Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

Boat Auction: Legitimate Savings on Boat Auctions

Bid with complete confidence, an established boat auction site offers the potential to save on the cost of a high-quality second-hand, seized, and salvaged or repo boat for sale of all makes, classes, and ages imaginable. One of the simplest destinations to get started with boat auctions is the eBay Marketplace.

Prior to using eBay for the first time, it is necessary to complete the registration steps and open an account – this permits full access to the online boat auctions and everything else for sale.

Locate all-types of Boats, Parts, and Accessories on eBay Motors.

Using eBay Motors in 5 Simple Steps

• Go to eBay’s site – https://www.motors.ebay.com/
• Under the Categories tab, select ‘Powersports, Boats & More, and than select the class of watercraft interested in – either Sailboats, Motorboats & Powerboats, Fish Boats or Other Boats
• Its now possible to restrict to search to show more specific details, such as Type, Length, Make, and Distance. Or to get more specific, use the search bar to input a particular make or model.
• Also featured is the option to sort listing by Year, Price, Distance, and Best Match.
• If applicable, tick 3 to 5 auction listings to get the option ‘Compare’ multiple crafts in a side-by-side display.

Prior to bidding on one of the boats for auction at eBay motors, make certain that you know precisely what you will be making a bid on, note the feedback rating of the seller, and read the About Me page if completed. Reading the Buyers Checklist and Buy Safety Tips can be helpful to guarantee a safe shopping experience, while the Vehicle Purchase Protection is also worth looking at.

Purpose-built Fish Boats for Sale

High-performance, quality, and durability all relate to the fresh or salt-water fishing boats designed to fish a diversity of fishable species. Fast and loaded with equipment, most of the fish boats are built to perform a specific purpose – those set to fish the flats or other shallow bodies of water, inshore, or deep waters.

Offering a solid-performance, the aluminum or fiberglass built fish boat are designed with a variety of standard features to give a fun and enjoyable adventure. Common features consist of the livewells, custom trailers, depth sounders, trolling motors, lockable storage spaces, and more.

Offering a practical balance for fishing and water-sports, the ‘fish-n-ski’ boats are starting to become more and more popular in view of its all-round versatility, these dual-purpose vessels function as an all-in-one ski, fish, dive, and cruise boat.

Perfect for the weekender to pro-angler, the modern, ready-to-fish angling packages offer a smooth-ride and solid platform for competing in all-types of fishing activities – whether it is calm rivers, flats, inshore, or deep waters. Repo boat auctions offering a high degree of fishability are often available at knock-down prices.

Sailing Boats for Sale

Defining the class of a sailboat often comes down to the hull configuration, size, keel type, and sail number – sailboats include the single or monohull and the multi-hull, with the multi-hulled vessels, such as the trimarans and catarmans gaining in popularity.

Outfitted for a fun and successful time at sea, the sailboat is equipped with a series of sophisticated electronics to guarantee a safe cruise on an overnight sail or to circumnavigate the globe.

A sailing boat, propelled partially or entirely by wind, offers a great deal more challenges in relation to its performance and handling abilities, than the traditional motor or powerboat – and often requires to some degree, knowledge of wind patterns and currents for a safe and enjoyable voyage. Common sail boat types are the ketch, catboat, yawl, dinghy, and cutter.

Motor and Powerboats for Sale

Fast, easy-to-operate, and safe, the motorboats are designed with a particular function in mind, with those aimed at water sports, such as tubing and wakeboarding to fishing the lakes, flats, and bays to overnight excursions. Larger powerboats can accept up to 14 or more passengers with ease, such as the pontoon and desk boats.

A popular class of motorboat includes the versatile center consoles – a great choice for a variety of activities, such as general pleasure and sports fishing. A motorboat sized at 16-feet or more often comes with a built-in cabin or sleeping area. Also, the smaller sized crafts offer ease in trailing from one location to the next, and this can often save a lot on storage or mooring fees.

Configured with a high-performance engine – whether it is a stern-drive, inboard, outboard, or jet-drive – the motor-driven vessel offers breath-taking speed for a variety of activities, from general cruising, sports fishing, or water sports. A sailing boat is more relaxing, although the power crafts offer more fun, power, and performance.

