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Archive for the ‘Boating’ Category

Do You Need Boating Insurance

October 13th, 2009
by Fox Stohnson

With yachts being about the oldest form of transport still being used, it is not surprising when you realize that boat insurance has been available in varying forms for thousands of years. All maritime vessels as quoted by the maritime Insurance Act must have insurance before they are allowed to sail. As with automobile insurance, policies come with an excess to deter small claims and for boat insurance, this is usually quite a large sum of money, as the intention of the underwriter is to cover you against substantial losses instead of just scratches and dents. There is little difference between the two types of policy (motorcar and yacht) except the amount of cover supplied with yacht cover is substantially bigger.

Standard yacht insurance is a legal requirement in most US States and should be something that is done as soon as a individual buys the boat. Strangely, in the eyes of the marine Industry, a houseboat is in the same category as pleasure boats like sailboats, jet boats and cabin cruises. All the same, a speedboat is in a totally different category to say a angling vessel owing to the nature of its actions and a higher insurance premium is likely.

Actual Cash Value boat insurance policies cover the cost of the vessel replacement less any wear and tear form the time of the yachts loss whereas most boat insurance plans will pay for the replacement of the craft, the engine as well as the trailer. Usually when a boat has been damaged beyond repair, its up-to-date market rate is calculated using second hand values as a guide. Ex Gratia insurance usually includes coverage for reasonable repairs, emergency services to your yacht, motor, or boat trailer, and wreck removal. Partial damage repairs on the other hand are calculated by working out the full charge to restore the boat less deductibles.

Agreed amount value yacht insurance plans mean that the owner of the boat and the insurer have decided on the cost of the boat, and in the aftermath of a total loss the owner will be covered with that amount. Agreed amount value plans also replace old objects with new ones, exclusive of any assumption for wear and tear. With most Agreed value plans, the yacht insurance company will need replacement value of some items like dinghies, sails, covers, drive units to name a few, before the policy payout value is agreed.

The two chief aspects of boat insurance are legal duty, or security and insurance or property loss. The liability section covers the owner against claims by a third party if any damage is caused to that individual or his goods by the insured boat. At an early stage it is worth trying to employ the services of an insurance broker who has experience and a reputation for locating the best yacht insurance and settlements for his customers. Equally important when searching for a insurance plan is to have one with good legal backup should it be necessary as a liability claim that is covered under the yacht insurance plan be brought against you.

About the Author:

Fox Stohnson Boating , , , ,

Kinds of Boat Covers

September 20th, 2009

There are several different kinds of boat covers, with some suitable for different types of boat: for instance bay liners, pontoons, sail boats, bass boats and so on. However, there are three types which are the most common and are covers which are compatible with thousands of the most popular models of boat. There are also specialty boat covers which are specifically designed for boats which have hardtops and T-towers, deck boats which have ski towers, V-hull boats and inflatable boats.

The three most common types of boat covers use the same quality of marine upholstery, featuring weather resistant anti-wick thread, four ply folded join seams, an absence of raw edges, tie down loops which have double reinforced sewing, braided tie down rope and a marine boat upholstery warranty.

There are premium custom covers which are available for every model of boat listed above, with these covers being rated as the best travel covers available. These covers are available in three different materials, all including elastic reinforced stress pads (for use with boat cover support poles) and sewn-in vinyl reinforcement tabs placed at seam points. All of these custom boat covers are constructed with a combination of vinyl and weatherproof 3 or 4 ply fabric to prevent leakage.

A lower cost and very popular alternative to custom covers are styled to fit covers. These are boat covers which are suitable for many different types and models of boat rather than being custom-made for a single boat. These are made from the same high quality vinyl and three or four ply weatherproof fabric as the custom covers.

Flex-Fit Basic covers are a basic version of the custom and styled to fit cover. Many customers prefer a basic cover with basic quality construction. The Flex-Fit covers are just that: simple, basic and multi-purpose. Same materials used with a loose body fit, much like a slipcover. Different boats and different model styles can take advantage of this basic one-size-fits-all concept and still benefit from weather proof covering from dirt, wind, rain and storm damage. Because of their loose fit they accommodate many unique boat configurations, but are not recommended for trailering. They are offered in two materials 2-ply fabric and vinyl.

