Purchase The Best Boat In 5 Easy Steps

So, you've decided to buy yourself a boat and you want to make sure that your purchase is nothing less than the best. Well every boat owner and prospective boat owner always wants to make the best choice while buying a boat because a boat is a large and long term investment.

We'd firstly like to congratulate you on your decision to buy yourself a boat! May you explore the waters of the planet in style and spend many a leisurely hour floating in the blue waters, under the starry skies of night and the blazing blue hues of morning light.

The decision to purchase a boat is a huge lifestyle choice; that's why every aspect counts and every detail must be taken into consideration before you go ahead with your purchase. And so we're here to assist you with a 5 step guide on purchasing the best boat so that you can make the most of your leisurely abode.

The 5 Step Guide to Purchasing the Best Boat

1. Research and Choose Your Type - Any purchase, whether major or minor, calls for a thorough research prior to purchase. Conducting a research on the different types of boats available and the various purposes each type of boat serves is important. Boats are classified as cruising boats, housing boats, fishing boats and water sporting boats. Depending on your interests, you can make a selection of your preferred boat type.

So, if you're looking forward to disconnecting from the world and enjoying a home away from home, you can opt for housing boats; however, if you wish to sail the blue waters for recreational purposes, you can choose a cruise boat.

When you choose your type, make sure to jot down your size considerations and other preferred features such as cabins, restrooms and kitchens.

2. New Or Used? - This is always the big question when it comes to buying a boat or any other personal vehicle. Both new and used boats come with a set of pros and cons. While new boats are shiny, unblemished and trouble free, they are relatively expensive and while old boats may not offer you a warranty, they certainly fit the pocket well. Therefore, every pro and con should be studied before you decide to purchase a new or an old boat to help you make the right choice.

3. Set Your Budget Constraints - Once you've conducted a fair amount of research on the different types of boats available, have selected a particular type and studied its price ranges, it's time to set your budget constraints. Ask yourself how much you'd be happy to spend and how much more you'll be willing to spend for a boat. Set a minimum and maximum limit as this will help you keep true to your budget.

4. Find Yourself A Good Dealer - You can rest assured about purchasing the best boat when you're dealing with the right people. Licensed and experienced boat dealers will stay with you throughout the buying process, ensure a certificate and warranty for your purchase and help you make the best decision.

5. Test Drive & Inspect - Do not jump into a purchase out of sheer excitement. Take your time to test drive and inspect prospective boats to check for irregularities and glitches that could render your purchase meaningless. Check the boat engine, its electrical components, steering and throttle controls, deck hardware, propellers, fuel tanks, batteries, hull condition, floors and upholstery. An experienced boat dealer can help you perform an inspection with ease.

Once you've sailed through these 5 steps and have found yourself a boat which you consider the best you could get, it's time to go ahead, sign that check and take your prized possession out for a leisurely sail on the waters. Happy Boating!

With good judgment and research there is a high possibility that you will come ashore at Stow Away Marine, where you can trust us to please your boat the way she pleases you.

Stowaway Marine- Guide for Boating Enthusiasts

Stowaway Marine- Guide for Boating Enthusiasts

The sun is on its way to rise, and the breeze is blowing gently. It’s neither too warm nor too cool. The water looks calm and clean just like a widespread sheet of glass.

Does this sound like a perfect day for you to begin your boating adventure?

A perfect day for boating can arrive anytime in the year. So, all boating enthusiasts should have their boats in the right condition to start sailing.

To keep your boat perfectly working you need to check if all your boat parts are working fine. Faulty, damaged and old boat parts should be changed regularly.

Here are a few tips that can help you if you are looking for Crawfordville boat parts or Tallahassee boat parts.

Ø  Getting Information From The Boat Operating Manual

Finding boat parts can be much easier if you are aware of your boat model and the identification number your boat part. This information is available in the boat operating manual and the documents you receive when you buy your boat.

