Category — NJ Boating Tips

Some anglers prefer to wade in the water to catch their fish, whereas others prefer to go into the deeper waters in a fishing boat. Wading in the water may give some fishermen a high because of their proximity to the fish that they are going to catch, but it is not always safe to do so, and staying in a boat to catch your booty is a much better bet. Prior to setting out on a fishing trip it is always safe to make sure that your boat is in good working condition and will not suddenly break down in the middle of the water and leave you stranded. Selecting a boat should also be done according to your needs and should be given a lot of time and thought and not something that you should do in haste.

1. Buying a Sports Boat

While thinking of buying a boat you should keep in mind the safety and comfort of those who will be on it. Sports boats offer both safety and comfort and are very popular as they can be used not only for sporting purposes but also for other activities too or for just enjoying the time spent on water. There are many kinds of water sports and you should take part in various activities so that the rest of your family can also enjoy themselves while you are out on a fishing expedition. So consider wake boarding and skiing apart from fishing for your dinner.

2. Different Types of Boats You Can Choose

Fishing boats that are made for shallow water and can hold only two people are called Skiffs. These boats are made for smaller areas of water and can be operated easily in the water. Skiffs are used the world over for rivers and small lakes.

Light tackle boats can be used for any kind of fishing and can accommodate 4 people on it. The main benefit is that the fishermen can move around on the boat as there is enough space. Some kinds of catch require the fishermen to walk around on the deck and this boat has enough space for movement. Being bigger it is also sturdier for bigger catch and is more comfortable for the fishermen to maneuver around.

An offshore boat is required for a deep sea fishing expedition. These offshore boats are around 35 to 45 feet in length and can hold 6 people on board. These boats have to be built strong so that they can withstand the pull of the bigger fish and also the thrust of the ocean water.

A head boat or party boat is also used for fishing expeditions. These boats are built larger and can hold many more people. The party boat offers a lot more of comfort and luxury so that your guests can fish enjoy the water and also relax. Party boats are used for family get together and picnics.

3. Selecting The Best Fishing Boat For You

The novice fisherman or the experienced one can both find a fishing boat that is suitable for their needs and that can be handled by them easily. In case you are not sure as to what kind of boat you should buy, you should read up about the different kinds of fishing boats and see what suits your requirement the best.

The following article from Outdoor Life lists some great names for your boat and the reader comments are also very helpful too!

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/fishing/2009/06/best-boat-names

How do you get to the grocery store when your a thousand miles from shore, and a thousand and two miles from the nearest grocery store? The short answer is you don’t. The longer answer will be presented here, and it begins with a trip down below to see what you’ve got stashed in the galley of your boat. Provisioning for a extended boating trip is no small task. If you forget something, there’s no quick run to the convenience store to pick up a couple of things. Out in the middle of the ocean, if you can’t catch it, or find it somewhere in the galley, your not going to eat it. Here’s a few quick ideas to get you started thinking about boat provisioning.

To start a list of what kind of provisions you think you’ll need, draw up a menu with a weeks worth of meals your boating crew would enjoy. Then figure out what would be required to make each meal. This list should be a good base to build from when you actually start buying items for the boat trip.

Be sure to have some very simple to prepare meals. When weather is rough, and the boat galley is an unworkable environment, some pre-packaged meals that require no heating will be a saving grace.

Keep an eye out for foods that will stay fresh for long periods of time, or are packaged in such a way as to say fresh longer. Cheese that is packaged in wax, will stay good for a very long time. Some salami, sausage and pepperoni that is keep in the non-refrigerated section of the grocery store will stay good for months at a time.

Anywhere you can find a place to store snacks, be sure to take advantage of it. Boating always seems to make people hungry, but doesn’t always seem to provide the opportunity to stop what your doing and make something fancy. Healthy snacks will be better to fuel the fires that keep the crew and the boat going.

Be careful of what foods you store together. They’re not always compatible. Apples and carrots stored together, will often cause bitterness in the carrots. If onions are stored with potatoes, the onions will steal moisture from the potatoes.

Most fruit should be bought in the not-yet-ripe state, and then stored in a way to slow down the ripening process. Green apples stored in the dark should last a couple of weeks.

Give some thought to were you store items in the boat. Storage lockers closer to the hull and below the waterline will be cooler, and better for produce. Especially if you are going to be boating in warm tropical areas.

