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  1. 20 Boat Maintenance Statistics – The True Cost of Boating

    20 Boat Maintenance Statistics – The True Cost of Boating

    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 of boats. Not to mention all U.S. recreational vessels require proper registration.

    Not understanding these rules and regulations can lead to hefty fines – not having life jackets on board alone can carry a $200 fine. That said, even if you tick all those things, you have to stay on top of your boat’s maintenance to keep it in good shape. Annual maintenance for a boat is around 10% of the boat’s cost.

    If you have external boat storage that keeps your boat out of the water, you only have

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  2. 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 you need for your boat. In this case, you need to trace the outline. Make sure to trace the porthole from the inside

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  3. Freshwater Vs. Saltwater Boating

    Freshwater Vs. Saltwater Boating

    You may or may not know, but you will need different types of boats when it comes to freshwater and saltwater. Have you ever wondered why? Or have you ever thought about why you can’t use your freshwater boats in saltwater or vice versa?

    If you have any of these questions in mind, then you are in the right place. In this article, we mention the primary difference between both types of boats, and help you understand how you can use your freshwater boat for saltwater and vice versa. Let’s dig in.

    Freshwater vs. Saltwater Boats: What’s the Difference

    Freshwater and saltwater boats are greatly different from each other. The composition of saltwater has more salt elements, which can damage your boat if you don’t take certain precautions. Here are some key differences between these two boats that you need to know.

    Corrosion Resistance

    Saltwater boats are typically designed while keeping the corrosion factor in mind. You can say that they are almost resistant to rust or corrosion because of obvious

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  4. Boat Grab Bars for Easy Boarding

    Boat Grab Bars for Easy Boarding

    Grab rails and other supports on boats are often overlooked and probably not much of an active thought in most boaters’ minds. However, when you’re in choppy water or trying to reboard your boat after jumping in, the additional support is essential. Driving and controlling a boat can sometimes be quite challenging, especially in rough conditions. However, if you happen to have a handrail nearby, you can clutch on for added support and boat with confidence. Handrails can easily be disregarded, but these hardware components help you enjoy the experience without much (if any) worry about avoidable accidents. Boat grab bars also keep you from damaging other components on your boat, as you will not hold them to balance.

    In this article, we discuss grab rail placement, sizes and mounting types available in the marine industry today.

    Boat Grab Bars Placement

    When it comes to the placement of boat grab bars, you need to install them in several areas on your boat. However, it is important to understand

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  5. Replacing Your Boat Hatch

    Replacing Your Boat Hatch

    Getting ready to buy a new boat hatch but don’t know how to replace it? If so, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will discuss all the necessary steps you need to take for removing your old broken hatch and installing a new deck hatch. Read below to learn more about it.

    Tools You Will Need

    As long as you have all the essential tools that you need to replace your boat hatch, replacing the hatch is a simple and straightforward process. Here we have mentioned some of the parts and tools that you need to successfully and easily install your new hatch.

    • Marine sealant
    • Replacement hatch parts
    • Screwdriver
    • Essential screws for your boat
    • Wooden wedges
    • epoxy
    • Traditional sanding block or electric sander
    • Wide painters tape to clean the excess sealant
    • Tape and garbage bag
    • Paint stirrer or plastic knife

    Once you have all the tools, you are ready to install your new hatch. And yes, don’t forget to roll up your sleeves. If you have little to no experience, this job can become messy for

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  6. Boating Industry is Booming

    Boating Industry is Booming

    You may not be surprised to know that boat sales increased last year during the pandemic as a great number of Americans chose to embrace boating due to a more flexible working environment. This helped people to entertain themselves and enjoy the outdoors during pressing times. Sales of marine products, boats, and services surged to $47 billion in 2020, the highest in 13-years. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, this is a 19% increase from the last year.

    The current situation across the country has given few signs of a drop in sales in 2021. However, the market shocked boat manufacturers who were thinking they will also get affected because of the lockdown. Now, dealers and manufacturers are struggling to fulfill the demand. Buyers have to wait for months instead of days. In addition, there is a huge number of first-time buyers who are showing interest in boating.

