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

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

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

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!

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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

11: Cleveland Coast Guard National Safe Boating Week

Start the 2014 boating season with a safety check and refresh yourself with the safety rules.
Need a boat loan? www.BoatFinance.com

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

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

                              Get money you need to buy a used boat
                                    https://www.boatfinance.com

Need a Boat Loan?  

Boat Finance is your money line!

Finance your boat before you negotiate the purchase price!

You can be approved for up to $35,000 to buy a new or used boat, motor, equipment upgrades, anything you need for your boat and the proceeds will be deposited into your checking account in as little as 48 hours from approval.

Boat Finance offers 3 or 5 year unsecured personal loans with low interest rates starting from 6.73% APR.

It’s a simple free online application. Visit www.boatfinance.com for your money boat line for anything you need to boat.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to get a loan from a bank today and using credit cards for large purchases just isn't a smart financial move with all the gimmicks attached to a credit card.


Boat Finance LLC connects you to a new loan Marketplace of 3 or 5 year unsecured personal loans with low interest rates starting from 6.73%.

You can be approved for up to $35,000 to buy a new or used boat, pay for boating related expenses and the proceeds will be deposited into your checking account in as little as 3 days.

You can finance your boat before you negotiate your purchase price!

All loans are fixed term, fully amortizing, unsecured personal loans. Your monthly payment will be spread out evenly over the term of your loan and will always be the same amount each month. There are no penalties or fees for paying off your loan early or for making extra payments to reduce your balance. We also do not charge any application fees.

Applying for a loan will allow you to check your rate before you decide to accept our loan offer. You will be presented with an interest rate quote for your loan, as well as a full payment schedule over the 3 or 5 year loan term you select.

You may apply for a loan and check your rate without affecting your credit score. A "hard" inquiry will appear on your credit report only if you decide to finance your boat with us and accept the loan offer which we present to you.

By Bill Schrama

Finance your next boat at http://www.boatfinance.com/