Marine Accessories

Tired of Replacing Batteries Every Two Years?
A better Understanding of Batteries Will Help Resolve Your Problems
by David Pascoe

One of the most common problems I run into on surveys is dead or severely depleted  batteries. The usual reason why boat batteries are dead is due to having the wrong type, size or quality to meet the vessel’s demands. Truly good batteries are expensive and there are few boat builders that provide good batteries with new vessels; usually the quality is minimal, the amount of power inadequate, and the type ill-suited. The subject of batteries can be rather complex, but I’m sure most boat owners would rather not know too much about the details of how batteries work (or fail to work). The discussion of batteries can be divided into two major topics, battery construction and application, and charging. This essay deals mainly with battery construction and application, and will help you gain a better understanding of what type is best for your application, as well as what is needed to maintain them for longest service life and reliability. Application means the type of boat you have, how it is used, and the kinds of equipment on it.

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With boating season about to get into full swing, it is time to think about packing up your gear and your family and heading to the lake. Going out on the boat with your family can be a fun experience that can create many happy childhood memories for your children. Growing up on the water is an experience that not all children get to have. There are some things that you can do to help add to the experience.

The first thing that you need to do is to pick a boating destination. Children enjoy riding on the boat, but they also will not want to ride around endlessly all day. They need something to look forward to. If you are a family that enjoys skiing, then board your boat and take a scenic cruise to the best skiing spot on the lake. If your children like to be pulled on a float, then make your way to calmer waters where they can enjoy being pulled on the float without having to worry about other boats, their is a very large selection of inflatables.  If sunbathing is a priority, then a calm inlet where you can tie floats to the boat and be lazy in the water is a perfect spot. We have an island close to us where there is a beach volley ball court and a water volley ball court set up in shallow water. This seems to be the spot for the teenagers to congregate and parents to relax together. Younger children might enjoy a nature cruise, looking for turtles, fish and flowers.

Pack plenty of food and drinks for your family. If you have a teenage son who eats and eats and eats, then have snacks available for him. A picnic lunch on the water or on the beach of an island are both good ideas. If you have access to a restaurant on the water, then take advantage of an hour out of the sun and in the air conditioning to fuel up for more water fun.

Take along games such as cards or a favorite board game. If your children need a break from being in the water, they can play a game on deck or down below. The children can play games inside the boat while you ride around leisurely, which works for both of you.

Have fun making memories with your family on the water. Whether you are swimming, skiing or relaxing in the water or on the boat, enjoy the family time that boating together gives you. In this fast paced world, being out on the water, away from it all is a good time out for everyone

Boating season is almost here and are you ready?  Is you prop in good condition, do you have Bennett Trim Tabs which give you better economy.  You also know that you need something to have fun with such as and inflatable or maybe even a wakeboard.  Also while you are boating around make sure you have a good sound system so you can enjoy great sounds.

I am a party dude! That’s what all my friends call me “the party dude.” I love my nickname and I made good use of my reputation by throwing theme parties as often as I can. The next theme party I plan to have is a boating in the Bahamas party. I am even renting out a pontoon boat just for the occasion.

One thing that concerned me however, was the fact that I wanted to play music on the boat but I had no idea whether or not it had speakers. After a phone call to the rental agent I was pleased to learn that the pontoon has full-power marine speakers. People would be hearing Jimmy Buffet for miles around!

SKILL TUBING
Skill Tubing is a challenging new experience, not just another towable that you simply hang on to. The TEAM SLALOM INFLATABLE is a new Doable; a controllable towable that you can maneuver, slalom, jump, veer, and do a combination of moves through the boat wake or crest in a straight-line boat pattern. Doables are PATENT PENDING new shapes that have less drag with smaller footprints for reduced gas consumption. A new PATENT PENDING bottom “VEER” tow system, combined with strategically located extra large PATENT PENDING Tiger Tooth Fins enable the rider to control the Team Slalom in various shoe-lace type moves. Skill is acquired via multiple riding attempts. You will learn that slaloming is achieved by leaning left or right away from the boat. As you gain balance and the ability to maneuver, you will have plenty of spills and chills. All riders, boat drivers and spotters are novices. Start slowly at reduced speeds until you gain confidence, then create your own thrilling ride on a wide varity of inflatables by SportSSTUFF.

