Boating

If you own a Pontoon or have ever been intrigued by one, it is most probably due to the unbeatable blend of a low price point and ease of use compared to greater, fancier water vessels. Indeed, many satisfied pontoon boat owners have spent relaxed off-day afternoons catching fish, taking in a marvelous view, or just enjoying the company of family while crossing a lake. The experience, however, will not be fun for long, as the passengers sizzle beneath the rays of the sun or get inundated by rain. To seize the most enjoyment from your pontoon riding experience, you may want to purchase a raised protective canopy, most popularly referred to as a Bimini top.

The name of this unassuming enhancement comes from the chain of islands in the westernmost district of the Bahamas, {whose fishermen are credited with its creation to shelter them from the sun and the rain}. Bimini tops today do the same thing, though they are made from sturdier materials. The two important factors that you must determine when purchasing a Bimini top are: (a) the dimensions of the top, (b) the type of fabric.

First, you have to select a bimini top that fits your pontoon boat accurately. This demands that you take three measurements of your boat. For width, just measure the distance across your boat from gunnel to gunnel, with some allowance for the mounting structure. The top can be any length you desire that you feel will provide you enough protection from the sun and rain. Length is more arbitrary, but preferably you would require a top long enough to protect a certain average party of passengers at any given time, with extra fabric hanging over if you want extra protection. Lastly, to measure height, attach a plank of wood across the boat where the mounting brackets will be positioned, then measure upwards to the height that you desire. For pontoon boats, the perfect height for the top is one where you can walk underneath without having to crouch, for greater convenience. A higher Bimini top may add to wind resistance, but then, are you really trying to beat any speed records in a pontoon boat?

Choosing the proper Bimini top fabric involves striking the proper balance of cost versus longevity. Cotton-based tops are the least expensive, made of material similar to canvas, and are a viable choice if you’re strapped for cash and limit your pontoon boat excursions. Cotton tops are weak against ultraviolet (UV) rays, subject to leaking, and may rot over time unless stored properly. Vinyl tops are the common standard since they are easy to clean, durable enough to provide protection from the rain, and are normally resistant to UV rays and deterioration from mildew. Acrylic and treated polyester tops are the most expensive, but also very tough, highly resistant to scratching and fading, and strong enough for regular outdoor activity. They look and feel like they can withstand the rigors of boating in inclement weather. If you plan to take your pontoon boat out often in scorching sun or beating rain, acrylic and polyester would be your best option. Companies like Outdura offer quality patented materials that supply optimal protection for someone willing to spend.

Purchase with care. A good Bimini top often spells the difference between a relaxing day out in the water, and suffering misery and pain from rainfall and sunburn before you are compelled to rush for cover.

Solent yacht charter in Hampshire has never been more popular and if you’re an experienced sailor with the necessary experience and training certificates you’ll be able to take advantage of bareboat yacht charter. However, if you don’t hold any qualifications or experience of chartering a yacht, or just want to sit back and enjoy some leisure time with family and friends, you have the option of skippered yacht charter. Skippered Solent yacht charter means you’ll be in the hands of a professional skipper who will take responsibility for the sailing of the boat while you enjoy the coastal views and exhilaration of sailing the Solent.

Why charter a yacht with a skipper?

Chartering a skippered yacht on the Solent has many benefits whether it's a business day out, social occasion with family and friends or a gentle summer cruise. From corporate events to special birthdays; anniversaries to stag days, a safely handled skippered yacht charter offers a unique and memorable day out for everyone. Sailing out from Bucklers Hard Marina, down the Beaulieu River and then out into the Solent, you’ll enjoy an exciting and rewarding experience bonding as a team or taking time out with the family. If you need to recharge your batteries or learn some new skills in a fun and thrilling environment, skippered Solent yacht charter offers a unique and unforgettable experience with the added safety and guidance of a professional skipper at the helm.

Skippered family yacht charter

Skippered Solent yacht charter is the perfect way to celebrate a special family occasion or an ideal adventure day for parents and children. You’ll get to spend some quality time together and under the guidance of an experienced skipper learn new skills that will challenge everyone in the family helping to build closer bonds between you while creating some lasting memories.

