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Marine supplies

If you are new to boats and boating, you may wonder how the pontoon boat got its name. Pontoons are cylindrical shaped objects that have the ability to float on water, and due to this characteristic, they were often used for large structures that required staying afloat. This included buildings and bridges that had to achieve this objective, whether permanently or temporarily. With such a useful trait, it was not long before some individuals hooked onto the idea of using pontoons to construct vessels that could stay afloat on water and transport humans and goods as well. The end result was the pontoon boat.

Pontoon boats are extremely popular due to its cost effectiveness compared to owning other types of boating vehicles, with people often looking out for used pontoon boats for sale in a bid to get cheap bargains. The variety of these boats are also mind boggling, ranging from the simple pontoon boat for recreational activities like a sunny day out in the Marine supplies  sea, to the more sophisticated hunting and fishing boats built to withstand heavy duty use while participating in the sport. Despite the differences in uses and needs, they generally consist of the same generic design, with a deck built on top of the two cylindrical pontoons. The sizes of the decks and pontoons are dependent on the activity the boat is built for, and they can be made from many different types of material, such as wood. The main objective for these boats are to be lightweight due to its various needs, but to be sturdy enough to contain a sizable number of passengers and equipment used for the trips.

A simple pontoon boat will normally not have any protective railings around its peripheral, as they are used for recreational or even patrolling purposes in neighboring rivers or swamps. However, there are an increasing number of boats which are fitted with railings as a precautionary measure. Some of these pontoon boats even have a mini shelter or cabin built over them, for those who prefer a more sheltered design. Again the designs are kept simple because of the nature of use for these boats. You will hardly ever see anyone on a pontoon boat out in the ocean, as they are simply not built for rougher terrains or environments.

At the same time many prefer getting pontoon boats due to their lower cost and they can be a great vehicle for a family trip or gathering down by the lake or river. These vehicles are also much smaller in size and easier to manage and maintain. The variety of pontoon boats for sale also show the enduring popularity of these water vehicles and they remain affordable for most individuals who would like to own one without being set back a huge amount from buying a larger and more expensive vessel like yachts. New pontoon boats can be bought for just a few hundred dollars, and many retailers now include other extra accessories which make these purchases very much a bargain.

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Marine supplies

Sure you like to be out on the open water, guiding your vessel over the waves. But one of the facts of a mariner's life is you end up spending a lot of your time on the dock. And so does your boat. That said, you need to have a good understanding of dock accessories.

What are the must-haves? How about the extras that can turn your dock into your own open air man cave? And finally, where can you find that perfect dock accessory? The following sets out to answer all of these questions for you.

The essentials

Whether you're a lifelong mariner or a rookie just getting started, you need to make sure you have the essentials covered. And perhaps the most important accessories out there are dock lifts. Why? Well, when you aren't using your boat, you need to get it out of the water. Marine supplies  Sure it's made to sail the blue seas, but letting it sit and soak just isn't good for it. By purchasing a dock lift to securely suspend your boat, you'll save it from corrosion as well as the damage it could incur from continuously bumping up against the dock. And you'll also save your dock from damage, for that matter.

You also need to make sure you can properly tie your boat to the dock. With that in mind, dock cleats are another essential dock accessory. Priced anywhere from 5 dollars to 16 dollars each, you're sure to find a dock cleat to fit any budget. Just make sure you buy cleats that are durable. The last thing you need is one that will crack and allow your boat to float off.

When your boat is up against the dock, it's inevitable that the two will collide at some point. And sure you can minimize such collisions by purchasing a boat hoist, but your boat has to be in the water at some point. That's why you need to invest in dock edging and bumpers. These bumpers will ensure you're your boat doesn't crack when it hits the dock. Instead, your boat will ricochet off the edging, sparing it of dents.

The extras

Once you have the above necessities covered, you want to start thinking about the extra dock accessories that will take your boating experience to the next level. One such accessory is the dock box. Dock boxes perform two important functions.

• They keep your mooring equipment safe from the weather and theft when you aren't present.

• They keep you from having to carry all of your equipment back and forth each time you use your boat.

Simply put, dock boxes make the mariner's life much easier.

Dock lights can also take your vessel's home up a notch. They're useful for a variety of reasons:

• They allow you to work on the dock safely at night.

• A well lit dock staves off thieves.

• They're stylish.

Whether for functionality or luxury, you'd be wise to invest in dock lights.

