will need rivers with a lot of wild life scenery and game. If you intend to do fishing, you will need a river with a lot of fresh water fish.

Also, make a good assessment of how much space you will need so that you do not waste space or find yourself overcrowded.

Take along food supplies even if you are assured of sale by local stores. Though these stores will relieve you of the burden of carrying food all the way to the rivers, they cannot be counted on all the time as they may close for one reason or the other.

Houseboating is one holiday option you will love to patronise. Rivers, lakes and waterfronts all help to create an atmosphere of nature, quite relieving you from the concerns of urban neighborhoods.

About The Author

Peter Lenkefi

For more more information about houseboat rental please visit http://www.used-houseboats.net.

plenkefi@yahoo.com.au

How to Create A Romantic Dinner for Two on a Pontoon Boat by Thomas Holley

Before you pick up the phone to make reservations for that romantic dinner for two...STOP. Instead of battling traffic, waiting in line for your table and being at the mercy of the other diners sitting at your elbow, why not jump on the pontoon and head out to the water? With a little imagination, foresight, and moonlight, you can create a romantic dinner for two that your date will never forget. The most important part of creating this memorable evening is in the planning. You don't want to be in the middle of dinner and realize that you've forgotten something important like silverware or a corkscrew. So, let's start at the beginning and work through the details. First of all, check the weather. Nothing will ruin your dinner quicker than a storm or rough water. Secondly, dock your boat prior to picking up your date. Trailering and launching can often be stressful and it's important that you and your date are completely relaxed from the moment you step on the boat, until you step off. Make sure all of your supplies are loaded into the boat prior to arriving with your date. Check for the exact time the sun is setting and plan to arrive at precisely that moment. Using easy to find outdoor light strings, ensconce your pontoon with dangling icicles of light, (Don't forget to plug them in before you arrive with your date.) a few well-positioned flower petals on the deck wouldn't be a bad idea either. There is nothing more romantic than walking your significant other down the pier to a softly glowing pontoon enveloped in the pinks and blues of a setting sun. When planning your meal, you have several options. Although many boats are equipped with grills, nothing takes the fire out of romance quicker than having to cook before you can sit down. For this reason, it's recommended that you consider cooking your meal at home first or picking it up from your favorite restaurant. Keeping it hot or cold is no problem with a thermoelectric cooler. This is a wonderfulproduct sold by Coleman that can not only keep your food at serving temperature but will hold ice and beverages as well. Food umbrellas are the perfect way to keep pesky insects out of your meal and can be purchased inexpensively. Setting the table is important and if your boat is docked, this can be done prior to the start of your date. If you're planning on heading out to the middle of the lake, however, you may have to wait until you've chosen your spot to complete this task. There are several picnic sets available that will keep all of your dining items in one place or for a little more class, pack it all up in a beautiful wicker basket. Your date will be pleasantly suprised as you pull your table settings, candles, and champagne from the basket with a little flourish. Don't forget the tablecloth! When you've finished your meal, simply pack it right back up in the basket. Clean up's a breeze. Follow dinner with an amazing dessert from the local bakery and a delightful cup of fresh brewed coffee and then sit back and enjoy the romantic music you have softly playing in the background. If you follow these easy tips and throw in a few special touches of your own, the next time you suggest dinner, don't be suprised if it has to be on the boat.

About the Author

Kiteboating by Jakob Jelling

Just when you think that kiting can be for only a board, think again. With the inception of bigger and more powerful kites, the ability to speed up or move larger objects became a reality. Enter a new extreme sport Kiteboating. Imagine paddling along in a one – three man craft with kite harnessing the wind and speeding you along and over huge waves. It can happen with kiteboating.There are many different models of wave riders that provide the exact same functionality. The fact of the matter is that they all rely solely on the wind. Some creative kiteboaters have crafted single and multiple kiteboats. These boats resemble canoes, kayaks, and even an outrigger. There are professional races that are run from time-to-time. As with any extreme boating sport you must exercise the utmost caution and understand how close people are to your boat and wires. You will need to know weather conditions and safety procedures should you run into trouble along the way. Most individual kiteboats start in the $1500 area and go up exponentially. Companies like Naish and Ronstan provide quality equipment and hardware should you have the urge to go kiteboating. Although this sport is picking up in popularity, there are various places around the globe you can kiteboat on vacation.If you are just starting out in the paraboating realm, you may wish to get trained by a certified instructor who will teach you how to harness your kite and how to get it air bound should it fall from the sky. You also should take a water safety course should you need the proper training later on. All kiteboaters should wear a floatation device should their boat sink or their kite get away from them. They never know how far from shore they may be.As with any sport learning to fly your kite first will help later on when deciding which type to purchase. You may wish to purchase a 2 or 4 line harness. It is strongly suggested that you do not attempt to kiteboat without lessons. Make sure to observe all activity around you should you have more than one kiteboater in your area.

About the Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com. Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding lessons, places to surf and much more!

Lighting for Boat Docks by Thomas Holley

Lighting your boat dock is important for the safety of you and your passengers when entering and exiting your vessel in the dark, and can also be a wonderful feature to have should you want to entertain on your boat dock after the sun has set. Boat dock lighting also ensures that yourself, or others do not unexpectedly end up in the water during the nighttime hours.There are a variety of different boat dock lighting options available. What choice you make for your particular boat dock lighting has a lot to do with what you plan on doing on the boat dock, and how much money you are willing to spend to light it. You can light your boat dock very simply for a minimal amount of money. Or, you can light your boat dock much more elaborately should your budget be big enough.A boat dock can be lit with a simple floodlight that is linked to your home's power and turned on when you depart for a trip, and simply turned off upon your return. Installing a simple flood light can solve your need to light the dock, at a minimal cost, and can ensure that your boat dock is a safe one late in the evening.Those who plan on doing some entertaining, on their boat dock may want to opt for a more elaborate boat dock lighting plan than a simple flood light. Boaters who often go out at night in their boat may also want to opt for more elaborate and expensive lighting for their boat dock. This type of lighting usually comprised of several lights placed around the dock to ensure that every inch of the dock is visible.Lighting your boat dock properly can help ensure that you can see the dock well when returning from a voyage, and don't damage your boat or the dock when you attempt to dock the boat upon your return. A dock that is not lit properly can lend to boats accidentally hitting a corner and damaging the boat or the dock.Traditional boat dock lights are often more rugged in structure than traditional lights and are designed to be able to withstand the elements they might face while attached to a boat dock.Boat dock lights can make your boat dock not only a safer but also a much more enjoyable place. Boat dock lights can make night swimming a possibility, and can allow yourself and guests to spend time on the deck well into the night without ever being in the dark.

About the Author

Thomas Holley is owner of www.Pontoon-Boat-Products.comPontoon boat products and accessories for the pontoon boat enthusiast. Be sure and sign up for our free newsletter, "The Pontoon Boating Life."

Maintaining Your Boat by Ray La Foy

The minute you buy your boat, you have to start thinking about your boat maintenance and upkeep schedule. First, you need to either personally inspect your boat or to hire a professional boat inspector. If you choose to hire an inspector, take note of his recommendations in terms of things to watch out for and the maintenance weaknesses of your boat. Local boat traders may have their own inspector for you to hire. Keep in mind that after checking your boat, there are several things you need to do in order for you to keep it in tip-top shape. Boat washing and boat wax It is recommended that you wash your boat once or twice a week. This is to ensure that your boat’s finish lasts for a long time. A lot of damage can be done to your boat by animal droppings, acid rain, salt, and dirt. Your boat is made of different types of material such as canvas, fiberglass, and metal. This means that cleaning your boat requires that you pay attention to cleaning these specific materials. Different cleaners and cleansers are available for all materials, and be sure to check your local discount marine supplies store. As for the boat wax, it is important because it maintains the value and look of your boat for the long run. There are different types of boat wax available, and most boat traders recommend a double layer application of paste wax. It is often suggested to get natural instead of chemical products, in order to preserve the finish of your boat. Interior boat detailing Interior boat detailing is a more extensive procedure than simple boat washing. It involves polishing different materials on your boat such as wood or metal. Special care is given to your windows and blinds as well. The interiors are even vacuumed, and every nook and cranny is cleaned. When done by professionals, it can really improve the look of your boat. It is important to have steam-cleaning procedures done on your boat’s carpet, canvas, and upholstery as well. This attention to detail can prevent termite and bacteria problems that deteriorate the quality, value, and performance of your boat. Boat bottom cleaning While most boat maintenance services focus on the visible parts of your boat, it is cleaning your boat bottom (the part that has contact with the water) that is most important. The bottom of your boat should be routinely inspected and cleaned. The danger is that barnacles and algae will attach themselves to your boat bottom, affecting your boat’s speed and performance. The more frequently you use your boat, the more it needs bottom cleaning. Most boating enthusiasts even say that routine bottom cleaning saves them on fuel. Be sure to hire experts who provide services with preventive growth treatments. By making a habit of having your boat maintained, you are insured of getting the best boating experience possible. Also, don’t postpone repairs when they are urgently needed. Remember – dirty, unkempt boats are best left at the dock. About the author: Boating Fun Learn more at http://www.bestboatfinder.com

Night Boat Fishing Checklist by Daniel Eggertsen

Boat Fishing At Night Checklist

Here is an easy checklist of items you will need before you head out for a night fishing trip.

** Two Flashlights with new batteries in each.

-Sure enough, one of those flashlights is not going to work when you get out on the water. Of course, this usually happens when you only have one flashlight with you.

(While it isn't mandatory, if you are serious about night fishing, you should have an Evening Secret on your boat - for maximum catching at night.) (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/boat-prep.php)

** Pair of needle nose pliers

-Since it is harder to see your line at night than during the day, you have a greater chance of hooking the fish deeper than usual with the delayed reaction time. The pliers will make your life much easier in these cases.

** Insect repellant

-A good mosquito repellant is critical to your sanity on the water. We have used "Skin-so-soft" by Avon and I think it works the best out of any of them. Anything with deet is better than nothing at all.

** Plenty of lures, line, extra rod & reel, etc

-This is an obvious one.

** Extra fuse for the boat.

-If you blow a fuse out on the water and your boat lights go out, you could be in trouble.

** Blacklight

- Using a blacklight with a clear blue fluorescent line will really help you see those hits faster.

** Spare boat battery

- Running all of those lights, blacklights, etc can put a strain on your battery. Better safe than sorry.

** First Aid kit

- Whether you end up with a snake bite or get hooked by your buddy's cast, you will need proper medication, Band-Aids and peroxide, etc.

** Cell Phone

- Although sometimes you may find it difficult to get a good signal on the water, a cell phone can literally save your life if you get into trouble.

There are many other things you should pack for your trip. These are just some of the bigger items we have found useful in the past.

About The Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/boat-prep.php)

Observing the Marine Life When Boating by Valerie Giles

"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean, there is a lot of marine life to observe and appreciate. We boat in the Pacific Northwest off the west coast around the islands and straits of the Pacific Ocean. The sea life here is exceptional. Following are some of our wonderful experiences." One of the most powerful sights is that of large pods of Orca whales, or Killer whales as they are often referred to, as they migrate off the coast. Sometimes there can be several in these pods including mother whales and their babies. Orca whales are quite beautiful to see. Their black and white bodies glisten in the sunlight each time they appear near the water surface or do a breach jump. Usually the babies follow their mothers. It is quite possible to watch them for hours without getting tired. Boaters must be careful and remain a respectable distance from the whales, as most whales are endangered. You do not want to interfere with their normal migration routes and movements. It is possible to see Orca whales up close in captivity, and they are splendid animals. But when you can actually see them in their normal environment in the ocean, it is magnificent. How fortunate we are to be able to go boating for a few days and have them entertain us along the way. Another sea mammal that I always enjoy watching is the dolphin or the porpoise. They too can be found off the west coast. These mammals are so sleek and they can swim at very fast speeds. As they jump and slice through the surface of the water they are quite entertaining. Most people have seen dolphins in action at the various aquariums around the world. Well they do the same in the wild. They make me laugh. I think that they actually enjoy an audience! Living in the Pacific North West, we are very aware of the salmon industry. When boating, there are many small fishing boats out with their nets during the fisheries openings for the various kinds of salmon. It is fun to watch them jump. Seals are also very good fishermen. You can be sure that when the salmon are plentiful around the mouths of the large rivers, you will see a lot of seals. They love to fish for salmon, much to the chagrin of the commercial fishermen. They can be seen swimming through the waters, or sunning themselves on large logs or rocky outcroppings along the shoreline. The bark of a seal is loud and comical to hear and they are another creature that can entertain west coast boaters. When the salmon are running, you will find another fisherman, one with wings. There are many Bald Eagles on the west coast and they also enjoy a good salmon dinner. These are very majestic birds. Their soaring overhead is something to be marveled at. The black and white features really stand out against the sky as they glide and then swoop down for a fish. Sea otters can sometimes be seen around large beds of kelp. In particular I have seen many when boating in our Bayliner, off the coastline from British Columbia to California. These sea creatures are very timid, so you must give them space. They love to float on their backs and eat sea urchins or play in the water, rolling over and over. Often you can see them playing in pairs. Sea otters are my husband’s favorite sea mammals. He loves to watch them play. They really are very cute. If you have watched them, I’m sure you will agree. As well as these mammals, the coast offers wonderful creatures that attached themselves to the rocks and driftwood or coral. Sea anemones are absolutely beautiful, as are the many colored starfish. Anenomes are found in white, pale green and soft pinks with large fluffy plumes. Starfish are found in ranges of bright orange to deep purple. They can be very tiny and fragile or very large. Some measure several inches across. Sea cucumbers, barnacles, sand dollars, oysters, mussels and crabs are all found along the coastline. I love to walk on docks at marinas when the tide is out and see some of these shell fish in tiny pools of water. You can often get up quite close to see them better. All in all we are very fortunate in this area to be able to see so many creatures. Many of which are not seen by most people around the world. They enhance our environment and our boating experiences. It is important that we remember to respect all of these creatures in their natural environments, so as not to interfere with nature’s course. Valerie Giles owns and operates Boats, Anchors and More http://www.boats-anchors-and-more.com a boating resource site featuring boat accessories, boat chartering, new & used boats, fishing lure manufacturers, inflatable boats, outerwear, thermal underwear & sunglasses. Everything you need for the boating season. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Pontoon Boat Mood Lights by Thomas Holley

Many pontoons boats are equipped with mood lightning that can enhance your overall experience while riding on a pontoon boat. In some cases the mood lighting in concealed within the boat, in other cases not, but mood lighting can always add a special flair to nighttime pontoon boating.Mood lighting can help transform your pontoon boat party in a charmingly wonderful affair. Mood lighting provides a minimal amount of lighting so that you can still get the feeling of being out underneath the stars without accidentally tripping over your neighbor and falling into the water.In some pontoon boat models the mood lighting is attached underneath the seats on the pontoon boat. This concealed form of lighting makes the lights unobtrusive during the day, and makes it so unsightly lights do not compromise the overall aesthetics of your pontoon boat. The lights hidden under the seats are also less susceptible to accidental breakages.Other pontoon boat models will hide their mood lights in other locations. In some cases mood lighting is located on the stairs of the vessel, or some other similar location. For the most part mood lighting is put into pontoon boats as a safety feature to ensure that passengers are always able to see what's going on around them on the pontoon boat. Mood lighting decreases unnecessary injuries, and overall pontoon owner satisfaction. There could be nothing worse than cutting off your pontoon boat late at night and not being able to locate your keys or the ignition to be able to turn the boat back on. Pontoon boat mood lighting provides an always-helpful minimal amount of light.Pontoon boat mood lighting can also be a wonderful way to set a romantic mood while out on the water during a late night pontoon ride. Just like dimly lit candles, pontoon boat mood lighting can help provide just enough light to make your late night romantic rendezvous memorable.No matter whether you are using mood lighting as a safety feature, or you are using mood lighting to literally set the mood, pontoon boat mood lighting is always a wonderful feature to have in any pontoon boat. Pontoon boat mood lighting is a feature that you won't realize how much you need it until you don't have it and are stuck in the dark wanting a very small amount of light to keep your pontoon boat ride going.