If it’s a family occasion with children you’ll need a family friendly yacht charter. Safety is paramount so try and charter a yacht with safety netting to help prevent anyone accidentally falling overboard. Ensure the yacht you charter complies with the minimum safety provisions and is coded to DTI regulations. This will ensure the yacht will have all the necessary safety equipment on board, is able to safely carry the required number of people and can operate a specified distance offshore. A category 2 yacht is able to sail 60 miles from the shore with a maximum of eight people on board.

How you spend your day sailing is up to you. If you’ve never sailed before then you don’t need to worry, experience isn’t necessary. Your skipper will get every family member to participate in the handling of the yacht including helming (taking control of steering the boat). You can lunch on board or berth at a local town quay and lunch ashore in a pub or restaurant. Sailing is an exhilarating family experience and a healthy way to spend time together.

Skippered corporate yacht charter

If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual paintball day-out or round of golf with the sales team, a skippered corporate yacht charter on the Solent is a memorable and rewarding way to motivate your staff or impress your clients. As an organised event, Solent yacht charter can help develop strong team-building skills or strengthen relationships with clients.

Allow an experienced skipper to be your team’s ‘boss’ for the day guiding management and staff together to help sail the yacht for an exhilarating day on the Solent. The whole day can be geared toward sailing or you can combine a morning seminar with an afternoon’s sail. Have lunch on board while at anchor along the Beaulieu river or berth at a local destination and head ashore to eat. Choose a company who is able to provide catering with their corporate Solent yacht charter package and discuss the exact day’s arrangements with them.

Useful things to take with you

The yacht charterer will be able to provide all the equipment you’ll need but you may need to bring a few things with you.

• Wet weather gear – Some charterers will either hire this to you or have sufficient jackets and trousers on board for everyone. Decent waterproof clothing is essential so check when booking if you’ll need to bring these items with you or hire them.
• Non-slip trainers or deck shoes.
• Wellies – Yacht wellies have drawstring tops that tighten up to prevent water from getting in. Your charterer may hire these to you but check when booking to see if you’ll need a pair.
• Sun cream – even on a slightly overcast day you should never underestimate the sun especially when at sea where you're exposed. Bring enough sun protection cream for everyone in the group.
• Camera – Don’t forget your camera to take some snaps of your sail. You’ll want a visual reminder of your fantastic day out on the Solent but make sure your camera has got a secure wrist-strap as you wouldn’t want to lose it overboard!

If you are picking your very first kayak there are a lot of different options to think about. The first thing to consider will be the material and you can choose from rigid plastic, inflatable plastic, wood plus other materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber or graphite composites. When you’ve decided on the type of kayak material you favor you should think about a few factors before you go to the shops.

1) What kind of kayaking would you be doing for most of the time?

Kayaks can be made for different locations such as long distance touring, fishing, ocean or whitewater kayaking. You will need to think about what type of boating you’ll be doing for the largest part of the time and pick a kayak that will be appropriate.

2) How experienced are you?

If you are beginning a kayak that is simple to get in and out of is generally top priority. Nearly all beginners are worried about their ability to easily to get out of the kayak so probably won’t want a close-fitting cockpit. An ideal choice for beginners is a ‘sit-on-top’ type that has a recessed seat. Beginners generally have a preference for a boat with good initial stability and that has low tendency to tip. Experienced kayakers will probably prefer a boat that has superior final stability that will be stable in rougher conditions.

3) Weight and Transportability

A major concern problem with kayaks is that you need to store and transport them and get them easily. Folding and inflatable kayaks are far easier  to store and transport but if you are going to buy a rigid kayak purchase one that is as light as possible.

4) Storage Capacity And Comfort

If you will usually be using your kayak for brief periods cargo space isn’t going to be a problem but if you will be going on longer trips you would be advised to make sure there is capacity to hold all your stuff. Also take care that there are comfortable seats. Whether you favor a tighter fit or more space to let you move will probably depend on the type of paddling you will be doing. For long tours more room is usually preferred to allow you to stretch, change postion or move around. If you are doing white water kayaking a tighter fit is usually preferred.

