Boating Blog

Anyone owning a yacht knows that apart from the cost of purchase, annual ongoing fees for moorings, repairs and general upkeep are considerable. Add to that the, in some cases, significant depreciation and one can understand why for most people, the option of chartering remains the only viable way to spend time afloat. Rates vary according to the size and specification but, spread amongst a few friends, a weekend aboard a bang up to date yacht, fully loaded with the latest equipment all ready for you to step aboard, can be enjoyed for less than the cost of a new set of oilskins.

Whilst boats can be had all over the UK is isn’t hard to understand why Solent yacht charter remains so popular. Still the Mecca for yacht enthusiasts, this area of the south coast has so much to offer. Cowes may be the epicentre but nearby, other, more serene moorings can be found that still offer superb cruising options for the charter skipper. Bucklers Hard on the Beaulieu River is only some 45 minutes upstream from Cowes and here you will enjoy a less frenetic pace but still have the benefit of all the modern marina facilities. Personally, I find that mooring at these upstream locations gives each voyage a natural start and finish, allowing time to get everything shipshape in a relaxed environment rather than being pitched straight into the open sea or before arriving at the marina after a challenging sail.

Cruising options are limited only by time and tide but Newtown Creek, Cowes and Yarmouth are all within a morning’s sail. Whilst the Isle of Wight is a natural choice for a day sail, weekenders may choose to head off to Poole, Weymouth or Portsmouth. The Channels Islands and the north coast of France make an ideal long weekend destination.

One option often overlooked by boat owners is the need to address the increasing number of family groups wanting to charter. Child friendly boats are hard to come by so look for one with adequate safety features, it will make for a more relaxing trip. One such boat that I came across, Ameley, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40.3 ticked all the boxes. Added to a top specification, twin wheel positions add to the helmsman’s comfort and all round netting should ensure that any young children remain on board. Whether bareboat or skippered, yacht charter from one of the many marinas across Hampshire offers plenty of options.

Hawaii tourism isn’t all sand water; there is a great deal of history on the islands that will keep you interested when you want a break. Visit the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park for an up close look at the memorial to the 52 lost submarines, their officers and enlisted men that were lost in battle during WWII. You will have a greater understanding of what life was like for those that served on the submarines during the war and maybe get a touch of the fear they must have felt when under attack.

You will be able to see a Japanese human torpedo that was used during WWII on display. This missile like torpedo had no door to exit, once the person was inside it was known that they would not return. There were nearly 400 of the Type 1’s were built and were the only type used operationally. These were carried piggyback aboard a mother submarine and some may have been aboard a few surface ships. In the Japanese human torpedo program, eight mother submarines and almost 900 lives were lost.

When you have been through the Park you will want to visit the 10,000 square foot Museum. Here you will see submarine related artifacts. There are submarine weapons systems, photographs, paintings, battle flags, original recruiting posters and even some detailed submarine models. You will be able to see the Poseidon C-3 missile and how it works. It is the only one of its kind on public display.

There are countless boat wax products on the market. Of these boat waxes many are used to restore aged gelcoat. The issue is that they wash away and do not last very long. But only one product can add shine to your boat and last an entire year and that is Poliglow. What is different about Poliglow is that is only requires to be applied every 12 months and does not need to be reapplied. Poliglow is sold in a two part kit that contains Poly Prep, an applicator and the Poliglow product.

Fiberglass with age is like a sponge it keeps absorbing. Unlike wax where you remove from the boat, Poliglow adds to the boat. Poliglow will not wash off with soap, not even with compounds. It is also extremely easy to apply. Simply wipe on. You do not have to rub or buff the boat. PoliGlow is not a boat wax, but rather a boat plish. It is a protective clear coat that has been proven over time to have a shine 5 times that of the best boat waxes on the market.

Each kit is ideal for a thirty foot boat that can be used for approximately 3-4 applications. Poliglow can be also be used on any fiberglass surfaces like RV’s, trailers and airplanes.

