What's better than spending a day on the boat? Spending a day on the boat and sharing a meal aboard or on the beach! Summer might be winding down, but there are lots of sunny days ahead before the cold sets in. Make the most of late summer with a picnic on the water.
Selling a boat can be bittersweet. On the one hand, it's exciting to make room for something new, but on the other, your old boat has been a part of many happy memories. Give yourself the best chance at finding your boat a good home with these six tips.
What a year! It's had its ups and downs, hasn't it? From award-winning boats to the Great American Eclipse, let's take a look at some highlights.
Boat covers and car roofs have a few things in common. They come in a range of colors; they offer protection from the elements; and they seem to be target numero uno for bird poop.
The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, but Mother Nature started weeks ahead of schedule with Tropical Storm Arlene back in April. Though Arlene stayed out to sea, we can't count on being so lucky all season. The latest Pacific temperature data is trending towards El Niáo, but the water is not yet warm enough to qualify. The researchers at Colorado State University's Tropical Meteorology Project have revised their earlier forecast and are now predicting 13 named storms this season.
Memorial Day in the USA is the unofficial beginning of summer, kicking off the warm-weather party season. You don't need a big yacht to host a boat party, and you don't have to be Martha Stewart to throw a fun, flavorful, and safe party that your boating buddies will remember for a long time.
We know you can't wait to get your boat out of storage and back in the water. Much as we'd all like to plunge right in and get going, it's better to be careful and prepare the boat properly for the season. Inspection and repair can be tedious, but it can also build excitement, like a countdown to launch.
There's so much to love about autumn: the beautiful colors on the trees, the crisp air, the special blue of the November sky. There's no line at the boat launch, lots of space at the docks, and open water as far as the eye can see. It's nice to have the beach and water to oneself. With the end of peak boating season, marinas scale back services. You might not be able to refuel late in the day if the pumps close early, and you can't count on bait shops to stay open in the evening, either. Take enough bait, snacks, water, and supplies with you, and fill your gas tank before you depart. If you carry a spare gas can, fill it, too, and be sure to store it safely (not in the engine compartment or cabin). How are your lights? The days grow shorter, which means you might be getting back to the dock after dark. Replace burned-out bulbs when you find them. Cold temperatures shorten battery life, both in your boat's system and in flashlights, so carry extra batteries for your small electronics,
The ancients blamed the hot weather of July and August on Sirius, the intensely bright Dog Star. During these "dog days," an afternoon on the water can be especially refreshing, but hot weather can present boaters with challenges unique to the season. Watch the Weather. The number on the thermometer doesn't tell the whole story, so check the heat index before heading out. So-called popup thunderstorms are common on hot days, and while they don't usually last long, they can pack quite a punch. As always, if you see lightning, head for port. Performance. Hot, humid summer weather reduces engine power and can knock your speed down by as much as 3 or 4 mph. It can't be helped, but it's nothing to worry about,
