• First Check the operating condition of your boat: motor, steering, battery, hoses, clamps, wiring, fuel tanks, lines, float switches. Always test your boat lights and carry extra batteries. Have and check all navigation lights as required for your boat. Make sure all instrument lights are working.

• If you have a dual charging system, make sure the selector switch in the proper position. Make sure the power is on to the entire vessel. Have aboard spare batteries for accessories such a your handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc. If the batteries are rechargeable, make sure they’re charged.

• Open all hatches and run the blower after you refuel and before getting underway. Sniff for fumes before starting the engine and if you smell fumes, do not start the engine. Look for the source of the leak.

• On any powered vessel or auxiliary powered sailboat, or vessels using LPG for cooking or heat, check that all interior spaces are well ventilated before departure.

• Make sure you have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of correct size and type and properly-fitting for you and every passenger (and, on the water, make sure they are worn, not just stowed). It is wise to attach a whistle to each life jacket.
Also boats longer than 16 feet must have an additional Type IV or throwable flotation device – i.e. buoyant cushion, ring buoy, or horseshoe buoy

• Carry at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it is charged and accessible. Make sure you have at least the number required by Coast Guard rules.

• Make sure you have one anchor set up. Carry two or three extra dock lines in case you encounter unusual conditions dockside. Inspect the lines you use for chafe or wear. Carry at least two fenders on-board for docking or towing if required.

• Emergency supplies – Keep on board in a floating pouch: charts of the local area, flares, a first aid kit.

• Check for other safety equipment appropriate to the size of your boat and the area where it will be operating; flashlight anspare batteries, tool kit, a sunscreen, paddles, oars, binoculars, visual distress signals, and a VHF-FM marine radio. You could also have a horn capable of producing a four-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile on board.

• Check the capacity plate (if affixed to the hull) or calculate the maximum load to make sure you don’t overload the boat with passengers and gear.

• Make certain your registration is up to date and on board with you and that your boat. Have all other neccessary papers like radio license, fishing permit, etc. on board. Have the chart or charts for the area you intend to cruise in, regardless of your level of local knowledge.

If you are not sure that you can complete all the neccessary cecking yourself, take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations.

Always know the local weather when you decide to hit the water. Many people tend to forget how important a weather forecast can be. If you see dark clouds roll in or it gets windy do not take any chances get out of the water. Even though you have a forecast sometimes they can be wrong. Do not take chances with the weather. Use common sense when you are on the water. Boating can be very enjoyable, but do not take chances. Operate the boat at safe speeds and follow the rules while on the water. Always be alert as you never know what you may run into when you’re in the water.

Make use of life jackets on your boat. Every boat has life jackets, but many people do not even wear them. Always wear your life jacket while you are boating. You never know when they could save your life. The majority of people know how to swim, but there are still some who do not. If you plan on boating on a yearly basis take a swimming course or at least a refresher course.

Before leaving Marina tell someone about your float plan. The float plan will consist of how long you will be gone, names, addresses, phone numbers, type of boat, and the number of people you will be taking. A float plan should always be given to someone just in case something happens. By following these simple tips you can enjoy your boating experience more than ever before.

These boats are small and comfortable, which are used to do bass fishing or pan fishing around the world. Most bass boats are made out of a high quality aluminum or fiberglass material. The very first boat was made out of fiberglass, which are spacious and are very easy to handle. Most bass fishers prefer the aluminum made type boats because they are lighter, more manageable, and cost less.

The modern boats used today have a wide area for storage space, and a chair which moves from side to side; this gives the fisherman a better angle to fish. Bass boats use and outboard motor, this keeps the boat moving fast throughout the water. The boats also use another method to keep moving throughout the water called, trolling motor. The trolling motor allows the boat to move slower in the area where the fishing is being done. If there happens to be motor failure, the boat is small enough that it can be be propelled with oars back to shore.

Bass fishing is usually done in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes. It is still considered a well known hobby of many individuals today.

