Youngsters in the 4-16 age range can learn how to fish with Captain Don Dingman, presenter of children’s television show, Hook the Future. They also get the opportunity to do some face painting. Southampton Show is the big event on the calendar of ship shows in Britain. The event in September of 2007 was a major success and offered a multitude of activities and the chance to explore the beautiful pier. One of the highlights was the appearance of the HMS Bounty, a reproduction pirate ship that latterly featured in the film, Pirates of the Caribbean: World’s End. There had been a Chinese theme at the show, to honor the then approaching Olympics in Beijing. Visitors could try out Chinese food and see fireworks displays, self-defense skills weapons and lion dancers. Trips on power boats and yachts were very fashionable as were the displays by the Coastguards and the Royal National Life-Boat Institution, or RNLI. There had been also teaching from scuba swimming instructors. The posh end of the sailing market is seen in the elegance of Monte Carlo at the Monaco Show. This is the only one of the ship shows to completely show superyachts at least twenty-five meters long! Many manufacturers like to premier their latest vessels at this sparkling event.

The planet’s most illustrious shipyards, naval designers and interior designers are represented here. The September 2007 show continued the custom of on-board drinks parties and other social functions, while helping the patrons learn how to choose a new or used boat or yacht.

Industry members and members of the general public both enjoy all of the high class conveniences the area is known for.

The Sydney Show is another jewel in the crown of global ship shows, set in its attractive pier and comprising a considerable number of thrilling events. The August 2007 show featured a superboat race, offshore power racing and the World Water-Skiing Championship. There were workshops on sailing for amateurs and the more advanced, including tips on sailing thru stormy weather.

Boat shows can be fun for the whole family, whether you’re into boating or just a spectator!

The planning of the transportation from one destination to another is the most difficult part of the process. There are many state requirements and Federal DOT regulations that govern transporting the oversized vessels or boat on a trailer, and finding a company that understands the requirements and has the experience and licenses is essential.

There are different types of hauling for different types of water vessels such as the following:

Yacht transportation and hauling: Often times with yacht shipping there are issues such as height issues to content with. The yachts must be logistically transported from one destination to another. With this type of yacht shipping, it is important to have an experienced hauler to insure the safety of the haul.

Boat transportation and hauling: Boat hauling is a very specialized area of transportation and choosing the right company is a major decision. Choosing a company that not only is well-qualified and experienced but one that has high standards in customer service is essential.

Sailboat Transportation and hauling: With sailboat transportation and hauling, there are specific considerations to take into account. The weight of the sailboat must be distributed properly. With the sailboat there is the consideration of above deck equipment, spars and rigging that must be seen to when being loaded. It is vital to have a boat hauling company that is aware and understands the various considerations and takes the additional time to load the sailboat and its equipment properly.

Powerboat transportation and hauling: Powerboats come in all different hull shapes and sizes. Whether a sport fisher, a trawler, or a cigarette style caf

Motorboats with open cockpits had the highest number of casualties with 353 deaths and 1669 injuries. Personal watercraft was second, with 45 deaths and 920 injuries. The causes of death were drowning and trauma, which were the bulk of the causes of injury and death at almost 90 percent. Of that 90 percent, only one in ten was wearing an approved flotation device.

What follows below is a compilation of the top five causes of water-related accidents from the same period studied – 2008 — with observations of how they are caused and how they may be corrected.

Careless or reckless operation is accountable for 492 accidents, 32 deaths and 390 injuries. Boating is a leisure activity, so boaters somehow believe safety is something that occurs during regular working hours and not on the weekends or on vacation. Nothing could be further from the truth. A watercraft, like a car or truck, is a weapon in the irresponsible hands. Boaters should realize that lucid, non-impaired operation is the only way to keep passengers safe.

Operator inattention caused 488 accidents, 28 deaths and 329 injuries. Like the above item, inattention is potentially deadly. Because the operator wants to relax and may be in a relaxing situation, it doesn’t change the fact that the situation is potentially dangerous and needs diligent control.

