-
How to Tie a Cleat Knot.
Friday, 9th May 2008 12:24PM Rope, knots, and Yachting go hand in hand. Whether tying an anchor to a line or tying up a boat to a dock, the wrong knot will lead to trouble and the right knot, when properly tied, will hold under extremely heavy loads. We’ll give you a few of the most common knots used in Yachting and do our best to tell you how to tie them. The two half hitch knot is a very reliable knot and used most often in mooring. Pass the end of a rope around a post or other object. Wrap the short end of the rope under and over the long part of the rope pushing the end down through the loop. This is a half hitch. Repeat on the long rope below the first half hitch and draw tight. The anchor bend knot is used in Yachting to tie the rope to the anchor. Start by passing two loops through a ring and then placing the free end around a standing line. Pass the free end through the loops on the ring. Complete by making a half hitch. The figure eight knot is ideal for keeping the end of a rope from running out of a tackle or pulley. Make an underhand loop bringing the end around and over the standing part. Pass the rope end under and then up through the loop. Draw tight. A clove hitch knot is a general utility hitch when Yachting for when you need a quick and simple method of fastening a rope around a post, spar, or stake. Begin by making a turn with the rope around the object and over itself. Take a second turn with the rope around the object. Pull the end up under the second turn so it is between the rope and the object. Tighten by pulling on both ends. When tied properly, the bowline knot won’t slip or jam. This is a good tight Yachting knot. First, make an overhand loop with the end held toward you. Pass the end through the loop. Pass the end up behind the standing part and then down through the loop again. Draw tight. A sheet bend knot is used in Yachting to tie two ropes together. It is easy to tie, strong, secure, and works well with ropes of differing sizes. Make a loop in the end of one rope. If one line is heavier than the other, make the loop in it. Pass the end of the other rope through and around the loop. The working end should exit the knot on the same side as the loop’s short ended side. Yachting knots are important to learn for your safety on the water. When you know how to tie the basic Yachting knots, you will be safe and secure.
sophie
1 Comment
-
Boating Charter.
Thursday, 8th May 2008 17:04PM If you don’t own a boat, but are yearning to experience a boating vacation, a boating charter is the way for you to go. You can charter a boat either with or without a captain depending on your experience level and what type of getaway you want. A bareboat boating charter is when you simply rent a boat and will captain it yourself. Most places who specialize in bareboat charters will give you a quick boating course so you know how to operate the vehicle and know the rules of the road when it comes to navigating the waterways. As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to get a bareboat charter with no boating experience at all. The advantage to a bareboat boating charter is that if you do have some boating experience, you will be able to captain a boat that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to own. That means a cabin cruiser or even a yacht. If you’ve always wanted to go yachting, a bareboat boating charter may very well be the way for you to go. When you do a basic boating charter, you are hiring the boat as well as a captain to operate the boat. The movie “Captain Ron” comes to mind for this author! The best part about a basic boating charter is that you can sit back and enjoy the boating experience without having to worry about – literally – anything else. Well, except for the folks in that movie! When you book a boating charter, be sure it’s with a reputable company who has adequate insurance as well as enough experience to insure you of a safe and satisfying getaway. Choose a boat that’s within your budget, but don’t be afraid to splurge a little. After all, this is a boating getaway for you; why not enjoy it to the fullest! Have you always dreamed of getting away to an exotic location but want to incorporate your love of boating with that trip? Charter a boat once you arrive. Then you can really have the vacation experience of a lifetime. There are very few places you can go where you won’t find a boating charter company ready to book you on a cruise along the water. Your trip can be a simple day trip up and down a river or it can be a week-long excursion where you can whale watch, swim with the dolphins, or just sit on deck and enjoy the scenery. Boating charters are easy to come by and an amazing way for you to have a boating vacation that will be a memorable experience for years to come. Check out boating charters online before you book and then enjoy your trip!
sophie
Comment it! -
Yachting in Greece.
Thursday, 28th February 2008 15:22PM Greece Ancient sites and architectural treasures join forces with the sun, scenery, and food to make Greece one of the best vacation spots on Earth. Be ready for a feast for the mind and the senses, a place that is exotic but at the same time friendly and familiar, where something always reminds you of the past.
Michael
4 Comments -
The French Riviera.
