Article World

The 2008 Valletta Boat Show: Bigger, Better, Beautiful

In 2007, the Maltese community eagerly greeted the first-ever Valletta Boat Show. A boat show on the water had not taken place in the area in quite some time. Boat enthusiasts from far and wide came to experience the exceptional surroundings and beautiful boats. Demand for exhibitor space, coupled with an unexpected turnout of well over 8,000 visitors, has prompted organizers to secure a larger space for this year’s event.

The 2008 Valletta Boat Show will be held at the historic Flagstone Wharf in Marsa. This ancient port town is an ideal setting for the show. The beauty of the Maltese coast is embodied perfectly in the breathtaking scenery there.

The port at Marsa has been in use for centuries, with the town itself going through many changes. Today, it is a vibrant and thriving community that will benefit greatly from the added commerce of the Valletta Boat Show.

In preparation for the show, the town of Marsa plans to revamp the entire Grand Harbour area. Some areas have fallen into disrepair, but the town is committed to reviving them and turning them into centres for culture and tourism. The historic quay provides ample room for the 80 yachts which will be displayed at the Valletta Boat Show.

Although it was once considered a hobby that was out of the reach of non-wealthy people, yachting is gaining popularity. The industry employs thousands of people and also generates income for related fields and services. All told, the yachting industry’s income tops 100 million Euro each year. Yacht clubs are springing up everywhere, and the hobby is becoming more mainstream every day.

The Valletta Boat Show will encompass that newly-revamped image of yachting. The yachts on display at the show will range from 35 feet to 70 feet, representing a variety of prices. Exhibitors at the show will include banks that provide financing for yacht purchases. Insurance industry representatives will also be on hand to discuss the costs of insuring a yacht.

Last year’s show directly resulted in more than 20 yachts being sold. The event’s organizers hope that they can rise that number this year to boost yacht sales even more. More importantly, though, the Valletta Boat Show is about taking in the beautiful Marsa surroundings, learning more about the industry, and having a wonderful time.

The attendance at this year’s event is expected to reach 12,000 visitors. With over 50 exhibitors at the show, visitors will have no shortage of things to do and see. Thanks to the larger venue, there will be no problems with parking or space for exhibitors and visitors.

When visitors are ready for a break from the day’s activities, they can dine at one of the many food stalls that will be present at the show. For a more formal dining experience, a floating restaurant will offer a spectacular way to enjoy fine food while taking in the sights of the show. The Valletta Boat Show will be held from September 25 to September 28 at the historic Flagstone Wharf in Marsa, Malta.

More information about Malta including several Malta photo galleries are at yourmalta.com

Also available is cheap flight to Malta Airport deals, a Malta map and Malta property

Revealed… Precautions To Take Making Your Boat Less Attractive To Robbers And Thieves

We are into February and before you know it, it will be time for the boating enthusiasts to take their boats out of dry dock and get them ready for another big boating season. Now is the time of the year the boat owner should review the steps necessary to protect his boat from thieves and make this a crime free year.

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Many boat owners take a lackadaisical approach when it comes to their property. Do not make yourself and your boat an easy target. You can make your boat less of a target if you follow these simple steps:

. Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about the value later.

. Don’t leave equipment or other items loose in the cockpit or on deck.

. Don’t leave your engine key in the ignition; always take it with you.

. Keep your other boat keys separate from your engine keys.

. Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even if it is for a short time.

. Use strong casehardened padlocks or rim locks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.

. Consistently check and think of ways to improve the security on your boat. Do not take security for granted.

. It is a good idea to install an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one your boat has an alarm system.

. Make sure your cockpit lockers are properly secured, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong, making it harder for thieves to get access to the interior.

. Also, think about having a strongbox or a hidden safe down below. If you don’t think something is secure, get it fixed.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you’ve tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.

Always:

. Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong casehardened padlock.

. Lock up any emergency money away from other valuables. A hidden safe can be handy here.

. Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in.

. Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards and always lock them.

. Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.

. When you go ashore using a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, row locks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.

. If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn’t been badly damaged.

. And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven’t been broken into as well.

Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work as a team to keep the marina secure. As a team or marina watch you can do the following:

. Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.

. Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yardmaster.

. Don’t give your marina access card or key to other people for any reason.

. Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.

. Don’t allow strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.

. Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

Don’t hesitate to act on these recommendations today. Tomorrow may be too late. Always remember that thought, planning and intentions are great but in order to accomplish anything you must take action.

Bill Wallmuller is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. You can learn more by visiting the Website: http://www.personal-defense-technology.com/diversionsafes.htm

Mustang 2000 Bluewater. Fishing and Family Fun

If you are looking for a trailer boat that is versatile enough to take out into the deep water for some serious fishing one weekend and then take it on a leisurely family outing the following weekend, then you may want to take a close look at the Mustang Bluewater 2000.

This boat is equally at home outside the heads fishing as it is cruising the bays, rivers and harbours with the family onboard. The Bluewater 2000 is a 6 metre half cabin with an 8 person capacity. It can handle up to a 200 hp outboard engine and has capacity for 185 litres of fuel.

The cabin is quite large with a distinctive bulbous design and as a result there is plenty of headroom and enough storage space in the cabin for a weekend away on the water. The cabin is also fairly well appointed with a 2.1m bunk and a well built, quality finish. The cabin is also carpeted and lined throughout for that extra level of comfort. The galley is adequately decked out for an overnight stay on the water and includes a propane stove and cutting board. The only real problems within the cabin appear to be the square edges on the table which you have to keep an eye out for when moving around and the undersized drink holders that unfortunately will not hold a stubby cooler.

For shelter from the elements, the Mustang Bluewater 2000 also has a collapsible bimini top that works well to keep both the sun and the rain from spoiling your trip. There’s also an extension available that brings the cover right down over the cockpit so if you’re buying a used boat check to see whether this extended cover is included with any boat you are looking at buying.

Overall, the Mustang Bluewater 2000 offers the serious fisherman the best of both worlds. You can keep the family happy with a pleasant cruise one weekend and then impress the members of your local fishing club the following weekend.

Features at a glance
Some of the features of the Mustang Bluewater 2000 include:

Tips For Buying A One Owner Boat

Boating is a great pastime to get involved in; however with the price of new boats these days, it can also be quite expensive. If you’re considering getting out onto the water, your best option might be to buy a good one owner boat to suit your budget. There are many things you’ll need to consider when buying a boat, so here we provide some useful tips.

What do you want to do out on the water?
The first thing you’ll need to consider is what it is you want to do out on the water. Do you want to go fishing? Do you want to explore the bays, harbours and rivers with the family? Do you want something that will get you from A to B in the quickest possible time? Do you want to experience the thrill of sailing and battling the elements? These are all very important questions to answer before you even start looking. Boats are highly specialised vehicles and a boat that suits one type of use may not be at all practical for another kind. Speak with your family and ask what they want from their boating experience. When you’ve done this, then it’s time to start your research.

Work out your budget
Okay, so you’re buying a good one owner boat, but you’ll still need to determine how much you can afford to spend. Even used boats can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars so you need to set your budget and stick to it. No matter how much you have to spend, you are sure to find something that you can enjoy out on the water.

Inspect some boats before you buy
Before you decide on your boat, you’ll want to inspect quite a few. Don’t jump in and buy the first boat you come across. When you inspect a boat, firstly look to see that it has been properly maintained and well looked after. A boat that has not been well loved will be easily spotted. Check to make sure it is clean inside and out. This goes for the equipment too. Everything should have been well cleaned after each outing.

Engine troubles can end up costing a fortune to fix so make sure the motor, whether an outboard or inboard, has been well maintained. Ask to hear the engine running. Does the engine start straight away? Does it sound like it is running properly? If you are not mechanically minded, take someone along with you who is.

You’ll also need to check on what equipment will come with the boat. Does it have the necessary safety gear such as life jackets, flares, radio and anchors?

