Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Sailing Yachts: Information For Beginners

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Greenswood]Lucy Greenswood
Yachts are associated with many things. Freedom, peacefulness and even decadence are often the first things that pop into people's heads when they think of yachts. However, sailing boats can also be used for sport; many people get into sailing as a hobby when they are young, and there are many fun sporting clubs and events in which people can attempt to sail a small boat as fast as possible around a course laid out in the water. Despite their far more imposing nature, larger yachts behave in much the same way. In this article, we are going to look at how sailing works, how you can get started in the world of sailing and what to look for when buying a boat.
The Mechanics Of Sailing
Many people take the mechanical aspect of sailing for granted. They have a very simplistic understanding of how sailing yachts work; they assume that a sail works just like a bag or parachute that is pushed along by the wind. This can present some problems when a person is exposed to the real thing. For example, you might not have realized that the very high-performance yachts can actually sail faster than the wind. While this might seem like perpetual motion, it is actually because the interaction between wind and sail is more complex than commonly understood. A modern sail acts like an airplane's wing. The wind flows over it and creates lift in a direction roughly perpendicular to its angle. These yachts therefore typically sail fastest when the wind is blowing sideways over the deck, rather than from the rear.
Getting Started In Sailing
Many yacht clubs organize days where newcomers can come along and be part of the crew of a sailing boat for a few hours. These casual events do not require any experience, but you will be required to pay attention and follow instructions. This can be hugely informative and a great way to learn the ropes.
Buying A Boat
If you are interested in buying a boat, the best advice is always to take things slowly. It is very tempting to buy one of the biggest, most impressive yachts you can afford, but realistically, a more conservative approach will reward you better in the future. Large yachts take a lot more work and maintenance. Not only do they typically require more crew members, especially for when you are coming into the dock and trying to control several tons of boat, but they are also far more costly to maintain, since the larger surface area requires vastly more cleaning and repair work to be done. Ask people who already own boats for recommendations. Nothing beats experience.
Conclusion
Yachts are fascinating things; there is great relaxation to be had on the open water and also great sport to be had at club events. Sailing can be peaceful or competitive; it all depends on your preferences. Try going along to a yacht club and seeing what you can find out; apart from getting experience and learning how things work, you will also find a lot of expert advice on what sort of boat might suit you in future.
Find informative information on [http://www.igymarinas.com]Yacht Marina and other related topics. You can also read more on [http://www.igymarinas.com/marinas/luxury-sailing-marinas-of-igy/]Sailing Marina and destinations.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sailing-Yachts:-Information-For-Beginners&id=6650420] Sailing Yachts: Information For Beginners

Sunday, December 4, 2011

How Much Is My Boat Worth?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Chiappetta,_Jr._]Jerry Chiappetta, Jr. 
Finding out how much your boat is worth is not an easy task, especially in this economy! Guessing is obviously not the way to go, although many folks do just that and end up selling for much less than necessary by panic selling.
Some important factors that we take into consideration when giving a Free Boat Market Evaluation are; the overall realistic condition compared to other similar vessels that we have recently sold; availability of service records; the location; how soon the owner wants the boat sold; how often the boat is used and dozens of other important factors about the vessel are taken into consideration as well. Some boat sellers think that because they have top of the line Furuno electronics on their motor yacht that it drastically increases the value of the vessel. This is simply not the case, especially to a buyer that may only want Garmin electronics. In short, with the marine electronics industry changing so fast, what is top of the line this year may be considered obsolete next year. Yes, we take electronics into consideration when giving a seller a boat market evaluation, but how the vessel was (and is) maintained overall far outweighs the electronics package.
There are so many unique variables that need to be considered when accurately getting a current value on the boat. Simply doing a search on your year make and model is not going to do the trick. In short, it takes a lot of professional research to get the exact number and that's why using a professional licensed and bonded Yacht & Ship Broker with a proven track record will land you top dollar for your boat and make it well worth paying the commission. If selling your boat on your own you must consider the time away from your own work or business that will be greatly consumed during the marketing process from start to finish.
Once you have researched and found a Yacht and Ship Brokerage that offers an initial Free Boat Market Evaluation on your current boat, make sure that the brokerage firm will produce video ads on your boat as well as still photos because in this economy, all of the best possible advertising is required in order to get your boat sold and burning fuel headed the other way!
A Licensed and Bonded Yacht & Ship Broker that is confident in their abilities will not charge you a dime if they can't get your boat sold, so don't fall for any monthly advertising fees or other hidden charges. A good reputable Yacht and Ship Broker will only charge you the standard ten percent commission if and when your boat is sold and closed. If another brokerage firm has the buyer, the two brokerage firms will simply split the commission and you will not be required to pay each brokerage firm a ten percent commission. It's important to note that many Yacht & Ship Brokerage firms will not advertise your boat to the thousands of other Yacht & Ship Brokerage firms because they want the full ten percent commission for themselves. This tactic is a total injustice to you the seller, so make sure the broker you inquire with will also present your boat to the thousands other licensed and bonded Yacht & Ship Brokerage firms since they may very well have an immediate buyer for your boat.
We'll see you out on the water!
Jerry Chiappetta, Jr., President / Employing Yacht & Ship Broker
GOLDEN GATE BOAT SALES.com
1720 Golden Gate Boulevard East
Naples, Florida 34120- USA
PH:239-430-BOAT(2628)
Web Site: http://www.GoldenGateBoatSales.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Much-Is-My-Boat-Worth?&id=6614390] How Much Is My Boat Worth?

