BOATING FUN

Properly maintaining a speed boat is as essential to smooth running as giving it fuel. Speed boat maintenance reduces the chance of breakdown, which will result in lower repair costs. It also will reduce the chance of being stranded by an inconvenient breakdown. Most important, keeping the recommended maintenance schedule maintains the longevity of the speed boat, helping owners get more years and more value from their investment.

Most speed boats come with a manual that explains in detail what maintenance that particular boat requires. While every boat is different, there are a few common maintenance tasks that can extend the life of every speed boat.

Annual Maintenance

Like their human owners, speed boats require an annual checkup. During this “check up”, the oil, lower end fluid, and drive oil should be changed, as well as all filters. If the boat spends a lot of time in saltwater, change the zincs every year and have the boat bottom painted. This will not only keep the speed boat looking pristine, but also clean the fiberglass and remove barnacles and debris.

Winterizing the Speed Boat Engine

A good time to perform annual speed boat maintenance tasks is while the boat is being winterized. Winterizing a speed boat is essential if it will exposed to cold and/or damp weather. First, the engine should be flushed with water. Once the engine is drained, it can be washed with soapy water, and then rinsed. Drain all fuel from the carburetor and hoses so evaporated fuel doesn’t build up.

Once the engine is clean and dry, lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons and apply water resistant grease to all other moving parts. Polish the outside of the engine with a high quality wax.

Other Winter Maintenance

The speed boat engine is not the only part requiring winter maintenance. The fuel filter and water separator should be replaced annually to prevent clogs. Before winter, make sure the fuel tank is full and add a fuel stabilizer. This will prevent condensation build up and deposits. Bilges can be clean with hot water and a stiff brush, then thoroughly dried before being sprayed with lubricant and antifreeze. It is also a good idea to thoroughly clean the boat both inside and out to prevent buildup.

It is essential that owners consult their speed boat manual or an experienced marine mechanic before attempting to complete any of these tasks themselves. Once they feel that they are capable of performing their own speed boat maintenance, most or all of the supplies can be found at a marine supply store or from online sources. Spending a few hundred dollars every year in speed boat maintenance can save thousands a year in repairs. It also ensures that owners get the most use out of their boat.

There’s nothing more exciting than having the wind in your hair and small driblets of water glistening your face as the sun shines down on you and you hold on for dear life as your shiny, spectacular, and amazingly fun speed boat coasts across cool waters. Playfully jumping the rippling waves caused by other speed boats on the water is especially exciting and causing a smile to every face aboard. You know that life hasn’t been the same since the introduction of your new speed boat. The weekends are now spent water-skiing, pulling tubes with screaming enthusiasts on board, socializing, and being a hostess to friends aboard your shiny new speed boat.

Some really great High Performance Speed Boats include: Azimut, Baja Marine, Bavaria, Fairline, Formula, Fountain Mercury, Honda, Kawasaki, Maxum, Riviera, Sea-Doo Sport Boats, and Yamaha.

But there are many more to choose from and more are created every year for the serious boaters to drool over! Especially for those who take speed boating seriously as a sport the performance model is chosen specifically by the customization and liking of the owner to give the boat unbelievable speed.

If you’re after a high velocity thrill on the water, think about buying a speedboat. There are many kinds of speedboats available for all kind of boaters, from young people looking for fun to families that enjoy group outings. But not matter who you are, or why you bought a boat, you must prepare a routine maintenance schedule that will ensure your boat stays in good working order.

The main reason people buy speed boats is to have fun with towing their friends! Whether you are a pro at skiing or simply someone who wants the thrill of being drug around a lake on a big tube, a speedboat is the vehicle you need.

Important Tips to remember when Speed Boating and pulling riders with your speed boat are:

–Always wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

–Know your equipment

–Know your rider

–Use a spotter

–Be aware of water regulations

–Drive Responsibly

–Use a secure tow line

–Check before you start

–Exercise caution when pulling more than one tube

Speed Boats can come in a variety of styles and colors as well as in a variety of power levels. Before buying your speed boat, be sure to answer the following questions:

–Why do I want a boat?

–What are the primary things I will be doing when using this boat?

–How many people need to fit inside this boat?

–How much is my budget for boat?

–What are the legal requirements of owning or driving a boat?

–How do I care for my boat and keep it performing at its best?

Once you know the answer to these questions the only other items to worry about are the swim suit, the sunblock, and the company! Happy boating!

Boating is one of the more popular hobbies around the world. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy taking to the water during the hot summer months. They use everything from canoes to yachts to enjoy the water. Some people even live on the water by purchasing a houseboat.

Boats are generally used for several activities. One of the most common is fishing. Wide varieties of boats are appropriate to this activity. If you have a small boat that you can transport, research fishing opportunities before you travel.

