Gibbs Quadski Amphibious ATV

With this half-ATV, half–personal watercraft, Gibbs has created a fast first       

On-Sale Date: December

Price: $40,000

Competitors: None

Powertrains: 1300-cc BMW inline four; 175 hp. Power split to a limited slip rear differential (land) and a high-performance jet pump with reverse (water).

EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A

What's New: Gibbs has been working on the concept of high-speed amphibious vehicles for 16 years. It produced a brief run of cars (the Aquada) that had to be aborted because of supplier problems. The Quadski is the first commercially available, practical amphibian that does both land and water brilliantly.

Tech Tidbit: When the Gibbs is ready for aquatic duty, two servomotors pull in the wheels. Those motors crank the CNC-milled upper-control arm mounts inboard, and the whole suspension pivots swiftly. Transitioning from land to water takes only 5 seconds.

Driving Character: I went into this test expecting the Gibbs Quadski to be a jack of two trades and master of neither. What I found was much better.

I grew up on ATVs, and so I laid into the Quadski on land. The huge power and limited slip differential work perfectly together, delivering as much performance as you'd expect from a straight axle quad. The machine uses BMW's constant-mesh six-speed transmission and a bespoke auto clutch that downshifts for you. It's convenient when you're in a mix of twists and straights.



The only trouble with the Gibbs on land is getting used to the left-thumb-button-actuated upshifts. It doesn't come naturally, but with practice it should be no problem. The machine is significantly bigger than most quads, though, so it simply will not work on tight backcountry trails. But on two tracks and in wide open spaces it's right at home. It can even manage some pretty good jumps.

In my only previous experience on a Jet Ski, I managed to misread a swell and separate myself from my machine by a 50-yard swim. Thankfully, such was not the case on the 40 F October morning in Michigan when I tested the Gibbs. The Quadski is completely predictable on the water. On land, the power output is electronically limited to about 80 hp for safety, but on water you get the full 175 hp out of the BMW inline four. Getting up on plane from a dead stop is shockingly quick. A 45-mph claimed top speed means it's no slacker on open water, and it handles wakes smoothly. With its wheels pulled up and away from the water line, the Quadski can execute turns and tight maneuvers just like a Jet Ski or Sea-Doo.

Favorite Detail: The most impressive piece of the design has to be the bargeboards (or are those Nerf bars?). They're perfectly designed for tons of leg leverage on land, and I didn't even get the cuffs of my pants wet on the water.

Driver's Grievance: Anyone who rides personal watercraft knows you do not get them into the shallows or you foul the propeller, which causes cavitation, a condition where the flow of water tumbles unpredictably and causes tremendous loss of in-water power.

I did this twice. Within an hour.

I can't really fault the Gibbs engineers outright, because I am not an experienced watercraft pilot. But perhaps a jet-intake guard at low speeds would be advisable, especially considering this vehicle is intended to transition through shallows all the time as it goes from sea to land and back again.



The Bottom Line: At a breathtaking cost of $40,000 for the first 1000 production units, you can believe the first takers won't be average weekend warriors. Yacht-makers are already designing these things into their vessels. But for the committed sportsman, the Quadski does answer a need for freedom to roam. Rather than take loads of time circling a lake, why not just traverse it? Likewise, if a waterway is the fastest route from A to B, now you can take it and pop out on dry land on the other side.

Gibbs is planning three more high-speed amphibians in the future. We hope they can get their prices down to the 15 percent premium over a comparable Jet Ski that founder Alan Gibbs believes he can build them for. Storing one toy in the garage rather two is a pretty alluring prospect. After the test drive I found myself trying to justify spending new-car money on this ultimate go-anywhere machine.

 

By Bill Schrama from Popular Mechanics Post

 

Finance this machine at www.boatfinance.com

Facts & Figures

The Statistics and Research department provides industry stakeholders with the latest boating industry forecasts, market data, research and trends.

Did you know ... 
Recreational boating retail expenditures (new and pre-owned boats and engines, trailers, accessories and services including fuel, repair, storage, insurance, taxes) increased 10% in 2012 to $35.6 billion. The industry’s rising tide creates 338,526 marine industry jobs (manufacturing, dealers/wholesalers, services) at 34,833 marine industry businesses.

Retail sales of new power and sailboats increased 10.7 percent in 2012 to 163,245 boats, demonstrating a post-recession recovery for the industry. It’s not just new boats Americans are buying. There were an estimated 969,000 pre-owned boats (power, PWCs, and sail) sold in 2012, an increase of six percent from 2011.

Americans are taking to the water in record numbers: Of the 232.3 million adults in the US in 2012, 37.8%, or 88 million, participated in recreational boating at least once during the year. This is a six percent increase from 2011 and the largest number of US adults participating boating since NMMA began collecting the data in 1990.
Further insights ...
93% of the boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S.
95% of the boats on the water are 26 feet or less.
76% of boat owners have a household income less than $100,000.

Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association, 2012 Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract

Posted by Bill Schrama

Need a boat loan visit www.boatfinance.com

A Fishing Adventure on Martha's Vineyard

Old guys and the sea

About 15 years ago, my son and I decided to take the grandkids on a deep sea-fishing rip. We were living in Martha’s Vineyard at the time and the family was visiting. We called on of the Charter captains in Menemsha and got a rate and a date. (As an aside, Menemsha is where a lot of the boating scenes were filmed for Jaws)

Bright and early we packed everyone into the car and drove up Island for our date with Captain Jack. He turned out to be a rather nice young man who made his living doing charters. He charged by the half-day and we could pile as many on his boat as we wanted. There were 8 of us and we brought our lunch and a cooler of sodas for the kids.

We left and the kids were all excited. The captain said he would explain everything to us once we got to his sweet spot. He said he was the only one that never came back without a fish. The rule is, “No fish, you don’t pay”. He said all the other fishermen wanted to know his secret and actually followed him when he set out to fish.

The trip was beautiful and in the morning sun the Vineyard is spectacular. We rounded Gay Head and headed for a place called Squibnocket. Captain Jack pointed out the shoreline and said this was the area here Jackie Kennedy had her family compound. In fact, it was the area where John Kennedy crashed his plane in the morning fog. People assumed he was trying a fly over to show the passengers his mother’s place and got disoriented.

We anchored and Captain Jack started his tutorial. At the stern he had this Trolling chair and said we would all get a chance to fish one at a time. He took my grandson Kyle and strapped him in and gave him the gigantic rod and reel. The line was 100-pound test and it had a steel wire leader with the hook attached. He said, if he didn’t use that the fish would bite through it.

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a 10 in section of red surgical tubing and placed it on the hook. He did all this while shielding himself from the other boats nearby. He said the surgical tubing was his secret weapon and vowed us all to secrecy. The kids loved the solemn nature of the moment.

The line went overboard and he started the engine and began a slow trace of the shoreline keeping his eyes on the fish finder.

