Post from: Discover Boats

How To Build A Sailboat Part 1

Post from: Discover Boats

How To Build A Sailboat Part 2

Once upon a time, I thought there was nothing more to do with a 30′ sailboat other than sail around the bays. Then I discovered sailboat racing and it rocked my world.

Suddenly, weekends were more meaningful and filled with excitement. I wasted no time recruiting my friends as crew members. I was determined to win. Races varied from weaving in and out of buoys to zipping around islands. One of the first things I learned was that I had to understand the tides and the winds. That was crucial to gaining the competitive edge.

When running against the tide on your race course (some race courses can be 5 to 10 miles), you definitely want to veer to the lighter side of the tide, but when running with it, you want to stay in the strongest part for that major boost in speed. Your winds are the same way in sailboat racing. In a bay, you will find more wind, possibly closer to shore where the land is warmer, driving the wind onshore. It may be only to 3 knots of wind difference, but staying on course in the middle of the bay where the wind is fickle may lose you ground.

When I first started racing, the more experienced racers stole a trophy from me many times. One time, we had a close call pulling past the last buoy to the finish line when a sailboat turned away to find stronger winds and quickly zipped past us. Over time, you learn more and more about racing; where to pick up extra speed and how to put your sails to work for you. My racing days were both exciting and frustrating. Races lasted a few hours to a few days. Always a challenge.

Along the way, I’ve encountered some very high wind conditions. The race didn’t start that way, but along the line I’ve seen sailors extracted by helicopters. Once I won a trophy simply because I managed to drift the best – there was no wind for hours and I lucked out thanks to either my deep keel or wide beam. Learning to master my racing skills in my sailboat took time and experience, but eventually you learn how to reach top speeds without straining your crew or your boat. That’s all part of discovering your boat’s point of sail. When you figure that out, sailing becomes natural, effortless and automatic.

Post from: Discover Boats

30′ Sailboat Racing

Now that the warm summer months are rapidly approaching, many folks find themselves wanting to get out on the water to do some fishing. This is a great activity as fishing gives a lot of people the relaxation time that they have been wanting for so long. While some folks do not mind going out on ultra-fast boats to fish, others tend to prefer the peacefulness that comes with kayaking. There is just something about sea or fishing kayaking that people cannot get enough of.

If you have yet to kayak by yourself, then it is highly recommended that you go out with someone having kayaking experience. Even though most kayakers prefer a calm ride, there are some things you’ll want to carefully watch. You might, for example, want to wait a bit before buying a kayak for yourself until you get the hang of riding and paddling one. By getting familiar with the sport first, you’ll get the experience you need to make a wise decision when it comes time to purchasing one on your own. This will also give you the chance to learn more about the sport so that you’ll get the familiarity you need when shopping for your perfect kayak.

When you head out on the water for the first few kayaking experiences, make sure that your experienced friend who’s accompanying you walks you through the ropes and answers all your questions. If you don’t have access to an experienced kayaking friend, then you will probably want to seek the advice from a professional. Many facilities now offer specialized courses in kayaking. Rent a kayak for a few hours with an instructor and you’ll get the best start towards learning this relaxing and fun activity which will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyable water and fishing experiences.

Once you’ve learned all there is to know, you can then pass your knowledge onto friends and family so that they can enjoy the fun with you. They can also get their own kayaks and go out with you for some valued, quality time on the water. Either way, kayaking provides adventures that all can enjoy amongst their friends and family. In no time, you’ll be on your way to looking like professional kayakers, and you’ll wonder how you ever fished before learning how to paddle a kayak.

Selecting a kayak is a process that begins by considering the lifestyle of you and your family. Kayaks are like many other modes of transportation: There are a wide assortment of models and styles from which to choose. The type of kayak you choose will be largely based on how you plan to use it. Let’s take a look at the five hottest brands on the market today. These brands offer a great mix of high-adventure styles. You’ll find kayaks that fit nearly every performance requirement–from maneuvering the rapids to a calm ride across the lake to a relaxing day of trout fishing.

1.) Old Town Kayaks. What does a company named the Old Town Canoe Company know about kayaks? Just about everything. Old Town is the oldest and largest canoe and kayak manufacturer, dating way back to 1898. With a much-deserved images for quality, Old Town is known best for leading the kayaking business in craftsmanship and innovation. Old Town’s kayaking line includes safe, stable sea kayaks, tandem kayaks, touring kayaks, exciting recreational kayaks and, of course, fishing kayaks. Old Town is known for combining modern materials and stylish contemporary design forms to their traditional, time-honored paddle craft. No wonder Old Town leads as a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen/sportswomen.

