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Top Tips to Know Before Purchasing a Personal Watercraft

There’s no better way to spend a day – or make the most of the sunshine and scenery – than cruising through the waterways on your jet ski. There is a tremendous sense of freedom and possibility. Investing in one of these personal watercrafts will certainly pay you back again and again.

Whether you’ve owned one before or you’re new to riding a personal watercraft (also known as a PWC), selecting a PWC that best suits your lifestyle and budget requires research and time. To help make the selection process easier for you, we put together these buying tips for your very own personal watercraft.

Where You’ll Ride the PWC

Are you going to use your jet ski in lakes and rivers? Or saltwater bodies? While any PWC will corrode in both fresh and saltwater, there’s no doubt that salt significantly accelerates the process.

Keep in mind that regardless of the cooling system or what type of water you run it in, you need to clean your jet ski properly to avoid problems related to corrosion and rust. Plan on spending some time after each ride flushing the water injection port with clean water, rinsing out the engine bay, and cleaning all interior and exterior components. You’ll keep it in top running condition and lengthen its life.

Who Will Ride the PWC

The size of the PWC is critical. While you might think that a smaller, lightweight jet ski is better for a less experienced rider, when in fact the opposite is true. Larger models have more stability, which is helpful for beginners. Also, if you plan to tow wakeboarders or rafts, getting a big model is preferable. Experienced riders can opt for the leaner, more agile models. This also applies to the jet ski’s specifications. You want to make sure the engine and power fit the rider.

What Accessories You Will Need

Life jackets are a must. These are required by law, so this is a non-negotiable. You may also want to purchase jet ski covers for transport and storage, a marine GPS unit, safety whistle, dry bags, waterproof phone case, telescoping paddle, tow tube, tow rope, etc. This depends on how you want to use your jet ski and which accessories will make it more useful. You can purchase these items in marine shops.

If You Want a New or Used Boat

New models are equipped with the latest technology and innovations, so you’ll get the bells and whistles you want. You don’t have to worry about wear and tear or spotty maintenance from previous owners, and many new jet skis come with a warranty. But they also come with a higher price tag.

Generally, a used jet ski is less expensive than a new one. But, of course, just like a car, it depends on the make and model. Many people advise that those starting out opt for pre-owned. This allows you to learn how to ride and complete basic maintenance tasks. You can also see if you really love it and will use the PWC before investing in a new one. If you choose a used jet ski, make sure to check maintenance records and examine the PWC for wear and tear. It’s a good idea to have a mechanic check it out.

What Brand  Do You Want to Have

Some people are diehard Yamaha fans; others will not ride anything but a Sea-Doo. If this is a big deal for you, research your brand and the models it offers. If you are open to any brand, again, do your research and find the best fit for you in terms of power, speed, size, and price.

How You Will Transport the Jet Ski

If you’re lucky enough to live on waterfront property, this is not a problem! But if you do not, you’ll need a safe and reliable way to transport your jet ski. Look into trailers, or, if you plan on storing your rig at a recreation area.

What Type of Insurance Do You Want to Have for Your PWC

It’s a smart idea to purchase a separate policy for your PWC. It should cover personal injuries, medical costs, and property damage. Some policies also cover you if an insured operator causes the accident. For example, Yamaha insurance and finance offer not only boat insurance (they call it marine insurance) but also to PWCs as well.

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Windlass 101: Know All About Its Functions

A windlass is a device that’s used to get a boat anchor from below the water. Think of it as a nautical version of a winch that’s used on land vehicles to tow them out of a particular location if they break down. You know that an anchor is a valuable item in keeping an anchor in place to prevent your Cruise Craft boat from drifting away when it doesn’t need to leave the dock or someplace else you want to moor for awhile. So what is a windlass all about? And what are its uses? What are the important things to keep in mind when buying a windlass for your boat?

What are the Uses of a Windlass?

First, let's get to know what is a windlass all about. Windlass, as mentioned before, helps you retrieve your boat anchor easily so you don't need to manually pull up the anchor that you've thrown down the water after you are anchored on the spot. You can easily purchase a windlass in your local marine boat stores.

What are the Two Types of Windlass?

Horizontal Windlasses: These are installed completely above the deck which makes them easier to install since they’re straightforward and can be easily accessed for maintenance. The only downside of this is that the motor is completely exposed to elements like sunlight and seawater. They’re also required to be mounted on the bow roller since the ride must be directly in line with the gypsy. Horizontal windlasses also require less anchor locker space compared to vertical ones.