About the Author

Protecting Pontoon Boat Decks by Thomas Holley

The deck of your pontoon boat is often susceptible to the elements when your boat is left outside for storage and otherwise is subject to some exposure and wear and tear while you have the boat out on the water. In order to make sure your pontoon boat deck stays just as lovely as the day you purchased it, you will want to purchase some sort of device to allow you to protect your pontoon deck.The most common choice for pontoon deck protection is purchasing a deck cover to cover the deck of the pontoon boat when the boat is not in use. You can purchase pontoon boat deck covers that will only partially cover the boat, or covers that will cover the entire boat, protecting every inch against the elements.When your pontoon boat is continuously exposed to the elements it can become damaged easily, and wear out much more quickly than it would if you continuously use a pontoon boat cover over the duration of your ownership of the boat.Pontoon boat deck covers can be purchased in a variety of different sizes, designed to fit each individual pontoon boat perfectly. When purchasing a pontoon boat cover make sure you are purchasing a cover that is designed for the particular brand, model, and size of pontoon boat that you have. It is important for a pontoon boat cover to fit your pontoon boat well in order to ensure that it is as protected as possible by the cover.A pontoon boat that has been treated well, and routinely covered when not in use will also have a higher resale value than a comparable model that has not been protected. A regularly protected pontoon boat will look cleaner and newer overall, and be a much more desirable vessel for boating adventure.Another part of your pontoon boat deck to look at protecting is any seats and upholstered items that you have located on an exposed part of your deck. When exposed to the sun, the colors in these items tend to fade and can begin to look old and dilapidated. The upholstery in a chair that has never been sat in, can eventually wear out due to sun and wind exposure, as well as exposure to other elements. For this reason it is important to cover your deck and upholstery when your pontoon boat is not in use. You may also want to consider purchasing a canopy of some sort to go over the deck; this can help not only shield your furniture from harmful UV rays, but your passengers as well.

About the Author

Safe Boating... All Summer Long by News Canada

(NC)—In Canada, studies show boating is a safe family activity. Almost every problem we hear about is the result of a stupid decision – mixing alcohol with boating and/or ignoring safety regulations. There are some very simple ways to keep you and your family safe while boating.

Don't mix alcohol and water. In a Red Cross Society study, two-thirds of boating injury victims – where the blood alcohol level was recorded – had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. In addition to being illegal, it's clearly a dangerous idea to operate a boat and drink.

Always carry enough Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) for each person on board. For water-skiing, fishing or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. It's now even easier to find the ideal PFD because they're available in a wide array of colours and patterns. Choose one to match your swimsuit or boat and make sure it fits properly! The Red Cross Society study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a PFD or lifejacket correctly!

Boating, practiced by smart boaters is safe. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you're guaranteed to have a great time boating all summer long.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Selecting the Right Boat Broker by Captain Marty Ward

When you’re interested in listing your boat for sale, selecting the right boat broker is the key to having an easy and effortless transaction. To help you find the boat broker who is right for you, follow these ten tips. Any broker can take your listing and advertise your boat in the trade magazines. But the best brokers have an undeniable passion for boats and boating. Make sure any boat broker you’re considering meets all ten of these criteria and you’re bound to have a quick and easy sale:1. Is affiliated with an established brokerage firm. Reputation is key in this industry, where fly-by-night brokerage firms are a dime a dozen. Make sure the broker you select is affiliated with a reputable, long-standing firm, with a history of at least 20 years in the business. Bigger is definitely better – the more boats a firm has listed, the more potential customers will be looking at your boat. Make sure the firm is licensed and insured. Ask to see their certificates before you sign on the bottom line.2. Offers free appraisals of boats. Nothing is harder for a broker than trying to sell an overpriced boat. On the other hand, nothing is more frustrating for a seller than feeling like you’re not getting the best value for your boat. The best boat brokers are experienced enough to provide an honest evaluation of your boat’s condition. This allows them to quickly establish a fair-market value for the boat, from their own experience and current market trends, so you receive top dollar and a quicker sale. 3. Is a savvy negotiator. Experienced boat brokers know what the market will stand. They know what the typical margin is for offers and counteroffers. They can steer you away from frustrating interactions with buyers and sellers before they happen and they can keep small obstacles from becoming deal-breakers.4. Uses a Central Listing Agreement. To maximize your exposure, you want a broker who has an incentive to sell your boat. A Central Listing Agreement establishes a one-on-one relationship with your broker, and outline’s the broker’s commitment to advertising, promoting, and co-brokering the sale of your boat.5. Has a solid network of brokerage contacts. Good brokers establish and maintain positive working relationships with other reputable brokers to give you the maximum exposure to potential buyers. They enlist other brokers to show your boat, no matter where it’s located, to facilitate a quick sale.6. Has long-term, established connections with boaters. Boaters like personal relationships. They like buying boats from people they know, trust, and respect. The more boaters your broker knows, the larger your pool of potential buyers. The best brokers have a lifetime of industry contacts, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Look for a broker who has established contacts in the boating industry. These contacts may come from a wide range of places: teaching classes, owning and operating a sailing school, being active in boating-related charitable activities, crewing for racing teams, being active in Olympic-related boating events, etc.7. Has hands-on boating experience. A broker who has spent time aboard sailboats and yachts can more easily point out to potential buyers how the benefits of your boat match their desires. They can also give you quick and easy pointers for minor “fix-ups” on your boat that will create enormous additional value for a buyer. 8. Has a history of going “above and beyond.” Being a good broker takes more than sharp sales skills. Good brokers have a history of going that extra mile for their customers. But don’t just take a broker’s word for their commitment to you. Select a broker who has gone “above and beyond” in their personal life and you’re guaranteed to find a broker who will do the same for you. 9. Is driven to succeed and to support the success of others. A competitive edge is important in a boat broker. It’s equally important that your broker has a desire to create a win-win situation so both the seller and the buyer come away from the transaction feeling valued and satisfied. Look for evidence that your boat broker is both competitive and a team player, such as taking part in racing events, as both crew and support personnel.10. Is willing to point out the strengths of your boat and offers possible solutions to any problem areas. The best brokers won’t sugar coat the condition of your boat, just to get your listing. They’ll be the first to point out areas that might be “stoppers” for a potential buyer. They will also work with you to design a strategy that includes possible solutions you’re comfortable with so these “stoppers” don’t become deal breakers. This way, your broker can help you sell your boat more quickly, in a manner that makes financial sense to you.

About the Author

Marty Ward is a yacht broker with Bollman Yachts. Sailing since 1963, Ward has cruised and raced from Maine to Bermuda, including as a member of the winning 2000 Rolex team. She has served on racing committees including the Melges, and the Olympic Yngling trials. For a free, no-risk appraisal of your boat, contact Marty at 954-761-1122 or via email at marty@bollmanyachts.com

Stocking up your Boat by Ieuan Dolby

The engine has always been my greatest problem and I have this constant nightmare of breaking down whilst away from shore. The last thing that I want to do is to call for help and admit to everybody that I was not ready. Spanners, screwdrivers, engine tool kit and a few essential spares are of course a necessity but the Chain Block and the torque wrench, the hydraulic spanner and the ten-pound hammer? I am not so sure that I will ever really need them at sea.

What are you going to do with them? Lift the engine off the block and do a complete strip down whilst bobbing on the water? Let us look into this before we dive in and fill the boat up full to the brim with unessential items. Before we fill up the cabin drawers with tools of all shapes and sizes and electrical equipment that would stretch your power supply to its limits. It must be remembered that if the problem is a serious one then nine times out of ten you will not have the correct spare part anyway! So what do you really need before you make a storeroom out of every available space onboard?

There is no pride to think of when you breakdown. Safety is of a higher priority.

About The Author

Teak-The Care of Boat Hardwoods by James "Doc" Lewis

Whether it be a lovely piece of teak furniture sitting elegantly on the aft deck of a luxury yacht, or a 12" by 12" inch pad under a sheet winch on a daysailer, there's just something about teak that says "salty."

As beautiful as it is here on The Emerald Coast where I write this, it only takes a few days to see the effects of air pollutants and intense sunlight on anything left outside.

Preparation

Regardless of the method of preservation used the first thing which must be done is to clean and restore the teak to its natural state.

So take your time, use plenty of water to rinse away all of the soap and residue of previous products and allow at least 24 hours drying time before your first coat.

Now the choices begin.

Teak Oil

Teak oil is one of the oldest and in many ways easiest methods of maintaining the natural look to teak.

More choices, linseed or tung oil. In general, tung oil is a more refined version of linseed oil. The higher quality/price is an individual call depending on the application.

Characteristics: Gives the wood a matte finish without shiny spots. Requires recoating periodically, 1-3 months depending on exposure factors. While teak oils, when properly applied and maintained resist and displace water they do not completely eliminate it's getting into the wood. (works well but requires frequent maintenance or will tend to turn black and degrade rapidly) A big plus is that unless the wood is very rough, no sanding should be required.

Teak Sealer

Sealers are a good choice for those who don't mind doing a little extra work at the beginning and end of the season in order to not have to worry about it during.

Characteristics: Teak treated with sealer is more water resistant than if treated with teak oil, has a more uniform appearance, and doesn't tend to turn black. Slightly more preparation required than with oil but if maintained will only have to be done once. (when wood is well prepared and the sealer applied correctly it will last up to a year between maintenance application) Only initial sanding required, (prior to first coat) none needed between coats.

Varnish

Ah, the beauty of a newly varnished teak deck.

On the plus side:

Offers real protection for the wood.

Wood will not dry out and split

" will not absorb moisture and rot

" is unaffected by dirt and pollution

" will not be stained by spills

The not-so-plus side:

* Varnishing any wood requires thorough and painstaking sanding and preparation.

* The standard for a ship-shape job is 7 coats with sanding between each coat. I've often done 12 to 14 to achieve desired results.

* Additional coats, with thorough sanding between, are required to maintain the look.

* The humidity must be low or a milky appearance will result, requiring more sanding to remove the affected coat.

Characteristics:

Poems have been written about the beauty of well varnished teak and I'll leave it to them to do their job on this one. From a purely practical point of view, if you have the time to do-it-yourself or the money to have a professional take care of it for you then varnish will preserve the wood better than any other method and at the same time be a beautiful accent to your yacht.

The Road Less Traveled

I should mention one more possibility before closing, one that I've used myself on a couple of occasions. If you watch old seafaring movies you've seen this one too. Teak decks can be scrubbed periodically with sea water and a stiff brush and will actually last about the same length of time as an oiled deck.

Whatever you decide, may all of your boating adventures be happy ones.

About The Author

The Care and Feeding of Your Clear Vinyl Boat Windows by James "Doc" Lewis

Strataglass®, Lexan®, Plexiglass®, Isenglass, Crystal Clear, Eisenglass, etc. Whatever you call it, it all comes from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which has certain definite characteristics.

1. Vinyl is a UV-sensitive material which degrades when exposed to sunlight.

2. A vinyl's topcoat holds in plasticizers, softening agents which keep vinyl supple.

3. Clear vinyl has NO topcoat. (The one exception to this rule is Strataglass, which has a protective coating. Unless otherwise noted, the advise in this article applies only to untreated clear vinyl and therefore excludes Strataglass.)

That's It! All you ever needed to know about vinyl boat windows in one easy lesson. Maintaining a topcoat and protecting against UV damage will keep vinyl looking good for years.

Let up, for as little as a month, in this climate, and, well, read on . . .

Q. What you mean Doc, you don't just hang um and forget um?

Who is that guy?

Think of it a little like your skin. With regular washing, sunscreen, and moisturizer our skin can take the Emerald Coast summer conditions without too much trouble. Eliminate one or more of these and stay outside 24/7 and we'll be looking 102 years old in no time, even if we're only 20.

Cleaning Procedure

At BoatDocs1 we start off by removing as much of the loose dirt as possible with a fine water spray. It's best to wet the entire surface giving the water time to soften anything stuck to the window. Next we gently wash the surface with a mild soap and water solution. (No detergents or harsh cleansers, PLEASE)

Next, give the window a thorough rinsing with more fresh water and then dry, either with a clean terry cloth towel or chamois.

After several years of experimentation and research we have been convinced beyond a doubt that the only product to use on vinyl is 303Products, Aerospace Protectant. I'll let you go to their web site and read their copy on why it's the best. But notice I said copy, not hype, because after using it for over a year I find their advertising to actually be a little understated.

Application improves visibility and reduces wear and scratching by reducing the coefficient of friction. In laymens terms this just means that it makes the surface slicker than snail snot. It also repels water, dust, dirt, salt, and ultra-violet radiation. (SPF 40) Added benefits are an anti-fog/anti-glare finish.