The suppliers

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Marine products

You have finally made another dream come true. A new boat shines at the end of your dock. Finally, your plans of sailing to the open sea will no longer be an idea but a reality you can share with your love ones and friends. Owning a boat gives you a wonderful feeling of fulfillment. It gives you a sense of pride and joy. It also provides you a perfect place to make great memories with people who are special to you. But owning a boat also entails some responsibilities. You need to properly and regularly maintain it to ensure that your dream helps you in fulfilling your other dreams. This is where a good boat cover becomes an invaluable investment.

A boat cover is primarily used to protect a boat from the conditions brought by weather and pollution. Over time, if the boat is left without any protection, it will quickly deteriorate. The once shiny token of your success has eventually lost its pride because of too Marine products  much exposure to dust and other pollutants, the sun and rain. The longevity of a boat with boat cover is about fifty per cent greater than boats that are left bare.

You can find a huge number of boat cover manufacturers selling different boat covers in various materials. It may seem tough to find what is best suited to your vessel. But what to look for, it will be easy.

When looking for a boat cover, you must first consider the type of boat that you have. From there, assess its needs. How much of the boat do you need to cover. Determine which part of the boat needs to be protected. Are there other protective measures besides a boat cover that you have to install on your boat?

Determine how much time will it be left unattended. How many times will you be using your boat in a year? Will it be sitting on the dock most of the time? If yes then, choose a good boat cover material that can withstand any environmental condition to protect your boat while you are gone.

Consider the type of weather your boat will generally be exposed to. Are you in the coast of Florida where the air is humid and the hurricanes pour torrential rains? Will your boat be docked in Michigan Lake and be exposed to the icy winds? Then choose an appropriate boat cover material well suited for that kind of weather.

It is best to find a boat cover that allows you to cover the whole boat. Thus, sometimes, the cover has to be cut to accommodate other parts of the boat like the railings, panels, etc. For this reason, most boat owners prefer to have their boat covers customized so that it will also surely cover other accessories present on the boat.

You can find a cover for almost any types of boats, a wide selections of materials and shapes can help you keep your boat in the best condition for a long time, remember to find a cover that can provide protection for all the boat, and try to find one that will provide you the best value for your money .

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Marine products

Narrow boats offer memorable times with friends and family when cruising waterways. There is a huge variety and when buying or hiring for your special events or leisure, you must ensure that your boat is everything you wish for. You must think about specifications and even features of the boat before making the final decision. When you know what is important to you then you will have an easy time making the final decision when looking at narrow boats for sale.

Boat length - Narrow boats can stretch as far as 50 feet and you must think about what length is ideal for the kind of use you have in mind. In essence, 30 to 40 foot models are good for leisure cruises whereas longer boats that are 50 feet and more make better options for those who wish to live aboard or those who want to enjoy extended stays and longer cruises. When looking at the length, you should also consider any restrictions there could be in the canal that you wish to enjoy your cruise on. Your choice should suit the waterway you intend to use.

Cabin design - The cabin design should match your preferences. Traditional decks have short decks and limited standing room, but they offer more internal space, making them ideal boats Marine supplies   for extended cruises or living aboard. A cruiser offers more seating room and can be a perfect choice for a holiday, whereas a semi traditional design offers enough standing and seating space combining the two styles in the end. Ensure that the cabin design you choose will offer you convenience, especially if you are going for an extended boat stay.

Boat features - Narrow boats have different features all intended to increase utility and comfort for users. Some of the most important areas you should consider include heating and water system, toilets and bathrooms, kitchen and sleeping area. When it comes to toilets, pump-out options tend to be expensive and time demanding compared to cassette toilets. Some of the appliances you should check in the kitchen to ensure you enjoy your cruise are the fridge, cookers and cutlery. The sleeping area should at least have sizeable beds and interior spring mattresses or other comfortable options.

Boat condition - When checking the condition of the narrow boat for sale that you are about to buy or hire, varnishing and paintwork are some of the elements you should pay attention to. This is especially important when choosing a used boat. The appliances and accessories included in the boat should also be in perfect working order. The base, sides and roof of the boat should be plated appropriately. You should also look for any signs of leaks and wear and evaluate the gearbox and engine. If possible, ask about when the boat was last cleaned, treated and dry docked.

Narrow boats for sale come in different designs and features. It is always good to think whether it is best to buy a new or used boat or to order and have one customized to match your needs.

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Marine products

So you have just moved from Washington to Michigan and are worried about your "baby", a beautiful 16' sailboat? Well worry no more, because the boat hauling services available nationally throughout US can bring your darling to you in as beautiful a condition as you would; if you could but carry it yourself!

