Abandon Ship!: Boat Extinguishers, Safe Petrol Practices, And Protecting Your Boat From Disasters
In the time before boat extinguishers, one of the most dreaded weapons in the Byzantine Empire’s arsenal was the terrifying “Greek fire”. To modern minds, it seems strange that the weapon would be such a threat: a few flares fired at a boat, patches of oil that continued to burn while floating on the surface of the water. But for the all-wood navies of the past, to catch on fire meant losing a boat and all souls aboard it.
Today, people no longer cruise the seas in wooden ships, nor are they constantly menaced by Greeks who bear the gift of fiery death. But petrol engines and fiberglass construction bring with them their own dangers, and a proper attitude toward fire safety while on the water is still the one best way to avoid ever having to call “Abandon ship!”
First: make sure your boat is well-stocked with extinguishers. How many extinguishers you’ll need depends mostly on the length of your boat. Anything under about 25 feet can be covered by two good boat extinguishers, rated at least 5A/34B separately or 10A/68B combined. For boats 25 feet and up, it’s better to use three good extinguishers of at least this rating. An extinguisher in the bow of your boat is no good if you’ve got a fire at the stern: keeping enough extinguishers to cover your boat’s length is essential to good fire safety.
Second: most boats, sail or “stink”, involve at least some petrol usage for trolling motors or full-blown boat engines. Never refuel these engines while you’re actually on the water–that’s just an invitation for fires. When you do refuel your engines while docked, make sure to keep all galley stoves, motors, and electrical devices off. One spark can cause more trouble than you’d think.
Third: in the event that a fire does break out, don’t ever go back into the cabin, galley, or any other enclosed space. Smoke collects in these spaces very quickly, and it’s easy to become totally overwhelmed. Keep yourself awake and alert by avoiding these enclosed spaces and fight fires from the deck. (As a corollary to this rule, don’t store all of your fire extinguishers in one place. One in the galley and cabin area is enough to stop any fires that happen here before they start–your other boat extinguishers should be kept out in the open, so that you don’t pass out just by trying to pick up your extinguisher.
Fire safety is a serious issue on the water. Protect yourself and your boat by following these safety guidelines, and it’s a sure bet that you’ll never cry “Abandon ship”–except for the fun of it, of course.
Find all the information you need about boat fire extinguishers at www.FireProtectionOnline.co.uk
Why Not Try Boat Rental Or Buy Used Boats
Boating is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities. This is the reason why it is getting more and more popularity. While there are still individuals who say that this sport is extremely expensive, there is still an increase of the numbers of individuals who are getting into this sport.
Actually, you can still do boating without crippling your finance. There is no need to buy your own boat just to experience boating. Why not try boat rentals? If you roam around or surf the Internet, you can find lots of this opportunities.
Buying used boat is great alternative for some, although it is not always the most glamorous decision. The oceans and lakes are filled with boaters who are far wealthier than many. Many boaters go well beyond their means and allocate amounts for their boats at extreme levels.
What really important with a used boat is being out there on the water. A person who is out there every weekend on his beat up boat is a great boater. A businessman who only has time to ride on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year is not considered a boater at all.
If you look around the water, you will see that the little boats are the ones that move, while the big boats are the ones that never move. Those that are too busy generating money and never have the time to go boating shouldn’t really have a boat at all.
New boats can lose half of their value in not more than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous owner has already fixed the problems associated with new boats. The previous owner has also already hassled with the dealer to acquire the warranty service taken care of.
A used boat normally has not be utilized very much at all. A boat will sit most of the time, which is nothing like a used car. You can find lots of boats with less than a couple hundreds hours of engine time. For the sake of comparison, check at how many hours are on the engine of your car.
Used boats will already have scratches and ding, so you will feel half as bad when you add a few of your own. When you buy your used boat, you should leave at least a grand to outfit the boat and make any needed repair.