Ø  Data Plate

The data plate of the manufacturer is positioned on the boat transom, and has a specific identification code along with the date of manufacturing of the boat. The identification number for each boat part is unique hence a different boat part may not fit your boat.

Once you have all the necessary information, you can call the manufacturer’s support team to order a new boat part. In case if the boat part is not available at the manufacturer, inquire with the boat dealer from where you had bought your boat. They usually keep a stock of boat parts for different models.  

Ø  Online Buying

If your boat model is quite old, it is possible that you may not get your boat part anywhere. In such cases visiting an online marketplace would be the best option.

Some of the online boat services provider such as Stow Away Marine Boats offer Crawfordville used boat parts and Tallahassee used boat parts, which can save you a lot of money.

If you are really passionate about boating then probably you should think of buying a new boat. Also, people who wish to involve boating as their regular activity should consider it.

People who are buying a boat for the first time must first identify why they need a boat.

There are several boats for sale in Crawfordville and Tallahassee for you to choose from.

Ø  The most common purpose of buying a boat is fishing. Bass boats are made for fishing purpose, and are powered by outboard motors.

Ø  If you need a boat for recreational purpose and overnight trips then you should go for Cruise boats or Pontoon boats. Pontoon boats are wider and can accommodate larger group of people.

Ø  If you wish to spend lavishly then you can buy a house boat and enjoy the comfort of your home while sailing.

Ø  Ski boats or Racer boats would be the best choice for speed lovers.

Once you are totally ready with replacement of boat parts or maybe brand new boats, then you are probably all set to embark upon a beautiful boating journey.

Posted by Stow Away Marine

Planning A Camping Trip? What You Need To Know To Make It A Success

Lots of people view camping as a perfect escape from the daily grind. Without proper planning and
preparation, your trip can turn into a disaster. The following advice will help you make sure your
camping adventure is enjoyable.

When you're camping, always look for shelter prior to dark. It can be hard to set up camp when
it's dark outside. This is especially true if you are an urbanite whose sight is not used to the
pitch dark. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch
it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.

Expect that camping is not typically a time you can stay clean easily. Setting the proper
regulations in advance can help to combat this. Enjoy the outdoors and get down and dirty. After
all, you can be normal at home.

Bring a survival kit on the trip and keep it on your person all the time. This kit should include
water-purifying tablets, a first-aid kit, flare gun, survival knife and waterproof matches. This
kit may keep you alive if you are lost and these items are indispensable for a survival situation.
It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.

Make sure your survival kit is available on a constant basis. Your survival kit needs to have
water-purifying tablets, a type of survival knife, a first-aid kit, a flare gun, and waterproof
matches. These are essential items for your survival if you ever get lost. Never leave the kit
behind, even for a short excursion.

As you plan your camping adventure, take children aside and go over common dangers and issues they
may encounter. Get online with them and show them what poison ivy, poisonous snakes, and other
dangers look like. This will help your kids know what to avoid when exploring.

Oranges are great for camping since they're healthy, easy to eat, and they also keep mosquitoes
away. After you have eaten the orange, rub the peel onto exposed body parts and this will repel
any blood-sucking bugs.

When you reach your campsite, pitch your tent on the softest, most level ground you can locate. If
you pick a spot that is rocky or has a slope to it, you will be uncomfortable when you are inside
your tent. Always lay a tarp down first to prevent water from entering or damaging the tent.

Always become familiar with the potential dangers of a campsite before you enter it. This includes
knowing the area's deadly spiders, what the terrain is like, and whether flash flooding is
possible or not. All camping spots have some dangers associated with them and you want to make
sure you pick a spot that isn't too bad.

If you pet is accompanying you on your camping trip, then be sure to keep them leashed and under
control at all times. A lot of people have a fear of dogs. Take others into consideration when you
camp if you bring a dog. Also, dogs can damage your campsite or another person's campsite if
they're not watched carefully.

Trail mix is a classic snack and for a good reason. Throw a little beef jerky, a few fruits, and
you've got yourself a full camper's meal. You may find yourself too tired to prepare food and
these nutritious snacks could be very satisfying. Such foods will also remain edible for quite
some time, so they will not go to waste if you don't eat them up on your trip.