No proper spotter or lookout was responsible for 430 accidents, 24 deaths and 331 injuries. Again, same basic issue: lack of diligence in an apparent leisure situation. The spotter needs the same sense of responsibility the pilot has; he is the second set of eyes, should the pilot miss a hazard. If the spotter, in the case of a skiing accident, or a lookout in the case of mooring the boat becomes inattentive, accidents can and do occur.

Operator inexperience was the biggest factor in 429 accidents, 40 deaths and 315 injuries. As attentive as one can be, inexperience is a major factor in watercraft accidents. Most feel they will simply learn on the water. But with the preponderance of evidence suggesting it’s a huge responsibility, every effort should be made to take training course before leaving shore to ensure a safe outing.

Passenger recklessness was the cause of 383 accidents, 57 deaths and 335 injuries. Finally, those aboard the watercraft put themselves in harm’s way by being reckless while on the vessel. Jumping off while at speed, climbing where they shouldn’t, overloading, are all problems that may be prohibited by the pilot, but which are still undertaken by passengers. As a passenger, stay seated and use flotation devises; as the pilot of the craft, keep order.

There are other accidents – such as grounding, being struck by a propeller, hitting a submerged object or grounding – but all of them will be mitigated by following common safety rules.

The Doan Law Firm is a firm helping the victims of personal injury accidents fight for the financial compensation they deserve in Houston, Texas. With a dedicated legal team and years of experience, they are able to offer comprehensive legal support no matter if their clients have suffered from a serious injury, a car accident, a trucking accident or others. They are completely devoted to client success and will stop at nothing in their efforts to bring aggressive aid to the victims of these accidents. If you have recently been in an accident such as this and would like to learn more about the firm, please visit: http://www.houstonautoaccidentslawyer.com.

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Buying a boat will provide you with all of the above and more. Imagine setting out in the early morning, boat in tow, headed for your favourite spot of heaven, be it a river, a dam, a lake, an ocean. Or perhaps you live close enough to all four choices, giving you the opportunity to experience a completely different adventure every weekend. Whichever it is, you can be sure everyone will be excited to get there. Perhaps you’re going to be fishing that weekend with your sons or your dad. Or perhaps you’re looking forward to a more strenuous activity such as waterskiing with your friends. Or maybe you’re taking your partner off for a couple of days of leisurely cruising, both of you impatient to spend some special time together, enjoying the scenery and each other.

Before you buy a boat

Once you’ve come to the decision to enhance your life by buying a boat, there are several considerations you must make, for instance, what your primary interest is in buying a boat.

Is it purely to spend quality time with your family, or are you wanting a party boat for wild celebrations?

• Do you want to do freshwater fishing or is fishing the ocean your passion?
• Is your dream to enjoy a lot of activities such as waterskiing and wake-boarding, or even scuba diving or do you just want to sit back and drift quietly along?

Of course, with each consideration, you must think about the ideal size of the boat you would want. Is it a boat large enough to hold 50 partying guests or perhaps your very large extended family? Or would a small boat be ideal for your family of four? Would you like a boat with a rooftop deck or prefer a sleek design that will impress your business contacts?

There are so many different boating options to choose from, from very specialized boats such as sportfishing boats and high performance racing boats to houseboats and even inflatable boats. An important question to ask yourself is whether you’re more interested in motorized boating or would prefer a wind-powered boat such as a yacht.

Of course, there are also many all-purpose boats, being perfect for both fishing expeditions as well as other more energetic pursuits such as waterskiing.

A Pontoon boat is one such craft, with lots of lounging room for guests on a serene cruise, or add an outboard motor and you’re set for all the watersporting activities you can dream of.