A monthly treatment will keep those curtains looking like new for many years.

And What About Strataglass®?

At the beginning of this article I mentioned that Strataglass doesn't fit the general recommendations for regular untreated vinyl windows. The reason behind this is that it is treated, at the factory, with a special protective coating which if maintained in accordance with their recommendations will last the life of the fabric and prevent the chemical leaching which is the cause of problems for the untreated fabrics.

I don't want to get too far into specifics with this as they do have a website of their own and have care and cleaning advise which they offer their customers. If you have Strataglass® curtains on your boat I suggest going to their website at http://www.webworksgroup.com/projects/strata/beta2/index.html and seeing just what they suggest for their product.

What if we're too late?

If your vinyl windows have begun to show the effects of aging, we apologize.(should have told you sooner) We offer a restoration service consisting of fine polishing and a chemical treatment. (replacement of the plasticizers) In many cases we can eliminate most scratches, restore the translucent properties, and with continued maintenance with 303 Aerospace Protectant will add years to the effective life of your vinyl windows.

If you have some vinyl windows which you are thinking about replacing let us take a look and see what we can do. The service is quite reasonable when compared to the price of replacement.

Below is the step by step procedure we follow to bring back vinyl windows - hope it helps.

Overview:

Tools:

You should find all of these items at an automotive paint store. To start with you will need a variable speed electric drill (1000-1200 rpm) with a velcro backing plate which will accept foam rubber polishing pads. You will need 3 of the pads but an extra one will save some time when changing polish. Always reserve a pad for each compound or polish. While your there ask if they carry the fine, micro-polishing compounds made specifically for clear vinyl windows that you will use to actually remove the scratches. If the sales-person seems to know what they're talking about, pick his brain on what products he sells the most of for this purpose.

I have had excellent results with a 3-M product called "Finesse-it", which is used on both gelcoat and vinyl to good effect. If your trip to the automotive supply doesn't turn up anything better this will do the job and you can use what's left over on the rest of your boat.

Another product I recommend highly, is Meguiars, "Plastx" which is perfect for the finish (polish) runs with the pads. It also makes a good occasional cleaner and preservative throughout the year. It uses the Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, (MDAT), used in their paint and gelcoat polishes to produce a powerful, yet safe plastic cleaner. If the scratches are light you may get good results by using just this product and making a couple of passes with the buffer.

Procedure:

If you have some experience with polishing it's a plus although the technique used here is unique to the material and therefore will be learned as you go along.

We usually start with the smallest, or least noticeable window first to get an idea of the amount of work needed and to check the results. If there are several small pieces choose the one which is most damaged. After completing one is a good time to compare the work involved with the expense of replacing the window. If time isn't a prime consideration but money is, then this system will serve you well.

Step by Step:

Cleaning:

First thing is to thoroughly wash the window using a mild (Ivory is good) soap and water solution, rinsing well, and then drying gently with a soft cotton towel. I prefer old cloth diapers when I can get them but they have become nearly extinct in my neck of the woods. The main thing is to always use the softest, cleanest towel you can find on your windows and now is a good time to start.

Polishing:

After the window is dry lay it out on a firm, flat table with plenty of soft padding underneath. Make sure the padding is smooth and level or you'll leave edges as you polish. Set up your drill with the backing plate and the first pad and apply enough of the polish to the window to cover a 1 foot square section.

Immediately start buffing the section using light pressure and keeping the pad moving. The secret here is slow and easy, it's plastic not concrete. Keep it moist (use a water spray bottle) and when the compound is nearly used up, you'll get a feel for it, reapply to an adjoining section and repeat the procedure. Continue till the side has been done and then gently clean using the procedure outlined above for cleaning.

Finishing:

When the polishing and cleaning is completed (both sides) take a clean pad and apply the Plastx to the entire window following the same procedure as for the compound/polish. When the window has been completely covered take a clean cotton cloth and buff off the haze. The vinyl will absorb most of the Plastx which will help feed and restore the plasticizers.

A Couple of Tips on Vinyl:

About The Author

You are welcome to distribute this article via Email or on the Internet. The only provision is that it be published in it's entirety including this resource box. For print publication contact the author at Doc@boatdocs1.com Related articles will be found at www.boatdocs1.com

Tips on Buying a Boat by Keith Binnersley

I discovered sailing many years ago and found it to be a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family as well as a way to get away from the office and become totally entranced and absorbed with a world that I did not know existed. I love to sail, so much that I became a certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor. It has been 30 years now that I've sailed the Chesapeake Bay, East Coast U.S.A. and the Caribbean Islands and I've been fortunate to have owned a number sailing vessels, currently two Beneteau sail boats. I'm often asked by my students what to look for when making an investment in a sailing vessel. I often share the following seven tips and hope that you too may find some value in them. 1.) First carefully examine where you expect to use your boat, long term. Will it be on the Ocean, trans-Ocean, near the shore, in a Bay, on the Caribbean or all of the above. If you plan to sail Ocean or trans-Ocean then be sure that the construction is class "A" or rated for extended off shore passage making. 2.) Beware of the buying philosophy "I'll buy a smaller boat now and get a bigger one later." If you're buying new you will suffer two large depreciations. If buying used, the money you put into the first boat to bring it up to your own personal standards and needs will go a long way to paying a down payment or many monthly payments on the second boat. You will be upgrading the second boat anyway. Buy now what you expect to own for 5-10 years. 3.) Take into account the area where you will be sailing and who you will be sailing with. Decide on the type of berths that will be suitable for you, your family and your guests. For example, aft doubles aligned with the axis of the boat or an aft double that runs across the boat port to starboard. Although the latter tends to be larger and more comfortable in the slip it is definitely not a sea going berth. How easily does the main salon table convert into a berth and is it sturdy enough to do so repeatedly? In a pinch or in good weather can any one sleep in the cockpit? 4.) What is your likely cruising range? If just 2-4 days then water and diesel tankage can be respectively 20 and 80 gallons or less. If it is 5-10 days then a minimum would be 50 and 160. If you buy a boat with say 100 gallons diesel and 2-300 gallons water then the designer will have given up berth space to accommodate the tankage. Depending on the size of the boat the left over space may not be well utilized until you reach say a 50 ft. long boat. Look for living and storage space that is well utilized. Odd placement of the main salon settees, chart table and galley may indicate poor utilization of space and hence you may be paying good money for little advantage. 5.) Boats that are heavy displacement, say 28,000 lbs for say a 42 ft. boat rather than say 17,800 lbs for a medium displacement, 42 footer will need 10- 15 knots of wind to develop any kind of "feel" at the helm and in many locations such as the Chesapeake Bay with winds typically 5 - 15 knots in the summer you may have purchased a very nice well equipped power boat. However these heavy displacement cruisers are excellent for extended off shore passage making and live-aboard sailing either in the Caribbean or the U.S.A.. 6.) One of the best tips, If you are a first time sailor and want to buy a boat in the 25 to 50 ft range, is to sail with someone who knows how to sail, take a sailing class and then charter a boat in the length range that interests you. Picking a boat with out sailing a boat of similar size is risky although many have done it successfully. Keep in mind that many of the modern designs of the last 10 years are designed specifically for two people to sail easily whether in the Bay or in the ocean. 7.) Lastly, do insist on a survey. If the boat has any of the defects listed below find out the cost to correct them if you are expecting the boat to pass the insurer's surveyor. Insurers have their own requirements. Your insurance agent and the surveyor should be working hand in hand. This is where a purchaser of a used watercraft can suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. Costly defects include but are not limited to: -Soft or cracked gellcoat on the deck. -Deck leaks around windows, masts, caprail, traveller or through deck fittings. -If the engine that has stood idle for more than 6 months diesel may be contaminated with bacterial sludges, have pistons seized, injectors blocked and electrical system contaminated with water. Insist on at least a 2-4 hour run in the water at cruising speed. Check for undue vibration, overheating, proper charging of the batteries and that the engine can come up to its cruising rpm. -If the boat is more than 6 years old have the surveyor check that the engine mounts are OK and particularly that all mounting bolts are intact. Two can be broken without any obvious signs or effects. When 3 breaks the engine is loose! This is a common problem on older boats that encounter rough waters while under power and can easily be overlooked by the surveyor. -Obviously you will need an out of the water inspection. Check for blisters, gellcoat cracks, soft spots, shaft play in the cutlass bearing and loose rudder bearings, hull integrity around through hulls and the gap between the hull and the top of the keel which should be filled with sealant else corrosion of the keel may have caused the keel to separate from the hull. Rigging should be checked by a rigger and all running rigging must be overhauled end-to-end to detect hidden chafe. Hope you find these tips helpful. Best wishes to you on your investment, maybe I'll see you on the Chesapeake Bay or near the British Virgin Islands sometime, I'll either be sailing on Majjik II or Majjik III. About the author: Keith Binnersley is owner of Upper Bay Sailing School, Inc. http://www.upperbaysailing.comHe is a Certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor and holds a 50 ton Masters USCG License. You can contact him at majjikll@msn.com

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Tips on Buying a Boat: Seven Tips on What should you look for when investing in watercraft by Keith Binnersley

I discovered sailing many years ago and found it to be a wonderful way to enjoy time with friends and family as well as a way to get away from the office and become totally entranced and absorbed with a world that I did not know existed. I love to sail, so much that I became a certified American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor.

It has been 30 years now that I've sailed the Chesapeake Bay, East Coast U.S.A. and the Caribbean Islands and I've been fortunate to have owned a number sailing vessels, currently two Beneteau sail boats.

I'm often asked by my students what to look for when making an investment in a sailing vessel. I often share the following seven tips and hope that you too may find some value in them.

Beware of the buying philosophy "I'll buy a smaller boat now and get a bigger one later." If you're buying new you will suffer two large depreciations. If buying used, the money you put into the first boat to bring it up to your own personal standards and needs will go a long way to paying a down payment or many monthly payments on the second boat. You will be upgrading the second boat anyway. Buy now what you expect to own for 5-10 years.

Take into account the area where you will be sailing and who you will be sailing with. Decide on the type of berths that will be suitable for you, your family and your guests. For example, aft doubles aligned with the axis of the boat or an aft double that runs across the boat port to starboard. Although the latter tends to be larger and more comfortable in the slip it is definitely not a sea going berth. How easily does the main salon table convert into a berth and is it sturdy enough to do so repeatedly? In a pinch or in good weather can any one sleep in the cockpit?

What is your likely cruising range? If just 2-4 days then water and diesel tankage can be respectively 20 and 80 gallons or less. If it is 5-10 days then a minimum would be 50 and 160. If you buy a boat with say 100 gallons diesel and 2-300 gallons water then the designer will have given up berth space to accommodate the tankage. Depending on the size of the boat the left over space may not be well utilized until you reach say a 50 ft. long boat. Look for living and storage space that is well utilized. Odd placement of the main salon settees, chart table and galley may indicate poor utilization of space and hence you may be paying good money for little advantage.

Boats that are heavy displacement, say 28,000 lbs for say a 42 ft. boat rather than say 17,800 lbs for a medium displacement, 42 footer will need 10- 15 knots of wind to develop any kind of "feel" at the helm and in many locations such as the Chesapeake Bay with winds typically 5 - 15 knots in the summer you may have purchased a very nice well equipped power boat. However these heavy displacement cruisers are excellent for extended off shore passage making and live-aboard sailing either in the Caribbean or the U.S.A..

One of the best tips, If you are a first time sailor and want to buy a boat in the 25 to 50 ft range, is to sail with someone who knows how to sail, take a sailing class and then charter a boat in the length range that interests you. Picking a boat with out sailing a boat of similar size is risky although many have done it successfully. Keep in mind that many of the modern designs of the last 10 years are designed specifically for two people to sail easily whether in the Bay or in the ocean.

Lastly, do insist on a survey. If the boat has any of the defects listed below find out the cost to correct them if you are expecting the boat to pass the insurer's surveyor. Insurers have their own requirements. Your insurance agent and the surveyor should be working hand in hand. This is where a purchaser of a used watercraft can suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. Costly defects include but are not limited to:

Soft or cracked gellcoat on the deck.

Deck leaks around windows, masts, caprail, traveller or through deck fittings.

If the boat is more than 6 years old have the surveyor check that the engine mounts are OK and particularly that all mounting bolts are intact. Two can be broken without any obvious signs or effects. When #3 breaks the engine is loose! This is a common problem on older boats that encounter rough waters while under power and can easily be overlooked by the surveyor.

Rigging should be checked by a rigger and all running rigging must be overhauled end-to-end to detect hidden chafe.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Best wishes to you on your investment, maybe I'll see you on the Chesapeake Bay or near the British Virgin Islands sometime, I'll either be sailing on Majjik II or Majjik III.

