Swim Platform designs come in many shapes and sizes and there are many reasons to buy a swim platform. For instance a place to put your beer cooler, set out your lounge chair or just a place to clean your fish and keep the mess out of the boat.
So what should you look for in a swim platform? Well, check out the tips below and you'll know way more than most on what to look for and how to shop for a swim platform. Swim platforms can be made from several different materials. In the past many swim platforms were made from Teak but these days most swim platforms are made from aluminum or fiberglass, truthfully though fiberglass is your best bet.
Fiberglass is strong, light and if it does get dinged or damaged, it's a simple matter to fix so it looks brand-new again. If you go to the time, trouble and expense of getting a swim platform, then by all means get one that's the full width of your boat, and about 30 inches deep.
You've probably seen those dinky token swim platforms that you can just barely stand on, this is not what you want. Another thing about a swim platform, make sure that inside its reinforced plywood. And of course sealed 100% with a gel coat finish.
Be sure to ask for references and to see pictures of past swim platform jobs. You don't want your boat to look like someone stuck a booger on the back of it. Make sure your vendor can color match your boat, and color match a feature stripe. You want your new swim platform to look as if it came from the factory with your boat.
Another important cosmetic item is trim molding. A heavy rubber molding trims out the top edge so the swim platform melds perfectly with your boat and helps protect your boat from any light bumps. And finally safety. Does the top surface have a nonskid material rolled into the gel coat or can you get a foam type of nonskid surface instead. You'll want to be sure to get one or the other.
A swim platform is best appreciated in pictures. If you want to see pictures of a finished swim platform and to get an idea of my craftsmanship visit my web site at: Swim Platform Designs
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Boat Covers Are Essential For All Boats
Getting a boat is not a problem but keeping it in the perfect condition is the real catch. There is absolutely no doubt in the fact that you can have a ripper of a time while in the water, but, things can really take a nosedive when it comes to repair and maintenance of your boat.
Though it is a tedious task to keep your boat in the best condition but it has to be done nevertheless. One of the best ways to achieve the task is by using boat covers. Since they provide your boat the protection shield, so, they must be used by everyone. It however is essential to mention that there are so many types of such covers available today that it is literally impossible to make a right choice.
But, the good part of the whole story is that you can get any types of boat covers including the custom boat covers. Custom boat cover is the one which is created according to your own liking and that's why it helps to personalize your boat in the perfect way. So, availability of different designs, shapes and materials is a good thing, especially if you know how to make a choice amongst them.
In case you don't know much about the boat covers, then you must keep following points in mind to get the best for your boat.
• Choosing the cover according to your boat is the most important thing. For instance, if you have pontoon boat, there is no use of exploring the range other than pontoon boat covers. Similarly, for Bayliner, nothing will work other than Bayliner boat cover. Buying such cover without considering the type of your boat will put you in trouble. Here, you may have to cut the cover so that it may cover the rails, mast, etc, and that's the point where you can falter. So, what is the best option? As mentioned that customer fit such covers are now available in the market, so, you can always consider using this option to get a perfect cover for your boat. Since these cover fit snugly, so, they provide much more protection.
• Material and fabric is another important thing to consider. Though, you can choose amongst many available options but Sunbrella boat cover and Canvas boat cover are the best. Canvas boat covers are best if your boat remains unused for long, whereas, Sunbrella boat covers are suitable to protect your boat from sun.
These are the basic things that you must keep in mind while shopping for boat covers. However, it is a fact that prices of different covers can be different. This price factor can have a great impact on buying decision, but, you can always get discount boat cover by making use of internet.
The best thing about internet is that you can shop according to the type of your boat. Just enter the keyword like "pontoon boat cover" or "Bayliner boat covers" or whatever you want to get loads of results. Due to the search engines, you will become able to know the places which can be used to get discount boat covers. So, keep aforementioned points in mind and use internet to save more money.
If you are on look out for some more buying tips on boat covers then check out http://www.boatcoversadvice.com/
Though it is a tedious task to keep your boat in the best condition but it has to be done nevertheless. One of the best ways to achieve the task is by using boat covers. Since they provide your boat the protection shield, so, they must be used by everyone. It however is essential to mention that there are so many types of such covers available today that it is literally impossible to make a right choice.
But, the good part of the whole story is that you can get any types of boat covers including the custom boat covers. Custom boat cover is the one which is created according to your own liking and that's why it helps to personalize your boat in the perfect way. So, availability of different designs, shapes and materials is a good thing, especially if you know how to make a choice amongst them.
