Archive for February, 2009

Boat propellers

Author: boater, 02 13th, 2009

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Boat propellers come in different sizes. There will be some numbers stamped around the prop shaft hole (on the propeller) on the end where the prop nut goes on.
They also might be stamped in between the blades on the barrel part of the propeller.

These will be a part number and/or the actual size number. Either way we can determine what you have and go from there.
There are always two size numbers for any boat propeller.
The first number is the diameter (measured from the prop shaft hole out to one blade tip times two).
The second number is the pitch (how far a propeller should travel forward through a solid one revolution in terms of inches).
The pitch is the most important number because different pitches will make the engine R.P.M.’s change at full speed.

The theory is for every one inch in pitch the RPM’s will change 150 to 200. The higher the number pitch means lower R.P.M.’s, and the lower the number pitch means higher RPM’s.
So the quest is to get the right pitched prop that will get you in your recommended W.O.T. R.P.M. operating range.




HUMMINBIRD PIRANHAMAX 230 PT PORTABLE

Author: boater, 02 09th, 2009

28308.gifPiranhaMAX 230 PortablePiranhaMAX 230 Portable features traditional and wireless technology in one compact, portable unit to locate fish anywhere possible.

Key Features

Portable Features

  • Rugged portable case protects fishfinder while in storage or transport.
  • No-skid bottom helps keeps fishfinder in place
  • Built-in transducer cable wrap with cover
  • Suction cup transducer mounts on most aluminum, wood and fiberglass hulls with smooth surface.
  • Operates on 8 easily available AA batteries

Fishfinder Features

  • High definition 160Vx132H, 4&qout; diagonal display
  • SmartCast® Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor with 4 level grayscale sonar, water temperature and programmable light for night fishing.
  • Easy One-Touch control accesses full set of advanced features
  • Traditional 20° & 60° dual beam sonar and depth to 600 feet.
  • SmartCast 90° single beam wireless sonar with operating range to 100 feet and depth capability to 120 feet.
  • 800 Watts peak to peak (100 Watts RMS) power output.
  • Water temperature included in transducer
  • Ultra-compact size mounts almost anywhere




PURPOSE OF THE BOAT

Author: boater, 02 06th, 2009

7c07b5cc95be6b9cfe28f79b21b2be81.jpgDecide what your main purpose(s) for the boat will be. Do you want it strictly for tournament waterskiing or strictly for recreational wakeboarding? Or do you have kids or adults that like to do a little bit of everything behind the boat, today a lot of people like pulling infltables.   Will it mainly be a fishing boat that you’ll occasionally want to water-ski behind? These factors will determine your engine type (inboard, inboard/outboard, or outboard). Boats.com explains some tips in its article,




RENEWZLT

Author: boater, 02 04th, 2009

RenewzIt

RenewzIt
Click to enlarge image(s)

Using a series of specially formulated compounds, RenewzIt removes deep scratches, oxidation, water spots and impurities on cars, boats, RVs, vans, trucks, trailers, motorcycles and airplanes

A must cleaner for everyone who spends a lot of time using their toys.




PROMARINER PROTOURNAMENT BATTERY CHRGER

Author: boater, 02 04th, 2009

33284.gifAdvanced Electronic, Fully Automatic 3-Step Marine Battery Charger

  • Distributed On-Demand Charging – Automatically senses and distributes full amps to any one bank or combination of all banks.
  • Faster Charging – 2 to 3 times faster than traditional battery chargers with true 3 step charging technology. Each step is electronically controlled for the fastest charge.
  • Professional Performance – 100% battery charge guaranteed. 100% charging output with AC power as low as 90 VAC while using long extension cords at the dock, lodging site or home. Proven to condition and extend the life of your batteries.
  • Compact Lightweight Design – Rugged Space Saver all aluminum housing is half the height of leading traditional chargers. Unit is not potted and is completely serviceable for lifetime of use under ProMariner’s lifetime repair guarantee.
  • Easy Operation – Pre-wired for easy installation. On-board Push-to-Test charge level and mode indicators . Internal battery selection-lead acid, gel or AGM compatible.
  • True 3 Step Charging Electronically controlled for the Fastest Charge
  • Step 1: Fast Charge – Charger delivers maximum amperage to batteries for the fastest charge (current regulation mode) until battery voltage is raised to 14.6 VDC.
  • Step 2: Absorption Charge – Maximizes charge and holds voltage at 14.6 VDC for 3 hours (voltage regulation mode) reducing sulfate buildup and conditions batteries.
  • Step 3: Float Mode – A precision 13.3 VDC finishing voltage that maintains your batteries, (step down voltage regulation mode) which is perfect for short or long storage periods and will never overcharge your batteries.
  • Faster Charging 100% Charge Guaranteed
  • ProMariner’s advanced electronic technology will deliver 2 times the amps to your batteries in the same amount of time when compared to leading traditional linear chargers. That means the ProTournament will charge your batteries twice as fast.




