Author: Arran James

Categories
Go Boating

Bass Boats: Exceeding All Expectations for Fishing

Bass boats are fast, low-profile boats built for fishing parties and easily maneuver around rivers or lakes to arrive at a preferred fishing spot.

Bass Boat

Most of the bass boats are built with purpose-made seats or platforms for complete openness to fish.

Other features include:

  • Built-in tackle boxes
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Aerated livewell
  • Rod holders

A bass boat is built to accept 2-3 anglers to cast lines from the spacious platform areas at the front and rear of the vessel. Certain models are rated to accept 3-5 anglers, but in general, most of bass boat models offer comfortable seating for the lower number of passengers.

A tournament or professional-grade model of the bass boat is built to accept an outboard motor rated at 125-300HP. Alternatively, a buddy or casual tournament angler can accept the low-performance models in aluminum or fiberglass, which are fitted with a 150HP motor.

Aluminum is the less expensive and lighter of the construction materials. But, the fiberglass built models can provide greater versatility in relation to outboard motor size, performance and handling and size. An entry-level bass boat is in the region of 16-18 ft in length. A professional tournament edition is closer to 18-20 ft in length.

Whether the bass boat is constructed in fiberglass or aluminum, the layout or floor plan is quite similar in either case. Seating is quite low in the vessel and situated close to the stern. The aft deck is usually spacious and open to provide anglers a comfortable casting platform. Stool seats are built into the stern or the bow deck to provide the angler with 360° motion range to cast the fishing line.

A trolling motor is deployed and used for the most precise and stealthy control after arriving at the fishing hole. Bass boats are purpose built with a lot of storage space in the gunnels and floors to accept the wide-ranging supplies.

A standard feature of the tournament bass boat is the built-in aerated livewells (provides oxygenated, cool water to the hooked bass). A trolling motor is a further common feature. Plus, sonar equipment and GPS are installed to help travel to the right fishing spot with precision.

Popular bass boat brands include Bass Cat, Nitro, Ranger, Tracker, and Triton; each model of fishing boat varies slightly from the other to ensure a great choice is available in the market.

What is the right bass boat?

A variety of issues need careful consideration when it comes to deciding on the right bass boat to purchase. Some of the critical factors include:

  • Cost
  • Storage options
  • Trailering
  • Use

Cost

A bass boat purchase can be heavily impacted by the number of add-ons and accessories chosen. Outfit the vessel with the must-have features to match the specific angling practice. Any extra add-ons that aren’t critical can be included at a later date.

Storage options

The fishing season for bass is usually restricted to part of the year, so for the out-of-season lay-up period it is critical to have proper storage in place. A boat storage facility is a practical and safe option to provide a high level of protection when the vessel isn’t in actual use. A cost-effective option is storing at home, but this is subject to approval in the local area and an ability to protect and cover from the weather.

Trailering

Getting the bass boat to and from the fishing site is achieved by towing from the place of storage. A critical issue to determine early with a planned purchase is the ability to tow the vessel on the highway. Any road vehicle used must have the rating to safely tow the weight of the boat – usually in the region of 3,500 pounds or more. Check the user manual for the vehicle to establish the safe towable limit. Most trucks and SUV’s have the ability to tow the vessel from lake to lake.

Use

Investing in a bass boat is more practical for those that plan on visiting the lakes and rivers often throughout the season. But, for the occasional angler that plans on going out on the water 1-2 times each season, a boat rental might be the most practical and cost-effective option. Bass boat rental is possible at most of the popular fishing sites across the country.

Categories
Safety at Sea

11 Tips for Safe Boat Handling

Always be prepared whether it is using a Jet Ski, a canoe, or a sailboat. Statistics taken from boat incidents indicate a helmsman who has completed a boat safety or has a life jacket on is more likely to stay safe at sea.

Boat Safety with Life Jackets

Common causes of boating incidents include:

  • Insufficient experience
  • Lack of attention
  • Recklessness
  • Speeding

Be aware of what is needed in the event of an emergency and have an operational understanding of the major components of boating equipment.

Here are eleven safe boating tips:

1 – Avoid alcohol

Limit alcohol use on board the boat to increase the ability to boat safely. Alcohol can increase the chance of being involved in an accident by nearly 50%. Plus the effects of alcohol at sea are made worse by the sun and wind.