Jet Skis for Sale

Personal Watercrafts (also known as Waverunners, Jet Skis and Sea-Doo’s) are jet-driven, operate in a sitting, kneeling, or standing position, and sized at 12-foot or less. Fast and maneuverable, the high-performance 1, 2 or 3-seat PWC are in effect high-speed motorcycles on the water – offering sufficient speed and acceleration to tow tubes, skiers, or wake boarders.

Categories
Small Boats & Paddle Crafts

All-Purpose Shallow Water Jon Boats

Durable, reliable and economical, the riveted and all-welded aluminum Jon boats (also referred to as flat-bottomed boats) are perfect for shallow bodies of water and used for waterfowl hunting, hauling, fishing, and other commercial activities.

Jon BoatTough built, the riveted boats are meant to be worked hard, while at the same time maintaining the appearance for years to come. Pull a modified-v or standard flat Jon up a rocky bank or left strapped in the bed of a truck and these hard-wearing vessels will tough it out against all the odds. Jon boats are finished in a standard olive-green or camo-type paint scheme.

Popular Brands of Riveted or Welded Jon Boats –

Available in several different configurations, the manufacturers (Alumacraft, Crestliner, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, etc) of the flat-bottomed boats offer a wide beam width, a spacious deck area, and multiple storage options for rod lockers and gun boxes. Multiple seating options are also available. Fish-based options consist of the fish finders, trolling motors, moveable pedestal seats, and aerated livewells.

  1. Alumacraft manufacture a series of ultra-light, smooth-handling, and solid-working traditional flat and V-bottom Boats, at 10 to 16 feet in length, with a toughened construction (wider and stronger ribs) to create one of the most dependable options in the marketplace. Paint finish is often an olive drab green.
  2. Crestliner manufacture a series of 15 to 20 ft all-welded Jon Boats to create unmatched versatility for fishing or hunting in shallow waters – and available in several different configurations to match the planned use. Paint finish comes in a resilient olive drab green or camouflage.
  3. Lowe Manufacture a series of all-welded aluminum Jon boats, at 14 to 20 feet in length, with extra-wide bottoms and beam widths for a stable and reliable performance. Built for all applications – hunt – fish or both, these tough-as-nails boats are perfect in the toughest waters. Paint finish is often drab, green enamel paint.
  4. Lund Manufacture a series of 10 to 18 feet high-strength, alloy-riveted Jon boats to give a high degree of performance and stability in shallow bodies of water. Constructed with extruded ribs, formed-in keels, and spray rails, these utility boats are perfect for the series fowl hunter or angler. Paint finish is in a choice of standard or optional color schemes.
  5. Princecraft manufacture a series of solid built riveted aluminum Jon boats, at 10 to 14 feet in length, offering maximum strength and durability for all-types of shallow water applications. A series of utility boats that is highly efficient with an ability to run smooth and run steady. Paint finish is a hard-wearing olive drab coating.

Self-build Utility Boat Plans

Elsewhere, for the DIY enthusiast, an authentic set of boat plans or complete kits offer the perfect opportunity to self-construct a 10 to 15 feet flat-bottom boat for several different applications. DIY plans, with complete step-by-step directions help with each stage of the build process, and include advice on constructing the gunwales, seat stringers, frames, chine logs, etc.

In Summary

Overall, the all-purpose, dependable, and economical aluminum Jon boats are built to survive all on-water applications – from hunting or fishing activities to hauling loads or commercial activities – and exhibit a high degree of ruggedness and stability.

Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

11 Things to Know Before Buying a PWC or Jet Ski

If you are looking to invest in a personal watercraft (or jet ski) there are a variety of points that need careful consideration, such as size and type, safety, transport, insurance, and storage.

PWC to buy tips

Below is a quick overview of what to look for when buying a PWC:

Top tips for buying a jet ski

  • Size – A jet ski is designed to accept 1-4 passengers and the sports ready machine is even able to tow a Wakeboard, skis, or inflatable tube. So, before getting to the stage of investing in a PWC, make sure to determine the right type and size of machine to match the application.
  • Safety – All modern PWC’s are fitted out with safety features to ensure the driver and passengers are kept safe at all times. A standard safety feature is a lanyard, which is needed to cut the ignition should the driver dismount.
  • Specification – A jet ski is usually classified in related to the size of the engine. Hull design, engine, and horsepower will have a significant impact on the speed. A PWC with a long, wide design is able to give a more stable ride, but this shape doesn’t give the most desired maneuverability. A sportier version is narrow and short and gives much more favorable speed and handling opportunities.