    As there is uncertainty about the Coronavirus, experts are expecting that the demand may increase or

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  7. All about Anchor Rollers

    All about Anchor Rollers

    Wondering which anchor roller will work best for your boat? If so, then this article will help you to understand different types of anchor rollers for different anchors. Here is the list of anchors that you can pick for your boat.

    Pulpit Anchor Roller

    A boat pulpit is a set of boards attached to a boat’s front or bow, usually installed in a u-shaped configuration. Not to mention, bow inserts are also available in different models. This part of the boat has several functions. You can use it to secure the anchor rode, anchor, and power/windlass winch. People also use it as a mooring point to attach your boat to the deck. However, not every boat comes with a pulpit. Although boat pulpit is not a necessary feature, it helps you install anchor rollers. Pre-installed bow pulpits are usually made from fiberglass. But boat owners who build one themselves typically use teak or marine lumber.

    You also need to know that the bow anchor roller helps you install your anchor slightly away from the boat's

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  8. Beginner’s Guide to Pontoon Boats

    Beginner’s Guide to Pontoon Boats

    Pontoon boats are one of the most popular boats of all time. They provide ample space for passengers and come in a wide range of models, each with their own specific perks and features.

    You can enjoy many different types of activities on Pontoon boats. For instance, you can dive into the water and easily get back in by boarding the ladder if you want to swim. Or you can relax and sit on the deck to catch some sun (or fish). Some even tend use Pontoon boats as a “party barge” by loading them up with people, drinks, music, and good memories to be made. They are great family boats as well, and are always a good option to consider for lots of fun activities on the water.

    How Are Pontoon Boats Different from Others?

    Pontoon boats are different from other types of boats for several reasons. The two primary reasons are the large flat upper deck and the variability of a wide range of capabilities. They offer a lot of extra room to move about the boat, where traditional v-hull boats may lack in

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  9. Get to Know: Coastal Marsh Creations

    Get to Know: Coastal Marsh Creations

    Inspired by Outdoors and Marine life, South Carolina Artist, Dustin Hooks, created Coastal Marsh Creations to showcase his talents in fine arts and more! Coastal Marsh Creations is located right in the heart of the South Carolina’s Lowcountry of Charleston, SC. Dustin has a wide variety of art “creations” from Image Licensing, Original/Commissioned Artwork, Archival Giclee’ Prints, Handcrafted Marine life, and Home Décor, to his Skins and Scales Coaster Series.

    Specializing in marine life, one of Coastal Marsh Creations’ unique service is their wooden “Fish Recreation”. Dustin uses images and measurements to recreate an angler’s most prized catch or first time caught fish in a more modern and artful “taxidermy” way. Artist, Dustin Hooks, works closely with his Clients to help bring their catches to life for memories that will last a lifetime!

    Fish measuring anywhere from 9 inches to 6 feet in length to beautifully hand painted home décor, Coastal Marsh Creations’ artwork will brighten up

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  10. Standard vs Low Profile Deck Hatch

    Standard vs Low Profile Deck Hatch

    What is a Deck Hatch?

    A Deck Hatch is an opening in the deck of a boat that allows fresh air flow, bright sunlight, and easy access between the upper and lower deck. Most common on sailboats and yachts, deck hatches can be a practical addition to a wide range of boats available on the market.

    When it comes to marine deck hatches, the Man Ship brand is second to none. The attention to detail and high quality materials used prove to be far superior in the boating industry, setting a high standard for competitors. Since all Man Ship deck hatches are machine rolled, there are endless options when it comes to design, size, and functional capabilities. In this article, you will learn the key similarities and
    differences between the Man Ship Standard Deck Hatch and Low Profile Deck Hatch. You will also learn how to ID which style is on your boat, which will help you in selecting a replacement.

     

    Similarities

    Structurally, the Standard and Low Profile Deck Hatches are very similar in a lot of

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