Thursday, 28th February 2008 13:45PM The French Riviera is the place of dreams, the Cote dAzur (meaning the part of the Riviera in France), where beautiful mountains and a very blue sea combine with yachts and high culture to create a playground for the rich and famous (and for us mortal folk, too). Artists once drawn to the landscape included Matisse, Cocteau, Picasso, Leger, Renoir, and Bonnard, and their legacy remains in a host of wonderful museums. Medieval cities are within easy reach, as are numerous shopping opportunities. Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice, St-Tropez, and Villefranche are all strung along the Riviera, and are so close together geographically that they offer nearly the same shore excursions. Cannes is a bustling commercial center, famous for the international Cannes Film Festival held there every year in mid-May. The city offers easily accessible beaches and plenty of shopping prospects.
simone
5 Comments -
Yachting in Mediterranean.
Thursday, 28th February 2008 13:41PM A Mediterranean yachting vacation appeals to people who want more than fun in the sun. Sure, you find shiny beaches with semi-nude bodies (in the French Riviera anyway. But in the Med, you also find incredible landscape, medieval ramparts, archaeological finds, and some of the best museums in the world. History waits around every corner, and ancient sites such as Ephesus in Turkey can leave you drop-jawed. Cultural and culinary opportunities also abound; a lunch or dinner ashore is a must. The Mediterranean ports are close together, too, so you can generally visit several European countries — typically Spain, France, and Italy on a western itinerary, and Greece, Turkey, and sometimes Italy on an eastern itinerary. Coming into Istanbul, for example, you will be treated to views of the ancient minarets and domes of the shimmering Blue Mosque, the 1,500-year-old St. Sophia cathedral, and the outrageously ornate Topaki Palace. Entering Malta’s Grand Harbour at a snail’s pace affords breathtaking views of the honeycolored stone fortifications that rise up like ornate sand castles from the shoreline. Shore excursions at Mediterranean ports usually focus on educating you about the region and involve buses with English-speaking guides. As in the Caribbean and Alaska, local contractors, rather than the cruise lines, conduct the tours. In some countries, including Greece and Turkey, the guides must be licensed and very knowledgeable about their subject matter.
simone
Comment it! -
Looking for a Job.
Saturday, 23rd February 2008 10:53AM Offer Motorhome for Traveling, Experience in Yachting-Sales-Repairing-Chart er, Motorhomes. Yacht & Motorhomes Experience over 30 years.
Gerold
Comment it! -
Safety Tips for Boating.
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 10:23AM Boating needs proper safety as per the norms decided by the insurance company of North America. The insurance company of North America gives proper guidelines for boating to give enough safety against the possible threats. The insurance companies also consider the safety aspects decided by the company to get the proper security. Here are some tips to get the boating safety for the users. 1. The life jacket is an essential part while you are boating. It is also called as personal floating device too. The majority of the accidents are registered without life jacket. 2. The boat operator must have to take safety glass. It will provide safety to the operator. 3. You must have to run the boat under certain speed limit. The limited speeds of boat can minimize the risk of collision. Operating at high speeds shortens reaction time and increases the energy contributed to a collision. 4. You must have to follow the rules of boat safety under the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. 5. You must have to provide the safety for Vessel Safety Guidelines. It is essential follow the guidelines for the safety. You must have to follow the rules of the boat safety. It is essential to select the proper insurance and safety rules to select the proper insurance. The national association of state boating law administrator has provides guidelines for the boating to the users. You can also see the weather condition, traffic at the sea, navigation hazards before starting your boating.
peter
Comment it! -
Boat Insurance for Travelers.
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 10:22AM People use boat to travels from one place to another for getting enjoyment as well as travel. Today many people use to travel in the boat or cruises for the longer journey. It will depend on the types of boat you have. The travel through boat is much popular in California, Florida, Texas and many other states. The majority of the boat travel is possible at the international ports. Sailing on the sea is also getting more risky. The boat travelers must needs to secure themselves from all types of travel risk through various types of insurance. Here are the different types of boat insurance provided by various insurance companies: 1. The boat accident insurance can cover the life of the travelers while sailing on the boat. Incase of long journey, it is necessary for all travelers to get the proper coverage. 2. Some boat insurance companies also provide medical coverage to their travelers. Because for the long trip, there are more hazardous due to many people sailing on the same boat. 3. The boat insurance company also provides insurance for the luggage of the travelers. There are chances that some important things like jewellary or cash get theft from the passenger baggage. 4. If you are going for the longer journey you must have to book it in advance. Some insurance company provides insurance protection incase of cancellation of the journey. The insurance company gets the immediate medical assistance coverage under the special policy. You must have to get the complete coverage to ensure proper coverage.
peter
Comment it! -
How to Get the Cheaper Boat Insurance?.
