Latest Blog Posts

Boat Outfitting

Posted by admin on January 30, 2012

?

Outfitting your boat with boat gear is almost as exciting as choosing the boat itself. Indeed the most important boat outfitting you need is the safety equipment. In addition to obvious safety devices (such as life jackets], the first electronic safety item you should get is a VHF marine radio.

?

Fixed mount VHF marine radios have access to all U.S. and also international VHF channels (marine only). Channel 16 should be monitored whenever the radio isn’t being used for communications. Some boaters add a handheld VHF radio as a backup. They’re great in the event of accidental sinking because they are waterproof and can be operated with one hand only. Your primary VHF radio should be considered essential boat gear

?

?

You probably know how hand GPS systems are for your car, and they are just as useful on the water. You may well come to think of your marine GPS system as essential boat gear. Some of the systems record waypoints to get you back to where you started as easily as possible. several GPS devices are sold with built in fish locatros, making them even more useful on-board. A particularly nifty item you might want, or that you might buy as a gift for a fishing enthusiast is a combination wristwatch / fish finder. They are as low as $100 and ?automatically turn off the sonar sensor once you are ?out of the water. And yes, they are water resistant!

?

To make fishing all the more efficient, outriggers and rod holders are excellent ideas for boat outfitting, whether clamp-on or flush mounted. For trolling, downriggers are available either by themselves or combined with fish finders. They come in a wide price range with many different capabilities built in. This is the kind of equipment that makes fishing even more fun.

?

And of course, if you intend to be trolling, trolling motor is required, and choosing the right one is very important. It will depend on whether you are fishing in saltwater, or fresh water, or both. Even if you’re only going to be fishing in saltwater part of the time, you need a saltwater-friendly trolling motor. The ?borad type will also help in determining the most suitable trolling motor, whether it’s a pontoon boat, canoe, or Jon Boat, as will your typical fishing conditions, for example: fishing in windy conditions or trolling against a current.

?

There are also many entertainment devices that may not be essential boat gear, but can make boating even more enjoyable. There are marine MP3 hookups so you can take your favorite tunes with you, and there are satellite receivers for watching television, and combined audio / video systems.

?

And while electrical equipment may not be as exciting as a marine ?player, it is exactly the kind of boat gear that makes your fishing experience much more fun. Circuit breakers, electrical connectors, electrical panels and other gadgets designed for the marine environment are ?part of equipping procedure, keeping the boating more safe and pleasurable.

?

?

Boat outfitting is a lot of fun, but it is the second most expensive proposition after buying the boat itself. When ?deciding on the kind of boat gear you require, start with the safety-essential items , and then see what extras your budget allows.

Equipping your boat with boat gear is almost as fun as choosing the boat itself. Of course the first boat outfitting you need to do is with safety equipment. In addition to obvious safety devices (such as life jackets], the first electronic safety item you should install is a VHF marine radio. Fixed mount VHF marine radios have access to all U.S. and international marine VHF channels. Channel number 16 should be always monitored whenever the radio is not used for communications. Some boaters add a handheld VHF radio as a backup. They’re very useful in the event of accidental sinking because they are waterproof and can be operated with one hand . Your primary VHF radio should be considered essential boat gear You probably know how hand GPS systems are for your car, and they are just as useful on the water. You may well come to think of your marine GPS system as essential boat gear. Many systems record waypoints to get you back to where you started as easily as possible. several GPS devices are sold with built in fish locatros, making them doubly useful on-board. A particularly nifty item you might want, or that you might buy as a gift for a fishing enthusiast is a combination wristwatch / fish finder. They cost less than $100 and automatically shut down the sonar sensor when you’re not on the water. And yes, they are water resistant! To make fishing all the more efficient, outriggers and rod holders are great ideas for boat outfitting, whether clamp-on or flush mounted. For trolling, downriggers are available either by themselves or combined with fish finders. They come in a wide price range with many different capabilities built in. This is the kind of equipment that makes fishing even more pleasurable. And of course, if you intend to be trolling, you need a trolling motor, and choosing the right one is very important. It will depend on whether you are fishing in saltwater, or fresh water, or both. Even if you are going to fish in saltwater for sevral hours, you should have a saltwater-friendly trolling motor. The type of boat you have will also help to determine the best trolling motor, whether it’s a pontoon boat, canoe, or Jon Boat, as will your typical fishing conditions, for example: fishing in windy conditions or trolling against a current. There is a variety of entertainment devices that may not be essential boat gear, but should make theboating even more pleasurable. There are marine MP3 hookups so you can take your favorite tunes with you, and there are satellite receivers for watching television, and combined audio / video systems. And while electrical equipment may not be as exciting as a marine DVD player, it is the boat gear that makes your boating experience much more enjoyable. Circuit breakers, electrical connectors, and electrical panels designed for the marine environment are part of equipping your boat with the electronics you need to keep safe, catch fish, and have lots of fun. Boat outfitting is definitely a lot of fun, but it is also the second most expensive proposition after purchasing the boat itself. When figuring out the kind of boat gear you need, start with the items that are essential to safety, and then see what extras your budget allows.