32295.gifIs the marine stereo system up to the challenges of a marine environment and capable of holding up to the humid conditions. Are water-resistant materials in place, such as sealed switches or coated circuit board to keep out the water. 

The salt air, humidity, and moisture can soon takes its toll on the electronic equipment onboard a boat. So, its important to locate a stereo system that’s actually been developed for a wet environment. Coatings to the internal circuit board, rubber keypad controls, UV-resistant, shock resistant, and splash proof faceplates are just some of the extras to resist the conditions at sea.

Boss Audio, JBL, Jensen, Sony, and Clarion are a few of the manufacturers that offer high-quality marine stereos that not only sound great, but also able to endure the hardships of life at sea. The latest models of boat stereos come with a host of features, such as AM/FM/CD changers, full iPod or MP3 connections and SIRIUS satellite radio ready systems. Add-ons to go with the systems include marine speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers.

Also some manufacturers have been known to put automotive equipment inside a box that’s been marked with marine. That classification of ‘marine’ is often enough to add a few hundred dollars to the price tag. This makes it especially important to locate a stereo that’s actually suited to the task at hand and is actually worth the extra expense.

It’s crucial that a marine stereo system is truly able to address the tough conditions of being out on the water and able to cope with the vibrations of a choppy boat ride.




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When it’s charged, this 4-pound lithium battery pack will power a laptop for up to six hours or a camcorder for 100. It can be recharged at a wall outlet or in a vehicle. If you add Brunton’s solar panel, the pack can run indefinitely. All in all, it’s the most powerful and versatile portable power unit we’ve seen,” says Field & Stream. Won Best of the Best in award in 2008, Field and Stream Magazine..

Features:
Lightweight and compact designs allows you to take it anywhere
12 volt output charges many of your electronic devices, including laptops, satellite phones and many more
Reverse flow protection prevents discharging the device you are using
DC output allows you to charge many of your electronics the same way as if you were charging from your car
DC 120 inverter included
Waterproof




Lost at Sea

Author: WaterBlogged, 02 02nd, 2009

Lost at Sea

When you’re traveling miles away from the mainland, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings.  It’s easy to get lost on the open ocean, and it’s necessary to have more than just a map or sea chart and a compass.  On board, you should have a short wave radio, a flare gun, and a GPS unit.  Chances are if you’ve become turned around but were recently in sight of the mainland, you’ll be able to radio for help if you can’t get back.  The flare gun is essential for rescue, especially at night.  When it comes to purchasing a GPS unit, the maritime Furuno GPS unit is the best value.  It’s like a map, compass, and depth finder all in one, and even if all your other tools are useless, it can steer you towards land. 

If your motor or sails become damaged and you’re unable to move, you should also always keep a set of oars on your boat.  It’s primitive, but when you’re stranded miles off shore, you’ll be glad you have some method to begin moving back. 




Being Prepared… on the Water!

Author: WaterBlogged, 02 02nd, 2009

Being Prepared… on the Water!

Boating is an enjoyable pastime, and millions of people around the world share a passion for sailing and being out on the open water.  However, boating is not without its dangers, and it’s important to be ready to face those dangers if necessary.  The most common boating accidents usually involve the owner running around on a reef or shelf.  For this, it’s important to have a depth finder, and to be aware of the depth of the water wherever you’re sailing.  For motor boats, you should also carry an extra propeller onboard, whether patriot propellers, hustler, or rascal, the brand is your choice, just make sure it fits.  It’s also important to be aware of the rules of maritime travel when passing other watercraft, and to keep an eye on marker buoys for shallow water or obstructions.  Life jackets are essential for all members on board. 

Taking these precautions will allow you to have an enjoyable boating experience, and be free from any fears about becoming stranded, capsized, or colliding with another boat. 




You don’t even need a boat

Author: boater, 02 01st, 2009

313661.gifUse it on your boat, your buddys boat, a dock, or even a float tube. Fishin Buddy® Fishfinders give everyone the ultimate in portability, with an ergonomic clamp mount design you can use nearly anywhere, with absolutely no rigging or wiring, or even a transducer to mount. Youll also love the high resolution 16 level Grayscale monochrome display, and powerful SideFinding™ sonar that you can point in nearly any direction to fi nd more fi sh. The 24-inch transducer tube housing reaches the water from most small or mid-size fishing boats: select models feature a telescoping 40-inch transducer.We made the Fishin Buddy easy to use, too, with One-Touch® control for access to all the advanced features, and even Selective Fish ID+®. Finally, just six AA batteries supply all the power you need for hours of enjoyment.No-Rig Mount
With the multi-directional clamp mount on each Fishin Buddy you can quickly and easily mount it nearly anywhere, in any orientation. Best of all, theres no wires or rigging, period.Point and Cast
SideFinding™: Exclusive SideFinding Sonar spots fish all around your boat, out to 120 feet. Simply turn it in the direction you want to search. And with its narrow cone, when you see a fish onscreen, your transducer is pointing directly at it, so you know exactly where to cast.