Buying your boat
When it comes to buying your boat, you’ll need to treat the exercise just like you’re buying a car. Check how much registration the boat has, and if it’s a trailer boat, check the trailer’s registration too. As with buying a car, you’ll also need to check that the boat has no encumbrances by doing a REVS check. When organising your REVS check you’ll need the boat’s Hull Identification Number (HIN), the engine number and the registration number.

It will also be a good idea to organise for a professional inspection of the hull and engine before handing over your cheque.

You’ll also need to consider marine insurance. Organise this before you take possession of the boat.

If you follow these simple suggestions and use your own common sense, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your boating experience. Remember, do your research first and don’t just jump straight in at the deep end.

oneowner is an online classified specialist in new and one owner used boats. Enjoy the benefits that come with buying a used one owner boat.

The Bayliner 194 Is Now A Good Oneowner Opportunity

The Bayliner 194 has now been around long enough to provide some good one owner opportunies. As with most boats in the Bayliner range, the Bayliner 194 Classic Runabout looks great out on the water. Bayliner has a reputation for making high quality boats and this one is no exception. Whether you want to go fishing, cruising the harbour or skiing on the river, then the Bayliner 194 Classic Runabout may just suit your requirements.

At 5.7 metres long this Bayliner runabout is propelled through the water via a 3.0 litre Mercruiser inboard engine giving it the power required for skiing behind as well as for cruising at fast rate of knots and for fishing in the open water.

Construction
The Bayliner 194 Classic Runabout has a fibreglass mono hull with foam flotation. There is a transferable 5 year structural deck warranty and a transferable limited lifetime structural hull warranty. So bear this in mind when considering a one owner or used boat.

Fixtures on the Bayliner 194 Classic Runabout include:

Haines Signature Range

The Haines name has been associated with building high quality trailer boats in Australia for many years now. Haines has built a reputation for building durable boats at a price that is well within the reach of many keen mariners. Here we take a look at the Haines Signature range of boats.

The Haines Signature range of boats starts with the 5.0 metre 500C. The top of the range Signature is the flagship 770C.

The Signature 500C
The Signature 500C is the smallest in the Signature range at 5.0 metres. The 500C is a great day boat and includes plenty of storage space for a boat of this size, including a small cabin. The boat can handle up to a 90hp 4 stroke engine and can easily be towed behind the average family sedan or four wheel drive. This is a great entry level boat for the young family.

The Signature 770C
The Signature 770C offers plenty of room for fishing or for entertaining. In fact, this trailerable boat looks much bigger than the actual dimensions suggest. It can sleep four people with two by two berths making it a great weekend sleepover boat for the family. It has a stowaway deck table for entertaining and at 7.7 metres long has plenty of room and storage space. The Signature 770C is capable of carrying 500 litres of fuel and 200 litres of water. All up the boat weighs around 2,200 kg and can handle a single outboard of up to 250hp, twin outboards of up to 150hp each or a stern drive engine of up to 320hp.

Some of the features of Signature boats
Some of the features you can expect from the Signature range of trailer boats include:

Pros Tips For Building a Boat

To get a good boat, one must start with a good design. Any person equipped with basic woodworking tools, some experience and patience should be able to get his or her dreamboat translated into a real life of excitement and action. Boats do not go out of fashion. After a few years, if your taste or requirements should change, you can always sell your boat and start a new- one. The building of your own boat is a challenge, but if you meet it, the reward is the deep satisfaction of a self-made life afloat.

The example in this article was a boat we built that we liked to call `Swell Time.` The first step in building this boat, after selecting the materials, was to make full-size frame patterns. The frames are molded three inches thick, and cut from one-inch stock. The bottoms of all frames are cut with a 15

Regal 3880 Flybridge Cruiser. Performance And Luxury In One Package

The Regal 3880 Flybridge sports cruiser offers both high performance sports boating and luxury cruising in one package. This boat gives you the best of both worlds.

The Regal 3880 Flybridge will have you cruising at the same speed that other comparable cruisers will be redlining thanks to the boat’s powerful engines and sleek styling. When you’re sitting high in the flybridge, you’ll truly appreciate the power that this boat is capable of. This speed and agility will ensure that you get to your favourite spot in record time.

The Regal 3880 Flybridge cruiser has plenty of space for family and friends. It is exceptionally stylish and the fit out is of very high quality. The cockpit and bridge area is very roomy and the cabin space is private and luxurious.

For entertaining, the wrap around dinette and salon includes two very large barrel shape chairs for lounging around on with a glass of your favourite wine. There’s also a table that drops down and converts into an extra queen size berth. The galley features 2 burner stove, a coffee maker, side by side fridge and freezer and microwave oven. There’s also an ice maker and a flat screen TV complete with DVD player and surround sound. This of course, is all standard equipment on the Regal 3880.

The forward stateroom of the Regal 3880 flybridge cruiser includes queen sized island berth bed complete with innerspring mattress. There’s another flat screen television and there is storage by way of two hanging lockers. You gain access to the forward stateroom from the galley and privacy is assured by way of a sliding hardwood door.

The mid cabin includes two berths that can be joined together to form a queen sized berth. Entry to the mid cabin is gained via a separate privacy door. Apart from the forward stateroom and the mid cabin, there is the guest stateroom which includes two single berths that can be converted to yet another queen sized berth. There’s also a skylight for a little extra light in the mid cabin area.

For the captain, there is a stainless steel steering wheel, aluminium dash panel with easy-to-access switches and gauges. There’s also a RayMarine depth finder, GPS/Chart plotter and a VHF radio. Some one owner Regal 3880 Flybridge cruisers may also include optional RayMarine colour radar, chart plotter or autopilot

The Regal 3880 Flybridge cruiser is a great boat for trips away up the river or for entertaining family and friends out on the harbour. The quality and finish of the cabin and cockpit will be sure to impress.

oneowner is an online classified specialist in new and one owner used boats. Enjoy the benefits that come with buying a one owner
used boat.

What Is The Best Way To Maintain Your Boat Investment?

Just about everything we own these days requires some form of maintenance to keep in top-notch shape. Houses need general repairs and once those are done, there are always leaves to rake or lawns to mow. Cars need regular trips to the garage to correct wear and tear problems or to have routine oil changes and tune ups. Boats are no different, and anyone who owns one knows that water and weather are unforgiving, and your water vehicle will need its own fair share of TLC. Regular boat maintenance goes a long way to maintaining smooth-running engines and keeping your boat looking its best.

What Kind of Tasks To Expect

There is other boat maintenance that should be done daily, for those who cruise the water often, or at least once a week if you tend to keep your boat moored at dock more than you are out on the water. Some regular boat maintenance tasks include looking over dock lines and fenders for signs of wear and chafing. Try not to depend on the hired help at the marinas and docks to look out for these things, as they are not always well trained. Washing is also a regular part of boat maintenance and should be done once a week to remove dirt and grime. Feet on decks bring on a fair share of dirt that runs down the sides of the boat when it rains, leaving streaks on the hull. Some locations require you to wash the hulls of your boats before putting them in the water to prevent invasive species.

Boat maintenance includes making sure everything mechanical runs well. Check the oil level of your engine first, and then start the motor to let it run until warm and at operating temperature. Do the same with your A.C. power generator, but do let it run for at least an hour and turn on everything to give it a heavy load. Go the distance with your boat maintenance and check all your batteries to make sure they are not anywhere in the lower operating levels. Safety is a big part of boat maintenance. Make sure all your navigation lights are working, by turning them on and walking around your boat to make sure each light functions properly, and check your horn. You will also want to make sure all your electronics are working, especially anything related to navigation and safety. They may have been working fine last time you were out, but that does not guarantee they are working this time.

Inform yourself on a complete, recommended list of boat maintenance and get in the habit of going down the checklist as often as you can. While having a boat and getting out on the water is fun, taking care of your vehicle with a good boat maintenance routine keeps your boat running well and keeps you and your passengers safe.