In case you don't know much about the boat covers, then you must keep following points in mind to get the best for your boat.
• Choosing the cover according to your boat is the most important thing. For instance, if you have pontoon boat, there is no use of exploring the range other than pontoon boat covers. Similarly, for Bayliner, nothing will work other than Bayliner boat cover. Buying such cover without considering the type of your boat will put you in trouble. Here, you may have to cut the cover so that it may cover the rails, mast, etc, and that's the point where you can falter. So, what is the best option? As mentioned that customer fit such covers are now available in the market, so, you can always consider using this option to get a perfect cover for your boat. Since these cover fit snugly, so, they provide much more protection.
• Material and fabric is another important thing to consider. Though, you can choose amongst many available options but Sunbrella boat cover and Canvas boat cover are the best. Canvas boat covers are best if your boat remains unused for long, whereas, Sunbrella boat covers are suitable to protect your boat from sun.
These are the basic things that you must keep in mind while shopping for boat covers. However, it is a fact that prices of different covers can be different. This price factor can have a great impact on buying decision, but, you can always get discount boat cover by making use of internet.
The best thing about internet is that you can shop according to the type of your boat. Just enter the keyword like "pontoon boat cover" or "Bayliner boat covers" or whatever you want to get loads of results. Due to the search engines, you will become able to know the places which can be used to get discount boat covers. So, keep aforementioned points in mind and use internet to save more money.
If you are on look out for some more buying tips on boat covers then check out http://www.boatcoversadvice.com/
Friday, June 12, 2009
How to Quick-Fix Your Engine - Common Boat Engine Problems
There are so many things that can go wrong with a boat when it is out on the lake. Boats are like cars and trucks in that they need to have maintenance done on them as often as possible especially if you take your boat out a lot. What are the common issues that plaque boat engines and the owners.
Overheating - It is not uncommon for a boat's engine to overheat. With all kinds of items being thrown into the world's lakes, streams, rivers and oceans, it's almost inevitable that something will get sucked into the water intake. Be sure you check this area first. Should there be something stuck inside, remove the item and wait for the engine to cool off. After a bit of time has passed, try to restart the engine. Sometimes, trash isn't the problem though.
Another culprit to an engine overheating is the water pump impeller has blown. It's best to have this spare part on board. However, most persons will not so what do you do to fix the problem and get back to shore? Use the drain plug located in the engine's water jacket. Using a funnel, pour fresh water into it. While it won't completely fix your problem, it does help in that you can slowly make your way back to the shoreline. However, you have to keep watch on your temperature gauge. If it seems like it is starting to get hot, stop and let it cool down. Depending on how far out you are will depend on how quick you get back to the shore.
Oil Gasket - If your boat won't start, check your oil gasket. If it's leaking, that can be a culprit. All you have to do is replace it with another gasket. However, most people do not have spare gaskets lying in their toolkit. That means you need to come up with a way to make a temporary one. This is when you can use a marine chart. Cut out a temporary gasket from the chart, adding layers to it. In your haste, you may accidentally cut out the information you need. Be sure you watch where you cut.
Spark Plug Wire - Spark plug wires that have cracked can short out especially if the day is rainy or it is rather humid. When this occurs, your boat engine is likely to misfire. Be sure you keep duct tape in your toolkit to close up the wires and keep wetness out. Be sure you cover every crack you find so it doesn't short out. This will work until you can replace the spark plug wires.
Being prepared is essential to fixing your engine quickly. Carry spare parts with you that may be necessary to repairing your engine. Be sure you have tools in your boat to help you out. Most importantly, be sure you have the necessary information that will help you to fix your boat. If you need to, keep a booklet on hand.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat engines.
Overheating - It is not uncommon for a boat's engine to overheat. With all kinds of items being thrown into the world's lakes, streams, rivers and oceans, it's almost inevitable that something will get sucked into the water intake. Be sure you check this area first. Should there be something stuck inside, remove the item and wait for the engine to cool off. After a bit of time has passed, try to restart the engine. Sometimes, trash isn't the problem though.
Another culprit to an engine overheating is the water pump impeller has blown. It's best to have this spare part on board. However, most persons will not so what do you do to fix the problem and get back to shore? Use the drain plug located in the engine's water jacket. Using a funnel, pour fresh water into it. While it won't completely fix your problem, it does help in that you can slowly make your way back to the shoreline. However, you have to keep watch on your temperature gauge. If it seems like it is starting to get hot, stop and let it cool down. Depending on how far out you are will depend on how quick you get back to the shore.