2 – Boating course

Whether it is a starter or a refresher course, a boater is certain to benefit if able to abide by the proper boat safety rules and regulations. Even thought the boating course might vary from state to state, it still helps to be prepared and educated on the different circumstances that might arise at sea. Boat safety courses are offered on or offline and range from basic to expert tuition.

3 – Common sense

Any boat should be safely operated within the vessels limits and helmsman’s experience. Operate powerboats at a safe and appropriate speed for the waters used. Use lights in low-light conditions. Someone on-board should keep a lookout. Plus, be mindful of potential risks while on the water, such as swamping or capsizing, crossing bars, boating alone, and nighttime excursions.

4 – Engine and fuel

Any boat with an inboard or outboard engine should be inspected before departure to ensure it is working properly. Plus, make certain enough fuel is on board to complete both legs of the journey. A fuel margin of about 50% in excess is often recommended.

5 – Inspect craft and safety equipment

Give the boat a thorough visual inspection before departing from port. Be certain the vessel, motor, and safety equipment is suited to the intended travel plan and conditions. Safety gear should be in great condition. Flares or similar distress equipment should in date (expired flares might not give the desired performance).

6 – Learn to swim

Get swimming classes if planning on being in and around water on a regular basis. Look up classes in the local area and this will help increase the confidence when boating at sea.

7 – Let others know

Notify others and let a responsible other person know the intended cruising plan and when you expect to arrive back at port. Any notified person should also be in a position to give a description of the boat.

Leave behind the follow information:

  • Contact details (mobile phone number, address, and name) of the skipper
  • Passenger information
  • Boat registration and type & class
  • Trip itinerary
  • Communication options on board

8 – Pre-departure checklist

Use a pre-departure checklist to help with increasing safety when out on the open waters. A well-planned departure list should reduce the chance of any safety precautions or rules being forgotten or overlooked.

9 – Safety equipment

In addition to the life jackets, other safety equipment to pack on board the boat includes:

  • Life ring (throwable) or similar device (use on any vessel 16-ft or more)
  • Cell phone or similar means to call for help (VHF radio, whistle, flares, etc.)
  • Charts or maps
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kit
  • Operable boat lights (test before leaving the mooring)

10 – Use of life jackets

Wear a life jacket. A high percentage of drowning victims are those that decide to go against wearing a life jacket. It isn’t possible to know what might take place when out on the open water. A life jacket should be available for each passenger on board and at the right size (child to adult sizes). Wear the life jacket with the straps fully fasten to ensure you are kept afloat should you for any reason go overboard.

11 – Weather-wise

Before departing on sailing trip or a powerboat cruise make sure to check on the local weather forecast. TV, radio, or internet is a great source to get a complete picture of the expected weather. Avoid issues like sudden drops in temperature, changing, rough, or volatile winds, or darkening clouds. Play safe and stay off the water. Weather can change suddenly on the sea and you could be in difficulty within a short time.

Categories
Small Boats & Paddle Crafts

Folding Boat: Assemble and Break-down is Fast and Easy

A compact-sized folding boat – at 6-ft (1.8-m) to 12-ft (3.6-m) – is designed to fold for convenient transportation and storage. Foldable boats are constructed in lightweight materials, such as man-made fabrics, and finished with supporting framework.

Folding KayakThis matches the need of the boater who cannot store or trail a full-size boat. These simple-to-erect, disassemble, and pack in a storage bag collapsible boats, require up to 2-hours to set up.

Some of the folding boats offer a solid transom for mounting a small 2 to 4HP petrol or electric engine, but some will accept a 9.9HP engine. Clean, quiet, and fuel-efficient, these small engines come with user-friendly features for better control and maneuverability. If auxiliary power is desired, anything more than 10HP is not recommended due to the lightweight nature of the crafts. In general, portable boats will do with only a 2HP engine.

Ease in set-up

Designed for ease in set-up. By virtue most, if not all the parts of the foldable craft are readily available. This means in the event of a loss or damage to a particular piece, it is a simple process of having the item replaced or repaired in isolation of all other parts. A dual benefit results – minimal downtime and low, to minimal repair costs. Also, a further point to note is that vessels cannot be punctured, as seen with the inflatable.

