Everyone has seen those silly t-shirts that boaters wear to display their love. Do you adore them or hate them? Either way, here are 6 t-shirts that we here at SavvyBoater think are pretty hysterical, or just down right clever. Enjoy!
The Captain’s Rules
Your Boat is Too Close!
My Wife…
T-Rex Hates Rowing
More Important Than…
Sick Day!
Thanks Zazzle.com for the pictures!
Taylor Made Hull Gard Boat Fender
Everyone knows that fenders are necessary to keep your boat looking brand new, and everyone also knows that there are different fenders for different boats, weather conditions, and activity level. Do you have a trailerable boat? A smaller boat that doesn’t need heavy duty protection, because it experiences normal recreational activity? There are quite a few fenders out there for trailerable boats in mild to moderate water conditions. Here are the top 4 that SavvyBoater.com recommends!
The Polyform G Series Boat Fender is perfect for trailered boats in mooring situations because of it’s one piece construction, durable and even walls, twin-eye design, and molded ribs. It is even available for boats smaller than 10′, but also for boats up to 40′.
SavvyBoater.com’s Polyform HTM Boat Fender has a “hole through middle” (HTM) design that is versatile in mounting, has thick walls and molded rips for strength, and is great for medium to heavy duty applications. It’s designed to be used in temporary or permanent situations, and works with boats as small as 20′.
Polyform G Series Boat Fender
The Taylor Made Hull Gard Boat Fender is another fender perfect for trailerable boats. These fit boats from 10′ to 50′ in length, and are ideal for light to normal duty recreational applications. It has a twin eye design, and an oval design that minimizes roll and offers a wide range of attachment configurations to protect your beautiful boat.
The Taylor Made Super Gard Boat Fender another great fender for trailerable boats. It is for medium duty (normal duty) recreational and utility applications. It works for boats 15′ to 50′ in length. It has a twin eye design and ribbed sides to minimize roll.
Have you used any of these fenders? Which do you think is the best for your trailerable boat?
If you want to enjoy a day in the sun on your pontoon, you must have a bimini top. This cover will block the sun from your eyes, and keep you in the shade on a scorching summer’s day.
There are three different kinds of pontoon bimini tops. They all have nylon standard fittings, with a stainless steel upgrade available. All types also have a rear brace kit, mount on the side rails (which requires drilling), and a 1” aluminum square tubing frame. Yes, they are all quite similar, but there each have defining characteristics.
A standard pontoon bimini has 4 total bows, 2 in the front and 2 in the back. It has a standard bimini appearance and 2 nylon hold-down straps that attach the front of the bimini to the forward rails. This is, obviously, the most standard option.
A self-supporting pontoon bimini has four bows, two in the front and two in the back as well. The difference in this style are that there are horizontal cross struts instead of the hold-down straps. That’s the perk: there are fewer straps so visually it is “less cluttered”.
Lastly, there is the dual top pontoon bimini. This style has 6 total bows, 2 in the front and 4in the back. The reason to purchase this bimini style is that there is a seamless option for longer pontoon boats that allows coverage over a greater percentage of your boat. And, it easily unzips to allow you to use only 1 portion as a “regular” size or style bimini if you like. So, in essence, you get a “2-fer” with this purchase.
Now that you know the popular styles, I’ll tell you about the three most popular fabric choices.
First, there is 100% acrylic-coated polyester, that has excellent water and mildew resistant qualities, but low breathability attributes, so it’s best for cool, dry climates.
100% marine-grade polyester has amazing strength and durability, water and UV resistance, and perfect breathability qualities. This choice is perfect for almost any climate.
Lastly, there is a 100% marine-grade acrylic option. This option is even better for UV protection and mildew protection, and is the ideal fabric for salt water boats.
The last step in choosing the perfect pontoon bimini top is figuring out which length you need. There are three length categories available.
First is the 8′ length, which is our most popular since they fit all boat sizes. When ordering the 8′ bimini top, you can chose a standard or self supporting frame. They come in Sunbrella or Polyguard material. Each 8′ choice has 4 bows and a rear brace pole, with 4 hold down straps. The rear brace kit makes it easy to store the bimini when not in use. They’re all water resistent and come with a storage boot.
The 9′ length is best for boats 24′ and longer. These also come in Sunbrella or Polyguard material, and are available with a standard frame. Besides that, they have all the same qualities as the 8′.