A used boat will normally come with dock lines, life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety equipment, and other nice boating equipment. New boat owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars for these kinds of stuffs.
The wild card is, of course, whether or not the previous boat owner did the needed maintenance of the boat. Prior to purchasing you should always get the boat surveyed to be sure that it is still in good condition. This way, you will know your getting a great used boat.
For more information, visit http://www.boating101.info/
Going To Boat Traders- An Effective Alternative
Going to boat traders is a great alternative when you are looking for a boat to buy or maybe sell your existing one, or even deal it in for another model. You can search a number of boat traders on the Internet and also in the physical markets near boating facilities and equipment. Lots of individuals look to magazines that host “wanted” and “for sale” commercials by individuals who want to buy or sell boats.
A magazine is effective alternative as a website when you are looking for boat. Both will probably run images of the boat in question, so you could save on a lot of time and extra effort if the sight of the boat tells you quickly that it is not in fact what you are searching for. On the other hand, you may be interested in some models-thanks to the accompanying photographs with the advertisement.
Once you have made the purchase on a brand new boat you will be very excited - as you should be! The first thing to do is celebrate with your family and friends, you deserve to do it. Remember this one important point and that is, you should not rush out on the water directly after the purchase, as you have some things to take care of first.
If you are new to boating, you should take a safety or precaution, of course,first. There is a lot to understand about boats. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, although there are things you should know and things you should always be aware of.
After purchasing your boat, you should register it and re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay your sales tax and apply any up to date registration stickers if you have to. Also, make sure you purchase the appropriate insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.
When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater assistance. You can have them perform before you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in varied currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the helm enough to where you will feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.
The world of boating can be very fun, providing you many things to do and a lot to see. Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, most especially for those who are completely new to boating. Your first boat purchase is very essential, as it opens up new doors in life.
For more information, visit http://www.boating101.info/
A Novice’s Look At Boating
The ocean air, the constant breeze and the sun glowing down on you are some of the reasons why you might take a look at boating as a hobby.
A vessel afloat over millions of gallons of water may not frighten many people, but it probably does frighten a few. Being scared usually has something to do with what size of boat you are on, but most of the time it’s the water itself that concerns people. The fear of just floating on the water, whether it is in or out of a boat, is enough to make people say no thanks to boating. Taking a look at different options when deciding whether or not boating is for you would be a good place to start.
First things first. Are you afraid of the water? If the answer is yes, then boating may not be the right fit for you. You may have to look at why you have this fear. Is it fear of drowning, being alone on a boat or being lost at sea? You can help to eliminate this version of the phobia by having someone else go with you. Sometimes the knowledge that you are not alone out there helps to take some of that anxiety away. If something happens to you, they can always help you or get help from someone else.
If this fear exists because you don’t know how to swim, then perhaps swimming lessons might do the trick. You could take private lessons, take lessons at a health club or at the “Y.” A friend who is an avid swimmer can even teach you. Basically, if you learn how to keep your body afloat, you can alleviate much of your fear of boating.
A life jacket is a requirement to have on a boat, no matter what type of boat it is. Whichever type of boat you decide to be on, keep in mind that the life jacket is there to help you. Put it on and get familiar with it. Learn how to adjust the jacket properly and make sure it fits correctly. You don’t have to put it on right away. You can wait, but if you are further out from shore and get nervous, then put it on.
Some questions you may ask yourself are, “What type of boat would I like to be on?” “Do I want to own one or rent one?” When getting into boating, you have a few options, not unlike many other hobbies. There are some important things to consider. If you want to own a boat, be prepared to look into the maintenance of the vessel. Also, storage would be an area to look at if you don’t have the room for it where you live. Renting a boat could be a good option if you don’t have time, patience or knowledge to take care of the boat yourself.
A sail boat is relaxing, especially if you’re not in a rush to go out and come back the same day. You would have to watch the weather to make sure it’s a good day to do the sailing. An askew wind or rough waters can take you far from your mark. A motor boat is a little noisier getting you there, but can get you there in less time. It gives you more time to enjoy your destination.