Compact design

An appropriately designed portable vessel sized to pack small in a storage bag offers complete ease in stowing in the trunk of a vehicle en route to a paddling adventure or stored in times of non-use at home – under a bed, in a closet, inside an athletic locker, etc. Outside in a garage or workshop are also options. A ceiling hoist system provides a great choice for prolonged storage or winterization.

Brands

Folding boats have become a lot more common of late. Non-folding aluminum and inflatable boats are still a lot more popular in the marine marketplace, despite the popularity of certain collapsible boats, such as the Porta-Bote, Folbot, and Pakboat for instance. Each of these can easily rival or better some of the similar deployed boats of a rigid construction. Also, these boats often retail at a price higher than the inflatable or rigid counterparts.

Type of construction

Folding boats are available in several different categories. Kayaks, canoes, and dinghies are the most tried and tested – can come manufactured with outer skins made of a resilient water-resistant fabric – with some companies incorporating air-pockets to aid in buoyancy and stability. Supporting materials for the frames are split between a hard-wearing plastic, a lightweight aluminum or the dependable wood – although some small boats can feature a combination of these.

If used in open waters or heavy weather, bear in mind the freeboard height (distance from waterline to upper-deck level) as the small dinghies and folding boat often have a low freeboard – the higher the sides of the hull, the drier, and more comfortable the boat will stay.

In summary

All in all, an extremely compact folding boat, kayak or canoe is perfect for light tour trips on quiet, flat waters, as a tender dinghy for larger vessels, or used in conjunction with a recreational vehicle, such as a full-size motor-home.

Categories
Building Portal

Stitch and Glue Boat Building: How to Build a SnG Boat

Stitch and glue boat building is the easiest of the construction techniques. S & G boats are built using marine-grade plywood panels, pre-cut to precise shapes or sizes, which are ‘stitched’ in place using wire sutures or cable tires – this has the effect of clamping the plywood panels together. Panels are glued or epoxied to seal all pieces in place and coated with a fiberglass type cloth.

Stitch & Glue DayboatIn the constructing process for stitch and glue boat building, plywood sheets in kit form are cut to a precise size, often via prototypes or computer programs, to guarantee the panels fit or bend to the desired shape and design.

Advantages of SnG

Advantages of building in stitch and glue are great, including no complicated building molds or lofting. Also, fewer tools are used in the construction process. An S & G boat is sleek, clean, and modern-inspired, with a frame that is as strong and capable as a traditional frame-built boat provided it is fabricated to the right specifications.

Even so, some limitations do apply – and this relates to the different hull shapes that can be created from the series of pre-cut, flat plywood panels. Most, if not all of the SnG boats are designed with a V-bottom and a single chine – or angle of the hull.

Boat Building Kits, Plans, or Blueprints

Authentic boat plans are developed with the amateur builder in mind. Stitch & glue plans are the among the most basic in the market for self-constructing a Paddle Craft – Sailing Boat – Tugboat – Outboard Cruiser. All that is required is the ability to construct the framework, mount the panels – either pre or self-cut – and to mix and spread the epoxy coating.

If searching a set of high-quality blueprints or illustrations it is important that step-by-step instructions, material lists, panel drawings, and a tools list are included. Using the proper tools and equipment helps to shorten the construction process. Plans for boat building –either or sale or free – are available at the following destinations.

  • BoatDesigns.com – offer 30+ stitch glue boat plans, from a 6-ft rowboat, 17-ft sea kayak, 18-ft cabin skiff, and a lot more in between.
  • ClarkCraft.com – offer a series of kits or plans complete with wood filler, fiberglass tape, wire, and epoxy-resin for ease in the build process.
  • SpiraInternational.com – offer a varied collection of boat plans following the S&G build process – from a 14-ft drift boat to a 20-ft ultra-light dory.

Elsewhere, try Svensons.com for a series of free boat building plans. In addition, these websites offer a lot of helpful advice on a variety of plywood construction methods, including SnG.

In summary

All in all, the stitch and glue boat building technique relies on fiberglass, wood, and epoxy – with the actual boat made of wood. 1/4 inch plywood is a strong, reliable base material once reinforced with a series of battens and silicon bronze-type screws (brass screws can be brittle, so it is best to avoid those). Fiberglass is often required to sheath the outer portions of the vessel, than epoxy glues the parts in place – epoxy-resin is highly rated if working with wood. Epoxy is a lot more effective than polyester as a bonding agent, and gives a solid, dependable hold.

Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

Repossessed Boats: Seized and Confiscated Repo Boats

If hoping to purchase a Sailboat – Motor Boat – PWC in the second-hand market, the availability of seized, confiscated, or repossessed boats offers the ability to acquire high-quality vessels at incredible rates – and can come within the financial reaches of most interested parties.

Seized by a financial institution (mortgage companies or banks), the boat repossessions are objects confiscated as a result of defaulting load agreement – often after months of not making a repayment. Bank repo boats for sale come onto the market at a knock-down price to guarantee a saving in cost; these saving can be quite substantial compared to a vessel of similar age for sale on dealer’s forecourt.

On top of the boats seized by a financial institution, boat repossessions are also made available due to a government agency, such as the IRS, impounding assists due to issues relating to tax evasion or similar. Also, the these vessels can come on to the market as a result of a law-enforcement agency seizing assets due to a wide range of illegal actions, such as narcotics smuggling.

Locations of Interest

Prior to making a auction bid on a second-hand or repo boat, be certain to inspect the auction listing to determine the T&C, sales tax, vessel condition – including possible imperfections, deposit required, and where possible view the photographs in detail.

  • National Liquidators – with offices situated in Capistrano Beach, California, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio, National Liquidators offers one of the best destinations for Boat and Yacht auctions. Auction vessels, including the Jet skis, flats boats, motor-driven yachts to mega yachts, are open to private and commercial investor’s with its actual bidding process using a sealed bid system. Call National Liquidators on 800 633-7172 for further information, including a list of auction boats available.
  • Harrison Marine – with offices situated in the Midwest, located at Harrison Township, MI, Harrison Marine offers a large range of repossessed boats for sale, often bank seized, and offering an inventory that changes almost daily. Call Harrison Marine on 586 465-3054 to locate a vessel that might well fit within your personal finances.

Inspect in person

If assistance is required, a qualified surveyor or mechanic can help to determine the overall shape and condition. In most cases, expect to some degree neglect or slight damage to these repossessed boats, such as electronics that are missing, upholstery that is worn, or a hull that is showing signs of wear.

Boat repos come on to the market with a number of the valuable items missing, such as the electronic pieces (depth sensors, VHF radios, GPS units, stereos, fish finders, etc), outboard engines, kayaks, tenders, or bimini tops or covers, as these valuable, ease-to-remove items are kept to one side at the time of repossession and sold on at a later date.

After giving a vessel some much need attention or TLC due to prior neglect or minimal scratches or nicks to the hull can often mean that a prospective new owner gets a good clean vessel, with minor wear, yet at cost that can bring a sizable saving in overall outlay.

After Buying

Once you have bought the boat, there are other factors to think about – factors that you should really think about while considering your purchase. Can you afford to put in place a marine insurance plan for the boat? Will you have somewhere to put it – either on shore, on moorings, or marine based? You will also need to make sure that the monthly payments are something that you will continue to meet; the last thing you want is for it to be repossessed – or worse, your house being repossessed!

Insurance

Also, it taking on an aged (10 to 15 years of age), salvaged, or hurricane-damaged vessel it often becomes a necessity (at the insurers request) to arrange an out-of-water survey and valuation report prior to effecting the all-risk boat insurance coverage – without such a report, cover is often limited to liability only insurance.

All in all, repossessed boats offer the potential to save thousands of dollars in the initial outlay costs if able to find a high-performance 20 to 34-ft production sail or motor-driven boat on sale with minimal usage and wear and tear.

Categories
Safety at Sea

What Is Required For the Safe Operation of an Airboat?

Rear of moored airboat

In order to efficiently operate an airboat a variety of safety and registration rules need to be abided by. Regulations are likely to vary from state to state, but in general the guidelines are in place to ensure an airboat is operated in an effective and safe manner. Safety equipment in place is likely to be a high requirement.