5) Stability

The tendency of boat to move away a vertical position is called the initial stability. The boat’s tendency to tip is known as the final stability. Kayaks have either final or initial stability, not both at the same time! Beginners often prefer a boat with good initial stability as a boat with good final stability will probably feel unstable to them and they may well be worried that it will capsize. Those with more experience who aren’t scared of turning over would prefer a kayak with superior final stability. A more stable boat, though good for beginners, will tend to be much slower.

6) The Length of the Boat

The kayak’s length is in direct relationship to it’s ability to move in a straight line and turn easily. A shorter kayak will be more easily maneuvered and a good deal easier to turn while a longer kayak will track much better.

7) Kayak Costs

Certainly your finances are going to be quite a major factor deciding which kayak you will purchase. A beginners kayak made from plastic may start at around $300 whereas other more advanced plastic kayaks can be as much as $1600. Folding kayaks start from around $1200 and can be as much as $5000 for a high quality two person kayak. Inflatable kayaks are much cheaper, starting at around $300. Kayaks constructed from composite materials are a great deal more expensive.

For more help in choosing the right kayak and some good deals visit Cheap Kayaks for Sale

Pontoons are great for their versatility, enabling boaters to travel almost everywhere, but no matter coordinates, there usually isn’t a lot of shade on the water. If you’re on the pontoon boat, if you don’t have something to protect you, you’re essentially totally open to things like rain, spray, and UV rays. This could make it difficult to get the most enjoyment out of your experience, whether you’re fishing, seeing the sights, or having a good time with company. This is why most pontoon boat pilots call the bimini top a must-have addition. Bimini tops get their name from the Bimini area of the Bahamas, where seafarers first used this type of extended canopy on their boats to provide protection from the sun.

Nowadays, pontoon bimini tops come in many different configurations to suit the boat owner’s needs. In terms of bimini top materials, there are various possibilities to choose from. There are polyester bimini tops, poly-cotton blend tops, vinyl tops, or various patented materials. Each option varies in endurance, wrinkle avoidance, and cost. These might also have mildew and UV-resistant features. Tubing for bimini tops, which connects the top to the boat, is also available in different varieties, including aluminum and stainless steel.

The standard measurements for pontoon bimini tops are 8’x8’ to 8’x10’, with a height of about 46 inches to 60 inches. We all know that looks are important too, and bimini tops come in a number of colors, and you’ll probably be able to find one to match the detailing on your boat. There are three basic styles out there: traditional, which is your ordinary square or rectangular shape; buggy-style, which has additional flaps reaching downward to attach to the surrounding railing; or extra-long, which extends past the cabin for extra sun protection.

As well as the bimini top itself, it’s worth thinking about looking at a storage boot, which will allow you to easily put away the bimini top while the boat is docked, or even things like privacy partitions, or towel clips, which you can use to hang your towels or clothes from the bimini top. Certain outfitters sell the various parts including fabric and tubing separately, so you even have the option to build a bimini top for yourself. There are enough options out there that every pontoon boat owner is sure to find a bimini top that suits their tastes.

Are you a water lover? Are you dying to hit the waters and have the time of your life in Utah? Then do not go anywhere but come straight to Jordanelle Marina. This is your one stop destination for all the boats and other water equipments that you will need, to enjoy the summers in the water. Jordanelle Marina is one of the best and most popular providers of the marine sports equipment in the Utah area. They have the latest stocks and the best service and pricing that you may ask for. Then why settle for anything less, when you can have the services of Jordanelle Marina for an affordable price.

In the field of Utah boat rentals, there is no doubt that Jordanelle Marina is the best. The company has the best boats for rental purposes in the whole of Utah. No other Utah boat rental company can compare to the services that are available at Jordanelle. The company is always working overtime to ensure that their customers are satisfied and have a tension free and happy time in the waters. When you are opting for the rental services of Jordanelle, then be rest assured that the safety of you and your family won’t be compromised. Many Utah boat rentals companies have a bad safety record. But Jordanelle has a perfect safety record.