Hopefully, this information has provided you with advice that will will make your camping trip
much more easy and enjoyable. Apply what you have learned here, and have the most wonderful time
enjoying your next camping adventure.
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Posted by Stowaway Marine

Want to Become a Better Fisherman? Follow These Simple Tips And Tricks

Some who decide to take on fishing as a serious sport will go all out with expensive tools such as
seminars, books and videos. Instead of going to all that trouble, why not just spend more time
fishing? The following article can help you understand some of the ins and outs of how you can
become a better fisher and make some great catches.

All the best fishing equipment and techniques are useless without patience. Fishing requires time
and dedication and there will often be occasions where you go hours or even days without a single
bite. If you allow yourself to become frustrated, you will lose out on all the relaxing benefits
of the hobby.

Most night fisherman use lighted bobbers. Bobbers that are lighted contain small bulbs that help
you see when fish bite. Once a fish takes a nibble, the bobber jumps up on the surface, letting
the fisherman know something has been hooked.

Give fly fishing a shot! There are a lot of benefits associated to fly fishing, and you need to
remember that iit s different from other types of fishing. You are going to have to change out a
lot of your fishing gear, such as your rods, lures, and even your clothing if you want to try
making the shift to fly fishing.

When you are fishing in winter, make sure to use sinkers. Sinkers will weigh down the line and
allow bait to go deeper, hitting the warm waters where fish hide during the winter. How many
sinkers are added to the line, and how big they are, varies according to how deep the water is.

Find a good place for catching fish, and then go a little upstream to cast. Your hook will drag
past the fish. A stream has a natural drift downstream, so fish will naturally be attracted by it.
For best results, use this approach when fishing in areas where fish may be lurking near an
obstruction.

Natural live bait will catch the most fish. Usually fish will eat insects which live in the area
near the water you are fishing. You'll have more success with the type of bait you already see
around the water's edge. Some expensive artificial lures are not as attractive to the fish as they
are for the fisherman.

Utilizing grubs is a great way to enable you to catch more bass. Although they are small lures,
they work quite well to catch large fish too. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught
successfully using grubs. They are most effective for use in the low coverage areas, such as
highland reservoirs.

Fishing is simple to do once you have learned and read the appropriate tips and advice. This
article has provided you with all that and more, so feel confident next time you step into your
boat and paddle out on the lake to enjoy a lazy afternoon of fishing.
----------------------------------------------------
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Posted by Stowawaymarine.net

Tips For Staying Safe At The Beach

Going to the beach this summer? Summer time is a remarkable time to go to the beach. The beach can
offer a lot of fun like sunbathing, volleyball, fishing, swimming and even camping. Taking the
household out for the day or weekend produces quality time that can produce memories that last
for many years. 

Here are a couple of ideas to make your next journey to the beach a safe and cheerful one.

Sun block: Sunscreen is the primary product to have anytime you are heading to the beach. Use a
high SPF score and make sure it is water resistant if intending on entering the water.

Beach Towels: Carry along one or two beach towels for sitting on, they can even be used to help
keep you warm on cool days or shield you from extreme sun.

Sun Shelter: Lightweight and simple to setup, a sun shelter provides defense from the sun and
wind. Which is extremly important for protecting small children from the harmful effects of the
damaging sun. They are also great for storage of towels, coolers and clothing. Sun shelters are
ideal for outdoor events and make a day at the beach more fun and safe. These type of beach tents
work great for transporting to various locations where portability is a must.

Security First: There are lots of things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe while
at the beach. Decrease exposure during the peak sun - ultra-violet hours are from 10am to 3pm
daily. Try to dress amart. Its best to wear complete length clothes that are light-weight and
breathable, such as CoolMAX. Wear shoes or sandals to shield your feet. Big hats or caps can
provide additional shade and help keep you cooler. Have plenty of non sugar fluids, like water or
juices. Use high quality sunglasses, economical sunglasses will not provide the UV defense you
require.