Once you get where you’re going, drop anchor and relax. Don’t worry about all the technical terms for the boat or what you’re doing with it. If learning is what you want, you’ll learn all of it soon enough. As a novice at boating, you will take the opportunity to learn as much as you can with your new venture and find that it can be fun and very relaxing in the end. So enjoy the ocean air, the water, the sun on your face and your book and welcome to the world of boating.
This article was written by Reivy Mason on behalf of http://www.boatclassifieds.us, a popular boat classifieds website.
Kayak Paddles - A Basic Overview
Bearing in mind you will be using your kayak paddles for going forwards and backwards as well as turning and bracing you will want to make sure you have a decent set of kayak paddles if you are serious about kayaking.
Paddles are one of the most important kayak accessories to have because without them you are not going to get very far.
Recreational kayaking is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports today. More and more people are finding out the joys of kayaking.
The great thing about kayaking is it s something that just about anyone can do and if its just about having a leisurely and fun paddle around then a cheap set of kayak paddles will suffice and there is no real necessity to learn the more advanced paddle strokes. However if your intention is to do a lot of paddling and especially over long distances then it will pay you to learn some paddling techniques.
Kayak paddles are made from various materials but are usually carbon, fibreglass, aluminium or wood. Kayak paddles have two blades attached to either end of the shaft. I have broken down terms normally associated with the various parts of your kayak paddles.
The Tip - The very top of the paddles.
The Blade - The blades are the ‘bat’ like part of your kayak paddles which are at the end of the shaft. They are dipped into the water alternately allowing you to propel the boat.
The Shaft - This is the part of the paddle which you hold. The shaft design can be straight or crooked depending on what style suits you.
Convex - Convex simply describes the shape of the blades. If the blades have a scoop like curve then they are convex paddles.
The Power Face - This is the scooped side of the blade, if you imagine the blade was a spoon this is the part of the blade where your food would be loaded.
The Back Face - This is the back of the blade, the opposite side of the power face.
Drip Rings - Drip rings are small rubber disks that normally slide up and down the shaft and are designed to stop water dripping down the shaft or onto the paddler.
For optimum paddling performance you should hold your kayak paddles with a loose grip so that there is minimal strain to your wrists and forearms.
Ideally you should hold the shaft so that your forearms are at a ninety degree angle. A good way to size this up is to place the shaft on top of your head and then place your hands on the shaft so that your arms are at a ninety degree angle. You can move your drip rings along the shaft and use them as a marker.
The best place to get a feel of what paddles will be right for you is at your local kayak dealers. Good kayak dealers will help you with your selection and some kayak dealers will allow you to demo sets of paddles before you make up your mind.
Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Inflatable Kayak Accessories providing you with excellent resources and products including reviews on Kayak Paddles.
How to Choose a Kayak
I was about to start this article on the assumption that anyone reading it would have some experience of kayaking. Assumptions are dangerous things and if you have not experienced kayaking before your first task (before even considering choosing a kayak) is to decide what type of kayaking that you are interested in.
Why? Well like much of todays modern equipment kayak designs differ radically according to their intended use. Sure you can get models that will suit the vast majority of water types but these will never be as good as those built for a specific purpose. Imagine taking a Cadillac off road compared to a jeep - the difference is huge.
So for messing about on ponds, lakes, bays and rivers your choice would be a recreational kayak. These boats are really all rounders and usually have large open cockpits for easy entrance and exit. A recreational kayak will typically be less than 12 feet in length. They have a wide body and are thus very stable but lack the speed of narrower framed boats.
For pacier rivers, with rapids and/or waves you would want to consider a whitewater or surf kayak. The craft used in recreational whitewater kayaking is different from those used in competition. Competition boats are usually made from kevlar due to it’s light weight. Recreational boats are rotomoulded from a tough plastic that is slightly flexible and very durable. Kayaks range from around 6 ft up to 12 ft. The 6 ft models are also known as play boats and are used to perform many tricks.