About The Author

Trailering and Towing your Pontoon Boat by Thomas Holley

Trailering and towering your pontoon boat doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. As a matter of fact, if you follow a few simple tips, not only will you expand the opportunities you have to visit a wider variety of waterways, but you'll enjoy the drive as well. Towing obviously begins with your tow vehicle. It is extremely important that you keep this vehicle in tip-top shape. Change oils and filters more often than you would under normal driving conditions. In must cases, it's a safe bet to do it twice as often as regular maintenance requires. Tire pressure is another thing to check on a regular basis. While it's not a good thing to have overflated tires, its even worse to drive a vehicle with low tires. Don't forget tune-ups, services or your cooling system. All brake lights need to be in working order.Once you're confident that your tow vehicle is in good working order, move on to the trailer itself. To reduce the possibility of swaying, manufacturers recommend that the tongue weight of the trailer (boat included) is 5-7 percent of the total tow package. (Boat, motor, trailer and all your gear.) Make sure you have adequate tie downs on your boat and trailer. If you're traveling from one state to another you may run into different regulations regarding the use of tie downs in different states. Make sure you know what they are in your state and any states that you may be traveling through. Again, when towing a boat, it's always smart to err to the side of safety. Four straps will allow you to conform to regulartions almost everywhere. If you use one strap to tie down the bow, two straps at the transom and one strap on the gunwale, you'll be in excellent shape. Remember to use straps that are weather resistant and as strong as you can buy. Straps with easy lock and release buckles allow you to tighten them and control the slack with a minimal effort. If your boat didn't come with a cover, buy one. It'll not only keep the dust and debris off your boat when you're driving but it'll serve to hold everything in place and protect if from the sun. The last thing you want to see are your seat cushions floating down the highway behind you. Covers will also reduce wind resistance and thereby increase your mileage.Once you've determined that your tow vehicle is ready to go, your boat is securely on the trailer and your lights are in working order, it's time to hit the road. When towing any vehicle, it's important to stay alert while driving. Although you may be very comfortable pulling the trailer, other drivers have no idea what kind of an impact their actions can have on your safety. On the interstate system, for example, semi-trucks can create enough of a wind to literally blow you off the road. With the added length and weight of your boat and trailer, it's a good idea to take things slower than you normally would without them. The added weight will decrease your stopping distances tremendously so brake early and give yourself plenty of room. The length will affect your turning ability as well as how much room you need to complete lane changes. Overcompensating in these cases is much better than cutting a turn too short or clipping the front end of the vehicle you just passed. When someone passes you, flashing your lights when they've cleared your vehicle is the safe and polite way to go.When you've arrived safely at your destination, don't despair. Most boaters hate and fear the launching of their boats more than anything else. When you think about it though, as drivers, we're usually taught to keep our vehicles as far from the water as possible. The important thing to remember is that you're not alone. Once you drive up to the ramp, you're probably in line with many others who are just as apprehensive as you are. Most fellow boaters won't mind lending a hand and a second set of eyes can make your launch a piece of cake. Since most boaters tend to hit the ramps in early morning and late afternoon, it's important that you launch quickly to avoid creating a back up. When you arrive at your destination, stop away from the launch. Transfer the necessary items from your vehicle and take the time to walk over and do a quick inspection of the ramp itself. It's also a good idea to disconnect your trailer lights prior to moving to the ramp. The lights don't last that long to begin with so by disconnecting them before you put the trailer in the water; you may be able to extend the life of the bulbs. Before you approach the launch ramp you should prepare your pontoon or deck boat for launch. Park well away from the ramp and transfer any and all items from your vehicle into the pontoon or deck boat. Walk over to the ramp and inspect the surrounding area. A few important things to note are how the ramp lies in comparison to the road and whether or not you'll need someone to guide you down. If you're alone, (which isn't ever recommended when you're on the water) ask someone to help you. You'll also want to check for any obstacles and whether or not there's a place to dock while you park your vehicle. When backing down the boat ramp, the most important thing to remember is to take your time. Moving your hands to the bottom of the steering wheel will allow you to turn the wheel in such a way that your boat will follow the same direction automatically. Boat ramps are often uneven. If you notice this, shift your approach a few feet to compensate. When your day ends, simply reverse the procedure. The only thing that you need to remember when putting your boat back on the trailer is not to back up too far into the water. With a pontoon boat, it will load more easily if the undercarriage is between 1/3 and 1/2 of the way forward. Water in the tail pipe can also cause your tow vehicle to stall.

About the Author

What You Need To Know Before You Sell Your Boat by James "Doc" Lewis

One of the biggest mistakes that we see is that people will decide to sell their boat without first having her completely detailed.

According to Rob Scanlan, a well known and respected Master Marine Surveyor;

Here is an outline of the standard procedures we use when preparing a yacht to be put up for sale:

1. Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Boat

2. Stand Back and Survey the Boat

Note: Bring your list and organize it with the following outline Put yourself in the buyers shoes, be critical, the buyer will.

a) Is it shiny? It's the first thing most people notice.

b) What about the smell? People have a way of getting used to almost anything. Get a second opinion and see the hint below.

c) Is all hardware intact and presentable? Just because you've used that broken table for years and are rather fond of it, to anyone else, it's just a broken table.

d) What about dings, any damage to the fiberglass? Aside from the fact that broken gelcoat can let water into the core of the lay-up and delaminate the fiberglass, it just plain looks BAD.

f) One more little tip that you have probably already thought of. Take a look around the boat and remove EVERYTHING that isn't part of the boat.

EXAMPLE:

Along this same line, pay particular attention to the cabin and heads.

3. Prioritize the Job

With your list you are in good shape to decide what needs to be done and whether or not you want to do the work yourself or have it done by a professional.

What about those little chips and dings in the gelcoat?

I remember, years ago, someone saying something about being penny wise and pound foolish? Let's not let them be saying that about us.

About The Author

Ancient Egyptian Boats by Dr. Sherin ElKhawaga

Egyptians pioneered the development of river craft and there were many different types built for various uses. Agricultural produce, troops, cattle, stone and funeral processions were all carried on the Nile and its canals. These boats were made of bundles of bound papyrus reeds. Papyrus is different from paper because papyrus is a laminated material made from thinly cut strips from the stalk of Cyprus Papyrus plant. It was believed to be first used about 4000 B.C., and became Egypt's major exports. There were many types of boats that Egyptians used. Papyrus boats were used by Egyptians. Papyrus boats were built with bundles of papyrus. They were steered with oars. Sailboats were used a lot by Egyptians. Sailboats were steered by two oars. Sailboats usually only had one square sail. Funeral boats carried dead people down river. They were used to carry the dead across the Nile River. The funeral boats were very elaborate. The earliest record of a ship under sail is depicted on an Egyptian pot dating back to 3200BC. These Egyptian boats were made of either native woods or conifers from Lebanon. Papyrus boats were useful for hunting or crossing short stretches of water, using a paddle or a pole. These boats were made of bundles of bound papyrus reeds, and were lashed together into a long thin hull form in the style of a slight crescent. This lifted the ends out of the water. The bundle was made as wide as possible for stability, and an extra bundle was put on top so that the cargo and crew were kept reasonable dry. ( Reed vessels like these of Ancient Egypt are till in use in Peru today.) Cedar was very important to the Egyptians as a boat building material. These boats were built of relatively short blocks of timber, and were braced and secured with rope lashings very much in the same style that was used in papyrus boats. This wooden model of the funery boats found at Thebes, with its two pointed ends rising out of the water, is a good example. All the cities and towns were easily accessible by boat, and the Nile provided the perfect means of transport, since it was cheap and quick. The necessary water power was provided by the current and the wind. Officials went up and down the Nile with stone for building projects or grain for the kings stores, and merchants carried wares for sale. Every corner of civilized Egypt could be easily could be easily reached and Egyptian traders sailed to ports in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

Funeral boats were very elegant and took the pharaoh to the grave. The funeral boats were buried with the pharaoh. The Egyptians only used chisels to cut boats from wood. It took them a very long time to make a boat. Khufuís boat was 141 feet long and didnot even have a nail in it. The Egyptians had a hard time making and sailing boats. There were papyrus and sailing boats too.

Building and sailing for the Egyptians wasn't always easy. The Egyptians had a hard time sailing a boat. Rowing a boat was a hard job because the boats were so big and heavy. It was also a hard job because the oars the Egyptians steered with were very heavy. Egyptians had a hard time building boats too. Making a boat was a very long and hard job because the boats were big. Boats were hard to make because all the Egyptians had to cut the wood with was a chisel. Sailing was easy too. Sails just carried the Egyptians which ever way the wind was blowing. Which is up the Nile River, against the current. In the pyramid of King Khufu, the worlds oldest boat was found. It's 1200 pieces were found stored unassembled, with matching hieratic signs, (which were a written version of hieroglyphics). These hieratic signs indicated to which quarter of the boat the parts belonged. Khufu's barge measured 150 feet from long beam to stern. Different theories arose and to the intended use of the boat. Was it for Khufu's use in the afterlife? Or as some believe , was it part of the funeral cortege , which may have carried his body from Memphis to Giza. vThe boat's 1,224 separate components included cedarwood planking and oars, ropes of halfa grass, wooden dowels and battens, and copper staples. Its near-perfect preservation allowed conservators to reconstruct the 144-foot-long craft, which is now housed in a white museum built over the pit where it was found. Modern ropes were used to lash it together, but its timbers are 95 percent original. The Abydos ships. In 1991 in the desert near the temple of Khentyamentiu, archaeologists uncovered the remains of 14 ships dating back to the early first dynasty (2950-2775 BC), possibly associated with King Aha, the first ruler of that dynasty. These 75 foot long ships are buried side by side and have wooden hulls, rough stone boulders which were used as anchors, and "sewn" wooden planks. Also found within their desert graves were remains of the woven straps that joined the planks, as well as reed bundles that were used to seal seams between planks. The Abydos ships have the honor of being the world’s oldest planked boats. The ancient Egyptians were creating ships with technological skills far beyond their time, well before the invention of the wheel. Egyptologists suspect that simple light rafts made from bundled papyrus reeds may have been made by hunter-gatherers who moved to the Nile Valley during the Upper Paleolithic period; of course, no specimens remain today. However, there is evidence of the presence of boats in the Naqada II culture, which immediately preceded the dynastic period. Archaeologists have unearthed red painted pottery with designs that include boat motifs as important symbols, and some interpretations stress the boats were used in a religious or ritual capacity. Further evidence for the early use of boats lies in tomb reliefs (ship building scenes were among the most popular motifs in tombs), paintings, and model boats dating from predynastic times through the New Kingdom. Papyrus rafts appeared to gain a somewhat sacred significance as far back as the first dynasty because of their association with the sun god. The earliest depictions of the sun god show him travelling on a reed float made of bound papyrus, a portrayal so ancient that it predated Egyptian knowledge of wooden ships. It is because of this connection with the sun god that the papyrus raft gained its religious significance, and even though it was used for more practical purposes in Egyptian civilization, the sacred and royal association stuck. Over time, ancient Egyptians created and utilized three types of boats, each with its own purpose. Simple reed rafts were used mostly for hunting in marshes and as time progressed, they were used less frequently on the Nile. Wooden boats generally replaced papyrus rafts for Nile travel, and, since they were faster and more stable than rafts, they were also used for transport. Eventually stronger wooden boats were used for lengthy ocean excursions as well as to transport boulder blocks weighing many tons and obelisks weighing hundreds of pounds from quarries to pyramid and temple building sites. The third type of boat was the papyriform boat, made technologically similar to wooden boats but with the shape of an elaborate papyrus raft in order to maintain the connection to royalty and gods. These ships appear to have been used as pleasure boats and transportation for royalty; they were also used as funerary boats and burial boats, as well as in religious events like pilgrimages and transporting the statue of a god. The famous Royal Ship of King Cheops (fourth dynasty ruler of the Old Kingdom), more formally known as Khufu, is a perfect example of a papyriform boat. Discovered around 1954, the Royal Ship is still considered to be one of the world’s most outstanding archaeological artifacts. The ancient boat had been dismantled into 651 separate parts, and its nearly perfectly preserved timbers were found in 13 scrupulously arranged layers that were buried in a sealed boat pit which was carved into the Giza plateau’s limestone bedrock. It took years for the boat to be painstakingly reassembled, primarily by the Egyptian Department of Antiquities’ chief restorer, Ahmed Youssef Moustafa (later known as Hag Ahmed Youssef). Once completed, the Royal Ship measured approximately 150 feet in length. The timbers were made of Lebanese cedar while the pegs and other small parts were made from native acacias, sycamores and sidders. Cedar was not new to the Egypt of Cheops' time - it had been found in predynastic graves, indicating to modern archaeologists that trade had occurred with Lebanon at least as far back as the end of the fourth millennium BC. Egyptians had what has been termed as an "emotional need" for trade with Lebanon because of that country’s large supply of the invaluable resinous woods and oils so necessary in Egyptian funerary customs. Trade with Lebanon had to be conducted over water, because the Egyptians had neither wheeled transportation nor heavy draft animals, and the brutal desert regions through which they would have had to travel hosted hostile tribes. The supposition is that heavy ships and smaller trading ships were most likely constructed in the Nile Valley, then dismantled and carried piecemeal to Qoseir where they were reassembled and put in the sea. In general, sea-going boats were referred to by the ancient Egyptians as "Byblos boats" because the earliest seaworthy boats’ initial trade was with the Lebanese port town of Byblos. Transportation and trade were not the only reasons for seaworthy boats to be built in ancient Egypt. The pharaohs also recognized the need for a powerful navy. Many pharaohs achieved incredible feats with their fleets, such as Queen Hatshepsut’s voyage to Punt, but from the 20th dynasty on, they improved their ships even more by copying some of the more advanced models used by other cultures. Herodotus describes the Egyptians as having boats "in great numbers" and carrying "many thousands of talents’ burden". Papyriform boats were also used to transport images of important gods, but these vessels were never intended to be put in the water. The image of the god would be placed upon a gold encrusted papyriform barque studded with gems that was carried on the shoulders of priests who took it to its place of honor. If this journey included a trip on the Nile, the golden barque was put on a papyriform transport boat and taken to its destination. From boat pits such as those of Cheops and at Abydos, we know that actual full-sized boats were buried with the dead to take them on their journey in the afterlife, but by the twelfth dynasty this practice became too expensive. So instead, models of boats were placed in the tombs, which would serve the same purpose as the full-sized vessels. In addition to models of boats, there were also miniature models of daily life, including bakeries, butcher shops, and potters’ studios. These models have given archaeologists wonderful glimpses into ancient life. While royal papyriform vessels remained relatively unchanged throughout the centuries, the hundreds of model boats found in private tombs show a tremendous variety of shapes. Unlike court artisans who were strictly held to tradition, private artists could customize their clients’ models according to their wishes or they could produce models with their own creative touches, as long as they stayed within certain basic limits. Even lighthouses were developed in ancient Egypt under Ptolemy Soter (circa 290-270 BC). The Pharos lighthouse of Alexandria may have been the first Egyptian lighthouse, as there are no records describing earlier ones. The Pharos lighthouse was over 100 meters high and contained a mirror that reflected the sun during the day, while at night the light of a fire was used to warn incoming and passing vessels. The light could be seen at a distance of 50 kilometers. For ancient Egyptians, the Nile could have been an obstacle that kept them pinned to one location. But with their seemingly endless creativity and resourcefulness, they turned their watery boundary into an open highway of opportunity. This article is courtesy of www.kingtutshop.com ,home of handmade crafts and educational kits.

Dr. Sherin Elkhawaga, egyptian radiologist, sales administritive at Egypt Cyber LLC, interested in egyptology and on line education.

