Public de-fenders!

Maybe it was something you were aware of from the get go. Or maybe you had to find out the hard way. But eventually, all savvy boaters know that when it comes to protecting your boat’s hull from chafing, scrapes, dings and other damage while docking, (or from contact with other boats) a boat fender is an essential piece of equipment.

In our  throw-a-way culture there are many fenders that are cheap and readily disposable. To make sure your boat gets the fender lovin’ care it deserves when docked, you’ll want high quality, dependable fenders, like Taylor Made from Savvyboater.com.

Known for having the best combination of softness and durability on the market, Taylor Made Boat Fenders combine the latest in technology, design innovation and attention to detail. The result is the finest looking, top performing protection for your dollar – backed by a lifetime guarantee!

Whatever style or size boat you have, Taylor Made makes a fender to meet your needs. Their Hull Gard boat fender is considered to be the numero uno utility fender on the market. Featuring a unique oval design which prevents the fender from rolling out of position and inflation valves to adjust firmness levels, they are available in six sizes for boats ranging up to 50 feet.

Got a trailerable boat, in the 10-25’ range? The Super Gard  fenders with their double molded black ends for extra strength and seamless one-piece construction are a great option. The molded-in valve ensures easy inflation and a long life. For mooring conditions that require a horizontal fender, the Big B fender can be hung either vertically or horizontally using only a single fender line. It is available in four sizes.

But what about the big boys? Taken care of. The Tuff End boat fenders are designed for heavy duty marine applications. Constructed from flexible, resilient vinyl, the end in each fender is injection molded for extra strength and reliability. The seamless construction is the strongest in the industry and they are available in eight sizes for boats up to 100 feet. And if if you’ve got a REALLY huge boat (up to 200 feet!), the Freedom Yacht fenders feature a unique patented V shape that stays on pilings no matter which way the boat moves. Constructed of heavy duty PVC with the ability to hang vertically or horizontally, these fenders offer the ultimate in docking protection.

I'm as Free as a Board now...

Taylor Made also produces a series of unique fenders, such as their Low Freeboard fenders, which are designed to wrap over the gunwale of low freeboard boats, and their Boat Bumper Fender Cushion that provides maximum protection when rafting or tying up against solid walls. Their Survivor series features an exclusive built-in Micro Pump that can be inflated anytime, anywhere without removing the fender or having to use additional pumps, needles or adapters.

What’s that? What about buoys? Glad you asked. Taylor Made also makes the best buoys your buck can buy, like the Sur-Moor Mooring Buoy,  or the Tuff End Inflatable Buoy designed to meet the punishing demands of the commercial marine industry.

So if you’re looking for rugged, dependable boat fenders (and buoys!) that offer the ultimate in protection and longevity, check out the Taylor Made line at Savvyboater.com.

The EasyTroller in "up" position

Slow down, you move too fast. Haven’t you heard? Speed kills, baby, speed kills.

Especially when you’re out on the water trolling for fish. Too much mph and your chances of attracting and landing that prize salmon, trout or walleye are well, sunk.

When trolling, bait or lures are drawn through the water behind a moving boat. But that boat needs to be moving pretty slooowww. Engines larger than 30hp can’t slow down enough to troll baits at much less than two miles per hour. Depending on what you’re fishing for, and at what depth, productive fish-catching often requires trolling speeds below that (sometimes as low as .8 mph!).

So, what are your options for maintaining an optimal trolling speed? Well, you could pony up for an expensive trolling motor, or you could opt for a trolling plate, like the EasyTroller from Savvyboater.com. Trolling plates work by diverting some of the propeller’s thrust when lowered, allowing anglers to reach reduced speeds of one mile an hour or less, while maintaining steering control.

Under power, prop thrust can bend or damage the typical trolling plate.

Easily mounted to your motors anti-cavitation plate (hardware included), the EasyTroller’s spring loaded design allows you to raise and lower the plate with a handy drawstring. Springs drop the plate to the down position and lock it into place, allowing you to slow your boat to under one mile an hour! When it’s time to head back in, simply pull the drawstring to unlock the plate and throttle up. The prop thrust pushes the plate back into the up position, where it locks. How easy is that!  And with it’s split in the middle design, should you forget to pull the plate up when you throttle, the springs will pop before the plate is bent.

