Boating Humor
Boating is not only a pastime, but a time for a lot of laughs. Enjoy these boating humor clips.
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New Boats for 2013
With 2013 now here, there is a new line of boat models that boat manufacturers are introducing.
Four Winns is launching a new Horizon 200 model. This new model adds size as well as with their RS model. With their Stable Vee hull design it provides a perfect ride. To see the full features of this boat go to Four Winns Boats.
Bayliner Boats is launching an entirely new line of Deck Boats. The models 190, 210 and 215 are a complete overhaul of their deck boat series. These new models will sport a contemporary look, with greater capacity for people and storage. These new changes came from customer feedback. To see the new Bayliner models, see Bayliner Boats.
Colbalt Boats are introducing three new models this year; The 24 SD Sport Deck, Cobalt R5 and Cobalt 336. Each of these new boat appeal to different boating enthusiasts — Sport/deck boat; a mid-sized performance dayboat, and a crossover boat. See the details here at Cobalt Boats.
Sea Ray Boats is introducing a new Jet Boat Initiative. This is a new sport boat series with the state-of-the-art Jet Propulsion technology. They will be launching a 12 foot model, as well as a 24 foot model. Learn more at Sea Ray Boats.
Formula Boats is launching a new 350 Crossover Bowrider model. With a length of 35 feet and a 10 foot 9 inch beam, comes with a helm that features an all-new doublewide twin command seating, along with a layout that maximizes space. See the details here at Formula Boats.
To find details on all the new boat models visit iboats “new boat showroom” at http://www.iboats.com/New-Boats/.
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Should I Buy a New Boat?
As we work through the cold winter months, spring, although a ways off, will be here sooner than later. A lot of people buy new boats in the spring. They end up trading in their old boat toward a new one.
I’ve never quite understood that. Granted boats hold their value better than cars, but why get into another boat and typically pay more? For me, I’ve owned my boat for over 20 years. I’ve kept it in top condition, both the outward appearance and the mechanical parts, keeping it waxed and cleaned and stored in a closed garage.
I see it this way, a boat provides a couple of benefits: It floats, moves across the water, and provides pleasure in water sports or fishing. As long as those benefits are met, then I’m all for taking care of your existing boat and getting a long life out of it.
As with anything new, it is always enticing with the new bells and whistles that the newer models bring, along with the new smells. But call me old fashion, when I make a purchase, I usually keep that item a long time.
A couple of examples. I purchased the first ipad out on the market. I don’t know how many generations there have been since then. But my 5 year old ipad still does what I bought it to do and for me it is just as fast and clear as the newer models out on the market now. Only one draw back, Apple is not providing any operating system updates for my model, and don’t provide support for it either. But, it is an Apple, and is not suppose to break down, right?
I am still wearing shirts that are over 10 years old. They may not be in fashion, but I don’t care. They don’t have holes or wear marks, and they cover my upper torso. I have a Honda motorcycle with over 80,000 miles on it and it seems to run better than the day I bought it.
Well, bottom line, take care of your existing boat, and you’ll not have a need to buy a new boat, and you can keep the money you save and go for a ride on a bigger boat like the Princess Cruise Lines. Now, I’m all for that one.
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Boating in the Winter
While most boaters are winterizing their boats for the winter, believe it or not, there are some diehards that boat through the cold winter months.
Oregon State’s government website outlines the many different aspects of boating during the winter months. They list sturgeon fishing, coastal crabbing, waterfowl hunting and even trout fishing in some of their reservoirs.
If you live in a coastal state, even the likes of Oregon, there are many different boating activities you can indulge in:
- Crabbing – Based on the cooperation of the weather, crabbing in the winter can yield big hauls. It is important to plan ahead, and for sure check out the weather conditions before heading out.
- Fishing – Sturgeon in the Columbia River in Oregon, salmon and steelhead in the streams and trout in many of the reservoirs can actually be great during the cold season. Waters are cold, in the 30′s and 40′s.
