Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

6 Tips for Writing a Better Ad to Sell Your Boat

Preparing the boat or related accessories for sale is certain to help achieve the more desirable price tag, while also speeding up the process.

Boat Here are six tips to prepare the boat or supplies for sale:

1 – Be aware of fraud

Similar to selling anything online it is essential to be cautious of fraud and deceit. If an offer seems suspicious or too good to be true, be careful and conduct further checks to ensure you are in contact with a legitimate buyer.

2 – Boat inquiries

Aim to reply to questions related to the advertisement as soon as possible. A fast and helpful response will show you are serious about selling the boat and / or related accessories. A first impression is certain to count, so make show the ability to work on a potentially large transaction.

3 – Contact details

Make it easy for the would-be buyer to get in contact, and give a choice of contact details such as phone and email. Also, give the location of the boat so that the enquirer is able to appreciate the distance to travel before making any serious commitments to come and inspect the boat.

4 – Descriptions

Write a detailed description of the boat or accessories for sale. Make sure to highlight the most attractive features in the process of writing out the boat details on the online or print form. Use phrases like regularly serviced, excellent condition, popular model, etc. to get the attention of the would-be buyer.

Provide a full list of inventory and specifications. Compile a list of the make and model of the items that form part of the sale. Plus, give the value of the boat supplies which makes it easier to justify the asking price. Also, make sure to be truthful and correct in the process of itemizing the inventory and stating the condition of the vessel.

5 – High-quality photos

Make sure the boat or accessories are well presented and in good light before taking the photographs for the ads. Take close up pictures of the best features or items of equipment. Use an extra light for interior shots if the natural light is quite dim. Plus, make use of photo processing software to enhance the picture quality before uploading.

6 – Preparing the boat (or accessories) for sale

Before putting a boat on the market give it a careful inspection for signs of neglect and clean and tidy it. This is an essential step to take before going ahead with the sale. A complete polish of the hull and desk and inside of the boat is usually recommended. A well-kept boat is much more able to give the right impression to the potential new owner.

De-clutter the boat and remove everything from sight that can make the boat appear neglected. Dispose of garbage bags; clean the fridge/icebox, and place crockery or similar items in the appropriate lockers. Making the boat appear more spacious is certain to make it appear a better investment. Ensure everything on display is clean and in full working order. Remove any of the boat supplies that aren’t working or in low-quality condition.

Plus, similar rules apply to selling outboard motors, tender dinghies, trailers, life rafts, etc. Clean and tidy before putting up for sale.

Categories
Safety at Sea

9 Quick Tips to Help Minimize Sea Sickness

Sea sickness (also referred to as car sickness and motion sickness) is a common complaint and relates to an inner ear disturbance resulting from repeated movement.

Acustraps Sea Sickness Bands

Symptoms relating to this condition include an unwell feeling, sweating, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. Most of the symptoms are caused by a noticeable change in the equilibrium and balance in the inner ear.

Here are 9 tips that can help to minimize the effects of motion sickness:

1 – Acidic, heavy, or greasy foods

Before setting sail avoid eating foods that are quite high in relation to acidic, heavy, or greasy. Instead, eat a light meal about 60 minutes before departure to give the stomach something to consume. Be cautious of salad dressings or similar as they are usually high in acidic content. An early morning meal can consist of porridge or cereals. Plus, an ingredient like ginger is appreciated for its ability to ward off sea sickness and is available in several forms, such as cookies and biscuits.

2 – Alcohol

It is best to avoid drinking too excess the night before going out on the sailboat. Wait until fully accustomed to life on the water before indulging in acidic, caffeinated or alcohol drinks.

3 – Caffeinated drinks

Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks for at least 24-hours or more before planning to go out on a sailing adventure. Caffeine has the potential to increase the risk of suffering from a headache, and this isn’t likely to benefit those that start to feel seasick once on the open waters.

4 – Exhaust fumes

Avoid sitting in any area of the boat that will put you within close proximity to the exhaust or diesel fumes. Plus, for those on a small Cuddy cabin or motor cruiser, it helps to avoid leaving the engine on when static for a significant period. Engine fumes often return to the boat and can make it quite unpleasant for the passengers or crew on board.

5 – Hypnotism

A hypnotism session might be the best cause of action for those that have severe difficulties with motion sickness. A scheduled session of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has the potential to minimize issues related to this condition. Most of these techniques have special instructions for those that are likely to experience sea sickness on a vessel.

6 – Line of sight

Once the boat is underway, try to avoid using cameras or binoculars, or reading for a prolonged period of time. It can help to have the horizon in sight, but make sure to avoid staring or concentrating on it. Plus, don’t be tempted to stare at things that are normally solid and stable like furniture or walls as this can confuse the brain.

7 – Prepare equipment

When getting prepared for a sailing or fishing trip it can benefit to get all supplies set up and ready before leaving port. Sort the supplies on board or on shore, which should help to significantly reduce the time spent below deck while the boat is in motion. Even moving around a boat when stationary can lead to issues with sea sickness, so make sure to do whatever is possible to minimize the time spent loading supplies on a boat. It might help at the start to avoid going below until you are more used to the motion of the boat and less likely to feel sick.