One thing I like about a pontoon boat is that they have plenty of room. Everyone can sit in their own seat. You can even place a grill on it and cook dinner right on the boat. There is a lot of storage where you can place towels, snacks, or fishing equipment. You can buy a simple pontoon boat or one with a lot of accessories.

These boats are not speedy boats at all. This means they are great for a leisurely ride across the lake. You can relax and enjoy yourself as the boat coasts along the water. This also makes them a nice boat to fish from if you enjoy doing this. You can stop in the water and just float for a bit. Then throw your line over and have a nice fishing experience with the entire family. It is wonderful to have a boat that works for fishing and relaxing. You can purchase one fast enough to pull a tube or someone on skis if you are looking for this option.

These also come in many different price ranges so they are affordable for anyone. These boats are perfect for all ages.

Decide the main activity that you will use the boat for. Racing, sailing, fishing or cruising are the main events. There are many different types of boats to use for different types of racing. The different races involve going around buoys or obstacles, distance or speed racing. A speed boat is ideal for obstacles and speed, while a sail boat is a good choice for long distances.

A speed boat is not as complicated to operate. It is almost like driving a car. A sailboat, on the other hand, will require some advanced knowledge. The speed boat is ideal for water activities like water skiing and towing rafts, while the sailboat is good for cruising and entertaining. Both types can have a deck for sunning, it will just depend on the model of the boat.

When it comes to the sailboat category there are many different styles to choose from. Dinghies are very small for use off of the beach or in the harbor. There is the day sailor which is good for short trips on small lakes or calm waters. The catamaran or multihull will have two or three sails which makes it a good choice for cruising, anchoring and high-speed ocean racing. There is the engine-powered cruising sailboat which is good for entertaining, overnight and extended trips.

No two boats are alike so boat storage strategies will almost always very from boat to boat and from boat owner to boat owner. Because of the differences that will always present themselves, it is always a prudent move to check with the boat manufacturer
or at minimum the owner’s manual for your particular type and size boat before planning or implementing any kind of boat storage strategy. Knowing what works best for you specific make and model will go a long way toward understanding what is required to ensure your particular boat survives the long winter months while sitting in boat storage.

The intent of this article about boat storage strategy is to identify key areas and key factors that must be considered by any competent boat owner when determining what steps need to be taken prior to putting a boat into boat storage, what has to happen while the boat is in storage for the season, and what steps need to be taken once the boat taken out of boat storage for the season. Please read on for some practical and interesting tips regarding boat storage techniques.

First and foremost, a diligent boat owner needs to ensure the gas tank of his boat is 100% full prior to putting it into boat storage for the year. Failure to do so will almost always result in bad things happening to the fuel and the associated fuel system components inside of the boat’s motor. One of the worst things that can happen if you fail to fill the fuel tank is condensation build up in the gas lines and in the gas tank itself. Condensation such as this will quickly lead to fuel spoilage. Have fun trying to start your boat’s motor when it is filled with bad fuel. It just won’t work.

After filling the boat’s gas tank with good fuel, you should replace your oil. Doing so just prior to putting your watercraft into boat storage for the season will allow any impurities or gunk to drain, eliminating it from your boat’s system. Changing your oil will require that you follow the advice of your boat’s owner’s manual so be sure you have it handy before getting started. The manual will show where the oil should be drained from and it will also show what type of oil to replace it with.

Always replace your fuel filter and oil filter while changing your oil and filling your gas tank. Do yourself a favor and do not skimp on this part of your boat storage strategy. Doing so will probably wind up costing you more money in the long run to have repairs performed when you try to take the boat out of boat storage at the beginning of next boating season. You should always buy the best products that you can afford so that they can protect your boat during it days while in boat storage.

Sailing has been the means for travel for hundreds of years, and not only does it serve as transportation, but it harnesses the wind, which is the most economical way to travel. Sailing is ecologically friendly because it does not burn fossil fuels and release harmful gasses into the atmosphere. There is no carbon footprint left in the environment after a day at sea.