Susan Love enjoys boat recreation and is a regular contributor to BoatCoverGuide.com
- A comprehensive information guide on the types and how and where to purchase boat covers such as Skeeter Boat Covers
.

The Importance Of Boat Safety Class

You’re taking coffee in the morning and reading a newspaper. You’re just waiting for the rest of the family to get dressed before you all leave to sail in your newly purchased boat. Then you come across this article about a family who met an accident while on a boat trip. Then suddenly, you have second thoughts about having the trip.

Safety always comes first above everything else, especially if it involves your family. You don’t want to sacrifice their safety just to enjoy boat sailing. Attending a boat safety class may take your mind off that dreadful news articles that you just read.

There are plenty of boat classes around that you can enroll in. after all, you’ve spent a huge amount of money on your boat, why not spend a small amount for learning boat safety measures?

Knowing boat rules is the key to safe boat sailing. Being ignorant is not an excuse because you have a choice. If you choose to go on with your scheduled trip despite the odds, then your family will soon end up like the one on the newspaper. but if you’re responsible enough, you will postpone the trip and enroll in a boat safety class first.

There are many things to learn in a boat class. If you don’t want to do it alone, then have the rest of the family enroll in the class. It doesn’t have to get in the way of your present job because you can always have it scheduled after office hours. It’s even more fun if all your family members get to enroll in a boat class because all of you will have proper knowledge in boat operation.

You will be taught the importance of having a floatation device (like life jackets), and carefulness in boat maneuvering. There is no room for recklessness while sailing on a boat; or drinking too much alcohol because in just a blink of your eyes, accidents can happen.

There are certain rules to follow especially when you’re out sailing. here are some rules that you will learn in a boat class:

1. using navigation lights especially at night
2. obeying signs and buoys
3. don’t bow ride
4. observing the zones like the ‘no wake’ zone
5. weather conditions

People ride their boats to have fun, and sometimes too much fun allows a person to forget about safety considerations. It’s not wrong to have fun, but you should learn to set limits, and the level of awareness should always be present. You must always be ready for whatever unexpected events that might turn up.

Every year, there is always a boat accident reported. Perhaps if people only knew the rules of boat sailing, these accidents would have been prevented. Remember, without proper knowledge, you might be able to meet accidents which can cause injuries or worse, death.

Boat classes not only teach people how to be a smart boat operator or how to maneuver a boat safely, but they also decrease the cost of boat insurance. So if you attend a boat class, you will gain knowledge and at the same time save money.

Find a good boat class now. And you can enjoy boat sailing for the rest of your life with your family. It’s quite relaxing to see the sunset together with your family while you’re sailing, these are moments you’ll never forget.

Yes, safety always comes first. To learn more about boat safety, please visit Boating Safety and get the e-book.

Boat Safety: What and What Not To Do While Boating

The fact that boating is a fun and a very relaxing activity that the whole family can enjoy, it’s not really very surprising why there are so many people who are getting in to this activity. Besides, this activity is a great experience where the whole family can participate. It can take you to areas where people rarely see and it can let you appreciate nature more.

Boating is also a great activity that you and your friends can enjoy. As the captain and the owner of the boat, you have to consider the fact that you are responsible for getting all the safety equipments onboard and know how to use them. Also, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and your fellow boaters.

You have to consider the fact that boating is also a vehicle just like your car. Therefore, you should be a responsible boater in order to avoid any accidents. Just like driving, you have to know that it is important to be a responsible and safe boater to avoid any unwanted accidents that may occur when operating a boat.

Some boaters neglect these rules and resulted in making a great boating day a disaster. Some have lost lives because of the irresponsibility of a boater. This is why it is important for you to know what to do and what not to do when you go boating.

Boating is great fun. However, when you mix alcohol and boating, it can turn a great boating day to a disaster. There have been a lot of reports of boating accidents which resulted from an intoxicated boater. You have to consider the fact that boating under the influence is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Besides, you can never really truly enjoy boating when you and your friends are intoxicated.

Never mix drinking and boating. If you and your friends have to drink, do it after you go boating and not before and while boating.

The next thing you have to do is get all the necessary safety equipments and know how to use them. Starting with the life jacket, this particular safety equipment is mandatory to all boaters. You have to wear life jackets and provide life jackets to your passengers.

It is a fact that someone accidentally falling off a boat is one of the most common and also the most preventive accidents in boating. You have to consider the fact that most people who drown while going boating is not wearing a life jacket.

Always remember that life jackets float and people don’t. Wear your life jackets.

You also have to get a vessel safety check. This is a non-enforcement examination of your vessel by certified organizations and individuals. By getting a vessel safety check, you will be able to know if your vessel is seaworthy or not. You will also know all about the other equipments you need in order to safely operate your boat.

The best thing you can do when you want to go boating is attend a boating safety course. This course can provide you with all the information about boating safety. Also, this course is a fun and great way to learn. In this course, you will learn about the different safety equipments, safety procedures, and also improve your navigational skills.

These are some of the things that you should do and not do when you go boating. By keeping all of these in mind, you can definitely be sure that you will have a fun and relaxing boating experience for a long time.

For more information about boating safety, please visit Boat Safety Course. A comprehensive course about boat safety.

Boat Safety: A Must Read For Boaters

Boating is one of the best kinds of recreational activities that you can ever get in to. Besides, this kind of hobby will let you relax and enjoy the beauty of nature and is also one of the best ways to spend quality time with your family and friends.

In boating, you can bring your child along to go fishing or you can take your friends along to go scuba diving in places where you never dived before. This hobby will make you explore a truly unique environment that nature has to offer.

Or, boating can also be a great hobby and great workout equipment at the same time. By having a sail boat, and learn how to properly operate it, you and your sailing buddies can go out to sea or lake and race by just using the power of the wind. Sailboats require you to work hard.

In powerboats, you can fulfill your need for speed on the water. It is also a great boat if you want to go parasailing, or wakeboarding. You can also go boating in a laid back kind of way where you just go out to sea and simply enjoy the scenery and relax.

However, fun as boating may seem to be, you still need to consider some safety issues when you are operating a boat. It is important that you should remember that boats are also vehicles and you should take extra care when operating one to continue enjoying the boating experience.

As the captain of your boat, you need to be aware of all the safety equipments and procedures when operating a boat. You will be responsible for providing all the safety equipments and also for the well-being of your passengers and fellow boaters. It is important that you know how to be a responsible boater in order to prevent unwanted accidents to happen.

The first and very important safety procedure that you have to be aware of is to provide life jackets in your boat. It is a fact that most boat related accidents and fatalities involve someone going overboard and drown. This is the most common and also the most preventable boating accident that you should be aware of.

It is important that you and your passengers should don a US Coast Guard approved life jacket in order to prevent drowning from happening. Always remember that life jackets float and you don’t. Wear your lifejackets; it’s there to save your life and also your passenger’s life.

The next boating safety procedure you should remember is to take a boating safety course. Even the most experienced boater should take this course because it will provide you with a lot of information about boating safety and also how to act whenever an accident occurs.

The next boating safety procedure you should know about is that you should follow the navigational rules. Just like following a road sign, you also need to know what beacons and buoys means. This will help you know where you have to go boating and where to avoid going.

Just like driving, it is important that you should never be under the influence while boating. You should consider the fact that boating under the influence is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. If you and your friends have to drink alcoholic beverages, you should do it after you go boating and not before and not while boating.

These are some of the safety boating procedures that you should follow. By keeping all of these in mind, you can be sure that your boating experience will remain fun and safe.

For more information about boating safety please go to Boat Safety, where you will find comprehensive information about safety on board.

Effective and Sure Tips for a Safe Boating Experience

Taking boat safety courses is of great importance for a safe trip. The following are helpful tips selected from course lessons you can follow to ensure a safe boating trip.

