Yacht Management Made Simple

Yacht Management is a relatively new branch to the Yachting Industry. It has emerged through the ongoing popularity of sailing vacations, or chartering. Boat owners are opting out for the opportunity of placing their yacht in a charter fleet.

Yacht Management alleviates many of the activities that support the operations of a yacht. The responsibilities that are associated with the care of your yacht are made as pleasurable as possible, and less of a hassle. The role of yacht management is to bridge the gap between recreational and professional yachting. A “newbie”, intending to relieve their stress would benefit greatly from this. Yacht Management can make the difference of keeping a dream from becoming a nightmare.

Yacht Management & Chartering

Yacht Management is crucial when it comes to chartering a boat. Generating income with a boat isn't easy, but in almost all cases, success depends on treating a vessel as a business. Yes, of course a boat owner will attach only recreational purposes to their boat. This is normal, most of time that is the intention. Purchasing Yachts and immediately placing them into a charter program is a growing trend, though. According to many boat owners, one of the easiest ways to slip into chartering is to get the help of a yacht management company. The Catamaran Company has a division dedicated to these kinds of services.

These services include listing the vessel with yacht brokers nationwide or internationally, so the yacht owner does not have to spend their time on advertising and marketing. The most sophisticated services take care of everything from booking the yacht, collecting payments and coordinating maintenance and repairs. In return, the management company collects a percentage of the charter income. The boat owner collects on the larger percentage of course. The Catamaran Company client profits are in the higher side of the spectrum, when considering industry standards.

Allowing, a firm take care of the management of your boat will help you offset some of the costs of buying and maintaining a boat. One of yacht managements many functions are to protect the buyer’s investment. A team of professionals will have a greater chance of prolonging the life of the investment.

Typical Catamaran Company Maintenance Services

The Catamaran Company is dedicated to making every aspect of boat ownership and use pleasurable for you, your family and your guests. Our service department can help preserve and even enhance the long-term value of one of your most important investments. We will make sure that your yacht is ready to go whenever you are.. and all in top operational condition!

Typical services include:

• Complete Yacht Services

• Varnish & Bright Work

• System inspection on a regular basis with a written report of findings & recommendations to owner

• Administer an applicable Preventative Maintenance program

• Scheduled systems operation to ensure the preventative maintenance program is effective

• Structural repairs

• Fiberglass

• Engine Overhauling, re-powering

• Hardware & hand-hold restoration or replacement

Yacht Deliveries – Satellite Tracking

The Catamaran Company can help you arrange a delivery anywhere in the world. We have partnered with industry specialists who have excellent credentials in safely delivering your yacht to a number of international destinations.

Yacht owners can now log into our special satellite system to chart the position of their yacht anywhere in the world. The system is powerful - it allows you to zoom in on the boat via special illustrative charts. Not only does this give you piece of mind knowing exactly where your yacht is in the delivery stage, but its fun.

The system functions through two main components: they are the terminal, and satellites. The terminal is the only physical element that is needed to install on the boat. It contains modern GPS and sophisticated software to achieve bi-directional communication with Inmarsat geostationary satellites.

The satellites work through the Inmarsat Network (International Maritime Satellite). This system offers world-wide coverage excluding the world’s remote regions like the North and South Poles. The four geostationary satellites are located on top of the Ecuador at around 35,500 kilometers.

If you would like to view a short clip on the delivery of a Lagoon 44 go to

[http://www.catamarans.com/catamaranco/video/lp_44_Delivery.asp?bhcp=1]

Private Management in British Virgin Islands, Tortola

The British Virgin Islands and the Island of Tortola exists in one of the most beautiful, quite and well preserved natural environments rivaling just about anyplace in the world to visit. Over the course of the last few years this area has proved to be one of the most fertile grounds anywhere in the world relative to the generation of income for the charter industry.

In order for these services to be optimal quality control must be implemented. Control in the quality of service must be handled by both owners and customers in the preparation of each charter as well as understanding and maintaining the yachts in our care and custody.

For more details please visit http://www.catamarans.com/

Yacht and Boat Safety

Going out to sea is always a wonderful experience - the feeling of the salty breeze whipping against your skin, the bright sun hovering on the horizon and the sight of waves rippling in the vast ocean all serve to invigorate the mind and refresh the spirit.

However, there are some safety measures that must be observed in the yacht or boat you are riding. Boat owners must take note of the following points in order to ensure a safe and fun trip.

First and foremost, check the weather. Before going on any trip, it is always important to check the weather. The weather is an unstable phenomenon that may cause the loss of lives and property.

Before you go sailing off, review the wind condition, changes in temperature, cloud formation, and other signs of weather instability. In case of any uncertainty, get out of the water. There is always tomorrow. It is better by far to cancel a trip and lose a day in the sea than to be engulfed by the waves and lose all the days of your life.

By the way, aside from the weather, remember to check tide conditions as well.

Bring life jackets for all your passengers. This may seem obvious, but some people, while remembering to bring life jackets, forget to bring enough life jackets for all their passengers.

It is important to always keep a sufficient number of life jackets in case of emergency. Remember, too, that there are strict laws enforced to ensure utmost safety for seafarers.

Make sure you have working communication devices. Again, in case of emergency, communication devices such as a radio or even a satellite phone must be within easy reach. It is important to stay updated on the weather and boating conditions, to avoid getting struck unaware by disasters.

Additionally, it would also be wise to keep some flares on hand, to alert the Coast Guard during an emergency.
Stay away from alcohol. Boating under the influence of alcohol is just as dangerous as its terrestrial counterpart, and it has similar legal consequences.

Alcohol has a stronger effect on a boater than a land driver because its effect is aggravated by the wavy movements of the boat on the water. Additionally, there are more stressors present at sea than on land - the vibration of the motor, the strong winds, the heat of the sun, and of course, seasickness.

Falling overboard is one effect of drinking alcohol. It may lead to more fatal consequences.

Keep boating kits on hand. These little boxes should include emergency supplies such as bottled water, extra fuel, spare parts in case of broken material, and even a back-up engine.

A first aid kit must also be present in the boat in case of physical injuries that befall the passengers in the middle of the sea.

The boat kit should also contain your boat insurance papers.

Remember, whether driving or sailing or doing anything else, there's always a proper way of doing things. Whatever vehicle you take on your trip, safety should always be prioritized.

Part of mandatory safety preparation is insuring your boat. Specific types of insurance policies - speed boat insurance, fishing boat insurance, yacht insurance, etc. - cover specific types of boats.

Again, with sufficient preparation, you can always feel confident that you and your boat will stay safe in the water.

Marine Insurance

Yacht and Boat Preparation

There are all types of yacht and boat preparations depending on where you're going and what you're doing!

It could be that you're entertaining at the dock and your preparations would include food, drink, a good boat wash down, and music of course. There are other boat preparations if you're taking an offshore run to the Bahamas, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. These longer runs, either by powerboat or sailboat that can last overnight or several days to weeks need to have quite a bit more preparation, from plenty of food and fuel storage, to all kinds of safety equipment. You would also want to have an experienced crew that knows the rigors needed for these longer voyages.