Buying a Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins and Outs Before Sailing Away by David Dunlap

As anyone who’s ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the lot. In this situation, being uninformed is tantamount to being taken to the cleaners. The same goes for buying a sailboat. And, like automobiles, no sailboat is the same, so you should know the basics (and some particulars, as well) about the overall condition of the Sunfish sailboat you have your eye on. The first question should always be, of course, how much cash are you willing to part with? If you plan on upgrading a used Sunfish, that alone can cost from $550 to $750 or more, depending on whether you want to use it to race. Prices also vary by location and supply; there’s no “set” price for a used Sunfish sailboat. Then, where do you find a good used boat? Some people prefer to place their own ads (either in local newspapers or on the Internet) as opposed to responding to those already published. Many people have used Sunfish sailboats in pretty good condition but just haven’t thought of placing an ad for it. Also, check out local dealers, particularly if you’re buying out of season or if the outfit isn’t a Sunfish dealer. Also, knowing that sailboats go for less in winter and fall will put you ahead of the game.Some obvious things that people often forget to look for are: age of the boat, which can be determined by checking the rudder, gunwales, or the serial number, if you don’t know the actual age; the weight of the hull, which should be between 115 and 130 pounds, and the resistance or lack thereof – watch out for a hull that’s too flexible. Also, check the mast step and daggerboard trunk for hairline cracks or holes, and the condition of the bailer and storage compartment. And, the cockpit rim may be hiding some damage. Other places to look for potential deal-breakers:Signs of moisture in ports or drains.Nicks or dents in the blades; splits and cracks in wooden blades.Rudder and tiller cracks, corrosion, or pitting. Dents or bends in the mast, near the tube. Corrosion in the gaff and boom.Holes or bad seams in the sail.Never let the seller think you know as much as you do, bring plenty of cash just in case, and you’ll find a good deal on a used Sunfish sailboat.

About the Author

Finding the Best Boat by Ray La Foy

Even if you have years of boating experience, finding the best boat can still be a tiring task. Whether you are looking for fishing boats or yachts for sale, there are still some basic things you need to look out for.Among the several kinds of boats for sale, you have to choose one that fits your needs best. Figure out what is the most important aspect of boating for you. Will you use it as a fishing boat or a cruising boat? How many people should your boat be able to carry? How often will you be boating? These are examples of questions you may ask yourself when looking out for the perfect boat.The price of the boats for sale is also something you should look at. Keep in mind the added maintenance and operation costs that the boat may have. The basic types of boats are fishing boats, power boats, sailboats, personal boats, and self powered boats. Visit your local boat trader to acquaint yourself about these types of boats.Fishing boats have several variations, mostly because they are used in different types of water. You need a different fishing boat for shallow freshwater fishing, and another one for deep ocean fishing. Of course, most fishing boats generally have storage and specially designed holders for your fishing needs (like poles, bait, storage for live fish, etc.) Your basic all-purpose fishing boat can be made of fiberglass, wood, or aluminum. Some fishing boats are even made specifically for catching fast kinds of fish like bass.If you’re looking for a power boat instead of a fishing boat, there are also varied choices for you. You can have a bow rider, which allows people to sit in front (known as forward access), or even inflatable dinghies that are easily transported. Just because you don’t have a fishing boat, it doesn’t mean that you can’t fish with a power boat. Several powerboats have fishing and water-skiing modifications available.Whether you buy a fishing boat, sailboat, or power boat, the financing and purchase agreements you go through will be very similar for all kinds of boats for sale. Make sure that your purchasing contract allows you to get your money back or replace the boat if it is not performing as promised. Get all warranties in writing in order to make the most out of your boat purchase. Visit your marine supplies store or boat traders for other accessories and modifications you may want to add to your boat. Be sure to find a marine supplies store or a boat trader with gracious and informed staff so that your trip will not be a waste. Ask your boating friends for recommendations.It may also help you to do a lot of research online or to hire a good surveyor when it comes to choosing the best boat for you. The bottom line is that the boat should meet your needs in terms of its use and performance. Happy boating!

About the Author

Boating FunLearn more athttp://www.bestboatfinder.com

Maintaining Your Boat by Ray La Foy

The minute you buy your boat, you have to start thinking about your boat maintenance and upkeep schedule. First, you need to either personally inspect your boat or to hire a professional boat inspector. If you choose to hire an inspector, take note of his recommendations in terms of things to watch out for and the maintenance weaknesses of your boat. Local boat traders may have their own inspector for you to hire. Keep in mind that after checking your boat, there are several things you need to do in order for you to keep it in tip-top shape.Boat washing and boat waxIt is recommended that you wash your boat once or twice a week. This is to ensure that your boat’s finish lasts for a long time. A lot of damage can be done to your boat by animal droppings, acid rain, salt, and dirt. Your boat is made of different types of material such as canvas, fiberglass, and metal. This means that cleaning your boat requires that you pay attention to cleaning these specific materials. Different cleaners and cleansers are available for all materials, and be sure to check your local discount marine supplies store.As for the boat wax, it is important because it maintains the value and look of your boat for the long run. There are different types of boat wax available, and most boat traders recommend a double layer application of paste wax. It is often suggested to get natural instead of chemical products, in order to preserve the finish of your boat.Interior boat detailingInterior boat detailing is a more extensive procedure than simple boat washing. It involves polishing different materials on your boat such as wood or metal. Special care is given to your windows and blinds as well. The interiors are even vacuumed, and every nook and cranny is cleaned. When done by professionals, it can really improve the look of your boat. It is important to have steam-cleaning procedures done on your boat’s carpet, canvas, and upholstery as well. This attention to detail can prevent termite and bacteria problems that deteriorate the quality, value, and performance of your boat. Boat bottom cleaningWhile most boat maintenance services focus on the visible parts of your boat, it is cleaning your boat bottom (the part that has contact with the water) that is most important. The bottom of your boat should be routinely inspected and cleaned. The danger is that barnacles and algae will attach themselves to your boat bottom, affecting your boat’s speed and performance. The more frequently you use your boat, the more it needs bottom cleaning. Most boating enthusiasts even say that routine bottom cleaning saves them on fuel. Be sure to hire experts who provide services with preventive growth treatments.By making a habit of having your boat maintained, you are insured of getting the best boating experience possible. Also, don’t postpone repairs when they are urgently needed. Remember – dirty, unkempt boats are best left at the dock.

About the Author

Boating FunLearn more athttp://www.bestboatfinder.com

Preventing Boat Propeller Injuries by Valerie Giles

Each year hundreds of propeller accidents leave tragedy in their wake. The Office of Boating Safety reported that in 2002 there were 239 accidents involving motor or propeller strikes among recreational boaters. 47 of those accidents resulted in death. Plan for a safe time on the water and minimize accidents.The Office of Boating Safety recommends a combined approach of increased awareness and improved technologies to reduce the number of injuries and death resulting from this type of incident.The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety has also taken notice of the increase in propeller related injuries and note that the increase in injuries is probably related to a direct increase in the number of boat owners in America. “Since 1990, personal watercraft (PWC) use in the United States has increased by an estimated 400%. In 1996, there were approximately 900,000 PWCs in use,” reads the web site.The web site defines PWCs as being approximately eight feet long, powered by self-contained engines with an enclosed propeller that uses pressured water for thurst. Most models are designed to accommodate two to three passengers. A PWC cannot be steered when the engine is off, even though momentum may still carry the PWC forward.As the number of PWC’s on our waterways increases, along with the number of other watercraft, it’s not surprising that there has been a four-fold increased in injuries associated with the watercraft since 1990.Although each state has established regulations through a State Boating Law Administration, the number of propeller injuries has yet to be curbed or stopped. The threat of propeller related injuries and death doesn’t just effect adults. In 1997, 22% of related injuries in the U.S.A. occurred to youth under the age of 18. Of those injured youth, 46% were PWC operators and 27% were passengers. Because PWC-related propeller injuries don’t discriminate based on age, it’s important for people of all ages to realize how important safety is while on the water. Of the nonfatal injuries, the most frequent injuries occur to the leg, head and lower trunk. Blunt trauma is the leading cause of fatalities.According to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, inexperience, excessive speed and careless manoeuvres by the operators are the predominant causes of injuries. This is especially true of those using a rented watercraft.The Office of Boating Safety says that enhanced user awareness and training is just one step towards propeller injury avoidance. They maintain that technologies, such as guards, propulsion, interlocks and sensors, will make all the difference in the world when it comes to preventing injury and death.Although improving technology is a step towards making boating a safer past time, the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Safety first recommend using education and a little caution. They believe it’s important to work with the media to promote safety and to encourage age-appropriate PWC activities. In fact, they agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics that operating personal watercraft is inappropriate for children under 16 years old.Education is still a key step towards greater safety for all ages. Not only is it important to learn safe PWC operation, but also it is imperative for all passengers to wear personal flotation devices and protective wetsuits.The risk of injuries can also be reduced by traveling at safe speeds appropriate for conditions and during daylight hours. Additional educational issues include avoiding designated swimming areas and refraining from jumping the wakes generated by other vessels.In addition to promoting safety education through articles, web sites and the media, PWC manufacturers should encourage designs for PWCs that promote safety. The advance of technology that will increase the safety of boaters is in their hands. PWC manufacturers can also contribute to safety education by promoting PWC operation by persons 16 years of age or older and by depicting safe and age-appropriate advertising. To go one step further, they can also offer training for operators on safe operation with the sale of every PWC. As members of the public, we can encourage the manufacturers to take the above-mentioned steps. We can also stress the important role they can play in strengthening PWC regulations to protect youth from injury.In the end, PWC operators are not only responsible for their own safety, but the safety of others in and around their watercraft. If you own a PWC, make the safety of everyone with you a top priority. Make passengers know that they must wear personal flotation devices at all times and that horseplay is not acceptable. Remind them that although playing on the water is fun, it is also a big responsibility. Their safety and possibly their life may depend on how well they follow your safety rules.Although accidents do happen, plan for a safe time on the water and take the steps to minimize the risk of an accident. You’ll be glad that you did!

About the Author

Valerie Giles owns and operates Boats, Anchors and More http://www.boats-anchors-and-more.com a boating resource site featuring boat accessories, fishing lure manufacturers and inflatable boats. Everything you need for the boating season. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

The Important Function of Shrink Wrap for Boats by Steve Valentino

Shrink wrap can help protect and organize a gift fruit basket, but if your gift is a boat and not a fruit basket, do not fear. Boats can be shrink wrapped too, using the same technology.

Shrink wrap systems use a plastic film, typically made of PVC, Polyolefin, or polyethylene. The plastic film is wrapped around an object to protect it from moisture, dirt, and other hazards of travel or storage. The plastic film is heated to conform to the shape of the object. Shrink wrap systems may be small and inexpensive, used by a home businessperson, or large, automated machines costing tens of thousands of dollars. DVDs, CDs, videos, artwork, mailers, newspapers, and packages are commonly shrink wrapped before transport.

Shrink wrapping a boat, however, presents unique challenges. A boat is large and cannot be fit through an automatic shrink wrap machine. Special shrink wrap films exist to wrap boats. Films are heavy duty so that the boats can be stored during cold winters and can be purchased in blue, white, or clear. Shrink wrap for boats can also protect a boat from prolonged periods in warm weather. A special chemical in the polyethylene film keeps them soft, flexible, and protects the film from breaking down in UV light. Films can be up to 35 feet long and can cost between $100 and $400. Instructional videos are available for about $20. With the right training and equipment, a boat can be shrink-wrapped in under 10 minutes. Simply wrap the boat and walk along the boat with a propane-powered heat gun to shrink the film. A heat gun costs about $300.

The same plastic used to shrink wrap a boat may also be used on RVs or cars for outdoor storage, or on buildings to contain the dust, dirt, or asbestos during remodeling projects.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Safes provides detailed information about various types of wall, diversion, gun, and fireproof home safes, and more. For more information go to Safes and/or visit our affiliate site at Original Content Web.

About Inflatable Boats - Enjoy water sports without breaking the bank. by Andrew Constantine

Learn More About Inflatable Boats and Kayaks - They're Easy On The WalletInflatable boats might just be the most amount of fun you need for your water sports activities. Just imagine the possibilities of taking an enjoyable cruise across your favorite water spot. Just being able to relax on a warm, sunny spring day while other inflatable boats are giving their owners a difficult time is well worth shopping for just the right boat.While people are spending ten to twenty thousand dollars for a metal or fiberglass boat, you can find that an inflatable boat is easy on the wallet and lots fun for those that like to enjoy getting out on the water for personal fun, fishing or hunting. If you like to fish, but dread dragging that clunky old boat down to the lake, consider the benefits of an inflatable small fishing boat as an easy and simple option.Some other tremendous benefit of inflatable boats are that you can store them in a small corner of your garage or even an extra bedroom when its not inflated. This is a fantastic option to be able to get out on the lake on the weekends without the need of a lot of space to store a solid hull boat. Keep your car in the garage and put your boat on a storage shelf!

Quality Inflatable Boats Aren't Just Oversized Pool Rafts.

They are made with thick, reinforced fabric with several air chambers in most designs for security and stability. Many boat models can carry up to 6-7 adults and several boats have the ability to mount a trolling motor and even upwards of a 35 hp outboard motor. An excellent option for people looking for a recreational or small fishing boat that is within financial reach of most buyers.Finding the best inflatable boat is fast and simple online. Several of the top manufacturers sell direct only from their catalog or websites. Shipping is easy because most of the inflatable boats come in 2 or 3 average sized boxes that transport well. Learn more about the different types of inflatable boats and several quality manufacturers, like Sea Eagle, that ship direct to consumers, saving the buyer time and money. Just imagine the possibilities with inflatable boats and kayaks.

About the Author

Andrew Constantine is the author of the informational website www.inflatable-boats-and-kayaks.com for those interested in the subject.

Adventures In Boat Building – Your Own Grand Banks Dory by Sanjib Ahmad

Imagine having your boat, and not just an ordinary boat. Imagine building with your own hand and being the proud owner of a Grand Bankers Dory.The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines dory as:Dory n. pl. DoriesA small, narrow, flatbottom fishing boat with high sides and a sharp prow.The common Dory size ranges from 10 feet to 14 feet in length and can hold from 3 to 5 persons. A Grand Banks Dory is usually 16 feet in length. The traditional Grand Banks Dory is also notable as a seaworthy vessel. The fishermen have successfully sailed with the Dory many miles of the North Atlantic Ocean under varied weather conditions.The Grand Banks Dory has a strong shear line. The outward curve of sides near the bow is well defined. The Dory also has a sharp entry point so that it cuts through the water easily and with speed. The bottom of the boat is flat and doesn't have keels or skegs. This makes the boat slide along waves with little resistance. The Dory rows well and can be fitted with a sail rig.The Grand Banks Dory could be built from your home and in your pastime. It could be a relaxing hobby while providing the opportunity to showoff your friends and family that you are building a boat. You don’t need carpentry skills to build your Grand Banks Dory but it can help if you do.You can build your own 16 Foot long Grand Banks Dory in as little as 2 - 3 weeks. All of the materials needed for this project can be picked up at any local hardware store and lumberyard. The recommended method to plank your boat is with White Pine.The Grand Banks Dory is a great investment. If properly cared for, it can easily last 30+ years.If you want to learn how-to build your own Grand Banks Dory you can try Wilbert Weir's step-by-step instructional ebook Banker Dory Plans.