Airboat

Having the right safety gear and equipment for operating an airboat

A fun and versatile airboat is highly enjoyable to ride, but if not operated in a safe and efficient manner they are susceptible to sinking or capsizing; often as a result of lacking flotation and ease in which they are able to lose balance. In addition, the air boats aren’t designed to operate in reverse; as a consequence it can be more difficult to avoid a potential situation in the water.

It is also crucial for the air boat operator to be mindful of the debris, sand, or water which might pass through the propeller and in the direction of other motor-driven boats. A high level of boat safety is highly desirable for all boats, including the air boats, and might include:

Life Jackets — a first requirement to boat safety is likely to relate to wearing a lifejacket, which is mandatory in many states for the person under 18 years of age. Even if not a requirement by law to wear a lifejacket for the adults, it is often highly recommended that a lifejacket is worn by all on board to ensure the full safety and protection at all times. A lifejacket must be able to fit appropriately for the size of person.

Fire extinguisher — a fully functional manual or semi-automatic fire extinction system is highly desirable on all makes and models of water craft that are equipped with inboard or outboard machinery. In the event of an engine fire you want to have access to an extinguisher for putting out the flames as soon as possible.

Navigational lights — in order to operate in complete safety in low light conditions you want to make certain that the navigation lights are mounted on board the vessel. Beyond just having the ability to operate in a safe manner, navigational lights are also ideal to alert other boat owners of the presence of the air boat.

Flags — a further great safety aspect relates to having the right complement of flags on board the air boat. A key flag is likely to relate to the diver down flag, which is required in those situations where the diver is in the water for a variety of reasons. A flag needs to be at a height of 10-ft above the air boat, and sized in the region of 10″ x 12″.
Sound distress device — lastly, you might want to make certain you have access to a distress signal or sound device is highly desirable to have onboard the air boats in the event of an emergency situation. A sound device is highly effective at attracting the attention of other boats in the local area and the distress alert signal is needed to give an instant indication that help is required.

What registration requirements are needed for operating an airboat?

In order that a full operational airboat can be used in public bodies of water it is necessary to the registered with the local state authorities. If you are planning on using the air boats in private ponds or other bodies of water, registration isn’t likely to be mandatory. Also, the paddle powered vessels, such as the kayaks and canoes aren’t in need of registration.

A registration certificate is a requirement for those situations where you might be stopped by the local police or Coast Guard, and required to clearly indicate the right paperwork for operation and ownership. Registration costs are likely to relate to the state laws and size of water craft.

Is it easy to arrange insurance on an airboat?

If you are looking at the viability of arrange insurance on an airboat, many of the insurance companies are likely to be very restrictive in relation to offering this type of coverage since the airboats can be quite dangerous. It shouldn’t be difficult to arrange a liability only insurance policy, which will make sure you are protected against damage to a third party, person or property. In the states that have a large number of waterways that are used by air boat operators, it is likely to be easier to arrange insurance coverage beyond just the personal liability insurance.

Categories
General Boating

9 Boat Safety Tips to Protect the Sailing or Motor-Driven Boat from Theft

Thefts and burglaries are on the increase in marinas and ports across Europe and North America. While most boat owners will reply on the protection offered by an insurance policy, there are several different steps that can be taken to help secure a vessel.

Boat Marina
A boat by nature is left unattended for extended periods of time; in a marine or home-port, whilst on day trips touring or cruising, or for months throughout the winter lay-up period. These extensive breaks give the would-be thief a tempting target. In a lot of cases, a boat might well be easier prey than a top of the range motor vehicle.

High-end electronics

Thieves often aim for the easiest target and are attracted by high-end electronics and communication systems. They are quite easy to remove and as these items are manufactured in high numbers, it is often easy to sell them on without too much risk. Ask at a particular yacht club or harbor to evaluate the potential risks in the local area. You might also be able to get information from an insurance company as they often hold data on problem areas.