It is estimated there are 58 million dogs and 62 million cats in North America and sadly, thousands of these pets drown unnecessarily each year. Many of these downing’s go unreported, so there is no way of knowing the exact number of fatalities. Although, 99 % of dogs can swim, we have a false sense of security when we see our dogs running and jumping in and out of the water at the lake or our back yard pool. Most dogs (and yes some cats) can only swim for short distances, before they grow tired. If they can’t find a quick way of getting their paws back on firm ground, they will go into a panic state and that is what causes them to drown. Pets are not the only ones that are losing their lives, dedicated pet parents will throw caution to the wind and jump into a frozen lake or fast moving river to try and save their beloved pets.

What can we do to prevent our pets from becoming a drowning victim? Here are a few valuable tips:

1. Don’t assume your dog can swim.

2. Keep a close eye on your aging pet. They cannot swim as long or as far as they once did.

3. Never throw a dog or cat in water. They will panic from the initial shock.

4. Purchase a canine floatation device (CFD) or pet life jacket for your dog or cat. Make sure they wear it anywhere near water. Many pets fall off docks and moving boats undetected.

5. Solar blankets/pool covers look like a solid surfaces to a pet. Remove them whenever possible when your pets are around the pool.

6. Install a pet safety gate near the pool area.

7. Make sure your pet can not gain easy access to the neighbor’s pool.

8. Have a pool alarm installed in your pool or pond.

9. Don’t let your pet play or walk near fast flowing water.

10. Keep your pets away from frozen lakes & rivers.

The guilt associated with watching your pet drown is truly overwhelming and one never really recovers from that experience. I strongly encourage you to have a look around your property for obvious water hazards. Whether it is summer or winter, you need to drown proof your home as well as your vacation property NOW. If your pet is going to be anywhere near water, make sure they are wearing a canine floatation device or pet life jacket.

Older, bulkier handheld GPS receivers are being replaced with a smaller pocket-sized GPS units. The construction of handheld GPS receivers has changed phenomenally. To keep from getting lost in the wilderness, the demand for handheld GPS tracking systems by cross-country skiers, bikers and hikers has increased. Though some may not use a GPS receiver on a regular basis, they do like to have one handy in the event of an emergency. These smaller portable GPS units are inexpensive enough to easily have on hand. The global GPS software tracking system can hone in on your gps receiver and give your location based on things like elevation and combinations of other factors in your vicinity with near pinpoint accuracy. This lets you traverse almost any terrain with the help of your handheld GPS unit. Along with the ability to assist you in pinpointing your global location, the pocket-sized GPS unit has the advantage of being small enough to easily fit in a suitcase or backpack without taking up much room. Travelers and campers will find that the portable GPS receiver is simplicity itself to use. Different models will vary according to the GPS software and database installed. To facilitate the enjoyment of the interactive GPS unit, all the models have the basic instructions on the display screen. Most handheld GPS models come with instructions that will enable you to hear the information put out as well as read it on the screen.

Finally, you can put a show room shine on any your boat without paying the cost of show room polishes. Advantage™, made exclusively for the Mary Moppins Company, washes and protects your boat or any other vehicle in one quick step.  Advantage is waterless and very easy to use and also good for the enviorment.

In the past few years, GPS devices have become more popular. However, when many people think of GPS, they think of larger devices that come in automobiles. Well, today you can find smaller versions as well, such as a handheld GPS device. You don’t have to have a large system that only stays in one vehicle. You can purchase a handheld device that will be able to go wherever you do, which is a huge benefit and step forward when it comes to GPS products. There are many companies that are producing these devices, so here are some excellent tips to help you make the best choice when you purchase a handheld.