Coastal running does take a little of each... you must have enough fuel, food, and safety equipment to guard against any unforeseen event. One of the things you might consider is a bilge alarm allowing you to know how often and long your bilge pump is running. Whether it's a powerboat or sailboat, things do happen like a through-hull fitting coming loose, to your stuffing box letting in water...for reasons it could be many for these two. The hoses attached to the through-hull fittings may start leaking or the hoses themselves may blow off. This could be because of the motion of the boat pushing through the water, which puts higher pressure into these hoses, especially if you are falling off waves, or slamming into them. If the hoses are in good shape and the two hose clamps (you should have two) are tight and in good condition then these problems should not occur. You could get leaky stuffing boxes from shaft misalignment, which heats the stuffing box and burns away the stuffing within (waxed roping) and lets water flow into your bilge. Even your water tank and/or related hoses and fittings can start coming loose and begin to leak also from the ocean's relentless motion. You never know if it's going to happen inshore or offshore. How many times have you heard about a crew member waking up and stepping into water above the floor boards... The thing is to have replacements or some sort of repair-ability to stop the water flow if this does happen. This is why the bilge alarm is so important, it lets you know that it's pumping out more often or at longer times. Because of this alarm, it gets you to look under the floorboards and into the bilge. A man overboard system, whether electronically setup or a manual type with a flag and buoy, should be onboard as well. This equipment helps you get back to where that person or object fell overboard.

Basically, having a well maintained and safety oriented yacht or boat always helps keep an emergency or unwanted event to a minimum. As you find yourself cruising in certain areas you will find that you usually gear your boat to that area. Reading more about offshore or coastal voyages, will give you insight on different ways and additional boat equipment to prepare your boat with.

By Capt. Doug Malat
Douglas Malat is a Captain with 30,000 Offshore miles, Sailor, Powerboater, Scuba diver, and creator of YachtAuthority.com, a Website where you will find thousands of new & used boats and yachts for sale, along with all kinds of Boating Accessories, Products and Services! Take a look at all the great Boats and Yachts...get that info you need! Check-out our Featured Yachts on the homepage!

Marine Boating - How To Have Fun In Water

Marine boating is fast becoming America's favourite pastimes, it is growing by leaps and bounds each year.

The feeling of driving a boat is quite exhilarating and also helps in reducing your stress by a significant amount. Marine boating does a world of good to your soul and body. It can be classified as water sport as it is quite adventurous.

You are provided with a large number of choices in water crafts when you take up marine boating. One of the options is a sailboat. They are fun and can be used on almost all water bodies. Sailboats are especially fun on short trips and voyages.

The boats that are used for marine boating come in a variety of sizes, ranging from smallest of about 24 foot long to the larger ones whose length can reach 70 foot. They are usually made of a material like fiberglass, which is sturdy and is very easy to clean. Some of the larger yachts have cabins which are quite luxurious and comfortable for long trips. Sometimes the small cabin cruisers are also taken for overnight journeys.

Some of the yachts can accommodate a large number of people along with supplies. The fun in marine boating increases when it is shared with other people. This is reason why most yachts are built so as to accommodate at least six people in comfort. The compartment under the seats holds equipment, including fishing gear and inflatable vests.

A lot of fun activities can be done while marine boating. A lot of water sports can be played depending on the kind of boat you have. Example for this is water skiing, which is adrenaline pumping, which requires some skill to learn and a lot of practice to perfect it, but the moment you get the hang of it you find yourself addicted to the sport of skimming water standing on just a couple of pieces of fiberglass.

Another great water sport is inner tubing. It involves floating on specially designed tubes that are inflated with air and are provided with handles on the sides. This can be enjoyed by people of all age groups as it requires little in terms of skill.

Fishing is another enjoyable activity one can associate with marine boating. To get to areas where the best and the biggest fish are hiding a small boat is required.

Marine boating is enjoyed by people around the world. This pastime has been around for quite some time now, but with the advancements made in boats as well as equipment, it has become the most favoured recreational activities around.

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Boat Service - 10 Tips

A properly service or maintained vessel is the basis for safety at sea. Are you conducting a regular maintenance and servicing schedule to ensure you and your friends and family's safety at sea? Poorly maintained vessels result in problems at sea which can be disastrous. Below are 10 top maintenance tips that skippers should constantly monitor to ensure the safety of their vessel and their crew...

1) Service your engine at least once a year. If possible you should follow the manufacturers guidelines as to when to service your motor, but at the bare minimum ensure it is done on a yearly basis.

2) Check the water pump from your motor regularly to ensure a strong discharge. Once again the pump should be changed once a year but consider doing this more often if you use your boat in murky water or shallow areas.

3) Check your battery around 4 times a year. Batteries cause the most headaches for boat users. Skippers need to ensure they use a certified marine battery (not a car battery). Battery cells need to be topped up with distilled water whenever the levels get low. Battery connections must be kept clean, tight and secure. The battery should be well ventilated, secure and regularly charged.

4) Spark plugs should be changed with your engine service. Carry spare plugs with you so if you need to change them whilst you are out at sea you can. Remember to bring a correct size spanner as well.

5) Check fuel lines at least 4 times a year. Look for leaking hoses, corrosion, dirt and any other warning signs. If you have a problem get it fixed immediately by a professional. Fuel filters should be changed 1 to 2 times a year. Keep your tanks topped up (especially over periods where you will not be using your boat) as this will reduce condensation forming in the tank. If you have external fuel tanks you should consider washing them out at least once a year.

6) Check your oil 3-4 times a year. You can access your oil via a drain screw in the gear case (refer to your owners manual for exact directions). If the oil runs milky it is time to get the engine serviced and the oil changed.

7) Check your propellor for damage or rubbish. Fishing line can often get stuck around the shaft and cause water to leak in so remove it as soon as this happens. Consider carrying an old propellor with you so if you run into trouble you can swap it over. Remember to carry a second shear pin as well rather than trying to re-insert the old one.

8) Check the hull for any visible signs of damage. Look for any unexpected scratches and dents and look inside the boat for water leaks. Make sure the bung plugs still fit securely and check that the navigation lights and bilge pumps are working correctly.

9) Monitor the trailer frequently as well as the boat. Have a quick scan of the trailer immediately after launching your boat. Check that the rollers are in good condition, winch cable is secure, lights working and that corrosion is minimal.

10) Finally be sure to check all joints and connection to keep them secure. You should do a boat walk through (inside and out) about 3-4 times a year to look for normal wear and tear and to keep a general eye out for problems. Also check all ropes for wear and tear or damage. Catching problems early ensures your safety and ultimately will save you money down the track.

Ongoing maintenance is the responsibility of the skipper. Constant vigilance ensures safe boating and keeps repair costs to a minimum. So keep up with the above 10 top tips and enjoy many years of safe hassle free boating.

James Fletcher is a boating and fishing enthusiast. His website is a great source of boating and fishing knowledge. Find more boating & fishing tips and advice at his site.

http://www.freeboatingtips.com

Boat Maintenance and Documentation Tips

When purchasing your boat supplies and your marine products to enjoy your boat, you are rarely thinking about how you are going to truly manage your boat.

