Archive for July, 2010



Invest In A High Quality Used Sailboat

Saturday 31 July 2010 @ 3:40 am

Dreaming of buying a yacht to get away from city life, but don’t think your wallet can deal with the cost of a new one? You might do well to consider checking into all the used sailboats for sale since you might be pleasantly surprised how cost effective they are, particularly when equated to the cost of a normal car. Since the huge sailing boom in the eighties, the market has been inundated with used yachts — scores of which beautifully cared for and still in excellent shape — although they are 20 to 30 years old. 

A definite incentive for checking into used sailboats is they generally come with most of the added equipment — the type of additional equipment that can truly add up if you buy a new boat off the showroom floor. It is also a comfort, especially for a beginners, to not have to conduct the required homework to find the correct type of sails, generators and other crucial equipment required to properly equip a new sail boat. Despite the fact that it is possible that the gear might be 15 years old and requires repair, you will have the value of knowing what works, or what is non-operational on the model of used yacht you buy.

Like another used kind of equipment, you will want to be cautious when hunting for pre-owned sailboats because there is always the possibility that there are serious deficiencies that has caused the owner to sell to avoid  impending restoration cost. Although the photos and descriptions of pre-owned sailing yachts for sale may look tempting, you will certainly wish to make a full inspection that includes an actual chance to sail the boat in advance of putting any deposit down. 

To find used sailboats for sale, perspective purchasers are wise to use alternative shopping techniques such as newspapers, internet searches and reliable local word of mouth, because neither the costs or choices are consistent. Once you have started your investigation, you will get familiar with the up-to-date price trends and the availability of used sailboats in your region that match your requirements.

Another excellent resource for used yachts in Canada are the local glossy magazines that cater to the sailing community, such as Canadian Yachting, The Ontario Sailor and “L’Escale Nautique”. The classified sections in the publications often list quality yachts for resale. As well the popular magazine Boat for Sale prints an annual pricing guide that consists of the current values of popular pre-owned yachts in the country.

Another option is to find professional sailboat dealers — however be sure the person has the right experience — because anyone can say they are a dealer. Once you verify they have information that might assist you land the best used sailboat deal, it will be worth the extra commission fees associated with their service. Reputable dealers can ease the process of both purchasing and listing a used sailboats since they will assist you focus on the type of vessel to match your particular needs so you don’t squander time on reviewing pre-owned yachts for sale that are not practical for your situation.

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Best Boating Destinations You Ought To Go To Now

Friday 30 July 2010 @ 3:51 am

If you are really into boating, then you’d always want to find the best sailing and boating destinations out there in order for you to get the best of your sailing experience. What better way than to spend the time with your family at these great boating destinations doing the things that you love such as sailing water sports or fishing.

Below are two of the best boating destinations and the reasons as to why you will love these places.

1. South Puget Sound, Olympia, Washington

The first boating destination is South Puget Sound.This idylic waterfront paradise is almost perfect.

The 30-Mile Cruise – If you love to glide along calm waters while at the same time enjoying marvelous scenery, then it is ideal for you to take a cruise to the Seattle – Tacoma metropolitan route.

Salmons Haven – Calling all salmon lovers and bottom fishers. If you love salmon, you will enjoy South Puget Sound as there are a lot of fishing sites to last you a lifetime.

Spacious Marinas – If you are not into crowded places, then this is the best place for you as the marinas are spacious. Here you can have the privacy and space that you need.

Wonderful Sceneries – What more can be said here when you have alpine-like sceneries and snowcapped peaks as the backdrop for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring your digital cameras and camcorder. You don’t want to miss a shot here.

Holidays – Due to the bodies of water, you can bet there are a lot of boat related festivities and also water activities such as:

-Olympia Wooden Boat Festival

-Oyster Festival

Beautiful Sunset – To some recreational boaters, watching the sun set in the Olympic Mountain is all the satisfaction they need.

2. Deer Harbor, Orcas Island

It is located in the middle part of San Juan Island Cruising Grounds, and because of its location which does not form the mainstream cruise path the Deer Harbor has maintained its carefree and relaxing atmosphere.