Other factors include stroke type, aspiration, and fuel consumption.

Types of Jet Ski

  • Stand-up – This style of Jet Ski is small in size and built with no seat and requires the driver to stand-up while riding it. A 1-person jet ski can be difficult to fully master and relies on a certain degree of athletic ability to maneuver. Solo stand-up Jet Skis are highly agile and used by those wishing to perform freestyle tricks. The stand-up machine is more practical for the thrill-seeker with a certain degree of experience.
  • Sport craft – A solo sport craft is again intended for the single rider and comes with a stationary steering control and seat. The sport craft is larger than the stand-up model, but able to move quite fast and corner aggressively. This is a further type of PWC that can benefit from an experienced hand to control.
  • 2-seater – A 2-seater Jet Ski has a longer hull with space for two seats, so room to accept another person. The speed and maneuverability are slightly diminished on a two-seater, but they do offer a higher degree of stability while traveling straight or making corners.
  • 3 or 4 seater – A 3 or 4 seater Jet Ski is highly versatile, comfortable, stable, and a great choice for families. Common features include an enhanced suspension, cruiser seats, and navigation systems. Even thought these PWC have the longer hull and extra seats, they can still perform quite well with a single rider on-board. Plus, a 3 or 4 seater is a practical choice for towing objects like inflatable tubes.

Additional costs and thoughts

  • Storage – Storage options need to be taken into account. A compact solo Jet Ski is the easiest to store at home (in the garage), while the 4-seater model will need a lot more space. So, if you are space limited for storage, it might be necessary to go for a model that offers ease in storing.
  • Trailer – An appropriate trailer in aluminum or similar material is required for transporting the PWC from storage to preferred body of water. Plus, the towing vehicle will need to have sufficient capacity to tow the trailer/jet ski combination on the highway.
  • Insurance – A comprehensive insurance plan for the Jet Ski is a must-have before starting out on the water. Price and cover vary significantly with the different insurance companies, so make sure to shop around.
  • Fuel – Jet skis rely on fuel and costs differ based on the efficiency and size of the actual machine.
  • Servicing and maintenance – A regular service from a skilled mechanic is certain to help keep the PWC in tip-top condition.
  • Safety equipment – Safety gear of a desirable natural includes life jackets, gloves, slip-resistant footwear, goggles, and wet suit.
  • Protective cover – PWC covers give a desired level of protection while the Jet Ski is laid up. Prolonged periods of sunlight exposure are certain to cause issues with the paintwork. Air intakes can become damaged if left exposed. Plus, a cover can protect from the elements (rain, wind, snow, etc.) if stored in an exposed area.

Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

NADA Boats: Marine Appraisal Guide

If planning to purchase a second-hand Sailboat – Motor Cruiser – PWC it is advisable to research the market value to help in the decision-making process. That is when the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA Boats) appraisal guide comes into force.

Establish a Given Vessel

Often a subjective figure, establishing the market value of a used boat is determined by several different factors.

  • Find a similar make and model of craft in numerous print or online classified ads to get a basic understanding of the saleable price
  • Use a pricing service or marine appraisal guide to help research the value.
  • Contact a boat dealership to ask for their option
  • If high in value ($25,000+), it might be worthwhile using the services brokerage service to help in the sale
  • On aged, high valued, or vessels of a particular model, it is often a benefit to arrange for an out-of-water survey and valuation report to be carried out.

NADA is designed to evaluate prices on boats and personal watercraft (PWC) in the pre-owned market, in addition to several boat related accessories, such as the outboard motor and road trailer.

Establishing the market value of a used boat is much easier with a marine price guide with its ability to help either seller or buying in establishing a fitting sell-on price for a given object.

Even with the help of the NADA boats, it is still important to use some common sense on receiving a suggested value, and not to take that value as literal. Once the application form is complete, the price indicated relates to the average retail price. So for instance, if a 2010 Larson runabout is kept in first-class condition with minimal use, it is likely to have a market value higher than the price indicated in the guide. Guide prices are closer to the truth with boats or PWC aged at less than 5-years.

