A Little Care Will Keep Your Boat in Top Notch Condition

The story of boats is as old as the human civilization. There's reference of a boat "Noah's ark" in the Bible. Noah's ark was the boat built by the Biblical character Noah to save his family and animals from the Flood. Gondolas were the traditionally used boats in Venice.

Today, a boat is considered as one of the major tools of watercraft. A boat is a small vessel for traveling on water. It comprises of one or more buoyancy structures called hulls, and some system of propulsion such as a screw, oars, paddles, a setting pole, a sail, paddlewheels or a water jet.

The front of a boat is called the bow or prow and the rear of the boat is called the stern. The right side is starboard and the left side is port. The boat toilet is called the 'heads'.

A boat with a housing compartment is called a houseboat or barge. A pontoon boat is a flat-bottomed boat that serves as a dock or as a floating structure to support a bridge. The pontoon boat is also known as a party boat. It is constructed of round tubes (called sponsors) that are attached to the outside, bottom edge of a large flat deck. It has a safety railing that surrounds the deck from all sides. The helm station is placed either in the middle of the deck or off to one side. Pontoon boats may be furnished with lawn furniture, and some deluxe pontoon boats may have upholstered seating, a dinette table, a roof, a cooler, and maybe even a head (toilet).

A recreational boat is used for water sporting activities or other recreational purposes.

Boat Maintenance:

People fond of water sports or water adventures keep their own boats. Taking good care of one's boat is very important. Good care and maintenance enhances the life of a boat and saves a lot of money also.

The following are some boat care tips:

• O The boat engine should be flushed each time after it's used in salt water.
• O The underneath of the boat should be washed to prevent salt buildup.
• O The entire boat should be washed using soap and water, after every single use.
• O A non-skid cleaner should be used to scrub the deck.
• O The boat should be completely dried after washing.
• O The boat should be covered properly with a boat cover.
• O The boat should be waxed every few months to protect the finish from stains and UV damage.
• O Boat parts and accessories should be checked regularly, and defective parts should be replaced.

A boat cover is a very important accessory. When your boat is not in use, a cover will keep it protected from harsh weather and wearing. People use various boat covers and boat tops to protect their boats. Custom boat covers, Bimini tops and canvas boat covers are some quite commonly used covers.

Paul MacIver writes articles on a variety of topics. To read more about boats [http://www.information-spring.info/?cat=11], boat covers [http://www.boat-covers-online.info] and other boating accessories, visit the Boat Covers and Accessories [http://www.about-boat-covers.info/] website. 

Posted By: Stowaway Marine http://stowawaymarine.net

Interested in Buying a Used Boat?

A vehicle or a water craft that can make you travel on water is known as boat. Boats are primarily used for recreational purposes like fishing and boating at inland lakes or coastal areas. Once they use to be made of only wood, but now days apart from wood they are made from many different materials like steel, plywood, composite material, and aluminum.

So, you have a dream of owning a boat, but are unable to realize your dream for the want of cash, as they are too expensive for you to purchase. Well, now you can make your dream come true. These days, there are many boats for sale agencies offering you second-hand or used boats with first class condition. If you have made your mind up and are ready to purchase a boat, you should consider these points.

What to look for before you buy a used boat?

A used boat: the first thing that comes to mind is - used by someone.  A fear comes along when buying boats for sale, that a used boat comes with problems and you might end up just repairing it.  But, the truth is way different. If you do purchase a used boat, it can give your family the enjoyment of their lifetime. The right boat can give your family not just a boating experience, but give them a cruising, skiing, and fishing enjoyment. And, if you buy one in a good condition, no one will know it is a second-hand boat. 

 

The Appearance:

While buying boats, remember first impressions is the best and the lasting impression. Hence; if the look of the boat is not appealing, it means it is attacked by salt and salt is erosive; its attack is fatal. 

This is how you can verify the appearance:

• ·        Check the flooring material, coiled ropes, articles, discoloration (if it is light you can pass, but if it is deep-signs of neglection) and moss (can be found on the north side of the craft
• ·        Make sure the wood and metal surface does not have any corrosion due to salt
• ·        Look for riggings: The nylon ones might  be frayed or dirty
• ·        The Gel-coat requires waxing annually, hence; if this has not been done it will have a dull appearance
• ·        Examine the Hull: The Gel-coat discoloration will showcase this. In case you feel the hull looks like it has been required, get it inspected to know the repair was correct
• ·        Are the bulk heads safe? Most of the bulk heads are secured by a laminate which separate over time. If yes, then please do not buy the boat.

Boat Parts

Boat parts are the most vital part of the boat or for that matter any machine. The correct part will increase the life of your boat and the wrong part will only decrease the lifespan of your boat. Many have the tendency of buying cheap parts as they think they are saving money, but in reality you are playing with the lifespan of your life. Whenever you buy any boat parts make sure they are authentic and have seal on them. Always buy branded parts as they come with guarantee that can be stood by to the words.