Portability is an attractive feature in inflatable boats, dinghies and folding boats. Sitting around the campfire trading fishing stories and singing sea shanties adds a pleasant new dimension to any camping trip, and many campgrounds even offer boats for rent. If you plan to do your fishing closer to home, you may want to invest in an air boat or one of several styles of bass boats.

Another popular boating activity is water sports. Bring a pair of water skis when you go motor boating and you have an automatic afternoon of fun. Sports boats and motor boats provide just the right power for a variety of exciting water sports.

Perhaps sailing is more your style. Imagine relaxing on a classic boat that is powered by the wind, living the same adventure once experienced by pirates, merchant marines and explorers. Sailing requires a good deal of work and practice, but the rewards of this type of boating are immeasurable.

If you live near the water, it is easy to make boating an important part of your life. If you live further from the water, you will have to factor in travel time and expenses when deciding if the boating life is right for you. Many who live in landlocked areas make boating a vacation activity.

Take advantage of opportunities to experience the water without making any sort of commitment. On your next vacation, sign up for boat tours that are offered. Depending on your destination, this may be a swamp tour, glass bottom boat ride, or even a paddle wheeler. Odds are good that if you enjoy these sorts of excursions, you would enjoy piloting your own boat.

In many locations, it is possible to rent boats for a short time. Rent a variety of sizes and styles to get a feel for what works for you. Also, talk to current boat owners either in person or in an online boating forum.

If you decide that you enjoy boating, do not be too quick to buy a boat. Many people who enjoy boating as a hobby decide to buy boats only to discover that the boat owner lifestyle does not work for them.

Before investing in a boat, make sure you are comfortable with the idea of storing and/or trailering the boat. If you can, help out a friend who owns a boat so you have a good idea of what is involved.

Boating is an exciting activity that will whet your appetite for the great outdoors. Your budget and where you live will determine if boating becomes an occasional hobby or a more permanent way of life. One thing is certain: you should head out to the water and discover for yourself how you feel about boating.

Boating and sailing is not only one of the most popular pastimes today, they have been a popular means of transportation, recreation, and occupation, for nearly all of recorded history. Throughout history, boating and sailing has been a means for many of mankind’s greatest discoveries, important battles, expansions and migrations, and a source of food and livelihood. While boating and sailing still maintain many of those roles today, for most of us boating and sailing are a source of recreation, fun, competition, and relaxation.

Today, boating and sailing provide a source of fun and recreation for millions of people worldwide. But there is more to recreational boating and sailing than simply buying a boat and launching it into the water. In order take the fullest advantage of all that boating and sailing have to offer, it is best to arm oneself with as much information as possible.

For those with an interest in boating and sailing the most obvious area of interest is the type of watercraft that will best suit their needs. Fishing, water sports, racing, or simply strolling across the water; all of these are activities are best enjoyed in the proper kind of boat. But the kind of boat you own also impacts the kind of storage needs you will have.

Smaller sailing and motor boats may not require permanent storage space such as a marina. They can often be stored at home and brought to the water on a car-towed trailer. Larger boats need to be moored at marinas where they are protected from the elements during the season, and in areas where the season is not year-round, marinas can remove boats from the water in order to protect them from damaging ice.

Those with an interest in boating and sailing must remember to protect more than just their boats. Protection of one’s self is perhaps the highest priority when traveling on the open waters where conditions can change rapidly. Life vests, throwable flotation devices, navigation lights, and fire extinguishers are but a few of the safety oriented items that must be considered when engaging in boating and sailing. Those items, when combined with proper instruction in the rules and laws of the sea, will make boating and sailing a hobby that is both fun and safe for you, your family, and friends.

Types of Boating Accidents Boating is one of the most popular activities to engage in during the summer months. Unfortunately, many people suffer injuries as a direct result from boating accidents. There are over 8,000 boating accidents that take place each year and of those, approximately 5,000 result in serious injury. The best way to be safe when boating, is to use preventive measures to ensure that you won’t succumb to a boating accident.

Capsizing, fire, flooding, someone falling overboard, sinking, and flooding causes the main types of boating accidents. Also, many boating accidents occur when boats collide into other boats, as well. It is important to realize that boating accidents are very serious and often result in serious injury. Therefore it is important to understand that it is much easier to prevent boating accidents, as opposed to dealing with their aftermath.

Causes of Boating Accidents Some of the most prevalent causes of boating accidents include alcohol use, equipment failure, boating too fast, not paying attention while boating, boating in treacherous waters, having too many passengers on your boat, and not staying centered in the boat. It is extremely important to make sure that you thoroughly check all equipment before boating, and ensure that it is in proper working order.

Steps to Take to Prevent Boating Accidents First, you should realize that every state has different boating laws. Some states will even suspend your automobile driving privileges for boating violations, therefore you need to fully understand your state’s boating laws before you hit the water. Never operate your boat while under the influence of alcohol. To prevent accidents, you must be fully alert, aware, and pay attention to your surroundings. This is impossible to accomplish for anyone who has been drinking.