Other Factors to Note in Buying a Boat

  • Establish its prior use – crafts used in saltwater, ex-charter boats, etc – often have lower re-sale values.
  • Have a craft inspected by a qualified mechanic or surveyor to determine its overall seaworthiness.

NADA boats is a recognized name in the marine industry for appraising recreational vehicles (Power Boats – Sailboats – Personal Watercraft) and related accessories and dates back its pricing to 1980 and older. A boat guide offers a quick, effective method to determine value and decide if the time is appropriate to invest in an up-grade or to stick with an existing craft until more favorable financial conditions present themselves.

Elsewhere, use a secondary service, such as BoatHistoryReport.com, to avoid hidden problems. Get a vessels history to guard against unknown problems or potential damage; information obtained includes accident reports (fire, submerged, hurricane, salvaged, run aground, collision, etc), as well as reports on seized or recalled vessels.

Besides the invaluable tools for appraising values, NADA also offers a lot of other resources, services, and products, such as informational articles, tips and advice on matters related to the purchasing process – make it as easy as possible for the consumer.

NADA Boats – Marine Appraisal Guide Example:

NADA Guides
NADAGuides.com price report for a 2003 Trophy Boats 2352 WA – 23-ft

In Summary

NADABoats is highly reputable and well-known in the world of appraising the value of boats and equipment (aged 1980 to now) in the market. By using the prices published in this boat motor appraisal guidebook, you are able to make an informed decision on when might be the right time to up-date or stay with an existing vessel until the market conditions start to show more encouraging signs.

Visit the official site: www.nadaguides.com for more information.

Categories
Boat Maintenance & Organization

5 Boat Storage Options (Outdoor & Indoor)

Whether you are looking for an indoor storage unit, high-and-dry boat storage, or outside trailer storage, there are multiple options to keep the beloved boat and equipment safe throughout the winter lay-up period.

Boat Storage OptionsLeaving the motor-yacht tied up at the marine is a safe and convenient option, but is likely to cost the most. Alternatively, trailering the boat home will take a lot of time and effort and might leave it open to the elements (if left in the yard) and take up space.

Below are five of the most appealing boat storage options

Self-Storage Facility

A self-storage facility offers the most cost-effective method to safely store and protect the boat throughout the winter period. A storage unit is also convenient and easy to access with many storage facilities situated near your home, the ocean, bays, rivers, and lakes.

While a regular self storage unit is without doubt a convenient option, there is a high chance that it won’t give the most desired fit. A self-storage unit for a motor-driven yacht, sailboat, or runabout needs to be in the region of 10 x 15 feet. Other standard sizes can include 10 x 20 feet and 10 x 30 feet. Any boats outside these dimensions will find it difficult to use a regular self-storage unit. Also, a maximum height is about 8-10 feet tall.

Outdoor Boat Storage

Even if a self-storage facility doesn’t have enough space inside, some facilities have large outdoor spaces to park up boats, RV, caravans, trailers, etc. Outdoor boat storage is usually more cost-effective than going to a specialized service. But, this space is essentially open to the elements and might not give the desired protection.

Storage facilities located close to bodies of water are more likely to have the needs of the boat owner in mind and provide some type of roof or similar protection from the rain. Plus, certain facilities will offer extra services like light maintenance to boat transportation.

Dry Stack Storage

A dry stack storage system is designed to store RIBs and boats (up to a certain length) in a large rack with many other vessels. A storage rack is usually competitively priced and gives a high level of protection from the rain, snow, wind, etc. A well-protected dry stack storage system is based in a large warehouse. This should ensure the boat is fully protected from the elements at all times. However, the process of returning the motor boat to the water can be time-consuming and difficult.

Plus, the racks are limited in space and most facilities are only designed to accept boats that are within 35 feet.

Indoor Boat Storage

Most of the storage units are able to accept the boats at the more modest range sizes — although certain models of boat are just too big and wouldn’t be able to fit within a standard storage facility. However, the dedicated storage spots are designed with a layout that is more boat-friendly and able to accept the larger boats.

Indoor boat storage is certain to appeal to those living in areas that experience the more difficult weather (snow and ice) all through the winter. A boat left exposed on an open storage facility is certain to experience issues with wear and tear over time.