- Waterfowl Hunting – Moving waters, like large rivers, can be extremely popular this time of year, and in season for fowl hunting. You’ll want to get up well before sunlight to set up your decoys and blinds.
- Wildlife Viewing – Good time of year to observe water wildlife, mainly waterfowl.
Unlike the summer months, you have to take special precautions with the elements to guard against hypothermia. Layering up is the best way to stay warm during a cold day. Always wear a lifejacket. Also have the proper Safety and Survival equipment on board.
There’s a good rule: A 50-year-old swimmer has a 50/50 chance of surviving a 50 yard swim to shore in 50 degree water.
Be safe and be careful… but enjoy the beauties of winter.
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Boating Etiquette
When it comes to boating, fewer boaters are aware of the rules of etiquette on the water, especially at the boat ramp.
Boat Ramps – Launching and Docking
A boat ramp can become quite busy during the season, as it is the main funnel for all the boats on the lake or ocean for getting in and out of the water. Be courteous and patient when waiting your turn. Have your boat prepped before your turn on the ramp, thus saving time for others to launch or retrieve their boat. Boat prepping would include: Making sure your plug is in, undoing back and front boat ties, making sure your key is in and the battery connected, fuels lines are connected and primed, and tie off ropes are out and ready.
When you are ready to back your boat trailer down the ramp, make sure you have someone skilled in backing it. If you are inexperienced with backing, practice beforehand and not take up others time on the ramp. Get in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible. Have someone in the boat, or with a mooring line in hand, to maneuver your boat away from the ramp traffic.
On the Water
When out on the water, be aware of your wake and speed. Wakes can become disruptive to other boats, and those on the shore. When approaching other boats, reduce your speed, and in some cases a wake-less speed, to keep your wake from upsetting the other boat. If a boat is coming up from behind to overtake your boat, slow down to allow them to pass quickly.
Noise Pollution
Sound has a tendency to carry over water. Keep your music to a respectable level. Early mornings or late evenings, keep your noise down and as quiet as possible.
Respect the Environment
When it comes to any type of water activity, pollution in the water can be very unhealthy and unsightly. It is disruptive to the ecosystem and can kill fish and wildlife, not to mention distracting from the beauty of the environment. Do your part to keep the waterways clean and void of pollution. If you see floating trash, stop and pick it up and discard it appropriately.
If you follow the proper etiquette on the water, respecting others, your boating experience, and that of others, will be a pleasant one.
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Repairing a Cracked Engine Block
I am the proud owner of a 1993 Bayliner Capri. I purchased this boat new and have been the only owner. I perform all my own maintenance on my boat, including winterizing each year.
About 10 years ago, I forgot to winterize the boat, and in the spring, when I took the boat out for the first time that season, water was leaking through two large cracks on my engine block. The water that was still in the water jacket areas of my engine block had frozen during the cold winter months and cracked the block. I was sick about it, thinking that I would need to buy a new or rebuilt engine.
After doing some research on the Internet about repairing engine block cracks, I discovered that a lot of farmers have used an epoxy to repair cracked engine blocks on their trackers. This was encouraging knowing that there was an alternative to replacing the whole engine.
Studying how others did the epoxy repair, I learned that the most important part of the process was in the preparation of the surface to be repaired, that it needed to be clean and somewhat roughed up to give the epoxy a good surface to adhere to.
So here is the process I followed to repair my cracks:
I took a small grinder to the surface around the cracks to rough it up. Then I used acetone and cleaned the surface thoroughly, using a lint-free rag. After mixing up a batch of JBWeld epoxy, I aggressively applied the epoxy to my two cracked areas. I tried to build it up enough so that I had about a 1/4 inch layer of epoxy. I let it cure for 48 hours.
Now 10 years later, those two areas are solid and have not leaked one single drop. I’m a big supporter of epoxy applications for minor engine block cracks.
