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If you are looking for a way to spice up your boating experience, there are many boating-related competitions you can enter. …
What is a PWC? The official definition of a personal watercraft varies from state to state, but they are generally recognized as a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its p…
The smallmouth bass is generally green, brown, bronze, or tan in general color with dark vertical bands rather than a horizontal band along the side. …
Trolling motors are generally small electric outboard motors, frequently mounted on the bow, used to quietly maneuver into fishing areas. …
The right fishing boat accessories, such as electronic fish finders, can help to greatly improve your catch at the end of the day. …
Cruising, whether on a powerboat or sailboat, will go more smoothly with these 11 helpful tips, written by a lifelong cruiser.…
Five tips on how to avoid close calls and near misses when cruising or sailing, written by a lifelong boater.…
It's not so much the boats, but the memories that stay with us. Read one sailor's account of the stand-out boats he's owned in his lifetime.…
Five tips on marlinspike seamanship, written by a lifelong sailor who learned from his grandfather, a Naval Officer. …
A look at favorite destinations of a lifelong seaman with more than 40 years on the water in sail- and powerboats. …
Get tips on the proper boat wear and gear for foul weather from a lifelong boater with over 40 years on the water.…
Read the pros and cons of using natural fishing bait or artificial lures. Earthworms, grubs, crank baits, spinners, and more are all covered in this helpful article.…
Both seasoned fishermen and beginning anglers alike can learn something from these helpful fishing tips…
Watch as pro wakeboarders perform spectacular tricks and stunts on 160' landing pool. Unlike on-the-water competitions where the riders are 100 feet away on the lake, this is up-in-your-face action wi…
Marine GPS units are a welcome addition to the boater's arsenal of necessary equipment. GPS is an acronym that stands for Global Positioning System. The GPS is an elaborate network of satellites orbit…
Approaching too close to seabird colonies causes birds to panic and fly, resulting in abandoned nests and potential decreases in populations. …
For many anglers, yellow perch are the first fish to "arrive" in the rivers after the first of the year.…
White crappie are sought after by both bank and boat anglers. …
Take your kids boating! Read helpful tips on how to have the best experience when boating with children.…
There are few thrills in watersports to match gliding across the surface of the lake on your bare feet. Read tips from a pro Zenon Bilas.…
The experts at DiscoverBoating.com will tell you the reality behind common myths about boat insurance. Read the facts before you buy.…
Learn everything you need to know about choosing the right company to finance your boat, from the experts at DiscoverBoating.com.…
Fishermen consider Brown Trout to be among the smartest, most difficult trout species to catch.…
Brook trout have cream colored spots on a dark background, distinguishing them from many other trout species.…
Lake trout are distinguished by their white or yellowish spots on a dark green to grayish background and a deeply forked tail.…
Rock bass have a very deep and laterally compressed body. They usually have red to orange eyes, large, terminal mouth, body coloring from golden brown to olive, with white to silver belly, and 5 to 7 …
The bluegill is a popular game fish with many fishermen. They are found throughout the continental United States in various lakes, streams and ponds. Bluegills are quite easy to catch and make a great…
The best livewells are big enough to hold enough water for the fish to remain upright & have some room to move. A baitwell helps keep your bait alive & swimming.…
Get tips of fishing with kids from Bass Pro Kevin Van Dam. Help the kids stay tuned while fishing, and soon they'll be reeling them in like little pros…
Read 10 of the best bass fishing tips written by seasoned anglers. Learn how to catch more bass with these secrets from the pros!…
There are few of us these days who haven't heard the phrase “There’s an app for that.” It refers to software applications (apps) that can be downloaded and used on mobile devices, such as iPhoneTM, Bl…
Nothing is more exhilarating that the smell of the sea and the wind in your hair as you sail carefree under a warm sun. If you enjoy boating, there's no reason not to take your best friend with you, a…
For sailors of old using antiquated methods, finding their bearings and navigating the waterways was an art. Modern technology has made navigation much easier; mariners today rely on global positionin…
Safety is extremely important when you are participating in boating and water sport activities such as fishing, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, or scuba diving. However, because water sports and b…
Take this Boating Safety Quiz, brought to you by Manitou Boats.…
At 21, she was the youngest woman to sail around the world alone, and her inspirational book about this odyssey, Maiden Voyage — co-authored with BoatU.S. consulting editor Bernadette Bernon — went on…
Proper gaffing techniques lead to more fish in the box. Yet, you'd be surprised at the number of quality fish lost due to poor gaffing technique. While they won't readily admit it, even the most seaso…
By adopting just a few simple habits, recreational anglers will greatly increase the chances that the fish they catch and release will survive, meaning each and every saltwater angler can positively i…
Can you believe it? Hurricane season is once again upon us, and if you own a boat now is the time to start preparing for the unthinkable. It doesn't matter whether you store your most prized possessio…