A Guide To Boat Covers

Posted by admin on January 29, 2012

Your boat is not a cheap investment, so you want to protect it and get as many boating years as possible from it. Boat covers are an essential, and economical, buy that all boaters should consider.

Protecting your boat with a cover, whether you are mooring, storing or dry-docking, will extend the life of your boat. Covers are easy to use and designed to protect your boat from the elements. If you tow your boat, the sun and road spray can add to the deterioration of the exterior of your boat.

Boat covers come in many shapes and sizes in a variety of materials. Most boat manufacturers will tailor a cover that fits the make and model of your boat. With so many different styles of covers and materials to choose from, you’ll be able to find a boat cover that suits your needs. Whether you have a ski boat, fishing boat, sailing yacht, or power boat, protecting your boat with a boat cover is essential.

Basic points to look for

Is it form fitting – made to fit the profile of your boat?

Does it fit to the boat’s waterline – the cover should be made to come approx. 20″ above the waterline?

Is it reinforced at the stress points – such as point of bow, windshield, transom?

Can your boat cover breathe – to avoid mould and mildew your new boat cover must breathe adequately and not trap the moisture in your boat?

Here’s our tips for the buying the perfect boat cover:

There are three main styles of boat covers – custom, semi’custom and universal.

Custom covers are specifically designed for the make and model of your boat. There are two types – snap-on and tie’down. The tie-down style accommodates the boat’s size, shape, and options, with reinforcements at critical wear points. Custom covers should fit like a glove on your boat.

Semi-custom covers are designed to fit various styles of boats, such as bass, deck, runabouts and ski boats. So, one semi-custom bass boat cover may fit different makes and models of boats. Semi-custom covers fit looser, with more fabric to accommodate size differences between different models.

Universal covers are cut to fit a wide range of boats – one-size-fits-all. Also known as “shower cap covers,” universal covers are best for dust cover use.

Boat covers come in a range of fabrics – cotton, mixed blends, polyester and acrylic. Choose the fabric that is best suited for the elements it will be exposed to.

If your boat is stored in the sun, you will need a cover with UV protection. Boats stored in humid areas will need a breathable with mildew protection. And boats that sit in the snow or rain, the strength and weight of the fabric will be your biggest consideration.

When buying your cover, make sure you have the dimensions of your boat. Measure from the tip of the bow to the centre of the stern. To find the beam width, measure the widest point of your boat.

Think about how and where your boat cover will be used. Not all covers are suitable for trailering, mooring or storage. You will find some covers are made for multiple uses and can be very versatile. If you’re not sure of the suitability of a cover, ask the manufacturer for a recommendation.

Tips to increase the life of your boat cover:

Don’t allow water, snow or leaves and sticks to sit on boat covers Always tie boat covers securely Allow boat covers to dry thoroughly before folding for storage

Before winter creeps us on us again, think about purchasing a cover for your boat. And remember, the best cover for your boat will depend upon the type of boat, how long it is left unattended, where it’s stored and the elements your boat will be exposed to.

The Beginners' Guide to the Best RC Boats!

Posted by admin on January 28, 2012

If you have never operated a RC boat, it is time that you did. RC Boats are miniature realistic-looking boats that float on water. The only difference between a real boat and remote controlled boat is RC Boats are controlled by remote control.