While there is a lot to consider, some thorough and logical planning will make things smoother come launch day. And while you may forget a few items, or lose a few perishables in transit, don’t fret. It’s only a thousand and two miles to the nearest grocery store.

We are into March and before you know it, it will be time for the boating
enthusiasts to take their boats out of dry dock and get them ready for another big boating season. Now is the time of the year the boat owner should review the steps necessary to protect his boat from thieves and make this a crime free year.

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Many boat owners take a lackadaisical approach when it comes to their property. Do not make yourself and your boat an easy target. You can make your boat less of a target if you follow these simple steps:

• Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about the value later.
• Don’t leave equipment or other items loose in the cockpit or on deck.
• Don’t leave your engine key in the ignition; always take it with you.
• Keep your other boat keys separate from your engine keys.
• Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even if it is for a short time.
• Use strong casehardened padlocks or rim locks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.
• Consistently check and think of ways to improve the security on your boat. Do not take security for granted.
• It is a good idea to install an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one your boat has an alarm system.
• Make sure your cockpit lockers are properly secured, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong, making it harder for thieves to get access to the interior.
• Also, think about having a strongbox or a hidden safe down below. If you don’t think something is secure, get it fixed.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you’ve tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.

Always:

• Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong casehardened padlock.
• Lock up any emergency money away from other valuables. A hidden safe can be handy here.
• Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in.
• Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards and always lock them.
• Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.
• When you go ashore using a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, row locks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.
• If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn’t been badly damaged.
• And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven’t been broken into as well.

Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work as a team to keep the marina secure. As a team or marina watch you can do the following:

• Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.
• Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yardmaster.
• Don’t give your marina access card or key to other people for any reason.
• Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.
• Don’t allow strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.
• Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

Don’t hesitate to act on these recommendations today. Tomorrow may be too late. Always remember that thought, planning and intentions are great but in order to accomplish anything you must take action.

If you are a frequent boat renter then you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to get the most from you and your family’s boating experience. Some boat rental are much better than others so keep that in mind when looking for a company to rent from. Here are a few tips for boat rentals that can help you have an exciting and fun-filled day in the sun.

First, when it comes to boat rentals safety is a major concern. Always make sure that the boat you rent is in good working order. This is the single most important aspect and must be taken very seriously. The boat should come with all the latest charts and safety equipment, including life jackets, to ensure that you are safe while you are out on the water.

Another important tip is having the proper communication equipment so that if you do encounter a problem, you will be able to call for help. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded out in the middle of a lake or ocean somewhere and unable to get assistance. You should also bring your cell phone along if you have one, just for added safety assurance.

Before taking the out for the day, make sure that you have a first aid kit on board. This will come in very handy if you, your family member or someone else incurs an injury of some type. In addition, a tool kit would be a great idea as well. Most likely this will be something that you will need to provide yourself, as it typically will not be supplied by the leasing company. Some of the tools you should consider having available in this tool box are a screwdriver, hammer, electrical tape and other such items, just in case.

The lake is an increasingly popular spot for boaters, and even more of a vacation spot for those all over the country. With the growing trend toward family travel, both water lovers and non-boaters are finding that houseboats are attractive various activity levels. Renting a boat before buying one makes better sense as does learning the basics of safety when boating. A majority of states offer free and low-cost boating safety instruction and local marinas should have all the details.

When considering boat rentals you also need to think about how much boating experience you have. This fact alone should be instrumental in determining what type of boat you should rent and how far you should venture away from land. Always use a good reliable leasing company to rent the boat from, this way you can be sure that you are protected, everything is in order, and you will have a great boating experience for you and your family.

With so many different types of boats to choose from, how can you ever decide which one is best? That depends on what you want to do with it. If you plan on taking your boat deep sea fishing, than you’ll need a very different style of watercraft than if you were to use it for river fishing or cruising the riverfront. As you can see, what you intend to do with the boat you choose will determine which one is right for your interest and lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most common boat styles in which to choose:

Fishing Boats:
If the main purpose of buying a boat is for long days of fishing, then you’ll need a fishing boat. But, even under this single category are lots of choices. Fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes, and styles too! First you’ll need to decide where you’ll be doing the bulk of your fishing: lakes, rivers, or the ocean This is important because different styles of fishing boats are designed for specific areas. For example, Bass boats are great for searching low profile areas from several different angles, compared to a sports fishing boats, which are best for fishermen who tend to go after very large fish.