Even if you boat is just a small aluminum fishing boat with a 25hp outboard motor it is important to track the last tune up and to document your vessel in case something were to happen to it. If you are getting ready for an ocean race or for a blue water cruise, the importance is magnified exponentially. Just ask yourself a few of these simple questions. (More importantly, if you "depart" from your vessel unexpectedly and your crew or wife are left aboard, will they know the answers to these questions?

How many water tanks do I have?
How many fuel tanks do I have? How big are they and where is each one of them located?
When was the last time my MOM or Liferaft was inspected? When does it need to be inspected?
Where is my manual to the GPS or Chartplotter?
Boat maintenance is not the fun part of owning a boat, but without it, you are sure to not have any fun at all. Having a Boat Service Log that acts as a comprehensive organization system for your boat is one of the best tips I can recommend to any boat owner. Boat Service Log by Marine Boat Solutions is the most innovative and truly well thought out inventory, maintenance, and scheduling system I have ever used.

Not only does it track renewal and expiration dates, safety equipment, preventive maintenance items and other alerts and reminders, you can also capture and inventory all electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical equipment on your boat.

Even more important, store a comprehensive description of your boat and its registration information. Enter and attach pictures and pdf manuals to any item on your boat. Store and retrieve your vendor information.

This is truly the BEST way to manage and document your boat. Whether you are just a happy boat owner, or planning a ocean race, blue water cruise, or fishing expedition, this will help make sure YOU know YOUR boat. (And make sure your wife or crew know your boat in your absence).

With Boat Service Log you can:

TRACK licensing, registrations, models, serial numbers, & maintenance schedules of all vital systems.
ARCHIVE equipment manuals, diagrams and pictures for quick reference. Create automated boat to-do lists.
CREATE vendor/contractor database by specialty and location.
ADD VALUE by tracking maintenance and upgrades.
SAVE $$$ by on-time preventive care.
DOCUMENT All Equipment for insurance, travel and potential sales purposes. Log spare parts, numbers and location.
If you're like me, you have a quality copy of your boat's original inspection report that gives you some pretty detailed information on all the boating supplies and marine products systems and such on your boat. Trouble is that it is static. And, it is usually not well organized with the ability to add in additional data or updated inspection information.

With Boat Service Log you can actually input reminders so that you never miss a service date. Whether it is your annual engine tune up or more importantly your life raft inspection you will be given an alert that will keep you on top of your boat maintenance.

Boat Service log is available on CD ROM or via a download link when you purchase it. Its comes with a logical, intuitive and easy-to-use graphical user interface.

You can get more details from Just4Boats, one of the only companies that sells this new solution.

Author: Mike M.
Just4Boats
http://www.Just4Boats.com

All About Different Types of Boat Motors

A boat motor or engine is one of the most important components of a boat.

It is quite important to choose the right engine for your needs. There are mainly two important factors that need to be considered while choosing engines and these include weight and horsepower. The overall performance of the boat depends on these two factors. An underpowered boat will perform poorly due to stress caused to the engines. This can affect the performance of the boat adversely. To choose the right type of engine for your ship, it is important to understand the different types of engines or motors available.

Types and Functions

Outboard motors: One of the most popular and widely used engines or motors includes the outboard motors. These engines are available in various sizes but it is widely used for small water crafts. Most of the sailors prefer outboard motors as it is small, quiet, powerful and light. These motors are easy to steer and can be mounted on the transom of the watercraft. It can also be swirled around easily. Various types of outboard motors require different types of fuels.

Inboard motors: Another type of boat motor includes the inboard motors which can be used for vessels which are longer than 26 feet. All the inboard motors can be mounted inside the watercraft unlike the outboard motors. The inboard motors are placed in the center of the vessel so that it provides equal weight distribution. The shaft of these motors is basically attached to the propellers. The water crafts can be turned and moved forward easily with the use of inboard motors.

Stern drive motors: Known to be heavier than the outboard motors, the stern drive motors are also called I/O engines. The stern drive motors can be fixed inboard with a small unit attached to the transom. These motors can be turned up and down for better cruising. The stern drive motors are quite popular as it is both versatile and powerful.

Jet drive motors: The jet drive boat motor is considered to be quiet safe as it does not include propellers. It is therefore considered to be safe and eco-friendly. These motors include less maintenance and are safe for marine animals and humans. Jet driven motors cannot be used for water crafts to sail in shallow water. The jet driven motors are usually fixed inboard.

Choosing the Right Boat Motor

As mentioned earlier, there are two factors which affect the performance of the boats which include the horsepower and the weight of the vessel. While purchasing motors, it is important to consider the size and weight of the watercraft. It is also important to include fuel, passengers and gear of the vessel or watercraft before considering the weight. Engines or motors should be chosen according to these factors.

There are different types of fuels that can be used for different types of gasoline engines. The three most popular fuels in the market include Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) and Carbureted fuel. All fuel types used for engines are unique and include specific qualities. It is important to use them according to the type of motor or engine.

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An Overview On Boat Motors

Most boats today have some type of boat motors. Both tiny motor boats and huge luxury liners are put into motion by motors. Far more boat owners prefer to have their boats propelled rather than sailed.

Gaining a comprehensive knowledge of boat motors is important, as it allows you to decipher what is wrong in case of malfunction. Recognizing a problem early on will allow you to avoid both physical and financial risk.

All three parts of a boat motor must be kept in good shape. If either the engine, propeller, or drive system fail to work properly, the motor will not run.

The drive system on motor boats may be inboard, outboard, or inboard/outboard (also known as a stern drive). The drive system controls the transfer of the engine's power to the water and directs the thrust. An outboard system places all parts of the motor together in a housing located on the outside of the boat.

The entire unit swivels to change direction. The outboard motor is lightweight, often portable, and takes up little to none of the boat's interior space. However, the weight of the motor can cause the boat to ride low at the stern and the cutout space where the motor is carried can make the boat prone to taking water in that location.

An inboard drive system moves the engine inside the boat, close to the center of the hull. The inboard location of the engine creates better balance in the boat. However, the inboard engine is generally heavier than the outboard system and critical interior space is reduced.

In a stern drive, or inboard/outboard motor, the engine is located inside the boat as with an inboard system. However, the rest of the motor is located outboard. This minimizes the loss of interior space while maintaining the balance and low center of gravity of the inboard system. The major disadvantage to this system is that the motor is more complicated, and therefore more prone to failure, than either the inboard or outboard motor.

The engine is perhaps the most important decision that must be made about motor boats. The most popular engine is the four-cycle internal combustion gasoline engine. This type of engine is sufficient for any boat up through a mid size family cruiser.

The engine is roughly equivalent to that of a heavy-duty truck engine. Remember that a gasoline engine must always be well ventilated to prevent fire or explosion. Two cycle engines are still available and are quite lightweight, but require adding oil to the mix. They tend to smoke and leak and are no longer considered ideal.

Diesel engines are in many ways superior to gasoline engines and are the engine of choice for large ships and commercial vessels, as well as some versions of the sports boat. They burn more cleanly and won't explode. However, the initial cost is much higher than that of a gasoline engine.

