Buying a Used Boat

If you’ve been thinking of getting yourself a boat, buying a used one might be ideal, and for numerous reasons. For starters, the model has already been tried and tested by the person who bought it new, and as such you can get a full report on its reliability. Secondly, buying a used boat saves you money. Indeed, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, NMMA, 60 percent of first-time boat buyers purchase a used boat.

Buying a used boat, as with any big purchase, requires adequate preparation, especially if you are doing it for the first time. There are numerous boat models to choose from, and you need to know what you will be using your boat for so that you can settle on an appropriate model. Remember also that there are Coast Guard regulations for each of these vessels, and you must comply before you are allowed to set sail.

When buying a used boat, it is crucial that you check to see whether the previous owners properly maintained the boat. If there are signs of neglect and deterioration, you might want to move on to the next boat. Usually, when viewing a prospective boat, you will find that the boat is not in water. Depending on the region, the boat may be in the owners’ home or the Marina. Even though that is the case, you can still make a good assessment and if possible, request for a test cruise. Do not part with your money until you are certain that the watercraft you are buying is worth that money.

Besides the appearance of the boat, special attention should be paid to the mechanical aspects of it. Make sure that the engine of the boat is in good shape. A review by a marine mechanic is a good way to ascertain whether the engine is in good working condition. Remember, marine engines are expensive and you do not want to have to incur great losses after your boat purchase. Also, if a single engine boat breaks down, you will be stranded at sea.

A good company offers premium used boats that you can trust. Upon acquisition of the boats, they should be checked, repaired as necessary, serviced and cleaned thoroughly before they are passed on to their next owners.

On top of providing reliable pre-owned boats, the particular company should also offer services such as oil changes, replacement of water pumps, canvass repair, rebuilding of trailers, troubleshooting and engine repair, and so much more. Once you make an order, you should expect it to be delivered overnight, so you do not have to wait days to get what you want.

Whether you want a boat for yourself or your family, it is important that you choose a model that is reliable and which will stay with you until you decide to pass it along to new owners. And even though you do not know which the best model is, a boat seller will assist you in making that decision by offering great advice and insights.

What You Need to Know About Boat Repair Services

Fishermen and other people looking for ways to spend their own leisure time usually prefer using fiberglass because compared to wooden boats; these boats have excellent qualities especially with regard to their strength.

You can fix simple issues on your own

Nevertheless, fiberglass boats undergo damages because of direct contact with water waves or due to deterioration from the boat’s innermost wooden part. Since boats are commonly used, the boat owners usually resort to simple techniques of fixing simple breaks. To ensure that all the parts of your boat function properly, you need to be familiar with all those parts and what they do so that should anything go wrong, you will easily detect it and know what is required. This will ensure that you don’t get overcharged by unscrupulous mechanics.

If the fiberglass boat experiences minor breaks or scrapes, you will be able to fix those on your own. Usually, when you buy a boat, it will come with the manual to help you understand all of its parts and the basic techniques of troubleshooting simple issues. Besides, if you search online, you can also get some tutorials on how to maintain the boat accordingly.

Complex issues may require a professional

Knowing the simple steps involved in troubleshooting your fiberglass boat will save you a great deal. However, some repairs may be a bit complex and may require more specialized procedures to get them fixed. In such a case, you may be required to involve a professional who is highly experienced in handling similar situations.

When do you know that boat damages require an expert? When the damages seem bigger than what you’re familiar with, you need to contact a boat repair service. Fortunately, there are many boat repair companies with years of experience and with the right tools to fix different issues that may affect your fiberglass boat.

For your safety

Other than enhancing the functionality of your boat, repair and maintenance are imperative for your own safety. Sailing can be risky and your life will always be in jeopardy if you lack the surety that your boat is in a good working state. That is why you need to ensure that a professional inspects your boat to ascertain that everything is alright.

Find the right service

To find out the company that will suit your needs, you should review their job history as well as how they treat their customers. They should be knowledgeable and proficient enough to handle specialized repairs on your boat. You also need to know how they treated their previous clients. You can get such information by checking out online reviews for different companies offering this service.

Finding the perfect company that repairs boats is not any different from the major purchases you often do from time to time. Check out the market for the available preferences and then assess which company can meet your requirements and the ones that can do that at reasonable prices. Getting boat repair services from a quality company will not only prevent damages from recurring but it will also augment its quality thus creating an enjoyable sailing experience.

3 Simple Ways to Maintain Your Boat

Every boat needs proper maintenance in order to operate efficiently for a longer period of time. Routine maintenance and small repairs may seem like a waste of money but in the long run, they pay off. We are going to look at 3 simple ways a boat owner can maintain this important investment.

Regular washing

This is probably the simplest way to maintain your boat. Regular washing is important as it helps to remove any salt residue that could cause damage on your boat’s exterior. You need to rinse the boat thoroughly with clean and fresh water whenever you come out of the waters. This cleaning can be done as regularly as possible because salt can easily cause corrosion especially on the metal components of the boat. If you notice corrosion on the fasteners and other hardware it could be a sign that the boat is not thoroughly washed after use. You can clean the boat using a soft boat brush together with soap. There’s certain soap that is designed for cleaning boats without damaging its gel coat. You may even try using the car wash soap but make sure it doesn’t cause any damage to the gel coat.