8 – Sleep

Getting a full and relaxing night’s sleep the evening before venturing out on the water is certain to benefit. Even though there might be some anxiety about going out on a boat, it helps to get in a good 7-8 hours of sleep. A good night’s sleep means you are more likely to be relaxed and ready for setting off in the boat and not dreading the planned trip.

9 – Stay hydrated

Sit in an area of the boat that makes it possible to get plenty of shade and fresh air. Try to avoid getting too hot and have a bottle of water or similar close to hand to avoid issues with dehydration. On a longer excursion, make sure to eat food to avoid getting hungry. Light snacks are the best option to avoid feeling sea sick.

Categories
Safety at Sea

5 Basic Boating Safety Tips for Dogs

Dogs and water can be fun and enjoyable for some, but not all dogs like being out on a boat or kayak.

Dogs and Boats

Dogs have different characters and the type and size of vessel can have a significant impact. A large vessel like a ferry ride shouldn’t be an issue for most dogs unless the pet is highly nervous. But, a small vessel might not be so attractive for a dog.

Below are five safety tips for taking a dog in the water:

Balance

Dogs that are first-time boaters might be quite fearful of the motion of the floor at the start. To help minimize the issues with a potentially rocking boat make sure to prepare the dog before taking them on board. Let the dog get used to the motorboat, sailboat or kayak when ashore to increase the chance of being more comfortable out on the water. After a short time most dogs will start to get accustomed to the motion and balance that comes with being in the water.

Desensitize

A period of desensitizing is the best course of action to get the dog used to live on a small boat, dinghy, or kayak. Sit in the boat with the dog and slowly rock the boat from side to side to give it some motion. Repeat this process of several days to ensure the dog is fully comfortable on board before heading out to sea. Avoid forcing the dog to stay in the boat, but give positive reassurance and build up a trusted relationship that confirms the boat is a safe environment.

  • Any dog on board a boat should know the basic commands like stay, sit, down, etc.
  • Create a specific space on or in the boat for the dog to use and apply a non-slip pad. Let the dog explore all areas of the boat.
  • Show the dog the easiest ways to get in and out of the vessels and lead the dog to the best places to lie or sit in comfort.
  • Make certain a dog is fully comfortable before heading out. A sudden shift in weight can cause issues with small boats or kayaks, so ensure the dog is able to remain stable on board.

Hydration

Similar to people it is very easy for dogs to start to get quite dehydrated when left outside in hot temperatures. Give suitable access to fresh, cool water to avoid issues with thirst and also provide land breaks if possible to let the dog escape and relieve themselves.

  • Puppy pads, litter box or similar might be needed if land breaks aren’t a practical option.
  • Pack enough fresh water to ensure the dog is kept hydrated for the duration of the time on the water. On the hotter days, an increase in fluid intake is highly likely.
  • Plus, consider taking along the pet’s health records in the event these are needed should an emergency arise.

Life Jacket

Even the most competent dog breeds (Portuguese water dogs, Golden Retrievers, etc.) can experience issue in open waters and benefit from the safety of a life jacket. Water current and weather can easily change and it is better to have the safety of a life jacket in place. Life jackets come in a variety of sizes to ensure all breeds are fully protected. A life jacket is not only effective at keeping the dog afloat should it fall overboard, but will also make it easier to grad compared to only having a collar.

Sunscreen

Apply a sunscreen to a dog or provide enough shade is certain to benefit when out on the water. A sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more is practical for applying to the belly, ears (avoiding the ear canal), and nose. Ask the vets to determine the safest brand to use for pets. Many dogs have a tendency to lick it off so you want to avoid issues that could lead to severe stomach upset. A boat hull in fiberglass or aluminum can easily heat up once exposed directly to the sun. This heat is then easily absorbed by the paw pads, so make sure to have a cool or shaded area for the dogs to get relief from the heat.

Categories
Boat & PWC Rental

8 Helpful Tips for Boat Rental

Boat rental can offer a variety of benefits: fun and adventure on the water without the cost of maintenance, docking/storage fees, monthly loans, etc. Plus, it might not be necessary to tow the vessel to the launch site.

Boat Rental

Renting a boat gives the perfect option to try out a different lake or type or class of vessel at minimal expense. The rates to book a preferred type of boat for a daily or longer outing is significantly less than the ongoing costs of ownership. A multi day rental is usually a quite cost-effective option.

Below are eight tips to help with hiring the next rental boat:

Why choose that rental company

Any well established boating destination or lake is certain to have several boat rental companies offering a choice of boats for hire. Just conduct a search using the phrase ‘boat rentals’ and add on the preferred region or lake. A large marina might be worth investigating to see if it has a choice of boats to rent out for several days.

Decide on the type and class of vessel

Rental boats will closely relate to the local waterways and experienced gained. A fishing boat is great for the major fishing sites, a pontoon or deck boat is perfect for larger groups or parties, and a Bowrider is a practical choice for the longer tours. Let the rental service know the planned cruising itinerary and they should be able to provide a boat that closely matches.