Jordanelle is known for the wakeboards boat rentals services, which are very unique to this company only. Many people come down to Utah, to enjoy themselves by indulging in some water adventure sports. To encourage more tourists to come over to the waters of Utah and enjoy the adventure sports, Jordanelle had launched the wakeboards boat rentals services. This has become very popular with the people and more and more tourists are coming down to Utah, to take advantage of the services provided by Jordanelle Marina.

Many wakeboard championships are also held during the peak seasons in Utah. Here, people who have their own wakeboards or those who have availed the wakeboard boat rentals services from Jordanelle Marina, participate. Many more people come down to Utah to see the championship.

You may be worried about a large rental fee that you will have to give Jordanelle Marina so that you can rent boats and equipments. Well, then you must stop worrying. Jordanelle Marina offers their equipments for hire at a very low price, which will not dig a hole in your pockets. So, the next time you are planning to go on a vacation and enjoy the water sports too, then think about Utah and think about Jordanelle Marina.

boating supplies

A boating marine life is far different from a so-called “normal” life. In our culture, we are raised with certain expectations of how our lives should be. We are supposed to want marriage, family, a house with a white picket fence and a minivan or SUV. However, a growing number of people have begun to realize that this is only one of many possible lifestyles. A boating marine life can be every bit as fulfilling as a traditional life.

Choosing a boating marine life does not necessarily mean deciding against marrying and having children. Many families successfully live for years on houseboats. Many adventurous types even sail around the world together. For this to work, it is imperative that the family is close and good at problem solving. It is not easy to slam doors and have a time out when you are in tight quarters in the middle of the ocean. Nonetheless, for families that are willing to remain level headed and work together, a boating marine lifestyle can and does work well.

If you are alone, your choices for a boating marine life are limitless. You could sign on for a stint as a deckhand on a tall sailing ship or travel the world on a luxury cruise ship. You can even choose to purchase a small seagoing vessel and travel alone. Ply the same waters once traveled by pirates and explorers or simply live just offshore on a houseboat.

Choosing a boating marine life means giving up certain comforts. Much like living in an RV, space on a boat is at a premium. You and your travel partners(s) must be comfortable in extremely small and crowded quarters. Even if you sign on with a commercial ship, your living area will be cramped.

If you are venturing out alone or with family or friends, you should familiarize yourself with how to make basic repairs on your vessel. In many parts of the world, you may be far from easy assistance when your boat breaks down. It is imperative for anyone who plans to begin a boating marine life to know how to solve problems with the boat.

Make sure that your boat is in top shape before setting off on any voyage. Have the vessel inspected by a professional. Also, file a sailing plan with the Coast Guard as well as leaving a copy with a trusted friend or relative. Make sure that you have adequate boating supplies on board including extra drinking water and a full set of tools.

Make several practice runs prior to embarking on a long voyage. This will allow you to fine tune your packing list and gain extra familiarity with your boat. Boating safety and proper boating gear are essential to a successful voyage.

As with all things in life, there is a trade-off for those who decide on the boating marine life. Yes, you will sacrifice the comforts of a life on land. You may also spend quite a bit of time alone, but you will gain the satisfaction that comes from knowing you are totally independent. Falling asleep on a boat that is being gently cradled by the sea is unlike any other experience in life. If you have the personality that would allow you to live on the sea, give it a try.

If you are buying your very first kayak might want to first consider the different types available.  Would a rigid, folding or inflatable kayak be the best choice? You will have lots of questions and will need information to make it easier to make a good choice. There are a confusing number of different types and materials to choose from so let’s have a look at the construction types of kayaks to buy.