Boater’s Paradise – There is no way that you are not going to love this place, which can only be described as paradise on earth. The scenery will leave you satisfied and its relaxing atmosphere will surely make you feel like you don’t want to be anywhere else.

Amenities For Your Convenience – The main attraction in Deer Harbor would be the Deer Harbor Marina and The Resort. The facilities provided are so complete that you will definitely find everything you want without having to go far. The marina itself has 110 slips that come complete with water and electricity.

Wonderful Dining Experience – If you love to eat, then look no further than the Deer Harbor Inn. You’ll get a taste of native delicacies while at the same time enjoy the beautiful scenery that overlooks the harbor. You’ll find all kinds of menu and they vary depending on the season.

Wildlife – If you enjoy what nature has to offer, you don’t want to miss Frank Richardson’s Wildlife Reserve. Get off your boat and explore nature.

The two best boating destination above are not the only destinations that are recommended for boaters. There are other beautiful boating destinations around the world that are just waiting to be discovered by you.

The Murray River in Australia being one of them.

So, what are you still doing here? Pack up your bags, bring everybody in the family and just enjoy yourself!

Don’t tell me you’re still here, organize the family, and go for it……  Sailing and Boating

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Picking The Best Easy-to-Build Modest Fishing Boat Pattern

Thursday 29 July 2010 @ 1:44 am

Beginner boatbuilding generally check out the confusing array of several designs offered by boat designers and are perplexed at what design of vessel is perfect for their wants and planned use. All too generally an inappropriate vessel design and style is chosen as a result of seems, or other non-functional thing to consider when the builder would be far happier constructing a fishing boat whose efficiency and expected usage additional closely fits designed application. This article will attempt to address the more typical boat types and arm the new builder with the details he needs to make the ideal decision inside of a small boat design.

On the list of most common vessel models getting built these days will be the drift vessel, or sometimes named McKenzie River Drift Vessel. While these yachts have their spot, more frequently than not, this design is chosen for its appears, or simply because they are famous using a specified group (generally the fly fishing devotees.) Drift yachts are a great choice when utilised as they may be planned - drifting down-river, but are very unsatisfactory for much else. When you desire to travel back up-river or desire to use the boat over a calm lake, the trouble powering this kind of a boat builders by rowing becomes apparent. They are created this sort of the fact that operator can retain them pointing down-river, but are extremely hard to row inside a straight line and have very tiny glide as compared to other sorts of row yachts.

Some designers have separated the typical McKenzie river drift sail boat into two unique styles: the Western form drift vessel, expected for quickly moving narrower rivers, plus the Midwestern type drift boat, additional suited to wider and deeper rivers and lakes. The Western model has severe rocker and high sides to manage wild whitewater, although the Midwestern type has less rocker and lower sides to facilitate both rapids and calmer h2o where the user can a lot more simply energy the vessel by rowing.

For the person who doesn’t intend to use the sail boat in white drinking water rapids, a even though host of other small boat designs make for a lot more sense. The Grand Banks Dory is one such layout. They’re basic to construct, incredibly seaworthy, and a joy to row or sail. In 1876, an 18-foot Grand Banking institutions design dory (named “Centennial” following the 100-year anniversary to the Declaration of Independence) made a single-handed crossing on the North Atlantic from New York to England. Grand Banks dories are simple to build, and ideal for most lake, river, and ocean use. Their only downside is that they don’t strength extremely nicely, and only slower speeds are doable.

For a boat products that could both row effectively and electric power nicely, the Carolina Dory is often a smart selection. These have been produced right after the advent of strength when it was discovered the fact that Grand Banks kinds were definitely too narrow inside the stern to strength perfectly. A Carolina dory moves along rather perfectly on modest electrical power and yet even now is simply rowed (an significant concern inside the early times when gas engines weren’t very reliable.) For an all-round stable family boat, they’re a very smart choice. With moderate power they’ll plane to cross extended stretches of h2o quickly, but retain their incredibly seaworthy dory heritage. They’re also one of several least complicated yachts to construct.