Here are nine tips to safeguard the boat:

  1. Start by checking the insurance documents to establish the degree of coverage for theft of equipment onboard whilst laid up. If enough coverage isn’t in place, contact the insurance company to see what can be done. Read the policy carefully to understand what needs to be done to guarantee coverage is in place. If the insurance requirements aren’t met, the policy could effectively be worthless.
  2. Maintain a record of the serial numbers or identification codes to help identify a specific piece of equipment if unfortunate to suffer a loss. This record keeping applies mostly to the electronic equipment, outboard motor, and hull identification number (HIN).
  3. Along with the recorded serial numbers, it is also best to hold on to receipts for the items of equipment purchased and left on-board. These receipts might well be required by an insurance company if planning to make a theft claim.
  4. Use invisible pens to mark the expensive or portable items of equipment – these pens are great to put a specific mark or name and address on high-cost pieces of equipment. The writing would be invisible to the naked eye, but will show up under a UV light. Maintain a record of what’s marked and where. Marker pens of this nature can be found through police departments, security stores or insurance companies.
  5. A simple precaution to take is to ensure valuable items are kept out-of-sight from anyone outside the vessel. Make sure a boat is kept locked, use a padlock and chain if necessary.
  6. If possible remove the high-value or portable items of equipment from the vessel if left unattended for a period of time – for instance throughout the winter lay-up period. Hire a locker inside the club house or marina.
  7. Take photographs of the boat, parts, and equipment, such as the hull, interiors, rigging, deck, and valuable or easily removable pieces. All this information helps in the event of a loss.
  8. Install a high-quality alarm system, especially for the high-value vessel. Cameras, alarm systems, and lights can be great deterrents to thieves. Use stickers to indicate the presence of a security system. Fake cameras can be used as a cost-effective alternative to the real thing.
  9. If equipment is discovered to have gone missing, a first step should be to contact the police and then to contact the insurance company with all relevant details, including serial numbers and photo’s where applicable.
Categories
Building Portal

Boat Dock Blueprints & Plans (Stationary & Floating Docks)

Constructing a dock (floating or stationary) requires a boat enthusiast to locate a high-quality set of dock plans or blueprints to assist in the construction project.

Private Float Boat Dock Plans (with Lift)

DIY dock systems are offered in multiple construction techniques (stationary or floating), a variety of frame structures (wooden, steel, or aluminum), and selection of deck materials (concrete, wood or aluminum). Locating the ideal set of boat dock designs makes it possible to build a dock on a seafront, calm river or lake.

In the process of sourcing the dock blueprints it will greatly benefit if you’re able to establish whether you are likely to be constructing a freestanding or floating dock. Establish early on how large you will require the dock and its shape (straight, T-shaped or L-shaped). Size and length of the dock and landing area often relates to the depth of water. A dock located in shallow water is likely to require a longer length dock strip since you want to have a sufficient depth of water to safely moor up the vessel.

Skill levels to install a dock system often depend on the type of material used in the build process. A wooden built dock for instance is the ideal self-build project for those with a basic to moderate skill levels in woodworking, while the aluminum docks are often delivered in multiple sections that just need attaching together – and perfect for most.

Floating Docks for Lakes, Rivers, or Sea Fronts

Boat docks for sale are located at-

  • Great Northern Docks: Great Northern Docks offer a high-quality selection of dock designs, hardware and accessories to assist the DIY enthusiast in constructing their own wooden or aluminum docks – with either a turn-key or pre-built system.
  • Tiger Boat Docks: Tiger Boat Docks design and manufacture a series of stationary or floating docks, lifts, and accessories. Founded in 1995, Tiger Docks offers a varied selection of steel, wood or roof-based self-build plans and blueprints to complement a particular residential set-up. Easy-to-assemble and install, dock kits are equipped with steel hardware, float drums, detailed construction instructions and lumber list, and technical assistance.

Layout and mooring needs

Solid built dock hardware (bolts, hinges, brackets, ladders, etc.) is vital to the long-term durability and performance of self-build pier structure, and is manufactured to hold up to the toughest of marine environments.

Points to determine the design and method of construction consist of such factors as:

  • Size and layout of the dock structure
  • Exposed or protected site (open water, quiet cove, calm river, etc.)
  • Water depth (normal and high water levels)
  • Size of the water body
  • Water fluctuation and weather conditions throughout a given season

Boat dock blueprints are designed mainly related to the layout and mooring needs. If limited with space, you might wish to look at the straight dock layout which is fully satisfactory for most situations. A T-shaped dock is ideal if you’re likely to be swimming from or fishing off, with sufficient space left for mooring up a river boat. An L-shaped dock is perfect for the more compact sized vessel, or where it is likely to be built into an alcove. A pontoon dock is a further option and gives the chance of creating a walkway on each side of the moored up vessel.