There is a lot to think about and discuss with your family or friends before buying a boat, but rest assured that whatever boat you decide to purchase, the memories you create on your weekends away will be memories held dear for a lifetime. You will also have created a legacy of healthy, happy, wholesome family times that your children will want their own children to experience.

Find out about the versatile family vessel that offers everything, namely the pontoon boat. Get information and tips by visiting www.pontoon-boat-seats.org.

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Space

If you come from a regular suburban house and move to a boat, one thing you will immediately notice is the sudden shrinkage of living space. Your bedroom is your living room, your kitchen, and your dining room.

Of course, we are talking about the regular boat, which normally doesn’t even have space enough for a bathtub. We are not talking about those floating mansions that have their own swimming pools.

When you live in a boat, expect to lose privacy and gain intimacy. After all, if you and your spouse fight (presuming that you have a spouse and that you actually managed to convince him or her to live in that boat with you), there is hardly any place for either of you to walk out from each other, so you have to resolve your issues no matter what.

If you have children living in the boat, you will very seldom have to worry where they are. Where could they possibly go? They will be under your eye all the time. You will always know what they are up to.

You should have guessed by now that it is unlikely that you and your spouse will have your own bedroom, away from the children. What will it do to your “marital relations”? It will make you more creative, that’s for sure. Believe it or not, second children have in fact been conceived on a boat.

Utilities

When you’re on a boat, everything is limited – water supply, power supply, even refrigerator space and closet space – so you learn to consume less.

Many boats get their electricity from the marina. This is all well and good as long as you are docked, but if you want to go cruising, you need an alternative source of power.

As long as your boat engine is running, you could use an inverter or an alternator. When you turn your engine off, you’ll probably need a diesel- or petrol-powered generator. Some boats have solar panels, but these are often good only for small devices such as light bulbs and laptops.

Motor-powered appliances such as washing machines are best avoided. You could get hand-powered washing machines instead. When worse comes to worst, you want to reserve your electricity for powering your heaters and lights.

Safety

One thing you should always remember when you live on a boat: you are surrounded by danger all the time.

If children live on the boat with you, you should teach them how to swim as soon as they are ready. Whether or not they know how to swim, it is best to equip them with devices that will sound an alarm if they fall into the water.

Never, never get drunk while you are on a boat. People have drowned that way. It is one thing to trip or lose consciousness on dry land; if you are drunk and fall into the water, you are most likely a goner.

Keep your boat protected as well. If land-based homes need insurance, water-based homes need it even more because the weather in the ocean is much less predictable and much more destructive. Before you ever set sail, make sure you have proper yacht insurance.

When you’re living on a boat, nothing should ever be taken for granted. That is this lifestyle’s challenge – and that is its gift as well.

Velos insurance Marine Insurance Specilaists.

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Pontoon boats are flat bottomed boats that are distinct from normal boats in that they have a flat deck on-top of cylindrical pontoons for floatation. Pontoon boats are cheap to build due to their simple design, however these boat types tend to suffer from what is known as the “pontoon effect”, whereby the have an inclination to topple when a large sideways force is applied. While certain pontoon manufacturers get around this problem by adding a third, heavier pontoon in the middle to lower the center of gravity, Pontoons are generally “fair weather vessels that should not be taken out in rough weather.

However for a lazy cruise on a bright sunny day, pontoon boats are the ideal way to enjoy the water, whether with your family and friends or on fishing trips, or just lazy cruises out on your own. There are a wide variety of pontoon boat types available, from leisure cruisers to fishing boats, to sports vessels. Pontoons are also a preferred vessel for permanent ferries and utility vessels, with a flat bottom pontoons are perfect in shallow water, as they are less prone to running aground than is the case with a normal boat.

If you are good with tools and own a shed, then fixing up a second hand vessel, can be a rewarding weekend project and because they are essentially a simple vessel, it is not inconceivable to build your new pontoon boat from scratch if you have the time, dedication and patience to do so.