Play Time: A journey to your local sports store where you can find all sorts of games especially
made for the beach. Volleyball, horseshoes and beach balls are a few of the most usual fun time
activities. Water toys come in a wide variety of styles including float tube, little boats and
snorkeling devices are likewise readily available.

While We can not entirely protect ourselves from every obstacle we run into, we can do something
about it to lower the capacity for them. Remember to assist in keeping our beaches clean and
dispose of all waste appropriately.
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Chris Denem, takes pleasure in the open airs and nature. For more expert advice on the best beach
tents available, please visit - http://www.originalshelters.com

Posted by Stow Away Marine

Stowaways - The Marine Life Hitching A Lift On Your Boat

Fouling - What Is It?

Once I naively thought that you bought a boat, put it on the water, made sure the woodwork and
rigging were kept up to scratch and then sailed away into the sunset. No way!!! Once in the water
a nasty, vicious, undersea army is waiting to attach itself to your boat. 

Fouling begins with a layer of slime or bio film which can form on anything under the water line
and then attracts marine plants and animals. Organisms such as algae, sea squirts, barnacles,
muscles and even sponges can attach themselves to hulls, propellers, anchors, lines and fishing
gear and it is believed that over 1,700 different species are responsible for fouling. There are
basically two types of fouling, micro fouling which includes micro organisms and bacteria and
macro fouling which is the attachment of larger organisms. They can also be divided into hard and
soft types. Hard or calcareous organisms include barnacles, mussels, bryozoans, molluscs and tube
worms, while soft or non-calcareous organisms are algae, seaweed, hydroids and slime.

More About Your Stowaways 

The Ascidians or Sea Squirts are sac-like invertebrate filter feeders with a tough outer skin.
Found all over the world in shallow, salt water they attach themselves to rocks, shells and, more
importantly, boats. Some types are solitary, while others form large colonies several meters in
diameter.

Bryozoa, commonly known as moss animals are also invertebrate filter feeders. They are around 0.5
millimetres long and sieve food particles from the water using a crown of tentacles. There are
over 4,000 different species, most of which live in colonies. The most common marine form is
encrusting. It forms a sheet of organisms over a hard surface or over seaweed, having an
exoskeleton reinforced with calcium carbonate. The colony grows by asexual budding and each
colony can last up to about 12 years. They will be some of the first colonisers of new or
recently cleaned boats. 

Mussels are edible bivalves which attach themselves to a firm object by means of a strong byssal
thread or beard. Zebra Mussels are particularly invasive. They are a species of freshwater mussel
which originated in the Balkans, Poland and the former Soviet Union. Since then they have become
an invasive species in many other countries and are present in Britain's waterways. Small though
they are, they can cause a huge amount of damage by attaching to objects, clogging up pipes and
even killing other types of mussels. 

Molluscs compose a huge range of invertebrate animals. There are around 85,000 species, many of
which comprise a shell covering the body parts and a foot with which it attaches itself. 

Barnacles are encrusters which attach themselves permanently to a hard object. Some types grow
their shells directly onto the object while others attach themselves by a stalk. They are
suspension feeders, living permanently in their shell. 

Polychaetes and tube worms are marine worms who anchor their tail to an underwater object. They
then secrete a mineral tube around their body into which they can withdraw completely.
Polychaetes are sometimes referred to as Bristle Worms because of the bristles along their body.

Hydroids are small predators, related to jellyfish, which attach themselves directly to a hard
object. The majority live in colonies and reproduce by producing buds along a branching stem. 

Gribble Worms are marine isopods, some varieties of which bore into wood for food. These little
shrimp-like creatures often occur in areas of mud and can invade your boat if you have not kept
up with your antifouling. 