Vertical Windlasses: Vertical windlasses meanwhile, have their motor located below the deck. This is one of their best features since you don’t have to worry about the weather affecting them. However, the downside of this windlass is that it could corrode due to the damp conditions of your anchor locker. And since the vertical windlass is partly below the deck, installation and access for service are more difficult. Typically, vertical windlasses have 180 degrees of chain wrapped around the gypsy, making them very secure compared to horizontal windlasses that only have half the bearing area.

What are Windlass Chains?

Windlass chains basically come in two types: BBB chain and HT chain. It’s important to know which type of chain your windlass will accept because one is not compatible with the other. Here are some differences between BBB and HT chain:

HT Chains: This is the most common type of chain that windlasses accept. They are very popular for their high-load limit which can reach more than 9,000 lbs. They’re widely used because they provide a uniform fitment for different windlasses as long as they have the “HT” mark.

BBB and Proof Coil Chains: This used to be the gold standard for windlass chains but has fallen out of favour for HT chains. You won’t match windlasses with an “HT” mark and generally have a working load far lower than the HT chain.

The windlass chains’ load limit determines their durability. As a general rule, bigger chain size means higher strength. And since there’s only one chain size and type that fit many windlasses, the 5/16″ HT chain is mostly preferred. Take note, you can’t fit just about any chain size to your windlass except the one that’s specified by the product manufacturer because it can easily damage your windlass.

Mounting a Windlass

If you’ll be installing a vertical windlass on your boat, you may create two holes on the foredeck; one for the motor and the other where the chain can be fed down. For electric windlasses, be very careful of the wires’ size and how the wires run from the batteries to the chain locker.

When using a windlass, here are some tips you should follow to avoid accidents and ensure your windlass works properly:

Keep your hands away from the moving parts such as the chain, gypsy, etc., so you don’t get hurt. If you have an electric windlass, the power panel should be “on” otherwise, your windlass remote won’t work. Let out 5x the amount of anchor chain based on water depth. Doing this helps you snugly cling your anchor to the bottom. You don't want it to be too loose or too tight.

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How to Maintain Your Boat Dock

It can be easy to overlook dock maintenance. After all, we tend to be more focused on what’s happening around the dock; the boats coming in and out, the people walking up and down. However, dock maintenance is something you simply can’t ignore.

Whether you manage a hundred docks for a commercial marina or have just one residential dock for your Yellowfin boat, it’s important to maintain your investment. Keeping your dock in good shape now can help you avoid more costly repairs down the road. It can also prevent accidents caused by deteriorating and rotting wood.

Maintaining your dock is surprisingly easy with if you have the right tools and equipment and you have the skills and abilities to do it. Read the article to learn how to keep your dock looking good and maintain its sturdiness for many years to come:

Protect the Wood Materials if You Have a Wooden Dock

Most parts of wood docks are made from wood because it is one of the most suitable decking materials for marine use. However, wood weathers fast (even the best quality wood), especially when it is exposed to moist and wet conditions. That is why you should be thinking of ways to protect it from rotting and other effects of water.

You may choose to use treated timber for a wooden dock so that it can withstand marine conditions for longer. You can seal the wood to prevent mildew from growing and ensure that the wood remains in the best condition for use in the water.

Clean It Regularly

The accumulation of debris in various parts of the dock can pose a considerable risk to its durability. However, you do not have to worry too much about this because cleaning is a simple exercise you can accomplish.

A power washer is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to boat dock maintenance. This is a powerful tool that eliminates the most hidden dirt to ensure that every part of the dock is clean. It is important to ensure that you know how to use it correctly to avoid causing damage to the quality of decking.

Some of the most common cleaning routines include the following:

Removing mildew spots and growth

Removing mud and soil deposits

Brushing the surface to remove a variety of dirt

Repair Any Broken Parts

Sometimes, parts of the wooden structure will give in to pressure and break or get loose. If you notice any changes, it is good to repair them quickly to avoid further damage to your dock and boat. Boat safety requires you to inspect your docks regularly so that you know they are in the best condition.