Boat transport services that operate in the US can efficiently transfer both power boats and yachts, even oversized ones, along with, of course, sailboats. Hydraulic boat transport trailers and specialty boat trailers ensure a smooth transfer and you don't have to bother about scratches during loading and offloading even if there's no travel-lift or crane on the spot!

In case you want to transfer more than one boat special racking and bunkings are custom fitted for you. Boat hauling within the US has become as smooth as cream because of the profoundly professional attitude of the teams which operate these businesses. They understand the value of keeping their customers updated every step of the way, and that takes a huge load off the client's mind. Not only that, they Marine products  allow the clients to opt for boat transport without a trailer and in other cases to provide for trailers themselves for "hitch and pull" services.

They also ensure peace of mind for their customers by offering to insure their precious boats with proper coverage for on the road time, the value of this cover can reach a million dollars. Their care of the boats often extends to underwater cleaning and detailing services.

But the most important service these boat hauling companies provide is building customized "cradles" and shrink-wrapping the boats for international transfer. Even odd or oversized water transport is carefully packed for the journey to anywhere on earth.

But even in case of domestic transfer they provide detailed instruction as to how the boats must be prepared so that it arrives in mint condition. The boat hauling firms ensure that the legal parameters for overhead clearance, that is 13'6'', is clearly understood by their customers. Apart from that they advise the customers to stow away and tie down all loose boat gears and accessories, lock cabin doors and drain out all tanks for fuel and water. Care must be taken to drain out bilge water and all batteries should be disconnected. Anchors should also be removed from decks and a coat of linseed oil would be helpful in preventing the drying out of wooden boats. Canvas covers, dinghies, and external accessories like radars, propellers, antenna, and flag masts have to be dismantled and secured. Cradles, hatches, windows must be checked and taped as a precautionary measure. Windshields and other Plexiglas items have to removed and packed separately. Winches, rigging, and wind indicators mast be removed from the mast which is usually packed and placed separately in the place assigned for it in the carrier.

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Boating accessories

There are some new Kinect accessories out for the Xbox 360 Kinect controller. These accessory items are specifically licensed and made by Xbox for Xbox 360 consoles.

The Kinect Adventures boat is a real size boat that can be uses in the sea or swimming pool, but it's a fantastic extra when you play the Kinect adventure game. It is easily inflated and has a no slip safety playing surface and it helps your carpet, so you don't wear out your carpet from playing Kinect games.

Xbox Kinect have also bought out a games mat, this is 55" x 78" and you place it 4' from the Xbox 360 Kinect's camera. This is a great idea; it keeps you within the Kinect sensors. Often when you are playing the games and having so much fun, you slip out of the sensors area and then the Kinect can't read you motions. So if you have the Kinect mat you know the area the senor reads your body movement in. Its added padded protection for your floors and it is made out of a durable anti slip material.

Then there is the Kinect wall mount, this is a great for small spaces. By mounting the Kinect above your Marine products  TV, this adds about another foot to your living rooms space. If you play Kinect in a small space and often have trouble with the Kinect recognizing you, then this is a must and it is a very reasonable price. 4 screws, someone standing behind you or a level to make sure it's placed properly, it literally took me less than 3 minutes to place the wall mount. Super easy to do & is 100% adequate to hold the Kinect sensor.

The Kinect floor stand is like a tripod and is great for those who have a large area to play in. This is a well designed stand for the Kinect that stands 2 feet tall. It is not adjustable but it stays at the recommended height for the Kinect and it is not adjustable. However, it is a great solution for a family that would like to have an easy way to mount the Kinect only during use.

Then we have the Xbox 360 Kinect extension cable, this works great if you need to extend your Kinect sensor. So if you bought an Xbox package with the Kinect sensor included you will need this cable. If you want an extension cable that's actually compatible with Kinect because of the cut-out male to female connectivity of the cord, and then buy this cable, it works great but it's only 9ft.

There is also a Kinect TV mount and is made of the same high gloss plastic that the Kinect is made from. The legs are plastic but sturdy enough to hold a sensor that is less than 5lbs. Coming up in September there is the Zoom for Kinect. This is ideal for a smaller room. You can decrease the range of play up to forty percent and with the zoom wide angled lense you can play with two people with your Kinect controller.

These are the latest in Kinect accessories, so if you want to find out the prices or preview any of these items please check out Kinect Accessories there is plenty of good information for you to review.

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Marine supplies

How can I make sure I choose the right boat?