"So what", you may say, "they're not doing any harm just hitching a ride". Big mistake!!
"Fouling" as it is called, can affect your boat's speed, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs.
Powerboats will use more fuel and sailing boats will slow down because of the friction these
unwanted passengers can cause, breaking up the smooth line of the hull. It can also affect the
manoeuvrability of your boat and can damage woodwork and paintwork if left too long without
removal. The type of fouling you experience will depend on where the boat is kept, how long it is
in the water and the climate.

Some Alarming Facts 

Over time accumulation of fouling organisms can lead to an increased drag of up to 60%. 

The increased drag can decrease speed by up to 10%. 

The resulting increased fuel consumption could be up to 40%. 

The increase use of fuel may lead to adverse environmental effects and an increase of carbon
dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions. However there may be environmental issues when toxic
antifouling paint is used. 

Boats that remain stationary in the water for long periods at a time are most susceptible to hull
fouling, especially if they are not protected regularly by antifouling paint. Boats that are
trailered to the water do not usually have enough time to be affected by hull fouling although
they can carry organisms on other parts of their equipment.

It's ironical that while most boat lovers care greatly about our marine environment and marine
life, yet some of these very creatures are wreaking havoc to their boats.
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Visit http://www.theyachtmarket.com/articles/ for more information about fouling and taking care
of your boat or browse the large number of boats for sale at http://www.theyachtmarket.com/boats/

Posted bt StowAway Marine

Maintaining Your Boat for a Smoother Sailing Experience

Maintaining Your Boat for a Smoother Sailing Experience

Ahoy matey! How's the boat doing? Is she in tip top condition and ready to give you a smooth sail
each time you take her out into the waters?

People spend a lot of money nurturing their sailing passions and that of owning a boat and that
priceless boat slowly, but surely, begins to gain prominence in their lives. Why then would you
cause your boat harm by not caring for it and not maintaining it on a regular basis?

Now you wouldn't want your boat to be docked up in the yard forever, would you? Without routine
maintenance, that is just what will happen to your boat.

If you want your boat to enjoy the waters more than land, taking care of it is absolutely
essential. How then do you take care of your boat?

6 Easy Steps for Boat Maintenance

1. Clean It is an obvious fact that anything that's "clean" has a longer shelf life. The same
goes for your boat. Schedule a date with your boat once in two weeks or once a month to give it a
good wash.

2. Wax Routine waxing of your boat is essential to keep the surface looking as good as new.
Waxing your boat and using anti fouling paint protects your boat from environmental wear and
tear. You wouldn't want you boat to look old now, would you?

3. Mooring It is not only when your boat is in use that damage can be caused to it. Even when
it's being docked, your boat is exposed to getting scratched. Make sure you cover your boat when
it is not in use and make sure that the lines are always coiled and fastened securely. 

The ultra violet rays of the sun and the chemical marine environment are not your boat's best
friends. Hence, covering your boat is the best option to keep it safe when you are not sailing.

4. Battery Care Imagine your boat giving up halfway through a sail due to a drained battery.
Always make sure that your battery is dry, clean and charged well. You may call on a boat
maintenance specialist to check the efficiency of the battery from time to time.

5. Engine Flushing You need to thoroughly flush the engine of your boat after every sail to wash
off the dirt and debris that can cause long term damage and also to nullify the corrosive action
of salt water on the engine.

6. Routine Inspections Just like people are advised to go in for routine check-ups to ensure
their physical well being, your boat too needs routine inspections to ensure a fine working
condition. A boat maintenance expert will be able to help you with such inspections.

A boat maintenance expert will also be able to guide you with information about new boats for
sale, boat parts for sale, replacement of these parts, incorporation of used boats part in your
boat and other queries you might have regarding the upkeep of your boat.

Nothing harms a boat more than not maintaining it. A boat, just like your car, needs regular
maintenance to ensure that it always runs smoothly.

With these 6 easy steps for boat maintenance, your boat will reward you with a lifetime of
leisure that you can enjoy in it.
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With good judgment and research there is a high possibility that you will come ashore at Stow Away
Marine, where you can trust us to please your boat the way she pleases you.
http://www.StowAwaymarine.net