Latest Boating Articles

Tips for Buying a Boat

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:37:53 +0000

Buying a boat can be a very exciting process. There are several factors you should look at before you make your final purchase. In order to find the right boat for you and your family, you should first determine what type of boat you will need, get the boat inspected and then obtain financing and the right insurance for the boat.

First you should determine the type of boat that you would like.   There are several different kinds of boats that are designed for certain activities such as fishing, water skiing, and sailing.   The all purpose fishing boat and the bow rider are two of the popular boats available to you. The all purpose fishing boat is great for boating in rough water and can be used for a variety of fishing activities. Due to the ability to seat up to 10 people, the bow rider is a popular family boat. It is often using for water skiing and swimming activities.

After you find the right boat, your next step should be to obtain a boat inspection. The step is very important no matter if the boat you are purchasing is new or used.   A detail boat inspection should include an examination of all the components of the boat such as the boat engine, electrical components, fuel tanks, and propeller. To check for damages to the hull, the boat will need to be inspected out of the water as well. You may hire an independent marine surveyor to perform the inspection on your behalf.

Once the inspection is done, you should try to obtain financing and boat insurance. Just like a car, you are able to finance a boat up to six years. You should shop around in order to find the right low interest financing for you. You can purchase your boat insurance from your local insurance agent.   Based on the cost of the boat and coverage amount, your insurance premium may vary in cost. Most buyers obtain an “All Risk” policy that will cover the boat for all types of damages.

Buying a boat is not a hard task at all if you do your research and following the steps mention above. The best time to purchase a boat is during the winter since boat dealers will be offering discounted deals to clear out the old inventory for new boat models in the spring. It is best to take your time and find the right boat just for you.

Stay Safe While At Sea – Observe Coast Guard Boating Regulations

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:01:11 +0000

Contrary to what most people think, federal boating regulations do not just apply to big commercial vessels. In fact, all commercial and recreational vessels plying on navigable waters around the country are subject to the United States inland laws, the Coast Guard boating regulations and other applicable laws of the state where the boat is registered.

Recreational boats of different sizes and purposes are governed by different set of boating regulations. Recreational vessels are further divided into four categories to wit (a) under 16 feet, (b) 16 feet to under 26 feet, (c) 26 feet to under 40 feet, and (d) 40 feet to under 65 feet.

Safety at sea is the primary consideration of the Coast Guard, thus, it is very strict when it comes to enforcing boating regulations. It requires all vessels to carry visual distress signal devices on board including a combination of day/night red flares or one orange distress flag and one electric distress light. Aside from carrying distress signal devices, all boats must have one type V Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and one of type of Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Kids should also be provided with appropriate life saving devices and lifejackets.

All boats are required to have navigations and sound producing warning devices. Smaller crafts may use horns and whistles to as navigation warning equipment. On the other hand, larger vessels that are more than 39.4 feet are required by the Coast Guard to have stronger sound signaling devices that can be heard for about ½ mile. Moreover, as part of its safety measures, the Coast Guard requires boats that use gasoline in an enclosed fuel tank compartment must have proper ventilation system. Older boats that were built after April 25, 1940 are required to have natural ventilation and backfire flame arrestor. On the other hand, the Coast Guard requires boats built after July 31, 1980 to have exhaust blowers. To fight off fire on board, all boats are required to have at least one Marine Type USCG B-I or three B-I fire extinguishers on board.

Aside from being subject to Coast Guard rules and regulations, boats are also subject to state registration requirements. As protocol, all boats are required to keep a certificate of State Registration or certificate of number on board. Non-compliance with both federal and local state laws on the part of the boat owners can lead to the legal sanctions, fines and penalties.

How To Study For Your Boat Safety Course

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:54:42 +0000

Having a boat can certainly make the summertime a lot more fun. You can have so much fun on a boat, whether you like to fish or just want to get out and get a good tan and relax. There are different sizes of boats and tons of different features that you can have included and you can really live it up in the lap of luxury. Before you can hit the water on any boat however, you are going to need to go through and take a boat safety course.

This is a required course that teaches eager boaters how to be responsible and safe while using a boat. The basic point is to show that you understand the rules of the water and that you are going to be responsible while you are out there. When it comes to studying for your course, it is always better to study for shorter, more frequent periods rather than all at once. You probably want to try cramming as much information as you can but chances are if you do this you are just going to overwork your brain and end up forgetting it all soon after.

Remember, the point is not just to use the information to pass the test but to use in the future whenever you take the boat out so you can be safe. It will be helpful to set up a schedule for your studying. You may want to take time every weekend to study for your boat safety course and then deal with your other regular activities through the week. Getting a friend or family member to pop quiz you on what you have learned so far will help.

You can go online and find a basic printout for the boat safety course in your state. If there are any areas that you seem to be struggling with, take some time to focus on these areas alone until you feel more comfortable with them. You usually have the option to take the course in person or online. Take it seriously and study enough and you should have no problems.

A boat safety course will usually take about an hour and you will want to call in and book it ahead of time, usually around spring is best because then you will still have all summer to go boating. Then you just need to renew your boating license as needed and you can go boating whenever you like. Be responsible when you are out on the water and always bring your license and other important information with you just as you do when you are driving any other type of vehicle. Just make sure that the course you choose is certified.

Having Fun in the Sun With Ski Boats During the Summer

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:14:59 +0000

When it comes to figuring out what to do during the summer time, ski boats are right there at the top of many peoples’ lists. After all there is nothing like having some fun in the sun while staying cool in the water and getting some exercise at the same time to boot! Ski boats tend to be expensive but that doesn’t mean there aren’t different ways to go about having a great experience with them. For example, renting ski boats can easily be done by the hour, by the day or even by the week.

You can also lease them for the entire summer if you plan on spending a lot of time on the water. You can even go half with a friend of family member and become part owner of your very own ski boat. Once you have chosen how you’re going to obtain the ski boat it is time to determine what kind and style of ski boat you want to get. Think about whether you actually want a ski boat, or something a little bigger that will hold more people at once.

Keep in mind what is really important to you when checking each individual model of boat you are interested in. Consuming gas is what boats tend to do best so it is definitely something to keep in mind when choosing the speed, model and size of the ski boat you want. What is cool about renting a ski boat is the fact that most things will come stocked in it already, saving you money. Sun block, skis, inflatable water toys, an ice chest and water are just a few of the things you might find on a rented boat.

If you don’t find some of these things on board then make sure to bring the things you need with you such as sun block. Some fun ways to spend time with a ski boat besides skiing is to go fishing, sightseeing, snorkeling or even speed boating. There is no limit to the number of fun things you can find to do while on board a ski boat during the summer. Parties are a great way to go when you’ve got access to ski boats too, just make sure you limit alcohol consumption so everyone stays safe and has a good time. Remember, safety comes first so make sure you have a life jacket available for everyone you take aboard the boat with you.