This is the best product out there for fiberglass restoration. Poly Glow comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with Polyglow just return it within 12 months.

“It’s lovely to live on a raft,” said Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain’s classic novel of a trip down the Mississippi River.

Veruschka and Zelda Xox (pronounced “Zocks”) will learn the truth of that expression this summer when they launch their 12-foot-by-20-foot houseboat-raft in Minneapolis for a run to New Orleans.

Zelda, 21, a former student at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and Veruschka, 23, a former student of the Montreal Center for Alexander Technique, have set up their boatyard in the driveway of Al and Cate Belleveau’s home north of Bemidji.

Veruschka and Zelda are friends of Caleb Belleveau, a student at Concordia University-Montreal. When Veruschka talked with Caleb about his desire to build a boat for a Mississippi River cruise, Caleb mentioned that his folks live near the headwaters of the Mississippi. Al Belleveau was open to the idea of guests and boatbuilding, so the couple arrived and began construction about one month ago.

Zelda said they arrived in the middle of the night and were amazed the next morning to see the Belleveaus’ property full of sculptures, some by Al and Caleb and some resting from their stint in the Bemidji Sculpture Walk.

“What did they expect Caleb’s place to look like?” Al said.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m really impressed,” Veruschka said. “His dad is so prolific and very open to have us here.”

Zelda said she has wanted to live on the water ever since she was 3 or 4.

“My grandfather instilled in me I’ve got to live on a houseboat,” she said.

Neither Veruschka nor Zelda could think of who first proposed building the boat and making the trip.

“It was a mutual product of both of us wanting to live on a boat,” Veruschka said. “I don’t feel like either of us proposed it.”

Zelda said the Velvet Glove name for the raft came from one of her favorite books by Daniel Clowes.

They have decorated the sides of the raft with surreal paintings of imaginary animals.

“We wanted to be a little scary so people wouldn’t bother us,” Zelda said.

However, Veruschka said, from his research, people along the river are fairly benign and accepting of travelers.

He said he also has corresponded with various people who have made similar journeys to find out how long to expect their trip to take. He said there really is no answer to that as the rafters will determine their own pace – whether to motor straight through, stop for sightseeing or take off weekends to avoid heavy recreational traffic.

“They said, ‘It’s your trip,’” he said.

When completed, the Velvet Glove will be furnished with living quarters, portable stove and a steering mechanism attached by cables to an outboard motor and a trolling motor for added push. The couple also plan to take along a few chickens and ducks as egg suppliers.

They won’t launch from the headwaters or Lake Bemidji because of several dams between here and the first locks. The raft is too big to portage. So, they are looking to rent or borrow a pontoon trailer to truck the Velvet Glove to Minneapolis. Anyone interested in the project or who would like to loan a trailer should call the Belleveaus at 243-2685.

mmiron@bemidjipioneer.com

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When I was a kid growing up near the New Jersey Shore, I recall spending day after day on someone’s boat.  Back when gas was cheap, we’d spend all day long riding on the local bays and rivers.  In those days, the only option for music was bringing along a decent portable transistor radio.  Boy how things have changed since those simple times.  Today most boat audio systems would compete with your high end car or truck’s sound system.

Today it would be near impossible to find yourself on someone’s boat which didn’t have a great sounding stereo system.  The colossal mistake that boat owners make is buying a cheap car sound system and installing it into their boat hoping to save money.  This usually proves to be a complete waste of their hard earned money since car stereo products are not made to stand up to the constantly damp environment.  Just speak to any sales person in a custom car sound shop along the Jersey shore and see how many customers come in with bad components after use in their boats.  Sorry but its a fact of life, when installing a video or audio system in a boat, always be sure to spend a few bucks more and buy marine grade electronics.

Today’s boat receivers are capable of playing CD’s, MP3, WMA files and many will receive satellite radio and have connections for your MP3 player as well.  Remember that unlike the relatively controlled sound level in your car or truck, the boating, just naturally has a lot of competing noise to overcome.  In most cases you’ll see the wisdom of installing a audio power amplifier to drive your speakers with enough power to overcome the noisy boat environment.