 All of a sudden – Wham, Kyle had hooked a monster Striped Bass. The Captain came back and showed Kyle how to work him toward the boat using the reel and slack line. The Kid was excited and when the fish broke water, I thought Kyle was going overboard. We got the fish on the boat and measured him. In Massachusetts the fish has to be a minimum 28 inches and weigh more than 30 pounds (this has changed since we went). Kyle’s fish met the qualifications but we decided to go for bigger. Captain Jack then pick up the fish over his head and shouts towards the other boats and heaves the fish overboard. The yells and screams from the other boats were kind of enjoyable. His message was “Don’t mess with Captain Jack”

We did this for the next 2-3 hours and everyone got a chance. By Law we could only keep 1 fish for each person fishing so our keep limit was 7. We caught 35 and threw the rest back keeping the largest. 7 fish. The ones we released were all alive when we let them go.

By noon we were headed back to port with our catch. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face and I hoped it would be an experience they would remember.
The Striped Bass is a beautiful fish and size can go up to 50-60 pounds. Just watching the smallest grandchild reeling one of these in was a joy. It wasn’t easy for them and it’s like hooking into a small refrigerator. Kyle was the weight winner of the day at 42 pounds.

When we got to Port we had to unload our catch. Our 7 fish weighed in at over 200 pounds and Captain Jack started the process of filleting the fish. He had this beautiful boning knifes and was an expert using it on the fish. The kids all stood around him watching the process and up on the dock about 75 people stopped to gawk at Captain Jack and he made a grand show of his artistry. It was free advertising for him

What a day! We thanked the Captain and headed home with enough fish for a month. The conversation going home was excited and everyone had stories to tell their friends

That night some of the catch was our dinner. 

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Boat Engine Comparison: Outboard vs Sterndrive vs Jet Drive

When Glastron said it was making a runabout available with three different power types we jumped at the chance to pit: outboard versus sterndrive versus jet drive.

Outboard, sterndrive or jet drive: These are the available power choices in today’s runabout market. Glastron recently achieved a trifecta of sorts, becoming the first boatbuilder to offer the same 18-foot bowrider with each power option, which presents us with a golden opportunity — the chance to finally mount a real head-to-head comparison of outboard, sterndrive and jet propulsion. Glastron provided an outboard-powered GTS 180, a sterndrive-powered GTS 185, and a jet-powered GTS 187 for trial on the same day at its test facility in Cadillac, Michigan. We compared performance, dimensions, features and cost to see if one power option would prove superior. We encountered the expected compromises with each powertrain, but there were a few surprises too.
Boat Basics
From the aft seat forward, each of these Glastron boats is exactly the same except for slight differences in controls and instruments. The 18-foot Glastron is a sharp-looking bowrider. It’s designed to compete in the affordable segment of the price spectrum. The fiberglass deck incorporates the bow seating and aft seat base but does not feature a full-cockpit liner. A separate floor, or cockpit sole, is bonded to the top of the fiberglass stringer grid that’s bonded to the hull. The exposed areas of the inner hull are covered with attractive “chain weave” vinyl material. Instruments are presented in deep aluminum bezels above a spider-spoke wheel; the bucket seats have flip-up cushions; and positive pin latches secure the lift-off cushions over stowage in the bench bases. These boats are typical of the breed, but well executed.
You’ll note that the length overall for each boat is slightly different. The outboard’s transom makes that boat 2 inches shorter than the sterndrive. The jet is 18 inches longer than the other two because its extended swim platform is a standard feature. The jet also carries three more gallons of fuel because it has a different tank shape to accommodate its required in-tank fuel pump.
Our test boats were rigged with the power option that is most popular on each model. The GTS 180 featured a 3.0-liter V-6 Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard. The GTS 185 had a 220 hp MerCruiser 4.3 MPIC under the hatch. The GTS 187 was powered by the 250 hp version of the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder Rotax 4TEC engine, which is supercharged, intercooled and catalyst-equipped. That’s a big spread in power, but testing would reveal that actual performance was pretty close. We conducted performance testing with crew and ballast totaling 700 pounds.