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Hunter's Canoe

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brendan_L_Williams]Brendan L Williams
Humans have been using canoes and kayaks since they figured out that bodies of water need to be crossed and are also filled with opportunities to hunt food. While canoes offer a convenient and easy mode of transport, the kayak is the perfect watercraft for the stealth required by a hunter. Kayaks are very similar to canoes in design, but the fact that they are enclosed, allows a hunter to silently sneak up on his prey, as well as stay protected from the water during a long hunt. In fact, the word "kayak" literally means "hunter's boat."
For a hunter, a kayak is much more than recreational. A kayak is enclosed rather than being open like a boat or a canoe, which offers protection from the elements and stability in the water, as the waves cause much less movement than in an open canoe. Kayaks are enjoyed for exercise, fishing, recreation and hunting.
The design of a kayak evolved and changed depending on the particular region of the world it was used in. Arctic natives, known as Inuits, first created the kayak in order to access new hunting grounds. Near Russia, kayaks were built as a wide, short vessel, while in the Canadian Arctic, the boats where more narrow and longer. Nearer to Greenland, however, the boas were sleeker and lower to the water. While in times long past, the kayak was quite popular in Siberia, it is difficult to find evidence of them there today.
When kayaks where first built by the Eskimos, they made the frames using either salvaged driftwood or whalebone, tied them together with animal tendons or the sinew as strings, and then wrapped the frames in seal skins. The seal skins would hold onto enough air to make the boat nearly unsinkable. A much larger boat, similarly made, was called a umiak, and could carry up to 20 people. They were used primarily for whale hunting and were used along with the kayak for transport and hunting. The traditional seal skinned kayak is rarely found anymore. In fact, it has become difficult to even find people who know how to build this original kayak in the modern age.
As time went on, people in Europe figured out how many different ways kayaks could enhance their lives. Sealskin gave way to covers made from manufactured fabrics to enclose the boats. After the 1950s, fabric was discarded for much stronger fiberglass, until the mid- 1980s, when plastic becomes the material of choice. Manufacturers continue to search for new ways to build a lighter, more versatile, yet stronger kayak.
Today, people of all levels of skill and technique enjoy kayaking. It is a beautiful way to get around, fish, appreciate nature and get some terrific physical activity, all with no need for fossil fuels.
Brendan Williams has been in or on the water all of his 42 years. He enjoys fishing, swimming & kayaking whenever he gets a spare few hours of time. After researching for a new kayak, he felt compelled to share what he learned on EzineArticles, & create a website dedicated to water sports.
For more great tips on kayaking, visit http://www.itsabigocean.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Hunters-Canoe&id=6621266] The Hunter's Canoe