Manufactured in the U.S.A., the EasyTroller is constructed out of marine grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel and comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty. It’s offered in two sizes, short, for 30hp-45hp motors and standard, for50hp-300hp motors. Plus, it’s available with optional hydrofoil fins for improved performance and fuel efficiency.

The EasyTroller flexes to divert the prop thrust downward, preventing damage to the plate.

So slow down. Take it easy and relax. Let those big ones catch up to you. If you’re looking for an affordable, convenient and efficient way to troll, check out the EasyTroller trolling plate.

The right stuff!

So, what’s it going to be? Polyester, acrylic-coated polyester or poly/cotton blend? What are you havin’?

When choosing a boat cover for your boat (You ARE covering your boat aren’t you?), the cover material you choose is an important consideration. Depending on the weather in your neck of the woods, the right material can make the difference between a cover that protects your boat for years and one that comes undone like Shaq at the free throw line.

Live in a sunny climate? You’ll need a cover material with good UV protection. Things get a little humid? You’ll want a cover made from a breathable, mildew resistant fabric. If you’ve set up shop in an area that gets heavy rainfall, or your boat sits under snow, your primary concern will be the cover’s strength, weight and resistance to penetrating water. And while no material will meet every need in all scenarios of weather, care and use, you should be able to choose one that meets most of your needs. So now it’s deciding time.

Poly/cotton boat covers, like Double Duck, will do the trick if your boat is stored in a covered facility out of adverse weather conditions. Providing good breathability, most of these covers are treated to inhibit mold and mildew and will give you some UV protection.

An acrylic-coated polyester cover, like Sharkskin Plus will give you increased UV resistance, plus a big boost in water repellency. This is the most popular material for semi-custom boat covers due to their high general durability, not to mention their modest price.

They’re strong! They’re durable! They won’t stretch or shrink!  Polyester semi-custom boat covers, like Performance Polyguard, are one hundred percent polyester, provide very good water resistance  and offer a fair amount of UV protection. But wait! There’s also a moderate level of breathability thrown in for good measure!

Seen better days!

“The water just beads off,” said Linda C., a recent convert to Performance Polyguard covers. “We’ve had many other types of boat covers in the past, and they all soaked up water and then turned green and black with mold and mildew. The difference is amazing!” You heard her.

Let’s say you’re planning on going all in and springing for a custom fit cover for your specific make, year and model of boat. Well, if you’ve come this far, you’re going to want an acrylic boat cover like Sunbrella. A special weave of acrylic fibers allows the fabric to be not only water-resistant, but breathable, while producing above average strength. And of course, with a name like SUN-brella, the UV resistance is top notch, natch!

So whether it’s from Maine to Mexico, from the Redwood forests to the Gulfstream waters, Savvyboater.com has a fabric that’s got you covered.

Finally, there's a NEW boat cover to call my own!

As most savvy boat owners know, a boat cover is a smart, inexpensive way to protect your boat from the elements. Rain, hail, mildew, dirt, salt, sand, road grime, UV rays, and falling debris can do a number on your boat’s finish and upholstery. If you want to ensure your boat stays in top shape and keeps it’s future resale value, a quality boat cover is a pretty cheap insurance policy.

But not just any old boat cover will do, no sir. For serious protection, especially if you plan to trailer, store or moor your boat, you’ll want a well-fitting semi-custom (aka “styled-to fit”) boat cover. While not “custom” to your specific boat, they are designed to fit popular hull styles and their particular characteristics. Got  21-foot V-hull runabout, like a Bayliner, Sea Ray or Stingray? Then a 21-foot V-hull runabout boat cover will fit the bill. Well, most of the time.

While a standard V-hull runabout boat cover is designed to fit a boat with more of a straight back, what if you have one of the newer versions of V-hull runabouts, like a Chaparral or Four Winns, one that has a walk-thru transom and built-in extended swim platform? Where do you go? Where can you turn?

You can relax. The folks at Carver Industries, one of the top boat cover manufacturers in the biz for over 30 years (Made in the USA!) have come up with a NEW design specifically for walk-thu transom V-hull runabouts. With a standard V-hull cover, there was too much looseness in the back, making the cover too large for safe travel. Their new VWT style cover has been specifically tailored to provide a highly fitted option for V-hull runabouts with a walk-thru transom, windshield, hand or bow rails and a built-in swim platform, making it perfect for trailerin’, storin’ and moorin’.