On the other hand if you were looking at long distance trips on open water a sea kayak or touring kayak will more likely be suitable. These boats are much longer - between 16ft and 19ft. They are also narrower than recreational boats and surprising more stable. They trade off the extreme maneuverability of whitewater kayaks for cargo capacity, ease of straight-line paddling, and comfort for long journeys. Sea kayaks (depending on the model you choose) can hold up to three paddlers together with room for camping gear, food, water, and other supplies.
Then there’s inflatable kayaks which are great because the hassles of storage and transportation are significantly reduced. The quality of inflatables varies dramatically. With prices ranging of $100 up to a $1000 or more there are plenty of choices. What you will get the more you spend is not just improved design but a greater resistance to scratches, abrasions and punctures. You can even use some inflatables on whitewater so don’t skimp on the cash and you will get an inflatable than can serve for many years to come.
Sit-on-top kayaks are designed for fun. They’re easy to use and simple to get on and off. They are generally used in warmer climates because you tend to end up wet. This is a fun boat and can be used for snorkeling, fishing and surfing.
Once a decision has been made on the right kayak for you, you should ask of yourself:
What’s your budget? - How much to you have to spend. It almost goes without saying that you get what you pay for. Better design, quality, maneuverability, speed, robustness etc. Don’t just splash the cash though as many cheaper models are as good or better than their more expensive brethren. Check out some reviews to identify a short list of potential purchases.
How heavy it the kayak? Can you lift it own your own or is it a two man job. How easy is it to get out of the water, place it on a trailer, put it into storage? These are very important and often overlooked considerations of which you should take account.
Where will the kayak be stored? Will it fit in the chosen storage area? Do you need to consider a different size boat or even, an alternative place to store your kayak?
Do you need hatches? If you plan on storing gear in your kayak then hatches are a must. These are water tight containers where gear can safely be stowed eliminating the need for a dry bag.
What about a skeg and rudder? A skeg and rudder keep the kayak moving in a straight line in challenging weather. I remember trying to kayak in open water without a rudder once and found it incredibly draining to stay on course. In fact, at the half way point I was all but completely spent. On the return trip with the rudder in place far less energy was required to keep the boat moving straight ahead.
How about a knee brace? Knee braces are an essential item for ocean paddlers as they make it less strenuous to both steer and paddle in challenging conditions. It is important that they fit you properly and that they’re comfortable, especially if you’re making a long trip.
Remember as well that it’s not just about the boat. To fully enjoy kayaking other gear is needed and you should include an allowance for this in your budget if necessary. You may also need, deck lines, a trailer, drain plug, bow and stern grab handles, foot braces and a spray skirt to name just a few other essential items.
So, if you’ve got this far you’ll see there’s a lot of information and options to take account of to ensure you buy the kayak that is right for you. I’d suggest you start out by renting and speaking to others about the equipment you need. Buy a couple of magazines and check out a few internet forums. Once you know what you want it’s time to consider whether to buy new or used equipment and with the purchase made get kayaking and start to really enjoy this great sport.
For more information on How to Choose a kayak visit the Used Kayak Store and check out our range of used kayaks for sale today.
Rafting the Colorado River
If you have ever dreamed of going rafting, there is no better place to go than the Colorado River. Rafting on the Colorado River is one of the best experience for the beginner and the expert rafter. It is the ultimate getaway adventures.
The best vacations give a person not only the fun and relaxation they need, but also an adventure that that you cane remember for years to come. If you want to experience all that nature has to offer, a whitewater rafting trip is the experience of a lifetime. Not only will you be able to learn new skills, you will also be able to travel on one of the country’s most beautiful rivers. Not only can you find adventure on the Colorado River, you can also explore the rest of the state. Colorado is the best place to take a vacation, whether you want to go whitewater rafting or not. The beautiful scenery and the majestic landscapes will be the best part of the experience.
