Pedal Boats

   Pedal Boats can be a lot of fun. When used correctly, they are a nice source of exercise and can be an inexpensive way to get out on the water. Pedal boats are great for fishing, having a picnic or jut slowly cruising the lake!

Going down the Swan-eee River!

   Pedal Boats come in many shapes and sizes, and hold various amounts of passengers. Always make sure that you do not overload a pedal boat and observe all normal boating rules. Remember that pedaling against the wind can be a bit difficult!
   For some great tips on pedal boats, we found a nice article from Pedal-cars.us entitled 
Pedal Boats

Buying an Electric Trolling Motor

   Buying an Electric Trolling Motor does not have to be difficult. The main concerns are to properly match the size of your boat, along with your needs, and then buying an electric trolling motor will be easier.

Perfect for shallow water or patios!

   You will need to make sure that the electric trolling motor that you choose will be able to propel your boat, given it's size and weight with passengers and gear. If you are buying an electric trolling motor, it's better to get the right one the first time!
   There is a good article from Voices.yahoo.com about buying electric trolling motors entitled Five Tips for Buying Electric Trolling Motors for Boat

How to Choose a Dinghy

   They are probably the smallest of all boats, you see them tied up to moorings and docks all over the place, but when you need a dinghy, you really need your dinghy! This makes it very important that you know How to Choose a Dinghy!

Now where are those Oars?

   There are so many choices, styles and price ranges to choose from, but when you need to get across the water, you will be happy that you knew how to choose a dinghy so you have the right one for you!

   To learn how to choose a dinghy, we found a great article from CommuterCruiser.com called 

Which Dinghy is Right?

All About Marine Compasses

   All About Marine Compasses - Marine Compasses are often taken for granted. People simply assume that because they are there, they work. It is always a good idea to test this theory before you actually need to navigate home.

Not a Moral Compass!

   Boat Compasses are built with 2 sets of magnets, one for True North and the other for on board corrections. Marine Compasses are fine instruments but critical for proper navigation!
  To purchase the highest quality Boat Compasses at the lowest prices, visit The Anchor Store! To learn more about Marine Compasses, view this article from BoatingMag.com called (what else?) Marine Compasses!

More Apps for Boaters

   Every time I do a blog post about boating apps, they seem to be very popular. If you want More Apps for Boaters, you have stopped at the right place!

More Apps - Bigger Phone?

   More Apps for Boaters generally means that your smart phone or tablet becomes an even more important item for your boating checklist! In addition to the more common apps such as for navigation, there are now more apps for boaters that include things like medical resources while you are on the water as well as guides to knot tying and reading nautical flags!
   We found a great list with more apps for boaters by USPS.org called Apps for Boaters that is definitely worth viewing!

Navigating at Night

   Navigating at  Night  can be very tricky in your boat, and a bit scary too. It is much easier to handle a boat when we can see around us, so navigating at night needs to be handled differently. 

You need to see where you are going!

   Navigating at night is easier with the proper equipment on board, but nothing takes the place of common sense to avoid any problems. It can also take time for your eyes to adjust so care should be taken around brighter lights too. Special lights such as searchlights can certainly help as well.
   We found a very good article that covers this subject in depth at BoatingMag.com entitled Navigating at Night

How to Anchor a Jet Boat

   You may simply want to drop anchor to enjoy a sunny day, or you might want to tie up to a beach for some shore fun, but sooner or later you will need to know How To Anchor a Jet Boat. Anchoring a Jet Boat is not too different from other boats, but could be different in shallow water.

Teddy Bears always wear their Life Jackets!

   If you want to know how to anchor a jet boat, we found two great videos that explain the subject very well. The first talks about how to anchor a jet boat in a normal water setting and the second video shows how to anchor a jet boat when you want to back into the shore.
  The first video is by Sea-Doo entitled Proper Anchoring - Sea-Doo Boats 

   The second is from Jet Boat Pilot and is called Sea-Doo Jet Boat Anchoring - Your Boat Stern to Shore

Selecting Anchor and Rodes

   You may often hear the words Selecting Ground Tackle, but they refer to Selecting Anchors and Rodes. The rode is the anchor line and chain at the anchor end that secures your anchor to your boat. Selecting anchors and rodes can be tricky without the proper information to help you choose.

Make sure your boat is larger than your anchor!