Start by acquiring the freshest bait possible. If you cannot catch your own, frozen individuals will suffice – stay away from packages that appear to have freezer-burn, as these baits will most likely…
When replacing hardware, properly seal screws and bolts with a high-quality marine compound. Periodically check the wiring on your vessel for nicks or damaged sections. If you find any corrosion pee…
Live bait is king! It doesn’t matter where around the peninsula you ply your craft, live bait certainly plays a key role in every angler’s success. Without question there is always a place and time fo…
Make sure seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing. Make sure pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range. (CO2 extinguishers do not have gauges and instead must meet a mini…
Class A Fire Ordinary Combustibles (anything that burns and leaves ash)…
Due to the heat that may develop, underwater lights should only be illuminated when your vessel is in the water. Consult with your boat manufacturer to see if they have any reservations about the hull…
When we were little and headed outside to play, there was always one simple rule we had to follow: Tell Mom where you were going and what time you planned to be home. When we got cars, that rule becam…
Carry spare parts, be a self-sufficient boater! Read a list of important accessories and equipment to bring aboard with you to ensure safe boating.…
It just may be true that there's never been a better time to own a boat. While that statement may seem to fly in the face of some trying economic times these days, the very opportunity to experience t…
Just as in any manufacturing or production business, our crew always looks for ways to im-prove our efficiency and reduce the effort needed to get the best possible results for the job. Throughout the…
Increase your "dock appeal" with these helpful tips on restoring and upgrading your boat.…
In one race of the Spring Soling Bowl off Annapolis in a dying northwesterly, we led up the second beat until nipped at the mark by Manfred Kantor, of Canada, who had come in from the right corner. Af…
Lake sailing is more complex than sailing on the open sea, but more predictable. A lake, like any body of water enclosed by land, is subject to gradient winds, always offshore, and by thermal winds --…
In my April ’07 column, "Review Your Options", I discussed my failure to properly analyze and manage a "two winds simultaneously" situation during the Soling Worlds and promised a second analysis. Aft…
There's a difference between some tacks (or jibes) and others, and that difference is what makes sailing so much more difficult than golf. Sometimes the choice is obvious, in all Category I (oscillati…
This is a story about the physics of sea breezes. Yeah, I know...the last thing you want is a physics lesson. But take it from me — someone whose grade point average was ruined by Calculus — knowing w…
1. Try to determine the temperature of the air relative to the temperature of the water. If, for example, a cold front moved through overnight, there is a good chance that mixing puffs will be prevale…
I once worked for a captain who told me that if I ever thought I knew everything, I'd better hang up my foul-weather gear and take up pottery. He was right. That's one of the many nuances of boating I…
Laptops are dead. The trend now-and it's a fast growing one-is to access and share information via your smart phone using 3G mobile networking technology…
Ethanol is reducing your engine's efficiency. Fuel prices are sure to rise. And, the way things are going, I'd bet fuel taxes spike as well. These things are out of your control, but you can combat th…
At best, a fouled anchor is a nuisance. At worst, it can be the worst kind of dangerous. According to the official investigation into the tragic deaths of three football players in February, a fouled …
One common problem shared by all lake shore owners is weed management. Not only can aquatic weeds clog up and potentially damage a boat’s motor, but quite frequently they are an unpleasant sight and a…
Once you Discover Boating, you’ll soon find yourself looking for great new places to boat. You probably already know where the best boat ramps, docking spaces and restaurants are in your own area, but…
Make your next blue-water adventure safe and enjoyable with these trip-planning and boat-handling tips. …
Will you know what to do when you’re caught in a serious squall?…
If the weather allows, don't let a pre-set schedule keep you from pushing ahead. …
Running in limited visibility can be tricky business. Here's what to do to stay safe when the fog rolls in or the night curtain falls. …
How do you get back in when a potent wind and opposing tide put breakers at the mouth of the inlet? One answer: slowly.…
Logging extra days on the water in late autumn or launching into a new season ahead of the crowds can add another dimension to the boating experience. Of course, you could tough it out aboard an unhea…
By far, some of the hardest working gear aboard a boat is its fabric and clear vinyl enclosures. On the job 24/7, an enclosure endures sun, air pollution, rain, salt spray and bird droppings while pro…
An unfamiliar marina could challenge your maneuvering skills. Here's what you need to know to dock your boat right the first time.…
A few months ago, I joined some friends for a coastal cruise on their vintage trawler. The weather was mild, so we anchored out most nights with the hatches open, free of machine-cooled air and the co…
When i told the electronics technician that I had been spraying everything on my bridge with glass cleaner and wiping it down with paper towels, I thought his head was going to explode. I had no clue …
You're headed to the boat show to make the most important purchase of your life. You've called in sick on a Tuesday so you can prowl the aisles without fighting weekend crowds. The kids are at school …
A good riding boat can make up for deficiencies elsewhere on the vessel -- and a harsh riding one can make even the most luxe boat feel like a dump truck. Try getting your crew to smile when they're g…