Regular oil changes

Regular oil changes are important because they help to maintain the boat in top notch condition. The number of times you have to change the oil will depend on the type of boat you have. You can do the oil changes on your own or hire a professional to do them. The good thing with getting a professional to do the oil change is that they’ll do it quickly, efficiently and using the right tools. You also need to choose the right type of oil for your boat. Experts recommend marine grade oil which is good for your boat engine. Automotive oils are not designed to protect marine engines.

Check the propeller

The last important thing you need to do is to check the propeller on a regular basis to ensure it’s in perfect state. You need to remove the propeller and make sure it doesn’t have discarded fishing lines attached to it. These items can interfere with the gear case and even cause boat leaks. The propeller is also at risk of dents and other forms of wear and tear. In many cases, the paint on the propeller will come out fast and this is normal. But dents must be fixed because if they are ignored, they can undermine the performance of a boat and make it burn excess fuel.

Boat repairs and maintenance should only be done by a professional. If you suspect that something is wrong with your boat or any of its components, it’s important to ask a contractor to come in and check it out immediately. There are certain issues that may seem small but can quickly escalate and undermine the performance of your boat. Consider routine checkups to take note of any issues that come along the way. Remember that a well maintained boat will serve you for longer.

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

How to Perform a Mechanical Audit of a Used Boat

If this is your first time buying a used boat, you still have a lot to learn. Before you even begin with the shopping process, make sure you know what the boat’s primary use is going to be. Like all other second hand purchases, buying a used boat has its risks. But there’s a lot that you can do to ensure you make a smart purchase. For instance, you must consult an experienced marine mechanic to find out if the boat was properly maintained. Don’t purchase a used boat without performing a mechanical audit. Here are some of things you should be checking when reviewing the mechanics of a used boat.

Take a close look at the boat’s engine and you can easily tell whether it’s been well maintained over the years. A very dirty engine is certainly a sign of neglect. Boat owners who clean their engines after use are certainly more likely to maintain other integral components of the boat. Remember that salt causes the outside parts of the boat to corrode so without proper cleaning, the areas will look rusty and old.

If you notice so much rust on the engine, this could be an issue with the boat’s cooling system or it could be that there’s leaking water passing through the engine. A marine mechanic will be able to advice you after noticing some of these issues. If the engine is exposed to salt for an extended period, you’ll notice some heavy deposits of grime near the seals.

You may also want to check the oil when performing this mechanical review. Using a dip stick, take a close look at the color of the oil. If you notice a foamy film inside the oil, know that there could be open seals or cracks inside the engine. You need to ask about this. Find out when the system was last checked and if any repairs have been done on it before. Ask the boat owner to provide you with a document that outlines all the work that has been done on the boat. Review this documentation to better understand the kind of maintenance work that has been done before.

The batteries also need to be in proper shape. You can assess their condition by taking the boat on a cruise. If the batteries are not very powerful, you’ll need to replace them because it’s going to be hard to operate the boat when the water is low.

Remember that an appearance review is also important as much as it may not impact on the boat’s performance. Examine the hull as well as the metal and wood surfaces and take note of any problem areas. If you notice discoloration, moss, corrosion or any other form of deterioration, make sure they are repaired before purchasing the boat. If the bulk heads are loose, think twice about purchasing the boat. Always ask the marine mechanic to give you recommendations and problem areas that must be fixed before you make the purchase.

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

Four Knots to Know!

When it comes to fishing knots, there are thousands of types. From simple to heavy weight carrying knots, the variety will surely sweep you off your feet. As a fishing enthusiast, we don't expect you to familiarize yourself with all these variants. After all, it is practically impossible to do so as the variety differs from region to region. However, the knowledge of some basic types of knots is important especially if you are planning to pursue fishing as a serious hobby.

Here is a list of some important knots that every angler must know about:

Improved Clinch Knot:

This is a common type of fishing knot used by many anglers. The core strength of this knot lies in its ability to secure the hooks, prey or swivels to the fishing rod. Being sturdy, firm and reliable, this knot's ability to work equally well against big as well as small fish is what sets it apart from the other options. Additionally, tying this bow is easy and barely takes a few minutes.

Polmar knot

Once you have mastered the Improved Clinch bow and want to progress to the next stage, Polmar bow has to be your obvious choice. Stronger than the improved Clinch knot, Polmar bow serves a similar function of securing the hook, swivel or prey to the fishing line. In spite of being easy to tie, this is one of the strongest knots known to anglers across the globe.

Blood Knot

Unlike the Improved clinch and Polmar knots, this knot is not used to fasten the hook or swivel to the fishing rod. Instead, this knot is ideal for situations when fishermen are left battling with broken rods. Yes! Using the Blood knot you can tie two similar pieces of fishing lines together. This skill comes in extremely handy especially when you are battling such emergency situations. The Blood bow is also a popular option for fly fishing.