For an easy-to-build fishing boat that may be to be powered only, one of several best selections is the Pacific Electric power dory style. These quite seaworthy boats were definitely designed inside Pacific Northwest to power as a result of rough mineral water and remain stable and safe. These yachts possess a heritage of getting launched with the surf and are sturdy adequate being used as commercial fishing yachts. They are also very uncomplicated to create for your very first time fishing boat builder.

You’ll find a huge selection of several boat models readily available towards amateur boat builder that deliver all sorts of several capabilities and necessitate a wide variety of skill levels. Some demand mindful fitting of components and finding out specialized expertise utilised through the shipwrights on the past, even though other people need only fundamental carpentry expertise. Drift yachts and dories, although keep on being the simplest of all to make and deliver the beginner a terrific primary fishing boat creating task. Picking the proper kind for the individual’s need, however, is essential to ensure that the very first task expertise can be a optimistic a person.

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Learn to Sail Secrets - Five Sailboat Diesel Fuel Tips You Need to Know!

Wednesday 28 July 2010 @ 5:17 am

Your small boat diesel engine needs to run off of the best fuel. When you learn to sail, you need to keep your auxiliary engine in tip top shape to make sure that you can leave and return to your slip or dock, get to your destination when the wind quits, or charge up your marine batteries every time!.

It only takes a tiny speck of dirt to enter the delicate injectors atop your small sailboat diesel engine. Within a matter of seconds, you will be stranded, alone on a windless sea. It’s your call, skipper!

Add these five “must-do’s” to your diesel engine maintenance check-sheet today. You don’t need to be a master mechanic to do these things. But you do need to do them as scheduled to keep big engine problems from popping up when you least expect them.

 1. Change out your fuel filters

check your engine manual under scheduled maintenance. Find the recommended interval between fuel filter changes. Put that onto your calendar now. Fuel filters can only perform so long before they clog up and lose the ability to trap dirk and gunk.

2. Add a second primary fuel filter

Install a second primary fuel filter. This allows you to change one filter with the engine running. You also won’t need to bleed the air from the injectors as you would with a single filter. Two primary filters do double duty to stop the big dirt particles. This makes it easier on the tiny secondary filter.

3. Pour biocide into your fuel tank

Microorganisms love to grow in a dark, dank space. That’s one good reason to keep your fuel tank topped off (full) at all times. Water will always find a way to seep into your tank. Once it does, it acts just like fertilizer to grow this sludge on the walls of your tank. To prevent this, mix a high quality fuel biocide with the fuel each time you fill your tank. This keeps growth down and boosts engine performance sky high!

4. Drain and polish your fuel tank

Does your fuel tank have a drain plug? If not, hire a pro. Ask them to drain, clean, and polish your tank. Afterwards, wait 24 hours, then fill your tank, and run the engine. Change all fuel filters two or three times to get rid of leftover dirt and gunk.

5. Filter foreign fuel before you fill

Purchase a special fuel filter that can be used with any standard fuel hose nozzle. Expect foreign fuel filter standards to be a lot lower than those in the US. Use this technique on your small cruising boat when cruising outside of US waters. 

Sailing skippers must become fanatical about feeding only squeaky clean diesel fuel to their reliable but demanding small boat diesel engines. Use these five simple “learn to sail” tips to keep your small boat diesel running like a stallion for many years to come.

Captain John Jamieson teaches sailing skippers fast, easy ways to learn to sail better than ever before. For a free weekly sailing newsletter plus more sailing tips, articles, and sailing videos, visit skippertips.com

 

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How to Proceed with Small Boat Building?

Tuesday 27 July 2010 @ 4:21 am

Have you ever thought about an idea of small boat building? Well, it is all about the creative head people who love to put their efforts for fulfilling smallest of their dreams. All big dreams are fulfilled only when 100% efforts are put into its practice. Small or mini boat building is also one of the creative sorts thought. In fact, boat building is considered as one of the oldest branch of engineering. Boat building includes the construction work of hulls, sailboats, masts, spars, boxes and rigging. With the proper dimensions, any kind of small boat can be prepared in less period of time.