We live in a society of laws. And with laws come a special subset of our species-lawyers. They need to eat, too. And they get to because any time something goes wrong, someone is always looking for so…
Boating is about adventure, bonding, craftsmanship, personal growth and more.…
I was walking the docks this past weekend listening to all the football games on the radio and talking to all the boaters as they were enjoying the sunny fall day and getting their boat ready for wint…
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With another school year starting, who says just because you go away to school that you can’t go boating. Better yet, why not get an education in something that you love doing, like boating. Whether i…
There's nothing better than spending Labor Day weekend on the water with friends and family. Lucky for us, the weather was amazing and we took advantage of every minute. On Friday night when I got hom…
We're working on a Top 10 List why people go boating and we have the following reasons. Do you have anything to add to this? Would love to hear from you! …
As part of our ongoing efforts to reach mass audiences about the benefits of boating, our team continuously works with reporters at a variety of newspapers, magazines and television stations across th…
I always tell people that renting a boat is the best way to find out what kind of boat is the perfect fit for their family. This past weekend my family and I had to go out of town for a family event.…
If you enjoy boating, you probably enjoy taking your best friends out on your boat. What if some of your best friends happen to have four legs and a tail? Here is a cool story that proud dog owners Ja…
It’s summer vacation season and we anticipate this summer to be one of the busiest for boating, as more Americans are looking to spend time with family and friends close to home. To coincide with the …
All the entries are in for the i-Discovered Boating photo and video contest— that means it’s judging time! Discover Boating will choose two winners; one video ad and one print ad. Each ad’s creator wi…
There is no secret formula when trying to select the right boat for you or your family. You first need to determine what you want to do with your new boat. Do you want to spend the night on the boat a…
This past weekend I was asked by two different people what would be a great gift for the boater in their life. As I sat there and thought for a minute what I would want, what I need, and what i can al…
I recently visited the beach town of Destin in northern Florida with a few friends and a very clear personal mission: to catch a fish big enough to beat out any fish my friends may catch. What I found…
I wanted to share with you this link to the “Special Offers” section on www.discoverboating.com. You can order a couple of free boating magazines to enjoy when you are sitting on the back bench of the…
Zac Efron eases his ride into the water as he prepares to set sail Wednesday in Vancouver, where he continues to shoot his latest film, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. …
Joining a boating club or organization is another great way to enjoy your boat and meet people who share the same passion as you do. Personally, I am a member of my local United States Power Squadron …
As boaters, we have a responsibility and it is up to us to help protect the environment. Protecting the environment takes a conscious effort by all of us and starts with how we boat, where we boat, an…
Sailing trips are a great value, especially when splitting costs with another family…
So many people think of boating, fishing and watersports as something you can only do in coastal towns or on vacation, but New York City is an amazing city for boating and more than ever before, our M…
Some of the Discover Boating staff were fortunate enough to have Captain Russ Cohen, Founder of Boatboy Marine Training, fly into Chicago last month to get us some on-the-water boat training. Boatboy …
Congrats to David Knight of Pittsboro, N.C. and Ken Lancaster of Highland Village, TX, winners of the 2009 'i-Discovered Boating' national video/photo ad contest! …
Congrats to DogDayz (cruising class) and Windquest (racing class), the winners of the 101st Chicago-to-Mackinac race! …
Summer Sailstice is the global holiday celebrating sailing, held annually on the weekend closest to the summer solstice. This international event was founded in 2001 to unite the sailing community in …
There are so many reasons why you should explore recreational boating activities. Read the top ten reasons to go boating at DiscoverBoating.com today.…
Light air, heavy traffic: Tony Rey tells you how to outsmart the crowd on your next light-air run. …
The new racing rules go into effect Jan. 1, 2009, and Dick Rose guides us through the important revisions. …
Joystick docking controls are making docking as easy as playing a video game. Just push the stick sideways and you can moonwalk a boat sideways toward the dock. That's great, if you have a 35-foot cru…
In all watersports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing, it's crucial to make sure you have the right kind of rope. …
After several hundred thousand miles on the road, Tim Horton says these are his top tips…
Nothing catches fish like live bait, the trick is to keep it healthy. …
When reefing, don’t get in a bind. Use this simple knot instead.…
Understanding the letters and numbers on the container helps ensure that you use the right lubricant in your diesel engine. …
Light air can be maddening, but Tony Rey has the advice to make the most of it. "Boatspeed" from Sailing World's June 2008 issue.…
Admit it—you’ve stood on shore and watched people in boats enjoying themselves out on the water and though “I wish I was out there.” Well, it’s time to stop wishing and start boating, because NOW i…