All-purpose Fishing boats are great for both freshwater and salt-water fishing, and work well for all types of fishing and water.

Air boats are great for getting you to places that you couldn’t normally reach with other kinds of boats, especially in swampy water areas.

Leisure Boats:
If cruising around the waters with friends or family is your idea of a great boating day, then a leisure boat is what you’re after. Bow riders offer plenty of seating area, and nooks for sunbathing.

Closed Bow Runabout boats are great for indulging in a variety of water sports. They are fast and smooth.

Sailboats offer a relaxing way to cruise lakes and oceans. Just be sure you aren’t the kind of person who’s in a big hurry, because sailboats aren’t meant to get you there fast; they’re meant to get you there eventually.

Kayaks too, are great for enjoying all the waterways have to offer. They allow you the freedom to skirt in and out of tight places. Their major disadvantage: they only seat one or two people.

Canoes are in inexpensive option for family fare. They are great for fishing lakes and ponds and can be even used on small rivers and streams.

Rowboats are cheap and strong. Their major disadvantage: it can be strenuous work to get a rowboat back to shore after a long day of fishing.

Deck Boats make great leisure boats. They can usually carry 8-12 people and are popular amongst the party crowd.

Houseboats or Yachts are wonderful for entertaining and boat living. They offer plenty of room and luxury. However, they can be quite expensive, and aren’t for newbies on the boat scene.

Pontoons are often used for family outings.
With so many options in today’s boating market, it’s important to carefully consider what style and size is right for you before heading to your local dealer. Depending on the style you choose, boats can be relatively cheap, or ghastly expensive. Be a smart shopper and get exactly what you want… the first time around the showroom floor.

Buying a boat can be a bewildering experience, especially if you don’t know much about boats. Given the wide range of new and used boats available, all with different functions and suitability, and you can quickly find yourself involved in a purchase you don’t need if you’re not careful. This is particularly true if you want a boat for different activities. For example, ski boats are quite specific in design, and not much use if you have a lot of people wanting to cruise around, or go fishing. Also, the type of boat you’ll choose if you want to go offshore will be different to a boat that is better for inshore waters.

Probably the biggest consideration for those wanting a boat will be getting one the right size – and within your budget. Getting a boat that’s too big for your needs can result not only in an increased cost at the time of sale, but increased running costs. Running costs should always be taken into consideration when deciding on the type of boat to buy. Fuel is not cheap! Other running costs include insurance, the cost of the trailer to tow it, and also storage costs. Do you have a big enough storage area, or will you need to build a new one?

The cost of the trailer is a potential issue if you decide on a bigger boat than you had originally planned. For example, whilst a 5 meter boat only needs a single axle trailer, a 6 meter boat requires a tandem axle trailer, which is more expensive. Also, bigger boats need a 4WD to tow them, whereas smaller boats can be towed with regular vehicles.

In terms of boat type, the best family boats are the cuddy and half cabin. Cuddy boats have a high cabin, or an enclosed deck with berth. The cockpit is of a medium size, and there is usually a bench seat in front of the outboard motor. The larger boats have a chemical toilet, which may be an important feature if you have children, or for female family and friends.

Both cuddy boats and half cabins have good weather protection – so you won’t be exposed too much to wind and sea spray. The main difference between them is the lower cabin – it is bigger on half cabin boats. Half cabins will have more space in the area where the boat is steered, and can come with a galley or sink. In the smaller half cabins (below 6m), the back area of the cockpit is smaller, though this is not an issue in the larger variety.

In addition to weather protection, these boats provide some protection against incoming waves because of their cabins. You can also fit a canopy overhead to provide some sun protection, which is important if you have small children who will be boating with you.

Finally, the bow rider is another good choice for families or those who bring groups of friends along for recreational boating. Bow riders have a lot more seating than most other boats, and they also ride well in choppy waters because their steering is closer to the back of the boat. These are inshore boats however – if you are boating offshore, the cuddy or half cabin will be a better alternative.

Overall, there are many choices out there. The market for used boats has a great deal of cuddies and half cabins, as these two are very popular choices. One thing to keep in mind, whatever type of boat you choose, is the importance of boat safety. Completing a boat safety course is the best way to prevent an accident whilst you’re on the water.

