Archive for the ‘Boat’ Category
Finding The Perfect Used Boat
Finding the perfect Arizona classified ad with the perfect boat for you, especially if you are a first time boater, may seem like a very difficult task to accomplish. To help you in your quest for the perfect boat, there are a few things you should know.
Deciding what is important Choosing the right boat is more than just locating one for sale on one of the many Arizona online classified ad sites, like Qwixo.com. Really, its all about knowing what is truly important to you. You will need to decide whether you will be using the boat for your own private use, fishing, or cruising. You should also consider your families wishes and feelings, since buying a boat for your own personal needs without consulting your family will probably lead to disappointing experiences or less time spent on the water.
Typically, boats will fall into five categories which are fishing boats, power boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and self powered boats. To help you find the perfect boat, well take a look at some of the features that each one offers.
The designs for fishing boats will vary quite a bit, as are the places you can use them. The boats that are meant for shallow waters of inland lakes and rivers are not the same boats meant for deep seas and great lakes. There are many different designs, even boats that serve no other purpose besides fishing.
These types of boats normally have stowage and holders for bait, fishing poles, tackle, and even special tanks to hold live fish. Other types of fishing only boats feature an open platform where anglers can fight fish from all sides of the boat.
Power boats are the most popular boats sold. The designs on and of power boats are as varied as their uses. Boats with seating in the front are called bow riders, which are mainly used for towing skiers or rafts. Most boats can also be used for fishing as well. If you want to do both, there are ski and fish combinations available.
When you first learn to pilot a sailboat, it can be very challenging, although very rewarding as well. A sailboat requires more skill and knowledge to operate than some other types of boats, although they are also considered more rewarding once mastered.
With all available sailboats, the single masted sloop is the most popular design. For those who only boat on occasion, catboats, daysailers, and dinghies are small and easily trailer able.
When you finally decide on the perfect boat for you, look at what each one offers and how you plan to use it. The perfect boat for you is out there, all you have do is find the one that best matches your needs, and an online Arizona classified ad site is the best place to start.
Preparing Your Boat For A Hurricane
Every marina has different rules for what must be done by boat owners in the face of an approaching hurricane. In the wake of Katrina and Wilma, states are beginning to pass laws requiring boat owners to prepare their boats in certain ways. In light of all this information, some of it conflicting, what are the most important things a boat owner must know to protect themselves and their boat during a hurricane?
There are two basic rules that most experts agree offer the most important advice. First, plan ahead for what you will do when a hurricane approaches. That means checking your contract with your marina to see what they require and checking with your state for any additional regulations. You should also check with your boat insurance company to see if they have regulations that may affect your coverage. Conduct a dry run during the off-season to be sure you fully understand how much time is necessary to move or prepare your boat.
Second, under no circumstances is it safe to attempt to ride out a hurricane in your boat. There is a persistent myth that being on a boat in open water is safer than being on land during a hurricane, but the facts do not bear it out. Hurricane winds and tides can carry boats far inland or even sink them. Your boat is not worth risking your life.
Moving your boat is always the best way to prevent damage if at all possible. However, this requires arranging for inland storage space well ahead of time. Also, many boat owners are not aware that drawbridges are often locked down before a hurricane to facilitate the evacuation of people from low-lying areas. This increases the importance of moving your boat as soon as a hurricane watch is issued for your area.
Some areas have flotilla plans in place in order to move the maximum number of boats in the shortest time. Your local emergency management office will issue flotilla information in advance of a hurricane. If you are planning on joining a flotilla, be sure that your boat is properly maintained and fueled.
If moving your boat is not a possibility there are some simple things you can do to minimize damage. Remove all portable items from your boat such as electronics, antennas, dinghies, sun shades, oars or any other item that may blow around and cause damage. Be sure that any remaining items are securely lashed down. Obtain rope and other supplies to secure your boat well in advance as these items may be in short supply before a storm.