Personal experience in shipping a number of houseboats via houseboat movers, has led me to the following conclusions: First, you get what you pay for, and second, choose a good hauler in order to Do i…
Properly constructed lockers or on-deck installations keep explosive fumes where they belong: out of the bilge. …
Read our tips on saltwater fishing. The experts at Discover Boating have advice to make your deep sea & offshore fishing experience more successful & enjoyable.…
Capt. George Warren of the Charger out of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, came up with this simple yet foolproof way of taking baitfish off a rig without having to touch either the hooks or the fish.…
Have you ever heard of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA)? No. Well, you’re not alone—70% of Californians don’t know what it is. The MLPA is legislation passed in 1999 to “sustain, conserve and …
The recent discovery of Quagga mussels at Lake Mead and Lake Havasu is prompting water district officials to initiate measures to prevent further Quaggas outbrbeaks. Although they are hardly noti…
After losing legislative steam in mid-2007, California's Mandatory Boater Education bill appears to be ready for a return engagement in 2008. The bill proposed last year would have required anyone op…
It was in the early 1920’s that local shellfish growers noticed pollution in Puget Sound. Since then, there have been several sporadic efforts at the state and federal level to control pollution. In 2…
As of January 2008, Washington is phasing-in a law requiring all operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greaterto take a boater safety education course and carry a Boater Education Card when op…
There‘s no better way to get out on the water and enjoy some of Washington’s “good news” on salmon fishing than the Northwest Salmon Derby Series. Directed by the Northwest Marine Trade Association, a…
Rendezvous for large boats have long paved the way to fantastic weekends filled with fun, friendly boat owners ready to get to know each other or reunite. Offering a guaranteed good time and great cam…
Check out these dates for an exciting summer on the water!…
Making a "Next Boating Season" list will not only help you get ready sooner when spring finally does arrive, it will also get you thinking about other ways you can enjoy your boat while spending quali…
You can protect yourself from costly repairs on both new and pre-owned boats by purchasing an extended warranty. It’s an easy way to limit out-of-pocket costs due to mechanical failure of major system…
Nothing is harder on your boat than neglect, and neglect is exactly what recreational boats are subjected to when cold weather settles in. But proper lay-up techniques can minimize the ill effects win…
Experience why life is better with a boat on this different kind of vacation. See somewhere new every day without having to pack and unpack or pay extra travel or hotel expenses.…
Are you new to saltwater fishing? Just getting started with your boating adventures? Check out these basic saltwater fishing tips for beginners: Practice makes perfect As a first step towards perfecti…
Water absorbs body heat 25 times faster than air, so unless you’re frolicking in a hot tub that’s set above 98.6 degrees (body temperature), you’re going to get cold. …
Before catching fish, anglers must locate them. Unless you live in the middle of the great southwestern deserts there should be a body of fishable water within an hour of your home. You can find fish …
Experienced anglers will tell you that there are "best" times to fish. These "best times" can be related to the amount of sunlight, to warming trends, to depth at which fish are found...…
Fishing tackle is used to get your bait or lure to the fish. You don’t need a lot of equipment to begin fishing. In fact, it’s a good idea to begin with basic, simple tackle. So here are the basics. Y…
To catch fish the angler must first locate them. Fish are found nearly everywhere there is water with enough food, oxygen and cover. Near your home there should be a body of water that has fish living…
If using a boat to fish, wear your life jacket and make sure that your passengers wear theirs, too. Inspect waterfronts daily – the natural environment is subject to change without notice. …
We would encourage a new sailor to take advantage of Power Squadron and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Seamanship and basic navigation courses long before they head out to sea! In addition, I would recomm…
The short answer is that sailors can benefit from sailing school at any stage in their sailing lives. Perhaps the greatest benefits can be gained by attending a sailing school when people are beginnin…
The major benefit of being involved in a community boating organization is that you can enjoy the great sport of sailing without the cost or expense of owning a boat. Professional instruction is also …
A charter sailing vacation is one of the all-time greatest vacation options in the world! You have the opportunity to take a vacation in an idyllic setting that offers relaxation, freedom, exhilaratio…
Analyze your budget situation to determine if you can afford to buy new. If you’re not sure what your budget can afford, do some shopping at your local dealership or at the boat show, and/or speak wit…
No matter where you live, the quickest way to find out about racing activities is to find a sailor. Most any sailor can refer you to another sailor who races and will be able to fill you in on racing …
Assuming that you are just sailing during the day and sleeping at night aboard, you only need to be practiced in basic navigation, anchoring and/or docking, and have experience in safe sailing under g…
Greenish gray on back, shading to silvery sides. Fish living in dark waters showing gold on throat, pelvic, and anal fins. The anal fin begins slightly behind the second dorsal. …
Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, a narrow pointed tongue with four to six small teeth, dark pectoral fins, forked tail, and nine rays in anal fin.…
Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, inside the mouth and gums, black, small spots on upper back and tail, 15 - 17 rays in anal fin.…
Smaller than Chinook. Two dorsal fins including one adipose fin, inside of mouth black and gums between teeth gray, small spots on upper tail, 13-15 rays in anal fin.…
Large hump on the back of mature males. Both males and females have large, oblong or oval spots on both the upper and lower portion of their tail and very small scales.…
Silvery and has no distinct black spots, though it may have fine black speckling on the upper sides and back. Breeding males of the species have large, bared teeth,…
Steelhead is a name given to rainbow trout that live in the Great Lakes. Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific Ocean along North America and to rivers and other fresh waters of North America west of…
A large member of the herring family with green or greenish blue on the back and silvery sides, white underneath (colors darken when fish enters fresh water to spawn). The belly with sharp scales, or …
Tarpon are silver in color, with large heavy scales, a tubular body, a large up-tilted mouth with protruding lower jaw. The last ray of the single dorsal fin is extended into a long filament.…
Albacore is found worldwide in tropical seas and is one of the most prized sport fish on the Pacific Coast. The albacore is considered by anglers to be an excellent light-tackle game fish.…
Fusiform body, robust, dark blue or black above and silvery white below with alternating pale lines and light dots.…
The king’s back is iridescent bluish green; sides silvery. A streamlined body with tapered head; no black pigment on front of dorsal fin; lateral line starts high and drops sharply below the second do…
Back is green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line. The front of dorsal fin is black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail.…
Brick red on its head and upper body, whitish silver below; long rectangular snout, and brilliant red eyes.…
Distinctive olive-colored bar from the snout through the eye, to the beginning of the dorsal fin and a broad amber-colored strip running horizontally, along the flanks.…
Cobalt blue on top shading to silvery white on bottom; upper jaw elongated to form a spear; dorsal fin pointed at front end; pectoral fin and anal fin pointed; lateral line reticulated (interwoven lik…
Dark blue on top, brown-blue laterally with a silvery white underbelly; the upper jaw is elongated into a spear.…
The body is dark blue to chocolate brown, shading to silvery white on the underbelly; noticeable spots on dorsal fin.…
Typically large-mouthed, bottom dwellers that are bluish black in color with light spots that form longitudinal stripes.…
Blue or greenish blue on the back, sides silvery; mouth large; teeth prominent, sharp, and compressed. The dorsal and anal fins are nearly the same size; scales are small; lateral line is almost strai…
Silvery color with bluish or greenish back; slender, round body; long, conical snout, aiming downward and overhanging the lower jaw. Dark streaks between scales on the upper half of the body and faint…
Long, slim fish with broad depressed head; lower jaw projects past upper jaw. Dark lateral stripe extends through the eye to the tail. First dorsal fin has 7 to 9 free spines. When young, has conspicu…
Bright greenish blue above, yellow on sides, with the capability of flashing purple, chartreuse, and a wide range of other colors. The body tapers sharply from head to tail with irregular blue or gold…
Chin with 3-5 pairs of small barbells and 5 pores. Caudal fins are double concave. Body is elongate and somewhat compressed with a deeply notched dorsal finwith 10 spines in the anterior portion and 1…
Largest member of the Drum family. High arched back; 10 to 14 pairs of chin barbels; gray or black colored body with large scales in adults; young have 4 to 6 vertical bars.…
Member of the croaker family with large reddish scales on their upper body and a blunt snout. Chin without barbels; copper bronze body, lighter shade in clear waters; one to many spots at base of tail…
Pale body color, yellow above, silver to white below; one or two prominent canine teeth usually at the tip of the upper jaw. Inside of mouth is yellow; no well-defined black spots on back; 10 to 12 so…
Specs have a streamlined body, dark gray or green above, with sky blue tinges shading to silvery and white below. Numerous distinct round black spots on back, extending to the dorsal fins and tail; bl…
Dark olive or blue-green back; sides covered in tones of blue, purple, lavender, gold and copper. Irregular diagonal rows of vaguely-defined dark spots appear above the lateral line.…
Striped bass is a silvery fish that gets its name from the seven or eight dark, continuous stripes along the side of its compressed body.…
In the Pacific, from Washington State north to Alaska including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Neah Bay, Sekiu, and Port Angeles. Also native to temperate waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean, where it …
Flounder have flat bodies with both eyes facing up. They are light to dark olive brown, marked with diffused dark blotches and spots on its back, undersides are white.…
Before catching fish, anglers must locate them. Much of North America is within a day’s drive of the oceans, an estuary, or some other marine environment. You can find fish nearly anywhere there is fo…
Fishing in saltwater can be as simple as standing on pier or the edge of a bay or ocean and tossing out a line with a baited hook. But, using the right kind of boat equipped with the right gear, can g…
Some 15 million Americans list saltwater fishing as one of their preferred recreational activities. In some respects, saltwater is a misnomer; marine might be a better term... Many of this country’s f…