For anyone who owns a boat, there are ten rules which should always be kept in mind. There is also certain equipment which should always be carried aboard ship.

1. Check your boat thoroughly and never leave your mooring until you have done so.

2. Never over-load your boat and at all times be especially careful about non-swimmers and children.

3. Carry a life preserver for every person on board. Be sure they’re worn when doing deck duty in rough weather.

4. Carry filled fire extinguishers.

5. Exercise extreme caution when filling fuel tanks – no smoking – turn off all fires and electric accessories – hold filling nozzle firmly against fill pipe (ground it) – wipe up spillage – thoroughly ventilate engine compartment and all enclosed spaces before restarting motors.

6. Observe carefully weather, wind, tide and current conditions before starting. Plan emergency harbors on long hops.

7. Keep to the right when meeting another boat and give the right-of-way to vessels approaching in your danger zone on the starboard (right) side.

8. Always be Courteous, Careful and Competent. Watch your wash! Slow down to 4 mph in harbors. Keep away from large vessels, which are not as maneuverable as smaller craft. Keep away from all sail boats – small ones may be swamped by the wash from a motor boat and large sailing yachts do not have the maneuverability of a motor boat.

9. Never make a turn at high speed. Small craft can easily be and have been swamped by their own wash.

10. Approach dock or mooring slowly against the wind or current, whichever is strongest.

Articles of Equipment Which Should Be Aboard Every Well-Found Boat, Though Not Required By Law

The Motor Boat Act prescribes that motor boats must carry certain equipment for the safety of those aboard. This includes life preservers, lights, whistle, bell, fire extinguishers, name arresters on carburetors, ventilating cowls and ducts for the bilges, and the certificate of registration. These requirements vary with the class of boat, and certain exceptions are made in some classes.

In addition to this required equipment, however, there are other things which should be aboard before a boat may be considered to be well-found. The extent of cruising the boat does will determine the amount and kind of equipment, such items as anchors and lines, boat hook, fenders, bilge pump, tool kit, spare engine parts, piloting equipment, auxiliary lighting equipment, and such special safety equipment as ring buoys, flares, and a first aid kit.

In the same category with tools and spare parts we might include a few good carpenter’s tools, extra pieces of line of several sizes, a ball of marlin, an assortment of nails, screws, bolts, washers, wire, caulking cotton, paint, etc. On boats equipped with sails a small repair kit should be added containing twine, wax, needles, palm, fid, and similar articles. All should be properly stowed to keep it accessible and in good condition.

Other miscellaneous items would be a deck mop, pail (some prefer a canvas bucket), a chamois for cleaning windows, brass polish, a supply of oil for engine, grease (both the regular and waterproof varieties as required), some light machine oil and penetrating oil for rusted parts, Vaseline, distilled water, a hydrometer, some clean rags and several rolls of paper towels. An emergency tiller is often carried.

Keep the ten rules of conduct outlined, and carry the equipment mentioned above, and you will be well-prepared for anything.

The language of boating hits landlubbers in their ears with the same amount of sense as would be the case if Ubangi were being tossed into the air. Starboard tacks have points but only sails have heads. A sheet is a rope, not a sail- and a rope isn’t a rope, but is a line. Indeed it’s a strange sort of lingo and you must know at least a bit of it before you take to the high seas.

Glossary Of Boating Terms

ABACK: With the wind on the forward sides of the sails instead of the after sides.

BACKSTAY: A stay running from the masthead aft. A back runner is similar but is arranged to be slacked off upon occasion.

BOOM: The horizontal spar to which the bottom edge of a sail is laced.

CHINE: The corner where a flat or V-bot-tom boat’s side and bottom meet.

CLEAT: A two-armed device to which a line can be made fast.

DAGGER: A type of centerboard shaped like, or suggesting, a dagger.

FAIR BODY: The line formed by the out-Side bottom edge of the planking as it touches the keel.

GROMMETS: The metal eyelets in the edge or along the reef points of a sail.

HEEL: To tilt under the impetus of sails.

HELM: The tiller or wheel by. which a rudder is moved.

INWALE: A strip of wood around the in-sides of frame heads at the sheer line. In large, decked boats, usually called a clamp.

IRONS: In luffing, a boat without enough momentum may refuse to come about on the opposite tack. The sails will remain flapping. A boat in this position is said to be in irons.

JIB: Triangular sail forward of the mainmast.