About the Author

Sanjib Ahmad – Freelance Writer and Product Consultant for Sports-rec.Marc8.com (http://sports-rec.marc8.com/). You are free to use this article in its entirety as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content, and include the resource box listed above.

Boating Safety - It's For Everyone by James "Doc" Lewis

So What Goes Wrong?

Having made such a sweeping endorsement of the relative safety of boating, how do we explain the glaring headlines which we find in the press on an all to regular basis?

Some Pertinent Facts:

Children should never be allowed to move about on an underway boat. If you need to move around on the boat, for any reason, reduce speed and make sure to get and keep a grip with at least one hand.

Alcohol and water don't mix. In a Red Cross study, two-thirds of boating injury victims had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. Besides being illegal, it's dangerous to operate any kind of machinery while drinking. A boat is no exception.

53% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, while 39% suffered trauma and 9% died of other causes.

What About All Those Drownings?

A recent Red Cross study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were either not wearing a PFD or life jacket or were wearing one incorrectly.

Always carry enough Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each person on board, and make sure that each of them knows where they are and how to use them. It's your responsability, Captain. No one, least of all yourself, wants to hear that you thought they knew how to put on a PFD. If anyone won't prove their knowledge of the devise, or buddy up with someone to teach them, leave them ashore. You'll both be better off.

Children and non-swimmers should wear one at all times that the boat is underway. For water-skiing, fishing, or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. It's now even easier to find the ideal PFD because they're available in a wide array of sizes, colors and patterns. You can now choose one in your favorite color, or to match your swimsuit or boat. Just make sure it fits properly!

Does boating education help in preventing accidents?

I can't stress this point enough.

A recent Florida study brought out these interesting facts.

72% of operators involved in boating accidents had no formal instruction in the operation of a boat.

2.5 times as many accidents involve boaters who have had no boating safety instruction.

Boating is a wonderful pastime, and lots of fun but, there are a few things, that one needs to know, in order for it to be a safe pastime. And don't worry about looking silly, I've been around boats all my life, (53 years) and hardly a day goes by that I don't learn something new or discover a new and better way of doing something.

Two years ago I took a boating safety course with the idea that, with all my experience, I might be of help to some of the new people. Fact is, there were so many things I didn't know, or had forgotten, that I spent a good deal of time just asking questions. When the class was over, several of the students came up and thanked me for asking all the questions they weren't sure how to ask. Guess I was a help to the new people, after all, just not in the way I figured.

Safety Tips

To prevent ending up in the emergency department as a result of carelessness during your next boating trip, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following safety tips:

Tell someone when you're going, who is with you and how long you'll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.

Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and most importantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas.

When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a small boat.

Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment.

Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppy water can mean a storm is brewing.

If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed. A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. Bring an extra length of line to secure boat and equipment.

Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Being "tipsy" can result in falling overboard. Your ability to swim to safety or call for help is greatly reduced as alcohol slows reactions.

So There You Have It

To learn more about safe boating, I'd like to suggest these Online sources of information. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Our sister-site, Ask-BoatCat.com offers more tips on boating safety and a complete page of links to Boating Safety related websites on the Internet.

May all of your boating adventures be joyous and happy ones, unblemished by the blight of accident or injury.

Boating Myths - Part I by News Canada

(NC)-Everyone knows boating is fun, but some people who are interested in taking it up hold back because of myths they've heard about boating. In fact, boating is easy, flexible and affordable, so I'm going to discuss a few of those myths and separate fact from fiction.

MYTH: Boating is expensive. It's not. In fact, it probably costs less to buy and operate a boat than you think. Following are a few examples: $10,000 to $18,000 is the average price for a 17- to 19-foot outboard-powered family runabout. $6,000 to $9,500 for the average aluminum fishing boat with outboard motor or cottage sailboat. Most boats with a selling price above $5,000 can be financed. Many banks, financial institutions and credit unions provide financing for boats. Local boat retailers also provide customized boat loan programs through arrangements with boat manufacturers or local banks. Finally, check boating magazines for financiers' advertisements. Interest rates have continued to be affordable.

MYTH: Boating takes up time I can't afford. It's true. Like never before, everyone is so . . . busy. But boating is totally flexible - your family can use a boat as much or as little as you wish. Your boat is ready to go whenever you are. That means you can mesh your boating fun with your busy schedule. Try that with a ball game, soccer league or tee-off time at a golf club. Spending time with your family on a boat really is quality time. Activities on the water can include fishing, water-skiing, tubing and much more. Sharing the fun with friends makes it even better!

MYTH: There's too much involved in maintaining a boat. With today's technology, there is very little maintenance required. All it takes is filling it up with gas - just as you do with a car - and some preventative maintenance your dealer will do at a minimal cost. Before a boat is stored for the winter it requires an oil change and cleaning - that's it!

Boating is a great activity, particularly for the family! For further information about boat buying, including a free introductory CD-ROM visit www.DiscoverBoating.ca.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Boat Wax-Shine On by James "Doc" Lewis

The Problem

In addition to the above functional definition we also need to say a few words about the beauty factor, the shine of a newly polished and waxed boat. In a great example of form following function, gel-coat kept clean and shiny, with a good coat of wax, will perform it's primary function pretty much in direct proportion to the way it looks.

The Players

Now that we've named the problem, what are the choices for solving it? The simplest solution would, of course be to keep the boat away from sun, water, and oxygen. I said simple, not practical.

All of the "New", "Easy On-Easy Off", "Modern Chemical Miracle", products may look great on TV (we've tried them all too ;-) but in the real world of salt water, sun, fishing, spills, and air pollution, they simply don't hold up compared to the simple, natural, God made it, "Tree of Life", Brazilian No.1 Carnauba wax.

Interesting Carnauba Facts

Pure Carnauba in its natural state is harder than concrete.

Typical retail waxes contain 3% to 5% Carnauba by volume.

Less then 5% of retail Carnauba waxes contain Brazilian No.1 Carnauba, the finest of all waxes.

The greater the concentration of Carnauba, the greater the level of protection and the higher the quality of shine.

How Does It Work?

3 things are needed in order for the chemical reaction which causes oxidation to occur.

Oxygen

Heat

UV Radiation

Eliminate one or more of these and you slow the process.

A protective layer of Carnauba wax keeps airborne contaminants from reaching the gel-coat and starting a chemical reaction.

This wax layer diffuses (refracts) both UV and infrared radiation from the sun. Without it the radiation is absorbed by the pigment in the gel coat causing it to over heat, and trigger the chemical reaction that will dry out, dull and oxidize the surface.

A waxed boat will have a lower surface temperature than an unwaxed one. The darker the color, the greater the difference

Using a high quality paste wax applied over a clean polished surface will give you 3 to 4 months of protection here on the Emerald Coast. This doesn't mean the wax is gone in this time but the appearance and protection will begin to fade rapidly. (based on our own experience, independent testing, and the reports of most of our clients)

For more information on the properties of different waxes, please see Wax Comparison Table

Tying It All Together

By keeping the wax protective layer up, (3-4 waxings per year) your boat will always look good and you shouldn't need any hard yearly compounding to keep it that way. This will save you money right now and add years to the time before the boat will need to be painted.

On the boats that we've maintained for several years we usually give it a thorough going over with a very fine compound in the spring just to give it that "bright" look. This removes only a very thin layer of oxidized pigment to give the wax a solid base to adhere to.

Happy Boating!

Buying the Perfect Boat by Valerie Giles

Why is it, that when you are looking to buy a boat, you can never find one that suits your needs? This is what happens to many people every year and in particular to ourselves. It’s just like buying a house. When you are selling, it is a buyer’s market and when you are buying it is a seller’s market! This year my husband and I decided that it was time to buy our first boat.Now we have been boating with our friends on their Bayliner for many years. They pay for the boat expenses and we bring the food and drink in exchange. Not a bad deal we figured, until we got the boat bug ourselves. Now we want to own our own boat. After six years of boating and as many seasons of boat shows, we decided to take a boating course. So a couple of winters ago, we signed up for a rather lengthy boating course of 16 weeks. We decided that firstly we wanted to be safe boaters and secondly we wanted to protect our very expensive boat investment when the time came.Week after week of classes, lesson after lesson of plotting and tying knots came and went and finally it was time to graduate and try our luck at boating with all this new found knowledge. We decided first to try out our expertise on our friends’ boat, but discovered that was like having two cooks in the same kitchen. Things don’t really run as smoothly as one would like. Tie a knot. Have someone retie it for you! Hang the fenders over the side. Have someone reposition them! So after several weekends of unsuccessful attempts, the decision was made to buy our own boat sooner rather than later where we could tie our own brand of knot and observe the channel markers the way we had been taught!So we started to look. What happened to all the “For Sale” signs that we had seen only weeks before in every marina that we cruised past? Where were all those perfect boats that we had seen in every cove and tied up to every dock? They were no where to be found. Finally after perusing the yachting magazines and journals, talking to several boat brokers and searching many internet boats for sale sites, we found what we thought to be the perfect yacht for us - right in our own backyard. Only five minutes from our home there is located a marina with lots of power boats. Last year there were many for sale. But as luck would have it, we were not looking then. This year, there were fewer boats for sale. But on this one particular morning as we drove through the marina parking lot, we spied the perfect boat. We hopped out of the car and walked over to take a closer look. The boat had been pulled out of the water, so we were able to look it over from all sides including the bottom.The information that was posted beside the boat looked very promising. Just the right length. Just the right age. We had already agreed that this boat make was good quality. An inflatable dinghy with motor and seawise electric lifting system was also included. The boat also had a GPS and all the trimmings. But the price, could it be correct? It seemed a bit low for this particular yacht. You guessed it! The twin engine system was gas, not diesel. This was the reason for the excellent price.We thought that we had found the perfect boat! In fact we had except for one very expensive item. For those of you who own your own boat, you can related to the expense of a gas engine yacht. Gas engines are fast and great for skiing and lake touring in small boats, but on the ocean and in a large yacht, the cost can be prohibitive. (Note: Recently diesel prices and gas prices have moved closer together.)So once again, our search begins in earnest. And once again, there are no boats for sale. Or is that just our take on the situation? Surely the boat for us is just out there waiting to be discovered!

About the Author

Caring For Your Inflatable Boat - Common Sense & Consistency Are The Keys by C.J. Gustafson

Thousands of years ago, the first inflatable boats, made from animal skins, were used for transportation. People used them to cross rivers, ferry goods to other locations, and move military troops. Over time, inflatable boats were adapted for recreational use as well, and for rescue operations. Today there are many types of inflatable boats and over a dozen ways they are used around the world. Different militaries across the globe helped bring inflatable boats to the public attention, and today the government still uses inflatable boats for troop transport, special military operations, and drug and other law enforcement activities. In addition, inflatable boats are also used in search and rescue operations, fisheries patrol and security patrol. They are also used as tenders on large yachts and ships. On the recreational side, inflatable boats can be used for diving, fishing, pleasure boating, river rafting, water skiing, and many other water activities that involve a boat. Consumers can also purchase inflatable kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. Because there are so many different types of inflatable boats and a variety of ways they can be used, it is important to be familiar with the specific operating instructions for your particular model and situation. However, there are a few general use guidelines that apply to most, if not all, inflatable boats. Inflating • When inflating your raft or boat, many manufacturers recommend filling each air chamber in a clockwise pattern around the boat, just until the craft takes shape. Then work your way back around the boat filling the chambers to the pressure level indicated for that particular boat. • If the floor of the boat is inflatable, add air until the pressure relief valve releases a small amount of air. • Don’t overfill. A properly inflated boat should have just a bit of give. • Be aware that air temperature causes changes in the air pressure in the inflatable chambers. Many boaters fill their inflatable boats in the morning when the air is cool. But as the temperature increases over the course of the day, the air in the tubes expands, increasing the pressure. If a tube or chamber becomes too pressurized, it can explode if struck by a sharp object. You may have to let some air out at different points throughout the day if you operate your inflatable boat or inflatable kayak in the hot sun. • Most inflatable boats deflate simply by opening the air valves. Standard Precautions • Because punctures are the main concern with inflatable boats, it is important to protect if from sharp objects. Use care when transporting diving knives, spears, fishing hooks, and other objects that could puncture the skin of the inflatable boat. Watch for barnacles and sharp metal or wood when tying your boat to the dock, and avoid dragging the boat over rocks and shells when landing on a beach. • Even dull objects such as oars, ropes, or coolers can cause abrasion and deterioration of the coating material if allowed to rub for an extended period of time. • It also is important to rinse out your inflatable boat or inflatable kayak after each use. Sand and gravel can cause abrasion and plug air valves. If left to soak into an inflatable boat, salt water can cause the material to deteriorate. Caring For Your Inflatable Boat • Cleaning: Armorall and other oil-based products can damage the rubber or fabric over time and prevent patches from sticking. Mild dish soap is best for cleaning your inflatable boat. There are also several cleaners designed specifically for inflatable boats. • Storage: Because uninflated boats are more vulnerable to damage, many manufacturers recommend that you store the boat partially inflated and covered with a tarp. If this is not possible, completely deflate the boat and be sure it is dry and clean before rolling and storing in the carrying bag. If you plan to store your inflatable boat on a trailer, be sure there are no bends or kinks in the boat. • Repairs: Sometimes, even with the best of care and safety precautions, your inflatable boat can develop a puncture or leak. Unless you have a major and obvious accident, it may be difficult to determine the location of the leak. While the boat is inflated, wipe it with soapy water and watch for bubbles to form on the surface of the boat as a result of escaping air. Don’t assume there is only one leak. Check the entire boat with soapy water to be sure before setting out on the water. Many manufacturers recommend that you bring your boat to a professional for larger repairs, because it can be difficult to get a good seal with a patch. However, if you have a small puncture or are in a situation where you need to make immediate repairs, follow the directions on the patch kit. Some basic tips include: -Ensure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the patch -Be sure the adhesive is sufficiently tacky before applying the patch -Choose a patch that extends at least three inches beyond the rip in all directions If your inflatable boat has rough or cracked areas that are filled with tiny pinhole leaks, this is an indication that the coating on the material has aged or become damaged by sunlight, saltwater, overheating or some other type of wear and tear. While you may be able to patch some of these leaks, it is best to replace the inflatable boat if other areas show signs of wear. Inflatable boats, canoes, and kayaks have many advantages over traditional watercraft, however, because of their special design and materials, they can require more care and maintenance. But as this article describes, it is not difficult to care for an inflatable boat, and most problems can be avoided by using common sense and by developing a consistent routine. If properly cared for, inflatable boats can provide you with years of service and recreational fun without the expense associated with traditional watercraft.