Outboard vs Sterndrive vs Jet Drive

Weight
We used Rec Boat’s tech-center scales to weigh the test boats. There’s a spread of 610 pounds between the outboard, our lightest version of the boat, and sterndrive, the heaviest version, with the jet weighing 60 pounds more than the 2,120-pound outboard-powered boat. This weight difference will affect every aspect of performance and economy.
Performance
Top speeds for the outboard and sterndrive were very close, at about 49 mph. The jet ran 43.5 mph, handicapped despite its power advantage by its lack of trim, which on the outboard and sterndrive let us raise the bow and reduce drag. It’s important to note that the running surface of the jet-powered GTS 187 is specific — Glastron did not simply drop the jet drive into the sterndrive hull and call it a day. There’s a huge weight difference between the two powertrains, and the thrust angle makes the boat handle differently. We were told the jet hull has much less deadrise forward and less lift aft.
The jet has a clear advantage in acceleration. We tested 0 to 25 mph “light” with one person on board and “heavy” with the equivalent of six 175-pound people on board. The jet simply lifts and leaves when the throttle is punched, blasting off with no bow rise. The outboard exhibits slight bow rise but is only about a second behind the jet to 25 mph. Bow rise blocked our view forward for a moment when the sterndrive accelerated, and with the heavy load the sterndrive was a slug, struggling to get on plane.
Fuel Economy
That the outboard proved most efficient is obvious — with just 150 hp it can match or exceed the performance of engines making more than 200 hp, as our performance charts show. At cruising speed the outboard manages 5.0 mpg, 25 percent better than the sterndrive and 52 percent better than the jet. We don’t have a good explanation for this beyond the fact that the sterndrive boat weighs 600 pounds more than the outboard, and the jet drive system is less efficient than the outboard’s propeller. Also, while the jet’s appendage drag is less, since no gear case is being dragged through the water, this may result in increased wetted surface of the hull, since it offers no ability to trim the boat.
Note that each of these engines has a different operating range — wide-open throttle is 5,000 rpm for the sterndrive, 6,000 rpm for the outboard and 8,000 rpm for the jet — so each also has a different cruising rpm. For this comparison, rather than select each boat’s best possible cruising speed, we picked a “pleasing” cruise speed, because in the real world you are not going to want to wobble along just on plane. At speeds below 7,000 rpm, the jet-powered Glastron felt like it was wallowing just a little. It likes to have more pressure under its hull to feel planted in the water. That happens to be about 35 mph, so we compare the other two boats at a similar speed in the water.
Sound Level
This is another easy win for the outboard. At cruising speed the outboard is 6 decibels (dbA) quieter than the sterndrive and 11 dbA quieter than the jet. The dbA scale is logarithmic, so a change of 10 dbA is a change by a factor of 10. Which means the jet is more than 10 times “louder” than the outboard. An outboard engine has many design advantages that keep sound levels low in the boat cockpit. It’s located farther away, on rubber mounts that isolate its vibration from the boat. It’s also enclosed by a tight cowl and can be fitted with an attenuator tuned to significantly reduce intake noise. Both the jet and sterndrive have to comply with U.S. Coast Guard flame arrestor regulations that essentially leave the intake unmuffled. The jet is further disadvantaged because its entire powertrain is mounted within the boat hull, so part of the noise of a jet drive is the flow of water through the pump and the sound of cavitation on the low-pressure side of the impeller. The jet also runs at much higher rpm, and this higher-frequency sound is more irritating to the human brain.
Aesthetics
Choosing a boat is not always a rational decision, and the look often trumps performance, economy and noise. There’s no question a lot of people really like the classic lines of a sterndrive runabout with a big sun pad over the engine and a full-width swim platform. An outboard motor ruins that clean profile, breaks up the platform into a pair of small shelves, and often requires a motorwell that intrudes on lounging space aft. The jet is also inboard, but its little in-line triple engine is much more compact than the V-6 sterndrive engine, and has a lower profile. This creates more styling possibilities aft, and in place of a sun pad, the Glastron GTS 187 has a pair of aft-facing seats with bottom cushions just above the level of the boarding platform. The jet powertrain is rather long, and the area below the center aft cockpit seat is devoted to service access to the front of the Rotax engine and the electric fuel pump, rather than stowage.
Operation
It took a sandbar on Lake Cadillac to remind us of a key virtue of jet power. We “polished the prop” of the sterndrive when we hit bottom. The jet, which draws just 14 inches at rest and perhaps 6 inches on plane, would have skimmed right over the bar. Research shows that owners also value the simple operation of a jet-powered boat — controls are limited to forward and reverse, and steering. There’s no trim to think about, no prop to ding up. Compared with the outboard and sterndrive, the jet is mechanically simple. However, because the jet pump has no rudder, it does not track well at no-wake speeds and, until you get the hang of it, can be much more difficult to control around a dock or when loading a trailer. The jet has very quick steering — just 270 degrees lock-to-lock on the wheel compared with 3.6 revolutions for the outboard and 4.5 for the sterndrive — which requires some reflex adjustment. The jet is willing to make buttonhook turns that would send your crew crashing across the cockpit. Let’s just say it’s very agile.
The trimability of the outboard and sterndrive enhance performance and economy, but the aluminum props on our test boats would blow out if we tried to make an assertive turn without first trimming back down, so that’s one more thing to think about at the helm. Submerged sandbars, rocks and stumps pose a potentially expensive risk to props and drives. You are less likely to suck sand or gravel into a jet pump and damage the impeller and sacrificial wear ring.
The outboard is so quiet you can have a normal conversation at cruising speed. The V-6 sterndrive engine vibrates quite a bit at low speeds and sounds relatively coarse at all speeds. The jet is obnoxiously loud, unless you’ve being riding a personal watercraft and don’t know any better.
Conclusion
On paper, the outboard power system is a clear winner. In this comparison, the Glastron GTS 180 with a Mercury 150 has the lightest weight, the best fuel economy, the quietest cockpit, and performance that matches or exceeds those of the sterndrive and jet. But the outboard loses big points for looks and the “livability” of its stern area. The jet is the least expensive, accelerates fastest, is easy to operate and has a clever lounging area, but it’s thirsty and noisier. In this comparison, we think styling is really the only reason to choose the sterndrive-powered boat. We say, “Wise up, America!” and buy the outboard.

By Chales Plueddeman  Boating Magazine online

Posted by: Bill Schrama

Need a boat loan to purchase a boat or repower your current boat visit www.boatfinance.com  

Ten Tips For Selling Your Boat.

1. Market it!: Advertise heavily. Place ads in local boating press, the big daily newspaper and, if it’s a large boat or one of limited availability that buyers will likely travel out of state to see, place ads in the pricier regional and national venues. Picture ads draw more traffic. Rent space at some highway-side lot where hundreds of passers-by can see it—more than in your driveway.

2. Fired-up!: Start the engine and warm it up an hour before a prospect comes to see the boat. A dead battery or balky start—even for an excellent engine—turns buyers off.

3. Pledge of Allegiance: Looks are important. Spray-on furniture wax can be applied and wiped-off quick and easy. The gleam doesn’t last more than a day, but it’s perfect for that prospect who calls and says he’ll be over in an hour.

4. Empty Promise: It’s better to show empty stowage areas and remark how spacious they are then to have all your gear jammed in them to the point of overflowing. Remove your crap.

5. Touch Points: A professional detail job makes sense for a boat in pristine condition. If your boat rates “average” or “good” focus solely on the more glaring blemishes. Compound-out rust stains bleeding from fittings, re-tape shredded boot stripe, de-grease the engine, clean the bilge, etc. If the cabin is musty, surreptitiously place air fresheners.

6. Fogged-out: If clear curtains are scratched or clouded by age, remove them for the initial viewing.

7. Bottom Job: If the boat is bottom painted, apply a fresh coat. It makes the boat look sharper. Also spray paint outboard and stern drive skegs that have the paint worn-off.

8. Sea Trial: With the canvas removed, all but safety gear stowed ashore and light in fuel and water, your boat will plane easier, handle more nimbly, and attain a faster top-end speed. Try to convince the buyer to limit ride-along friends and family to as few as possible, for the reasons above, and so the true “roominess” of the boat isn’t painfully obvious.

9. Paper Chase: Have all title, registration, extended warranty and, if available, service records on hand in a binder. It’s impressive, even if the buyer's initial reaction to it seems ho-hum. See how much a boat lender will finance for a potential buyer.

10. Be Realistic: Figure out your bottom–line price well in advance of meeting the first buyer. Consider the dollar costs of advertising, storage and maintenance while it's for sale as well as the time costs involved in showing the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

If the buyer needs a boat loan please visit www.boatfinance.com for loans from $5,000 and higher.

Is that repo boat really a bargain?

You can get a good deal in today's glutted market, but you also can get burned if you're not careful.

Repossessed boats can offer what seem to be amazing deals, especially with owners defaulting on loans in record numbers. Banks contract with repo firms to recover the boats and then sell them off, often at auction, to stem their losses as quickly as possible.
The excitement of the chase, a handyman's skills, a gambler's instinct and weakness for a deal, and old-fashioned opportunity all motivate people to buy these boats. But keep in mind, there is a potential downside to factor into the equation, including a lack of history and no warranty when bought at auction. Add in the fact that the owner who couldn't keep up with his payments probably neglected maintenance, and the boat's potential value declines further.
"Neglected maintenance is a problem," says Jonathan Klopman, an expert forensic surveyor based in Marblehead, Mass. "There's also an element of buyer fantasy when it comes to repo boats, but the chances of getting burned are higher than some people think."
However, some people do very well on the repo market for reasons ranging from skill at sizing up a boat to sheer luck. Others do poorly and regret they ever considered the idea. Let's see what to look for to help make sure you'll be in the first group.
Caveat emptor
Repo boats sell "as is," with no warranty or guarantee. In addition to unloading boats in a hurry, not having to back them up after the purchase is another reason they are sold at discounted prices. And though a sea trial is usually part of the boat-buying process, depending on the repo company, you may have to give this up, too.

