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Holiday Gift Guide for Boaters

Holiday Gift Guide for Boaters

There's nothing quite like the feeling of sitting on the bow of a boat, watching the waves roll by. Boaters are passionate about their vessels—they want to make sure they have everything they need for a safe and comfortable trip. But with so many options out there, how do you choose what to get them for a gift? Whether you're a boater yourself or a friend of a boater, there are lots of fun gifts to give them. This holiday season, we've put together a handy guide with some of our favorite boating related gift ideas that will help you find something special for your own favorite boater.

Boating Shoes


If you want to give someone a gift that can be used both on land and water, a nice pair of boating shoes is a great choice. These shoes can be made from rubber, canvas or leather, and they can be waterproof. They may also be slip resistant and insulated for comfort in the summer heat. Some have a non-slip sole for safety purposes when walking around the

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How to Replace Your Boat Hinges

How to Replace Your Boat Hinges

Boat hinges can be one of the most important parts of your boat, so when they stop working properly, it's important to know how to replace them. Replacing boat hinges can help you save money by extending the life of your boat! In this article, we cover the basic steps for replacing the hinges on your boat.

Before you begin, you'll need to make sure that the screws are set up correctly, or else they could easily strip. The best way to do this is with a torque wrench. If you're not using one, just be careful not to overtighten the screws when installing them into place.

If it's been awhile since your hinges were replaced, chances are good that some of their screws may have become stripped over time

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Essential Boating Equipment

Essential Boating Equipment

If you're taking a boat out on the water, it's important to have certain equipment on board. Having this gear will keep you safe, comfortable and prepared for all situations that may arise.

A good life jacket

A life jacket should be U.S. Coast Guard approved, with a collar that fits snugly around the neck and chest, and sleeves that are long enough to cover your arms all the way down to your wrists. It should also be comfortable to wear while in the water (so you don't have to constantly adjust it), stay on in rough seas, and not cause chafing if it gets wet—a common complaint among boaters who don’t wear them regularly or keep them clean enough after use.

If possible, try on several different life jackets before buying one because they come in different sizes and styles (and sometimes even colors). Make sure that whatever model you choose has been tested by an independent third party organization such as AIMSA (American In-Line Skating Association) or

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How to Secure Your Boat for a Hurricane

How to Secure Your Boat for a Hurricane

If you live near the ocean, you've probably experienced a hurricane at some point in your life. Hurricanes can be devastating and dangerous storms, but there are ways to prepare for them and protect your boat from damage. This article will give you some tips on how to secure your boat for a hurricane, whether it's stored or still in the water with no cover over it.

Hurricane Preparation

The first step in securing your boat for a hurricane is to make sure it's ready.

- Remove loose items from the deck.

- Clean the bilge, as this will help prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.

- Prepare for rain and water by boarding up windows, installing shutters or plywood on the outside of your vessel, covering vents with plastic sheeting, and boarding up doors that aren't normally used (to prevent them from blowing open).

Remove as many loose items as possible

It’s a good idea to remove as many items as possible f

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How to Change a Boat Propeller

How to Change a Boat Propeller

The propeller on your boat is one of the most important parts to consider. It can determine how well your vessel will run, and it's also responsible for keeping you safe when out on the water. To make sure that everything works as it should, it's important to do routine inspections and in some cases, change out the propellers all together. Luckily this process is fairly simple—just follow these simple steps!

Tools you’ll need

- Safety glasses
- Propeller removal tool
- Hammer
- Wrench and pliers for removing the nut (if you don't have a special wrench, use the hammer to tap it off)
- Screwdriver for removing the cotter pin from the propeller shaft (if you don't have a screwdriver, use a piece of wire)

Materials

- You'll need to gather the following materials to change your boat propeller:
- Propeller
- Thrust washer (if applicable)
- Waterproof grease
- Propeller nut
- Cotter pin
- Propeller hub

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8 Key Benefits of Pontoon Boats

8 Key Benefits of Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are great for a number of reasons. They're stable and spacious, and they can be customized to fit any need or budget. Pontoon boats are great for families with kids. They're stable enough that even young children can safely enjoy them without fear of falling overboard, but they're also large enough to accommodate a fair amount of passengers. Because pontoon boats are so stable and easy to maneuver, they’re also a great choice if you have mobility issues or have trouble getting in and out of smaller boats. Pontoon boats come in all shapes and sizes, so there's surely one that will fit your exact needs. In this article, we cover 8 key benefits that make pontoon boats a great option for anyone.

1. Pontoons are family friendly

Pontoons are easy to board, and the design of the boat makes it easy for kids and adults to move around. Kids can play on the boat without worrying about falling overboard. They'll also be able to enjoy being on the boat w

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Boatyards 101

Boatyards 101: Everything You Need to Know

A boatyard is a place where boats are kept. It's also known as a marina, and offers a variety of services for boats and their owners, including:

- Repairing damage from collisions or impact with other objects (such as docks)

- Replacing damaged or broken parts on the boat that can't be fixed by simply replacing them with new ones (boat hardware, bottom paint, fiberglass, etc.)

- Cleaning and detailing any part of the boat (like hulls, decks, engines)

The next time you need to haul your boat out of the water for storage, repairs or service, it's important to know what to expect from a boatyard. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about boatyards: how to choose the right one, hwhat to expect when keeping your boat there, how much they cost—and most importantly—how useful they can be for every kind of boater!


How do I choose the right boatyard for me?

Choosing the right boatyard for you can be a daunting tas

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Boat Safety Checklist

Boat Safety Checklist

It's the middle of summer, and you're ready to hit the water. You've got sunscreen, a cooler full of drinks, and snacks for the kids. The boat is fully stocked and ready for action. You just need to make sure that your boat is prepared for any emergencies that might arise on your trip. Be sure to check these items off your list for a well equipped, stress free time on the water!


Lifejackets

Lifejackets must be worn when the boat is underway, anchored, or moored (at anchor or at dock). It’s important to make sure there is at least one properly fitting life jacket for each passenger, and a few spares on board as well. In the event of an emergency, this will ensure each passenger is accounted for and assigned their own personal floatation device.


Fire extinguisher

Location: Fire extinguishers are stored in a place where they can be easily located and used.

What to do: If a fire starts, immediately turn off t

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20 Boat Maintenance Statistics – The True Cost of Boating

20 Boat Maintenance Statistics – The True Cost o....

Most boat enthusiasts dive into buying a boat without understanding the difficulties of owning one. It’s no secret that the boating industry is booming – the annual U.S. marine industry expenditure for boats and related services was $56.7 billion in 2021.

However, most buyers become boat owners without adequate preparation. For starters, every state in the U.S. has different boating regulations.

Some states require a boating education card while others have strict waterway rules regarding specific types

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Replacing Your Portlight/Porthole

Replacing Your Portlight/Porthole

A portlight is usually a square or rectangular window on the exterior of the vessel. Depending on the window type, you may or may not open them. On the other hand, a porthole is typically a round window. It is smaller than the portlight. Although the shapes of both the windows are different, their installation process is similar. Plus, the components that come with these windows are generally the same. This is why you need to learn how to install any one of them.

When it comes to the installation process, you must know that it is pretty easy. All you need to do is to follow the steps mentioned below to replace your boat’s window. So, let’s discuss what you need to avoid and what you need to do to install a new window for your boat.

Step#1: Make a Template

The first thing you need to do is to make a template of your portlight. This will help you determine what size portlights

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