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Choosing the Right Boat Prop
The purpose of a boat prop is to take the the torque of the engine and transfer it into moving your boat along the surface of the water. A prop does this through the dynamics of a fan, usually consisting of 3 or more blades.
Having the right prop for your boat makes the difference in the type of performance you are looking for. Props can increase the power and the speed of the boat. This is done by changing the pitch of your prop. Raising the pitch, increases the top-end speed. Lowering the pitch gives you more power getting out of the water faster.
More Power
Adding more power, or lowering the pitch of the prop, is ideal for water sports like skiing or wakeboarding. Adding more power would also be important if you have a heavier boat that needs the thrust to plane the boat and keep it planing.
More Speed
Adding speed , or increasing the pitch of the prop, would be important for boaters that need to get from point A to point B quickly. A lot of sports fishermen go for higher speed props to get them to their favorite fishing spot in the least amount of time. And of course the boaters that have the need for speed, go for high pitched speed props.
Prop Type
There are basically two types of props, aluminum and stainless steel. For increased performance and durability, the stainless steel prop is the best. They last and can withstand the occasional clip from a rock or sandbar. They are more expensive, but hold the value longer. On the other hand, an aluminum prop is cheaper, and thus easier on the pocketbook when they are replaced.
A lot of boaters will carry several different props with different pitches and composition to use for different boating situations. Since it is not that difficult, and does not take that much time to change out, carrying two props will give you a couple of options when boating.
One of the best places to purchase a prop is at iboats.com. They have a huge selection and their prices are quite reasonable.
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Buying A New Boat
Buying a boat can be fun and easy if you have done your homework before hand, and know what you are looking for.
New or Used
First things first. Are you wanting to purchase new or used. There are benefits to both. With a new boat, you are the first owner. You are not getting a boat that has been used by someone else, that may have problems, as well as wear and tear. Most new boats come with a warranty, that a used boat would not have, unless you purchase an independent extended warranty on a used boat. You also have the support of the dealer you purchased your boat from. And I always like the smell of something new. A new boat will carry a higher price than a used boat that has depreciated over time.
Purchasing a used boat can provide some good deals, especially if you have done your research. It is interesting to see the habits of boat owners. Some are really meticulous when it comes to the care and upkeep of their boat, while others really abuse it. You can usually tell from first inspection. A used boat, if broken in properly, will run well. Boats, after they are broken in seem to run much smoother than when first purchased. Depending on the area, there are always an abundance of used boats on the market. The price of a used boat is much less than a new one, however, used boats have been known to maintain their values, compared to that of automobiles.
What Kind?
You need to determine what type of boat you are looking for. Whether it is for fishing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, entertaining guests, transportation, or all of the above. Boats come in all different sizes and purposes. If you are strictly looking for a boat for fishing, you certainly would not buy a Malibu or a Supra boat. And if you are going for a boat to fish from, there are different types of fishing boats, whether you are bass fishing or deep sea fishing. So determine what type. Once you are narrowed that down, then you are ready to do some research.
Researching Boats
It pays off to do a lot of research on the type of boat you are looking for. There are excellent boating forums that can give you first-hand information on different types of boats and what is good, better and best. The largest boating forum is iboats forum at forums.iboats.com. They have a wealth of information, have been around a long time, and have really helpful and friendly members. It is free to join. iboats also has a section on their website that gives all the specs on new boats.
Shopping
Once you’ve done your homework, its time to go shopping. Go out and look at a lot of boats. Don’t go out and buy the first boat you look at. It is helpful to look at the comparisons between new and used, and the different boating types and manufacturers. There are high-end, medium and low-end boats. And sometimes the difference in price, doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting a lower quality boat. For example, a Bayliner has been considered a lower-end priced boat, but their boats are made to last. There are a lot of really old Bayliners that are still running great.