Boat building is a dream of many innovative persons as it includes lot of creativity and techniques. While preparing a boat, all you require is to keep perfect plan and patience. Boat building is not the work of day or two. A lot of time and patience is required to fulfill the plans of boat building. Building a boat takes many steps; few of them are derived below:

1: Step one of small boat building is all about preparing the perfect dimensions and measurements of the plywood. These dimensions are further going to help a lot for reaching the final stage of boat building.

2: The next step of boat building process teaches you to cut the plywood as per the measurements taken. You can rely upon jigsaw for cutting the different parts of plywood for preparing your small boat.

3: Now, with the help of small hand plane, each piece of the boat size should be trim.

4: The next step ahead is all about nailing the plywood. You can start nailing and gluing of plywood from the bulk ends.

5: Stitching and gluing is another thing to follow as soon as you finish the trimming and nailing of the plywood parts.

6: Now comes the most creative part of the boat building i.e. painting of the boat. Try to paint the boat in the most flexible and natural colors. Your boat should look like the master piece so select the most natural colors. You can further add decks, house or hatches to look the boat more beautiful and sophisticated.

7: The last step of your boat building process is the finishing! You can make your finishing more precisely by giving more time and creativity!

Thus, even being long the entire process of small boat building can be termed as creative! Few dreams are meant to turn true and none can stop us when we are walking ahead for turning such dreams true! For your assistance, you can even take help of some group or friends during boat building process. Working in group can make you feel good. Moreover you can take help from online sites that provides CDs and DVDs on boat building techniques. Also surf Google for reading different articles and knowing different techniques on boat building.

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Scuba Diving Vacations in El Gouna Egypt

Monday 26 July 2010 @ 3:54 am

Egypt Vacation Packages • Discover a Wide Variety & Options

 

It is not often that a tourist can find Egypt holidays in towns or villages that were planned, designed and constructed strictly to meet the needs of guests . Many of Egypt’s villages have flourished due to the interest of world travelers and tourists, but there is only one that was created specifically as a traveler’s destination, and that is the town of El Gouna.

The wonderful village is home to vacationers as well as homeowners who have chosen to live in an all inclusive village for most, or part, of the year. El Gouna scuba diving vacations are the primary attraction for many of the town’s tourists , and the nine diving certification schools along with the comprehensive training facilities make it a great choice for novice to expert scuba divers .

More than Scuba Diving

Of course the planners of the town knew that El Gouna diving vacations would not be the only reason for visitors to come to the area, and to meet the needs of as many as possible, the resort destination offers a variety of accommodations and dining packages. Those looking specifically for Egypt package holidays would be able to make such arrangements in El Gouna and will have access to the town’s more than 100 restaurants and bars as well as the many activities, facilities, amenities and services.

The Diving Destination

The waters of the Red Sea are the main attraction to El Gouna’s tourists however, and El Gouna diving vacations usually begin with some training in the heated pools and calm, private reefs just off shore. Tourists then move on to reefs and wrecks closest to the El Gouna coast, and all are provided with knowledgeable and experienced diving guides as well as comprehensive boat and support services.

The water sports in El Gouna don’t end with the diving and snorkeling however, and the town is known for its excellent deep sea fishing, parasailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and kite surfing. Other outdoor and sporting activities include tennis, volleyball, horseback riding, desert safaris, and access to a range of fitness centers.

The area is also home to an 18-hole championship level golf course, several complete spas and many other services that add to the value of such Egypt all inclusive vacations.

The town has plans for expansion, and is all ready known as one of the world’s most environmentally friendly establishments. This means that El Gouna scuba diving holidays are a great way to explore far more than the azure blue waters off Egypt’s eastern coast.

 

Egypt Vacations and Holidays

Discover Egypt and find your Egypt vacations and holidays here. Make your Egypt travel dream come true today.

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What Are You Looking for In a Boat Storage Facility?