Boating is affordable and there’s a boat for every age, lifestyle and budget. Most people don’t realize how affordable boating is: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for around…
Given that I’m the “boating guy” what I’m about to say may surprise you, but here goes—“Anchoring your boat can be almost as much fun as cruising.” The truth is, the ability to anchor your boat secure…
Marine Industry Certified Dealers have earned a reputation for taking good care of their customers. In fact, to become certified a dealership must meet independently verified high standards in everyth…
Say you have a tire swing in your back yard—you know an old tire hanging on a rope. Take that rope off the swing and walk to the dock. In boating lingo, as soon as you step from the dock to the boat, …
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. GPS units receive signals from United States Government satellites that they use to determine location. Depending on the unit, a GPS can pinpoint your positio…
Once you learn to sail, you’ll want to buy a boat of your own. But what kind? Traditional wisdom says to start with something small, maybe a dinghy or simple sloop (single-masted boat with two sails),…
The start of winter marks the start of boat show season when thousands of boats will be bought and sold across the country. To get ready, Discover Boating took a look at how many boats are already on …
While some anglers lay claim to personal secret bait recipes, there are some “standard” baits that have been widely proven over time. Here are some of the more common ones.…
Big-game fishing essentially didn’t exist until the advent of the motorboat. In 1898, C.F. Holder took a 183-pound bluefin tuna from a boat off Santa Catalina Island, California and inadvertently crea…
Water sports can be the most exhilarating activities around—on or off the water. But they are not commonly taught in phys-ed classes, or at YMCAs or local recreation departments. …
If you plan to do more with your boat than tow your wakeboarding teenagers around in circles 100 yards from shore, you’ll need a few items in addition to that towrope. But what you’ll need depends on …
Boating, like any family activity, is only a “family” activity if all the members are actually involved. If family members are nothing but hostages to Mom and Dad’s hobby, they’ll quickly lose interes…
The word “flyfishing” to many brings to mind bucolic scenes of men in waders standing in a river gorge. But those who know the sport also know that flyfishing from aboard a boat can be even more fun a…
Boating with young children isn’t really all that different from putting them in the car and going out to the playground or swim park. You must have a process for preparing, traveling and enjoying you…
A glassy expanse in front of you, a companion alongside you, and the weekend ahead of you – it’s what boating is all about. While you could just throttle out of the marina for points unknown, the fact…
While wakeboarding may get the TV coverage on ESPN2, most boaters in America are towing tubes for family fun. Suitable for all members of the family, tubes are among the most popular types of towables…
It gets mighty hot on a boat in the summertime. So, you go down into the cabin to take a break from the sun only to find out the air in the cabin’s as hot as crawling into an oven. …
Once you’ve found that secluded inlet you’ve been looking for, dropping the anchor will help hold your boat in place. The anchor rode (line, line and chain, or chain) connects the anchor to the boat. …
A little boat that runs back and forth to a bigger boat (or ship) is called a tender. Moderately sized recreational boats call their tenders dinghies.…
No matter what kind of transmitter or receiver you have on your boat, each device requires its own unique antenna. …
If you leave your boat in the water, especially salt water, for any extended period of time, all kinds of aquatic creepy-crawlies are gonna start growing on the bottom of the boat—not a good thing. …
On a long cruise over open water, standing at the helm keeping your boat pointed in the right direction can grow wearisome, making the whole process of going for a boat ride seem a lot like work.…
Time to learn some more nautical-speak—the bathroom on a boat is called the head, the toilet on a boat is also called the head. The head facilities on a boat range from simple to super. On one end of …
Read helpful tips on how to safely bring your dog on board a boat.…
A chart plotter combines the functions of your charts, compass, and GPS into one, easy-to-use device.…
One of the less glamorous aspects of boat ownership is giving your pride and joy a bath on a regular basis. Even if your boat spends most of its life on the trailer or if it sits patiently at the dock…
Cleaning your boat’s pretty much a low-tech proposition, right? Tear up a couple of old T-shirts, grab a bucket out of the garage, drag the garden hose out to the driveway and you’re in business—maybe…
Computers are all around us in our everyday lives; you’re reading this on a computer screen—and this document was created on a computer. If the engine on your boat is less than about five years old, c…
By design, boats are supposed to spend their lives in the water, exposed to the elements, suffering quietly without complaint. But being the doting boat owners that we are, we must take it upon oursel…
Winterizing your boat isn’t all that difficult, if you follow the engine manufacturer’s instructions, use a lot of common sense, and have the necessary winterizing products on hand.…
Fenders are cushions that prevent a boat from being damaged by rubbing/impacting a dock (when the boat’s tied up) or from being hurt by contact with another boat (when multiple boats are tied/rafted t…
The law requires fire extinguishers for most boats—a good idea, if there’s anything on your boat that could possibly burn. Read on to find out which extinguishers you should have on hand and what othe…