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 10:22AM There are many insurance companies provides different insurance option to give most competitive premium rate. Based on the types of premium, the boat insurance providers examine the condition of the boat to give the final premium rate. Here are some tips to lower the premium: 1. Every owner must want to increase the deductible amount. The larger the deductible amount will lower the premium. 2. The another method is you must have to cut back the insuring amount so that the insurance premium must get lower. Similarly your claim must be also getting lower as insuring value get lower. 3. If you purchase the old boat than boat insurance company not provides the full coverage to your boat and its parts. In such case, your premium of the insurance gets lower. 4. You must have to visit various websites to get the basic details of the different plans and the premium. Once you get all the information, you must have to select the proper insurance company and plan to get the lower discount. 5. There are many boats insurance companies provides discount on purchase of the boat insurance. It is essential to get the details of the website to get the benefits of the discount. The boat insurance companies also see the locations before issuing the insurance policy. If you are not living in the disaster prone region, your premium gets lower. The insurance company can also see the various security measures taken by you for the security reason too. It will also lower your premium.
peter
Comment it! -
Purchasing Tips for Boat Insurance.
Wednesday, 20th February 2008 10:21AM There are different types of insurance coverage provided by the insurance company. The boat insurance normally covers insurance of boat, motor, trailer and equipments. There are different plan designs by the boat owners. You must have to select the proper coverage suitable to your requirements. Normally the boat insurance covers physical damage, liability, and medical coverage etc. Here are some tips to purchase the boat insurance: 1. You must have to purchase the boat insurance based on security as main aspects. There are many security threats and natural calamities occur suddenly that damage the boats. Apart from that there is several theft cases register by the coastal police. You must have to need the proper insurance that gives coverage of the theft and damage of boats. 2. You must have to search a good boat insurance provider which provides better insurance for your boat as per your needs. You can also ask your friends or family members to get the proper advice for the boat insurance. 3. There are marine insurance agents and separate agents working for boat insurance. You must have to consult either of the two insurance agents to get the suitable advice and take the insurance. 4. You must have to get all the details from the insurance agents about all types of coverage and probable premium too. 5. Once you decide the insurance plan. You must have to get all the details about the policy and the procedure for the claim. You must have to negotiate with the boat insurance providers to get the suitable premium and discount rates.
peter
Comment it! -
ABU DHABI YACHT SHOW TO LAUNCH IN 2009.
Tuesday, 19th February 2008 10:51AM Informa Group, owner of the Monaco Yacht Show, has announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show , which is due to run from March 24-27, 2009. The invitation-only show will be hosted in the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), which will incorporate the show marina. The first Super Yacht Cup regatta staged in the UAE will also take place during the show. Hosted in the worlds wealthiest city where 420,000 residents live with a net worth in excess of US$17m per capita, the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show is set to be the most exclusive and luxurious event in the global yachting calendar, reads an Informa press release. "The show will feature some of the worlds most exquisite superyachts and will bring together the highest net worth individuals creating a unique platform for yachting professionals to mingle with the worlds richest." According to show director Franck Dailles, "The new Abu Dhabi Yacht Show will provide an unprecedented opportunity for builders, designers and owners of luxury megayachts to enjoy a glamorous and exclusive setting while meeting with the worlds leading high net-worth individuals." The show is organised by the Institute for International Research (IIR), part of the Informa Business Group, owner of the Monaco Yacht Show.
mandy
Comment it! -
Carnival expands ex-UK sailings for 09.