The 10′ length fits boats 28′ and longer. They also have a standard frame and, you guessed it, the 10′ bimini top shares all the same attributes as the 8′ and 9′.
Which type of Pontoon Bimini Top are you thinking of buying?
Rafting your boat is a great alternative to docking or anchoring. It is the best option to save space in a small harbor, or kick back and relax with your friends while connected out in the water. You must learn how to raft your boat correctly to avoid damage to your boat, as well as the others involved.
The rafting process starts with anchoring the largest boat. Then, the smaller boats are tied alongside the larger one, with fenders on both sides. Every third boat should drop an anchor for support. The steadiest raft has the largest boat in the middle, with the smaller ones on the sides.
Make sure each boat can communicate with each other while rafting your boats. Communication is key to ensure a safe rafting process. Tell your friends when you’re close to their boat, and keep everyone in the loop of where each boat is.
To actually tie two boats together, have one person stand at the bow and one at the stern of each boat, ready to throw the lines once the next boat is adjacent. Loosely tie the bows together and sterns together. Adjust the boats so that the sterns are all lined up (for pontoons, make sure the doors are lined up). This creates an easy pathway for people to move from boat to boat. Also, attach the spring line of the smaller boats to the stern of the larger ones for added security.
Fenders are clearly a huge part of keeping your boat free of damage in a rafting situation. The more protection, the better. The size of the fender depends on the size of the boat: the bigger the boat, the bigger the fender. Placement of the fenders is critical as well. You want to make sure most of the fenders are used alongside the midsection, with one or two at the bow and stern.
Here’s a video that explains some other tips about rafting your boat!
Are you a commercial boat owner looking for big boat fenders? Here are our top 4 choices for commercial boat fenders!
The Polyform A Series fender provides maximum standoff for protecting large boats.
Polyform A Series Fenders are round, so they can also be used as buoys. These fenders provide extra strength in conserving your commercial fishing boat. These are reliable in the most extreme conditions, and provide the maximum standoff for your boat due to their round shape.
Polyform F Series Commercial Grade Boat Fenders are loved by the US Navy, Coast Guard and commercial fishermen. They are extremely heavy-duty and are ideal for large and tidal waves. These fenders are specifically made for larger boats in the most rugged marine applications. These can also be hung vertically or horizontally and have an even wall thickness for durability.
Taylor Made Tuff End Boat Fenders are perfect for large boats up to and over 100’. They are ideal for most water conditions and low or high wind. These are heavy duty, strong and reliable boat fenders and work great for protecting commercial boats. These fenders can be hung vertically or horizontally and were created to withstand extreme marine conditions.
Megafend Soild-Core Yacht Fenders are extremely heavy-duty and rugged, with a solid core and 1” PVC center pipe. Fenders with this center pipe can protect against the most extreme marine conditions, even severe storms. They even come with a Sunbrella cover for added protection.
So, do you have a commercial boat and are looking for a fender? Shop around at SavvyBoater.com and see which is the best fit for you!
Are you in the market for a new boat cover, but aren’t sure which fabric to choose? Or are you questioning your current boat cover choice? You’ve come to the right place!
Your climate should be one of the primary ways that you select the right boat cover fabric. Do you live in a cold, damp area where your boat cover needs good mildew resistance? Do you live in an area with virtually year round sun so resistance to UV rays would be a concern for you? Is heavy snow or rainfall a concern, where a strong and water resistant fabric would be ideal?
The most popular boat cover fabrics are canvas, polyester, acrylic, or a combination of the three. How do you choose the best one for your climate? Simple!
Is this boat cover right for you?
A polyester and cotton blend is an entry-level, simple fabric. It’s breathable and has a little sun (UV) and mildew protection, but is not great for wet, humid, hot, or harsh weather conditions. Polyester and cotton blend covers are the best choice if you are storing your boat in a dry, enclosed space.
Acrylic-coated polyester is a step up from the polyester and cotton blend boat cover. These covers are extremely water resistant, durable, and are great for cold, dry (and moist) climates. Acrylic-coated polyester boat covers are not, however, ideal for humid and hot climates due to their low breathability aspect.
A boat cover that is 100% marine-grade polyester is a perfect choice for most boats in most situations. While the price is generally higher than the previous two, it is ideal for every climate, and is water resistant, breathable, and has great sun protection. Marine-grade polyester is a very sturdy fabric, so it’s a great choice if you will be towing your boat often.