Wear your life jacket. The use of flotation devices can reduce cases of drowning. Life jackets in the market are now striking in appearance and are more relaxing to wear, as well. When properly worn, life jackets can help prevent tragedies from happening.

Avoiding boating while under the influence of alcohol. It is well known that alcohol can affect the body’s balance, coordination, vision, and judgment. Researches reveal that alcohol is one contributing influence or cause of roughly one-third of the recorded boating fatalities.

Attend boating education courses. Based on reports, a majority of boating accidents are caused by operator controllable issues. The main causes of such incidents are operator inattentiveness, unsafe speeds, operator’s lack of piloting experience, and recklessness or carelessness.

Courses on boat education focus on the regulatory and legislative rules for the safe navigation and operation of recreational boats.

Take part in the Vessel Safety Check Program. This is a public service given by the United States Power Squadron volunteer groups and the United States Coast Auxiliary that aims to promote safety in boating.

Be alert of the risks posed by carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas emitted by all internal combustion engines. Those affected by carbon monoxide poisoning manifest symptoms that are parallel to those with seasickness. CO can cause death within minutes.

Possible CO poisoning can be acquired while operating gasoline powered engines while rafted or docked with operating engines of other boats; working in improperly ventilated cabins; using air conditioning that is powered by motor generator onboard; or floating or swimming near an inactive boat engine.

To avoid the occurrence of CO poisoning, it is important that you are informed of the risks, and that you properly set-up and maintain the boat equipment, maintain sufficient ventilation, and use CO detectors, particularly in the sleeping and living areas.

Other quick tips that should be taken into account are listed below.

Be sure to have a fire extinguisher on board. Check that it is approved by the US Coast Guard. Also, keep the equipment charged and that it can be readily accessed.

Test the boat lights before leaving the dock. If battery operated lights are being used, always have extra batteries on hand. Even if you plan to get back before it gets dark, it is always wise to prepare for equipment malfunction.

Study the right anchoring procedures. Improper anchoring is reportedly one of the causes of many fatal accidents.

Do not permit the passengers to ride beyond of the protective fences of the boat. If the boat suddenly stops or turn, the passengers may fall overboard.

Be mindful of the weather condition. If you observe lightning flashes and the water is getting choppy, prepare for a possible emergency situation. Bring with you a radio to keep up to date with the latest weather reports.

Carry emergency supplies like first aid kits, lights, and maps. Keep them inside a floating bag. Inform someone where you will be going and when to expect your return. Exercise etiquette in boat launching.

Remove the straps and covers before launching. Practice how to properly load and unload when it is not too hectic at the ramp.

For more information about boating safety, please visit Safe Boating, where you will find a comprehensive course for a safe boating experience.

Boat Safety Course: A Class That You Should Take To Ensure Proper Operation of Your Boat

Boating is fun. It is an activity that you can do alone or with your friends. With today’s hectic lifestyle, many people are taking up hobbies, such as boating, to relieve stress. The fact that boating will help you relax is the reason why more and more people are taking up boating as a hobby.

However, you have to remember that boats are also vehicles that you should also treat with respect. You should know that boating is a fun hobby that can give you a great time while out at the open sea, but things can suddenly go wrong if you don’t know the proper way to handle a boat and the proper way to deal with emergency situations.

It is important for you as the operator and the owner of a boat to know about the different safety precautions when operating the boat. By knowing about this, you will prevent emergencies from happening or at least know what to do whenever an unwanted accident takes place when you are out in the open water.

To know about the different safety precautions, you need to take a boating safety course that is widely available in every state in the United States. By taking a boating safety course, you will know about the different ways on how you can handle a boat and also know how to handle emergency situations on the boat.

You will also learn how to properly operate the emergency equipments that you should have onboard. The different kinds of emergency equipments requirements for specific boats will also be taught in the boating safety course.

It is important that you should take this safety class in order to know about the different safety procedures that you should do when you are operating a boat. Always remember that safe boating means fun boating experience for everybody. If you are a responsible boat operator, you will be sure that you, your passengers and also other boaters will have the best time out in the water.

You will also learn how to properly navigate your way from the dock to the open water and back. You will be taught on how to use the compass, how to plot a course, and also how to use the GPS.

The course will also include the proper etiquette in boating. You will learn the different etiquettes about boating to ensure safety for every boater out on sea.

If you take this class, you will see that you will be a more responsible boater. By being a responsible boater, you can expect to have good clean fun with your passengers and your fellow boaters while you are out in the water.

After the class, you will be given a certification card that will say that you are a qualified recreational boater who knows all about operating a boat safely. You need this certification card in some marinas in order for you to operate a boat. With this certification card, harbor masters will allow you to operate a boat. Think of this certification card as a license to drive a boat.

These are some of the things you will learn when you take a boating safety course. By remembering everything you learned in this class, you can be sure that you will be a safe and responsible boater.

For more information on being a safe and responsible boater please visit , Boating Safety Course, where you will find a comprehensive course about boat safety.

Boat Safety Class: Is it Really Important?

“The best way to be a safe boater is to be a smart boater,” as declared by one of the members of a boating association. Along with this, it has been emphasized by most sailing organizations to ensure safety in every sailing event. Attending boat safety classes is one way to being a smart boater.

Learning nowadays is not confined in a four-cornered room although you can opt to be taught in a regular classroom setting. These days, especially with boat safety classes, you have the choice to enroll in a community class or via the internet.

Before you decide on going back to school, it is important to screen which courses you will take if you don’t plan to take the entire boating courses. To help you decide here are some of the common courses which are normally being taken.

General Boating Course

When you enroll on a general boating course you can expect that your teachers will teach you the basics of nautical facts such as history of boating, rules and regulation on boating which is usually dependent on your location. Most importantly, a little of everything about boating will be taught to you.

Boating Skills

Once you take a course on boating skills you will gain knowledge on the basics of how to properly handle boats. Additionally, rules and regulations in navigation are also included in boating skills courses. You will also be taught “boating language” so that you will have no difficulty understanding terms when you are in the open water.

Boating Safety Course

Due to many boating accidents, this course is necessary. It is important for every sailor to require themselves to take the course, experienced or not. Indeed, experience counts but it will make a difference if you are up-to-date with safety measures.

A course on safety boating generally talks about the dos and don’ts that you need to undertake once you are out in the water to keep you and your passengers safe. There are instances when first-aid trainings are being included along with boating safety courses.

After you have decided what specific courses you will get in, the next best step for you to do is screen your preferred institution where you will take your classes. You need to know if the institution is duly accredited. The internet is a good venue for you to recognize particular schools or organizations which can best help you with your ordeal. You can even get your boat safety class online.

It is also wise to ensure if lecturers and trainers are competent. Most often than not, competency will rely not just simply by knowing the theories behind every lesson, experience is a good partner of theories so that you have absolute knowledge and practice of what you are teaching. Hence, it is best to have teachers who know how to put into practice what they are teaching.

Going to school again should not be given second thoughts for you will not end up losing anything. You will gain knowledge which you can put into practice on how to ensure safety once you have sailed.

Be a smart boater. You can do it by being a responsible boater. Taking boat safety classes reflects that you are being responsible on your actions. As a boater, you cannot afford to let somebody be injured or worse die in your hands.

To learn more about boat safety, please visit Boat Safety Course

Don’t Stop Fishing…I Only Broke One Leg!

“I just broke my leg!” I yelled at my fishing partners as I lay in the bottom of the boat. They seemed unconcerned about me, only anxious about the fishing tackle I had fallen across. “Those rods are not broken are they?” my friend Captain Steve asked, not concerned about me at all.

“No” I shouted, “But my ankle is!”

It was a beautiful warm, sunny, January morning and the Gulf of Mexico at Panama City, Florida was like glass, as smooth as far as the eye could see. The temperature at 8:00 am was in the low seventies. The morning mist from the gulf hid from sight the sea birds you could hear screeching as they fought each other for a morsel of food or any bait left by early fishermen. It was a perfect day and we were about to cast off for a spot about 12 miles offshore from the marina.