Work a Deal
After you have done your research and have shopped a little, you are ready to make a deal. Because you have educated yourself with the boating market, you’ll have good leverage in cutting the best deal possible. If you are shopping for a new boat, let the dealer know that you are considering other local dealer’s boats in the area. Get them to commit on their absolute lowest price, and then shop that price with other dealers. Don’t let them talk you into a deal right then and there without talking to the other dealers.
If you are shopping for a used boat, know the market values for the year, make and model boats you are looking at. When inspecting a boat, point out all the problems, scratches, dings and indicate the cost it will take to repair them. This gives you leverage in negotiating a lower price. It is also important to know the reason they are selling. They may be desperate and willing to take a low-ball price if you can pay them cash up front now, and not have to wait for financing approval.
You certainly want to take the boat out for a test drive, or at least start it up with the proper water hookup, to know how it sounds and feels.
If you have done all of the above, and then more, you’ll be more prepared to made a smart purchase on a boat than 90 percent of the boat shoppers out there. Have fun, and enjoy your new boat!
Categories: General Boating Tags: boat, boating, boats, buying a new boat, how to buy a new boat, new boats
Boat Shelter During The Cold Winter Months
If you live in a cold winter area that gets snow and freezing rain, keeping your boat sheltered from the harsh winter elements becomes a challenge. A boat, during the winter season, takes a real beating from the attacks of winter.
To protect your boat from the harshness of winter, there are several ways to protect your investment. If you have the room, or have space on your property, housing your boat in a closed building, like a garage, is probably the best protection. There are many that put up their boats in a paid storage facility. These two ways can be expensive and costly.
A lot of boaters keep their boats outside with a boat cover or tarp over it. This approach is okay, but your boat is still open to the elements, and your covers usually don’t last long. A regular boat cover will end up accumulating snow and water build up on the cover, which sometimes seeps through the cover and introduces moisture inside the boat, creating mildew build up.
A new product, manufactured and tested in Canada, provides an economical solution for keeping your boat dry and out of the winter elements. It’s called Navigloo. With it’s patented design and structure, it is like having your boat in an enclosed structure. It is easy to assemble and take down, and the parts store easily off season without taking up a lot of space. Check out their website here.
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Winterizing Your Boat
If you live in a climate where the temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months, or your boat is not used in the off season, it is time to start thinking about winterizing your boat for the upcoming winter months.
Here is a short, and to the point checklist for getting your boat ready for off-season storage:
- Clean, Wash and Wax Your Boat – Storing a clean and waxed boat will keep contaminants or other elements from eating away at your boat all winter long.
- Change your engine oil with fresh new oil – Old oil sitting in your crankcase over the winter months will just build up sledge and gum up your engine during spring start up.
- Fuel Stabilzer – Flush your engine with fuel stabilizer, as well as adding a stabilizer to your fuel tank.
- Fuel Tank – Top off your fuel tank to minimize the formation of moisture through condensation in the fuel tank.
- Run Engine and Fogging – Run your engine for about 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring that the fuel stabilizer has worked it way into the fuel lines. Just before turning off the engine, thoroughly spray a fogger into the carburetor.
- Anti-freeze – Remove the upper raw water hoses on the engine and pour in the pink RV anti-freeze. Make sure that you have pour a sufficient amount to thoroughly flush out the raw water and replace it with the anti-freeze.
- Battery Removal – Remove your battery(s) and store them in a dry cool place. Attach a battery tender or trickle charger to maintain a proper charge during the off-season months.
- Lubrication and Grease – Lubricate all moving parts with a light coat of oil. Grease all grease points.
- Trailer Wheel Bearings – Re-grease your wheel bearings, making sure that there is no water present.
- Trailer Tires – Check the air pressure in the tires.
- Cover Your Boat – Put a cover over your boat to keep the winter elements from getting inside. If you live in an area that receives a lot of snow, you might consider garaging your boat or using a boat shelter system like Navigloo.
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