Sunday 25 July 2010 @ 12:58 am

When you are looking for an excellent place to store your boat, what qualities are you seeking out?  There are many boat storage options available to residents of Orange County, but they are certainly not all the same in price, quality, size, or amenities.  Finding the right storage option for your budget and needs is important, and it isn’t as difficult as you think.  In fact, by doing a bit of online research, you can easily find the best place in the Corona area to store your boat or personal watercraft.

Whether you are storing a small boat, a large boat, a jet ski or a ski-doo, security is likely one of your largest concerns.  This is certainly with good reason, and there are companies out there that take your safety concerns very seriously.  Ideally, you will want to seek out a company that employs multiple safety features, including perimeter walls, night lighting, and video surveillance.  All of these methods are highly effective in deterring would-be thieves, and when put together they can certainly help to keep you safer from potential theft or vandalism of your property.

Another excellent safety feature is the presence of staff around the clock.  When your boat or other vehicle is always being monitored and there is always someone present, security improves greatly.  When you can also find a boat storage facility that requires customers to enter a unique code in order to gain nighttime access, you can feel even more confident.  The ability to enter around the clock gives you confidence that you can always access your vehicle while unique codes ensure that staff members always know who is onsite.  This means never having to worry or wonder if your boat is safe.

Another thing to question when it comes to boat storage is whether or not the facility has the space required to meet your needs.  Are boats and vehicles crammed into a tiny lot so that the owners can make more money?  Do you need to call ahead of time so that vehicles can be moved to provide you access to your boat?  This is no way to run a storage facility, and you should expect more.  Look for a space that encompasses numerous acres and that is designed for storing many vehicles while keeping them off of dirt and pest ridden landscapes.

When you can find all of these features, you are on your way to choosing the best boat storage facility.  Ideally, take the time to also seek out a company that offers excellent pricing and that works to show their appreciation for their customers.  Whether it is an annual party for customers or free amenities such as a vehicle wash and complimentary ice, the company you choose should strive to let you know that your business is important.  When you find a company that can live up to or even surpass your expectations, you will know that you have found the right Orange County boat storage option for your watercraft.

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Learn to Sail - How to Stop Your Sailboat Without an Engine

Saturday 24 July 2010 @ 2:52 am

What would you do if your engine quit without warning? Could you control your sailboat to take it into the slip or dock–under sail alone? If you want to learn to sail under complete control, this sailing skill will put you in the top tier of sailing skippers who are the true master and commander of their craft. And it’s a lot easier than you think! Why do you need to know this vital skill? You will be able to…

  • Dock a sailboat if your engine quits.
  • Sail up to a mooring buoy.
  • Retrieve a piece of gear that falls overboard.
  • Recover a person who falls overboard.
  • Sail a small dinghy or other engine-less sailboat.
  • Stop your sailboat on a dime in an emergency.
  • Use your sails to anchor without starting your engine.

Practice stopping your sailboat with the mainsail alone. Roll up or haul down your headsail. The mainsail gives you all the power you need to slow down, speed up, or stop your boat. Follow these three simple sailing methods:

Sail with Perfect Control on a Close Reach

No other point of sail offers so much control as the close reach. Use the mainsheet like an accelerator on a car to slow down, speed up, or stop the boat. Slack off on the mainsheet to slow down. Trim in the mainsheet to speed up. To stop the boat, slack the mainsheet all the way until it luffs.  Sail onto a close reach for perfect control when sailing up to a dock, picking up a mooring, or anchoring under sail.

Make Emergency Stops with this Dinghy Sailor Secret

Have you ever watched dinghy sailors when they want to come to a crash stop? They let it fly! Release the mainsheet all the way and let go of the tiller or wheel. Your small sailboat will round up into the wind faster than you can blink an eye. This stops the boat with the sails fluttering. So the next time you are unsure of what to do in an emergency–release all the sheets and take your hand off the helm.

Backwind the Mainsail Boom

Imagine that you are approaching a dock under sail a bit too fast. Slow or stop the boat by pushing out the mainsail boom against the wind. Grab the sailboat boom and push it hard out against the shrouds on one side. The little-known backwinding technique stops the momentum of your boat as if you stomped on the brakes in your car!