Previously Captain Steve, my buddy Jimmy and I had filled up the gas tanks of Steve’s 22 foot fishing boat, bought cigar minnows and squid for bait. Our rod and reels were secured in their holders with the rest of our tackle, cooler and refreshments in the bottom of the boat. Now it was time to head out to our secret hole somewhere in the Gulf, located by the coordinates that Steve had scribbled in his notebook.

Finally we were ready to begin our voyage on a mirror like sea. Everything was wonderful until I stepped from the dock onto the side of the boat and fell. My brand new tennis shoes gripped the bow as the boat shifted to the right. Unfortunately my feet were still pointed to the left. My right ankle sounded like a firecracker as it snapped!

For some this would have been the end of the fishing trip on such a glorious day in the middle of winter, but not for me. I jerked off my shoe and saw my foot swelling before my eyes. The more swollen it became, the more it hurt. The sight even subdued my fishing companions. They were scurrying around helping me find a seat, asking if I wanted to go to the hospital.

Even though there was no doubt in my mind that my ankle was broken, it would have been a disservice to the other two guys not to continue our trip after the money we had spent on tackle, bait, gas and grub. By now my foot looked like a balloon. Captain Steve went below and came back with a half gallon jug of rum. Medicinal of course!
“This will help with the pain as he grimaced at the sight of my foot!” he laughed as he handed me the bottle.

We shoved off and began gliding our way out of the harbor, maneuvering our boat around the many cargo ships that were anchored offshore of the Port of Panama City. After about 45 minutes we arrived at our location. Captains Steve’s navigational tools pinpointed an artificial reef of an old tugboat. These old tugs make perfect habitats for many types of fish, from grouper to flounder.

By the time we arrived, I was pleasantly sedated even though my foot still hurt. We caught a lot of fish that winter’s day. Seated on a deck chair with my right foot resting on a boat cushion, I had two lines dangling over the side of the boat. Sometimes both rods were bent with fish on each line. We had our fishing rigs baited with cut bait, cigar minnows and squid. We fished for about four hours and caught some of the largest flounder I have ever seen as well as red snapper and 2 small groupers.

By early afternoon my fishing companions were beginning to be more concerned about the state of my foot. The swelling never seemed to stop; nor did the pain. My foot hurt of course, but I didn’t care. We were catching a lot of fish and this made the whole trip worthwhile.
We stowed our tackling, put our fish in the ice chests and went back to our marina. I was immediately taken to the hospital where the doctors and nurses fussed at me for not coming in sooner. My ankle was broken in 2 places, insuring me of a cast and crutches.

All in all it was a memorable experience fishing in the Gulf, but then they all are!

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, holiday eating and leisure living.
Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:
http://www.bluemarlinbob.com
http://www.pompanobob.com

History of Outboard Motors

Outboard motors on boats where developed as a self-contained unit with engine systems and a propeller. It is mounted at the stern or rear of the boat and is the most common way to propel small boats. It provides steering controls and is designed to pivot and control the orientation of the propeller.

Acting as a rudder rather the propeller provides power; the transmission leg stays in the water. When boats are about to enter shallow water or be taken off the water, the outboard motor should be tipped forward over the mount so that you can elevate the propeller and take the transmission shaft out of water. This will avoid getting too much seaweed or hitting rocks that could possibly damage the boat’s motor.

As for the history of outboard motors, a Norwegian-American inventor named Ole Evinrude in 1909 created the first outboard motor. Most outboards have two-stroke cycle engines because they are so simple and have reliability. They are also low cost and have high power-to-weight ratios. It is important that you watch the weight, especially weight that is near the stern. Boats will impede their handling if you don’t pay attention to the distribution of weight in the boat.

The two-stoke cycle engine has high emissions and causes some environmental concerns that have added cost to the development of the technology. That is why some people tend to go to the four-stroke cycle outboard motor. It has meet all expectations based on emissions standards and fuel. It costs less for these motors and to run them. However, weight issues are more important in a four-stroke cycle so you have to pay attention to what’s in the boat and where.

Some of the companies that make outboard motors are Mercury, Briggs and Stratton, Evinrude, Johnson, Honda, Yamaha, Mariner, Nissan, Suzki, OMC and there are other smaller and less known companies that make outboard motors. You can purchase an outboard motor online at varies sites and you can purchase parts for most brands if that is necessary. There are over a hundred different dealers that are located online that guarantee you an outboard motor that will work for your boat and that will add some quality to your boating or fishing trips.

Many people who have a boat that has outboard motor uses, it to fish on a lake. Since most boats have to be small to have an outboard motor, it is not used to often for boating. They are nice to have instead of having to paddle, but you should always have paddles located onboard because your motor may overheat or stop running. Instead of getting stuck on the lake, it’s best to have a back up plan even if your motor has consistently shown durability and use.

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.outboard-motor.org/ and also
http://www.boat-builder-dealer.com/

Outboard Motors are Types of Motors

Outboard motors are used most commonly for boats and are developed as a self-contained unit with an engine. They are designed to be mounted at the rear of the boat and are most common method for propelling a small watercraft. As well as providing propulsion, outboard motors will provide a method of steering control.

It is interesting how an outboard motor is used. It is made to pivot over their mountings and used to control the way of the propeller. When boats are used through shallow water the outboard motor can be tilted forward over their mounts to elevate the propeller and the transmission shaft out of the water to make sure that there is no accumulation of seaweed hitting the underwater hazards such as rocks.

There are many manufactures using this method of motor for their boats these days. It is has been determined to be a great method for this use and will make it a lot easier for the watercrafts to be used in any kind of water. By using this method for boats, outboard motors are going to be an affordable and convenient way for anyone to have. There are so many different levels of technology that make it possible for anyone to enjoy their life and have more fun on the water.

The technology of outboard motors has come along way. Small outboard motors are truly self-contained. They will have integral fuel tanks and control mounted on the body of the motor and steered by a tiller and connected to the motor. Small motors can weigh as little as twelve kilograms and will provide sufficient power to move the boat around. They are portable and able to be removed by loosening the mounted clamps.

Today the outboard motors are designed to take on bigger boats and will provide more power than before. Diesel outboard motors are also available but their weight and cost make them more efficient for the normal use on regular boats. You can shop online for most of the motors that you need. If you go online, you will see that there are so many different types to choose from and you will be able to have within a short time.

You can also visit your local boat dealership. Check to see if they carry these types of outboard motors. They will be able to give you great service and help you choose the right motor that will make your boat more efficient so that you can have the maximum fun on your boat in the water. You will see and feel the difference when you decide to use this type of efficient running motor on your boat.

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.outboard-motor.org/ and also
http://www.boat-builder-dealer.com/

Diary of an Ocean Passage

A true ocean passage is the ultimate sailing experience. A passage brings together all the elements of sailing - preparation, planning, boat handling, weather analysis - the ultimate challenge, but also the ultimate in fun.

This diary documents a 1000 nautical mile passage sailed in May 1006 from St Thomas, USVI to Georgetown, Bermuda.

Day One - St Thomas, USVI. Great to be back in the Caribbean! Very sunny and hot, summer here already. Boat check day - lots to do. Bought final few tools on our offshore list, replaced a few small things that built up over the season. Fluids and filters changed on the engine. Time for full boat check. Captain up the mast, everything looks great. Sea berths installed. All major systems A-OK.

Day Two - Completed provisioning list and provisioned boat for trip. Received ocean current charts from our service and plotted the course all the way to Bermuda - faster to sail 30 miles west and pick up favorable current than to follow rhumb line. Got weather forecast from our service and had weather briefing with Captain and crew - looks like favorable winds develop soon. Crew briefing is complete. Final double check of the boat, everything looks good.
15:15: off the dock and to the fuel dock for final topping of fuel and water tanks.
15:35: off the dock and away we go! Wind is light, almost calm and we are motoring but it feels great to be on the way.
18:00: sails up and motor sailing.