Brad Ferguson, president of Northeast Marine Liquidation (www.northeastboatsales.com) in Pawcatuck, Conn., stresses the importance of having repo boats properly surveyed.

"Not being able to do a sea trial is a huge issue," says Klopman. "If you start the engine when the boat's up on blocks, all you know is that that starter works. It's unrealistic for the average buyer to expect the same 'return it to Home Depot without the receipt' mentality if they have buyer's remorse."
The only time you'll be able to get any satisfaction is if the original boatbuilder's warranty is still in effect. Damage won't be covered, but defects might be, depending on the problem and when the warranty clock started ticking. You may also find that the engines, generator or electronics are under warranty, in which case you should register with the OEM as the new owner. Absent this, your risk is greater, but so are the potential rewards if there are no surprises.
A late-model boat that was well taken care of, kept under wraps and not abused in any way can be a great find, but expect to pay more for it. The banks that own these boats have three essential objectives: 1) sell the boat for as much as possible, 2) sell it quickly, and 3) see first objective. Even if a boat has issues, it may still be a good deal; just make sure you get a deep enough discount to cover major repairs. And while it comes with no guarantees, make sure it's all yours, with no liens against it. This should not be an issue with reputable auctioneers, since a clear title is typically guaranteed in the sales agreement.
If a boat was stolen and stripped, make sure you understand how much it will cost to restore it to original condition. If the electronics and gauges were cut out with a Sawzall, you're likely looking at an expensive repair job - not only to replace the fiberglass panels, but also to match the repairs cosmetically to the surrounding surface. This is not an easy fix, though it is a handy skill to learn if you're willing to put enough time into it. If the windlass, engines, generator and other major components were stolen, with a lot of damage in the process, replacing everything with new components could be more expensive than buying a similar higher-priced, undamaged model from a dealer.
Dealers often buy repo boats at auction, spruce them up, and sell them to consumers. However, they may not know any more about the boat's history than you do, and the price they're asking most likely is substantially more than they paid for it, so there's less room for the price to justify the added risk. That leaves the dealer's warranty to close the gap, but if it's only a 30-day warranty, it won't be worth much if the boat starts falling apart halfway through the season. For my part, I would want a 12-month stem-to-stern warranty before buying such a boat.
Klopman also points out that high-performance boats have a high potential for abuse, given the way they are used. And it takes a very high level of skill to work on them, so know what you're getting into. A more sensible plan if a go-fast appeals to you is to just get a prescription for Viagra and buy a Mainship.

Repossessed boats offer the potential for getting a lot of boat at a value price, but the buyer must be aware of the risks.

Where a previous owner kept the boat also will be a factor in its condition. "It makes a big difference if you're looking at a Florida boat that's been baking in the sun, floating in warm salt water, and used for 200 hours a year for the last 10 years, or if it's been moored in fresh water on the Connecticut River, stored under cover in the winter and used for 50 hours a year," says Ron Milardo, owner of Cooper Capital Specialty Salvage (www.cooperss.com), a salvage management company based in Old Saybrook, Conn. "If you can find the Connecticut boat and it's been maintained by the selling dealer since new, paying more money for this boat is likely far and away your best deal."

Milardo adds, "Do your homework, make your best bid and be ready to deal with the consequences - for better or worse."
If all a boat needs is cosmetic work - this is what the repo dealers look for - you may have found yourself a diamond in the rough. A little scrubbing, compounding, waxing, some new upholstery and canvas, and voila. If you're looking at a larger cruiser, you might focus initially on making sure the boat is reliable, with fully functional systems, then sequentially over the next few seasons refinish the saloon, upgrade the galley, Awlgrip the hull, add new electronics and so on. As long as it's seaworthy and reliable, this may be a smart way to go, since you get to enjoy your new yacht without being boat-poor.
Project boats
Distressed boats - those that were holed running aground, that partially (or completely) sunk or partially burned - will take a very high level of skill and lots of time and money to bring back to life. These boats can take more work to restore than a kit boat would take to finish off, so be forewarned.

Would-be buyers should do their homework and take the time to personally inspect the boat.

My advice is to start small if you want to undertake a rebuild. It's virtually a certainty that it will take longer and cost more than you think it will. If you've worked in home or commercial construction and are handy with tools, you'd still be amazed at how much longer it takes to refit a boat than, say, rehabbing a recreation room that's four times the size. Decks can be curved, pitched and cambered; hull sides are never straight, at least not for any distance; and a good deal of machinery, plumbing and wiring is crammed into incredibly small spaces. And it all has to be accessible.

On the other hand, very few projects are more rewarding - for me, anyway - than buying an old boat that's still beautiful below the surface, structurally sound but cosmetically shot for a song and bringing it back to life.
Forewarned is forearmed
The best approach is to first inspect the boat yourself to see if it really has potential, then hire a competent, experienced surveyor who can find the rotten transom, debonded coring and ruined engine. If you haven't used a surveyor before, a good first step is to contact the National Association of Marine Surveyors (www.namsglobal.org) or the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (www.marinesurvey.org). There's a wide range of ethics and competence among surveyors, as well as the time and trouble they'll take to dig around and look for evidence of abuse, neglect and damage.
Brokers I've spoken with say you should ask around to make sure a surveyor is competent and has no conflicts of interest, such as a close relationship with the seller or seller's agent.
The marine surveyor can help you determine whether the boat is a good deal and you can use any defects he finds as a negotiating tool. Major problems with the boat's structure or machinery may prove too much for you to take on, in which case the surveyor has done you a favor by putting a halt to a project that's over your head technically or financially.

Be sure buying new engines won't put you over budget if the boat's propulsion is questionable.

If the boat is far from your home and you know the model well, it might make more sense to have a surveyor inspect it before you do, since travel expenses can quickly add up to more than the price of a survey. If a number of boats at a nearby repo center interest you or there are several locations to check out, line up a surveyor and call him in when you find a good candidate. I recommend meeting the surveyor at the boat when possible. You'll learn something about boats in general and a lot about your surveyor.