RC Boats Make a Great Hobby

RC boats have been an all-time favorite hobby for many for a very long time. I can remember one of the largest lakes in Central Park in New York City saturated with RC boats. I remember watching on as families would stand at the end of the lake watching their sailboats and race boats propel across the big lake and I always found it fascinating how well these boats handled the water.

Your First RC Boat Purchase

If you are just getting started or would like to get started with RC Boats, the first thing you want to think about is the type of RC boat you are going to purchase. Amazon offers a wide-variety of boats to choose from. You can buy electric powered boats, mini-sized boats; micro-sized boats, RC sailboats and some even run on gasoline.

RC Boats Are Priced Inexpensively

?RC boats can be purchased pre-built or they can be assembled and range in price from very low to very high. RC boats listed on Amazon are incredibly well-priced. For those who are just getting started in the hobby, deciding what type of RC boat to purchase can be a difficult choice. If price is a concern, there are many RC boats that can be purchased inexpensively. Electric powered boats are the least expensive and are highly recommended for beginners.

Sailboats Are a Popular Choice For Beginners

One of the most popular choices for beginners is sailboats. Sailboats come equipped with sails and require a certain degree of skill. Beginners can buy sailboats that are specifically manufactured for people who have never handled a sailboat before. What makes sailboats a great choice is that anyone in any age group can learn how to operate a sail boat.

Sailboats are propelled by the wind and can also be equipped with a motor. Beginners want to keep in mind that RC sailboats that are propelled just by the wind have a greater chance of getting stuck out in the water, (bring your fishing rods), so purchasing a RC sailboat that comes equipped with a small motor is good just in case you need to haul the sailboat in. Sailboats can come equipped with rechargeable battery packs or they may not. Beginners really need to consider whether a sailboat is their best choice.

Beginners Also Like High-Speed Boats

Another popular choice for beginners is high-speed boats. People looking for a little action will like turbo-charged boats. Some of these high-speed race boats can travel up to 25 mph and some faster than that. People who are looking for action-packed fun may want to consider a high-speed race boat over a sailboat because sailboats aren’t designed to sail at high velocities.

RC Boats Are Controlled By Remote Controls

No matter what type of boat you decide to buy, it is important that you understand that every RC boat is controlled by remote control. Each control comes equipped with two channels and each channel is designed to control a separate function of the boat. Getting use to handling a remote control will require some patience and time, but absolutely anyone in any age group can handle a RC boat.

Purchasing Your RC Boat

RC boats are a great hobby to get involved with. Beginners who are just getting started should take the time to research all their options before purchasing a RC boat. If you are looking for an inexpensive RC boat, you should consider what Amazon has to offer. Amazon offers a wide-selection of RC boats to choose from. Some are for beginners and others not. Whatever boat you choose, you will have countless hours of fun outdoors.

To Learn More About RC Powerboats Go To: http://www.bestrcboats.com

How Would Not Owning A Boat Cover Cost You More Money

Posted by admin on January 27, 2012

You have certainly made another dream come true. A modernistic boat glows at the end of your berth. After all, your goal of flowing to the beautiful sea will no longer be an idea but a fact you can share with your relatives and homies. Having a boat gives you a marvelous feeling of fulfillment. It provides you a sense of happiness and pleasure. It also offers you a fabulous place to make excellent memories with people who are exceptional to you. Yet possessing a boat also comes with some responsibilities. You have to rightly and regularly look after it to ensure that your wish aid you in satisfying your other dreams. This is where a decent boat cover becomes a priceless investment.

A boat cover is at the bottom used to watch over a boat from the conditions brought by weather and contamination. Over time, if the boat is forsaken without any armament, it will expeditiously deteriorate. The once shiny relic of your success has ultimately lost its honor because of too much exposure to dirt and other pollutants, the sun and rain. The lastingness of a boat with boat cover is around forty per cent greater than boats that are left unrobed.
You can find a great number of boat cover manufacturers retailing varying boat covers in assorted materials. It may look hard to select what is best suited to your vessel. But by knowing what to look for, it will be no sweat.

When looking for a boat cover, you must before all else acknowledge the sort of boat that you own. From there, appraise its needs. How much of the boat do you need to insulate. Discover which part of the boat needs to be secured. Are there other protective items other than a boat cover that you have to furnish on your boat?