Day Three
02:00: late night watch. Wind has picked up as forecast and now under sail power only.
08:20: day is gorgeous. Coffee is made and wind at 12 knots on the beam, boat speed 5.6 knots. Fishing lines in the water and morning sun shots complete with sextant. Sea is flat.
13:00: Captain Alex makes homemade calzones for lunch - fantastic!! Nothing like gourmet food at sea. Fishing lines out of water, no luck today.
17:00: saw freighter on the horizon - first boat we’ve seen out here. Tracked the freighter on radar and practiced radar navigation.

Day Four - 305: miles covered first two days, progress is great. Nice sunny day, sea is such a beautiful blue color. Homemade muffins and fresh coffee for breakfast, might actually gain weight on this trip we’re eating so well.
16:00: getting daily weather briefings, very accurate thus far. Bad weather up north, but won’t affect us.
19:00: pork chops and apple sauce for dinner. Wayne got some great sunset photos!

Day Five - 01:00: shooting star! Seems so close, difficult to believe.
14:00 freighter nearby, we have nice conversation on the phone and wave as we go by. They seem happy to have a conversation with someone nearby. Freighter is dead in the water and making repairs, we ask them if they want a tow - good laugh for everyone.
18:00: picking up and so is boat speed. Fresh made cornbread with dinner, tastes like home.
23:00: Wind up to 30 knots now and seas 6-8 feet. This boat loves it like this! We’re still sailing flat and making great progress - lots of fun. About 400 miles offshore now. Everyone is catching up reading on off shifts and very relaxed.

Day Six
11:00: much cooler now, we’re definitely out of the tropics. First time put on a long sleeve shirt in days. Clouds coming in and it looks like we may get a little rain later. Still moving good and eating well.
16:00: forecast calls for showers later today as we cross a front. The SSB radio makes the world seem so small. We are still getting daily weather updates and hearing all the other boats around. Hard to believe we are in the middle of the ocean and this connected.
19:00: starting to rain, first bad weather of trip. Radar shows only light showers. Not raining hard, though and wind is steady 15-20 knots.

Day Seven
06:00: still overcast. Wind behind us, out of south and still at 25-30 - we’re flying!!
13:00: Alex bakes chocolate chip cookies, we’re really getting spoiled now!
18:00: wind now out of the west and much lighter, boat speed down to 5 knots, but sky is perfectly clear. Its going to be a pretty night.
23:00: steering due north and using polaris as guide - feels like an old time sailor steering to the north star. Sea is getting flatter and we are close. Should be in Bermuda tomorrow.

Day Eight
10:00: porpoises swimming along boat and many birds around, you can tell land is not far away. Arrived in Bermuda and cleared customs at 15:00. Off to dock. Grilled a steak and had a glass of wine to celebrate! 1000 miles complete and ready for the next leg.

Capt Dave Bello is President of Fair Wind Sailing School, an ASA affiliate sailing school offering sailing instruction in the Virgin Islands, Chesapeake Bay, Florida and on Lake Erie.

How to Buy a Sailboat - Part I

There is plenty of advice available on how to buy a sailboat. Unfortunately, much of it is written by those in the sailboat building or sailboat selling business - in other words, someone with a vested interest in steering you one way or another. If you have read those articles, you will quickly realize that this article is different. The suggestions contained in this article (and subsequent ones) are written from the perspective of a sailboat buyer and are the collective wisdom of someone who has purchased 8-10 sailboats and discussed sailboat purchases with dozens of other sailboat owners. The lessons learned apply to both new and used sailboat purchases. I hope you will learn from all our mistakes!!

There is a multi-step process that involves answering a series of questions. Successfully answering those questions will lead you to choose exactly the best boat for you. In the course of this series, I will discuss all those questions and cover the whole process. This article covers only the first step in the process because in my view, the first step is by far the most important.

The first - and again, most important step - is to answer the question “How will I use this sailboat?” When I say this, I don’t mean a general answer like “to race” or “daysail” or “to cruise.” If you can only answer the question to this level of detail, you have a very high probability of making a very large (and probably very expensive) mistake - buying the wrong boat. When I say “How will I use this sailboat?,” I mean in extensive detail. Here are some examples of questions you should be able to answer immediately and without any thought BEFORE you consider buying a sailboat:

You’ve Got to be Kidding Me - What’s Wrong with Yacht Manufacturers? - Part II

This article is a continuation of my previous article examining the terrible warranty service of US yacht manufacturers. As I describe in Part I, the US yacht manufacturing industry seems plagued with poor customer service. Many terrible business practices seem prevalent, including:

1. Well known design defects are not disclosed until after the purchase is complete.
2. A belief that saying “we know about that” or “it didn’t break, it’s a design issue” makes things all right.
3. The customer is blamed for design and manufacturing problems
4. A complete lack of accountability for factory mistakes and warranty service
5. A shifting of effort to the new owner who must deal directly with the manufacturer’s suppliers and act as a general contractor to get warranty work completed

My next boat was a significantly more expensive racer / cruiser purchased from an Ohio based manufacturer that builds both the racer / cruiser line and also a line of more expensive cruising vessels in the same factory. Despite going more “high end” with my purchase, the problems were worse.

After a short time sailing, I noticed the steering wheel provided no feedback and was extremely difficult to turn. I could do it with some effort and my football-playing oldest son could too, but my other children weren’t strong enough to steer the boat. I called the Dealer, but he absolutely refused to assist in any warranty related issues and forced me to work directly with the factory. The Manufacturer did not like answering the phone or returning messages, so it took weeks (and dozens of calls) to get someone. Finally, I described the problem and was told “yes, that boat has an issue with the rudder bearings. They swell when they get wet.” Huh?? You know about this? “Yes,” I was told. “Don’t worry, we’ve developed a solution.” Sure enough, the Manufacturer came out and fixed the problem in an afternoon and the boat could now be steered without weight training. Although the question remains — why not fix it before it leaves the factory?

A few months later, I was sailing some 15 miles offshore in Lake Erie (single-handing of course) when the sail track in my high tech carbon-fiber mast blew apart, dumping my mainsail all over the deck. Great fun — race over, all alone, offshore, mainsail all over the place, a day and a half motor from home. When I was able to call the Manufacturer, I spoke with an executive and questioned how a carbon-fiber mast could have this defect. He told me (you guessed it), “We know about this. It is a defect in the manufacturing process.” Turns out the sail track is NOT carbon-fiber (missed in their advertising literature). That part is plastic and it hardens and gets brittle when they bake the mast. Again, I was assured not to worry, that they were well aware of the problem and had a fix. Sure enough, they installed a new sail track system that works wonderfully. I am still left to wonder why the “fix” isn’t the standard.

I’ve saved the best for last. My roller-furler never worked. Despite dozens of calls from the first months I owned the boat, there were always excuses why it couldn’t be looked at — “the mast needs to be dropped, we’re busy with boat shows, we’re getting boats ready to launch, etc.” After 18 months, the manufacturer finally agreed to examine the unit since there was “a known issue with this furler on my model yacht.” However, upon examination, we shifted to excuse number two — it was my fault. It appears that my very presence stepping on the vessel had damaged the unit and it had to be replaced. I was forced to buy another model furling unit and a new forestay, but low and behold, this one also didn’t work on my boat. The rigger (not a factory employee) who installed the new unit noticed the forestay tang attachment to the hull was in the wrong place. Subsequent measurement showed this factory defect to be the underlying cause of the furler failure. Despite this smoking-gun, the manufacturer still refused to acknowledge the defect or reimburse me for the new forestay and furler (which was now indisputably a warranty problem) until I got an attorney involved. It’s now been more than 2 full years, I still don’t have a working furling unit. Guess how many more of their boats I’ll buy in my lifetime?