If you can't sea-trial the boat, have a percentage of the purchase price put into escrow to go toward the cost of repairs to the propulsion, generator, air conditioning and other systems. The money is released to the seller upon successful completion of a post-purchase sea trial. However, don't count on the escrow covering much in the way of actual repairs, says Klopman.
"Say 5 percent of the purchase price is set aside in escrow," he says. "A new engine or generator, or even relatively minor repairs like a new exhaust system, will quickly suck all of that up. And don't expect yards to be working any cheaper than they did a couple of years ago, when the market was strong. They're still charging $100-plus an hour for labor. Same with the parts needed to fix your boat - they're just as expensive as they were a couple of years ago, or more so."
Some yacht brokers may resist an escrow transaction, since this amounts to holding a percentage of their commission, but it's in your interest to make the sale contingent on the equipment working properly. The surveyor and the sea-trial escrow or contingency plan will reduce your risk. Klopman says he has seen a trend in the last 10 years with a few bad-apple brokers and sellers using dishonest surveyors who will run the engines for 15 seconds in January in New England and call that a successful propulsion check, just so that all of the buyer's money is released to the seller.
Dollars and sense
Boat auctions can be live or by sealed bid, in person or over the phone. One of the biggest auction companies, National Liquidators (www.yachtauctions.com), uses a sealed-bid system to sell its inventory. The firm - headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and with Midwest and West Coast locations - sells bank repossessions, foreclosures, brokerage boats that need to be moved and boats seized by the government for non-payment of taxes, drug running or other offenses. It even offers financing.
National Liquidators recommends personal inspections and takes the additional step of requiring that you talk to one of its 10 brokers to go over the boat before submitting a bid so you know what you're getting into and head off any surprises. It also encourages you to bring in your own surveyor.
National Liquidators also will facilitate a sea trial, charging a $500 fee that includes the services of one of its captains. If the boat doesn't pass, you get your deposit back, though not the sea trial fee. The company says its bigger boats are often in the water and ready for demo, though the smaller ones usually are not. It says most of its boats are less than three years old and usually sell for close to book value, so you pay for the extra assurance its sales process affords.
"It's important to do business with a reputable auctioneer," says Milardo, the veteran salvage management company owner.
When it's time to make your bid, don't be afraid to start low, Milardo says. "If it's not accepted, the bank may come back with a counteroffer," he says. "Its sole objective is to recoup its note and the repo company's expenses."
Milardo continues: "However, there's often a long delay between an offer being made and the seller, usually the bank, responding to it. Banks don't always have their act together when it comes to boat liquidation, so it can take awhile for them to figure out whether an offer is acceptable or whether they should they wait for a better one."
Of course, someone might outbid you, but that's the name of the game. Chances are that if you are an earnest buyer and your offer is reasonable on today's market, eventually you'll find a boat at the right price.
Klopman points out that boats are selling for around 20 percent less than they were a couple years ago, so that's your real pricing baseline. If you see a boat you figure is 40 percent off its normal value, then you're really getting a 20 percent discount from the depressed market price. The bottom line is you're assuming a lot of risk with a repo boat, so for the deal to make sense the purchase price should reflect your added exposure. In round numbers, this may come out to around 40 percent off the boat's retail value.
Milardo says there are so many popular production boats from 21 to 34 feet in the normal retail pipeline, let alone on the repo market, that their value is considerably depressed, and that's not going to change anytime soon. "Buying in this class at auction should deliver a boat for dimes on the dollar, and that's a big problem for high-volume boatbuilders, whose biggest competition is their own new and used late models," he says.
Keep in mind that the various boat blue book values may not be worth much in this "Great Recession." The same goes for the prices you see on some of the broker Web sites; I'm told the actual selling price may be artificially inflated to make it look to future clients like the broker got more for a past sale than he actually did.
Klopman recommends working with a good broker or dealer. "Tell him what you're looking for and let him find you a suitable boat - the best combination of price and condition," he says. "There are plenty of great deals to be found working through dealers and brokers, and the original selling dealer, especially, should know the boat's history. Paying more up front could be a far better deal with a well-maintained boat that's been regularly updated and cared for by the selling dealer than the same boat that's been neglected for five or 10 years and selling for 40 or 50 percent off. That's because your risk is essentially zero - you know what you're getting, and you have a boat you can use right away, which is the whole point."
Sounds like good advice.
The repo calculus changes if you buy a boat at a deep discount, say 40 to 50 percent off and you can do the fix-up work yourself. Your time is worth something, so don't leave that out of the equation. One approach is to find a 10- or 20-year-old Viking, Tiara, Hatteras or similar well-built boat and have the essentials (propulsion, electrical, electronics, etc.) taken care of - for anywhere from $100,000 for a smaller Tiara to $250,000 for a larger Viking or Hatteras. The end result could be a reliable, comfortable three-stateroom, two-head boat you and the family can enjoy for many years to come.
Conclusion
Given the state of the economy and the marine market, there may never be a better time to buy a boat, whether through a broker, dealer or at auction. Go slow and wait for the right boat at the right price, and find a top-notch broker or dealer - and surveyor - to help. Keep your time, abilities and tolerance for risk in mind when making a decision. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Saddle up and enjoy the hunt.
Eric Sorensen was founding director of the J.D. Power and Associates marine practice and is the author of "Sorensen's Guide to Powerboats: How to Evaluate Design, Construction and Performance." A longtime licensed captain, he can be reached at eric@sorensensguide.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
This article originally appeared in the February 2010 issue.

Need a boat loan for a repo boat? visit www.boatfinance.com to apply.

Reposted By: Bill Schrama

Tips for Fishermen & Boaters

(courtesy of Reef Relief)


Practice good seamanship, and safe boating. Maintain a safe distance from other fishermen, and divers. Do not troll over or near divers. Stay at least 100 feet from a red and white diver down flag and watch for bubbles.

Know and observe size and catch limits; release any fish you can't eat. Florida law requires a fishing license. Applicable size, bag limits, and seasons must be observed when harvesting seafood. NOTE: Avoid throwing fish carcasses and wrung lobsters overboard or into canals, as they decompose and degrade water quality.

Use reef mooring buoys if available. Otherwise, anchor in sandy areas away from coral and seagrasses so that anchor and chain do not drag or grate on nearby corals or tear-up seagrass beds.

Accidental boat groundings damage the reef. Consult tide and navigational charts and steer clear of shallow areas (shallow, seagrass beds appear brown in color). Accidental boat groundings damage coral and seagrasses, and fines are imposed for such damage. Remember, "Brown, brown, run aground. Blue, blue, sail on through."

Avoid disturbing wildlife, harassing fish and invertebrates; it only makes them wary of people.

Keep boating speeds and noise to a minimum, and avoid boat wakes near isolated mangroves. When in a diving area, slow down to an idle speed.

It is illegal to dump trash at sea; plastic bags and other debris can injure or kill marine animals. Try to retrieve fishing gear and equipment, especially monofilament line. Bring your trash back to shore and recycle it.

Camping, campfires, and collecting of any kind is prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges. Personal watercraft and airboats are prohibited in all National Parks and Wildlife Refuges in the Florida Keys.