Use this same technique for controlled anchoring. Dig the anchor in by backwinding the mainsail boom. Push the boom out to one side of the boat and hold it for a few seconds. Then, swing it to the other side and push it out against the wind for the same amount of time. Repeat this sequence again. This helps your anchor dig deep into the seabed for safe, secure overnight anchoring.

Follow these three little-known techniques to learn to sail your boat better than ever before. You will soon become the true master and commander of your small sailboat–wherever in the world you choose to sail!

Captain John Jamieson teaches sailing skippers fast, easy ways to learn to sail better than ever before. For a free weekly sailing newsletter plus more sailing tips, articles, and sailing videos, visit skippertips.com

 

 

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Searching For The Suitable Kayak Paddle Length

Friday 23 July 2010 @ 2:48 am

For everyone who likes to kayak, the proper kayak paddle length is the shortest. Put simply, it works better for any person to make use of a shorter paddle which is within the limits of the user. On the average it is suggested that the length for a paddle should be 220 cm.

 

There are a lot things to examine when selecting the proper paddle but mind you the size of the user is the least of factors one must look at when shopping for a paddle. There are more important things to look out for.

 

One of them is being the style for paddling.  There are 2 types of paddlers, the high angle and the low angle paddlers. The real difference between the two is that the high angle paddler has his upper hand high above his shoulder level and the lower paddler has his closer to the deck, below his shoulder level. For the high angle paddler, a shorter paddle is necessary and for a low angle paddler a longer paddle.

 

Besides the paddling style, the seat is also a crucial variable to check out when choosing a paddle. A higher seat will need a longer paddle to reach the water and a lower seat will mean a usual paddle since one is closer to the water.

 

Another significant aspect is the type of kayak. A narrow kayak (for example the sit-in kayak) will need the shortest paddle length. However, the inflatable kayaks uses longer paddles.

 

For the height of a person, it isn’t really a factor as a shorter person can use a similar length of a paddle like a taller person. The thing is that, it might just feel awkward to have an inexperienced tall person to be handling a shorter paddle but above all it’s the most effective paddle length for that person.

 

One should be warned that a length above 240 centimetres isn’t the best.

 

You can find more information about kayaks at <a href=”http://fantastickayak.com/importance-of-kayak-paddle-length/”>http://fantastickayak.com/importance-of-kayak-paddle-length/</a>, where you can read about <a href=”http://fantastickayak.com/importance-of-kayak-paddle-length/”>Kayak Paddle Length</a>.

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Making sailboats - a great hobby

Thursday 22 July 2010 @ 3:14 am

Most people love to sail in a sailboat in the ocean breeze. A homemade sailboat from scratch is something you had always wanted to do for yourself, family and friends. What a neat way to spend a summer vacation sailing in a boat you made yourself.

The first step is to prepare yourself ahead for the building of your sailboat. Make a plan to what type of sailboat and items you need gather. Purchase the materials you need for your sailboat. Budget yourself and search for different prices for your materials. These materials include circular saw, plywood, house paint, epoxy, filer and a fiberglass cloth and tape.

The second step is to get the materials for your sailboat ready. Mark the plywood for accurate cuts, which is called lofting. The best way to do this is trace the pattern onto the plywood. Then cut the plywood carefully.

The fourth step is after the plywood is cut into different parts is to assemble them to form your sailboat. First you assemble the bottom of the boat and then each side. The rest will depend on the type of sailboat you want to build. Once the structure of the sailboat is ready the sides or joints are next.

The fifth step is to seal off the joint edges. These is done by brushing epoxy on the fiberglass tape and then wrapping the tape on all sides of the seams and let dry thoroughly. After the seams on the inside have dried, cover them with tape and seal the process again on the outside seams. This is to properly waterproof your sailboat. Now add your deck, where you sit, mast, boom, rudder and other sections to your sailboat.

The last step is to paint your sailboat. After the paint has dried then add the sealer. Finally, put together the sail and add it to the mast and take your boat out for a spin. Check for leaks and do regular check ups on your boat. Get the best materials you can afford, however, wood and fiberglass are the most common. Most of all have fun with your boat!

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