The final component in most boat motors is the propeller. At one time, choosing the proper propeller was a mysterious art best left to professionals. Now it is possible to choose your own. Propeller selection is still complicated, and it is best to consult with a professional or discuss your choices with experienced boat owners in a boat forum.

Take the time to make yourself familiar with boat motors. Doing so will allow you to successfully combine the components you need for a smooth running boat. If there is something you do not know about boat motors, consult an expert.

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Learn to Repair a Boat to Protect Your Investment

If you own a boat or are considering purchasing one, you certainly know about the headache that regular maintenance can be. This is especially true if the boat is in high speed waters, if the boat is structurally designed for heavy weight, or if an accident causes a large amount of damage and a hefty price tag to match.

Knowing how to repair a boat is not crucial, as any dock will have experienced professionals who know how to care for hulls, sails, motors, steering equipment, and electronics, but there are plenty of simple things that any owner of a boat, large or small, can do to ensure their property need not undergo expensive renovations and repairs.

The most important part of any boat, even sail boats, is the motor. To repair a boat, consider the motor of a boat as the heartbeat. At several thousand dollars per unit, it is an extremely expensive piece of equipment to purchase if you must get a new one. Motors in boats are no different from those of cars; they must be kept clean, regularly oiled, and need to be fed high quality fuel.

High lead concentrations in gasoline will only cause the components of the boat's engine to become clogged, so ensure that unleaded fuel is being used to power your boat. Additionally, although boats do not have the same "every three thousand miles" mantra of car engines' oil changes, a boat engine must push more force through a higher resistant object - that is, a heavier frame through water - and thus requires attention even more frequently than a car. Check the oil of your boat engine after every single outing and change the oil at the first sign of sludge or discoloration.

Knowing how to repair a boat is not about memorizing small things, but getting the timing of your craft down. Boats are just like any other machine and are designed to fail if not for proper maintenance. The hull of a boat is especially prone to this, as organisms or high pH water will corrode the side of your vessel, resulting in slower acceleration and top speed or even eventual water leakage.

Caring for a hull is crucial -- every year, sweep it free of barnacles. Allow it to be taken out of the water and looked over, checking for open seams or loose bolts.

Test the strength of the hull by flicking coins against it; if a penny thrown against a boat will bounce back at high trajectories, there is excellent strength in the hull. Likewise, if it drops too low, there is not enough resistance acting on the penny and the hull must be strengthened.

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Marine Engines - Special Care, Special Performance

If you are pursuing becoming a boat owner, there are many factors to consider, not the least of which is engine type. There are several types from which to choose, depending on the size of your boat, the frequency of its use, and the environment in which it will sail.

Deciding between gasoline and diesel is one . If your boat will see regular use, you may want to go with diesel. Diesel provides extra muscle, although it is not offered on most powerboats. You will need to take the boat out often, because rust is an issue in diesels which sit idle.

Gasoline engines are cheaper, and fuel is more often available. Gasoline powered boats can sit for long periods without seeing any use. Out on the water, gasoline engines are quite responsive to the throttle, providing super speed bursts when you need them.

Probably the three most well known types of motors are inboard, outboard, and stern drive. The last type is the most popular, especially for pleasure boats. The stern drive is powered by an inboard motor. Power goes through a shaft in the bottom of the boat to drive the propeller, which is located underneath. These engines offer major horse power!

Those thinking about boats should know before buying that there is a lot of care involved to make sure your boat stays in superior condition. With all their exposure to water and the dirt it carries, neglect of marine engines can be highly problematic. Proper maintenance should be practiced diligently.

Careful winterization is imperative. It can be time consuming, but when taking the boat out in spring, you will appreciate it! Depending on whether you have an inboard, outboard, or stern drive motor, the winterization tasks vary. For the first two, the engine must be flushed with clean water. For any boat, filling the fuel tank to capacity will prevent condensation. Adding a fuel stabilizer is smart, too. Water should be drained, faucets turned off, and antifreeze added. These are just a few of the many chores that will be required before you store your boat.

If you are up to the work of taking care of marine engines, you are in for a wonderful experience. You will find that few things are more exciting than being the "captain of your own ship"!

F. Toulouse

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Boat Engine Maintenance

If you are ever thinking about owning a boat, the first thing you should consider is how much it is going to cost. After you've determined that you can afford it and have found a place where you can store it, you need to make sure that you know how to actually operate it. Most states, if not all, require boat owners to have a license that proves they actually know how to operate their boat. For a lot of people, getting a license means that one will have to attend a class that instructs him/her on all of the safety features and general operating features of a boat.

According to one boat enthusiast, David Pascoe, you should regularly inspect your boat. Depending on the size of your boat, this inspection shouldn't take longer than thirty minutes or so. By inspecting your boat on a regular basis, you can save yourself hundreds (even thousands) of dollars in repairs down the line. According to Pascoe, many boat owners don't really know or understand too much about boat engine maintenance. Most boat owners place too much emphasis on changing the oil, not realizing that the majority of boat engine damage is the result of failure to maintain the cooling system. Contrary to popular belief, a boat engine cooling system is different from a car. Unlike cars, boats use the water that they are floating on to cool the engine. Therefore, if you're riding around in polluted water, more than likely, your engine is getting the worst of it. For this reason, Pascoe recommends having good filters (aka: sea strainers). This is not a place to be frugal; find out what type of water your boat usually sits in. If your boat is usually docked or riding through salt water, it will ruin your engine over time which is why you need to make sure that your water pumps are inspected regularly.

If you have a closed cooling system on your boat (aka: fresh water cooling), you need to be wary of crud building up. The build up will act like an insulator, gradually slowing down the cooling system on the boat. When you are pouring coolant into your engine, make sure that you aren't pouring too much. As we all know, too much of anything is usually a bad thing. And actually, having too much coolant will cause unwanted crud to build up. Also, make sure you read the manual for instructions on how to properly pour in the coolant (because there is a specific process for doing it).

Changing the oil in a boat is slightly different than changing the oil in your car. Unlike a car, which requires you to change the oil every 'X' number of miles, the oil in a boat (if its diesel) needs to be changed at least every 100 hours. This is because carbon builds up in the oil, which will transfer to the piston ring grooves and eventually cause the rings to stick, which is NOT a good thing. For gas engines, oil change is not as dependent on the number of hours but, rather, should take place before the oil blackens. You see, as oil accumulates engine by-products, it will get darker, becoming more acidic in the process, which can cause internal damage to your engine. This is why you want to change it before it becomes black. The frequency with which you would change the oil in a gas boat will depend on a number of things, such as geographic location.

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Tips in Selecting the Ideal Boat Engine For Your Boat

Selecting the engine (or even propulsion system) to your boat is critical. Both weight as well as the horsepower may have a significant impact on the actual efficiency of your boat. For those who have a boat that is underpowered, the engine works two times as difficult, providing you weak performance. Today, we'll examine the motors readily available for boats and vessels:

Outboard motor

A good outboard motor is extremely common and incredibly beneficial on small boats. These types of motors are extremely gentle, powerful, and intensely quiet. Typically installed on the transom of your boat, there are boats readily available that provide a motor properly or perhaps a bracket to be able to support the motor to. The whole motor will rotate concerning, offering effortless guiding as the turning propeller forces the stern about. Outboard motors are available in a variety of measurements and also the horsepower are able to use various kinds of fuel.