Posted by Bill Schrama

Need a boat loan? visit www.boatfinance.com

When it Comes to Your Sailing Education, You’re the Boss!

One of the most important parts of beginning your sailing education is finding the right sailing school. Every individual has different strengths, weaknesses, needs, and ideal learning methods. Likewise, every sailing school has different instructors, courses, boats, and teaching methods. Even a school’s location can affect your sailing education. For example, learning to sail in San Francisco Bay’s heavy winds might scare one student and motivate another. Here at ASA, we want to provide every sailor with a sailing education that conforms to their needs and inspires them to continue sailing We know this for sure: you know yourself, and we know sailing. So it’s up to you to determine where you will be happiest and learn the most.

Aside from perusing each sailing school’s website, the best way you can determine what school is the best fit is by calling them. It might seem a little old fashioned to the younger generation, but by talking to a human being you will be able to get all your questions answered and get a real feel for the school. You are essentially interviewing each school for the opportunity to teach you how to sail. That’s one of the huge benefits of learning to sail with ASA… We have so many schools that you always have a choice!

Here are some tips for how to effectively interview a sailing school:

§ Ask what courses are offered. This is the most important piece of information!

§ Ask about specialty courses. Some schools have destination courses, courses for couples, all-female courses, racing courses, and many others.

§ See if the school offers courses at times that fit into your schedule.

    Ask about private classes and group lessons. Which do they recommend and why?

§ Ask about instructors. Some people learn best from peers, others from older mentors, and some don’t have a preference. Figure out which category you fall into and find an instructor who will help you grow as a sailor!

§ Inquire about the student demographic. Are they similar to you? Does it matter to you?

§ Take note of how the person on the other end of the line reacts to your questions. Are you looking for a basic, clear sailing education or a carefree, fun one? Their tone of voice can tell you a lot about how the school operates and what instructors, students, and administrators are like.

If you’re still stuck between a few schools and can’t make up your mind, visit them!

By Bill Schrama

                                                     If you need a sailboat loan please visit  www.boatfinance.com

Financing a used boat purchase

Financing a Pre-Owned Boat

Purchasing a pre-owned boat can be a very good choice if you want to save thousands of dollars or get more boat for your money. Boats depreciate the largest percentage in the first 2 years. After 2 years if the boat is maintained the values hold strong.

If you're buying a pre-owned boat from a dealer you will likely get a helping-hand with the loan process. Many dealers have a Finance Manager on staff who can handle the whole transaction, from assisting with the application, vessel titling and through to the loan closing.
Other dealers may not have a finance specialist on their staff, but they may employ an outside loan service company that handles all the same tasks, and it will arrange all of the details.
Some dealers may simply send you to a bank or financial service company they refer business to, to have them handle the transaction.

You can save even more money by looking for a private seller and cutting out the dealer as the middle man. There are a few specialty lenders out in the market that will finance private party purchases and assist with the settlement. This is a great service because your getting the resources of a professional dealership with the savings of a private party pre owned boat purchase.

Boat Finance LLC located in North Palm Beach Florida offers financing for all types of used boats from $5,000 and up. Please visit our web site at www.boatfinance.com for more information.

By: Bill Schrama

P2P Boat Rentals Cruzin to Chicago!

New type of boat rental service.

Creating opportunities for new lakeshore lifestyle experiences, Cruzin announced its formal launch in the Chicago market. This secure, online boater-to-boater rental marketplace makes it easy for people to get out on the water, when and how they want. Whether a person desires to fish, cruise or sail, Cruzin.com offers a trusted community for renting directly from boat owners. Those who want to relax instead of navigate, or aren't yet comfortable with taking full command of the boat, can use Cruzin's captain service. Flexible rental listings enable boating adventures from a half-day to a week or longer. Each rental is fully insured and includes BoatU.S. towing services. Boat owners generate income from listing their vessels on Cruzin when they aren't personally being used. An otherwise idle boat can now help offset maintenance costs and slip fees. The owner has complete control over who rents his boat, for how long and for what price. "Chicago has a vibrant lakefront and river. Cruzin facilitates ways in which more people can enjoy the city from the water. Safety and fun are our priorities for both boat owners and renters," said Cruzin CEO Jaclyn Baumgarten. Cruzin screens both owners and renters to promote security for all involved. The Chicago market presents unique challenges with boat charter permitting requirements. But, Baumgarten explained, "We've worked to ensure all permitting requirements will be complied with directly through Cruzin, simplifying the boat listing process for owners.

By Bill Schrama

If you decide you want to buy a boat we can help make that dream come true.
www.boatfinance.com

Don't Go Off "Half-Cocked"!


When is the last time you exercised the seacocks on your boat? If it's been a while, you should consider doing it before you take that next cruise. Why? Because a seacock is worthless unless it works when you need it.

 The first thing to do is to make sure the valve looks like it is in good condition; and not suffering from any electrolysis. Badly rusted or corroded seacocks can suddenly break off or start leaking.

Another excellent idea is to tie a wooden plug of the proper size to the seacock handle so that it's immediately available as a last resort in case you do experience a seacock failure.

         
Seacocks come in a wide variety of sizes depending on the usage. The most common are bronze fittings, but there are also stainless steel and nylon fittings. Each probably have their advantages but bronze is tried and true and it seems like the best alternative.

Make sure you don't connect any dissimilar metals, because the electrolysis it causes is deadly.

When you are dealing with as important an area as holes in the bottom of your boat, it's a also good idea to use double hose clamps and check the fittings on a regular basis.

To keep seacocks functioning reliably, they need to be operated every once in a while, and lubricated at least once a year. Cone and plug type seacocks need to be disassembled to be properly serviced, but ball-valve seacocks are easily maintained by spreading a dollop of waterproof grease on both sides of the closed ball.

By Bill Schrama
www.BoatFinance.com

Top 10 Boat Names 2014

For the past two dozen years around this time, the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has released their annual list of top ten boat names, and we usually pay attention to see if any boat names jump out at us.

The 2014 BoatUS list of top ten boat names are...

1. Serenity
2. Second Wind
3. Island Girl 
4. Freedom 
5. Pura-Vida 
6. Andiamo 
7. Island Time 
8. Irish Wake 
9. Happy Hours 
10. Seas the Day

Maybe you've seen these boat names before. Heck, if they are popular enough to make the top 10 list, you've probably got one or more of these boat names in your marina. Maybe your boat name is even on the list.

Some folks use lists like these to come up with boat name ideas, while others peruse them to decide what NOT to name their boat, as they would prefer to choose something more unique. 

Let us know if your boat name is on this list, or if you've seen any of them around on the water.

List is courtesy of www.boatus.com

Additional boat name ideas can be found at the Boat Name Blog - www.boatnameblog.com
Please visit www.boatfinance.com for the money you need to go boating.