About the Author: C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for http://www.inflatable-boats-n-kayaks.com. She and her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada’s backcountry. The numerous portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of the inflatable boat.

Source: www.isnare.com

Common Boating Questions – Part 1 by News Canada

Which type of boat is right for me?

For most buyers, general purpose craft which serve as fish, ski and picnic boats are ideal; for others needing something specialized, a wide selection is offered in most markets.

How big a boat will I need?

What about power needs?

What will it cost?

Most newcomers are surprised that, with financing, boats can be paid for in monthly installments and often cost less than they think. Pre-owned boats often cost one-half of similar new models.

What is the best time of year to buy?

To get lots more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Considering Buying A Boat? Check Out These Guidelines by News Canada

(NC)—Boating tends to be a family activity, so members of the family should be involved in the process of choosing the boat. Will it be a fishing boat most of the time? A water-ski tow machine? The basic picnic cruise boat? Determine what it is the family wants the boat to do, then go find the model to fit those needs. Most boats are multifaceted – they can be fishing boats in the morning and ski boats in the afternoon.

Make notes of the family's "must haves," and "can do withouts." Determine your monthly budget for boat ownership and try to stick to it. But, don't give up a necessity for a few dollars that will cost you convenience or usage later on. Remember that you will often be inviting guests aboard, so plan a little extra room for them and for you.

Generally, the packaged boat units will offer some power choice, so make sure there is enough push. Don't go overboard, either; too much power can be fuelish, costly or simply unsafe.

Finally, don't think you're making a lifelong commitment to a particular boat. It's not a marriage; it's more like an enjoyable relationship. That's because most boat owners trade up as their skills grow and needs change.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Discover Boating.ca Website Answers Your Boating Questions by News Canada

(NC)-lt's spring! Every year at this time, a lot of people think boating might be a great family activity for them, but don't know where to start. Now there's a website that answers your questions about boating and might be just your ticket to getting out on the water.

The "DiscoverBoating.ca" website helps you through the decision-making process to determine whether you should buy a boat. The questions they ask are probably things you've wondered about yourself - what's involved in buying a boat? What will it cost and how expensive is it to maintain? What kind of financing alternatives are available? How do I learn to drive a boat? What do we need to know about water safety? "DiscoverBoating.ca" goes over every issue related to boat buying and ownership.

Research conducted by the Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association (CMMA), representing Canada's boat, motor and accessory companies, has found that thousands of Canadians are interested in boating, but do not know where to learn about it. A survey conducted by a national polling firm on behalf of the CMMA found that 19% of Canadians describe themselves as potential boat owners. To meet this need, the CMMA, in conjunction with several regional boating associations, has created a website called "DiscoverBoating.ca" for consumers who have never owned a boat.

Buying a boat is a fantastic investment in family recreation and it's more affordable than you may think. Surveys indicate most people who don't own boats believe prices are 30% or higher than they actually are. In fact, it costs less to buy and operate a boat than most people would think.

Want to go boating this summer, but not sure how to get started? To learn more about boating and to order your free Discover Boating CD-ROM visit www.DiscoverBoating.ca today.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Finding Boating Items Online is Quick and Easy. by Got-Content - Andrew Constantine

Got-Content.com interviews Alex James about the informational website he has created around the topic of inflatable boats and kayaks online. Alex is an average guy that has a small business in ‘small town U.S.A.’ . When looking to create his first informational site, a hobby of his was chosen to build the website around. Got-Content.com: “Alex, what inspired you to build a site about boats and kayaks?”Alex: “Mainly it’s a hobby of mine to take off for a few hours on the weekend and hit the water with my inflatable kayak. I have a Sea Eagle 380x and spend as much time as I can on the water, fishing or just paddling the waters of a small pond that I stumble upon. The great thing about inflatable boats and kayaks is that you can throw them in the car or truck, find an out-of-the-way water spot that you might have to hike a ways to, then simply blow up your boat and go!”Got-Content.com: “Sounds fun! I know I have seen these small boats on the water, but how sturdy are they… after all, they remind me of a pool raft.”Alex: “It’s funny the look I get when I take a friend out on my kayak. They don’t realize that these are serious boats and are equally as capable of taking the weight and punishment of other small boats of similar size made of aluminum or wood. – Think of the Marines inflatable watercraft – These boats are designed with similar strategies and safety features, just downsized and lightened up a bit for consumers.”Got-Content.com: “Where did you find your kayak?”Alex: “That’s a funny story – I was looking in the sporting goods stores and boat marinas. What I found was either too cheap and flimsy or outrageously priced. – I got discouraged and searched online for a store that might be local to me – What I found was incredible! A couple of quality inflatable boat manufacturers that primarily sell their products from hunting and fishing catalogs by mail order had ventured online and I found the exact type and style I wanted – I even bought it direct through the manufacturer!”Got-Content.com: “So is that why you started your website?”Alex: “Yes – Mainly to provide free information to boaters and kayakers that where in the ‘same boat’ (pardon the pun) that I was in – searching for a quality, cost effective boat for water sport recreation.”Got-Content.com: “Sounds great!” Can we direct the readers to your site if they would like to learn more about how inflatable boats and kayaks might be just what they need for their weekend and camping expeditions?”Alex: “Sure – I have several informational pages on inflatable boats, kayaks, small fishing boats, accessories and trolling motors on the site currently. I am planning on adding more information this month.”Learn more about how Inflatable Boats and Kayaks make for some great fun!After our interview, we took a peek at Alex’s site. Inflatable boats and kayaks.com is very user friendly. The site also provides several links to the manufacturer websites as well as quality information about the products. Alex made mention to us that the site started mainly as a hobby, but he quickly realized the benefit he was providing to web surfers after receiving several emails with comments and thanks for the information he had provided. Alex James created and maintains the site as an informational site for web surfers interested in finding the best inflatable boats and kayaks online.

About the Author

Got-Content is an informational source writing articles about internet business owners and thier sites. Got-Content article: Learn about Inflatable Boats and Kayaks Online

Finding the Best Boat by Ray La Foy

From Personal Belly Boats To High Performance Racers - An Overview Of Inflatable Boats by C.J. Gustafson

Inflatable boats, also called rubber boats or dinghies, have been around in one form or another for thousands of years. They now come in many different sizes and models and include inflatable kayaks, sport boats, and inflatable catamarans. Their versatility and relatively low cost have contributed to their popularity, and more and more water enthusiasts are discovering the advantages of owing an inflatable boat. Evolution of the Inflatable Boat Historical records indicate that the first inflatable boats were animal skins filled with air. Over the years, many cultures have created various versions of inflatable watercraft, and in 1839, the Duke of Wellington tested the first inflatable pontoons. In the decades that followed, many new designs were introduced and some of them were utilized by European military forces. The inflatable boats were used to transport torpedoes and other cargo. They also allowed troops to make discreet landings in shallow water, and their compact size and storability made them easy to bring with, even on overland marches where it would not have been possible to bring a traditional boat. One of the models, the Zodiac, grew to be very popular with the military and contributed significantly to the rise of the civilian inflatable boat industry, both in Europe and in the United States. After World War II, surplus inflatable boats were sold to the public and the general population had a chance to experience how easy and enjoyable these boats can be. Since then, inflatable kayaks, sailing inflatables, inflatable canoes, sport boats, and belly boats have been added to the mix. Some inflatable boats run 45 feet in length or more and may include inboard steering, luxury features, and even full cabins. Inflatable boats have evolved so much that today, the only thing inflatable on some boats is the collar around the perimeter gunwales of the deck. Hull Designs & Types of Inflatable Boats Inflatable boats come in rigid hull design and soft-bottom style. Soft-bottom boats have floors made of fabric and slats (usually wood) running across the beam. This design is generally found in smaller inflatables ranging from about 6 to 8 feet in length only. Rigid hulls, or RIBs, were introduced in 1967 by Tony Lee-Elliott and advanced by Admiral Hoare and the Atlantic College in Wales. As opposed to soft-bottom boats, which have a fabric hull with inflatable or wood keels, RIBs have hard fiberglass or aluminum hulls and large, inflatable tubes. This allows for a combination of the best features from both types of boats. Some RIBs incorporate the V-shaped bow similar to that of a traditional boat. This design consists of a separate inflation tube running the length of the boat beneath the floorboards. Once inflated, it pushes the floor materials down to form the V-shape that helps in steering. The flotation collars on many RIBs are removable, making them easier to store and to clean. RIBs typically range from 10 to 30 feet in length and are propelled by either by an outboard motor or an inboard motor turning a water jet or z-drive. They were first used as lifeboats in 1970, and later as dinghies or tenders on larger pleasure yachts. Many of today’s sport boats used for fishing and water skiing are made with RIB designs. Inflatable Sport Boats Inflatable sport boats generally describe recreational boats that are used for fishing, water skiing, and other activities where a motor is required. Depending on the size of the craft, an inflatable sport boat can be used with a motor that generates up to 40 units of horsepower They can be deflated and packed away for easy transport or used with a trailer to avoid having to inflate at each use. Inflatable sport boats typically cost much less than their traditional counterparts and, because they are lighter, use much less gas. High Performance Several companies also make high performance inflatable boats that are used for racing, rescue, and other activities where speed is essential. These high performance boats generally have additional inflation tubes that lift the boat up off the water and create additional hydroplaning effects. They typically use larger motors, sometimes up to 400 horsepower. Because of their speed they are more difficult to navigate and require an experienced captain. Inflatable Canoes, Kayaks, and Other Personal Watercraft On the flip side are the inflatable canoes and kayaks that rely on human power and are used by one or two people at a time. These watercraft often look similar to their traditional counterparts, but have inflatable bodies, making them much lighter and easier to transport. They are often less expensive as well. In more recent years, inflatable sailboats and inflatable catamarans also have been introduced. They usually range from 12 to 14 feet in length and, like inflatable canoes and kayaks, only accommodate one or two people. Belly boats are yet another category of inflatable personal watercraft. These floats are sometimes called pontoon boats, but are not to be confused with the large, flat-bottomed craft often seen carrying large numbers of people on area lakes. Belly boats were specifically designed to be used for fishing and often look like floating donuts with a seat. Some may have two small pontoons with a seating area suspended between. Most are less than eight feet long and have room for just one person. Yacht Tenders Falling in between inflatable kayaks and other personal watercraft and the larger sport and performance boats are the Yacht Tenders. These are typically inflatable boats that range in length from 6 feet to 20 feet and, as the name implies, they are often used as lifeboats and runabouts on larger vessels. Yacht tenders can also be used for fishing, general boating, river rafting, and other activities where a motor is not essential. Many tenders can be paired with a small electric motor if needed. These categories of inflatable boats provide a general overview of the choices available. There are many variations and unique designs within these categories. In addition, some larger models of inflatable boats have inboard steering stations, cabin areas, and other features similar to traditional yachts. As the inflatable boat industry continues to advance and grow in popularity, we are likely to see many new and innovative designs in the future, providing even more opportunities to find the inflatable boat that fits perfectly with your budget and boating needs.

Source: www.isnare.com

Kiteboating by Jakob Jelling

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.kitesurfingnow.com. Visit his kitesite for the latest on kitesurfing equipment, kiteboarding lessons, places to surf and much more!

Great Reasons To Start Boating This Spring! by News Canada

(NC)-Thinking about pursuing a new, exciting family activity this year? Consider boating - it has so much to offer.

Boating, in its various forms, is a recreational activity for the entire family.

Recreational boats are used today for a variety of activities, including sailing, fishing and water skiing, in which all members of your family can participate. It's a great way to share experiences with children and generate memories that will last forever.

Canada has some of the world's most beautiful boating waters.

From May to September, travelers come from all over the world to explore the miles and miles of Canadian coastline. Why not familiarize yourself with the diverse geography of the different regions of the country by boat? Avoid traffic congestion from cars by using a boat instead. Get up-close and personal with the country we call our own.

Boating is the best bargain in recreation.

Buying a boat is one of the best investments you can make in family recreation. Surveys indicate most people who don't own boats believe prices are 30% or higher than they actually are. But you'll be surprised to know it costs less to buy and operate a boat than you'd think. For example, a spirited catamaran sailboat costs between $5,700 and $8,400. Looking for Canada' s most popular boat - a 17-19-foot outboard-powered family runabout? It will only cost between $10,900 and $19,700, on average.

Your family will never get bored with boating.

Because boating incorporates many skills, from reading charts to angling, you'll constantly be faced with new challenges! Continual learning will mean you'll never get bored. By boat, you'll see the extraordinary beauty of nature - things you' d never see on land. Discover wildlife, beaches and wilderness. You'll be amazed!

Last summer was fantastic.

Boaters had a great time last summer, fishing, skiing, sailing and cruising. Don't miss out on the family fun this year. It's easy to become part of Canada's growing boater community.