You should also make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on your boat. This includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, and making sure that you properly maintain the fuel system to prevent the chance of fire.

Prevent Capsizing To prevent your boat from capsizing, or from someone falling overboard, take steps to load the boat correctly. First, make sure that your boat is properly secured to the dock before loading. You should also ensure that all of your passengers are wearing life jackets before they board the boat. You should have one hand on the boat and the other hand on the pier and lower yourself into the middle or center of the boat. Once you are in the boat, keep to the center. Never enter the boat holding objects. Have someone hand you the items and stay center. This will prevent the boat from tipping over. It is important to make sure that all weight is distributed evenly throughout the boat. Another important precaution to take is to stay clear from the sides of the boat. Accidents have occurred when people have leaned against or sat upon the sides of the boat, (the gunwale) and have accidentally fallen overboard. Also, make sure that all passengers on the boat never run around on the boat. This can cause the boat to capsize, so always keep to the center and stay low. By following safety procedures and precautions, you can ensure that you will have a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

By: Kathryn Ali

There are all kinds of different boating accessories out there on the market today and they are all important to your happiness on board your boat. With the right boating accessories your boat can be even more comfortable and homey than your real house, this makes for a great getaway whenever you want to go out on a boating holiday.

Did you know that over 70 million people go boating each year, and that the boating accessories industry is a multiple billion dollar industry? Seriously, things like towers, mats for the floors and even kitchen parts are selling like hot cakes today and for good reason.

No one wants to rough it, if you can go out on your boat and have all of the best boating accessories at your disposal why wouldn’t you want to? When you pick up some good boating accessories you will be able to make the most out of every trip on your boat, whether it is a day trip or a weekender. The whole family will have a ball when they are out boating together, especially if you have some good quality boating accessories.

If you want to know what is hot on the boating accessories market you have come to the right place. Here are some of the most amazing boating accessories on the market today:

Barbeques

This is one of the most popular of all boating accessories because everyone can use it. Who does not love to grill up some fresh fish? You will be able to make the most out of any meal when you have one of these on board. They are specially made to keep rust away, even in the damp salt air and they even have hermetically sealed temp controls. This makes for a long lasting and perfect grill every single time, this is just one of the boating accessories that you need to check out the next time you have some cash to burn.

Medical equipment

It should be law that no one go on a boating trip, especially a long one, without first aid boating accessories. These types of boating accessories are getting more and more popular all of the time. Nowadays you can even get portable defribrilators in case of a dire emergency. These can and have saved lives so you may want to look into getting these kinds of boating accessories before you take your next trip out in your boat.

Speaker systems

These are a great way to keep in touch with people on your boat no matter where they may be. These speaker systems usually have speakers in all of the rooms on the boat as well as speakers that will project your voice out over the water so that those swimming can hear you. This too can do wonders for the safety of all those on board and these kinds of boating accessories can be purchased for less than you would expect.

Getting good boating accessories is very important to fun and exciting sailing and boating.

Fortunately, the majority of boaters take the responsibility of practicing boating safety seriously. But we’ve all seen our share of boating mishaps, breakdowns and careless maneuvers. Luckily, most of the time, no one gets hurt and we can laugh at someone else’s boating bloopers.

Sadly, some boating accidents do lead to tragedy. The sobering truth is that these accidents are usually preventable and avoidable with a little safe boating perspective and practice.

The good news is that boating accidents and fatalities have been on the decline over the last twenty years. The US Coast Guard reports that 697 fatalities occurred in 2005 with 12,942.414 registered boats. That is 5.1 fatalities per 100,000 registered boats. This is down from 924 fatalities in 1991 with 11,068,440 registered boats, or 8.3 fatalities per 100,000 boats.

That is almost a 65% reduction in fatalities over the last 25 years. This boating safety trend is largely attributed to improved boating safety education and courses paid for by your boating tax dollars. In order to acquire a boating license in most of the 50 states in the US, every boater is required to pass an exam that demonstrates knowledge and familiarity with boating safety regulations.

Boating is great fun and it can be tempting to let your guard down and neglect important boating safety measures in the desire to get out on the water. Consider that nothing spoils a fun day of boating more than a breakdown, mishap, accident or injury. To be sure, the best way to have fun with your boat is to always be safe.

In many ways, boating safety is common sense. While boaters can make careless mistakes, most should be smart enough to know that flames and cigarettes need to be extinguished before fueling a boat. With all of the safety awareness that is presented to boaters, hopefully everyone is aware that life jackets are required safety equipment on every boat. By the way, nearly 80% of boating related fatalities every year result from drowning.