If there is any part of the wood or hardware that is badly damaged, you should consider replacing it. Many replacement parts, such as decking screws, can be bought from hardware stores so it should not be difficult for you to find the most suitable ones. It is also important to replace broken parts with high-quality ones for better performance.

Know the Marine Environment

Different marine environments call for different maintenance measures. For instance, docks used in warm tropical waters may not need the same maintenance routine as those used in places where winters are rampant. These factors will help you to choose the proper treatment for wood and hardware. In addition to that, they help you to be safe when using the equipment.

Protect the Dock from Microorganisms

It is important to make sure you are also aware of the environment around your dock, especially with those pesky microorganisms that find their way into various parts of the dock and make them their home. They will invade the wood and drill holes in your entire dock. Also, they eat away some of the parts leading to damage that can prevent a dock's safe quality.

Getting rid of microorganisms can be a simple task because sometimes, it only requires thorough cleaning as long as you use proper care. However, you may have to use insecticides and other treatments to keep them at bay. Regardless of the method you use, ensure that it does not emit poisonous substances into the water as they pose a threat to marine life.

Get Good Covers

Dock covers protect them from adverse weather conditions, including the scorching sun and frosty winters. When ice accumulates on the surface, it is likely to cause damage to wood. Most marine conditions also pose a threat to the metallic parts, which can rust and become unusable.

During the summers, the sun can damage these docks too. That is why you have to invest in quality covers so that you can use them when taking a break from your marine adventures. You can get a dock cover in your local marine boat shops or you can order from online stores.

Install Rub Rails and Bumpers

The life of your dock can be shortened when the boat keeps bouncing, which is why you have to keep it firmly in one position. The waves will always come, and the boat will be thrown into various positions. However, if you invest in the right rub rails and bumpers, you will avoid the threat that such actions pose to the docks.

Rub rails and bumpers come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. For instance, you will find some made from rubber and others made using plastics and other materials. Be sure to choose materials that can prevent the bouncing of your boat entirely for the best protection.

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Boat Driving 101: A Basic Guide on Operating an Outboard Motor Boat

So, you’ve purchased a boat with an outboard motor in it so you can use it in your boating and fishing excursions. However, here’s the catch; you’ve decided to buy one on a whim without any idea how to operate this type of boat. However, there’s no need to fret about it, operating an outboard motorboat is not as difficult as driving and navigating a boat with an inboard engine. As long as you know the basics of driving a boat, then operating an outboard is simply a walk in the park once you’ve mastered it.

What is an Outboard Motor?

It is a portable motor that is fixed to the boat to glide on water. A typical outboard has some specific parts. That includes a gear case, the engine, and a propeller. Usually, modern outboard packages come with four-stroke engines. The outboard has a throttle, pull starter, gear, and tiller. Most manufacturers of outboard motor engines are car and motorcycle manufacturers so it’s not uncommon to see a lot of Yamaha boat motors or Suzuki engines for sale in marine shops and boat dealerships. The motor is attached to the back shelf of a boat and can be raised and lowered into the water on a hinge. There is also a hinge that allows the motor to turn from side to side freely, and a lever, called the tiller, extends into the boat to be used to turn the motor and steer the boat. At the end of the tiller is a handle that can be twisted to adjust the motor’s speed.

Most outboard motors use a pull cord to start the motor, but some motors will use an electric key or button starter. There should also be a primer to get the flow of fuel started and a choke to restrict the amount of fuel going into the motor. Becoming acquainted with each of these components will make learning to use an outboard motor much easier.

Starting the Outboard Engine

Push the primer button or bulb enough times to start the flow of fuel into the motor, but not so many times that the engine floods. This number will vary between motors. Make sure that the boat is in neutral. Choke the engine and pull on the starter cord 3 or 4 times. If the boat does not start, open the choke and pull the cord 3 or 4 more times. Repeat until the engine fires up. Adjust the choke so that the outbound motor idles smoothly.

Moving the Boat

Some outboard motors use a lever to alternate between forward and reverse, while others will have the ability to reverse the twisting direction of the handle at the end of the tiller. Make sure that the motor is set to move in the proper direction to get away from the dock.

First of all, you need to turn the throttle arm until it lines up with the shift or the run mark. Now, push away your boat, put it in reverse gear, and back out the boat slowly until you are far enough to turn around. Once your boat is turned around, watch the traffic carefully and choose the proper space to go out into the shallow waters.