Although these components might be called as marine grade, you should understand that this will mean they use materials that will prohibit corrosion and they are not really water proof.  So care has to be given as to the location of your installation.  You might consider the wired remote control units which enables the amplifier and receiver to be mounted inside a cabin while the remote can be outside where you spend most of your time.  Of course your speakers have to be out on deck as well since this is where most of your time will be spent.  So care should be taken to install them in locations where they will not be exposed to constant splashing from waves. If you intend on installing a good audio system in your boat, be sure to click through and read the entire article on Selecting a Boat Audio System.

There are limitless possibilities for a sailing vacation. Luxury boat charter trips range from small sailboats to enormous powerboats to suit every price range and individual need. Rather than be a slave to cruise ship itineraries, a crewed yacht charter works to serve you, the client, taking you to any island, port of call or body of water your heart desires. You can sleep and eat on your boat or stop on land to explore. Not all yacht charters cost a fortune, either. Whether you are going to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, choosing sailing yachts will make your time more unique. However, there are a few points to consider before you set sail.

Do you want to be a skipper? This is one of the first decisions to make when considering a private boat charter. If the answer is “yes,” then be prepared to hand over your boating resume to the charter company, which includes several years of experience sailing the size and type of boat you intend to charter. At www.ebare.com, you can take an assessment to see if you are ready for smooth sailing and to see what your options are if you are not quite prepared.

You may need to take a few boating and safety courses before being allowed to hold supreme power aboard your private yacht. On the day of your charter, some companies may take you out on a demo cruise, where you will demonstrate your knowledge. If you flunk the demo, then the company will place a captain aboard your vessel. If, on the other hand, you pass your demo, then congratulations! You will be commanding your first bareboat charter.

• You may need to take a few boating and safety courses.
• You can find knowledgeable brokers through the American Yacht Charter Association.
• A wedding on a yacht could offer panoramic views.

If you are not sure about sailing the high seas on your own just yet, then a flotilla is one of the better intermediate boat charters you can take. In a flotilla, a fleet of 8-10 private yacht charters band together on an unforgettable adventure. A captain, chef, engineer and activities planner will sail on the lead yacht, offering assistance to anyone in the fleet who needs it.

You will essentially sail your own ship for the most part. Each morning you will be briefed on optional activities and group meals for the day, as well as where to meet for nighttime docking. Many travelers say this is the ultimate party, offering some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences, with none of the anxiety of going it alone. Greece and the British Virgin Islands are popular places to link up with a flotilla.

The cost of boat charters is entirely up to you. Many beginners choose to hop aboard sailing yachts with a handful of other couples to offset the cost. Affordable trips can also be taken in a flotilla fleet, which offers a good middle-ground for relatively inexperienced sailors who still crave the privacy of their own boat.

Smaller boats, sailboats and off-season trips all offer deep discounts. Choosing an all-inclusive sailing vacation is a good way to prevent overspending on port stops, food or other unanticipated expenses. As you travel more and more, you will soon be ready to command your own boat, sail on luxury yacht charters or throw an extravagant party aboard a crewed yacht charter!

Boats come in all shape and form. When it comes to yachts, sailboats, or even fishing boats, there are many different styles of boats within these categories. Consider your individual boating needs and explore all your available options before making your buying decision. Whether you like to go fishing, skiing or yachting, or perhaps you are a new sailor, before you buy a boat, consider all your prefered water activities.

Just as boating enthusiasts differ in their boating preferences, so does boat insurance coverage. Depending on the uses of the boat, the monetary value and the importance to the owner, all of these will greatly affect the policy costs.

You will find that there is a lot of options when it comes to boating insurance, as with any type of insurance policy. You will want to think about whether you need just liability insurance or full coverage. Any asset you own that you decide to insure, all comes down to the same question. How much are you prepared to lose in the case of a mishap?