OK, so a lot of these boating safety measures seem obvious. But there is a fair amount of safety knowledge and awareness that you need to know. Not only to pass the boating license examinations, but more important, to insure your safety and the safety of your boating passengers. And the boating safety rules and regulations can vary from state to state.

Also consider that most insurance companies will provide discounts for completing a boating safety course. These discounts off of your premium for PWC (personal water craft) and boating insurance policies can be as much as 10% to 25% annually.

There is no legitimate reason to ignore boating safety. All 50 states in US provide boating safety education programs that are convenient and accessible to the boating public. Many of these courses are available online. So no excuse. Sign up for a boating safety education course and bring yourself up to speed with the most current regulations, tips and information. Please be safe!

When it comes to spending time on the water, boating can be the best of all worlds; you’re cradled in the middle of a lake, bay, or ocean with access to a bevy of modern amenities right on board. Your boat can act as your floating hotel of sorts – providing you with unlimited access to the beauty of the water while keeping you comfortable. But when it comes to outfitting your boat with the most essential boating equipment, there is much more than just the luxuries.

The imperatives of boating equipment are obviously those that deal with safety. It is absolutely necessary to have certain boating equipment on board at all times, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals such as flares, a throwable ring or cushion to reach someone who has fallen overboard, a first aid kit, several flashlights with extra batteries, and working lights on the boat. It is also important to have a compass – or GPS – on board for navigational purposes, as well as a radio for open communication. Some states also require a bilge pump on board that will handle any water the boat has taken on in an emergency.

It is not mandatory to have a lifeboat as part of your boating equipment but it is strongly recommended. If you have the space on board your boat, it is wise to carry as much safety boating equipment as you can. If you are in the habit of taking longer trips on board your vessel, it is crucial that you are prepared for anything that may arise.

Of course there is boating equipment that while not safety oriented is wonderful to have on board and will add to the boating experience; this may include water skiing equipment, fishing poles, and a host of luxury items designed for today’s high-end vessels.

Boating can be an enjoyable and adventurous experience for anyone. Learning to boat with skill includes taking responsibility for having essential boating equipment on board and enjoying all of the non-essential boating equipment that is available as well. After all, ultimately – it’s all about having fun!

Just as certain things are required for driving a car, such as it is for driving a boat. What many who are interested in boating fail to realize is that captaining a boat of any capacity is a skill and privilege. In order to boat responsibly it is essential that you educate yourself thoroughly and subsequently receive a government regulated boating license.

Boating can be incredibly exciting but also dangerous if you are not adequately prepared to handle the boat or the circumstances that could arise on the water. In order to obtain a boating license you begin by attending a boating school. A reputable boating school will teach you the fundamentals of boating including boat operation, navigation, and emergency preparedness. The culmination of a boating course will be a final test that you must pass to get your boating license. However, keep in mind that you must be at least sixteen years old to be a licensed boater.

You can contact your local marina or hit the Internet to find a reputable boating course in your area. Keep in mind that obtaining a boating license is dependent upon you being educated in the operation of your particular boat; so the more complex your boat, the longer your boating instruction could possibly take.

While the opportunity does exist to obtain a boating license online it is never a good idea to go this route. First and foremost, a boating license – because of its level of importance – should not be obtained by cutting corners. It is essential that you receive hands-on instruction that will make you the most responsible boater possible. It is not possible to get the level of experience you need by hustling through a course online.

It is imperative that you carry your boating license with you at all times; and be sure to check into particular state regulations before boating over state lines. A boating license can prepare you for your adventures on the water and ensure a safe and exciting ride.

When going boating, it is very important that you follow the boating regulations of the state you intend to go boating. When in Ohio, you have to follow Ohio boating regulations, when in California, California boating regulations and when in Florida, Florida boating regulations! This is because individual states have their own methods of dealing with different boating mishaps and problems.

One of the most common boating regulations of all states would be the regulation on boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs. This is strictly prohibited, and one who is found breaking these boating regulations, will have a fine to be paid. Children under the age of 12 are generally not allowed to boat, according to boating regulations. However, it is ok only if the child is accompanied with an adult who is capable of immediately taking control of the boat in case any mishap occurs.

Reckless operation of the boat is an important violation of boating regulations. When one speaks of reckless operation, it includes riding the boat at high speeds in crowded areas and operating it in swimming areas. These situations only project a scenario of death and injuries! This is why it is important that all the boating regulations of the area you go boating have to be followed. This is to provide a safe environment when you and other boaters and swimmers are in the water together.

If you plan to go boating in a specific area, it is always better to find out about the boating regulations in the area before going there. You can either buy a book about the boating regulations of the state, or just sit on the Internet, and start surfing! Just by typing the words boating regulations, you will see many sites showing what exactly it is that you can and cannot do when enjoying your self-boating!

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Sam Jordan