Stern drive

These motors are usually also called I/O engines, and also typically more substantial compared to outboard motors. Containing of an engine installed inboard plus a lower device connected to the transom, these types of motors provide power and versitility. You may also tilt the motor up and right down to assist offer boat trim as you sail.

Inboards

On boats which are above 26 feet long, these types of motors are extremely common. Similar to the stern drive motor, the inboard motor is actually installed inside the boat on the center, providing you great weight amount. hook up straight to the particular transmission, after that on through the hull of the boat. After that, the shaft is actually mounted on a propeller that will switch and also push the boat. The shaft is repaired and doesn't swivel around. Consequently, a rudder will be installed at the rear of the shaft and propeller to assist deflect the actual movement of water which gives your own guiding path.

Jet drive

Jet drive propulsion techniques possess a huge advantage - absolutely no propeller to be able to cause harm or even damage to those in the water, which includes marine living. Typically, these are usually inboard motors that may experience water which passes by having a pump, driven by an impeller.

After that, the water is actually released at a quite high pressure via a nozzle that will launch the boat. To be able to supply steering for the boat, the nozzle may rotate. For personal watercraft, a jet drive is actually the ideal solution.

Remember that whenever power is not getting used, jet driven boats will forfeit steering, since the flow of water that propels the boat definitely won't be there. Consequently, keep any kind of your body apart from the pump intake - rather than operate these kinds of boats in shallow water.

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Upgrading Boat Engine Parts - Getting More Engine Power For Less

Upgrading your boat engine will involve replacing a series of boat engine parts but will still cost less than buying a new one. Speed will always be a performance-boat owner's addiction thus the perpetual need (or want) for a more powerful boat engine. Power unfortunately doesn't come cheap but fortunately, but it can come cheaper than buying a new engine altogether.

Be warned, however, that the domino effect applies in upgrading engines - modify one part and you're bound to change another, and another. Some stock engine parts will not be able to compensate for the change in power brought about by beefing-up a specific component.

To illustrate: you can boost your engine's horsepower by 50 percent, or even more, with a supercharger/EFI kit. But, the upgrade may destroy the stock stern-drive; which means you'll need to change that with one that can handle the additional power. Now your suped-up engine can go faster - if it had a bigger-pitch propeller. You'll most likely be changing your propeller with a four or five-blade one. Unfortunately, your current cable-assist hydraulic steering system won't be able to handle the extra speed your boat will then be running at. So, you'll have to change the cable-assist to a full hydraulic steering system.

The good news: despite having to change all those boat engine parts, it will still come out cheaper than getting a brand new engine, or a new boat for that matter, with stock specs matching that of the modified engine's. It may take a bit more work and time to get that extra boost but it's definitely more cost efficient and definitely more satisfying.

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Boat Engine Covers

Boats are one of the priciest recreational investments one could make in his entire life.

For that reason, it is highly needed that it be maintained regularly and protected from all imaginable elements that might harm it. If you provide this need to your boat, this would pay you in the end by avoiding costly repairs or replacement of the unit on extreme cases. Although boats are typically covered with an insurance company, preventive measures would prolong the life of your boat and would not impede your boating activities.

Specifically speaking, the engine is one of the most crucial elements of your boat. As this is the part that brings life to the boat, it is essential that it is particularly taken cared of. Maintaining it does not only include checking if there is fuel left and replacing it when it is already empty. Covering it to protect it from all forms of damaging elements to avoid hampering its operation is also highly needed.

For this matter, a boat engine cover is what you need. This accessory can be easily located through the specialty stores and depending on your boat, there is exactly the right product that you can use.

There are two basic types of boat engine covers: half covers and full covers.

Half covers are designed to provide above-water safety and protection for engine motor while your boat is moored. They are also used to protect the engine from the UV rays, which intensifies on the water and are potential source of fading damages. Additionally, as the water sloshes the half cover will prevent them from entering the intakes of your engine motor. There are manufacturers that nullify the boat's warranty when there is water found inside the intake; therefore, if you don't want this to idea you will protect your investment through a boat half engine cover.

Full engine covers are usually a 2-piece full outboard engine cover. They give maximized coverage to the engine of your boat, and thus, providing it greater flexibility in terms of its safety from all your activities on the water. When you are trailering, mooring or storing perhaps, a full engine cover will protect the motor. The design and format of a full boat engine cover allow for an easier accommodation to various lengths of an outboard engine.

Boat engine covers are made in different fabrics and materials for different uses and applications. Weather conditions are one of the factors you should consider when buying one for your boat.

During cold weather conditions, a heater outboard engine cover would be most ideal to use as it addresses problems typically encountered when especially when starting. The heated cover will allow the engine to start quickly even when the weather is cold as it keeps the motor at a minimum temperature needed for starting. Other covers can be found made of marine grade soft polyester fabric of which is great in for mildew, water, and ray resistance.

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How To Winterize Your Boat Engine

What happens to water when the temperature drops below freezing?

Yes, you guessed it. Water freezes when things get cold during winter and this can spell big trouble for boat owners.

Winterizing your boat engine is a necessary chore if you want to enjoy your pleasure craft during the warm days of summer. Boats not only operate in the water but will often have water in the hull, gas lines and in some cases around the engine. This is normal because boating involves water.

Failure to winterize your boat can result in corrosion, cracked engine blocks, boasted hoses and cracked hulls. Repairing damage caused by winter weather can get extremely costly.

Preparing your boat from the grips of winter requires you to perform some basic maintenance in the fall of the year before the temperatures dip below the freezing mark. This is a little more complex than winterizing your vehicle and generally involves a few additional steps that starts at the bow and continues to the stern.

Boat engines are different than other engines. They may operate on gas and need oil but special care must be given to ensure they are winterized properly.

To keep your boat engine from freezing, free from corrosion and ready for spring action, the first thing you should do is consult the owner's manual. This will have detailed instructions on what must be done to secure your motor for winter.

Typically this will involve removing the engine cover and inspecting all hoses and wires. If the wires appear frayed and hoses appear soft and have cracks, replace them. Check any belts and ensure they are free from cracks. It may also be recommended to adjust the tension according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Visible nicks and scratches should be painted to prevent corrosion and you should also change the engine oil and filter.

Some engines must be flushed with fresh water prior to storage. Be careful when performing this procedure because all water must be drained prior to winter storage because even a small amount of water can freeze and cause damage to the engine.

Ensure your inboard or stern-drive engine antifreeze is filled to prevent freezing. It may be advisable to replace this with new antifreeze each season as a precaution.

Add fuel stabilizer to any remaining gas in the tank and run the engine for a few minutes allowing the treated gas to circulate. This will help prevent the clogging of jets and injectors.