Red Right Return... Right?

Red Right Return... Right?

An answer to that age-old question, "What Side of the Buoy Do I Go On???" 

Guest blog by Vincent Pica
Chief of Staff, First District, Southern Region (D1SR)
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Red, Right, What? ©iStockphoto.com/Robert Rushton

Two of the “great mysteries” of boating are:

[1] how do I dock this thing in front of all these people and not look like a land-lubber, and

[2] Good Lord, what side of this buoy do I go on?

We will address #1 in a later column. We will address #2 right now and forever!

Here we go...

Imagine this. You are on one of those reality TV shows and you have won! In addition to the big job and the big bucks, the host throws in a beautiful penthouse apartment in a brand new 50-story condo overlooking the marina and harbor. You get so excited that you faint straight away. You wake up in the elevator and you see the elevator numbers flashing by…

If the numbers were going up, would you be leaving the building or returning to our new home in the penthouse? If the numbers were going down, would you be returning to your new home in the penthouse or leaving to go to work..? Clearly, if the numbers are going up, you are returning home. If the numbers are going down, you are leaving.

And the same is true of the buoyage system in the entire United States… While certain pearls of wisdom work in local waters (“keep the reds and the ocean on the same side of your boat”), they don’t work everywhere and they also fail to educate you as a mariner as to “how the system works” and why…

Of course, many of us have heard and used the old saw of “red, right, return” – meaning when returning from sea/to your harbor/home, keep the red buoys on your right. But often harbors line cheek-to-jowl along a shore. Are you leaving one or returning to the other? So, let’s extend the old saw and get it right forever more…

“Red - Right, Return; Left, Leaving.” Keep the red buoys on your right when returning and on your left when leaving. And, if the numbers are going up, you are returning (to your penthouse in the sky!) If the numbers are going down, you are leaving (to that great job you just won!)

Be wary of one thing – “discontinuous numbers”, meaning big jumps between buoy numbers or the numbers starting to go the opposite way. This means you have entered a new seaway or road and you need to recalibrate the direction of the numbers. For example, if returning from sea via an inlet, you will certainly see the buoy numbers go up in step. But what if, for examples, pass Nun#4 and see ahead Can#15? That’s a big jump and undoubtedly means you are entering a new seaway. Now, what side? Quickly check your chart. If the next buoy after this hypothetical Can#15 is Nun#16, you are still “returning from sea.” If, however, it is Nun#14, you are “leaving harbor” as far as the buoyage system is concerned! Remember: Red-Right-Return; Left-Leaving. In this case (leaving), you would now take Can#15 to starboard so that you can subsequently take Nun#14 to port (left leaving!). Never fails (in North America).

Want to know why our reds are on our right when returning from sea and not the other way around as in Europe? Well, when we were at war with the mightiest navy in the world over 230 years, the revolutionaries turned all the buoys around so that the English men-of-war would run aground… and we just kept them that way ever since…!

“Red - Right, Return; Left, Leaving.” If the numbers are going up, you are returning as far as the rules of the road are concerned… Always…

BTW, if you are interested in being part of USCG Forces, email me at JoinUSCGAux@aol.com or go direct to the D1SR Human Resources department, who are in charge of new members matters, at DSO-HR and we will help you "get in this thing…"

 

                   Need a boat loan. Loans from $5,000-$35,000 for anything you need to boat!

                                                  www.boatfinance.com

Daily Boater Boating News: Boating Safety Tips from College

Daily Boater Boating News: Boating Safety Tips from College: Broward College Offers Safe Boating Tips for the Summer...  Photo Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard. Since Florida is one of the most...
Boating week, which is coming up from May 17 to 23, 2014. Broward College’s marine engineering management program is the first institution to send us such an announcement with boating safety tips, and we're happy to pass them along.

“Safety on the water is everyone’s responsibility, but many recreational boaters make the mistake of assuming they can beat the odds, and without proper preparation, this may not be the case,” said Anthony Petriello, associate dean of the marine programs. “Don’t take anything for granted, as all on board are your responsibility.”

There are several precautions boaters should take before casting off...

Boating Safety Tips from Broward College’s marine engineering management program

• Always file a float plan in the form of a note, email or voicemail with someone you trust, such as a family member or friend, so they will know what to do if you don’t come back on time.  

• Check all recommended safety supplies and equipment on board periodically, such as first aid kits, sunscreen, spare batteries and flashlights. The American Boating & Yacht Council has released a free app called “Boating Essentials,” which is designed for both new and experienced boaters. Not only will boaters be able to identify a safety checklist of all the items they are required to have onboard, but also receive maintenance guide alerts and monitor their supply lists.

• Consistently wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Every person on board should be wearing a life jacket that is the right size and fit because it is the best defense against drowning.  

• Complete routine boat safety inspections. Check the navigation and safety lights, steering, engine fluids, electrical and heating systems, bilge pump and anchor.  The ventilation system is often overlooked, as well, so periodically make sure that all openings are free of obstructions, the ducts and ducting are not blocked, and make sure worn components are replaced.  

• Refill and replace fire extinguishers so that they are in functioning order. There should also be a supply of flares available in the event someone needs to send out a distress signal.  

• Beware of carbon monoxide hazards while on the water. Dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide can accumulate when a boat is by a pier, near a seawall or alongside another boat.

• Do not run engines for extended periods of time under these conditions without continuous monitoring.  

• Check the weather forecast, as sudden summer storms can place boaters in rough conditions. In these cases, reduce your speed, keep bilges free of water, head to the nearest shore or even anchor the boat, if necessary.

For more information on the marine programs at Broward College, contact Anthony Digirolamo at 954-201-8616 or adigiro1@broward.edu.

  Need a boat loan? Visit www.boatfinance.com

National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign.

 

(OMAHA, Neb.) - The National Safe Boating Council and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have teamed up with boating safety advocates across the U.S. to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, 2014.

National Safe Boating Week is the official launch of the 2014 Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of life jacket wear by recreational boaters.

Before casting off for a day on the water, boaters should take appropriate precautions. File a float plan with a friend or family, get a vessel safety check and take a boating safety course. Boaters should also check the weather forecast and make sure everyone on board is wearing the correct type and fit of life jacket. Boaters can develop “boater’s hypnosis” a condition in response to sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion, which causes fatigue and slows your reaction time. Combining this condition with alcohol or drugs greatly reduces your coordination, judgment and reaction time, which could lead to deadly consequences so please boat sober.

“Throughout the year hundreds of people drown or die in boating accidents and the majority of the deaths could have been prevented,” said Pam Doty, National Water Safety Program Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   “We want you to come out and enjoy your national lakes and rivers and return home safely, so please wear a life jacket and boat friendly.”

 

 

–U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

By: Bill Schrama

 

                   Get out on the water and start practicing safe boating. Need a loan?