2.) Perception Kayaks. Perception answers when the Great Outdoors calls. This world-class kayaking company has been designing cutting-edge kayaks since the 1970s with their pioneering efforts in introducing the plastic kayak. Today, by using these latest innovative technologies, Perception has stayed ahead of the competition by addressing the wants, needs and desires of a new generation of kayakers. Perception kayaks are pervasive in the touring and recreational kayak line, but also have a giant selection of sporting-rec and sit-on-top kayaks to suit the needs of the most discriminating kayakers. Nearly 30 years later, the same passion that created the first line of Perception kayaks now drives development resulting in the release of sleek, new and innovatively-designed kayaks.

3.) Dagger Kayaks. The story of Dagger begins with a few kayaker friends who worked feverishly in a small shop with a dirt room floor to create leading-edge, world-class kayaks. Dagger kayaks are a kayakers favorite among all brands today. The company is well-regarded for developing and releasing the highest quality kayaks available. The Dagger kayaking line of products are field tested by a collective group of kayaking professionals known as ‘Team Dagger’ before their products are released to the public. Those who wisely purchase Dagger kayaks can feel confident knowing that their kayak met the highest standards before Dagger was willing to give it their stamp of approval.

4.) Hobie Kayaks. With a proud heritage of water craft behind them, Hobie spawned their ubiquitous brand to become a well-respected leader in sea and fishing kayaks. Hobie claims that ‘their mother was a sailboat and their father was a surfboard’. Hobie demonstrates this motto in their water craft design. This results in the creation of the most innovative, high-tech kayaks on the market today. Hobies expertise and heritage redefines the industry standard. Take, for example, their MirageDrive pedaling system. This system uses two underwater flippers similar to a penguins fins, to power the kayak. In addition, Hobie kayaks integrate a seamless, roto-molded, polethylene construction method. Some people argue that Hobie kayaks are closer to guided missiles than typical traditional kayaks of years gone by.

5.) Pelican Kayaks. Now going into their 40th year, Pelican International is recognized as a leader in producing affordable, high-quality water craft products. Pelican now produces hundreds of boats”from pedal boats and fishing boats to canoes and, of course, durable and affordable kayaks. The company has been a leader in the development of exclusive technologies that set benchmarked standards of excellence for impact resistance, and for products’ ability to regain shape after violent impacts, as well as their UV-protected exteriors. Pelican targets the recreational user, and are an excellent choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a balance between quality and affordability.

For those lacking current experience with kayaking, you may not fully understand what the fuss is all about. Once you’ve taken your first fishing trip on a kayak, you will likely see the light and understand what everyone has been talking about all these years. Kayaking in the ocean, river, or lake is just an all-around great time for the entire family. Since most kayaking takes place at a relaxing pace, you are forced to take your time and take in all of the scenery around you. With our lives so hectic these days, there is no reason to do anything other then move slowly and truly relax out on the water.

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A Primer on Fishing Kayaks, Inflatable Kayaks and the 5 Hottest Ocean Kayak Brands Around

Every year, I head down south for the winter in my sailboat. It’s nice to go down to the Florida Keys, if you can find the time. The Chesapeake area is a great place to spend the winter. Unlike the northeast area, the waters don’t freeze up in December, making it ideal for sailing. There are so many coves to explore that you can visit a new one on each journey. Conveniently located nearby is the Norfolk International Airport. North Carolina is another nice area to explore as its waters stay quite warm in the winter thanks to the gulfstream. Dowry Creek in Belhaven to Oriental and Beaufort (Bow-Fort) where they found Black Beards’ ship by the inlet are great marinas. The slip rates vary from $7 – $8 per foot per month. So for a 40′ boat you’re talking around $280.00 a month/6 months $1680.00 and sail her back up north in the spring. Very reasonable! The internet makes it easy to discover the numerous slips available there.