LEE: The side of a boat opposite to that from which the wind is blowing.

LEECH: The after edge of a sail.

LINES: Rope used in handling a boat.

MISS STAYS: To get a boat into IRONS.

PORT: The left side of a vessel as you face forward, opposite to STARBOARD.

POUNDING: The shock felt in rough water when a relatively flat portion of the boat lifts above water and then forcibly strikes the surface.

PURCHASE: Any rigging consisting of two or more blocks used to hoist a heavy weight.

QUARTER ROUND: A narrow, triangular piece of wood with one face rounded; used for trim along the edges of cabins.

REEF: To reduce the area of a sail by lowering it, making fast the reef points, and hoisting again.

ROPE: Often confused with LINE. When a length is cut from a coil of rope, that length immediately is known as a line.

SEA KINDLY: Comfortable and safe in rough weather.

SEAWORTHY: Able to stay at sea. Often used when SEA KINDLY would be a better word.

SHEET: Line used to control the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind. The sheet is not the sail itself.

STABILITY: The ability of a boat to return to an upright position when she has been heeled by some force such as the wind or a wave.

STARBOARD: Opposite to PORT. The right side of the boat as you face forward.

TACK: The lower forward corner of a sail. Also, that variety of sailing where you proceed to windward by sailing on alternate courses so the wind is first on one side of the boat and then on the other.

TRAVELER: A metal rod running athwart ships to which the main-sheet block, or sometimes the jib-sheet block, is attached.

TRIM: The movement of a boat away from the upright in a fore-and-aft direction. As you walk forward, a boat will trim by the bow.

TURNBUCKLE: A pair of eye bolts threaded into a casting that can be turned to tighten wire standing rigging.

UNDER BODY: The entire hull below the water line.

WEATHER: Another word for WINDWARD.

WINCH: A mechanical device used for putting more power on the running rigging than can easily be applied by hand, Also used to hoist an anchor.

With these terms under your belt you are ready to go to sea!

The market has a wide range of boat accessories to choose from. Boat accessories increase the fun and comfort that you can have with your boat. Additional accessories can escalate the worth of your boat also. A few accessories are mandatory and others are fads that give you more comfort and are luxury items. When you have to make a choice of boat accessories it is always safer that you start with procuring those that are vital to the smooth functioning of your boat and ensure the safety factors

You will have to select the trimmings that you need according to the type of boat that you have, and the purpose that you are going to use it for. The function that the boat is going to utilized for is the primary deciding factor for the added equipment and accessories that you will need. For example a fishing boat will require something other than a sail boat or a speed boat would. While contemplating on the kind of accessories you would like to buy, it is an even better idea to list out the accessories that you want to have starting with the fundamentals requirements first. You could also make a primary and a secondary list so that you have an idea of what you should buy on priority and what can wait for the next round of purchase.

Fundamental Boating Accessories

It would be disastrous to be caught “on the wrong foot” so to say in the mid water without the proper equipment. This could give rise to some emergency situations and give cause for anxiety. To play it safe here are some indispensable accessories for the that you should ensure you have:

1. Life jackets
2. Anchors and lines
3. Ladders
4. Mirrors
5. Paddles
6. Registration and lettering kits
7. Safety equipment like first aid kits
8. Stabilizers
9. Buoys
10. Lights
11. Maintenance equipment

Each one of these serves a different purpose and is needed to ensure that you have everything you require to keep you protected and help you to keep you boat in spruced up condition. Your life jackets
should be worn all the time or at least kept handy for immediate access so that you do not have to face an emergency situation and not be able to find them in a hurry.

Luxury & Fun Boating Accessories

You need not only look at essential accessories for the boat. This is a time for recreation and you should be able to enjoy the experience. These items would make your boat more attractive and also give you some added comforts while you are out sailing. Some of the luxury and fun items are listed below:

1. Boat fenders
2. Boat heaters
3. Water skies
4. Wakeboards
5. Wetsuits
6. Radios and speakers
7. Fish finders
8. Swim platforms

The list is endless and these are only a few of the accessories that come under this category. In case you have not been looking for added equipment for a while for your boat, you may be amazed at all the new gizmos that are available.

These added features not only dress up your boat, they also add to its value in case you wish to sell it sometime. Added comforts are always welcome and give their money’s worth regardless of how essential they are or not.