Once you have completed this, use fogging oil and spray it into the carburetors while the engine is running. Turn off the fuel supply and wait for the engine to stop. This will burn off any fuel left in the system. Then remove the plugs and spray some fogging oil in the cylinders and rotate the engine manually a few times to ensure the oil penetrates through the cylinder.

Replace the spark plugs and open the carburetor drain. This will remove the last bit of fuel that may be present in the system.

Using a block of wood, raise the engine and remove the prop. Inspect it for damage and debris. Lubricate any moving parts as per the owner's manual and replace the prop.

check oil

For some engines, it may be a good idea to inspect the gear case and gear lube. Should you notice the oil is milky in color, this may indicate water has penetrated the gear box. You may also want to inspect the oil for metal chips which could indicate problems with the gears.

Replace the oil accordingly and your engine has now been properly winterized.

Taking the time to properly winterize your boat engine means a quick launch come spring and years of enjoyment as you cruise around the water in your boat.

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Understanding Boat Engines

 Marine Engine

Whether you are planning to be out on the water for fishing or just for recreational purposes, having sufficient power in your boat engine is an important consideration. Engines that do not have enough power can make it difficult for boats to perform as they should. This can be frustrating, particularly when you have spent a lot of money on a new boat. Which type of engine is right for your boat? Does it make a difference which type of boat engine that you purchase?

Before purchasing any boat, it is important to make sure that you educate yourself about engines to ensure that you purchase an engine that will meet your needs. First, you should know that there are basically two different types of boat engines. One type of engine is known as an inboard/outboard motor. These types of engines are actually mounted inside the boat hull with the drive unit located on the boat's stern. You will find such boat engines on small cabin cruisers and deck boats. An inboard boat engine is the most traditional type of boat engine and can commonly be found in flat bottomed ski boats.

Outboard engines can range from a very small amount of horsepower up to 300 horsepower. These types of engines are known for providing excellent maneuverability. Such engines are commonly used in both bass boats as well as boats designed for cruising. The final type of engine is a water jet engine. These engines feature a water pump that pushes a water jet from the transom.

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Nelly Bufala

Best Boat Covers For Your Boat

Importance of Boat Covers


Imagine yourself sailing on your favorite boat amidst blue waters or over the brooks. This is indeed a great way to relax and enjoy your holiday. However, to experience such joy for years, it is important to take essential care of the boat so that it does not wither away due to wear and tear caused due to exposure to harsh conditions. Ensuring the safety of your boat through boat covers is thereby a good way to keep it strong and look as new as it could be.

Why to use boat covers?

There are many purposes served by boat covers. Some of them are:

1. Weather proofing - Boats are often exposed to bad weather such as dirt, rain and wind that can ruin its interiors. Novel condition of these boats remains intact due to boat covers. The fabric of these covers should necessarily be waterproof, dust-proof and wind-proof. It comprise in the material like PVC, polyester, cotton and others.

Dust usually carries moisture that may corrode your boat's metallic parts. Hence, zippers are included in boat covers to protect them against corrosion.

2. Protection from UV rays - This can also be very harmful for the boat and can case a lot of damage. The look of the boat is most affected in this regard if the boat is not protected by its covers. Also, good boat covers fits the boat well and do not have any gaps. So, it averts water from seeping into the boat.

3. Restricts rodents -Besides the harsh weather conditions, boat covers are also useful to restrict the entrance to rodents inside the boat. Rodents such as cockroaches and rats nibble over the boat's interiors. So, they mess up the whole interiors that may also start stinking.

4. No damage during the smash up - When boat covers are on, you need not worry about the small smash-ups with other boats or during handling, that otherwise may have caused the pain of the boat to chip away.

With so many benefits of boat covers, it would be foolish not to put them on. After all, repairing costs of your boat is definitely more than the cost of a boat cover. So, the clichéd saying "precaution is better than cure" would surely stand true in this regard.

Customized boat covers

In order to ensure better safety of your boat, it would be better to go for custom-made boat covers. These covers are especially designed according to the specific requirements of your boats and also fit them perfectly.

In this case, you also have the flexibility to get the color of your choice and the opportunity to amalgamate features of different boat covers into one. Though these tailor-made covers are quite an expensive affair but they definitely are worth every penny spent on them. So, do not wait anymore to get the cover for your boat and set sailing every holiday season!

People tend to forget the protection of the body of their boat most often while listing the essential accessories for their boats about to sail. All the same, boat covers are as much required as any other accessories you indent for your boat.

Selection of such cover may not be a difficult proposition even with discount covers unless you decide to have some custom boat covers for your purpose. Whatever be the make or style of such cover you use and whichever fabric it might be made of, the small investment you make is worth while.

Custom boat cover and discount boat cover


For a true boating enthusiast, custom boat cover could provide benefits far beyond the expectations.
Not only it keeps your favorite boat free of dirt, rain, and moisture, the effect is also long term protection from sun burns and environmental pollutions including mildew.

Conversely you can opt for discount boat covers if you are trying for the budget cover. They may not provide as much benefits as your custom boat cover. Yet the benefits would be quite substantial. In the end of it you will be the winner with longer life span for your boat. The major difference would be in the life span of the boat cover itself that would probably be less than your customized cover.

What to look for while shopping for the best boat covers

You have two very important aspects to take care of while choosing your boat fabrics. The first one is the material you use for manufacturing such cover and the second one is whether the finished product fits with your boat perfectly.

To this end you need to choose the best boat cover fabrics in the first place. There are several options available before you in the selection. However, the most commonly used materials are cotton canvas, polyester, and poly cotton mix materials.

Trade off between cotton canvas and polyester as boat cover fabrics

If you are concerned with expenses, cotton canvas is your best option. It provides good protection to your boat in moderate climates though it may not be as suitable in rainy seasons. Since cotton canvas is natural fiber it is breathable but not waterproof. It is however allows evaporation of moisture and prevents mildew damages from occurring. You can also use the tie up process for towing in the highways. Canvas boat covers normally have 2-3 years of warranty period.

Polyester as fabric is very strong and extremely durable. That is why this is the favorite of boat owners for custom boat covers. The weight comes at around 6-10ozs. Best covers are coated with acrylic or urethane for additional life span and preventing soaking. Naturally the warranty period is higher in the range of 3- 7 years. The best thing about polyester is it is stain, rot and mildew resistant.

Moreover it will neither shrink nor does stretch like the inexpensive cotton boat cover. The only blemish with it is that it may not work well where humidity level is high.

Poly cotton blend as solution

Many boat owners prefer a judicious blend of polyester and cotton as their boat cover fabric. This combines the inexpensive nature and breathing capabilities of cotton canvas with the strength and water repellent characteristics of polyester. The normal proportion is 50/50 or 60/40. However, higher the polyester percentage the better is the boat covers.

After all, you get the best of both worlds with such blend.

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How to Launch a Boat

Before setting out to launch your boat, there are some vital preparation points to remember.

Launching a boat means you to reverse down a ramp into the water, and you need to be you'll need to be comfortable with this tricky manoeuvre. If you're a novice at towing a trailer, try to practice in a large, open space. You need to practice turns, acceleration, braking and reversing.