The Different Types of Kayaks

* Rigid – made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, wood plastic
* Inflatable kayaks
* Folding kayaks

Materials Used in Rigid Kayaks

These are the types of kayaks familiar to most people. The cheapest option here is a plastic construction but this unfortunately is the heaviest. Plastic models are quite robust and long-lasting but are practically unrepairable if they are severely damaged. A little more expensive is a fiberglass construction which will be lighter, easier to repair but also is easier to damage. Other production materials include Kevlar, carbon fiber or graphite composites which are lighter but also more expensive. While not nearly as popular, wooden boats can be found, particularly in the form of a kit to put together yourself. Though they are easier to repair they do need a lot more maintenance than most of the other types of construction material.

Some Features of Inflatable Kayaks

These types of kayaks are the easiest to transport and store. They are among the cheaper types available, easy-to-use and the performance is up to that of the rigid kayak. Inflatable kayaks are also extremely stable and buoyant so easily stay upright, which makes them ideal for a beginner. They can be used for whitewater, calm water and surf kayaking so they are exceptionally versatile. You may have some concerns about their robustness but if you don’t buy the cheapest but purchase a decent quality inflatable kayak it should be as tough as a rigid boat. For many people, unless you are going in for serious competitions, an inflatable kayak will more than likely prove the best choice.

Some Features of Folding Kayaks

Folding kayaks are much pricier than the rigid type but they are however extremely long-lasting, tough, flexible and stable. They usually have a frame made from wood or aluminum that is covered in material. While they are more expensive they usually have a higher secondhand value and are much more long-lasting than many of the other types of kayaks. However they do suffer a bit from lack of speed and performance is usually lower than a rigid kayak.

Nearly all folding kayaks use different fabrics for the hull and the deck. Decks are generally made from cotton or a cotton blend or a synthetic material. Material used in the hulls is a synthetic plastic such as Hypalon, polyurethane or PVC covering a synthetic material like Dacron. Folding kayaks usually have chambers filled with air in the hull to to help prevent capsizing.

In Conclusion

When you have decided between a folding, inflatable or rigid kayak it’s time to think about where it will be used. Yet again there are many choices between fishing, sea, recreational, whitewater and more. The type you purchase will be dependant on what locations and situations you will be using it in. For some more information and some good deals visit Cheap Kayaks for Sale

Once you decide that you want to learn how to sail it is time to think about buying your own sailboat. There are many different types of sailboats out there. Each sailboat will have its own pros and cons. There are many types of small sailboats which work well for those just learning in addition to larger boats for more advanced sailors.

There will be a cabin included in some of the larger sailboats. Wet beginner boats are called this because you usually get wet each time you take it on the water. With these beginner boats you sit on the deck or the floor. You sit on either a seat or gunwale with a dry sailboat. These enable you to stay dry unless the weather it wet.

If you tend to get a little scared out on the water these may be the best bet for you. With a cabin sailboat you will get either a full size cabin or a small storage area in the boat. People who are new to sailing should stick with a boat which is not too complicated. Small boats can be as enjoyable as a larger boat and they are much easier to sail.

Getting a hold of the basics of the sport is easier when there are less ropes and sails to worry about. Small boats will also give you better performance in light winds. When you reach the point where you are a pro on the small sailboat you can transfer those skills to a bigger boat. The best way to learn how to sail is to begin with a boat which has just one mast and sail.

Many great small sailboats fit into this category. Beginners are usually more successful when they use a single hulled boat. Most beginners prefer using a fiberglass boat since they are lightweight and do not need as much maintenance as a wood hull. Sailing is a lot of fun as long as you have a boat which is the proper size and not too hard to maneuver. Find a sailboat for sale here.

Anyone owning a boat 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 yacht 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 little people remain on board. Whether bareboat or skippered, yacht charter from one of the many marinas across Hampshire offers plenty of options.

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When I was a kid growing up on the Jersey shore, I recall there hardly was a day that went by in the summer when I wasn’t out on either my boat or a friend’s.  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 you would be hard pressed to find yourself on someone’s boat which didn’t have a great sounding stereo system.  The single biggest mistake that boat owners make is buying a standard auto 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 you’ll want a audio power amplifier to provide your speakers enough power to overcome the noisy boat environment.

Although these components might be called as marine grade, you should be aware 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 as the amp and receiver can be mounted inside a cabin while the remote can be outside exposed to the elements.  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.