   Selecting anchors and rodes involves choosing the right anchor for your boat and the type bottoms that you will encounter, along with the best anchor line and chain for your situation. You must also determine the amount of scope that you will need, which takes into account the depth of the water, the distance from your boat bow to the water and the correct ratio to use for the conditions at anchor. Selecting anchors and rodes is important to be done correctly.
   We found an in-depth article about selecting anchors and rodes by Boatus.com entitled 
Ground Tackle: Selecting Anchors and Rodes which should give you all the info that you need!

Outboard Motor Care

   Boating can be extremely fun if you just plan ahead, act in a safe manner and be diligent about your Outboard Motor Care. There are several simple steps that you should do after each outing for proper outboard motor care as well.

Not good for fuel economy!

   Many breakdowns can be avoided with some simple outboard motor care tips to follow and to reduce the chance of problems while out on the water. Some involve proper engine flushing and some involve simply knowing where to look before small problems could become large ones!
   We found a nice breakdown of outboard motor care tips from DiscoverBoating.com entitled Outboard Motor Care that will tell you what you need to do!

The Sea Tow App

   I must confess that I did not know just how good the Sea Tow App is! Available for iPhone or Android, it can do many things. The Sea Tow App can give tide information, up to 7 days ahead. You can get weather alerts, forecasts, wave heights, water temperature and so much more!
  

You can never have too many Apps!

  The Sea Tow App gives you a compass and a speedometer to help you get your direction and location. The Sea Tow App helps you pinpoint your location on a map. You can take a photo to send it to someone too.
    Most importantly, the Sea Tow App can contact Sea Tow's 24 Hour Dispatch Center from any screen, to get the help that you need. And they even know where you are! If you would like to get the Sea Tow App for free, visit Sea Tow App

Why Buy a Small Boat?

   If you are considering a boat purchase, you may have asked yourself "why buy a small boat?" This is a legitimate question. Now it is true, size may be relevant to the individual pondering this choice, but there is  a good argument that would answer the question of why buy a small boat!

No - he's not out of his gourd!

   It is easy to get lost in the thoughts of a bigger boat, with lots of space, bells and whistles. Then you ask yourself "why buy a small boat?" Ask most people at any marina and they likely would say they wish they had a bigger boat. But larger boats can sometimes come with their own problems, unless your boat budget is fairly significant!
   We found a great article that can answer the question "Why Buy a Small Boat" from FirstBoat.com It is titled Should you buy a Big or Small Boat?

How to Anchor a Pontoon Boat

   If you like to go out on a pontoon boat, at some point you will need to know how to anchor a pontoon boat. Pontoon boats can be so much fun, and you may simply want to know how to anchor a pontoon boat so you can fully enjoy your floating paradise! 

This Pontoon Boat could be a bit more difficult to anchor!

   Pontoon boats come in many sizes and styles, but with a few basic steps, you can know how to anchor a pontoon boat and go out and have some fun! We found a great article about this from GodfreyPontoonBoats.com entitled How To Anchor Your Boat

Tying Up Your Boat in a Slip

   Tying Up Your Boat in a Slip seems so easy yet it can turn into a nightmare when it is not properly done. When you dock, all may be well but while you are gone, the tides change, the weather changes and the way you tied up will determine how your boat handles it!

Observe Designated Pirate Zones!

   When tying up your boat in a slip properly, you need to observe your lines, the cleats and how you actually tie your cleat hitch. Fender placement is important too!
   We found a great article about tying up your boat in a slip by Frugal-Mariner.com that really is helpful in tying your boat. It is called Tying Up Your Boat in a Slip

Boating Apps for Smart Phones

   When you know where to look, it is amazing to see how many Boating Apps for Smart Phones that are available! Even more amazing is just how much easier, safer and more fun that boating can be when you use boating apps for smart phones!

Sorry - they don't make a boating app for this problem!

   Whether you have an iPhone, iPod or Android device, there are plenty of boating apps to explore. Need to find a boat ramp? Want to check your boat's speed? How about tide information? They are all available with boating apps for smart phones!
   We found a great resource for information on boating apps for smart phones from DiscoverBoating.com entitled Apps and Tools

Time to Raft Up!

   A fun part of Summer and Boating is to tie several friend's boats together and enjoy the good times. It is Time to Raft Up! Of course, anytime that you put boats, wind, current, anchors, props and swimmers in close proximity, then any time to raft up could also become dangerous!