Push and pull the tiller to steer the boat. When using an outboard motor, the steering has a major concern. If the tiller is pushed to the right the boat will turn in left. Similarly, if the tiller is pulled to the left, then the boat will turn to the right, so keep in mind these important details.

Stopping the Outboard Motor

Boats do not hold brakes. Instead, they settle quickly when the engine is turned off or the throttle is shifted to neutral.

As the boat slows down you lose control of the steering. When the boat is moving with speed it’s easy to control the steering. But it becomes difficult as soon as it slows down. In order to kill the engine, put it in neutral, and turn the throttle hand grip to align with the stop position. Now push the red button on the engine which kills the engine.

Docking the Boat

You need not memorize a bunch of rules for docking an outboard motorboat. Remember that the stern moves first. When you turn the tiller to the right, it seems that the bow moves to the left. But actually, it’s not and the stern is in charge. Drill it into your mind. So that, you can practice this while reversing, forwarding, or turning the boat. The second thing to remember is to set the throttle at the lowest setting. The throttle has little to do with getting you next to the dock. Now, pull your boat parallel to the dock. After that put it in forward and then put it in neutral. Then immediately put it in reverse and put it in neutral again.

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Questions to Ask A Dealer Before Buying a Boat

So, you’ve finally decided to buy a fishing boat; after all, you’re going to make your angling dreams a reality. So, you go to a boat dealer and shop for boats, however, you’re not sure how legitimate their business is or how will they assist you in buying a boat.

This issue can be resolved if you ask questions to the boat dealers; after all, it is their duty to answer all your concerns and questions. The catch is, what questions should you ask? Asking the right questions will help you decide if the dealership is the one where you’ll be buying a boat or not.

Here are some questions you need to ask a dealer before buying a boat:

How long have you been in business?

We all want to deal with a business that has been around for a while. A business that’s survived economic recessions, pandemics, etc. This is a great way to know that a boat dealership is going to be around in the run long because of its longevity. This means that they already have loyal customers who have been patronizing their business for a long time.

For how long have you been an XYZ brand name dealer or seller?                         

Asking them this question allows you to know how knowledgeable they are about the boat manufacturer’s product lines and models and their processes and procedures.

What days is your mechanic division open? And are your specialists accredited?

Bringing a boat for repairs or inspection to the dealership can be a hassle because you have to set aside some time and resources to bring the boat. Ask them what days they are open, what time their business hours are, and if their specialists have the necessary accreditations and certificates to give you advice and guidance on your boating purchases and deals. This is important to know because you will find out if the dealer’s staff have gone through training for the particular manufacturer.

Are you a certified dealer?

Make sure the dealer has the necessary certificates and business permits that make them legally operate their business.

Do you offer delivery or shipping?

Don’t forget to ask this crucial question before you decide to go through with the sale. You don’t want to go through the hassle of buying a boat and hiring a U-Haul or any service trailer because the dealership doesn’t offer shipping or delivery service.

What are your ratings and reviews like?

Make sure to get legitimate reviews and ratings from their customers. Know what the majority of reviews are: are they mostly positive or negative? Reviews are a great way to let you know how the dealership handles customer service.

Do you service all the products you sell? And if you don’t, do you, partner, up with other nearby businesses?

Most dealerships service the boats, motors, and trailers that they sell, but not all do. Fortunately, however, dealerships that can’t service one part of a package or another often have established relationships with nearby businesses and other marine shops that do. Make sure to ask for details about this.

Will you help me learn about my new boat?

Dealerships are willing to extend their expertise to you and even help you out in knowing and familiarizing your new boat. A dealership that cares about you will make sure that you are settling well with your boat and that you get to maneuver and operate it well.

Can you help me arrange financing?

Boat Financing is a big part of the buying experience for you as a boat buyer. After all, this is where the business happens. Dealerships are aware that financing can be tricky so there are more than happy to assist you in getting every financing process in order and do it simply to make sure the whole process goes smoothly.  Aside from that, dealerships can also assist you in registering your boat; this can be a tricky and hassle process at times.

Is your dealership involved with the local community?

This will give you some insight into what type of dealership you’re dealing with and whom they promote and prioritize.

Keep in mind that these are not the only questions you should ask your boat dealer. You can also ask additional questions that come to your mind. Dealers usually welcome any type of question and are more than willing enough to give you honest answers.