Specialty covers encompass a different league of boats and require specially constructed marine boat upholstery covers such as the Deck boat or Ski boat with T-Towers. Deck boats with towers (DBT) covers are for boats like Chaparral and Four Winns. Each cover is constructed with these quality features: Performance Poly-Guard (tough 8 oz. marine-grade polyester); Extra-long tower slot accommodates virtually any tower configuration lined with hook & loop fasteners to keep the boat fully protected and a unique styling conforms well to windshields. This is reinforcement at key stress points prolong the life of the cover and keep the boat protected and is suitable for trailering these boats. The Tower Slots on boat covers will accommodate the majority of OEM and aftermarket ski towers based on the most common range of mounting positions on the boat.

V-hull boats, tournament boats and other boats which have T-towers need special boat covers which take their features into account. Covers for these boats use 8 oz performance poly guard, double zipped entry at port and starboard for easy access and double reinforced bows for anchor rollers and bow pulpits. Also included with these covers are a self-adhesive reinforcement kit, two boat cover support poles, a rope ratchet and a heavy duty tie down kit for your boat cover.

Boats which are protected by a custom cover can stand up to the ice, snow and cold of winter, as well as storage and trailering. Choosing top quality marine boat upholstery for your boat ensures that your boat will be in great condition for next year’s boating season.

If you are searching for custom boat covers Minnesota than search no further then Canvas Craft. Canvas Craft have expertise in the field of custom boat covers Minnesota .

Blaine E. Robertsen Boating , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Best Anchor Rope

September 7th, 2009

Getting a yacht or a boat is a dream that numerous people have. Most individuals think of it as a synonym of a life of relaxing, comforting, and not a care in the world. They picture themselves after their retirement, relishing the sea or a lake, taking a ride in their boat, surrounded by the sound of nature, and without a thing in the world to worry with reference to.

Nonetheless, receiving a boat isn’t as simple as that, as people who in fact have boats have found out. In fact, they require as much if not more maintenance than cars or other vehicles. And unless you reside by the beach or a lake, you will have to tow it there. In fact, the expense of keep up a boat is shown in the 2 most common phrases in the trade. The first one is The two happiest days of your life will be the day you purchase your boat, and the day you lastly sell it. The second one goes “A boat is a tremendous hole in the water that you throw money.”

That doesn’t mean that owing a boat isn’t satisfactory. Otherwise nobody would. It just means that, like most rewarding things in life, it takes a good number of work. Nonetheless it is completely worth it.

One of the things that should be paid special attention to is the anchor, and its anchor rope. As everyone knows, the anchor is what keeps a boat in the same spot and likewise keeps it from being taken away by the wind or the current. It has to have a size, form and weight appropriate to the boat. Similarly, anchor rope should be appropriate for the boat, the anchor, the sort of water that it is going to be utilised in, the depth of the body of water, and the winch or whatever mechanism the boat has for releasing and pulling the anchor.

A common misconception about anchor rope is that it should be attached to the stern of the boat. That is very uncomfortable and unstable, and it may even be extremely dangerous in bad weather. Anchor rope should be attached to the bow of the boat, which will give it more stability and will permit the boat to negotiate the impacts of the waves much good.

Plus, anchor rope should be at least 5 times the estimated depth of the body of water where the boat will be. So, for a depth of 10 feet, the anchor rope should be at least 50 feet long. The extra length of the anchor rope takes into account the transmute in tide, also as giving the boat some freedom of movement without having to pull the anchor.

In Conclusion, for safety reasons, any anchor rope should have a mechanism that will release it in case of emergency. You will lose both the anchor and the anchor rope, but your boat wouldn’t capsize as effortlessly.

Learn more about Anchor Ropes and other types rope today from the experts

Ferdinand Emy Boating , , , , , , , , ,

The Pros of Getting Boat Lessons Before Getting a Jet Ski

August 29th, 2009
by Max Gray

When summer comes in, the water is where most of the people flock to. Whether its the beach or the lake, nothing beats beating the summer heat than cooling down in the water. If you are based near any large body of water, you might be thinking of getting a jet ski. But before you make a purchase, understand that there are things you need to know first.

The lake and the sea may conjure images of people enjoying the sun, the sand, and the water. But sometimes, accidents do happen in these places because people tend to overlook the dangers that come in these areas. That is why it is imperative that you get to know how to operate a jet ski from a pro and learn them by heart before you venture out.