These quality covers will accommodate boats 18’6″ and up, and are available in your choice of Double Duck poly/cotton blend or Performance Poly-Guard marine grade polyester fabrics. And they’re backed by manufacturer warranties ranging from 3 to 5 years!

“Where can I get one”, you ask?

Why, Savvyboater.com, natch! We have the best selection of Carver boat covers around, at unbeatable prices!

So if you were concerned about getting a proper fitting boat cover for your walk-thru transom V-hull runabout, breathe easy. With the new VWT semi-custom cover from Carver and Savvyboater.com, your boat will remain in top condition for years to come.

The Jaws of Life - for your boat cover!

You did everything right, you really did.

Not only did you get yourself a smart, inexpensive insurance policy for your boat by purchasing a boat cover, but you went out and got a custom cover designed specifically for your make, model and year of boat. Realizing that your cover was an investment itself, you took pretty darn good care of it with regular cleanings. Good job!

But the elements can be harsh. Rain, hail, mildew, dirt, road grime, falling debris and UV rays can all wreak havoc on canvas tops. Despite all your good intentions, Ma Nature will eventually leave her mark. Canvas can shrink and even rip. The once simple task of aligning and fastening the snaps can turn into a knock-down, drag-out wrestling match.

Fortunately, there are some simple tools and fixes that can get your cover back in shape. The Top Snapper Canvas Snap Tool is ideal for aligning and fastening both inside or outside snaps (the only animal of its kind) on tight covers, and for unsnapping snaps without tearing or ripping the canvas. With a comfortable, sure-grip, rubberized handle, it’s equipped with two stainless steel, notched blades (long for outside snaps, shorter for inside jobs), that slip over the snap shoulder to allow you to position the snaps. It even works on corroded snaps, and it has a lifetime warranty. To make that snapping  job even easier, add a little Top Snapper No-Mess Snap Lubricant. An easily applied, solid form lubricant, it cuts through corrosion and lubricates for easy snapping, with no liquid mess. It also works as a zipper lubricant. Pretty slick!

So maybe you’re at the point where your some of your snaps are shot and need to be replaced. With a handy Canvas Snap Kit (snaps, punch tool and lube) and a Snap Setter Locking Plier Snap Tool you can skip the trip to a custom repair shop and do the job quickly and easily yourself. A heavy-duty locking plier with welded snap dies, the Snap Setter is designed to install the cap (dome) of the snap directly to the canvas. The Snap Setter provides greater leverage than die-and-peg snap tools and lasts much longer than light duty snap pliers available in some marine stores. A great value!

On the road to recovery!

Okay, accidents will happen. Your boat cover can tear or rip. What now? With a roll of Boat Cover and Bimini Bandage, you can make fast and easy repairs to your boat cover or Bimini top. A specially formulated transparent tape that resists tearing in all directions, it has an aggressive adhesive that will even stick to damp covers. Available in a three inch wide by 15 foot long roll, it’s suitable for any color canvas.

So now’s the time to get that cover back in shape before the new boating season starts. With these simple tools and solutions, you can make sure your boat won’t blow it’s cover!

Keep your seats shiny and new!

Ah, talk about comfy!

You finally sprung for some great looking new boat seats for your boat.  No more sinking into a crack so deep you give new meaning to the term poopdeck. And good riddance to all of those nasty stains that have been piling up over the years… mildew, dirt, grime, ballpoint pen, mustard, bird droppings, blood (eek!) and whatever that orange glob was that had been expanding over the years. And that peeper-pleasing  new color scheme you chose? Chic, baby, chic!

But those seats aren’t going to stay beautiful forever without the proper care and cleaning. Most boaters choose seats, like Wise boats seats, that are made of durable marine grade vinyl which is resistant to the damaging effects of sun,water, mildew and oil, rarely fades, and resists tearing. But you’ll still want to do a little of the ol’ preventive maintenance to extend their lifespan. While the vinyl itself is water resistant, the seat’s seams can absorb and trap water, so when it rains you’ll want to cover your boat with a boat cover, or if possible, remove your seats and store them out of the elements.