The majority of indoor boat storage facilities is large warehouses with space to store a number of boats in a single room. Certain extras can feature in the price of renting a space for winter hibernation, such as full winterization and transport (to and from the storage facility). Full winterization can include antifreeze, changing gear lube, stabilizing gas tanks, pumping out water tanks, winterizing air conditioners, and greasing external fittings.

Jet Ski Storage

Storing a personal watercraft (PWC) is similar to storing a full size boat, but at a much smaller footprint. This makes it more achievable to store the Jet Ski on the driveway, in the yard, or enclosed in the garage. But, if there isn’t any safe and secure space at home, there are several under cover storage options available.

A basic self-storage unit often makes a practical choice for storing the PWC. It offers undercover protection to ensure the watercraft is safe from the elements; it is much more cost-effective than leaving at the marina. Most 10 x 10 foot storage units are plenty for a jet ski.

Categories
Building Portal

Boat Plans: How to Build a Boat

A high-quality set of authentic boat plans are needed to start the process of self-constructing a boat in a preferred choice of build materials, styles and designs.

Boat Building PlansIf planning to construct a wide, flat-bottomed boat for still or shallow waters, a sailing boat for a quiet cruise or a multipurpose pontoon boat to fish, cruise or entertain friends, there is a great selection of step-by-step plans, kits and supplies available.

Most, if not all the boat plans are designed to be within the grasp of the first-time or novice builder – although, it can still benefit to have a prior knowledge of some of the fundamentals of woodworking, welding, etc.

Boat kits come complete with detailed step-by-step instructions, patterns (full size), materials list, and hand or power-tools required to start the project as soon as possible.

Boat Construction Methods

Common construction materials consist of aluminum, fiberglass, plywood, and steel. Build techniques for the amateur plans include plank on frame, stitch and glue, panel assemble, strip planking, and cold molded.

  • Stitch & glue construction – Self-build plans designed to use the stitch and glue construction technique is the simplest construction method. Plywood is the material of choice for someone with basic to moderate carpentry skills, while those with knowledge of welding, the build possibilities increase with the option to build in aluminum or steel.
  • Skills – Basic carpentry skills required in the construction of a straight-framed or plywood vessel include the acquired knowledge of planning, cutting, wood grain, and fastening screws. Extra skills are gained in time as the built process proceeds.
  • Building materials – Building kits include an itemized list of materials to assist in determining the volume of construction materials required, as well as the expected cost of these items. Visit several different hardware stores to obtain the most competitive costs for the hull materials, trim, and outfit.
  • Tools – Many boat plans are made to be constructed with everyday hand and power-tools. A wooden built sailing boat for instance might need such tools as a sander, plane, circular saw, and drill to assist in the construction process. Also, hand-tools can also feature a tape measure, chisel, clamps, screwdriver, sander, saber saw, plane, etc. Other construction practices, such as those made in steel or aluminum, often call on high-grade industrial tools.

Choosing the type and class of craft to construct often comes down to a boaters person activities – if aiming to self-build a craft in a similar style to a professionally built machine, search for a detailed set of aluminum, fiberglass or wood boat plans offering a similar hull structure and design.

Costs Involved In a Self-Build Project

Building plans, materials and tools used in the construction of a boat cost a lot less than purchasing an all-ready sail or motorboat from a dealer’s forecourt. Plans retail at $35 to $695 based on the type and class of vessel. But this doesn’t take into account the cost of materials, tools, and labor. Boat building supplies sourced independently are often a lot more cost-effective than purchasing an all-in-one kit.

  • Survey & Valuation – Other related costs; insurance. An amateur or self-built sail or motor-driven craft at 18-ft plus often requires a full out-of-the-water survey and valuation report carried prior to effecting all-risks boat insurance coverage. On smaller sized crafts, this requirement isn’t often implemented – and in the case of low-valued boats, a liability only policy is often enough.
  • Free plans – Free boat plans often feature on the net, although these rarely offer the detailed, step-by-step instructions required. So it is worthwhile investing a small sum into a set of reliable plans to aid in constructing a sail or motor-driving boat to a high standard. Plans are also available for road trailers, dock structures, paddles, etc.