As much as we try to be careful, accidents can happen while we’re boating—usually miles away from professional medical care. That’s why it’s important to have a well-equipped first aid kit on board, a…
One of the great mysteries of boating is wondering what lies beneath us, between the water and the bottom. An echo sounder can help us in our exploration of the world below the depths.…
So, you want to go boating, but you just can’t live without your TV? Sure, you can buy a 12-volt television, but they’re tiny—and expensive, too. And stretching an extension cord’s kinda out of the qu…
Depending on the state in which you live, most boats are required to have a state registration decal, as well as registration letters and numbers prominently displayed on either side of the bow (front…
If you’ve ever wanted to have superhuman powers, like the ability to see things in the dark, or in the rain, or fog—you might be a good candidate for a radar system on your boat.…
To be a good navigator, you need the right tools. Here are some tips on the equiptment you need and what you need to know.…
Of all the electrical devices on your boat, the navigational lights are probably the most important when it comes to on-water safety. The purpose of having navigational lights on boats is so others ca…
Paint is a pigmented chemical coating that you can use to protect and beautify nearly every surface of your boat—except the natural-looking wood stuff. What kind of paint you choose depends on how you…
Out on the boat, few things are more rewarding than popping the top on your favorite canned beverage and taking a long swig to cool your parched throat. The trick is, how do you keep refreshments and …
After you flush the toilet on your boat, what happens to the waste? It goes to a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) for further processing. All boats with a permanently installed toilet are required to ha…
The connection between a land-based source of electricity and your boat is called shorepower. …
Being on the water’s all about sun and fun, isn’t it? As they say, you can have too much of a good thing—and it’s all too easy to soak up more sun than you should’ve.…
Your boat probably has several electrical devices that you turn on and off by pushing a button or flipping a switch. For convenience and ease of installation, many boat builders consolidate these vari…
Things can get pretty dark when you’re on the water at night; shedding a little light on the subject might help. …
So, what happens to the stuff after you flush the toilet? The waste goes through the plumbing into a Type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) where it gets chopped up by a macerator, and then…
A wind indicator, called an anemometer, is an instrument used to measure the wind’s speed, direction, or both.…
When it’s time to weigh anchor (retrieve the anchor), a windlass can make the job a whole lot easier.…
Once you’ve found your slice of heaven on the lake, how do you keep your boat in place? Easy, just lower the anchor over the side, make sure it’s got a good grip on the bottom of the pond, then open t…
Read Discover Boating's guide to bringing the right cabin and galley accessories that will allow you to live on your boat for an entire weekend, or even longer!…
Being on the water means prolonged exposure to sun, wind, and rain. The proper boat top can extend your cruising time by protecting you from whatever Mother Nature dishes out.…
Maintaining your boat and even doing small repairs yourself isn’t as tough as you might think—a little diligence and a lot of common sense can definitely pay off in the long run. …
Let’s take a look at your boat’s control system, and some aftermarket solutions to outdated control units. …
Ready to learn some more nautical-speak? Let’s say you have a tire swing in the back yard—an old tire hanging on a rope. Now, take the rope off the swing, and walk down to the dock. …
The batteries on your boat are responsible for starting the boat’s engine, and for powering lights, electronic devices, and other accessories. …
One of the great mysteries of boating is wondering what lurks beneath the waves—more specifically, how deep is the water, where are the submerged rocks, and where are the fish? …
It’s an indisputable fact of life that things on a boat break—as the sun’s going down, and the crew is looking to you to heal your broken boat and get them back to shore safely. …
If your boat has an engine, it needs adequate nutrition—it needs a place to store its fuel and a way to get the fuel to the engine—your engine needs a fuel system.…
Finding your way on the water doesn’t have to be intimidating, thanks to developments in electronic navigation technology. …
Inflatable boats have come a long way in the past several years—with better, more durable construction, and real sport-boat performance. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more excitement for the money th…
Got a boater, angler, or sailor on your list? Finding just the right present for someone who loves being on the water is easy.…
Like any other recreational activity, boating has its own wardrobe requirements, but not to worry—any day on the water is considered “casual”. Bright summer days and high temps call for a minimum of s…
All of the shiny (and not-so-shiny) stuff that’s bolted to your boat is called hardware. Fasteners are the screws, nuts and bolts that attach the various pieces of hardware to your boat. Due to their …
The right propeller can help your boat reach its performance potential, while the wrong prop can inspire you to take up another hobby.…
Due to the nature of using the wind for power, a sailboat’s hardware endures a lot more stress and strain than a powerboat of comparable size. Over the years, all this hard work takes its toll and thi…
Whether you’re refurbishing an older boat or simply want to make better use of the space available on your vessel, updating the seating arrangements can go a long way towards a new look and better fun…