Tuesday, 19th February 2008 09:58AM Carnival Cruise Lines is doubling the ex-UK sailings next summer using 2,974-passenger SuperLiner Carnival Liberty. The cruise company said it had decided to operate the programme again in 2009 after outstanding advance booking for its first Northern Europe programme this summer with new ship Carnival Splendor. Carnival Liberty will run 10 departures next summer from Dover. The 12-night Northern Europe cruises will run from May 9 to August 25 2009, calling at ports including Copenhagen, Warnemunde (Berlin), Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallin and Amsterdam. Lynn Narraway, director of sales and marketing UK and Ireland for Carnival, said: "The launch of our 2009 programme really demonstrates Carnivals increasing commitment to the UK market. The Carnival Splendor Northern Europe programme has sold incredibly well here in the UK. We have already created a special two-page Carnival Liberty e-brochure which is available on request. Following its ex-UK Baltic programme, Carnival Liberty will then operate a 12-day western Mediterranean voyage from Dover to Rome (Civitavecchia) on September 6, after which it will operate two 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages departing September 19 and October 25 and three 12-day Mediterranean and Greece cruises on October 1 and 13 and November 6. Sister ship, Carnival Freedom will operate 12-night Mediterranean and Greek Island
mandy
Comment it! -
Cruising the greek islands.
Monday, 18th February 2008 00:57AM The dramatic approach into the beautiful bowl-shaped harbor of Santorini, a partially submerged crater of an ancient volcano whose steep parched slopes are crowned by a whitewashed village, is what cruising the Greek Islands is all about. Dropdead gorgeous scenery. Plus, of course, ancient historic sites and lots of local culture, all without the hassle of deciphering ferry schedules and changing hotel rooms. You get on the ship, you unpack once, and the ship goes with you as your floating hotel. It’s your familiar retreat after a long day of touring or a place to just kick back and bask in the Greek sun. Among the most beautiful regions to cruise in all the world, the seas are relatively calm and the islands are individual in character, offering travelers a satisfying mix of local culture, stunning scenery, and ancient and medieval ruins to explore. Most Greek island itineraries highlight the region’s history with optional guided shore excursions that take in the major sights, spicing up the vacation brew with other, less historyminded excursions such as visits to beaches, meals at local restaurants, and fishing or sailing excursions. Of course, you can also choose to get off the ship at each port of call and head off on your own to explore the sights, hit the beach, or check out the local color at the nearest taverna. Solo is often the best way to go. Best Shore Excursions: Shore excursions are designed to help you make the most of your limited time in port, taking you by various transport to sites of historical or cultural value or natural or artistic beauty. The tours are usually booked on the first day of your cruise, are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and are nonrefundable. Some lines allow bookings in advance, and some include shore excursions in their cruise fares. Generally, shore excursions that take you well beyond the port area are the ones most worth taking—you’ll get professional commentary and avoid having to hassle with local transportation. In ports whose attractions are all within walking distance of the pier, however, you may be best off touring on your own. In some cases, it may also be more enjoyable to take a taxi to an attraction and skip the crowded bus tours (for instance, in Rhodes). CORFU (KERKIRA) ACHILLEION PALACE & PALEOKASTRITSA (4 hr.): Visit Achilleion Palace and see the statues of Achilles. Continue on to Paleokastritsa to visit the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary. There’s usually free time and an opportunity to swim in Paleokastritsa. Stop in Corfu town and visit St. Spyridon Church, named for the patron saint of Corfu, or stroll the narrow streets. IRAKLION & AYIOS NIKOLAOS (CRETE) THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS (3 hr.): Travel by motor coach from Iraklion to Knossos, once the capital of the prehistoric Minoan civilization, and thought to be the basis for the original mythological Minotaur’s labyrinth. Visit the excavation of the palace of King Minos. Return to Iraklion for a museum tour or free time. Similar tours are offered from Rethymnon (5 hr., 53€) and from Ayios Nikolaos, including lunch (7 hr.). EXPLORING CRETE (4 hr.): Ride by bus to Ayios Nikolaos, stopping for photos outside the archaeological site of Mallia, home of King Radamanthys. Travel to the Greek Orthodox monastery of St. George Selinaris. Take photos at scenic Elounda Bay. Free time in Ayios Nikolaos. ITEA (DELPHI) ITEA (DELPHI) DELPHI EXCURSION (4 hr.): Delphi is located on the slope of Mount Parnassus. Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo to see the Temple of Apollo, the theater, the treasury buildings, and the Sacred Way. Visit the Archaeological Museum. There’s usually a short stop at Castalian Spring. KATAKOLON (OLYMPIA) See chapter 8 for complete sightseeing information. EXCURSION TO OLYMPIA (4 hr.): Visit the site of the original Olympic Games, held from 776 B.C. to A.D. 393. See the Temple of Hera, in front of which burns the Olympic Flame; the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the gold-and-ivory statue of Zeus that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; and the original stadium and bouleuterion, where Olympic competitors swore an oath to conform to the rules of the games. Visit the famous Archaeological Museum of Olympia to see the marble statue of the Temple of Zeus and the statue of Hermes. Also included is a short stop in the town of Olympia. MYKONOS (& DELOS) DELOS APOLLO SANCTUARY (3–41⁄2 hr.): Travel by small boat from Mykonos harbor to Delos for a 2-hour guided walking tour of the tiny island that was once the religious and commercial hub of the Aegean, but now is home only to ancient ruins and their caretakers. View the Agora; the Sacred Way, which leads to the Sanctuary of Apollo; and the Terrace of the Lions, where marble beasts from the 7th century B.C. guard the now-dry Sacred Lake. View the remains of the Maritime Quarter with its harbors, water houses, and villas (including the House of Cleopatra) and the renowned mosaic floors in the House of the Masks and the House of Dionysos. Also visit the Archaeological Museum (if it’s open). NAFPLION PALAMIDI CASTLE & MYCENAE (4 hr.): Visit the area ruled by Agamemnon. Visit the Palamidi Castle, which was built by Venetians and seized by the Turks. The path up consists of nearly a thousand steps (motor coaches can drive up to the gate). At Mycenae, you walk through the Lion Gate to view the ruins, which will remind you of Homer’s Iliad. EPIDAURUS & PALAMIDI CASTLE (4 hr.): See the countryside as you travel to Epidaurus, the town dedicated to Asklepios, god of healing. Visit the 4th-century B.C. theater with its remarkable acoustics. On the way back, stop by Palamidi Castle, located on a hill above Nafplion. COMBO TOUR OF EPIDAURUS & MYCENAE (5–7 hr.): Includes lunch at a traditional restaurant. ANCIENT CORINTH (4 hr.): Visit the ancient city where the most impressive relic is the 6th-century B.C. Doric temple of Apollo. You can also view the canal from 60m (200 ft.) up on the bridge that straddles the waterway. PATMOS THE MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN & CAVE OF THE APOCALYPSE (21⁄2–4 hr.): Depart the Port of Skala and travel by bus to the village of Hora and the 900-year-old Monastery of St. John. Visit the main church and view the ecclesiastical treasures in the museum. Continue on by bus to the nearby Cave of the Apocalypse to see the silver niches in the wall that mark the pillow and ledge used as a desk by the author of the Book of Revelation and the crack made by the Voice of God. Longer tours may include a visit to the 300-year-old Simandris House, which boasts a rich collection on antiques, and a stop for a wine tasting at a local taverna. EXPLORATION OF HORA (31⁄2 hr.): Depart the port of Skala by bus to visit the Cave of the Apocalypse (see above). Walk uphill to Hora, where you will visit Plateia Xanthos, which houses the City Hall and the bust of Emmanuel Xanthos, one of the Greek independence leaders of 1821. Also visit Symantiri House, a typical Patmian Mansion, and the historical chapel and museum of the Monastery of St. John. The trip includes a visit to a local tavern to sample mezedes (Greek hors d’oeuvres) and ouzo, and to be entertained by local musicians. PIRAEUS/ATHENS ATHENS CITY TOUR (31⁄2–4 hr.): Includes a guided tour of the Acropolis, Athens’s most prominent historical and architectural site; a drive past other Athens highlights, including Constitution Square, the Parliament, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and Olympic Stadium; and time for souvenir shopping in the Plaka. A full-day city tour (81⁄2–9 hr.) also includes a visit to the National Archeological Museum and sometimes a stop at the Temple of Poseidon, located high on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. ATHENS, THE ACROPOLIS & THE CORINTH CANAL (2 hr.): Visit the Acropolis and, by bus, tour past other sights in Athens, then take the highway from Athens to the Corinth Canal (about 96km/60 miles) for views of the canal and to visit Ancient Corinth, once a grand city with a forum larger than that of Rome. Also visit the Corinth Museum. A DAY TOUR OF DELPHI (9–10 hr.): If you’ve been to Athens before or just aren’t into big cities and crowds, you may want to try this full-day trip to one of the great sights of antiquity. The tour visits the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, located in a stunning setting on the slope of Mount Parnassus. Lunch is included. RHODES RHODES & LINDOS COMBINED (4–41⁄2 hr.): Travel by bus through the scenic countryside to Lindos, an important city in ancient times. At Lindos, view the medieval walls, which were constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century. Walk or take a donkey up to the ancient Acropolis, where there are ruins and great views—and, of course, souvenir shops on the way (unfortunately, this site can get extremely crowded, especially during July and August). The trip may include a walking tour of Old Town Rhodes (see description below), a stop at a workshop selling Rhodian ceramics, and/or a visit to Mount Smith to view the ruins of ancient Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo, and Diagoras Stadium. LINDOS WITH LUNCH BY THE BEACH (71⁄2–8 hr.): Drive to Lindos and explore the city (see above). Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant or other scenic location. Return to Rhodes, driving along the walls of the medieval city and stopping at Port d’Amboise for a walk through Old Town. View the Palace of the Knights and the medieval houses, as well as the Hospital of the Knights of St. John. The tour may stop at a ceramics workshop to see how Rhodian ceramics are made. SANTORINI (THIRA) AKROTIRI EXCAVATIONS & FIRA TOWN(3 hr.€): Visit Akrotiri, an excavation site that dates back to the 2nd millennium B.C. See pottery, twoand three-story houses, and a variety of rooms, all 3,600 years old. Visit Fira, perched on the caldera rim, and take a stroll through town. Take a cable car ride or mule back down the slope to your ship. VOLOS THE MONASTERIES OF THE METEORA (9 hr.): Visit the Meteora, where incredible granite rocks soaring hundreds of feet in the air served as a refuge for medieval monks. Originally, the only way to get to the site was via net baskets operated by rope pulley, but now a road leads close to the base of the site, and many steps have been cut into the stone, leading to the top. You’ll visit monastic buildings that contain Byzantine artifacts, icons, and wall paintings, and enjoy sweeping views of the low plains and neighboring monasteries. Shopping time is offered in Kalambaka, and lunch at a local hotel is included. VOLOS & MAKRINITSA VILLAGE (31⁄2 hr.): Visit the Volos Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of ancient treasures. Also visit Makrinitsa village, located on the slopes of Mount Pelion. The narrow cobblestone streets are filled with small shops selling candied fruit, herbs, spices, and the like. The village square offers a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. Free time to shop is also included. In addition, some tours visit Portoria, a resort village located high above sea level, and offering stunning views of the Aegean below.
Saily
Comment it! -
Purchasing a Trailer for Your Boat.
Friday, 15th February 2008 17:32PM If you are lucky enough to own your own boat, you also need a trailer on which to haul it from place to place. Your boat trailer can also serve as a great place to safely store your boat as well. If you store your boat on your trailer, when you get ready to take your boat out, all you have to do is hook your trailer to your truck and take off. Boats can be expensive, but when shopping for your boat, you should be careful not to spend all of your resources, as you will need enough money left over for purchasing a trailer for your boat as well. You can find boat trailers for decent prices, if you know what you should be looking for. The first thing you should look at when purchasing a trailer for your boat is the maximum amount of weight the trailer is able to carry. Your trailer not only needs to be able to support the weight of your boat, but any gear that you may need to carry, and of course, the boat motor as well. You will need to have a good idea of how much your boat weighs before going shopping for your trailer, so that you make certain you find a trailer that you can actually use. Once you find a trailer that can hold the weight you need, the next thing you need to look at is the wheels and tire that are on the trailer. If you get a larger tire, they typically lass longer, as they don’t rotate as many times as smaller tires. This will also help ensure that the wheel bearings last longer as well. To make using your boat and trailer more convenient, you should look for one that has a drive on feature. This way, you will be able to drive your boat directly onto the trailer, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time winching the boat up. Make certain that the lights on the trailer are approved for highway use, and that they are also sealed well, which will prevent water from building inside, causing the lights to burn out. Try to pick a boat trailer that is designed to be rust and weather resistant, which will help further protect your investment. Rust can really eat away at your trailer, which can eat away at your investment value. If you plan to do a lot of traveling with your boat, it would be a good idea to purchase a spare trailer tire as well. This can save you a lot of time and money when you travel.
peter
Comment it! -
Shopping for a Used Boat.