And when you are on a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, you can use the time you are on the river to bond with the other people that you are rafting with. A whitewater rafting trip is great for those who want to use the trip in order to bond with co-workers. Many companies have used whitewater rafting in Colorado to give you an experience that you can share with your co-workers for a long time. Whitewater rafting is an activity that that takes a lot of teamwork and can really help not just coworkers but family and friends to bond as well.
Some of the highlights of rafting on the Arkansas River, a popular river for rafting in Colorado is the high alpine setting where rafting begins. From there, you will travel parallel to the Continental Divide. This winds its way through the mountain landscape that has the largest number of 14,000 foot peaks in the continental United States. With Colorado River and the Arkansas River combines, there is more than a hundred miles of whitewater adventures to navigate. If you follow the Arkansas River all the way down, you will eventually come to the Royal George and you will raft right under the world’s tallest suspension bridge.
You can find many different companies that offer some of the best adventure expeditions through the Colorado River. Your experience level does not matter when you want to whitewater raft you can find an expedition to meet your needs. Anyone who offers whitewater expeditions will always put your safety first. Staffs are experts on whitewater procedure and safety, so you know that you will have a safe and fun trip.
If you love nature, rafting, or just want to try something new, you can always depend on whitewater rafting to give you and your vacation companions the ultimate experience. Whether you are going for a quick trip or a long extended vacation, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River will be the best experience that you can imagine. Don’t hesitate. Plan your vacation today.
Jordan Mcpelt is a professional author who specializes in Rafting and Colorado River rafting. For more information on River Rafting please visit www.bikeraft.com
If You Are Getting Into Boating Here Are Some Crucial Accessories You Need
There are many different kinds of boating accessories to outfit a boat with whether it is to make it look better or perform better. The most important boat accessories though are safety items, which ensure safer voyages for everyone.
Lifejackets are vital boating accessories to have even if you are not traveling far. No matter what happens on the water the chance of something going wrong and having to leave the boat is a possibility every person who steps on a boat should be prepared for.
Boating accessories such as lifejackets can be used whenever the passengers of the boat need to be in the water. Even if you are an expert swimmer lifejackets are needed boating accessories considering you could be miles from shore or caught in a current carrying you away from land. It’s important to have different sizes of lifejackets for children and adults. Obviously an adult life jacket will not fit a child properly and this can be very dangerous should the child end up in the water.
Flares are important boating accessories to carry on a boat. You never know when something could go wrong with the boat and letting others know there is a problem by firing a flare will bring help. Even if there is nothing wrong with the boat there are many other possibilities when using a flare is useful.
Flares are boating accessories to be used when you need to signal somebody for any reason whatsoever. Along the lines of flares for boating accessories for safety, flare guns can also be used to send any signal of distress. Once the flare has been ignited, help will soon be on its way.
Sometimes boats are far away from anything and if something happens where you need help radios are important boating accessories to have. Radios can be life savers as they can call ports, other boats, or even the coast guard in case of an emergency.
Being able to communicate in any way with others is needed on a boat as many times the boat is far from any help. Radios can bring help regardless of how far away from land the boat is and for this reason they are important boating accessories for safety.
Boating can be an exciting and relaxing way to spend time on the water. Being in the open water, or even close to shore, many things can go wrong whether it be with the boat or with a person on the boat. Preparing for the worst is the safest way to go and by using boating accessories for this purpose it will ensure all safety issues are covered. Taking precautions and using safety boating accessories make the experience that much more enjoyable as it makes it safe as well.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as boating accessories at http://www.boatingaccessoriesplus.com
If You Are Looking For A New Boat You Need To Consider Sea Ray
Owning a boat can be an excellent source of pleasure and enjoyment, one of the largest manufacturers of boats worldwide is Sea Ray which is available only through experienced dealers. These specialists are expertly trained to enhance your buying experience. Founded in 1959 Sea Ray is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Knowing the buyers’ wants and desires in a quality boat Sea Ray has the best boats available.