Establish how much time will it be left unattended. How often will you be utilizing your ship in a week? Will it be resting on the dock most of the time? If yes then, select a good boat cover material that can face any environmental circumstances to defend your boat when you are gone.

Keep in view the type of weather your boat will generally be prone to. Therefore choose an appropriate boat cover fabric well fitted for that category of atmospheric conditions.

It is preferred to find a boat cover that enables you to look after the entire boat. Accordingly, sometimes, the cover has to be trimmed to house other parts of the boat like the railings, panels, etc. For this reason, lots of boat owners wish to have their boat covers custom-made so that it will also assuredly cover other accessories present on the boat.

You can come across a cover for almost any kinds of boats, a whole selection of materials and shapes can help you keep your boat in the perfect condition for a long time, remember to find a cover that can provide protection for the entire length of your boat, and try to choose one that will give you the best bang for your dough.

Defining Boat Building Terms

Posted by admin on January 27, 2012

Defining Boat Building Terms

As all of us haven’t grown up around a boat, we may know little about the every single details of boats. The jargon related to a boat may seem confusing to you at first. You may have watched that White’s Stuart Little where Stuart and his sailor friend mock another boat’s owner for not knowing the boat jargon. “…A jib from a jibe…or a luff from a leech…or a deck from a dock….or a mast from a mist.” Here I am bringing some terminologies for you to know that would be useful if you are into making a small wooden boat.

More articles about boat building can be found at www.smallboatplansreview.com

?

Usually Boat-builders say ��fore’ and ��aft’ when they talk about front and back on a boat. And they tell left and right as port and starboard. Interestingly port and left have the same number of letters. The middle region of a boat is called as ��mid ship’. Athwart ship refers to something that is running across the boat, perpendicular to the center-line of the boat, like a thwart.

?

?

They call it bulkhead what is an athwart ship structural member? that compartmentalizes the interior of the boat. You may have watched the movie ��TITANIC’ where bulkheads were notoriously inadequate. A flat face on the stern of a boat is called transom. They call it Kayaks what are pointy at both ends. Actually stem and bow are used interchangeably. However, bow refers more generally to the front area of a boat. The stem is the extreme bow. The shape, or structure of it – as in, “a sharp stem”, or “a fair curve to her stem.”

?

?

Fair is the term that is used whenever a boat is built. The boat-builder always remains alert about the fairness when wood is bent or curved or cut, or a line drawn. The “fair curve” or line is the one that has to be very fair as it follows the path it must take around the hull of the boat.? And a fair line is free of extraneous bumps or hollows while an unfair line is always needed to be smoothed out.

?

?

?

You will find that there’s seldom any curve that must be more fair than the sheer of a boat. The sheer of a boat is the break in the hull what runs from bow to stern. It separates the side of the hull from the deck of the boat. This is actually a general area and the visual break this line creates. There are some other things around the sheer line of a boat like sheer clamp, rail, or rub rail etc.

?

?

Now, here comes chine what is a lengthwise break in the shape of a hull. This distinguishes it from a round-bottomed boat that is made of some other material rather than plywood. Hard-chine boat consists off just one or two chines. However, a multi-chine boat may get many.

?

?

And coaming is a raised rim that protects the cockpit of the boat. Actually it can be anything that deflects water from the cockpit.

?

When an angle cut in one piece of wood such that it fits against another piece of wood., it is called ��bevel’.

?

?

In a boat, ��rabbet’ is a kind of groove cut in a piece of wood to accept another. And a mold is basically a structure that you build to form the shape of a part that you may need. Most “stitch and glue” boats take their own shape and that’s why no jig or mold is necessary for their hull. You must make a jig to laminate the deck beams for many CLC boats. You need to glue together multiple thin strips to achieve a given thickness to laminate something. You may make it possible to bend something to a tight camber. And a camber is a regular curve, a section of a circle.

?

?

Well let me tell you that it makes me recoil when I hear the confusion between paddles and oars. In fact you face forward when you use a paddle. However in a kayak or canoe you can not use an oar. You should not call a kayak or canoe paddle an “oar,”. Moreover, don’t? call a normal locomotion of a kayak or canoe as “rowing.” Usually oars are mounted in oarlocks on the rail of a boat.

?

?

Recent Blog Posts