There are quite a number of professionals who offer boating procedures and other related lessons, jet ski operation included. You might find these people huddled near beaches and lakes. Though boating lessons differ a lot from jet ski learning, studies show that people who have underwent safety boating procedures have better survival rate during accidents at sea compared to people who did not took boating lessons.

Aside from the better survival rate, one should put into consideration the frequency of accidents jet skis are involved in. Allover the world, the jet ski is the second leading type of water vehicle that has been part of mishaps in the water. If you still think that boating lessons re not worth it, better think again.

Jet skis are highly maneuverable. One slight movement of the handlebar and the jet ski would respond right away. For novices, this details is mostly overlooked. Such fact of overlooking has led to a number of accidents and injuries.

Boating lessons provide people with the necessary knowledge people will need to survive should accidents happen to them while in the water. Procedures such as keeping yourself warm or delivering an SOS message may spell life and death. While jet skis are a lot different from boats, the water remains the same.

Safety at sea should always be paramount. Boating lessons provides you with a great deal of knowledge ranging from water craft operation to safety and survival guidelines. While you can still enjoy the water and ski your way on the surface without the benefit of getting lessons, you have a better chance of coming out of the water safe if you do.

About the Author:

Max Gray Boating , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Review Of Inflatable Boats

August 26th, 2009
by Ferdinand Emy

If you have been weighing up buying a boat recently, but have found that a large fishing boat is only out of your budget, one option that you might think of instead is an inflatable boat. Inflatable boats can prove to be great alternatives when you are attracted in being on the water but your budget is a good number ofwhat narrow.

Once you start shopping around for inflatable boats, you will discover that there’re in fact several diverse sorts of inflatable boats that you can pick from. The littleest of the inflatable boats is a sort of boat that’s known as a float tube. This is an excellent boating preference when you’re entranced in fishing, especially for fly fishing. Keep in mind that these sorts of inflatable boats are ideally intended to be utilized for one person only, so if you like to go out fishing with your buddies, this might not be the optimal choice.

Another type of inflatable boat is similar to a kayak or a canoe. Once again, this is a good alternative when you do not wish to spend a lot of money. The key is to make sure that you buy a high quality boat. Be sure to check out the manufacturer and find out what other consumers who have purchased inflatable boats from that manufacturer have to say as regards the quality of the boat.

Yet another option worth taking into consideration when you’re deliberating purchasing inflatable boats is a pontoon. There’re diverse sizes that you may pick from, from one person versions to much larger versions, so be sure to take into consideration the number of persons that you would like to take out fishing with you when you’re weighing up purchasing this type of inflatable boat. Careful forecasting now will allow you to have more enjoyment of your boat later on.

When purchasing inflatable boats its similarly vital to take into consideration the area where you will expend most of your time fishing. Always check with the manufacturer’s guidelines to establish whether the boat you are purchasing is fitfor the repair s where you’ll be doing most of your fishing.

With all things taken into consideration, inflatable boats can be a good choice when you are low on budget but wish to start fishing right away. They may also be a good choice while you’re saving up to buy a larger boat.

About the Author:

Ferdinand Emy Boating , , , , , , , , ,

A Little More About Boat Trailers

August 16th, 2009
by Ferdinand Emy

Purchasing a boat is a sensational experience, but it is only the starting of the experience of owning a boat. In order to be able to transport your boat from on location to the next, you will require a boat trailer. There are many different sorts and styles of boat trailers, so taking the time to comprehend a good number of thing about boat trailers will help to ensure that you buy the proper trailer for your requires.

Boat trailers not only come in a variety of distinct styles but they’re also produced of distinct materials as well. Some boat trailers are produced of aluminum and are capable of carrying only up to sure weight limits. There are also some boat trailers that are specifically designed for inboard boats while other sorts of boat trailers are designed for outboard vessels, which are more often than not larger.

When shopping for boat trailers, its imperative to ensure that you Regularly check the specifications for that particular boat trailer before you buy it. It is extremely needed that you check to ensure the boat trailer will be able to hold the weight of your boat.

Keep in mind that while there are generic boat trailers available that are meant to be one size fits all, it is really optimal to take the time to purchase a boat trailer that’s meant to fit your own boat. This’ll help to put a stop to a great degree of wear and tear in addition as slippage.