“What kind of shoes should I wear when I’m out on the boat?” Might seem like a dumb question, but yes, they do make footwear specifically for boating—really.…
Having fun on the water is more than just going for boat rides or doing a little bit of fishing—real fun means watersports—and water toys…
A trolling motor is a small electric motor, located on the bow or stern (sometimes both), that’s used for moving a fishing boat through the water quietly, to avoid spooking the fish. …
Although your boat will spend about 95% of its life on a trailer, the trailer is one of the most neglected aspects of the boating equation—not a good thing. …
Setting out on your first cruise can be a dream adventure if you follow a few simple steps. …
Learning the backside lipslide will give you a good base for more technical grinds down the road. …
Spinning off a kicker behind the boat or on a cable can be really easy if you take your time and wait for the top. …
10 All-purpose fishing tips and 5 Saltwater fishing tips from professional anglers.…
Remember: Boat Smart from the Start.…
Ethics cannot be dictated. They develop with time, experience, and interaction with others. The following code is offered as a guideline to increase awareness and encourage discussion.…
You know you’ve got the fishing bug bad if your boat costs more than your house! Read DiscoverBoating.com's list of signs that you're a fishing fanatic.…
Eliminate the intimidation of engine noise and the fear of being 75 feet from the boat. Stay close, and make the first time on skis fun. …
Too many boats die silently in their winter beds. But follow these easy tips, and your boat will be ready and eager to go in the spring.…
Discover Boatig names America’s Top In-Water Destinations for July 4 Fireworks Displays …
America's Top In-Water Destinations for July 4 Fireworks Displays …
Celebrate Dad's Day! It’s Dad’s Day—time for the crew to celebrate their Captain! If your father loves being out on the water, say no to a new necktie and make a splash with gifts sure to put a smile…
Mothers Day is May 14 For a Mothers Day thats sure to be remembered, forget the flowers and spoil her with a nautical-inspired celebration! Great ways to Make Moms Day— Plan brunch on a boat, or dinne…
Eager to entertain aboard your boat, but not sure how? Here are 10 fun ideas to help you get the party started.…
Slower speeds on the water will reduce use the proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planning speeds. Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock Minimize…
As we learn more about the boating lifestlyle, we want to try new things, go further, bring more people, etc. Here are a few tips on buying your next new boat.…
By Barb Hansen. The year was 1984. Nuclear arms controls with the Soviet Union were unraveling. The prime loan rate was 13 percent. Vic and I started Southwest Florida Yachts.…
You listened to the bait shop guy and bought his equipment, so in return he offers a hot spot to try. After a couple of casts, you feel a strike and set the hook. The reel screams, and you're hooked u…
Ah, spring. Romance is in the air... especially for boaters! THE BIRDS, THE BEES, THE BOATERS! HAPPIEST SPRINGTIME COUPLES LIKELY TO BE BOATERS National Survey Indicates Boat Owners Rate Marriage, R…
There were 13.0 million recreational boats registered in the United States in 2002 according to the U.S. Coast Guard. This represents an increase of 154,000, or 1.2 percent from the previous year. “T…
Your anchor has many uses. From the obvious, keeping your vessel secured to the ground, so it doesn’t float away, to the not so obvious of keeping your vessel from straying into danger. …
When you bought your first boat, propeller selection was easy—whatever came with the boat, usually made of aluminum, was fine. Eventually your props stack up some miles and show significant wear.…
So your in-laws are in the bow, your wife next to you and two small children in the stern, and there’s not a shred of nautical ability among them? Compounding the problem is the dockhand sitting in t…
To help boaters have a trouble-free summer boating season, BoatU.S., the nation’s largest recreational boating association, has a spring commissioning checklist. Whether you have a power or sailboat, …
Before buying an inflatable or RIB, consumers must answer some simple questions about their needs and lifestyle. Answering these questions will help to determine "which inflatable is right for you?" T…
A Poker Run is not a race. It’s a game of chance and an assembly of some of the hottest, fastest and most exotic boats in North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Call it a new version of 5-Ca…
Get quick and easy answers to all of your pet and water safety questions. Q: What should I do before I bring my pet on board? A: Get a checkup, make sure vaccinations are up to date, carry a signed v…
It may have been post-Sept. 11 stay-at-home syndrome or it may have been the industry’s promotional campaigns, but for some reason a lot more people went boating last year than in 2001.…
Fuel prices are dropping, thank goodness… And on top of that, here are some Discover Boating tips to get the most out of your boat’s fuel efficiency, and save you even more money at the gas docks. …
Want to make your spring paint job last? Follow these tips for a flawless finish that will weather the boating season.…
Every summer when I was growing up, we took a family cruise. The destinations varied, and most were pretty cool. But I distinctly remember my brothers and I having certain responsibilities onboard. Lo…
Learn how to get up on your first try with these beginner wakeboarding tips. Get all of the basics of wakeboarding.…
Are you in need of more boating education? Do you have piloting experience in the class of boat that you are purchasing?…
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