Oil Gasket - If your boat won't start, check your oil gasket. If it's leaking, that can be a culprit. All you have to do is replace it with another gasket. However, most people do not have spare gaskets lying in their toolkit. That means you need to come up with a way to make a temporary one. This is when you can use a marine chart. Cut out a temporary gasket from the chart, adding layers to it. In your haste, you may accidentally cut out the information you need. Be sure you watch where you cut.
Spark Plug Wire - Spark plug wires that have cracked can short out especially if the day is rainy or it is rather humid. When this occurs, your boat engine is likely to misfire. Be sure you keep duct tape in your toolkit to close up the wires and keep wetness out. Be sure you cover every crack you find so it doesn't short out. This will work until you can replace the spark plug wires.
Being prepared is essential to fixing your engine quickly. Carry spare parts with you that may be necessary to repairing your engine. Be sure you have tools in your boat to help you out. Most importantly, be sure you have the necessary information that will help you to fix your boat. If you need to, keep a booklet on hand.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat engines.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Taking Your Dog Out Boating - An Essential Guide
Want to take your beloved dog out on the boat with you? Below are 5 top tips to help you with taking your best mate out on the water with you.
1) Consider taking your dog out on a trial run first. See how your dog goes with being on the water and with being on a boat. You don't want to have a big trip planned only to find out your dog has other ideas.
2) Encourage the dog to come on board the boat and make him/her feel welcome. Offer the dog praise and perhaps a few food treats once on board. This will encourage the dog to see the boat as a nice place.
3) Once you are off on your boating trip, it is a good idea to harness or secure your dog down if it moves around a lot. You don't want your dog jumping off the boat once you are at high speed. Worse still you do not want your dog jumping off the back when you don't notice or your dog may become lost at sea. A dog lifejacket is another thing to consider. They are cheap and will help your dog swim. Many people use them anytime they take their dog swimming as it helps with buoyancy.
4) Plan rest breaks if possible. You do not want your dog doing it's business on your boat deck so consider a short stop every hour or so. If this is impossible consider setting aside a place on board where the dog can go. You could put something down such as a plastic liner to save staining your deck. Keep bringing the dog to this point every hour or so and it will soon realize it is the place to go. Remember once the dog has done it's business there give it lots of praise and encouragement.
5) Keep all gear on board stowed in a correct location. Misplaced hooks are a common hazard for dogs so make sure these get put away safely. Also try to hide your bait or your dog may just decide to eat it all when you are not looking.
Sticking to these points will ensure your boat voyage with your dog will be both a safe and rewarding trip.
James Fletcher is a boating and fishing enthusiast. His website is a great source of boating and fishing knowledge. Find more usefull boating and fishing tips at:
http://www.freeboatingtips.com
1) Consider taking your dog out on a trial run first. See how your dog goes with being on the water and with being on a boat. You don't want to have a big trip planned only to find out your dog has other ideas.
2) Encourage the dog to come on board the boat and make him/her feel welcome. Offer the dog praise and perhaps a few food treats once on board. This will encourage the dog to see the boat as a nice place.
3) Once you are off on your boating trip, it is a good idea to harness or secure your dog down if it moves around a lot. You don't want your dog jumping off the boat once you are at high speed. Worse still you do not want your dog jumping off the back when you don't notice or your dog may become lost at sea. A dog lifejacket is another thing to consider. They are cheap and will help your dog swim. Many people use them anytime they take their dog swimming as it helps with buoyancy.
4) Plan rest breaks if possible. You do not want your dog doing it's business on your boat deck so consider a short stop every hour or so. If this is impossible consider setting aside a place on board where the dog can go. You could put something down such as a plastic liner to save staining your deck. Keep bringing the dog to this point every hour or so and it will soon realize it is the place to go. Remember once the dog has done it's business there give it lots of praise and encouragement.
5) Keep all gear on board stowed in a correct location. Misplaced hooks are a common hazard for dogs so make sure these get put away safely. Also try to hide your bait or your dog may just decide to eat it all when you are not looking.
Sticking to these points will ensure your boat voyage with your dog will be both a safe and rewarding trip.
James Fletcher is a boating and fishing enthusiast. His website is a great source of boating and fishing knowledge. Find more usefull boating and fishing tips at:
http://www.freeboatingtips.com
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