Capt Dave Bello is President of Fair Wind Sailing School, an ASA affiliate sailing school. This first part of this article is on the Fair Wind Sailing School site.

How to Buy a Sailboat - Part II

Once you know exactly how, where and when you will use your dream boat, the next question to answer is “what are the characteristics of a boat best suited for how I will sail the boat?” I believe this question is best answered across five dimensions: Rig type, sail plan, keel type, interior accommodations and overall hull design. Many great books are available to discuss these considerations in any level of detail you would like. Here is a quick overview.

Rig type and sail plan go hand-in-hand. Typically, there is a trade off between ease of sail handling and safety/flexibility. For example, a cat rigged boat with one large mainsail and no headsail (think Laser) is very easy to handle by one person, since there is only one sail. If you are day sailing in a small lake or close to shore where you can take cover if things heat up, this is a great rig — simple, easy to handle, quick to set up. However, it is not a very flexible design, since the sail can’t be reefed in big blows. A standard Marconi sloop is one step above in flexibility since it adds a second (head) sail that can be changed in size to accommodate wind velocity changes. In addition, these rigs today almost invariably offer roller-furling of at least the headsail, if not both sails, making on-the-fly adjustments simple and easy. This is certainly a rig with enough flexibility for stronger wind.

The tradeoff is that you have now added a second sail to handle, change, and furl. Moreover, the sloop is still pretty limited in terms of the changes you can make to sail plans. The cutter rig is the next step up in flexibility with 2 headsails and typically a much smaller mainsail. This configuration allows for significantly greater variations in sail configuration and a much wider spectrum on wind ranges within which the boat can comfortably be sailed. The tradeoff is a third sail to manage. Finally, the double-masted designs — ketchs and yawls — provide the greatest level of flexibility and therefore the greatest range of wind velocities to comfortably sail through. The obvious disadvantage is complication — 2 masts, 4-6 sails. For my money, the sloop wins for Bay, Great Lakes and Coastal sailing, while I would want at least a cutter rig for ocean passages, with the ketch and yawl being that much better.

Keels are the next consideration with two primary questions — how deep and what kind. Deep keels allow for more stability (less heel) and greater angles to weather (into the wind), but limit the places you can safely sail without running aground. For me, the depth question is easy — racers should opt for the deepest keel practical for their sailing area, the difference on windward legs can be dramatic. I would recommend deep keels to anyone else who spends a lot of time beating to windward (whoever that may be). For everyone else, the shallower the better — more cruising grounds, more safe anchorages and less chance of hitting something as you go. As for type, if you are doing offshore passages or even long coastal passages, I recommend a full keel — the boat tracks better and gets much better “holding” than a shallow keel. Alternatively, if you do a lot of close quarters maneuvering, I would NOT get a full keel and instead opt for the fin keel.

Interior accommodations range from practically nothing in race shells, to full blown luxury (microwave ovens, flat panel TV’s, DVD players). The simple rule is to match the sailing type to the interior type. My guess is for all but the hard core racer, budget will dictate here (more on this in Part III).

Finally, consider the overall hull type. I examine two dimensions: SA/D (sail area to displacement ratio) for overall speed estimate and D/L (displacement to length ratio) for overall stability and maneuverability. Neither is a perfect measure and manufacturers have a tendency to fudge the numbers (but that is a different article), but they are a good general reference point.

In summary, the first step in buying a sailboat that will make you happy is to know exactly and in great detail how you will use the boat. The second step is to identify the characteristics of a boat that will best match your usage and start looking for boats with those characteristics.

Capt Dave Bello is President of Fair Wind Sailing School, an ASA affiliate sailing school. This article is a continuation of How to Buy a Sailboat - Part I.

Inflatable Boats are Very Popular Today

As you are probably already aware of, inflatable boats are very popular today. Each distinct group of inflatable boat is designed for a specific use and therefore equipped with different components and equipment.

If your looking for a small boat to get you from your ship to the shore, a typical inflatable boat is the best answer. If you are looking for a medium sized boat for diving or swimming, there are many choices in that area as well. For recreation or rescue work, there are large inflatable boats available as well.

Dealers
The location of a reputable dealer is very important, as you don’t want to travel too far to get an inflatable boat. Whether you need parts, repairs, or just technical support - a close dealer can also be a close friend. As a new boat owner, you may also have questions, need to claim your warranty, or just need regular servicing. No matter how you look at it, a close dealer is always better than having to travel.

Prices
Many years ago, inflatable boats were the most expensive types of boats and only a small amount of people could even afford them. The reason for this, was the use of exotic materials and the numerous hours of hand labor that went into their construction.

Today, there are machines that do a majority of the construction work. Zodiac and its sister company Sevylor, are the leading low cost producers today thanks to technology. You can even finance an inflatable boat if you need to, making them available to almost everyone now.

Warranty
You may have heard claims from all competitors, with each one promising they have the best or even the longest warranty. A few years ago, a company offered a lifetime warranty - although they soon disappeared shortly thereafter. Many manufacturers will use an attractive warranty to substitute for quality or even proper boat design.

In the back of your mind, you should be sure that the company you buy from will be around long enough to deliver on their warranty. Zodiac has been building inflatable boats for over 50 years, and offer a limited 5 year warranty on their inflatable boats. Therefore, Zodiak is one of the best you can buy today.

With all inflatable boats, you should know which type you want before you purchase. You can always look around and see what each dealer offer, then plan your purchase accordingly. An inflatable boat is great to have, especially for those who own big ships and vessels. You can’t go wrong with these boats either - as they serve many different useful purposes.

Why should you buy a boat

Many studies have shown, and many people already know that being with friends and family, relaxing in the outdoors and being close to nature are the best reasons to buy a boat and spend time on the water. Your family doesn’t need to spend a forture or travel to a theme park to have an experience that everyone will enjoy.

Boating is family
If you’ve ever felt that your family is going in different directions, a boat can help to bring things back together. When you spend time with your family on a boat, it’s all quality time. No matter if you’re fishing, tubing, swimming, or just cruising, your doing it together - as a family.

There are no distractions on the water, so you can focus your attention on each other. You can share stories, laugh, have conversations, or reconnect and create all new memories together. To put it in simple terms, a boat will make life much better.

Boating helps you relax
Being on a boat makes it easy to relax. There are no faxes, computers, or interruptions on a boat. You have the open water, fresh air, the warm sun, and adventure that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

With a boat, a great getwaway is all but a weekend away. You may be a few miles from home in reality, although you’ll feel like your a million miles away.

Having fun
On a boat, the fun will never stop. There are always things to do, places to see, fish to catch, and new memories to create. Buying a boat is easy to do, even if you are on a budget. If your ready to start a new journey in life - a boat is something you and your family simply must have

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.inflatable-boat-guide.com/ and also http://www.boat-builder-dealer.com/ and http://www.outboard-motor.org/

Haines Hunter Oneowners

Haines Hunter has been a well respected name in the Australian boating industry for many years now. They make a wide range of boats for both family cruising and fishing. They are renowned for their quality and innovative design. Even now as early models are getting on in years, the quality of manufacture still shines through. If you are in the market for a good quality used cruiser or fishing boat, then a oneowner from the Haines Hunter range will easily meet most requirements.

The Haines Hunter Breeze offers versatile affordable boating for families. The Breeze is available in seven sizes from 4.62 metres to 6.4 metres. These boats provide a versatile option for young families wanting to get into boating. Whether you want to do some fishing in the harbour or cruise up the rivers, the Haines Hunter Breeze range will suit your needs. Brand new, these boats are available with a number of different options, so if you’re in the market for a good used boat, bear in mind that there may be differences in appointments from boat to boat. It will pay to inspect a number of boats before making any final decision.

The Patriot range of Haines Hunters caters for the fisherman. You can easily walk right around the boat and there is easy access to the bow. The Patriot range is available in 650, 680 and 800 size models. These boats are all deep sea worthy and you’ll feel comfortable getting out through the heads and into the open water. They have plenty of room both in the cabin and on the deck and are ready for some serious sports fishing.