If you sail from Montauk to the Chesapeake, it would take about 54 hours (2-2 1/2 days). A great first stop is Cape May Harbor, a 30 hour trip. There you can anchor by the coast guard station. From there, you can either go offshore towards the Chesapeake, a 24 hour trip, or go up the Delaware Bay to the C & D canal, a 8-10 hour trip with the tide on your side. From a C & D marina, you can set sail for the northern Chesapeake. Norfolk, VA., with the beginning of the ICW, is south. That would be longer, but more inland. I prefer to sail offshore on my trip down to avoid the inland obstructions, tide changes, buoys, etc. Offshore you’re just clicking the miles off and getting into your watch routines. During October and November, the wind is on your side when heading south. They come from the northeast, off the land, making the seas flatter and giving you plenty of speed. With a rumbline to the Chesapeake, that would be a beam reach all the way down. Even with that Cape May stop over, the next day would have the wind aft of the beam.

When you first enter the mouth of the Chesapeake, you’ll find a great, protected harbor, Little Creek. “Little Creek Marina”, “Cobbs”, & “Cutty Sarks” marinas offer slips at cheap daily, weekly, or monthly rates. I find the kind and helpful southern hospitality second to none. Another great marina is Tidewater in Norfolk, where you’ll find lots of room to dock or anchor nearby. I have a hard time choosing between sticking around the Chesapeake area or taking the ICW to North Carolina. Either way, I find so many great coves and towns to check out. There are many other boaters enjoying their winter voyage and you’ll make friends with many of them.

My trip usually starts in October, as long as no hurricane is on its way. It’s still the hurricane season, but in the Chesapeake there’s plenty of time to head for a safe harbor. The storms take several days to several weeks to reach this area. I make it a habit to have several sources of information for weather, wind, and wave information. There are several good websites, and, of course, the VHF radio will keep you up-to-date on any formations or disturbances in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

There’s so much to explore, whether your trip is just for a long weekend or over the winter. But, who says you have to go home for the summer. Another adventure always lies ahead.

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Winter Escape on Your Sailboat

Everyone wants their boat to look new and shiny all of the time. Boat care can be as simple as washing and waxing the boat to filling in minor cracks and scrapes. Boat care is just as important as knowing how to run the boat. If proper boat care and maintenance is not maintained, the boat could fall into disrepair which could prove disastrous if you are stuck in the middle of the ocean. There are a variety of boat care cleaners and waxes available in today?s market.

It is important to choose the right cleaner for your type of boat and storage. Saltwater boats and freshwater boats often require different kinds of cleaning to ensure the longevity of the boat. It is also proper boat care to wash and wax your boat thoroughly before putting it into storage. This will enable your boat to be more easily ready for use when the time is right to take the boat out again.

Boat Care Products

There are a wide variety of cleaning products for the boat and it is up to the consumer to do the research and decide which products are best for their particular boat. Finding a good soap is the first priority in boat care. A good soap will clean every surface inside and out and will not remove any protective wax coating, but it will remove any stubborn dirt residue from the boat.

Spray cleaner is the next must have in boat care and should always be kept on hand. This cleaner will remove any stains that appear on the surface of the boat such as bird droppings, fish blood or just good old fashioned grease. Leaving those filthy remains on the boat could damage your boat in the long run. Another must have for proper boat care is a good finishing wax. The wax not only restores the boat?s shine and color, but the wax also helps to protect the boat from the elements.

Saltwater boats can experience build up and corrosion of their paint. Freshwater boats experience mold from the algae and slime found in lake water. These are just a few of the products needed for proper boat care. A good rule of thumb is to always research which products are right for your particular boat.

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The Big Business Of Boat Care

Made Out Of Aluminum

Most of the boat lifts that you will find being used these days are generally made from thick aluminum which is marine grade in quality and they also have fasteners that are made out of stainless steel which contributes to the equipment being as light as a feather, and which also prevents rusting while being easy to install as well. Each of the many boat lifts that you will find being used today have their own depth tolerance which is different for each model and also type of lift, and most of them can be used in fresh and also sea water while still others can be used in especially deeper waters.

You can be sure that the boat lifts that are available today come in different models including the usual four-post ones, elevator lifts and also those known as boathouse lifts while others include swivel lifts, sailboat lifts and even single post lifts. In addition, there are low profile lifts and also custom cradles though the most popular types of boat lifts are the four-post ones and also the elevator type.

Also, these boat lifts require electricity to be operated though a few may even run on solar power and some might even require AC power, and it is also not uncommon to find those that can be run without use of wired connections which are especially maneuverable and also very convenient while thrusting as well as carrying the boats.