For more information about boating and to order a free CD-ROM with exciting boating information and tips, visit Discover Boating at www.DiscoverBoating.ca.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

How to Buy Houseboat Vacations and Organize One by Peter Lenkefi

Inflatable Boats And Inflatable Kayaks Are Naturally Safe And Stable - Here’s How To Enhance Their Overall Safety by C.J. Gustafson

Inflatable boats such as inflatable kayaks, inflatable catamarans, and inflatable sport boats have several advantages over their traditional watercraft counterparts. They typically cost less, are easy to transport, and can operate in more shallow waters than a deep hull boat. But many people don’t realize that inflatable boats are just as safe, or even more secure, than traditional boats. Because of their safety reputation, inflatable boats are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide. Buoyancy Buoyancy is one of the main concerns with any watercraft. How high a boat sits in the water and how well it stays afloat are important contributors to overall safety. Buoyancy also helps determine the amount and weight of cargo that a boat can transport. Inflatable boats and inflatable kayaks tend to be more buoyant than traditional watercraft, mainly because of the inflatable collar or tubes. The inflatable sections help spread the buoyancy out over the entire area of the boat, making it more resistant to sinking. In addition, the collars or tubes on an inflatable boat are usually designed with separate chambers so that if one chamber becomes deflated, the overall buoyancy will not be noticeably affected. Stability Not only does the design of inflatable boats contribute to increased buoyancy, it also helps make the watercraft more stable. Unlike traditional V-hulled boats, an inflatable boat sits flat in the water and has a low center of gravity, making them virtually impossible to tip. They are better able to handle rough water, and people standing up in the boat are not going to cause the craft to capsize. And swimmers and divers can use the sides to pull themselves up without causing the boat to rock or flip. Power & Maneuverability With the right size motor, inflatable boats can be quicker and more powerful than traditional boats because they are much lighter. For this same reason, they are much more responsive and easy to maneuver. In fact, because inflatable boats are so light and quick, it is important that you do not use too large of a motor. For general boating and fishing on inflatable boats, an 8 horsepower motor is adequate for watercraft up to 14 feet. Larger boats and inflatable sports boats for activities such as water skiing will require a motor with around 30 horsepower. Other Safety Factors As with traditional boats, there are a number of other precautions that help increase the overall safety of inflatable boats. The following list provides comprehensive guidelines, both for preparing to use an inflatable boat and for operation while out on the water. Before Leaving Port • Familiarize yourself with all aspects involved with the operation of your inflatable boat and make several practice runs before heading out on the water with passengers. • Familiarize yourself with the water safety regulations for your area. • Explain basic boat operations to all passengers and make sure that there is someone else in the boat that can operate it in case you become unable to do so. • Tell someone on shore the names of all people on your inflatable boat, where you plan to go, and when you expect to be back. • If you have a cellular phone, bring it with you in case of emergency. • Be sure to bring enough life vests or other allowable floatation devices for yourself and all passengers and make sure everyone puts them on before leaving if required by law to do so. • Also pack paddles, maps, flares, and other essential navigational and safety equipment. • When loading your boat, distribute weight evenly from side to side and front to back. Tie down loose cargo so it doesn’t shift. • Check weather conditions for the area and consider bringing a waterproof weather radio or hand held VHF Marine radio. • Learn about navigational concerns related to the specific body of water on which you plan to use your inflatable boat and don’t exceed the capabilities of you or your boat. On The Water • Require all passengers to remain seated while the boat is in motion, and never allow anyone to ride on the bow of the boat. If anyone must stand up, be sure they maintain three points of contact. • If using a motor, keep your hands away from the propeller and be sure passengers remember to stay clear of the prop when they are in the water. • Always use the stop switch lanyard that attaches to the driver that will kill the engine should you fall overboard. Test it before leaving port to be sure it is operating correctly. • Be aware that heavy rains and other water changes can create problems with debris floating in the water or hidden under the surface. • Do not operate the inflatable boat under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. • Remember that the captain of the boat sets the standard for safety, and you are responsible for the operation of the boat as well as your passengers’ behavior. Special Safety Considerations For Inflatable Boats When using an inflatable boat, it is also a good idea to take along a foot pump and a repair kit. Even though boats with independent inflatable chambers can still operate when one chamber deflates, there may be instances when you may need to patch a puncture or re-inflate the boat at some point. It is important to have the necessary tools as well as an understanding of how to make repairs. In addition, organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safe Boating Council and the American Boat & Yacht Council provide information on boating safety. The Coast Guard, many state agencies, and private groups offer water safety classes and Web sites such as BoatEd and BoatSafe offer online testing and certification approved by many states. Although it is unlikely that your inflatable boat will capsize if you follow these safety precautions, it is also a good idea to know how to swim. Those who enjoy boating on a regular basis may also want to consider a CPR course. In addition to being easy to use and often less expensive than traditional boats, inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, and other inflatable watercraft are more safe and secure in key areas such as buoyancy and stability. Following the tips listed in this article will add to the overall safety of your boating experience and enhance your enjoyment of your inflatable boat as well. Copyright 2005 Inflatable-Boats-N-Kayaks.com

About the Author: C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for http://www.inflatable-boats-n-kayaks.com, providing consumer information on rigid inflatable fishing boats and the best inflatable kayaks. She and her family make frequent fishing trips to Canada’s backcountry. The numerous portages required to reach some of the smaller lakes have made her especially appreciative of the lightweight, compact design of most inflatable sport boats.

Source: www.isnare.com

Inflatable Kayaks and Boats by Andrew Constantine

Learn More About Inflatable Boats and Kayaks - They're Easy On The WalletInflatable boats might just be the most amount of fun you need for your water sports activities. Just imagine the possibilities of taking an enjoyable cruise across your favorite water spot. Just being able to relax on a warm, sunny spring day while other inflatable boats are giving their owners a difficult time is well worth shopping for just the right boat.While people are spending ten to twenty thousand dollars for a metal or fiberglass boat, you can find that an inflatable boat is easy on the wallet and lots fun for those that like to enjoy getting out on the water for personal fun, fishing or hunting. If you like to fish, but dread dragging that clunky old boat down to the lake, consider the benefits of an inflatable small fishing boat as an easy and simple option.Some other tremendous benefit of inflatable boats are that you can store them in a small corner of your garage or even an extra bedroom when its not inflated. This is a fantastic option to be able to get out on the lake on the weekends without the need of a lot of space to store a solid hull boat. Keep your car in the garage and put your boat on a storage shelf!

Quality Inflatable Boats Aren't Just Oversized Pool Rafts.

About the Author

Andrew Constantine is the author of the informational website inflatable boats and kayaks for those interested in the subject.

Night Boat Fishing Checklist by Daniel Eggertsen

Boat Fishing At Night ChecklistHere is an easy checklist of items you will need before you head out for a night fishing trip.** Two Flashlights with new batteries in each. -Sure enough, one of those flashlights is not going to work when you get out on the water. Of course, this usually happens when you only have one flashlight with you.(While it isn't mandatory, if you are serious about night fishing, you should have an Evening Secret on your boat - for maximum catching at night.) (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/boat-prep.php)** Pair of needle nose pliers-Since it is harder to see your line at night than during the day, you have a greater chance of hooking the fish deeper than usual with the delayed reaction time. The pliers will make your life much easier in these cases.** Insect repellant-A good mosquito repellant is critical to your sanity on the water. We have used "Skin-so-soft" by Avon and I think it works the best out of any of them. Anything with deet is better than nothing at all.** Plenty of lures, line, extra rod & reel, etc-This is an obvious one.** Extra fuse for the boat. -If you blow a fuse out on the water and your boat lights go out, you could be in trouble.** Blacklight- Using a blacklight with a clear blue fluorescent line will really help you see those hits faster.** Spare boat battery- Running all of those lights, blacklights, etc can put a strain on your battery. Better safe than sorry.** First Aid kit- Whether you end up with a snake bite or get hooked by your buddy's cast, you will need proper medication, Band-Aids and peroxide, etc.** Cell Phone- Although sometimes you may find it difficult to get a good signal on the water, a cell phone can literally save your life if you get into trouble.There are many other things you should pack for your trip. These are just some of the bigger items we have found useful in the past.

About the Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/boat-prep.php)

Safe Boating... All Summer Long by News Canada

Boating, practiced by smart boaters is safe. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you're guaranteed to have a great time boating all summer long.

To get more information on boating, including a free CD-ROM entitled "Discover Boating", visit www.discoverboating.ca.

- News Canada

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

Stocking up your Boat by Ieuan Dolby

The engine has always been my greatest problem and I have this constant nightmare of breaking down whilst away from shore. The last thing that I want to do is to call for help and admit to everybody that I was not ready. Spanners, screwdrivers, engine tool kit and a few essential spares are of course a necessity but the Chain Block and the torque wrench, the hydraulic spanner and the ten-pound hammer? I am not so sure that I will ever really need them at sea.

There is no pride to think of when you breakdown. Safety is of a higher priority.

ieuandolby@lycos.com

Teak-The Care of Boat Hardwoods by James "Doc" Lewis

As beautiful as it is here on The Emerald Coast where I write this, it only takes a few days to see the effects of air pollutants and intense sunlight on anything left outside.

Preparation

Regardless of the method of preservation used the first thing which must be done is to clean and restore the teak to its natural state.

So take your time, use plenty of water to rinse away all of the soap and residue of previous products and allow at least 24 hours drying time before your first coat.

Now the choices begin.

Teak Oil

Teak oil is one of the oldest and in many ways easiest methods of maintaining the natural look to teak.

More choices, linseed or tung oil. In general, tung oil is a more refined version of linseed oil. The higher quality/price is an individual call depending on the application.

Characteristics: Gives the wood a matte finish without shiny spots. Requires recoating periodically, 1-3 months depending on exposure factors. While teak oils, when properly applied and maintained resist and displace water they do not completely eliminate it's getting into the wood. (works well but requires frequent maintenance or will tend to turn black and degrade rapidly) A big plus is that unless the wood is very rough, no sanding should be required.

Teak Sealer

Sealers are a good choice for those who don't mind doing a little extra work at the beginning and end of the season in order to not have to worry about it during.

Varnish

Ah, the beauty of a newly varnished teak deck.

On the plus side:

Offers real protection for the wood.

Wood will not dry out and split

" will not absorb moisture and rot

" is unaffected by dirt and pollution

" will not be stained by spills

The not-so-plus side:

* Varnishing any wood requires thorough and painstaking sanding and preparation.

* The standard for a ship-shape job is 7 coats with sanding between each coat. I've often done 12 to 14 to achieve desired results.

* Additional coats, with thorough sanding between, are required to maintain the look.

* The humidity must be low or a milky appearance will result, requiring more sanding to remove the affected coat.

Characteristics:

The Road Less Traveled

Whatever you decide, may all of your boating adventures be happy ones.

The Care and Feeding of Your Clear Vinyl Boat Windows by James "Doc" Lewis

Strataglass®, Lexan®, Plexiglass®, Isenglass, Crystal Clear, Eisenglass, etc. Whatever you call it, it all comes from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which has certain definite characteristics.

1. Vinyl is a UV-sensitive material which degrades when exposed to sunlight.

2. A vinyl's topcoat holds in plasticizers, softening agents which keep vinyl supple.

That's It! All you ever needed to know about vinyl boat windows in one easy lesson. Maintaining a topcoat and protecting against UV damage will keep vinyl looking good for years.

Let up, for as little as a month, in this climate, and, well, read on . . .

Q. What you mean Doc, you don't just hang um and forget um?

Who is that guy?

Think of it a little like your skin. With regular washing, sunscreen, and moisturizer our skin can take the Emerald Coast summer conditions without too much trouble. Eliminate one or more of these and stay outside 24/7 and we'll be looking 102 years old in no time, even if we're only 20.

Cleaning Procedure

Next, give the window a thorough rinsing with more fresh water and then dry, either with a clean terry cloth towel or chamois.

Application improves visibility and reduces wear and scratching by reducing the coefficient of friction. In laymens terms this just means that it makes the surface slicker than snail snot. It also repels water, dust, dirt, salt, and ultra-violet radiation. (SPF 40) Added benefits are an anti-fog/anti-glare finish.

A monthly treatment will keep those curtains looking like new for many years.

And What About Strataglass®?

What if we're too late?

If you have some vinyl windows which you are thinking about replacing let us take a look and see what we can do. The service is quite reasonable when compared to the price of replacement.

Below is the step by step procedure we follow to bring back vinyl windows - hope it helps.

Overview:

Tools:

Procedure:

If you have some experience with polishing it's a plus although the technique used here is unique to the material and therefore will be learned as you go along.

We usually start with the smallest, or least noticeable window first to get an idea of the amount of work needed and to check the results. If there are several small pieces choose the one which is most damaged. After completing one is a good time to compare the work involved with the expense of replacing the window. If time isn't a prime consideration but money is, then this system will serve you well.

Step by Step:

Cleaning:

Polishing:

Finishing:

A Couple of Tips on Vinyl:

Tips on Buying a Boat: Seven Tips on What should you look for when investing in watercraft by Keith Binnersley

I'm often asked by my students what to look for when making an investment in a sailing vessel. I often share the following seven tips and hope that you too may find some value in them.

Beware of the buying philosophy "I'll buy a smaller boat now and get a bigger one later." If you're buying new you will suffer two large depreciations. If buying used, the money you put into the first boat to bring it up to your own personal standards and needs will go a long way to paying a down payment or many monthly payments on the second boat. You will be upgrading the second boat anyway. Buy now what you expect to own for 5-10 years.

Take into account the area where you will be sailing and who you will be sailing with. Decide on the type of berths that will be suitable for you, your family and your guests. For example, aft doubles aligned with the axis of the boat or an aft double that runs across the boat port to starboard. Although the latter tends to be larger and more comfortable in the slip it is definitely not a sea going berth. How easily does the main salon table convert into a berth and is it sturdy enough to do so repeatedly? In a pinch or in good weather can any one sleep in the cockpit?

What is your likely cruising range? If just 2-4 days then water and diesel tankage can be respectively 20 and 80 gallons or less. If it is 5-10 days then a minimum would be 50 and 160. If you buy a boat with say 100 gallons diesel and 2-300 gallons water then the designer will have given up berth space to accommodate the tankage. Depending on the size of the boat the left over space may not be well utilized until you reach say a 50 ft. long boat. Look for living and storage space that is well utilized. Odd placement of the main salon settees, chart table and galley may indicate poor utilization of space and hence you may be paying good money for little advantage.

Lastly, do insist on a survey. If the boat has any of the defects listed below find out the cost to correct them if you are expecting the boat to pass the insurer's surveyor. Insurers have their own requirements. Your insurance agent and the surveyor should be working hand in hand. This is where a purchaser of a used watercraft can suddenly be faced with unexpected costs. Costly defects include but are not limited to:

Soft or cracked gellcoat on the deck.

Deck leaks around windows, masts, caprail, traveller or through deck fittings.

Rigging should be checked by a rigger and all running rigging must be overhauled end-to-end to detect hidden chafe.

Hope you find these tips helpful. Best wishes to you on your investment, maybe I'll see you on the Chesapeake Bay or near the British Virgin Islands sometime, I'll either be sailing on Majjik II or Majjik III.