You likewise require to check whether the boat trailer you are considering purchasing is submersible. Some boat trailers are completely submersible while others are not, so make sure you take this into consideration.

In addition, you need to take into consideration how the boat trailer is outfitted. Some boat trailers are outfitted with rollers while others have boards. Always make certain you consider the optimal type of boat trailer for the sort of boat that you have so as to counteract damage to your boat.

The prices of boat trailers, like boats, will vary based on many different factors, including the type of materials employd in construction, the style and whether you wish to have the trailer customized. Moreover, the price will depend upon whether you wish to buy a novel trailer or a utilized boat trailer. Used boat trailers can be a good way to save money, but you do require to make sure that you fully inspect it before buying it.

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Ferdinand Emy Boating , , , , , , , , ,

How To Appraise Your Boat’s Value

August 10th, 2009
by John Howard

Boat value appraisal may look like a daunting task but it’s not something limited to specialists, as long as you know how far you can go and what can go wronbg. Estimations could turn out to be wildly off the mark if you do not use the right sources, especially if you then also neglect using the services of a professional appraiser.

Especially if it’s the first time that you are looking to determine the value of a boat or yacht, the three most important points are research, research, research. The lack of previous acquaintance with the task may lead you to lake an error, so it is crucial that you take all the time you need to collect important information for comparison and assessment.

Even when buying a vessel, it is not enough to just look at available listings on the Internet or at your local boat club and go for the one that seems best value for money. By knowing what to look for when evaluating a boat, your ability to negotiate will be increased and you may be able to reduce the original selling price by a quarter or more.

Appraisal research is also of paramount importance because it will allow you to better decide what kind of vessel you would like to acquire, and to better educate yourself about options. Otherwise, one might end up buying a boat according to specifications that sounded great in the first place but that in reality don’t stand up to a lot of scrutiny.

Several methods to evaluate a boat exist, and the best thing is to use them in conjunction. A good initial grounding in the subject matte can be had by reading boating magazines, which are usually full of specific information.

There are specific publications for all kinds of craft – motor yachts, fishing boats, pontoon boats, houseboats, dinghies and sailing boats, even commercial boats such as ferries and cargo carriers. From these journals’ classifieds, one can compare different makes and models and also to get an idea of depreciation over time.

Listings, whether online or through magazines, are a highly useful source to get an idea of current values for boat appraisal, although of course you can learn less from them on the impact on price of factors such as features and state of repair. Another great source of pricing information are BUC and NADA guides.

As both these databases only give average boat values, you still have to take the specific condition of a vessel in to the equation. NADA is a data base that specializes in motor boats and accessories (such as trailers and outboard motors), covering all products in trade since 1978. BUC also covers sailing boats, including multi-hulls.

In any case, bear in mind that while evaluating a boat on your own is fine for small vessels, if the watercraft in question is big and costly, you should definitely also get the appraisal of a professional as well.

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John Howard Boating , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cruise Vacations – Must Know Information

August 3rd, 2009
by Phillip Joansen

Cruise vacations are about fun and getting away from the stresses of life on land. However, before you go on your cruise, you need to reserve your vacation package. Sometimes booking cruise packages can be a headache and cause stress amongst people who do not know how to book a cruise. Here are some tips so you can avoid these headaches.

Make sure to purchase full cancellation insurance when booking your trip. The reasoning behind this is because you will have to pay in full for your entire cruise vacation package before departure. Otherwise, if you did cancel at the last minute, you would lose your entire deposit and the whole fare. Purchase insurance through your travel agent. If something does arise, you can cancel 30 days before the departure date.

Do you have medical insurance? If you’re traveling overseas and your current insurance does not cover you, you probably should look into getting some insurance coverage for your cruise. Sometimes cruise ships have passenger protection coverage which is cheaper than getting insurance. It is recommended that you purchase this and your final bill will include this charge if you choose to do so.

There are additional port taxes and handling charges that may or may not be charged at each individual port. You can ask your travel agent or look at your travel brochure for more information. Remember that port charges are added to your final bill and your final bill might be higher than expected.