Did anyone see my wallet?

   If it's time to raft up, then it's time to know how to do it safely so you can keep having good times. It does matter how you raft up, in what order, where you choose and more. Even more care should be exercised when children are involved.
   If it's Time to Raft Up and you want to learn more, we found a great article by Sea Tow called Summer's Here - Time to Raft Up!

How to Dock a Boat

   How to Dock a Boat seems like a fairly simple subject. Unfortunately, there are probably as many variables as there are boats! Each boat is different, and wind, tides, other boats and other obstacles make it important to pick a spot to dock and get to it! That is, after you learn how to dock a boat!

You want to avoid this!

     Once you read a few good articles and watch a few videos about how to dock a boat, then it is time to go practice. Always practice in an open area, not a crowded one. Practice makes perfect, but practice also builds confidence!
   We found a great source of info, along with videos, about how to dock a boat from BoatTrader.com This article is called Boat Docking 101: Good Articles and Videos

How To Trim Your Boat Properly!

   Everyone should want to learn how to trim your boat properly. You see it all over the water. Bows plowing too low through and into the waves or bows pointing at the sky so everyone on board can look at the cloud formations! These are all signs that more people should learn how to trim your boat properly!

Remove any SUV's from bow before adjusting your Trim!

   Learning how to trim your boat properly actually begins with the weight distribution in your boat. Once the weight is evenly distributed, you can begin the process of trimming your boat. Remember that you can trim a boat two different ways. The first is to adjust the angle of the outboard or stern-drive to the proper setting for your load, speed, sea and weather conditions. The other is with your Trim Tabs if your boat is equipped with them.
   If you want to learn how to trim your boat properly, we found a great resource from ClubMarine.com.au entitled "Trim Your Boat" that explains everything in-depth along with helpful photos. It is a must read for anyone with even a little doubt about the proper way to Trim!

How to Clean Mildew Off of Vinyl Boat Seats

   If you need to find out how to clean mildew off of vinyl boat seats, you are not alone. Weather, salt water, high humidity and many other factors can discolor your vinyl boat seats. Mildew can be particularly difficult to clean. Don't get to a point that your boat is so dirty, you just want to sell it for half of what it is worth!

Great for Divorce Sales too!

   There are some fairly inexpensive and somewhat easy steps to take when you learn how to clean mildew off of vinyl boat seats. They do a good job of boat seat cleanup even if you do not have mildew on your seats. A little elbow grease and a few dollars of materials can add value to a boat before you try to sell it as well. Potential buyers would prefer to avoid the expense of replacing vinyl boat seats because of stains and mildew too!
   There is some great info about how to clean mildew off of vinyl boat seats online. One such   article makes it easy, simple and cheap to do from MadeMan.com It is appropriately titled 
"How to Clean Mildew Off of Vinyl Boat Seats"

Boat Tips to Save Money on Gas!

   Boat Tips to Save Money on Gas can be a valuable addition to the plans of every boat skipper, big and small. If you have any size powerboat, you know that gas is not cheap and anywhere that you can find boat tips to save money on gas, they are probably worth reading!

Remember - Marine Gas Stations charge more!

     One tip is for those that trailer their boats. A good boat tip to save money on gas is to fill up your boat at a regular gas station before getting to the water. Most of the time, regular gas stations do charge less for gas. If you can easily do it, you could also fill portable gas tanks at the station and bring them to your boat. This can save a little money if your boat is already in the water.  Remember, always avoid getting in line at the gas pumps behind a fighter jet. They take a long time to fill up and tend to ignite many things around them when they take off from the  station!

Can you check the oil too!

   We found some really good Boat Tips to Save Money on Gas from DiscoverBoating.com Their short but valuable list is appropriately called Tips for Reducing Fuel Usage

Anchoring - It ain't Rocket Science!

   Anchoring - It ain't Rocket Science may seem like a bit of an obnoxious headline for a post. It is not meant to be! Anchoring properly can be easy or difficult, so a few pointers can go a long way!

Professor of Rocket Science!

   Anchoring - It ain't Rocket Science as a statement sounds silly, but it is important to understand some basics about anchoring, such as what Rode and Scope mean. You can find them explained in detail elsewhere on this website. Anchoring really does involve more than dropping an anchor over the side and hoping for the best! Also, when it comes to anchoring, always know what's on the other side of the rope!