Think about what you need, don't need and what you would like. Narrow down your choices to short lists of categories, makes, features etc. Ask yourself, what will I be using my boat for? spending time with family & friends, socialising, entertaining, racing, cruising, fishing (saltwater or freshwater?) sailing, holidays (sleeping), watersports etc, do your research on this, a lot of people don't think this far ahead! speak to people who are involved in boating, involve yourself in the community! more often than not they will go out of their way to help.

Visit boat shows and boat dealers

Now you have a narrowed down idea of what your require, visit boat shows and boat dealers (google search either) get on board the boats, get a feel for them and don't be afraid to ask Marine supplies  questions (no matter how silly or obvious) if you are new to boating, tell the dealer that! chances are they will be extra friendly and helpful.

Do I buy new or used?

This really depends on the person buying the boat, if you have the money and intend on keeping the boat forever (or at least a long time) then buy it new! however if you feel you are on a budget and new to boating then purchase a second hand craft, a boat will probably lose half it's value in two years without many effects on the appearance or condition. Just because a boat is pre owned it does not mean it is "used", generally speaking boats spend 90% of their life out of use, sitting in the water or garage. Statistically speaking, most new boat owners upgrade within three years anyway.

Rule of thumb! unless money is no object, or you have a desire to own everything from new, go for a second hand boat! it makes sense.

Test drive time!

Did you know you can test drive a boat? see the way it handles and feels on the water! bring the family with you, get a feel for the environment you will be using it in! take it out to sea. Ask questions, get the family to ask questions, find out as much as possible.

Time to buy!

Discuss the options with your dealer, should you pay cash or finance? what are the added benefits of finance? a good dealer will go out of their way to help you find the best package available. This is also the time to be sure you understand the additional costs of boating, it's not just the fibreglass!

Accessories, water toys & safety gear

Operating costs (petrol)

Maintenance and upkeep

Storage (if a trailer in your garage or backyard is not an option)

Insurance

All of these are common sense but not a everyone thinks about these additional expenses when purchasing boats, all of the above apply to almost anything you buy. One thing for sure, the cost of owning a boat is nothing compared to the benefits derived from owning and using one!

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Marine products

There are many kinds of boat accessories that can be used to enhance the safety or even make one's boating experience enjoyable and much easier. Some of the accessories are a must to have while others are just for personal comfort and convenience. Now, different boats need different accessories depending on the boat type. For instance, a sailing boat will require different accessories from those required by a boat used for fishing. So it is important for one to get the right accessories for the kind of boat he has to make it safer and more enjoyable once out into the water.

Now before an individual goes out to shop for accessories for his boat there are a number of things that he will need to take into consideration. First it is the type of the boat. It is important to always remember that there are different boat accessories available in the market. Some of the accessories are a must to have others are not as necessary or useful to one's boat.

Some accessories are just nice to have around as they improve both the boat and user experiences. So it is better for one to get first the essential boat accessories and maybe later get those that are meant to making the boat experience enjoyable and easy. Marine products  Depending on a person's boat type the accessories will differ. Prior purchase research can be very useful to one in making the boat accessory purchase.

Some of the essential accessories for all boats include paddles, life jackets, lines and anchors, littering and registration kids, stabilizers, safety kits, maintenance tools, light and buoys. Other nonessential accessories include wet suits, boat fenders, swim platforms, fish finders, boat heaters, speakers and radios, wake boards and water skies among others. Additional boat accessories can improve the boats general appearance and at times increase the boat's value. It is not proper for people to think that just because the additional accessories are not a must for one to have before going into the waters they are not as important.

The second thing that one will need to take into consideration before making boat accessories purchases is the purpose of the accessories. Different accessories will have different purposes. There are both primary and secondary purpose accessories for boats but all in all the items are used for the main purpose of keeping the boat and the boat users' safe, comfortable and the water experience easier.

Finally is the quality of the materials used in the production of the accessories. Some boat accessories are made from cloth while others can be made from metal, wood or plastic. One must ensure that whichever kind of materials used to make the accessories are of good quality. Sometimes good quality products are relatively expensive as compared to the normal quality ones. There is no harm in buying good quality products that are durable than buying bad quality accessories that will require constant replacement.

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Boating accessories

If you are wondering what to do with your boat accessories, specifically boat fenders, and how to store all that "stuff," listen up to the following suggestion.