Remember that sea/air packages are hard to change once everything is booked. Airline arrangements typically cannot be changed without an additional fee, as cruises book airfare in bulk in order to receive better prices. If an airline flight does get canceled, a cruise is not obligated to refund your cruise tickets if you don’t reach your ship in time. Plan to leave a few days early so that you won’t get stuck at the dock while the ship leaves you.

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Phillip Joansen Boating , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bring The Vacation Home!

July 24th, 2009
by Barb Roehler

If you happen to ask any of your friends about their choice of dream vacations, there is an even Steven chance that they might answer, “sipping a sangria, hot Jamaican sand beneath my feet” They are not alone in this wishful thinking. A large majority of us workaholics dream of a time when we can live the life of a beach dweller, living in a beach house looking out upon the ocean of our dreams.

However, until you manage to fulfill your ambitions and dreams of retiring to the south of France at the age of 50, you will have to make do with beach decor which brings back the nostalgic memory of your days in the sun, making sand castles and jumping on them, splashing everybody around you with water, and endearing yourself in many other such noisy ways to all the other holidaymakers.

That can be done by finding places where you can buy beach themed items to decorate your home with, which take you back to the sun and the sand, the beach and the seagulls, the midges and the sand flies.

You are also definitely not going to be disappointed if you are a confirmed addict to every form of sailing or boating. It does not matter if you happen to be a weekend sailor or are fortunate enough to live your life upon the sea. The different nautical or beach home decor products pertaining to the sea, ships, boats, beaches, marine life, and every other aspect of a tropical vacation can be found easily on the internet if you are looking for them.

Many of these themed products are hand crafted and also are exactly what you wanted, or to give as gifts – to other people who love the sun, sand, sailing, and slumbering by the side of the sea, as much as you do.

So what are you waiting for? Come back to memories of sun in your hair, the wind on your face, the sand beneath your feet, and possibly any other beautiful memories of a holiday in the sun, by choosing some beach or nautical dcor to place around your home – items like candles, accent pillows, rugs and bedding may do the trick.

Placing brightly colored painted outdoor wooden furniture on the patio or deck so you can relax while sipping a cocktail outside would be another idea. Throw in some themed party favors and invite the neighbors over and you could have your own beach party right in your own backyard!

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Barb Roehler Boating , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Was The Sea-Doo Watercraft Invented?

July 10th, 2009
by John A Moore

I was looking around for some information on Seadoo pwc covers and came across some really interesting information on the history of Seadoos and personal watercraft in general. I am a bit of a history buff so I put off the seadoo cover search and gobbled up a little history lesson.

I have to admit that I’m definitely part of the older crowd now, so you would think I already know when these water machines were created. I didn’t have the money back then to even consider buying one, so in fact I didn’t pay close attention to them at the time. I had always thought that pwcs came out in the 80’s, but little did I know that was only the refinement – digging a little deeper gave me a much better picture of the early evolution.

It was actually in the mid 1960’s that the Canadian family who invented the ski-doo snowmobiles (the Bombardier family) started to think of a snowmobile type water vehicle for getting around their lake in Quebec, Canada. After starting some design ideas they ran into some difficulties, at which point they found an inventor from the US by the name of Jacobsen who was already designing a similar vehicle.

Jacobsens inspiration for his watercraft was the motorcycle – his concept was to travel on water just like you would on a dirt bike. So Bombardier and Jacobsen started working together on Bombardiers idea. Jacobsen came up with the first seadoo, which Bombardier purchased the rights for. Then Bombardier promptly painted it the recognizable yellow and black just like the bombardier snowmobiles. These seadoos were sold in 1968 and 1969.

The Bombardier Seadoos of 1968 and 1969 had some problems. Engine technology was a big limiting factor in the lack of success of the early Seadoos. The first engine was air cooled and the later engine was liquid cooled. Both engines had drawbacks. Corrosion was also a huge problem. the salt water literally ate away at the machines. Jacobsen’s idea about using rubber and plastic were carelessly not embraced by the Bombardier family.

After a few false starts the Bombardier family moth balled the idea of the modern day Seadoo for the next 20 years. Jacobsen bought the rights to his ideas and joined forces with Kawasaki. While at Kawasaki, Jacobsen developed the first Jet-Ski. The history of Seadoo pwc is colorful and interesting.

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John A Moore Boating , , , , , , , , , , , , ,