Most boat lifts are structured with the engine as well as boat hull maintenance are easily accessed while the boat is being taken out of the water to be stored away safely, and the positioning of the lift posts is done to allow for continuous drainage of water and thereby prevent rusting or any other sort of damage from happening . Even when the boat lifts are conveying the boats, they do so by being very near to the dock or harbor, and thus anyone can enter the boat easily if they so wish to do so.

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A Few Common Characteristics Of Boat Lifts

So, if you own a boat that is powered by a motor, it will pay for you to learn all about the various boat motor parts since such knowledge will prove very useful in case something were to go wrong. Being able to recognize problems can help you avert physical as well as financial risks.

Engine, Propeller And Drive System

There are three main boat motor parts that you will need to be aware of, and each of these must always is properly functioning to ensure pleasure in boating and also to keep you safe while on board the boat. In the event that any of these boat motor parts including the engine, propeller as well as drive system were to fail, you would lose power and be at the mercy of nature. As for the drive system, your boat could use one that is either inboard, outboard or a combination of both, which is often known as stern drive, and it is this drive system that will transfer engine power to the water and hence provides the boat with thrust.

As for the other boat motor parts that is the engine, it can be compared to what goes into a heavy duty truck, and for proper functioning of a gasoline driven engine, you should ensure that the engine has good ventilation so that there is minimal risk of fire, or other explosion. However, you may want to choose diesel engines that are better than gasoline driven ones and most of the bigger ships as well as commercial ships opt for diesel engines since they afford cleaner burning and generally do not tend to explode, though you have to pay more for them initially.

The third component of boat motor parts is the boat?s propeller, which until recently, was quite a mystery as far choosing the best propeller was concerned; though, now-a-days it is not so difficult to choose one, but you should still consult with a professional to get the best advice and hence the most suitable propeller for your boat.

Before you consider the merits and demerits of these boat motor parts, you would do well to be totally familiar with them because then you could combine them well to get a smoother running boat, and for this consulting experts is a good course of action.

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About The Three Main Boat Motor Parts

Three Generations Of Service

Atkin and Company have been providing boat plans for three generations and their plans include practical as well as time tested designs, and if you go over their catalogue, you can find over three hundred designs of which the well-known Atkin double-enders are sure to catch your eye. In addition, you can find traditional offshore as well as coastal cruising yacht boat plans as too those for rowing and sailing dinghies, and even those that will help you build a houseboat. You can be sure that the designs incorporated in their boat plans are very simplistic and are outstanding when it comes to the building of boats by amateur builders.

With the Atkin boat plans, you will find well made study plans that will help you in choosing the most ideally suit boat for the level of skill you have with regard to building your own boat. Included in the designs are lines, table of offsets and also arrangement plan elevation and also sections, and much more. You can even find deck plans with complete details and there will also is a sail plan and you can be sure that these boat plans have all of the information that you will require as an amateur to build a boat successfully.

One thing you should remember when using the Atkin boat plans is to not deviate from the plans and not try and modify them to suit your desires, because doing so will be at your own risk and the final outcome may not look like what the boat plans showed you. Included in the Atkin boat plans are plans for small boats, rowboats as well as outboards, inboard utilities and runabouts, inboard cruisers, sailboats and auxiliaries, as well as certain other miscellaneous designs.

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Boat Plans: Trying The Atkin Plans Is Recommended

Greece is a very beautiful country to visit but if you plan to book a Greece sailboat charter you need to plan well in advance. These charter vessels are difficult to get at the last minute and you don’t want to be disappointed when you arrive in Greece and can’t get one. You also don’t want to pay a fortune to get one at that time. Planning ahead allows you to enjoy a Greece sailboat charter during your visit there at the very best price.

Before you begin looking for the right sailboat charter in Greece think about what you are looking for. Do you want a full day charter or a half day? How many people will be in your party so you can get the right size of sailboat reserved. If you will be traveling alone you have the option of renting a private charter or being on one with other people you don’t know. The option is yours but you will pay more for a private Greece sailboat charter.

To save money on a Greece sailboat charter you can include it as part of a package deal with your other travel arrangements. Don’t forget to inquire about how you will get to the charter as well. In some instances a vehicle will be sent for you but most of the time you will be responsible for your own transportation. You also have the option of setting up a Greece sailboat charter with an independent person or business.