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Pick Your Fishing Boat

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Allan_Simons]Allan Simons
Fishing is a hobby as well as a means of livelihood for many all around the world. Game fishing does not exactly need a particular fishing boat, but when you have taken up this hobby so seriously, why not get your own boat? The size, type of a fishing boat you need depends on the type of fish you are looking to catch. It also depends on what type of water you are going to use it as well as the area where you are looking to fish. The boat makers are always working to come up with a new and much efficiently designed fishing boat each day.
From an inflatable fishing boat to a luxurious full deck boat for professional fishing is now available in the market. Before buying a boat, one must not overlook the pros and cons of the boat, the material with which it is made, the size, price and other specifications and characteristics. Fishing boat reviews comes in handy at this time. You can go through them and see the various makes of the boats, their utility, their capacity, features and so much more.
For freshwater fishing, small light weight aluminum trailer boats are used. They come with riveted or welded aluminum hulls and bench seating and can be operated in shallow waters, inlets and coves. They are generally powered by outboard engines. They come in a size of 8 feet to 24 feet and can seat up to 8 people.
If you are always fishing with two or three of your best buddies, bass boat is the boat for you. They come in a size starting from 16 feet to 26 feet. It comes with an outboard jet engine and can hold to a maximum of 5 people aboard.
If you want to go in for an inexpensive aluminum boat, then go for a Jon boat. They are easy to maintain but are good to use. These flat bottom boats are simple to use as they are not of a very big size.
A dinghy boat is best suited for camping trips and fishing in smaller waters. Easy to carry or tow them in larger vessels like in cruisers, houseboats, motor yachts etc. Modern day dinghies are made of fiberglass, marine plywood or aluminum and the hull is made from rugged fabrics. It can seat a maximum of 5 people in comes in 5 feet to 12 feet in size.
Are you game for some hardcore saltwater or freshwater fishing? Then what you need is a multi-hull power boat is your thing. A wide airy cabin is a signature of this catamaran boat. It comes in a minimum of 16 feet to begin with till 30 feet. It is often considered to be the alternative to centre console boats. The deep v hull delivers a softer ride. Speed and space onboard are the highlights of this type of a boat.
If you are in pursuit of ocean fish like mahi mahi, billfish or grouper, then the centre console boat is what you need. A canvas and aluminum top provides shade as well as rod storage. They also come attached with a bait well to keep your baits alive. It is trailer able, and comes with an outboard engine. Pick a any size between 18 - 28 feet. You can take 7 people with you to get the most out of the fishing in the ocean thrill.
But remember to make a purchase only after having gone through [http://www.marinews.com/boating/]fishing boat reviews. Good luck picking the best boat and Happy fishing.
Allan Simons is an accomplished writer who loves to pen down articles on fishing boats and its reviews. He was born and brought up in Australia.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pick-Your-Fishing-Boat&id=6646150] Pick Your Fishing Boat

Monday, November 28, 2011

Anchor Safely

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Malcolm_Snook]Malcolm Snook
Many more people are turning to sailing and motor boating to get away from it all, but a crowded marina isn't necessarily going to provide the looked for tranquillity. Marinas can be very social and fun places, with facilities for repairs, showers,shops and restaurants, but there will come a time when you want to get yourself off to a secluded bay somewhere that doesn't have pontoons to tie up to. Which means you're going to have to use the anchor on the boat; there's nearly always a risk of it dragging, the boat will swing as the wind and tide, or currents, change. The depth of water may fluctuate and getting ashore means using a tender.
Planning where to anchor on the chart, or from a pilot book is the first job, then assessing the anchorage itself on arrival is important too. Motor around and assess the shelter, depths and nature of the sea bed. Understanding your equipment and how to set the anchor is very important, then what to do if the weather cuts up rough. There are other issues too from maintaining electrical power for engine starting if you're going to be there a while, communication, getting ashore and crucially getting back. Wind generators and solar panels are always a good idea for anyone intending to anchor out for long periods and a reliable outboard motor for the tender. Large drinking water tanks are a good idea too. Then there's always the business of getting the anchor back up, which can be simple, but isn't always. Sometimes the anchor or the chain become fouled and bring up debris, occasionally the anchor is so trapped it won't come up at all.
Most sailing courses teach the basics of anchoring, in other words how much scope to deploy and that's about it, but there's a whole lot to learn and books on the subject are few and far between.
If you plan to anchor frequently and particularly if you expect to remain at anchor for extended periods it's a good idea to do some research and get some advanced knowledge of all the problems that can arise, not to mention how to go about doing things correctly. Getting it wrong can be costly, even dangerous and it's nearly always embarrassing. Sadly, it's rare these days to find a completely deserted anchorage and sometimes you can feel the eyes of other yachtsmen upon you, scrutinising your every move as you arrive and anchor.
Malcolm Snook is author of the book 'Of Land, Sea And Sky', he has been an explorer, sailor, skydiving instructor, car and motorcycle racer as well as an entrepreneur and businessman. Find out more at http://www.sailorsnook.wordpress.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Anchor-Safely&id=6647217] Anchor Safely