A boater who engages in speed boating, will need a different type of coverage from the boater who enjoys pontooning. You may only use your boat once a year during your annual holidays or you may only go on brief fishing excursions in the summer. Whatever your passion, your experience and choice should point towards safe boating.

These are just some of the factors that you’ll need to consider when it comes to choosing your boat insurance. If you are buying a boat, and it maybe your first purchase, remember to budget for all your boating costs, not just your boat insurance. You will want to keep in mind all the maintenance and operational costs and add a little extra for unexpected expenses.

If your boat is basic, you will still have some boating equipment to factor into your insurance. For example your boat cover, life jackets and other boat accessories. Plus, you may have expensive equipment on board then you’ll need to carry more insurance and note this equipment individually on your boat insurance policy.

As with any insurance policy, the less that you have invested in your boat the lower your insurance premium. Do not cut costs by under insuring, whatever you do. Boating is for your pleasure. If you can afford to indulge in a great activity, don’t cut corners now.

Lake Havasu, a desert oasis, is the getaway choice of thousands of visitors per year. There is something magical about this desert town that attracts a continuous throng of people throughout the year. You will appreciate its breathtaking lake views, sunsets, special events and watersports.

When you arrive at Lake Havasu there are a few worthwhile things that you can do to enjoy this desert paradise:

1. Relax, lay out near the lake, sip a cool drink and get a tan.

2. Go parasailing, you will find the parasail booth near the London Bridge.

3. Visit the famous London Bridge and browse the waterfront shops along the downtown water canal.

4. Participate in the myriad of lake water sports like boating or jet skiing.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping With a Lake Havasu Jet Ski Rental

Do you enjoy high speed adventure, water and extreme fun? Then why not try jet skiing on Lake Havasu, the ultimate adrenalin rush? Jet skiing is not the type of recreation that appeals to the timid or faint of heart.These supercharged PWC’s can be frightening to anybody who is not prepared for the power and speed. However, if you don’t mind getting wet and enjoy heart pounding action, this watersport delivers.

For a very resonable fee, you can enjoy a delightful and totally unforgettable thrill ride on the Lake. Lake Havasu Jet Ski rentals include instructions and minimum basic training for those who need it. For tandem rides, you need to have at least two people (family or friends) ready. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these rides.

Your Lake Havasu jet ski rental would start with transportation to the Windsor Beach where you will be briefed about the place and the machine you are about to ride. You would be required to wear a wetsuit or swimming suit, life jacket and helmet for this activity. All these types of accessories are available if you don’t have your own.

Other things that you would need to carry with you are – towel, a set of spare clothes, potable water, valid driver’s license, camera and a healthy thirst for adventure.

Once your debriefing is complete, you are ready to experience your own Lake Havasu Jet Ski adventure. You will be able to experience the joy of speeding across the water while absorbing the beauty of the environment. At every turn there would is something that will amaze you – the famous London Bridge, desert scenery, the sandbar, the flora and fauna – everything that will make your visit to Lake Havasu Arizona unforgetable.

A Lake Havasu jet ski adventure will add a new dimension to your vacation to the Arizona.

About the Author: Wet Monkey Powersports provides boat and jet ski rentals in Lake Havasu and Parker Arizona.

Click Here To Get Your Free Fishing For Crappie E-mail Course

Crappie jigs a surefire way to hook a huge slab.

How many times when you have been out fishing have you wondered what crappie fishing jig to use? There are so many types, sizes, colors to select from it is easy to get confused. Well let me explain exactly what a crappie fishing jig is, What crappie jig type to use for different situations, and what color to use.

#1 Definiton? The crappie jig is made up of the two parts, the first part has a hook with a sinker molded too it. The second part is the body and it is made up of a Variety of different items, plastics for curly tails, some type of hair or bristle for marabou jigs, add a spoon or blade to a marabou jig and you have a rooster tail.

#2 Purpose? The crappie fishing jig is used where you want to create a vertical jerky motion to attract the attention of the fish. Do not get jigging confused with spinner baits, spinners create a horizontal motion through the whereas, jigs create a vertical motion up and down through the water.