Preparation - Before setting out to launch your boat, there are some vital preparation points to remember. Launching a boat means you to reverse down a ramp into the water, and you need to be you'll need to be comfortable with this tricky manoeuvre. If you're a novice at towing a trailer, try to practice in a large, open space. You need to practice turns, acceleration, braking and reversing.

Trolleying In - Everything in the boat must be ready to go before launch. Check the transom (the underside of the stern) and the bouncy tank drain bungs are in place, and a painter is secured to the boat.

You must keep the bow attached to the trolley with the painter while you are moving the boat on land. Pressure on the bow will avoid scraping the stern. If the rudder has a lifting blade which can be secured, attach it before launch. Otherwise, wait until you are on the water.

A separate trolley is kinder to your boat and will save you maintenance time. Balloon tyre trailers are deigned for launching from sand.

Tip: Salt water corrodes metal, so you should keep your road trailer out of the water.

Floating - As soon as the dinghy starts to float, the wind will catch it. So hold on tight and attempt to control the drift. Pull the trolley out of the water and wheel it away. Always park it clear of the waters edge and if space is limited, take it back to the dingy park.

Once the boat has floated off the trolley, hold it in deep water to keep it afloat, while the crew park the trolley.

Recovering the dingy from the water is the reverse of launching. On crew member must hold the boat while the other fetches the trolley. Then, both float the boat onto the trolley.

Tip: Take the trolley far enough into water so the boat floats clear. Don't stop short to save yourself from getting wet.

General advice - Boat ramps can get very busy and the pressure of other waiting their turn can change a boat launch from a mildly stressful activity into a frantic rush to get a boat into the water. With a calm nerve, the right frame of mind and plenty of preparation, getting your boat onto the water doesn't have to be a stressful job.

Top 5 tips

Loading the boat with the equipment before the launch - this includes lifejackets and safety lines

Remove the safety straps securing the boat to the trailer

Connecting a bow line to the bow and coil it out of the way so that it doesn't snag on the trailer

It may sound simple but making sure you have enough fuel in your boat

Practice the launch procedure with your crew, and working out simple hand signals to use during the launch

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Inflatable Boats or Aluminum Boats? Which Kind of Boats Suit Me?

Confuse, confuse, confuse! I am confused! What kind of boats should I buy?

Aluminum boats or inflatable boats? Which kind is better? Aluminum boats are good but inflatable boats seem nicer. Arghh... What should I do?

Well, if you are in such situation, the first thing you should do is to keep all your money/credit cards tight in you wallet, and then lock it in your drawer! Do not buy any boat in such confusing situation! Make yourself clear first before taking any action otherwise you will end up regretting on the improper boat you bought.

Choosing the boat kinds is just like choosing yourself a shirt.What will you consider when getting a shirt of your own? Yes, you will properly ask these questions.

o How am I using it?

o Where am I using it?

o Who else is using it?

o How much I afford to spend?

These 4 questions will directly guide you to what you need for sure. You have actually got all the answers within yourself. Calm down and start thinking now.

Basically, there are 2 kinds of boats, hard-sided boats and inflatable boats. Hard-sided boats are built with hard materials and are fixed in features such as aluminum boats. On the other hand, inflatable boats are built with fabrics that could be deflated and inflated at your fancy. Obviously, inflatable boats are more mobile in this case.

1)How am I using my boats?

Every single boat is designed for different activities. Some are even specialized in one purpose. Thus, choosing the boat of your favor depends a lot on the activities you going to do.

Attention No.1: Loading Capacity Of The Boats

Make sure the boat you chose meet the requirement of your activities, especially the requirement of the loading capacity and the flexibility. A big and aluminum boat doesn't mean that it can carry more as the weight of the boat itself might just have consumed most of the loading capacity. However, the light weight inflatable boats have no such worries. The buoyancy tubes which are inflated with air provide a more efficient loading capacity.

Attention No.2: Multi-function Of The Boat

By the way, some inflatable boats are designed for multipurpose use. Activities such as paddling, sailing, rowing, fishing and cruising just best fitted on inflatable boats. Thus, it's important for you to make yourself clear, what activities you want to do with your boats. Compare with inflatable boats, aluminum boats do have some limitations, as they are not flexible enough to transform.

2)Where am I using my boats?

Boating on a lake is totally different from boating on the sea. Beware of this statement.

Attention No.3: Materials Of The Boats

Some boats are not designed to cope with the strong UV and the salty water on the sea. Thus the materials of the boats are essential for where you going to use the boats. Sea eagle inflatable boats which built with 1000 denier reinforced material are simply the best whether on sea water or lake water.

Attention No.4: Stability Of The Boats

Besides, stability is another point of consideration. As there are waves in the ocean, a more stable boat and proper keel design are needed to overcome those rough sea water. Buoyancy and materials of a boat play a big role here.

3)Who else is using my boats?

Beside you yourself, who else will be using the boats? It is equally important for you to consider the ability of other users(if any)to control/handle the boats.

Attention No.5: Light Weight Of The Boats

If you have children and they are using the boats too, beware of the weight of the boats. Whether they can launch the boats themselves or not has to be taken in consideration. Inflatable boats are free-and-easy boats. Inflation of the boats is easy with an air pump and the air light weight should not be a problem for children to carry.

Attention No.6: Friendly-user Handling Of The Boats

A lesser power motor boat should be chose for first time boater as lacking of experience will definitely cause difficulties in handling the boats. Just do not forget to take consideration on other user(if any)when choosing a boat.

4)How much I afford to spend on my boats?

The budget is one of the issues here. When come to choose a boat, other than the price of the boat itself, please do not forget about the fee behind the boats. What I mean here is those extra fee such as storage, insurance, fuel&gas, trailers, repairs, lodging, setting up a tow vehicle, ski, licenses, permit and maintenance fee. It will be such an amount of money to take care of a boat.

Attention No.7: Transporting & Storing Cost Of The Boats

However, inflatable boats with the ability to deflate just save up a lot of transporting fee as you can keep the clothes stack size deflated inflatable boats in your car boot. Unlike those aluminum boats, you have to not only deal with trailers and towing machines, but you have to deal with the storage problem as well. Storing an aluminum boat definitely will cost you something.

Attention No.8: Fuel-Consuming Of The Boats

Besides the storing issue, the light weight inflatable boats need lesser power to be moved and as a result, you have just saved up pennies on fuel. Comparing with aluminum boats, a bigger hp engine is needed to move the boats in a way concuming more gas.

Attention No.9: Resale Market Of The Boats

Inflatable boats are considered economical not only because of the cheaper price of the boat itself and its attribution to save, the good residual resale price is just an add-on privilege.

Choosing aluminum boats or inflatable boats is really depends on yourself. Considering on the 'attention point' mentioned, you are very clear which kind of boats suit you most. However, I will definitely recommend inflatable boats due to the advantages inflatable boats have. The convenience and all-in-one functions that inflatable boats provide are just unbeatable.

For more info on inflatable boats, visit http://www.myinflatableboats.com/inflatableboats/inflatableboats.htm providing information on inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, catamarans, inflatable pontoon boats, and trolling motors.