Moving from location to location

A rental company might be based on the sea or river front which makes it easy to use the local waters. A boat waiting in a marine slip is certain to be the easiest option to get underway. Alternatively, a trailerable boat gives the option to move further afield and explore areas that interest the most.

Do you have a qualified helmsman in charge?

Boat operators, states, and lakes can vary when it comes to classifying someone as qualified to take on responsibility for a boat. Anyone that has completed a boat safety course will help their cause and make it possible to be accepted as the person in charge. Make sure to check the rules and regulations published by the rental company to ensure you are able to comply.

Also, certain rental companies will be willing to provide free of charge tuition for the specific type of vessel that you will be hiring. This increases the chance of being able to safely operate the boat once out on the waters.

Get the vessel a visual inspection before use

Before setting off and accepting responsibility for the boat, make sure to give it a careful and thorough inspection. Inspect the boat for signs of loose or broken fittings, missing parts, prop damage, cracks in the windshield, dents, and scratches. Make sure any defects are noted before accepting the keys and leaving with the boat.

Is the vessel outfitted with the relevant safety equipment?

A further area to get familiar with is the safety equipment on-board. A life jacket should be available for each member of the crew and passengers on the boat and at the appropriate sizes (child to adult). Make sure you are aware of where everything is kept so that it is easy to access in the event of an emergency.

Is standard insurance protection in place?

A rental agreement should indicate the insurance limits and liabilities. Most of the boat rental agreements state the user is the sole person responsible for problems or issues that materialize whilst on hire. Check the agreement to ensure you are able to comply with the terms and conditions listed. Use an insurance agent to check the details if you aren’t entirely certain of what is noted on the form.

Limitations or restrictions in the rental agreement

Read the rental agreement to be certain you know what you are getting into. Limitations in the contract might relate to the distance traveled from the launch ramp or port. Usability options can vary – certain operators will ban the use of skiers or towable tubes. Night time boat handling might be limited. Plus, make sure to be aware of how forced cancellations are handled.

Categories
Fishing

All about Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing relates to fishing in water that has no to minimal salt content. Fresh water fishing is highly versatile and has the option of fishing for a varied selection of fish species.

Crappie Fish

Freshwater fish amounts to about 42% of the available species.

Some of the favorite freshwater fish species include:

  • Bass
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Musky
  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Walleye

This type of fishing activity is experienced in streams and rivers, ponds and lakes, from a seafront dock, on a boat or from shore. Plus, there are several different types of lures, baits, and techniques used in the process of catching the fish.

What is the most challenging place to fish?

What is the difference with river or stream fishing and lake or pond fishing? Each body of water presents different variables when it comes to freshwater fishing. A major challenge relates to fast or slow moving water (streams and rivers) to the virtually still water (ponds and lakes). Water make-up, structure, and ecosystem are entirely different with each environment. Get a good understanding of the fishing hole to increase the change of catching the fish.

Freshwater gear to match the fish you’re after

The fishing gear choices are wide-ranging and vary with the different kinds of fish, how you will be fishing, and over competence at fishing. Picking the right fishing tackle and supplies are certain to help be more productive at the bass lake or river. A well-chosen selection of tackle, rods, and reels must match the species of fish that you’re after.

Natural fishing bait vs. lures

A great fisherman has great fishing sense, practical skills, and well rounded selection of gear. The preference for natural fishing bait or lures is down to a variety of factors. Choosing the right tackle can result in a much more productive fishing trip. Choices relate to type of fishing, time of year, and specific fish you are aiming to catch.

Lake maps are indispensable

An ability to read lake maps is certain to be a major benefit to the experienced. A well read map will make it easier to identify the most attractive spots to find the large quantities and preferred type of fish. Using these maps is one of the most effective options to understand the local waters. Whether a complete novice or experienced, these maps are certain to help the fisherman hone their skills and target the right place to fish.

A practical choice is the contour or topographical map. This type of map helps to calculate the depth of water and this is critical to finding the various fish species. Most fish are easily found at particular water depths which can vary with the season and specific fish. Contour maps include lines which indicate the depth and anglers can rely on this information to increase the chance of successfully hooking the fish.

Once a contour map has been read it helps to visit the actual lake or river in-person to fully establish the fishing possibilities in the local area. A typical map is clearly able to show several different sites that are perfect for fishing and includes the depth to fish.

Freshwater fishing tips and tricks

Fishing tactics will vary depending on where you propose to fish. Fishing in cold or brackish water often depends on a particular style, while fishing in freshwater relies on an alternative plan.

  • A great alternative to worm bait is the locust which is appreciated by large fish species.
  • A mossy area is attractive to fish as it packs a lot of food.
  • Cast the line near shore to increase the chance of fishing biting.
  • Read the local fishing reports at the time of fishing to identify the spots the fish are biting.
  • Fish congregate in areas of the river or lake that offer a reliable source of food. This is often an area of the lake that turns deep to shallow.
  • Early morning is a great time to fish.
  • Use a shiny lure to attract specific fish, but there is a chance these lures will cause confusion should the sun reflect directly on them. An alternative option is the fishing lures fished in matted metal.

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.