Sailing is for people who like to do things while on the boat. Instead of letting the engine do the work, you have to plan the course according to which way the wind blows, hoist and trim the sails, coil the lines, and keep her polished and sound.

There are many things to do on a sailboat that can keep the captain and crew busy for the whole voyage. The best boat isn’t necessarily the biggest boat either. Much fun can be had on a 14 foot boat as well as a 100 foot boat.

The most important part in caring for sailboat sails is to keep them clean, especially if you sail in a salt water environment. Salt crystals are corrosive, abrasive and will damage the fibers in the sail cloth, as well as causing the material to absorb water, which will lead to mildew.

Washing the sails down with fresh water is a good way to keep them in good shape, while this will be extra work, keeping the sails clean is less work than cleaning them once they are already dirty. When washing the sails yourself, don’t use chlorine bleach on sails made of nylon or laminated sails. It is best to use a mild soap and water mix, and a scrub brush with soft bristles.

Another factor in the basic care of sails is proper storing. When you are ready to stow sails always let them dry first. Avoid folding sailboat sails when storing them for the off season. It is better to roll them so as to not put any creases in them that could damage the fibers in the cloth. And using a sail bag will protect the sails from UV sunlight that can damage them. And high temperatures can also deform some sails over time, so look for a cool place to store them.

Although the original Lewis boats were made of wood, they are now fiberglass that provides a strong but very lightweight boat. Even though the internal stringer system is generally wood, Lewis boat sales are high performance and have the speed and dexterity for great skiing. The 2280 and Revolution are typical of the Lewis range with their zippy Mercruiser engines that produce a small wake at speed for a smooth slalom ride, and nice big wake for wake boarding at lower speeds.

Their well crafted Wake towers can be pimped any way you like them, with sound system speakers, . However, the disadvantage in a dual purpose ski boat or wake boarding vessel is that you can get a rougher ride on skis. It isn’t always ideal to have a dual purpose boat, but if you enjoy both sports then you should get enough performance from a wake boarding and ski boat to make you happy. If it’s championship performance you are seeking, then a specialist boat for sale for skiing could be an option.

A well known and popular boat builder Bayliner has a great standing in the 16-22 foot range of ski boat sales The Bowrider 205 is is a great example of ski boat with a 220 hp Mercuiser engine. This ski boat for sale comes with and great sound system from its stereo controller that allows you fit a CD player, iPod or MP3 player. Building boats for over 40years Bayliner has the experience to know how to build good boats. These ski boats for sale are quality, and respond to the helm perfectly. They have great acceleration with a agility for some great water skiing.

Crownline boats are for the boating enthusiast that likes a bit more power. These boats for sale exude class and quality, and the Bowrider 240LS is great for skiing. With a variety of colours to choose from and your Mercedes engine up to a maximum 425 horse power. With many great options including an entertainment system, sink and shower it makes it a great fun throughout your ski boating day. If you prefer a deckboat to a bowrider for your skiing, then the Crownline 252 EX has similar features with the same outboard engine, and a Sony Marine stereo system as standard. Crownline may be a little more expensive but you pay for quality and one of the best ski boats for sale. Again, though, they are multi-purpose and while a common choice with the mid range ski boat skier they are not designed to be specialized ski boats.

For a championship specialist ski boat, then Skicraft must figure in there somewhere. Based in Bayswater, Skicraft boats, have been building top of the range ski boats for sale since 1969, offering very reliable turning and maneuverability, but is also very safe. From the lustrous and prompt 202 to the new V-Drive eXV Skicraft are true ski boats. The ExV is an updated model of the popular eX2, with a good heaviness design allowing you to switch from wake boarding to skiing with a turn of a switch.

Skicraft normally build specialist boats, and the V-Drive is commonly better for wake boarding. However, wake boarding boats for sale can be costly because they have to be heavier to produce a good wake. Skicraft have developed a wake control technology whereby you can adjust the size of the wake to switch between skiing and wake boarding, and all at a price well below that of a purpose-built wake boarding boat.