Archive for the ‘General Boating & Maintenance Tips’ Category
Boat Anchors 101: Comparing The Different Types of Anchors
Anchoring is a crucial step in recreational and commercial boating, as it allows the operator to park his or her boat in the water. Without the weight of an anchor holding the boat in place, the water current could send the boat crashing into nearby rocks, vessels, or swimmers. But it takes more than just […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pontoon Boats
Are you thinking about purchasing a pontoon boat? There’s no denying the fact that pontoon boats have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years. Their unique dual (or triple) pontoon design offers a fresh alternative to traditional boating. It’s an otherwise simple concept that’s really changed the face of modern-day boating. Origins of The […]
How To Improve Your Boat’s Gas Mileage
The rising cost of gas has forced many boat owners to reduce the amount of time they spend on the water. In 1998, the average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. was just $1.02, and as some of you may recall, the general public was outraged by seeing gas tip over the […]
Tactics For Boating In Shallow Waters
Shallow waters create a serious hazard for boaters. Gunning the motor in an attempt to thrust over the shallow area may result in the propeller hitting the bottom, which can damage or even destroy it. Without a working propeller, your boat will be dead in the water. So, how can you safely navigate through shallow […]
Boating With Fido: Tips For Taking Your Dog Boating
From small breeds like the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, to large breeds like the Mastiff and Great Dane, all dogs are born with a natural attraction to the water. Most will eagerly jump in a lake or pool and start swimming when given the opportunity. Before you head out on the boat with your furry […]
How To Protect Vinyl Boat Seats From Sun Damage
Vinyl is a durable, waterproof material that’s frequently used in the production of boat seats. Like most synthetics, however, it’s susceptible to the damage when exposed to sunlight over long periods of time. It’s not something that happens overnight, but years of exposure will gradually eat away at the vinyl boat seats, causing them to […]
Tips For Boating Through ‘No Wake’ Zones
No wake zones are typically set up around docks, boat launching ramps, beaches, piers, bridges and recreational areas to protect the public against injury and, in some cases, to protect sensitive wildlife and ecosystems. Just as their name suggests, no wake zones prohibit boat operators from producing wakes. While this definition may sound simple enough, […]
5 Steps To a Safe Boating Experience
According to public data released by the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,062 recreational boating accidents reported in 2013, causing 2,620 injuries, 560 deaths, and $29 million worth of property damage (source). Unfortunately, many people overlook the fundamentals of safety when operating a boat. Whether you’re going fishing, skiing, or simply enjoying a summer afternoon […]
Winterization of Mercruiser Inboard & Sterndrive Engines
With winter coming, winterization of your MerCruiser® inboard boat engine is extremely important. But, before you get started, we really can’t understate the importance of knowing more about it, especially if you are a die-hard do-it-yourselfer. Winterization of MerCruiser® Inboard Engines Service Manual – It’s highly recommended that you have a factory service manual handy to locate all the drain […]
How to Freeze Protect a Mercruiser 4.3L MPI Alpha Sterndrive Marine Engine
Do you have a Mercruiser 4.3L MPI Engine? Have you winterized it yet? This video will walk you through the steps necessary to prevent freeze damage from ruining your next boating season. Mercruiser varies from other marine manufacturers in that they offer several different draining systems on their engines. As with all boat models the […]