Dock Accessories and Supplies

Brighten up the appearance of the pier, broad-walk, shore dock or T-shaped dock system with a high-quality selection of related accessories – Supplies to enhance the look and appearance consist of a picnic table or bench seat for relaxing at, dock boxes or lockers to place supplies. Dock fenders or bumpers to soften impact, and a decent length dock cleat to tie up a recreational watercraft.

PWC Docks

Dry dock a Sea-Doo, Waverunner or Jet Ski branded personal watercraft (PWC) with one of the easiest solutions for mooring a PWC. Configured for 1, 2 or 3-seater machines, the drive-on / drive-off dock system offers a high-level of protection for these valuable waterborne vehicles, and comes in multiple sizes, shapes, and flotation limitations.

If planning on installing a private pier or similar structure, it might also be worthwhile looking at the existing boat insurance coverage to see whether this might need amending due to a change in mooring location.

Whether it is for constructed a floating or stationary dock system for a 1-seater kayak or a 28-ft deck boat, it is vital to locate a high-quality set of boat dock plans to assist in each step of the build project.

Categories
Insure My Boat

How Is The Claim Handled When The Boat Is “Written Off” By The Insurance Company?

If it is deemed by an insurance company that a vessel is in such a state that it should be written off, the amount payable in the event of making a claim is likely to be dependent on the type of policy you purchased. An insurance company is likely to pay out on an actual cash value or agreed value policy.

Bavaria Sport

In the process of implementing the insurance coverage, you are arranging for the ideal level of coverage to protect against a wide range of listed perils. If you take out a full coverage (also known as all-risks or comprehensive) policy, this will pay out in a wide range of situations, unless of course a restriction is written into the policy terms and conditions.

Loss cover provided in the event of physical damage

The types of losses for physical damage might well involve incidents relating to a collision with a floating object, a dock, or another boat. Acts of theft and vandalism are incorporated into a regular policy, as would damage to the vessel in the event of lightning, wind, and hail or wave action.

In the initial stages of arranging the insurance you really want to make certain that the right level of coverage is implemented to give the type of protection most required. You might require an all-risks policy that is able to provide protection while the boat is laid-up ashore in store, or when being tailored on the highway. A boat owner is required to take on the basic maintenance responsibilities; general wear and tear isn’t likely to be included under a standard marine insurance plan.

Comparison shop the marine insurance market

Prior to choosing which one of the specialized marine insurance companies to use for insuring your motor-driven yacht, PWC, or sailboat, you should really put in the effort to get multiple quotes from the different insurance providers. Since you’ll likely find that the pricing for the insurance protection can vary between the different insurance companies, it is beneficial to shop around in order to attract the most competitive deals.

One area that needs great thought and consideration would be the agreed amount paid out by the insurance company in the event of a total loss.

Agreed value insurance policies

If you take out an agreed value insurance policy, you would be able to claim the total sum insured for the hull and equipment that is listed on your insurance schedule in the event of a total loss. In situations of a partial loss, a claim will be determined by the extent of damage and settled on the replacement value of the damaged part or sustained damage.

An insurance company would cover the expense of purchasing a replacement part that was similar in relation to make and model to the item that was damaged beyond repair. Price depreciation as a consequence of age and wear isn’t factored into the claim pay outs for the agreed value policies — although you still might need to pay the deductible amount stated on the insurance policy.

The agreed value insurance aspect of the insurance is most likely to reflect the value of the hull and machinery, since you will likely find that items of equipment like in the outboard motor, trailer, canvas covers, and sails include a depreciation clause due to wear, tear, and age.

Many of the insurance policies vary in relation to the compensation offered in the event of a total loss, for this reason you should make certain to ask the insurance agent when
obtaining an insurance quotation.

Actual cash insurance policies

If you enact an insurance policy that states the actual cash value of the vessel will be paid in the event of a claim, you will receive a compensation amount that is in line with the market value of the vessel at the time of the incident. In calculating the amount to pay out, the insurance company will take into consideration depreciation due to age and condition when any payout figures are being established.