In summary

Savings at 15% to 45% are often possible in the construction of a self-built boat when compared to that of a commercial built vessel. A DIY built vessel might not come equipped with all the features of a brand-name model. But if the boat plans are built as directed and constructed to a watertight standard – it will do much the same job as any other watercraft.

Categories
Fishing

Bass Fishing Tips & Tactics

Bass is a generic term that can relate to several species of fish. A popular fish species often visualized is the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and one of the most sought by fisherman.

Largemouth Bass

Other types include:

  • White bass (Morone chrysops)
  • Striped bass (M. saxatilis)
  • Spotted bass (M. punctulatus)
  • Smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu)
  • Guadalupe bass (M. treculii)
  • Choctaw bass (M. haiaka)

Largemouth bass

A highly popular fish in North America, the largemouth bass is olive green in color with a distinct dark strip and can reach up to 22 pounds in weight and 29.5 inches in body length. This popular game fish survives on a diet of snakes, small fish, shrimp, scuds, insects, frogs, crawfish, and bait fish. Life expectancy in the wild is in the region of 16 years. Largemouth bass can easily catch prey that is at least 25-50% of body length.

Here are several of the most practical tips and tactics for bass fishing:

Pre-spawn season

Bass fishing is particularly active throughout the largemouth pre-spawn season. The start of pre-spawn is usually early spring when the temperature of the water starts to reach 55-65°. Throughout this period the male and female fish will start to feed aggressively in the shallow areas and seek out the most attractive nesting site. Bass are easy to detect during this time and often quite close to shore. Use a catch and release policy for the female fish to ensure the spawning cycle can be completed.

Bass habits

Weather can dictate the whereabouts of bass. Bright sunlight can force the fish to look for areas of shelter. Bass are more active when there is little sun or cloudy and will leave their place of shelter. So, when it is sunny outside, the best fishing areas to keep your live bait or lure are those places the fish might use for protection and shelter.

Right time of day

Bass fishing is most productive at the start of the day or left until the evening. The best time to arrive at a preferred fishing spot is one or two hours before sunset or sunup – although bass will feed earlier in the afternoon if the water is muddy or it is a cloudy day.

Map study

Study a map to help identify drops-offs and different depths. Most bodies of water have maps and easily source online using local or state resources. Maps can also list sunken structures or cribs that are used for protection. A map can be marked with successful or non-productive areas for future reference.

Captured bass

A captured bass will often throw-up the stomach contents when fighting you. By looking inside the mouth, it is possible to see the feed and this can be mimicked with a similar looking lure. Alternatively, for live bait try to catch what the bass are feeding on and hook that to the end of the line.

Watch the line

Give the line a thorough examination every so often to ensure it isn’t starting to fray or wear. The fishing line is often in contact with stumps, branches, gravel, rocks, etc. A low-quality line can easily break, especially when targeting a monster bass.

Size of lure

The size of lure isn’t likely to have an impact on the size of fish you hook. Many of the largemouth bass will go after prey that is a quarter or half its body length. If unsuccessful at catching any bass on your lures, it might be practical to swap-out for a smaller size to see if more positive results are achieved.

Live bait

If artificial lures aren’t producing the productive catch of bass it might benefit to start using a variety of live bait. Frogs, crayfish, and worms are great options to use as live bait. A slip bobber can also be used to help with adjusting the baits depth for more effective casting.

Categories
Insure My Boat

Boat Insurance Explained

Get the perfect boat insurance coverage in place to protect a high-value Motor-driven Yacht – Sports Boat – PWC against a range of eventualities, including at sea, in transit, or on moorings. Shop multiple boat insurance quotes to obtain the most comprehensive quotation, cover and cost.

Yacht & Boat Insurance

1 – Coverage Options

The degree of coverage, benefits and exclusions varies greatly with each of the marine insurance companies. Best possible coverage is available at insurers that specialize in one particular type of insurance. Dedicated insurance providers know the precise questions to ask to guarantee the most comprehensive coverage is in place.

Questions asked at the time of calculating the boat insurance rates include – type, class and age of vessel to insure, waters to explore (inland, coastal, or extended cruises), mooring or storage destination, overall value (including all equipment), season of use, claims and boating experience, etc.