Sea Ray boats has won the J.D. Power and Associates Award for Express Cruisers three times in a row. Not only have they won the latter they have also won the NMMA Award for highest satisfaction of a sport boat. The boats sold by Sea Ray are high quality boats, and customer satisfaction is a top priority
Purchasing a Sea Ray boat is a sign of your excellent taste in quality, therefore the next purchase you should make is a boat cover. These covers from the manufacturer will provide excellent protection for your boat against undue wear and tear, adverse weather conditions among other protections. These boat covers are specifically designed for your specific boat meaning you can feel secure in the knowledge your boat will have protection through the years.
Sea Ray boat covers will protect your boat from the sun’s harmful UV rays by covering it and saving the paint and interior. Not only can the sun cause damage but excess heat and humidity may warp certain features on your boat. The boat covers will also protect your boat from water and hail along with snow and excess dirt due to changing weather. By keeping your boat covered you will save the interior from water and dirt accumulation and even animals in the interior.
The company has many different types of boat covers to choose from along with numerous places to purchase them both in person and online. You can also purchase these products by phone or mail. There are many online websites that can help you to find the best product for you and have excellent customer satisfaction. Sea Ray also gives some tips for purchasing your cover and recommends some other brands. Sunbrella and Cloudburst are two brand fabrics that the manufacturer has recommended because of their strength and protection.
It is equally important to periodically inspect your boat cover for any sign of damage. Be it regular wear and tear, sun damage or corrosion boat covers will not last forever. If you are careful to inspect regularly you may spot damage while it is still fairly easy to repair, saving you extra time and effort.
Owning a Sea Ray boat is one of life’s pleasures and protecting your boat with a specialty cover from the company will ensure you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as personal watercraft at http://www.personalwatercraftplus.com
Why A Waterproof Boat Cover Is So Important For Your Boat
Buying and maintaining a boat can be a lot of fun and provide endless entertainment. An important part of owning a boat is to care for it properly. By taking care of your boat you will have many years to enjoy it. There are many things to purchase when you own a boat that will help you to keep it in good shape. One important piece of equipment you should purchase is a waterproof boat cover.
Although it may seem like an unimportant piece of equipment, a waterproof boat cover will save you a lot of time, effort, and wear and tear on your boat. By having a cover for you boat it will protect the boat from undue damage from the sun and unpleasant weather. The sun’s rays can otherwise cause the paint and finish on your boat to fade prematurely. During a hailstorm or other stormy weather a cover on your boat may prevent damage to both the exterior and interior of your boat. During rainy weather water will be unable to fill in your boat saving time and effort trying to get excess water out of the boat and drying the interior.
Once you have had a waterproof boat cover you will also need to take care of it. The waterproof boat cover needs to be washed regularly. It is also important to pay close attention to the wear and tear of your cover, checking regularly for rips tears and decay. You may need to also check into restoring the waterproof qualities of the cover to keep your boat from undue problems due to water.
There are a few options for keeping an older waterproof boat cover effective. On way is to continue to use the same boat cover and put a waterproof tarp over the top. This is a fairly inexpensive fix but there are things to keep in mind. With a tarp, unless you have one already, you will still need to purchase one, costing money that could be spent on current cover. Another downfall to a tarp is that the tarp is not form fitting so the boat will not have the same level of protection.
If you would prefer to restore the waterproofing capabilities of your boat cover there are some products on the market to do so. Fluorocarbon is a commonly used product to use for waterproofing. With a little shopping around you should be able to find a product to suit the needs of your waterproof boat cover.
Although owning a boat is a large responsibility, the benefits of taking good care of your boat will be years of enjoyment. With the proper care your waterproof boat cover will provide adequate protection against weather, sun and excess water in your boat.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as personal watercraft parts at http://www.personalwatercraftplus.com