Do you want a high-end (and expensive) boat cover? A marine-grade acrylic boat cover is the most durable and strongest fabric out there. Acrylic is perfect for hot and humid (and cold and moist) climates because of it’s high mildew, UV, and water resistant nature. They also have the most vibrant colors and color stay properties.
In short, the best boat cover fabric for hot and humid, or cold and damp climates is 100% marine-grade polyester or marine-grade acrylic. Any fabric choice would work great with cold and dry or hot and dry climates. If you are storing your boat or live in mild climate, the cheapest option of a polyester and cotton blend is your best bet.
What is the best boat cover fabric for your boat?
****************
P.S. Be sure to properly measure your boat for a new cover. If you’re unsure of how to do this, here’s a great video that shows you how:
Image via Dale Gerhard AP
Weather.com reports that we’re seeing the coldest air of the season this week. In the Upper Midwest and parts of northern New England, boaters are being hit with sub-zero temperatures with wind chill temperatures dropping to -50 degrees according to USA Today. East Coasters aren’t immune either – New York, Philadelphia, and Washington will be seeing lows in the teens and mid-20s because of this cold plunge as well.
The arctic air coming from Canada is making this already freezing winter even colder. The cold winds are causing lake-effect snow to pile up in the Great Lakes areas, and weather advisory warnings are in effect for that region. Portions of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic may also experience small winter storms this week.
In fact according to CNN, the freezing temperatures are giving people the opportunity to try unusual experiments like:
With these record low temperatures, it is important to keep your boat and dock property safe from the harsh elements. Winter snow and frozen lakes and shores bring the risk of ice damage to your boat (if in wet storage) and your dock or marina. One of the best ways to prevent harm to your vessel and docks is to use a de-icer.
Dock de-icers circulate warmer water from below toward the surface to prevent ice from forming around your properties. In doing so, they can prevent potential damage to your boat or dock – like ice jacking up your dock pilings and expanding ice damaging your hull or dock. A season with extreme cold weather conditions can mean thousands in repair costs, if boaters aren’t properly prepared.
While the arctic winds may die down soon, we still have quite some time to spend in winter weather. Browse SavvyBoater’s full selection of dock de-icers and ice eaters and be prepared for the rest of the season.
The big boat shows are for dreamers. More boats on display than you could possibly imagine. The latest and greatest products and technology. Like-minded folks that understand why you’re gawking. Celebrities, entertainment and education. Plus plenty of dealers, experts, adventurers and salespeople to answer your every question. It’s enough to get your head up in the clouds.
So have fun but be smart about it.
When to go: Boat shows are often in the early months of the year when dealers are launching new models. It’s winter so why not make this a vacation too?
What to bring: Your smart phone. The first picture in the booth should be of the banner or signage. Then take a series of photos of the boat, the list price, the deal, the salesperson’s name badge and face and details that are important to you. This can be way more meaningful (and greener) than tons of brochures.
What to bring: Do your homework and have a good idea of what you want and can afford prior to leaving home. Bring that information but be open to opportunity and dream scenarios.
Who to meet: Boat manufacturers exhibiting at the show. Ask the manufacturer about dealers in your local area. Ask what’s new in the pipeline.
Who to meet: Boat dealers. Be sure to have lots of questions ready and see how knowledgeable they are. Don’t be afraid to talk price with them and see how much they are willing to negotiate. Make notes of their style and if they are listening to you. A good relationship could possibly be even more important than price.
Who to meet: Boat insurance companies. See how competitive your current insurance is or what it would cost if you were to upgrade your current boat.
Who’ll you’ll meet: Plenty of folks who share your interests and passion. Strike up conversations over a cup of coffee or over a radical new boat feature. Share your knowledge and expertise too.
What to pick up: Brochures and swag. You know you needed a new floating key fob!
Buy a boat or not. Use what you’ve learned to make smarter decisions when you return home. If you did find that deal you have been dreamin’ on…the boat show offers show-only deals and great incentives to buy now.
Attend every boat show you can locally and plan a vacation around one of the big shows. You’ll be boat savvy and have a great time.