Beyond the amount deducted for depreciation, the insurance company will also deduct the policy deductible from any potential claim payout.
In the event of a partial loss to the vessel or equipment, the insurance company is likely to request full details of the loss or damage incurred in order that the insurance adjuster is able to calculate a fair settlement based on the value of equipment in the condition at the time of the incident.

An actual cash value insurance policy is in the more cost effective option, but it is important to be mindful that you’re paying a premium on an insurance plan that is gradually depreciating in relation to the insured value. Since the market value of the vessel is likely to gradually depreciate year-on-year, you will continue to play in same level of insurance premium, while the insured value that is payable in the event of the total loss continues to decline.

Categories
Small Boats & Paddle Crafts

Kayak Hoist: Canoe & Kayak Ceiling Hoists

Easy-to-use, safe, and reliable the kayak hoist systems are designed with a thick, reliable rope, solid engineering, and safety-catch to support paddling machines up to 150-pounds.

Versatile in use, the kayak ceiling hoist is available in multiple configurations, with models designed to hold a 1-person kayak, raft or canoe up to a maximum weight limit of 50-pound, to those designed to hold 2-person or multiple canoes, and accepting a maximum weight limit in the region of 300-pounds.

Hoist Features

Ceiling mounted, the garage hoist system, with its adjustable straps (guarantees a raft, canoe or kayak is kept in position), safety release latch (puts a stop to accidental release), and rubber-coated hooks (protects from abrasions or scuffs) is built to hold a Old Town, Ocean, Perception, or Native Watercraft at a height of approx 12-foot above floor level.

  • Supports a 50, 100, 125 or 150-lbs weight limit
  • Protects kayaks from scratches via the rubber coated hooks
  • Smooth operating pulley and latch system
  • Avoids un-wanted release with reliable safety mechanism
  • Thick rope for long-term use
  • Accepts all-types of paddling machines (canoe, kayaks, dinghies and rafts)

Easy for a single person to control, the kayak hoist system is constructed with a smooth rope or pulley system to lift or lower a raft in a solid, flat position via use of its two ropes; one attached to each end of the machine, and safely positions a kayak at ceiling height in minutes.

Perfect to mount on either open rafters or finished ceiling, the kayak storage systems are supplied with all assembly hardware (lift, pulleys, screws, rope, etc) for ease in positioning in an unobstructed space.

Push-button Hoists and Motorized Pulleys

Raise or lower a kayak, canoe or raft with a simple-to-operate electric hoist system – lifting a much higher load limit, often in the region of 225 – 250-pounds. Push-button control, the electric hoists operate via a 110-volt outlet, flex-corded hand control, and reliable ¾-HP motor – An efficient solution to eliminate a lot of the clutter that builds up in a garage space – and a great choice if wishing to avoid the strain of man-handling a paddling machine into position.

Other Well-Situated Systems

Racor, Harken Hoister, BAC Industries, and ProSource design and manufacture a series of kayak hoist pulley system to lift a raft – up to 17-ft 9” – to a safe, and secure ceiling height.

1- Storage Rack

A free-standing, super portable, and lightweight solution for organizing multiple canoes, kayaks, surfboards, or similar sports equipment – A floor-based rack is designed to hold paddling machines up to 30-inch in width, up to 20-foot in length, and up to 75-pound in weight.

2 – Wall Cradle

Load almost all kayak models – up to a 100-pounds in weight and 15-inch in depth – onto a steel constructed wall cradle for a safe, reliable hold. Cradles are foam padded to guarantee scratch-free protection of a paddling machine.

3 – Boat Hanger

A versatile solution to hang up to 3 kayaks in a safe, horizontal position – easily adaptable, the boat hangers come with multiple webbing loops which attach to the ceiling for a safe anchoring position.

Versatile in use, the multi-use kayak hoists offer the benefit of lifting or lowering a wide variety of garden or household objects often confined to a workshop or garage, such as deck furniture, adult-size bicycles, sports apparatus, ladders, dock boxes, garden tools, etc.

Also, in order to arrange sufficient boat insurance coverage it is often a requirement to store or secure a small craft against theft or vandalism – or at least remove all equipment if left out in the open – kayak storage systems of this nature will help to comply with these requirements.

All in all, a simple-to-use kayak hoist offers a space-saving solution to lift or lower kayaking equipment – up to 150-lbs – or similar other garage clutter to get back a lot more lost floor space.