If you are strapped for cash and can’t afford a regular boat, then there is certainly a much more affordable market in pontoons. With hundreds of different pontoon boat types to choose from, you are guaranteed to find an equivalent pontoon, not mater what type of boat you are seeking. As you sit back on your padded seat, sipping lemonade and taking in the welcoming summer sun over the deep blue horizon, it’s where thousands of boat lovers all over the country will surely be in the summer months.

For more information on finding used pontoon boats as well as FREE articles a wide range of topics relating to the outdoors, from off road buggies to outdoor ceiling lights, follow the links to visit our website for these topics and more.

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There are literally hundreds of small, inexpensive used sailboats on the market all across the U.S. In my “resources” section, I have listed Internet links to several websites where you can search for used sailboats. Most of the websites for sailboat owners have listings of boats for sale, as well as lots of fascinating information about the boats, repair issues, how to improve performance, and social events for members.

I recently visited a website with boats for sale and did a search for sailboats priced under $2,500. There were more than two dozen boats for sale, most of them with trailers. There are many more websites with boat classifieds that you can check into. Craigslist is also a place where people sell boats, so take a look there as well.

What are the top candidates for “sailing on a budget”? This is my personal list. It should get you pointed in the right direction. In the Resources section on this page, I list several owners associations and sailboat companies where you can find more detailed information.

O’Day Daysailor – This is the boat that I own and I love it! (Can you tell???) There are several versions of the daysailer, but they are all 16’9″ long and 6’3″ wide. They are easy to sail, fit nicely on a trailer, and can really take off in a strong wind. Perhaps I am just lucky, but I find this boat very stable. I have yet to capsize!

O’Day Mariner — The Mariner is about a foot longer than its Daysailer sister and is 7′ wide. Below you can find a short video of a Mariner sailing.

MacGregor Weekender 21 — This is a small, trailerable boat with a big feel. It has a cabin that can sleep up to four people and is known as a very stable ship.

Com-Pac 16/19 Daysailer — I seriously considered buying a Com-Pac before eventually purchasing the O’Day Daysailer. Com-Pacs are classic-looking boats that have endured very well over several decades. They are still in production.

Catalina 22 Pop-Top — Catalinas are like the Chevrolets of the sailing crowd. Although newer and larger ships can cost more than your house, there is a plentiful supply of sea-worthy older boats that are on the used boat market. The Catalina 22 in various configurations is one of the most popular. The “pop-top” means that the “ceiling” or top for the enclosed cabin can be pushed up to provide more headroom down below.

Catalina Capri 14.2 — At just over 14′, the Capri is somewhat smaller than the other daysailer boats featured here. It is a good choice, however, for someone who does not need a cabin and who wants to buy something a little newer. If you’re interested in sailboat racing, there are numerous fleets of boats around the country that organize races for this class of boat.

Hunter 25 Daysailer – The Hunter is a bit larger and more expensive than most of the boats listed here, but you can find older sailboats that will fit your budget. At 25′ long they are trailerable boats with large cabins. There are several other smaller Hunter sailboats that are worth researching online such as the Hunter 22.

West Wight Potter 15 — I love just looking at Potters! They are a little ungainly in design, sit high in the water, and probably remind some people (me) of a floating bathtub with sails. But take another look and they might even seem cute! They are incredibly practical boats and offer a great deal of space and sailing fun for their size. It even has a small cabin below. Potter also makes a larger model, the Potter 19.

Learn how you can sail on a budget and visit http://www.squidoo.com/sailing-on-a-budget. Along with great advice on how to make your sailing dream come true, you’ll also find helpful Internet links and reading suggestions. Already a sailor? Show your support for this incredible sport at http://www.cafepress.com/driveasailboat

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Marine 316 stainless steel is the standard “marine grade stainless steel” with excellent weldability. Marine tubular fabrications like bulwarks and handrails have to fastened to decks and cabins in a manner to avoid structural degradation with time due to corrosion and stress. The correct method of fastening the stanchions, pulpits, and other handholds and lifelines to the deck and superstructure of the boat has to be subject to a means of checking their condition.