Look away! I'm hideous!

Now it’s time to dish the dirt. The dirt that can build up on your seats, that is. Every week you should wipe down the seat’s surface with a soft damp cloth and then towel dry (like a spa treatment!). If dirt should build up, wash the seat down with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, using a soft bristle brush to scrub out the stubborn spots.  If you’ve got some of those extra tough stains (the aforementioned mildew, pen, bird, condiment, etc.) use warm, soapy water mixed with a tiny, (VERY tiny) amount of bleach. For hardcore cases of dirt build-up there are special vinyl cleaners available.

Things you should avoid using when cleaning a boat seat are powdered abrasives, steel wool, household and industrial strength cleaners and solvents. While they might remove the offending stain, they can also damage and weaken the vinyl, which can lead to cracking. Just say no to cracking! Also, some of the things you put on to save your hide (sunscreen, bug repellant) can weaken you boat seat’s hide. After a hot, sticky, mosquito-infested day of fun in the sun, you should immediately wash your seats down with water and mild soap and towel dry.

So protect that new investment. With the proper covering and cleaning, you can keep those new boat seats stylin’, sturdy and stain-free for years to come.

Cruisin' in comfort!

Looks like the time has finally come.Your worn and torn boat seats aren’t up for another patch job. Or maybe you just want to give your boat a makeover and say bon voyage to those esthetically challenged seats you’ve had since the Reagan Administration. Whatever your motivation, you’ve made your decision – this season you’re replacing your boat seats!

Having a comfortable place to park your caboose is an integral key to making your boating experience, whether it’s fishing, water skiing or just relaxing on the water, an enjoyable one. But whatever style of seat you’re looking for -  folding, bench, pedestal, back-to-back, helm, cooler or even a fighting chair, you’re going to want something that’s not only comfortable, but durable and dependable. Wise Boat Seats makes great line of seats in all styles that fit the bill. With a rugged, high-impact marine grade frame, a thick layer of compression foam padding and heavy-duty, mildew resistant marine grade vinyl, these seats will last you for years. And talk about stylish!  Their variety of colors in groovy two-tone designs will match up with any boat’s color scheme. Haute couture for the high seas!

Okay, so now that you’ve picked out your new seats, the time has come to actually replace them. Gulp! Do you do the job yourself? Do you hire a professional? Well, there’s one thing you’ve gotta ask yourself… do I feel handy? Well do ya?

We've seen better days!

While many folks are good with their hands and working with tools, there’s also a large contingent who are not. For those who have the mechanical skills, time, patience, tools and solid boat knowledge, replacing the seats themselves is probably a practical and maybe even enjoyable option. But depending on the degree of difficulty (wiring, controls, updating the layout of the boat) you may want to have your new seats professionally installed. While this may cost more, it may be worth it in the long run. Not only will you get a quality job that will look good and last for years, but a little peace of mind as well. The last thing you need is for your seat to collapse under you during a fishing trip or a three hour cruise (a three… hour… cruise!).

So don’t spend another boating season sitting on worn out, uncomfortable and unfashionable furniture. Get up off of that thing and get yourself some comfy, quality, stylin’ new boat seats!

Come on in... the water's fine!

You’re all geared up for duck and goose hunting season. You’ve got your shotgun, shells, decoys, hunting blind, game bag, waders, cooler full of provisions, deicer… deicer? Yep. If you want to extend your waterfowl hunting season, a deicer is a great piece of equipment for doing so.

As avid waterfowl hunters know, a successful hunting season greatly depends on the weather. If fall weather stays warm, the birds will take their time heading south. But if the temperatures cool quickly, ice can form over lakes and ponds, which can bring things to a halt.

Waterfowl need water for nesting purposes, feeding, and a place to rest that is secure from predators during their long fall and early winter migrations. If the birds see an area iced over, they will keep on flying until they find open water. Adios! Season over!

But many waterfowl hunters have found that by using a deicer, they can provide open water for the ducks and geese and extend the season. Deicers circulate the water and draw warmer water up from the bottom of the lake or pond, allowing a hole to open up in the ice. Hunters have found that running a deicer (usually with a deep cycle battery or generator) a few hours before daybreak allows them to  open up an area of their own selection, like… in front of a hunting blind! They then put out decoys to attract the flesh and blood version, hop in the blind, and wait until the birds get within range.