Storage on boats is always a challenge. There are storage compartments under bench seats, under single seats, in a side hole, or if your boat is large enough, there may be a storage locker or closet. Of course, there is usually somewhere to put your boat accessories: boat fenders, towels, tools, spare engine parts, anchors and an extra propeller; but let's face it, boat accessory storage is at a premium.

The trick is to own the type of boat accessories which respect economy of space. Not everything can be broken down and folded up, but you can think ahead before purchasing your boat fenders and other accessories. Now, at the beginning of the boating season, is the best time to prepare, look at the overall picture, and get organized. You want space for your passengers and their gear to be a priority, not have your boating accessories take up all of your people space.

Let's look at Boat Fenders. Marine products  You need them, of course, but do you need them all the time? No. Are you tired of them taking up so much space or rolling around on the floor? Yes, of course. The solution is to have boat bumpers you can deflate, compact and store in a small space like the new Inflatable/Deflatable Boat Fenders from Boat Bunkers. These boat bumpers are truly space saving and convenient.

Boat Bunkers Inflatable Boat Fenders are made of a high-impact absorbing material. They inflate in seconds with just a few strokes of the hand or foot pump through a high-volume, one-way recessed valve for the occasions when you need them. Now here's the beauty of it. When you're done using your boat fender, simply unscrew the cap. It instantly deflates and you can roll it up. You can fit four boat fenders and the pump in the compact tote bag which comes with the set. They can match your boat with a variety of available colors which include black, dark blue, light blue, red and green. They come in four sizes of small, medium, large and extra large. The extra large boat bumper inflates with a handy foot pump. These boat bumpers are great quality, come with a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant cover, a built-in strap and buckle for convenient attachment to your boat, and have a manufacturer's Lifetime Guaranty. The whole "kit," which includes four boat fenders, the pump and tote bag, starts at only $79.96 for the small size, a very affordable package price.

I use these boat fenders myself and really feel they are an asset no boat owner should be without. I am a big believer in anything useful which is more efficient, compact, and space-saving. These boat fenders really fit that bill and are just what you need this season to make your life a little easier. Including these boat fenders in your boat accessories list will improve your boating experience simply because you are saving space.

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Boating accessories

You have your boat, now it's time to dress it up with boating accessories! This can be a lot of fun, and there are several ways you can go, depending on what kind of boating you do. There are many different accessories, from apparel to electronics, to design your boat for fishing or sporting. Here are some basic needs for any boat.

Apparel: life vests or jackets, hats, sunglasses, gloves, shirts, wetsuits, footwear Appearance: boat cover, lettering, decals, carpet or flooring, furniture, seating, flags Docking: trailer, signage, storage bin, ladder, anchor Electronics: radios, stereos, fish finders, antenna, gauges, GPS, weather station, camera, television, sonar Fun toys: jet ski, PWC, towables, Marine products  rafts, water skiis, kneeboards, wakeboards, water toys Other: camping gear, fishing gear, emergency gear, blankets, canopies, picnic basket, tools, trolling motor

When you get your boat, if it is small, chances are you already have it on a trailer. A larger boat may be in the marina, where you may also benefit from on site storage facilities and docking. After you do your overall safety check, you are ready for boating accessories.

In any water sport, you want to follow the safety first rule, to assure safety for everyone on board. That means having enough life vests or jackets for all, safety rope and toss rings or flotation devices. With electronics, you want items that are weather resistant and durable. You do not want to be out in a storm and have your weather radio die off! You can pay low or pay high, from $100 to $5000 for electronics, or more. The most important feature is that it will work when you need it most, so be sure it is durable.

Basic tools are important. It is another area where you do not want to be stuck out on open water and be unable to move. Swimming to shore is not an option, usually! Have a repair manual for your engine on board at all times, and the types of tools you will need for basic engine and propeller repairs.

Weather is unpredictable even in the best circumstances. It is helpful to have some foul weather gear, clothing, and binoculars, oars or paddles, and emergency flags on board. Hand held GPS, weather radios, and emergency communications two way radios are well worth considering buying.

On the fun side of boating accessories, you can custom design your boat any way you wish. Create an island paradise, with large accessory raft, install grass carpeting, put on a fake palm tree, floral canopy, coconut drink holders, large colorful fake fish, and so on. Complete your custom look with island apparel, Hawaiian shirts, straw hats for everyone, and so on. For the fisherman, use netting, have an extra large fish weigh scale on board, extra rods and reels, large tackle box, grill for off shore fish dinners, deluxe fish finder equipment, and be sure you have a camera ready! Any way you go, you can have a lot of fun with boating accessories.