2 – All Risks vs. Liability

Comprehensive (also noted as all risks or full coverage) is designed to offer the widest form of insurance coverage for a vessel in commission or static (laid up on water or ashore). Fire, theft, vandalism, accidental damage, collision, etc. form part of a standard boat insurance set-up.

All-risk insurance plans also feature a Protection & Indemnity (P&I) section (also know as the third-party or liability section) to give an adequate level of coverage in the event of damage to a third-party (person or property) – with the insured’s legal liability limit noted on the insurance schedule.

3 – Handling Claims in the Event of an Accident or Loss

Is it an ‘Actual Cash Value’ or ‘Agreed Value’ marine insurance scheme? The type of insurance protection offered can differ in the event of an accident or loss?

An ‘Actual Cash Value’ insurance plan is designed so that the insured value of the vessel and equipment is agreed at the time of the quotation and prior to putting cover in force – so in effect, the insured values are fixed for the duration of an insurance period.

4 – Savings & Discounts

The simplest method to save on insurance premiums is to search money-saving discounts and benefits at renewal. It’s not a good idea to just rely on the existing insurer to put forward the best price and terms in the market. Savings to be found: reduced rates for holding a boating qualification or completing a boat course, as well as discounts for taking out dual policies with a single insurance provider.

5 – Pre-Purchase Survey and Inspection Reports

If a motor-drive or sail boat is amateur built, aged 15+ years of age (or less with certain marine boat insurance companies), a particular type or class known to have a defect, or over a certain length, there might be a requirement to obtain a full out-of-the-water survey and valuation report.

If an insurance quotation is subject to sight of a survey or inspection report, this will need to be presented to the insurance provider prior to arranging the coverage.

6 – Making Changes to the Insurance Policy

Making changes to a typical insurance plan is often a quick and easy process. An add-on or extra to a standard marine insurance policy include:

  • Electronics
  • Dinghies
  • Trailers
  • Altering the period in commission
  • Using a different mooring location
  • Entering a one-off racing event
  • Hiring the boat out for charter
  • Extending the cruising limits

In summary

It is essential to put in place all-inclusive boat insurance coverage to protect a chosen sail or motor-driven boat from a variety of eventualities that might result in the need to make a potential claim.

Categories
Fishing

Fishing Tackle & Gear for Beginners

Fishing tackle and gear is the wide-ranging supplies used by fishermen when fishing. Specific tackle equipment can include boxes, reels, gaffs, nets, lines, sinkers, baits, waders, lures, etc.

Fishing Lures and Tackle BoxBelow is an overview of the specific bits of kit used by fishermen:

Fishing rods

Basic fishing gear for the angler includes a rod and reel. A fishing rod can vary from a sophisticated rod to a simple stick. High-end rods come in high-tech materials and expertly crafted. Modern rods are manufactured in graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of both. Early rods were produced in materials like cane and bamboo. Fishing rods come in varied sizes, strengths, lengths, and shapes. Also, rods can be manufactured for catching a specific species of fish or for a particular fishing spot.

Reels

Fishing reels are largely split into three styles: multipliers, spinning reels (or fixed spool), and fly reels. Reels are what the angler uses to let out the fishing line and pull in the captured fish. This means fishing is possible at a greater distance. Reels vary significantly and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the intended style of fishing, speed of retrieval, strength, and amount of line to hold.

Hooks

Stock the tackle box with multiple sizes and configurations of hooks to ensure you are ready to snare any sort of quarry. The hook comes in many different sizes, shapes, and materials, and includes the single to treble hooks. A regular J-hook is a popular choice, while a French hook is also favored. Hook sizes vary from the smallest at 32 to the largest at number 19/0.

Fishing line

The type of line packed in the tackle box depends on the species of fish you are fishing for and where you are fishing. The fishing line is available in plenty of different types that vary in relation to shape, fabric, elasticity, breaking strain, color, feel, diameter, and length. If fishing in a calm, crystal-clear lake a clear and thin line is a practical option, whereas, a heavy-duty line is more advisable if fishing in difficult conditions. A durable and heavy line is much less likely to snap when attempting to haul out the larger catch.