                                                www.BoatFinance.com

Delaware kicks off boat safety week:

Delaware officials, including U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., convened in Lewes on Monday to celebrate National Safe Boating Week, which is May 17-23, to kick off the state's busiest boating season by encouraging safe boating practices.
Last year, there were no fatalities and eight reportable boating accidents in Delaware waters, a decrease from two fatalities and 13 accidents in 2012, according to a U.S. Coast Guard report. A total of 59,186 boats were registered in the state for 2013.
The report shows Delaware, Nebraska and Wyoming being the only states with zero boat-related fatalities in 2013. There were 14 fatalities — an increase from 11 in 2012 — in Maryland and 11 —a decrease from 15 in 2012 — in Virginia. The number of boating accidents declined in both Maryland and Virginia from 2012 to 2013.
Since 1991, when a Delaware law was passed that required children under the age of 12 to wear personal floatation devices, not a single child has died in Delaware waters, said Collin O'Mara, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary.
The state has also required persons born after Jan. 1, 1978 to take a boating safety course before they can operate boats on state waters, thanks to a law passed in 1994. Several courses are offered, many taught by U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary members, O'Mara said. The state offers an eight hour basic boating safety course in multiple locations statewide and online.
"These are laws that work," he said. "A lot of times when folks ... are passing laws, folks say 'what is this actually going to mean on the ground?' In this case it means lives are saved. It doesn't get much simpler than that."
Carper has been told by Delaware and out-of-state boaters the state is a great place to fish with wonderful facilities.
"We just had Mother's Day, a lot of people showed up to be with their mom, their grandmom, everybody was there ... in part because their lives were not lost in a boating accident," he said. "Father's Day is coming up ... and you can look around the room ... and everybody will be there. And at least if they're not, it won't be because of a boating accident, because we're looking out for them."
On a national level, boating accidents decreased from 4,515 in 2012 to 4,062 in 2013, with fatalities decreasing from 651 to 560, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Despite the week being devoted to boat safety, Chief Robert Legates of DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement section said it's important to remain vigilant about boat safety all year long, adding wearing a lifejacket can reduce the change of drowning by as much as 80 percent.
"Not knowing or obeying the navigation rules of the roads, drinking alcohol or taking drugs while operating a boat or choosing not to wear your lifejacket puts boat operators and passengers and other boaters at risk," he said. "As a boater, sharpening your skills and knowledge and being aware of the risks can dramatically increase your safety on the water."

jbleiweis@dmg.gannett.com

By: Bill Schrama

                          Need a boat loan to get out on the water and start practicing safe boating.
                                               www.boatfinance.com

11: Cleveland Coast Guard National Safe Boating Week

Start the 2014 boating season with a safety check and refresh yourself with the safety rules.
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Safe Boating Week 2014 is May 17-23

BURLEY -  Idaho is a boater’s paradise. Hundreds of thousands of motorized and non-motorized vessels take to Idaho waterways annually. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) would like to remind boater’s to “Wear It” – Always wear your life jacket.


May 17 – 23, 2014 is National Safe Boating Week and Idaho intends to participate with several events. A complete listing of events is available on the IDPR events calendar.
 

Boating safety partners across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up to promote safe and responsible boating, including wearing a life jacket each and every time you are on the water.

“Life jackets are more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles including ‘suspender’ and ‘fanny-pack’ styles. Always make sure your life jackets are U.S.C.G. approved,” said Juelie Traska, Boating Education Coordinator for the IDPR. “Drowning remains the primary cause of death in recreational boating accidents. Statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that eighty five percent of boaters who drowned in 2012 were not wearing their life jackets,” said Traska.
As part of Safe Boating Week, IDPR is advising boaters to take the time to check safety gear, replacing old life jackets as well as servicing boats and review boating laws before heading out for that first day on the water.
“Remember to practice safe and responsible boating, by wearing your life jacket and staying alert and aware while on the water,” said Traska. “By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you,” she said.
IDPR recommends four important things a boater can do to reduce accidents and fatalities. First, take a safe boating course; second, get a vessel safety check; third, never boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications, and fourth, WEAR your life jacket.
For additional information on Vessel Safety Checks and Safe Boating Courses in Idaho, visit www.boat.idaho.gov.
Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation manages 30 state parks and recreation areas throughout Idaho.  The mission of the agency is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. Learn more about Idaho’s State Parks and Recreation Programs by visiting: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

By: Bill Schrama

                    Need a boat loan to get out on the water and start practicing safe boating.
                                                 www.boatfinance.com

Small Boats & Power Boats

Small Boats are quite economical, maintenance free, fewer accessories can be added and easy to transport and they can be easily constructed with few weekends. They can be built very easily if you have some basic woodworking skills. Small boats work perfectly alright with novice boat manufacturers and it allows you to get the feet wet in process of producing the boat without undergoing all the risk and frustration. There are lots of producers in the market, who have built ample of boats till today and still love to produce them. Some of the most common materials used for building these boats are wood which is suitable for woodworking builders. The boat building techniques is a stitch and glue method which is considered as one of the easiest methods to implement.

You can easily find small boats for sale and diving. There is great amount of satisfaction and enjoyment in owning one of these beautiful boats. Materials like timber will be an excellent choice for beginners and tools required to build these boats are cutters, measuring tools, sanders, hammers and files. You can imagine the multiplication of satisfaction and enjoyment, those who are building one of these boats. Once these boats are produced there are several different ways to enjoy them such as packing the lunch and cruising up the river, going on a fishing trip with friends and family on the ocean and scuba diving which is one of the popular past times.

Boating is quite wonderful with power boats and most of them are in common with sail boats; they are equipped with engines and have similar maintenance. The major difference between sailboats and power boats is that sailboats don’t have to depend on engines for travel. Those who are looking for power boats for sale; the best place to look for them is over the internet with online dealers as they have lots of dealership networks. The power boats come with ample of space and provide you with different areas and levels to hang-out. In the aft cockpit area there are deck chairs and BBQ, or fighting chairs. There are some other amenities which include entertainment center it wet-bar, lounge on foredeck and flybridge for relaxing.

Once you head inside the sliding glass doors of power boats you will find all entertainment features and amenities like home such as living room with chairs and couch carpeted with some counters and coffee table, big windows with curtains for ample of lights, television in spacious area, closet, comfortable stateroom, drawers, vanity, television and entertainment center. There are lots of other features such as personal preference to heat and air-conditioning, trawlers, big cruisers and houseboats.

by DelfinAshley of BoatPointPark.com March 2011

www.boatfinance.com

Tips on Buying a Used Boat for Water Sports

Boat Buying Guide - Part II

USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST

TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:

Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response
Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planing
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.

Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.

Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.

Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them.

It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.

Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.

Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.

How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage? 

Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one. 

It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device. 

If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace. 

Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.

By: Bill Schrama

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