If you’re in the market for a good sized family boat that is also suitable for dropping a line over the side, then you might want to check out some boats in the Classic range. The Classic range is perfect for a spot of fishing with the family over the weekend. There’s plenty of room in the cabin for overnight stays, making it a versatile family boat. The Classic is available in four models: the 530, 580, 600 and the 650.

If you want a boat for some serious family cruising, then the Horizon range offers luxury weekend boating. These boats are perfect for spending weekends on a secluded part of the river or lake, or anchored in the harbour when you want to be seen. These boats have luxury appointments with all the instruments and navigational aids you’ll need for safe family boating. The hull provides a soft ride which will be sure to keep your friends and family happy out on the water.

Haines Hunters are a popular choice in Australia, and have been for many years, so it should not be too hard finding a good quality boat that is right for you.

oneowner specialises in new and one owner used used boats. Everyone appreciates the benefits that come with buying a used boat with just one owner. We save you time and money by listing them all in one place.

Fair Wind Sailing School Sailing Lessons: Intermediate Sail Trim

In this lesson I will present a detailed perspective on sail trim, introducing the use of tell-tales and more sail controls, while keeping the relative time spent on sail trim to a minimum.

Novices begin sail trim with the mainsail. More advanced sailors start sail trim from the most forward sail on the boat. For a typical Bermuda Sloop, the most common rig today, that means the jib or foresail. We will also introduce sailing by the tell-tales — the little pieces of green and red yarn, cloth or ribbon hanging in about the middle of the sail. To begin, we put our boat on a steady course and while on that course we sheet the sail to the “all the way in” position. At this point, the “inside” tell-tales, those closest to the centerline of the boat, should be pointing straight back in line with the motion of the boat and parallel to the water, while the outside tell-tales will be flopping about. To properly trim our headsail, we will ease the sail slowly out. Eventually, the tell-tale movement will change with the inside tell-tales flopping about and the outside tell-tales flowing back in a straight line parallel with the water. When you have reached this point, stop easing the sail and gently (and slowly) trim in until both sets of tell-tales are streaming aft. This is the ideal trim position. One final note on headsails, many will have several sets of tell-tales and it can be difficult to get all sets streaming aft simultaneously. For our purposes, we will trim to the bottom set of tell-tales when there are two sets and to the middle set when there are three sets of tell-tales.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the mainsail. We will still use just our mainsheet for trimming our mainsail at this point, continuing to avoid adjustment of the boom vang and traveler car. We will center our traveler car amid ship and leave it there. At this point, with the headsail already trimmed, you are likely to see a big “bubble” along the luff of our mainsail where the headsail has turned the wind into our mainsail if the mainsail is trimmed out. The goal of mainsail trim is to get the mainsail tell-tales, located on the leach of the sail, usually along the battens, to stream back parallel to the water. The procedure is similar to headsail trim above: start with the mainsail all the way in and gradually ease the sail out until the tell-tales are streaming aft. As with the headsail, they may all not stream aft simultaneously. Try moving in and out — slowly — if you still can’t get them all flowing, concentrate on the tell-tales from mid-sail to the top of the sail — that is where you will find the strongest wind.

Lastly, let me point out that there are conditions such as very light winds, wet sails, heading dead down wind, etc., when the tell-tale trim method may not work. When you are sailing in these conditions, my advice would be return to simpler rules of trim until you are ready for the advanced trim methods.

Captain Dave Bello is the President of Fair Wind Sailing School, offering sailing lessons and sailing charters in the BVI, US Virgin Islands, Florida and the Chesapeake Bay.

Fair Wind Sailing School Sailing Lessons: Beginning Sail Trim

Sail trim can be one of the great mysteries of effectively sailing a vessel propelled solely by the wind. Ask someone who has been on a racing vessel, or even just watched a racing yacht, and you are likely to hear how much work sailing is or how the sails need constant adjustment. This view is really incorrect — sail trim can be as difficult or as simple as you want to make it. While it may be true that a racing sail boat trying to achieve every last tenth of knot of boat speed does require a fair amount of sail trim adjustment, that is certainly not true for the typical day sailor out for a pleasurable afternoon or even for a cruiser making a passage. In these situations, it is not uncommon to set the sails (and the autopilot for that matter), sit back and enjoy the day, the water, the boat and your sailing companions. This article describes for the beginner a simple method of sail trim that can be used to effectively and safely sail a boat on any point of sail without lots of trim work (subsequent articles will address more sophisticated methods of trim that also do not require a lot of work).

To start, you must know your points of sail. The sail trim techniques described here are based on your boat’s relative position to the wind, in other words, your point of sail. Next, we will also assume that at a beginning level you won’t be sailing in strong wind, so for now we won’t discuss techniques to use when the rig is overpowered. We’ll assume you are sailing in light to moderate winds for your boat. We’ll follow a very simple procedure — set the mainsail to a predetermined position and then set the foresail so it is parallel to the mainsail. Done!

Let’s start our trim lessons with the mainsail. First, let’s simplify the sail controls. For now we will leave the main traveler centered on the boat and the boom vang in one position. All our mainsail trim, then, will be with the mainsheet. For our purposes, we will assign three and only three possible sail trim positions for the mainsail. The first is “all the way in” with the boom at the center line of the boat. The second trim position is “all the way out” with the boom as far out as it will go before the mainsail is against the spreader. The final position is “half-way”; midway between the two extreme positions. Those positions are easy to understand and to execute using just the mainsheet. The only question remaining is when to use each position. We’ll use three rules to determine which trim position to use:
- Rule One: use the “all the way in” position when you are sailing close-hauled.
- Rule Two: use the “all the way out position” when you are sailing lower than a beam reach (i.e. broad reach or running).
- Rule Three: use the “half way” position all the rest of the time (i.e. close reach and beam reach).

That’s all there is to it. No constant tweaking or adjusting. Just set once and sail. Using just these three positions and setting the sails just once will keep your boat moving at good clip and allow you to have fun while sailing!

With our mainsail trimmed, now let’s turn our attention to the foresail. We’ll use just two rules to get our foresail into a reasonable trim position.
- Rule One: the curve of the foresail should be parallel to the mainsail. This rule does not require precision — just get it close. With just a little practice you will get quite close - just be sighting between the two sails.
- Rule two is even easier: when you take the mainsail out, take the foresail out too. Conversely, when you pull the mainsail in, sheet in the foresail too. How far, you ask? Just follow Rule One — simple!!

Using the above procedure, the beginning sailor can sail reasonably efficiently by setting both sails just once for each point of sail. This takes a great deal of mystery out of sail trim and allows for significantly more enjoyment on the water.

Captain Dave Bello is the President of Fair Wind Sailing School, offering sailing lessons and sailing charters in the BVI, US Virgin Islands, Florida and the Chesapeake Bay.

Sea Doo . It’s All Fun

Dream of getting out on the water and getting wet? Want to hit the waves hard and have the sea spraying behind you as you power past all other boats on your favourite stretch of water? Want a watercraft that you can enjoy just as much on your own as you can with your family and friends? Then perhaps you need to take a wet and wild ride on a Sea Doo.

Personal watercraft have been popular for a long time and their popularity only appears to be increasing. In the early days, these personal watercraft mostly took the form of single person, stand up jet skis. Today, larger sit down models built for two people or more are becoming increasingly popular. One of the biggest names in this extreme water sport is Sea Doo.

Sea Doo have an extensive range of personal watercraft to suit many different uses. At one end of the scale you have the massive 2-seater inter-cooled, supercharged 215 horsepower RXP designed for pure thrills and high speed riding. This rocket on water has a dry weight of 385 kilograms and is 307cm long, 120cm wide and 109cm high. It’s got a fuel capacity of 60 litres and has Direct drive with forward, neutral and reverse transmission and electric VTS