#3 How do I Select? Most of your choosing the right jig will be developed using trial and error,but you can use what you read about as a starting point. It is good to keep a log , so you know what works under different situations. This will give you a starting point for your next fishing trip. Most often the color, depth water , and water clarity can change the color of the jig in the water. Also, the weather conditions can change your selection. For example if it is a sunny or light sky day you would want to select light color jigs. If it over cast and a dark sky you would want to use dark color jigs. These selections are not set in stone. You will probably end up changing colors many times throughout the day

#4 Types? Crappie Jigs can be divided into three types. Curly tail jigs, Marabou jigs, and Rooster tail jigs. Curly tail jigs come in a multiple of designs but the all have some type of tail and are made of plastic. Marabou jigs are made of some type of bristle or hair and also come in multiple designs and colors. Rooster tail jigs are a marabou jig with a rotating blade or spoon added.

Well good luck and good fishing!
Mark Fleagle is a serious fishing webmaster. Mark Is a dedicated fisherman with 30+ years of experience and has published numerous articles on fishing. He offers free fishing information and “how to articles at his websites. jigs for crappie and get some amazing crappie fishing secrets from some good ol’ boys who survived by discovering unique and brilliant methods of catching crappie. Also visit my website oldfishinghole.com and download a free copy of his “78 fishing discoveries unleashed”

A Google search for “fractional yacht” pulls up more than 115,000 leads, offering a whole world of choices. Fractional yachts for sale take into consideration the very real truth that, as much as we would like to, we simply cannot be out on the water 365 days a year. We will make a large investment and in many cases, pristine new boats sit at the marina more often than not they go unloved, forgotten about and sometimes neglected. Instead, a fractional yacht spends more time out on the water, sailing gallantly, costing its owners precious little to live the high life. Fractional makes more sense for the world we live in.

All fractional yachts for sale do not necessarily have the same arrangements. For instance, SeaNet is a straight fractional, which gives four owners a 53 Sunseeker Manhattan for five weeks each year at $315,000 each (plus $37,000/year in maintenance fees). On the other hand, The Yacht Share offers fractional leases, which gives owners seven weeks for $60,000 down and $2,400/month in maintenance, allowing the owner the ability to renew the lease or walk away at the end of the year. Then, of course, there is traditional fractional ownership at companies like Breeze Easy, which can transform any new or used boat into a fractional possession.

Of course, not everyone is keen on fractional. Seasoned sailors will always snatch up yachts for sale as a testament to their hard work and achievements in life. “I like possession of the boat, to tell you the truth,” admits ex-naval officer Lyman Perry. Caring for sailing yachts has been his lifelong hobby and passion. “I’ve always been hands on,” he adds, “single-handing, priming the engine if it runs dry.” Not only will owners get to know more about yachting, but they can also cut out of work to take a ride if the mood grabs them and have complete freedom over using that boat. To some, ownership is priceless.

There are many places to find fractional yachts for sale. Barton & Gray Mariners club (www.bartonandgray.com) offers Hinckley Picnic and Talaria cruisers in New England and Florida during both summer and winter. Breeze Easy (www.breezeeasy.com) has sail boats and powerboats available on the West Coast and Florida coastlines. Dreamboat (www.thedreamboat.com) leases fractions of 55-74-foot Azimut luxury yachts. Eusamarine (www.eusamarine.com) offers Azimut and Benetti super-yachts in the Mediterranean, North America, Dubai, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. One4Yachts Fractions is client-recommended and offers Bavaria 42 sailboats, Westcoast 46 motor yachts and Westbay Sonship 54 motor yachts in the Pacific Northwest. SeaNet (www.seanetco.com) offers Sunseekers nationwide. Other notable businesses include Shared Yachts (www.sharedyachts.com), Yacht Smart (www.yachtpartners.com), Synergy Yachting Partnerships (www.synergyyachting.com), Virgin Traders (www.virgintraders.com) and The Yacht Share (www.theyachtshare.com).