Surgeon's knot

The next in line is the Surgeon's knot. Serving a function similar to the Blood knot, the Surgeon's knot is also equally useful when it comes to attaching two fishing lines together. However, the difference with using Surgeon's knot is that it is effective even when the two fishing lines to be connected are of different diameters. Ideal use of this knot is seen in case of fishermen who often stock their boats with broken pieces of fishing lines from different expeditions.

While this is just the basic information about these bows, you can always look up the internet for video tutorials and pictures to learn more about tying these knots. Needless to say, it takes a fair bit of practice to master these knots!

To know more about fishing tackle Australia or tie fishing knots, please check our website.

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

Simple Guide for Buying Used Boats

If you love boating, then buying a boat could be a great investment. You will get to avoid boat rental expenses and restrictions. Today, buying a used boat is an appealing option. A used boat is significantly less expensive than a new one. Taking everything into account, buying used boats comes with a myriad of risks most of which you can avoid by being vigilant when making the purchase. In addition to making sure the boat is well maintained, there are a few areas you should look at.

Appearance review

The first impression counts. You may buy an expensive boat but if its body looks horrible; its value will be depleted. Salt water attacks everything. If the body is rusted, there is a good chance even the internal components are rusted. This is common where the boat was not cleaned properly. To determine whether the boat was well maintained, you need to do the following:

·       Check for moss or discoloration. Get on the boat and pick up the ropes, the flooring materials and clear out the clutter. There is no need for alarm if there is only a light discoloration. A deep discoloration means neglect and this will be a high risk investment.

·       Condition of the features. The number of things you will have to replace will tell you how much money you will have to spend on the used boat. If there are cracks, broken materials and worn-out seats, you can expect to spend more in repairs. The less the amount of money you will have to spend in repairs the better.

·       Gel-coat. Restoring the finish of a boat is not an easy task. That is why you should consider buying a boat that has been waxed at least once a year. If the Gel-Coat hasn’t been done properly, you will get a dull appearance. With such an outcome, you will definitely have to repaint the boat or live with the dullness.

The above are the three most neglected areas. Most of these areas are irrelevant to the performance of your boat but they will definitely affect its value.

Mechanical review

The mechanics of a used boat are the most important. Engines are expensive. You don’t want to buy a boat with a broken engine that will cost you a fortune to replace. To review the mechanics, you will need a test run and hire a marine mechanic to review the components. In the initial inspection, here are the questions you should answer?

·       Does the engine look clean?

·       Near the seals and gaskets, can you see heavy grime deposits?

·       Can you see rust on the engine?

·       What are the freeze plugs made up of, brass or steel? Brass is the best material.

·       What is the condition of the batteries?

When buying a used boat, you must always take the condition of the watercraft seriously. Your life depends on it when out on the waters. Falls and capsizing are the most reported types of fatal accidents. This is according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Inspect the boat thoroughly and avoid neglected used boats.

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

Should You Buy a New or Used Boat?

If you are in the process of buying a boat, it’s always important to look at all the available options. The amount of money you want to spend on the boat will certainly affect your decision. A used boat will certainly cost less but there are other factors to be considered. Buying a brand new boat doesn’t necessarily mean that you made a good investment. So here are 5 questions you need to ask yourself before making a decision.

1.     Do you have financing?

If you intend to buy the boat in cash then you can buy either a used or new boat. However, for those people who are looking for financing in order to buy a boat, it’s going to be harder to get if you plan on buying a used one. Most financiers will not trust that the boat will be a good investment if it has been used before. However, you can always provide evidence that the boat is in proper state in order to secure financing. Hire your own mechanic to assess the boat before you make a purchase. Make sure whatever you are buying is worth the cost.

2.     What is the boat’s repair history?

You don’t want to buy a boat that has not been properly cared for. You’ll only spend a lot of time and money on repairs even if you bought it at a low price. Find out from the seller if the boat has any structural defects and mechanical issues. Some of these issues are quite hard to detect so that’s why you need to buy a used boat from someone you can trust. Talk to the owner’s mechanic so that you can understand the kind of repairs that have been done in the past. If the problems will keep on emerging, we would suggest you look for another boat.

3.     Have you considered the level of depreciation?

Every asset depreciates in value with time so it’s always worth considering this before buying a new or used boat. Know how much the item has depreciated and if the amount that it is going for is reasonable. Get the numbers right by comparing other used boats sold online. If the amount is too low then think twice. There are cases where people sell their used boats because they are not in good working condition. Don’t be ready to pay for a used boat because it’s offered at a low price. Ask a professional to inspect it and make sure it’s worth every dime.

4.     Will they offer after sales service?

Once you buy a new boat, there are high chances that any problems which crop up are going to be fixed by the seller. However, most individual owners who sell used boats do not offer any after sales services. This can be very risky if you are planning on making an important investment like this. You must be very confident that the used boat is in perfect condition especially if it doesn’t come with a warranty.

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