All of these vitally important stainless steel boat fittings should be bolted through the hull. Fibreglass hulls should be reinforced with load spreading plates beneath the fittings to help to brace the anchorage point against sudden severe loads.

All fastenings should be designed and fitted with the safety of the crew in mind, and should be strong enough to support the weight of the heaviest crew member. They should be included in the list of deck fittings to be inspected regularly, and tested annually.

Handholds

Handholds should be bolted through the deck or cabin-side, with load distributing pressure pads fitted where necessary. Pressure pads, washers, and outside flange fittings should be bedded in sealing compound. Bolts should be free from corrosion and drawn up tight.

For testing handholds should be tugged away from the anchorage point and rocked sideways. Slight give is likely. Excessive movement should be corrected by tightening bolts or renewing compound. Evidence of cracking at the bolt holes in a fibreglass skin should be noted, and larger load spreading plates fitted.

Wooden handholds must be bolted and bedded in sealing compound, with pressure pads fitted where necessary.

Handles should be inspected for splitting. Discard split or broken handholds, and make and fit new ones. Smooth rough edges with a rasp and sandpaper. Finish with varnish.

Corrosion in the bolt fastenings is common with wooden handholds. Withdraw and inspect a sample bolt at the end of each season.

Guard rails

Stanchions should be substantial, and spaced not more than 7 feet (213 cm) apart. Anchorage plates must be throughbolted to the deck, or to the deck and hull, with load spreading plates where necessary. Fibreglass decks should be protected with a pressure pad beneath the anchorage point where the base flange is less than 2 inches by 3 inches (50 by 75 mm). Anchorage plates should rest on a bedding of flexible compound that will prevent water penetrating the hull and corroding the bolts. Withdraw sample bolts annually. Corrosion of galvanized bolts is easy to assess. Marine 316 stainless steel bolts should be held by the head in a vice and bent, to check for crevice corrosion.

Drain holes in the bottom of an anchorage point should be clear. Welding should be inspected for fracturing and cracking. Clevis pins or bolts should be fitted to hold the stanchion in the anchorage plate. All must be made of compatible metals, with no excessive corrosion. Stanchions should be straight and free from corrosion – look particularly carefully at the point where it rests against the top of the anchorage plate. Apertures to hold the lifelines should be smooth and bushed if necessary, so that wires are not kinked or worn.

Stanchions should be designed to withstand severe and suddenly applied loads. Test them when you have the opportunity to repair or reinforce them. Pull the top of the stanchion inwards, and press it outwards with your foot. Check for flexing and cracking at the anchorage point, and for evidence of loose fastenings at the deck.

Pulpits

Pulpits should be anchored to the deck with bolts and load spreading plates wherever necessary. Inspect the condition of the anchorage plates, and check for bends in the pulpit tubing. Evidence of collision damage should prompt inspection of the welds and anchorage points. Check the condition and suitability of the fairleads and anchor cable fittings on the foredeck. These should be designed to prevent the cable jumping out of the fairlead and pulling against the pulpit supports.

Lifelines

Just as with marine tubular fabrications, check for fatigue and corrosion. Plastic-coated or stainless steel wire is just as likely to be weakened as galvanized wire. Check particularly the point where the wires pass through the stanchions. Tensioning screws should be in line with the wires, and wired up or locked to prevent them from unscrewing. Shackles should be wired, and cotter pins held with a split pin or clip. Lanyard tensioning lashings should be tight, and in good condition. Test wires by forcing them down towards the deck. Apply downwards pressure midway between stanchions.

boatpartsdatabase.com has lots of resources for the boating trade and public alike. The web is a vast source of information. Boatpartsdatabase collects the leisure marine industry into one huge database of contacts. Marine 316 stainless steel and who works with it, is just one example.