Make sure you ask specific questions about the sailboat charter including the size of it, the quality of the boat, and the cost. It is a good idea to ask for a picture of the boat to be emailed to you. You also want to find out about the expertise of the navigator of the sailboat charter. Your safety is too important to trust to just anyone so make sure you ask about lifejackets and other safety equipment that should be onboard.

Once you have gone over all of this information you can book your Greece sailboat charter. You will know exactly what to expect and they type of vessel you will be spending your time on. You will also know that the navigator of the vessel has plenty of experience. Taking the time to go over this information before you get to Greece will help ensure you get your money’s worth and that you have a very safe adventure.

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Greece Sailboat Charter

Sailing boats has been one of my biggest passions since I was very little. My dad owned a sail boat – a model called a Flying Scott, pretty stable but reasonably peppy too. We used to take all of our friends out on day sailing trips around the lake. There wasn’t that far to go or that much to see, but even so, it was nice to feel the clear wind blow as we tooled around the lake.

As I grew older, however, I have less and less chance to go sailing on the lake. Sailboats were not a big part of my life. I was getting ready for college, then I was moving away, and finally I was settling into my own career. Now that I am a little bit older, however, I want to get back into sail boats again. I have actually been looking into boat shows for the past year, but it is hard to decide. Sail boat designs have changed so much since I was young, and they cost more than ever. Of course you can get financing for purchases, but I am definitely not in a place where I want to get further into debt! It took me a while to decide, but I finally figured out how to get back into sailing.

Over the summer, we took a sail boat charter on the ocean. It was one of the most exciting events of my life. We left from San Francisco, sailed up the coast, and eventually docked in Seattle. Some of it was pretty rough sailing, but it was all a lot of fun. Best of all, we didn’t have to do very much of the work. Most of it was all done for us! And because we chartered the boat along with several other couples, it was a pretty affordable trip. All in, it was not much more expensive than a normal vacation, although it was one of the most thrilling adventures we have ever had.

Now that I know what I want, I have been looking at sailboat classifieds. It won’t be long until I find the perfect sail boat. The great thing about buying used boats is that they depreciate so quickly in value if any damage is done to them. That means that, if you are willing to do some repair work yourself, you can get a used sail boat for next to nothing! You just have to know where to look.

Sailing And Sail Boats

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Sailing And Sail Boats

One item that every boat owner is very familiar with is boat engines. We rely on them to get a sailboat away from the dock, the yacht across the sea, or the humble dinghy out to the best fishing area. But we seldom consider the dangers of boat engines. If you are on a budget when you buy your boat, you might be tempted to buy second-hand boat engines. Which is a great way to save money, but you should inspect the boat engines carefully before committing your wallet. Make sure that there is no rust or dents that could cause leaks or other potential problems down the road. The propellers should be in good condition, not bent or dented or cracked. Ask about the history of the boat engines that you are considering. If they have been run aground or banged into, it’s better to give it a miss. Look for a top-notch engine instead.

When using a motorized watercraft you need to be careful. Children should never sit within reach of boat engines. They have a natural curiosity that might lead them to reach into the water and try to touch the propellers, resulting in a very tragic accident. Although it is common sense to keep limbs away from moving parts of boat engines, there are an alarming number of such accidents every year, so it pays to take precautions. Another danger when operating a boat involves ropes and cords. Make sure all lines are inside the boat. Even a line that hangs in the water at the prow of the boat could cause problems if it is sucked under the boat and catches in the propellers. Double checking before leaving the dock is the best way to avoid this problem. Children can be put to work coiling the lines inside the boat to occupy them and to keep things neat.

Anytime you have an accident in a boat, the engine should be checked over. In incidents where there has been a crash or the boat has run aground, the boat engines should be checked and repaired if necessary. Unnoticed cracks could lead to fuel leakage and a potential fire or explosion, at worst. The best case scenario, you won’t have any major problems, but will run out of fuel in the middle of the lake, which isn’t that fun, either! Speaking of fuel, it is worth mentioning that it’s essential to bring extra fuel with you. Even if you are certain you have enough to get there and back twice, bring extra. A little backup never hurt anyone and it could save you from an embarrassing incident with the Coast Guard or a cold night spent drifting at sea.

Buying Boat Engines

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Advice On Buying Boat Engines