Saturday, November 26, 2011

A Guide on Obtaining a Boating License in Ontario, Canada

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adrianna_Noton]Adrianna Noton
In Ontario, boaters must be in compliance with the Canadian Federal Governments laws regarding boating on Canada's waters. In order to minimize the number of recreational boating accidents, the Canadian Government enacted laws about how users should operate a power-driven watercraft for recreational purposes.
In Ontario, any Canadian citizen operating a power-driven watercraft for recreational purposes must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. There are a number of ways to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can take a classroom course that is accredited by Transport Canada which is offered by private organizations throughout the country. Once you complete the boating course you then can take the boating exam which you must get a 75% and above to pass. Once you pass the test, you will be sent your own Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Another method of obtaining a Pleasure Operator Card is by taking an online boating safety course. As with the classroom course, you take the boating exam after you have finished the course. One other way to getting the card is to get the boating exam study manual and study at your own convenience to prepare for the test, You can then take the exam online, in person where exams are being held by a private organization, or through correspondence. If you take the test online or through correspondence you need to get someone to be the supervisor of the test which is done to prevent cheating. In Ontario, there are private accredited organization offering boating courses and the boating exam. You can easily locate them online. Once you have received your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you are then legally permitted to operate a power-driven personal watercraft. You have to keep the card with you when you are operating the watercraft on Canada's waters.
The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations clearly states: "a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a document issued to a person by the administrator of an accredited test, to a person that has passed the test. Therefore, a card cannot be issued unless an accredited test has been passed." If you do not obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and are caught, you can be fined. In addition, a previously obtained boating safety course may be recognized, and experienced boaters may take a challenge test without taking a course. Foreign visitors with a pleasure boat in Canada will be granted a grace period of 45 consecutive days. People who have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999 will not be required to take another course or test. A copy of a certificate or a card issued at the completion of courses taken prior to April 1, 1999 must be carried on board the pleasure craft.
It is important for everyone in Ontario to follow boating laws. Taking a boating safety course followed by the boating exam will not only allow you to receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, but it will help you be a safer boater. Once you receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you can head out on Ontario's waters and have fun while safety operating your watercraft.
Fun and safety go hand in hand. Get your [http://www.boatsmartexam.com]boating safety the easy and safe way.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Guide-on-Obtaining-a-Boating-License-in-Ontario,-Canada&id=6653957] A Guide on Obtaining a Boating License in Ontario, Canada

Thursday, November 24, 2011

How To Clean Your Boat

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Liesl_Henderson]Liesl Henderson
Anyone who has had the pleasure of spending time on their own boat knows that it requires a bit of maintenance. Whether you venture on freshwater or saltwater there are steps that will have to be taken to keep your boat in top shape and ready for the next pleasure cruise.
Exterior
First and foremost, you must take care to rinse the hull to avoid any deterioration caused by waters and any species that may have hopped a ride. Making it a habit to do even just a quick wash down on a regular basis can save many a headache down the road. Saltwater is especially damaging. Many harbors and marinas provide a cleaning station that consists of an out of the way area with running water and a hose. To make this task even easier it may be a wise investment to keep a long reach car washing brush on board. This is a great way to reach any hard to reach places and ensure nothing is missed.
Many soap products are available that are formulated specifically for marine vehicles. It is important to do regular thorough washings similar to how you would keep your car clean. After a trip on the ocean it is increasingly important to use soap to wash away any of the hull destroying water. If you frequently use an ocean harbor there are often additional contaminants that will come into contact with your boat. Often there is an increased level of iron and other substances that feast on hulls kept at these docks. Simple proper upkeep will keep your liner safe from these risks and allow you to enjoy the water for years to come.
Not only will it be beneficial to you to keep things tip-top, it may be the law in your area. Many states and parks have invasive species and other similar laws in place. As laws vary from place to place, you will need to check into the ones specific to where you will be boating.
Interior
Staying on top of any living areas is crucial. Even though cleaning may be the last thing anyone wants to do during their vacation time, it may be the best way to enjoy it. Even on bigger boats, there is usually quite a bit less living space than we are used to. Throw in a couple kids and you can quickly have a pile up on your hands. Get those dishes out of the way as you dirty them or use disposable ones. Keep a small trash bag and take it up to the available garbage can or dumpster often. One good system we use is to hang a grocery bag from the knob on the pantry and almost every time someone needs to take a trip up to the store at the marina the trash goes with them.
Applying easy everyday techniques that you are probably already familiar with is the best way to maximize your space and enjoyment.
Liesl Henderson works with Harris Flotebote, a [http://www.harrisflotebote.com/aboutus]pontoon boat manufacturer in Fort Wayne, IN who distributes to dealers worldwide.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Clean-Your-Boat&id=6656343] How To Clean Your Boat