Boats and Boating - A Bit of History!

From the first time that people used bamboo rafts and hollowed-out logs to travel across a lake or down a stream, boats have been a major part of life. Handcrafted wooden boats were used on local lakes and rivers for fishing and pleasure. The first boats made of synthetic material such as fibreglass, as well as the luxurious and very fast pleasure boats of today, give people a way to escape the everyday routine. This is one of the major uses for boats in the United Kingdom, and our modern world.But exactly what is a boat? Why is a boat such a popular, and necessary, part of our lives? Perhaps it would be best to look at just where the term "boat" comes from and what makes a boat a boat, instead of a canoe or a ship. Today, the word "boat" means a vessel constructed to transport people and items over water. This vessel must provide buoyancy by excluding water. The boat should be stable and easy to move across the water, propelled by any available method.

By contrast, a ship is a large, ocean-going vessel, usually propelled by sails or an engine. But going back into history, the word comes from the German "bot," which originally meant the goods or item delivered. Later this came to stand for the craft used to make the delivery. According to statistics, 85% of all powerboats in the UK are less than 26 ft. long. We will be focusing on this general type of boat, the small and mid-size craft that people use for pleasure and transportation. In doing this, information provided on financing, insurance, storage, general maintenance might be useful for all types of boats. Fishing boats and equipment cannot be adequately covered in the same text as pleasure boats, because the subject is so very large and complex. It is probably best to leave the fishing boat category for another time. We will take a brief look at yachts to provide some perspective on just how they differ from pleasure boats, ski boats and party boats such as the pontoon and deck boats that have become so popular. There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as messing about in boats.

There are many, many different watercraft that go by the name "boat." In fact, the list contains dozens of different names from around the world. But the focus here is on a few types that might fall under the general category of pleasure or recreation boats. This will allow the reader to learn about categories such as shopping for a boat, transporting and storing a boat, insurance and maintenance without being overwhelmed by the thousands of details that separate one type of boat from another. In addition, looking at pleasure/recreation craft such as ski boats, speed/performance boats and pontoon boats, we will be concentrating on a very popular type of craft that falls in the low to mid-range of prices.

First, a list of some of the different types and sizes of watercraft, many of which have very special or limited uses that distinguish them from the ski boats, speed/performance boats, pontoon boats and deck boats.

• Dinghy Usually 10 feet long or less, light and portable. For use close to shore, in a small harbor area or on the lake.
• Jon Boat or Johnboat A smaller boat used for many purposes, such as fishing, hunting. Most boats of this type are propelled by a small outboard motor.
• Small Sailboats or Day Boats This is a recreation boat for use on small lakes or for sailing close to shore on the ocean. Normally, less than 20 feet in length.
• Fishing Boats This category can include bass boats, smaller family fishing/pleasure boats, trawler-style boats, sport fishing boats, combination fish/ski boats etc. There are dozens of different designs and special uses for fishing boats.
• Larger Sailboats and Catamarans This type of boat can be used for longer distances, for racing and for pleasure.
• Houseboats Designed for living on the water. Quite different from even the most elaborate pontoon boat or deck boat.
• Flatboats Generally used for sports such as fishing and hunting.

This is not meant to be a complete list of the types of boats other than ski boats and pontoon boats. But it sets the stage for a closer look at some very popular watercraft. Obviously, the luxurious world of yachting comes to mind...


Beach activities and boating are one of Nick Burton's top hobbies. His writing is aimed at popularizing new swimsuits and swimwear, as well as boating in the United Kingdom. Swimwear swimsuits [http://swimwearswimsuits.org]

Boating Course - How To Choose The Right Type of Boat To Do Things You Love

Boating is a fun thing to do and an expensive one too, especially if you want to own your own boat.

The most common trap that most first time boat buyers fall into is to buy the one that attracts their eyes first. Kind of like love at first sight. Friendly advice: do not fall into this trap!

Before you decide to buy your first boat, you have to be aware that there are a lot of different types of boats available out there in the market. Buying the most beautiful boat does not mean you are going to be satisfied with it especially after you find out that it does not allow you to do the things that you want it to do.

Choosing the right boat for you is not something that can be done in a matter of seconds. One of the best tips to know beforehand is to determine what you are planning to use the boat for, whether you are going to use it for pure enjoyment such as cruising the lake, oceans or rivers or just going to use the boat for fishing trip with your friends.

At the moment we are not going to discuss whether you can afford the boat or not, or whether you should buy a second hand boat or a new one. We are discussing more on the types of available boats that will be suitable for the types of activities that you are going to utilize it for.

Fishing Boats

So, in order for you to choose the right boat, you have to take your time and decide the purpose of your purchase. Even if you decide that you want to use the boat for fishing, it might surprise you that there are different types of fishing boat designs out there. Choosing the wrong boat will have quite an impact on your fishing experience.

Choosing a bass boat allows you to fish from several different angles. If large fish is what you are after, then you might want to choose a boat designed especially for sports fishing.

However, there are also all-purpose fishing boats which are great for saltwater or freshwater fishing. These boats are suitable for different types of fishing and perform wonderfully in rough waters. Another type of boat is called air boats. These types of boats are designed specifically to get you to swampy waters or locations that other types of boats are not able to reach.

Leisure Boats and Cruising Boats

Some of us would like to have a boat that only allows us to do nothing but cruise along the river or lake and enjoy the beautiful view and nature. If your idea of a great day consists of spending time with your friends and families cruising around the lake or river, then you'd have to find a boat designed for this need.

Below are some of the boats available out there and its purpose.

Bowriders - due to its open deck design, there are plenty of family rooms that come with plenty of seating area for everyone and for sunbathers to work on perfecting their tan. Designed for comfort and convenience for family fun and relaxation. Also ideal for water activities such as fishing, skiing or swimming and also for cruising. Plenty of storage rooms.

Closed bow runabout - an excellent choice if you are participating in a lot of water sport activities.

Sailboats - uses wind to navigate. This one is perfect for cruising down the lakes and oceans while at the same time enjoying your favourite drinks and the beautiful nature with the company of your loved ones.

Fish and ski boats - as the name implies, you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds if you are into fishing and water skiing.

Deck boats - can carry up to twelve passengers at one time. Perfect for bringing your close friends and family on this one.

Yachts or Houseboats - considered to be the most expensive of all boats as it has this sense of power and luxury, though some might disagree. Perfect for those who are planning to spend most of their time on the water as it provides comfort.

Pontoon boats - this is a flat bottom boat which is more like a raft, simply constructed from cylinders. Suitable for short family boat rides cruising by the lakes and rivers as they are slower to run.

Above are just a few examples of the different types of boats available. Therefore, it is very important for you to spend some time in deciding what type of boat that will be suitable for you and the type of activities that you are planning to use the boat for. There is no use in buying a boat for water skiing, when all you want to do is go fishing with your friends. Choosing the right boat means getting the full benefits from your investment.

About this Author

Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are crazy about boats and owners of Boating Course website.

Discover how to build your own boat at Boat Building.