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When researching small boat anchors, you will likely stumble across information on the “Bruce Anchor”, which is commonly referred to as “The Claw”. While this model was first introduced in the 1970s by a man named Peter Bruce, they remain to be quite popular in today’s world. This type of anchor is mostly used by those that pass over sea beds and face the challenges of contending with changing tides and even quick changes of the wind. Unfortunately, due to their claw-like shape, they are not quite as effective in regions that have grassy bottoms or a lot of weeds. These boat anchors simply align a small water vessel with the forces that surround it in order to provide a fairly reasonable amount of reliability.

When shopping for small boat anchors, you will find that the anchor identified as the “Mushroom Anchor” is popular among many. These types of boat anchors are shaped in the same manner as standard mushrooms found in the wild. While these are typically sold for large scale boats, there are many that may be used for small water craft. These types of anchors are highly suitable for regions that have bottoms that are relatively soft. When they hit the bottom, a strong suction is formed so that the boat is held in place. If you are in search of an effective anchor that will provide a high level of reliability, you will likely be quite pleased with this particular model.

If you are looking for simple to use and highly durable small boat anchors, you may find the one that is identified as the “Plow” to be suitable for your boating needs. When looking at this anchor, you will find that the design resembles that of a traditional farm plow. This is an excellent option for individuals that desire to have an anchor that has the capability of successfully holding a boat in place in a variety of bottoms. These anchors are considered to be highly versatile and are highly sought after. When shopping for small boat anchors, it is absolutely imperative to ensure that you consider the length and width of the boat that it will be used with as well as the weight. By doing so, you will a model that will be productive to your needs.

Nicole Roberts
At BoatOnARope, you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality small boat anchors.

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The Torqeedo motors are among the best electric outboard motors available. The 1003 models are superior to other models due to being stronger, tougher, more durable and smarter than other past models of this type of motor part. This version of Torqeedo electric motors is the latest version that is also the most efficient and robust of the Torqeedo models. They are arguably the best form of outboards on the market. These Torqeedo models are also legitimate propulsion systems that are best suited for tenders, dinghies, and day sailors. A Torqeedo 1003 model contains a 3hp output and a lithium battery which allows for users to have a quiet, clean and low maintenance electric outboard for their motor needs.

Torqeedo electric L 1003 outboards have more horsepower, more highly efficient battery capacity and state of the art technology. This state of the art technology includes a GPS navigation system and range calculation. In comparison to modern 4 stroke outboards, Torqeedo electric motors are a more economical solution and are also environmentally safe. With the Torqeedo 1003 L electric outboard there are no oil changes required, along with the ability for the outboard to survive complete submersion and its ability to be used on protected waters with a ban on regular gasoline outboards, which makes this a more convenient option for users as well.

These types of electric outboards of course contain many distinct features. The features that are included are a charger, a choice of having a short shaft or long shaft version, a 400 Wh LIMA high performance battery and a 520 Wh Li-Ion high performance battery for the 2011 versions. Other features include a 1000 watt input power, 480 watts of propulsive power, 3hp gas outboards, a 48% maximum overall efficiency and 68 pounds of static thrust. Its rated voltage is 29.6, final voltage 33.6 and its total weight is 29.5 lbs, along with the weight of the integrated battery being 9.9 lbs and the motor weight without the battery being 19.6 lbs. The motor also provides Tiller control, 180 degree lockable steering, a manual with grounding protection tilting device, a manual 4 step trim device and it contains stepless forward/reverse drive.

With all of these features and benefits, the Torqeedo Electric Outboard motor is a great option for many vehicles and is suitable to meet the needs of the vehicle’s users. It’s efficient, robust and environmentally safe, making it among the better brand of electric motors. This is a great type of motor that will be very beneficial in the future as well as the present.

Fishing and boating enthusiasts should make an informed decision about Torqueedo Motors. Also make sure to visit my site about Electric Outboard Motors.

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