To better run a deicer in the shallower water of a pond or small lake, Savvyboater.com offers a shallow water stand for Power House Ice Eaters. This handy stand works in water depths of 18 to 48 inches, fits three different models of Ice Eaters, and allows for easy adjustment of both angle and height. And while the size of the area that opens up depends on factors like water depth, length of operation, temperature, amount of existing ice, positioning, and bottom contour, hunters are still able to get an area of open water to hunt over.

So if winter should decide to put in an early appearance, don’t let that put an end to you waterfowl season. With a deicer and stand from Savvyboater.com you can keep the water open and the hunt going. Getting your limit, well that’s up to you.

Deicers can prevent a winter scene like this

Old Man Winter is ready. Ready to do his worst.

With the inevitable advent of harsh, freezing winter conditions, boat owners in frigid climate zones will be scrambling to prevent ice from forming around boats, docks, piers and marinas. And many of them will be using dock deicers to get the job done. Deicers are perfect for preventing costly ice damage due to jacking/lifting, ice expansion, and winter-kill conditions.

With a deicer, a heavy-duty submersible motor drives a rugged propeller, which circulates and draws warmer water from the depths of a lake or pond towards the surface, keeping large areas of water open, even in the coldest winter temperatures. So it’s no surprise that more and more marinas are using multiple deicers to keep their many docks and slips ice-free and in one piece.

But they’re not just for winter! Marinas have also discovered that deicers can improve water quality in the summer months, too. They are effective at cleaning up the water, putting debris in areas that it can easily be picked up, and assisting in weed and algae control.

Windmill Marina, a 170 slip marina on the St. Croix River in Afton, Minnesota has been using deicers for 15 years.

“We use 14 Kasco Circulator units in the summer months for water quality purposes,” says Marina General Manager Joe Riley. “We use more in the winter for deicing purposes.”

James Creek Marina  in Washington, D.C.  is owned by The National Park Service. They use Kasco F3400/D, 3/4hp deicers to prevent ice damage in the winter and for improved water quality during the summer. Fire Island Pines in New York has over 30 deicers, which has saved them thousands of dollars in dock repair bills as well as allowing them to  keep their harbor usable longer in the winter.

Yep, it takes a lot of deicers to keep a Marina up and running. Fortunately, Savvyboater.com is offering volume discounts on the purchase of four or more Kasco Marine Dock Deicers. Plus FREE shipping!

So, whether you’re the manager of a mega-marina or the owner of multiple docks or boathouses, with multiple deicers you can keep your investment ice-free in the winter and debris-free in the summer.

Bring it on Old Man Winter!

Although you do everything to protect your boat, the inevitable will happen and you will eventually strike something with your propeller.  The latest propeller designs incorporate technology to protect your boat’s engine from damage.  Many propeller hubs are now built with shock absorbing rubber to lessen the sudden change in engine RPMs when a propeller strikes an object.  Underwater debris can come from many sources; driftwood, rocks, stumps, and other solid obstacles.  Also, continued use of a damaged prop can cause accelerated wear to the internal components of an engine and drive shaft.  Propeller damage will cause vibration and slowly deteriorate the integrity of the moving parts in a motor.  Damaged boat propellers also reduce fuel efficiency and decrease performance.  Further more, an uneven leading edge can cause further damage by causing cavitation erosion.

A propeller should be periodically inspected for damage.  Chips in the protective paint in aluminum props or dings in a stainless steel prop can warrant repair or replacement.  If you notice any vibration during acceleration, you should take it in to a marine shop and have them inspect the prop alignment (as imbalance may be unnoticeable by the naked eye).

It’s a good idea to inspect your prop more frequently if you’re boating in a sand or rocky area.  Be aware of the water around you and avoid shallow depths.  Take extra precautions when loading and unloading at the dock.  Power loading can kick up rocks that can damage a prop as well as damaging the loading ramp and dock.  If your propeller damage is non-repairable, it’s time to buy a new boat propeller.  With a new propeller, you should see immediate result; eliminate vibration, improved efficiency, and greater motor longevity.  For more resources on propellers and other boating topics, visit our boating resources guide at SavvyBoater.com