Friday, 15th February 2008 17:31PM We would all love to have the kind of money to spare that we could just go lay down for a brand new boat, but in reality, few of us have that kind of cash to toss around. If you are on a fairly tight budget, but have enough to spend on a boat, you may be better served by purchasing a used boat. When purchasing a boat one of the things you should consider is how long you intend on keeping your boat. If you feel that you plan on keeping your boat indefinitely and consider the purchase a smart investment, then you should consider buying it new. If you are not really sure whether or not you will be able to keep the boat indefinitely, then you should simply buy a used boat instead of opting for the new one. Your plans for the future a well as your family budget play a large role in making purchases which are considered a major purchase, and this also includes boats. Some people who decide to purchase a boat do it for more than just the obvious recreational opportunities. Boats are sometimes used as status symbols. For those individuals who are purchasing a boat just for the social status are also the same people who would never want to buy a used boat. For these folks, the fact that the boat is used would mean the boat would be less of a boon to their social status. Some boaters even go so far as to purchase a boat which is actually above their financial means just so they can enjoy the boost up the social ladder. Deciding whether you should buy a new or used boat is a personal decision. By determining exactly what your boat will be used for will give you a clear indicator on which way to go between the new and used models. The biggest con about purchasing a new boat is the fact that new boats lose about half of their original value within two years of being purchased. This fact can either be a big turnoff for new boat owners, or it can be a positive reinforcement for the argument to buy a used boat. The majority of used boats are actually not used much as people would think they are. Most boats do more sitting than actually boating. Boats differ from other recreational vehicles in that most people do not have the time to go boating very often. Boats are driven far much less than cars, so most used boats have actually been used under a couple of hundred hours. Used boats also have the advantage of being used enough to find any manufacture defects which could possibly show up after purchase. This means that you will get to skip on any repairs that would have been needed early on. Used boats will also come with the imperfections of being used, which means it will have it’s own character in the form of tiny dings and scratches, which will allow you the conscious freedom of knowing you can enjoy your boat without the worry of putting in the first ding or scratch. The one thing that you need to do before you put your money down on a used boat is to make sure that the owner took care of the boat by doing all the required preventative maintenance that they should have.
peter
Comment it! -
The True Costs of Owning Your Very Own Boat.
Friday, 15th February 2008 17:31PM When most people think of buying their own boat, they do not figure in all the costs which are associated with true boat ownership. Everyone knows that different size and makes of boats will vary in price range. The initial cost of a boat can be negotiated with the dealer, which usually results in a nice boat with a monthly payment which is comparable to the payments made on a car. As with purchasing a car, you should always do your research and visit several dealers before committing to the deal. If you are like most individuals, you will need financing for your new boat. Luckily, boat loans have become much easier to qualify for within the last few months. Boat loans have also become more flexible in their terms as well, which is also good for the consumer. If you have ever financed a car, then you will most likely be comfortable with the process of purchasing your new boat. One of the best ways to get a good rate on your boat loan is to research boat loan rates online. One of the hidden costs of purchasing your new boat is the addition of accessories. You must know ahead of time what type of equipment is standard equipment on the make and model of boat that you are buying. With this knowledge in hand, you will be certain not to spend your hard earned cash on something that you should not have to pay for in the first place. By making sure you get the right accessories at the initial point of purchase, you will be able to enjoy your new boat right away without having to have extras fitted later. By doing this you will get out on the water enjoying yourself sooner, and also get the proper marine electronics right from the onset. Although the process of buying a boat is similar to that of buying a car, the operating cost of a boat differs greatly from that of a car. This is because of the method in which a boat is used. Unlike cars, boats do not have their engines running the entire time it is being used. The engine on a boat is only used when the boat is in motion. Boaters that like to fish will not use the boat engine very much at all, as they cut the engine once they get to the place where they would like to fish. This is true for those who like to use boats when they go swimming. As a matter of fact, most recreational boats will not use fifty gallons of gas in one boating season. You must also factor the cost of boat insurance with your operating costs. By doing your homework before choosing a policy, you will be able to save money on your boat insurance.
peter
Comment it!
Pages: 1 2 » / Entries: Blog
Tip of the Day
How to Tie a Cleat Knot
sophie
Friday, 9 May 2008 12:24PM Rope, knots, and Yachting gohand in hand. Whether tying
an anchor to a line or tying
up a boat to a dock, the wrong
knot will lead to trouble
and...
Boating Charter
sophie
Thursday, 8 May 2008 17:04PM If you don’t own aboat, but are yearning to
experience a boating vacation,
a boating charter is the way
for you to go. You can
charter a...