Upcoming Boat Shows:
Providence Boat Show, January 18-20, 2013
Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo, Jan. 24-27, 2013
San Antonio Boat Show Jan. 24-27, 2013
Fly Fishing Show, Somerset, NJ, January 25-27, 2013
Charleston Boat Show, January 25-27, 2013
Seattle Boat Show, Seattle, Wa January 25 – February 3, 2013
Los Angeles Boat Show February 7-10 2013
Miami Boat Show, February 14-18, 2013
The Kansas Sports, Boat & Travel Show February 14 – 17, 2013
The Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow: Oaks, PA, Feb. 14-17, 2013
New England Boat Show, February 16-24, 2013
Progressive Northwest Sportshow Minneapolis, MN March 21-24 2012
Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 21 – 24, 2013
Suncoast Boat Show of Downtown Sarasota, April 19-21, 2013
It’s the time of year to break old habits, put the past behind us, and start anew! While you already may have some personal goals for self-improvement this year (more exercise, more reading, less spending) why not make some commitments to become a better boater? Here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions to help you make the most out of the coming year and make you the savvy boater that you’re meant to be!
1. Try wakeboarding, waterskiing, or tubing
You spend most of your time behind the wheel, this year try spending some time behind your boat! There are plenty of resources online to show you different techniques for getting up on the water, but the best way is to just go for it. Find some friends with gear, or rent or buy a board or skis and face your fears. Alternatively, consider checking out boat tubes and towables to get your kicks.
2. Visit a boating location that you’ve never been to before
It’s easy to get caught up fishing and boating your favorite spot each season. This year, be adventurous and check out a location you’ve never been to, or one you’ve always wanted to go to. To find out fishing and boating locations near you, check out Takemefishing.org’s helpful guide.
3. Pick up a new boating skill
New boat owners and experienced seamen alike still have much to learn when it comes to boating. For any topic – boating terminology, knot tying, piloting, charting a course, maintenance, and hundreds more – you can find a boating book to pick up a new skill this year. Take a look at what Amazon has to offer and learn something new today.
4. Take your boat out at least once a month
Boating is a great way to de-stress, to hone a skill, and spend time outdoors and in nature. Why not spend as much time relaxing on the water as possible? Make a commitment this year to take the boat out at least once a month. Whether its during fishing season, just warm enough to be on the water, or deep into the summer months, get as much use as you can out of your vessel!
5. Spend more time with friends and family
On a related note, while you’re out boating, take the time to make memories with friends and family. Take your loved ones out on the water and spend some quality time. Invite Dad out for a fishing trip this season, or teach your son or daughter how to reel one in.
6. Study marine navigation and learn how to read charts and plot a course
Unlike driving in a car, you can’t just pull over and ask for directions when sailing or cruising ocean waters. Understand how to read nautical charts, learn the international signs and signals, and study how to plot a course and make corrections. If your electronic navigation ever becomes lost or malfunctions, you will be set and safe. Start with this helpful guide from About.com on marine navigation.
7. Set up and stick to a maintenance schedule for your boat
Rather than wait until something needs to be fixed or replaced on your vessel as the year goes on, take stock of your boat’s status in the beginning of the year and schedule maintenance for areas that need it. Make notes of things that need occasional replacement and long term upkeep, and make time to service your boat. Check out Discover Boating’s maintenance tips to start, and do more research to keep your vessel in tip top shape.
8. Enroll in a boating safety course online or locally
Become a safer boater in the coming year by taking a boat safety course. The US Coast Guard lists some great resources for learning boating safety online and has a database you can browse to find a boating safety course near you!
9. Buy and wear a life jacket when you’re out on the water
Here’s an easy one: Practice safer boating by buying and using a lifejacket. Drowning fatalities would be dramatically reduced if more boaters wore lifejackets. It’s a simple solution to a real problem, and you can do your part to promote safer boating. If you don’t already own and use a lifejacket, check out Savvy Boater’s collection of life jackets and PFDs and pick one up today.
10. Consider buying an Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
If you are an off-shore boater, boat in places where there aren’t many boaters, or in your time boating have seen many boaters in distress, you may want to consider purchasing an EPIRB. In emergency or accident situations these devices send out distress signals via satellite to identify the boat’s position and alert emergency services. Learn more about these here.
Whatever your resolutions, we at Savvy Boater wish you a Happy New Year filled with good times and great boating and hope to be a part of your year to come!
Many boaters and marina or dock owners this time of year are preparing for winter weather and the risk of damage that ice brings. Without warm water circulation, ice can form on and move around your boat and dock pilings, costing thousands of dollars in repairs.
To avoid ice damage and protect your dock or boat, we’ve created this handy infographic showing you different ways ice damages your property, how de-icers function, different mounting options, and more. Take a look and protect your boat or dock this winter season!