Bait

Bait comes in all shapes and sizes. Of course a popular choice is the different kinds of natural bait such as nuts, hemps, larvae, grubs, red worms, as well as several types of fish and meat. Alternatively, the fabricated baits consist of boiled, sweet corn, and bread. Preferred bait relates to the type of fish you are attempting to pursue and capture. Fleshy baits will attract the attention of carnivorous fish like pike, sharks, and barracuda. Carp is caught using edible bait like boiled nuts, luncheon meat, and bread flake.

Lures

Most fishermen can get away with an old hook and worm at the end of the rod when perusing fish. But there are literally thousand of different types of lures: minnow imitations, spoons, and spinners are some of the top-rated lures. Different lures react in different ways to help attract the fish. For instance, a minnow imitation is compact in size and appears much like miniature minnows swimming. This lure can attract several different types of medium-large sized fish. Spinners are one of the most popular and designed with an attached blade which helps to create a spinning motion; this helps to attract the fish.

Bobbers

Bobbers (also call floaters) are helpful for letting the angler know when a fish bites on the line. Any fish that bites on the bait will cause the bobber to sink. This lets the fisherman know it is time to start reeling in the catch. Again, there are several different types of bobbers to choose from. A standard bobber is in a plastic material, round, and colored white or red. However, a bobber can put a limit on the depth the line can be cast.

Plastic worms

Plastic worms offer a convenient alternative to live bait and come in several different sizes and colors. Plastic worms with the longer tail are the most clear-cut to use. Soft plastic bait is highly versatile and an effective option for catching certain fish like sea angler bass, wrasse, and Pollock.

Categories
Navigation & Electronics

Best Fish Finder: Get Serious About Fishfinders

Many features appear on the latest high-tech fish finders. Using a mounted or portable fish finder might well mean a fisherman catches a full complement of fish on the next angling trip or is unfortunate to arrive home empty-handed.

Fish Finder in Action

Wide-ranging in design, there is a great number of fish finders in the market with the cost-effective choices available with a ballpark figure of $125 to the top-rated fish finder marketed at $1000 or more. A feature-packed fish finder might be able to detect the whereabouts of the fish, but it will still need the skills of the angler to hook the fish and bring them to the surface.

In the process of shopping for the very latest in high-tech fish finders it makes complete sense to search for those that come complete with all features needed.

Here are some of the major types of fish finders:

Shore fishing

Even if you don’t fish from a Jon, Bass boat or Pontoon boat, you can still take full advantage of the fish finders from a shore-based location. Whether on ice or shore, a rod or wrist-mounted fish finder is highly effective at capturing the location of the fish species. If participating in ice fishing, a fish finder unit will need to be at a quality to penetrate many inches of thick and solid ice.

They are equally efficient when searching for bass or similar fish species in shallow bodies of water on a boat and you would prefer not to notify the fish of you presence. It is possible to maintain the vessel at a distance from the area of the fish by casting a line into the shallow waters to identify the fish and whereabouts via the rod-mounted fish finder.

Portable fishing

A portable fish finder is preferred if likely to be fishing from fish boat to fish boat. If you aren’t able to invest in a fish-ready bass or flats boat, you can use one of the portable fish finders which attach to a boat or kayak via suction or similar devices. A portable fish finder is perfect to mount to any vessel, irrespective if owned or rented.

A further quality aspect of the portable fish finder is the ability to remove from the vessel in times of non-use and store in a safe and secure place until required on the next fishing outing.

GPS fish finder unit

A dual-purpose fish finder / GPS unit is able to greatly advance on the basic functionality of the fixed and portable fish fishers. If you’re likely to be investing a significant amount of time offshore fishing, a high-tech GPS fish finder might be a highly advantageous piece of equipment. Similar to most GPS units, they are likely to be pre-installed with detailed maps of the local inland waters and satellite imagery of the area. Satellite imagery is ideal for sourcing local attractions and areas of importance, such as the marinas and campsites.

A GPS fish finder is likely to offer the ability to give real-time updates on the weather at sea which is highly desirable to avoid being caught up in stormy weather.

Transducers for fish finders

Getting the right transducers for the fish finder is highly desirable since it can have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of this high-tech technology. If you are likely to be fishing the flats, rivers, lakes, etc for bass or similar fish species in the shallow bodies of water, the most desirable results are to be had with the single frequency transducers. But, if planning on fishing offshore, a transducer with dual frequency might be more desirable with its ability to identify fish in deep water.