You never know what your anchor will bring up!

   To help break anchoring properly down into some simple steps, we found an excellent article from Sandbarhopper.com entitled (what else!) Anchoring - It Ain't Rocket Science! When you are ready for a new anchor or mooring buoy, check out The Anchor Store for Lowest Prices, Highest Customer Rated and Free Shipping!

How to Work from Your Boat!

   Most boaters, I would guess, would rather work from their boats if given the choice!  Working from your boat would not only be enjoyable and relaxing, but would also be just plain fun! Now that assumes that we are talking about telecommuting type work, not some other on-boat jobs that can be much more dangerous and physically demanding!

Now this is hard work!

   Once you learn how to work from your boat, you have to make sure that you don't get caught up in the many distractions that a boater can otherwise enjoy. You need to focus and avoid socializing with all your friends on the dock, at least while you are working. Most of all, wait until 5 pm before opening that first refreshing beer!

He did not wait until 5 pm!

   If you really want to overcome distractions and possible problems, you need to learn how to work from your boat. We found a nice article by BoaterLifeOnLine.com entitled "How to make Working from the Boat Work for You!" It's filled with plenty of ideas to make working from your boat a reality! 

Are Buying Used Boats like Buying Used Cars?

   Not everyone can afford to go out and buy a new boat or new car. Thankfully, there is a marketplace to buy used boats and cars, which give people a range of options and price ranges to choose what is best for them. 

The Rear Fins make the difference!

   Beginning from when they are built, boats and cars have some very basic differences. It is important to understand these differences, especially if you plan to buy a used boat. We found a great article by BoatTrader.com entitled "Used Cars, Used Boats: Big Differences" that will help you before you set out to look for a used Buick / Boat (read the article - you'll understand!)

Boats - Don't Buy a Nightmare!

   I recently saw a  headline that said that the 2 Happiest Days in a Boat Owner's Life are the day they Buy Their Boat and the Day that They Sell It! 

Poor Man's Yacht!

   Whether you buy a new boat or a used boat, you need to do your homework and hopefully get a little Good Luck! You need to think about your boat needs and how you will likely use it, and start by choosing the right boat type. This is especially true when buying a new boat. A 
mismatched boat and owner gets everything off to a bad start.
   If you are buying a used boat, you really need to become a bit of a boat detective. It is important to know what to look for, and what the tell-tale signs are of potential reasons to pass over a great deal. Sometimes, the smart thing to do is look again tomorrow.
   BoatSafe.com did a great article packed with information to help you know how to choose the right boat. It is appropriately called Buying Your Own "Hole in the Water"
   

Insuring Your Boat

   Just like everything else of value in your life, boats need to be insured too. Unfortunately, unexpected events can happen, putting you and your property at unnecessary risk!

How does this happen?

   Insuring your boat can be like boating through uncharted waters - a bit scary unless you have a map to get through. There are many things to consider to properly insure your boat. Factors that determine your needs to insure your boat include physical characteristics such as size, speed and age along with where you operate your boat, your deductible and the type coverage that you choose, plus many others.

  Although insuring your boat does seem a bit complicated, we found an article by DiscoverBoating.com that really breaks down what you need to know. It is entitled 

Insuring Your Boat and is really helpful to find the best deal and plan that is right for you!

How to Anchor in a Current

   Anchoring in a Current can be a bit tricky. There are many considerations to do this properly and safely. If you don't do it correctly, it will be like you are "Always Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop!"

A little soul goes a long way!

   If you do not know how to anchor in a current, keep in mind that you will need the right type anchor, enough anchor line (or Rode), and you will need to pick your spot carefully! This can be especially true if you are attending a fireworks show on the water, watching an airplane show, listening to a concert, etc. You need to anchor in a current so that you are not only safe, but that the boats around you are safe as well.

  We found a great article about how to anchor in a current from PortKY.com entitled Tips for Anchoring in a Current that covers everything you might need to know to successfully be able to anchor in a current.

Safe Boating is no Accident!

  Safe Boating is no Accident! You've all heard that before. But remember, boating is supposed to be about fun. Boating represents a fairly large investment of time and resources. Lastly, in many cases, safety is also the law. 
  

  A few good common sense tips and a greater understanding of boating laws and regulations can go a long way. We found a great article from West Marine called Safe Boating Checklist