When looking at the Michigan boat show calendar, you see there are a significant number of boat shows within the first quarter of the year and many might wonder, “Why hold a boat show in the dead of w…
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US banks are making boat loans. Yes, there are fewer banks doing this today than one year ago. However, proportionately both boat sales and loans are down so the service capacity for boat loans remain…
‘Tis the season to make New Year’s resolutions. Most resolutions relate to changing bad habits or attempting to change negative aspects of our lives. It’s time to put a more positive spin onto this ti…
Having trouble buying the perfect gift for the boaters on your list? Here are some ideas that will float their boat!…
With the proliferation of affordable commercial assistance outfits such as Sea Tow and TowBoatU.S. plus the constantly improving reliability of marine engines, it’s not nearly as common as it once wa…
ARE YOUR FLARES STILL GOOD? If you find yourself in need of a tow or some other kind of assistance and can’t contact anyone by radio or phone, you’ll need to use some kind of visual distress signal — …
Here’s how to select the right batteries and maintain them in peak condition. by Tom Ireland …
Whether you trailer your boat to new inland lake destinations or have a boat large enough to cruise from port to port along the Great Lakes coast, the abundance of water in and around Michigan will ke…
Boating on the Great Lakes is an experience that once enjoyed, will never be forgotten. These lakes are designed by nature to charm and capture the spirit of boaters. As residents of Michigan, we are …
Looking for a great place to throw your next party or social gathering? Look no further than your boat. A boat can serve as a fantastic setting for your next big bash, business entertainment party, or…
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…
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 arou…
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…
Big or small, basic or souped up, there is one thing every boat needs. Maintenance. Fortunately, routine maintenance and even small repairs aren’t that tough. And in the long run, a little elbow greas…
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…
Boats today are a lot faster than they used to be—thanks to advances in hull design. The material and processes used to build boats has also improved, resulting in vessels that are both lighter and st…
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…
Useful tips help cut fuel costs…
Follow these easy top 10 tips for clean and green boating.…
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 …
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…
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…
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. …
When you’re out boating on unfamiliar waters, you really should have the official navigational charts (maps for the water) for that particular body of water. …
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…
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.…
Got a boater, angler, or sailor on your list? Finding just the right present for someone who loves being on the water is easy.…
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 …
So you are going to take some kids fishing! Maybe they are yours, or those of a relative or friend. Either as an angler or interested adult, you want these kids to have fun.…
Plan ahead… There are a lot of choices. Allow enough time to explore many different types of boats, and several different brands within each category… This is a big investment that will change your li…
America's Top In-Water Destinations for July 4 Fireworks Displays …
Discover Boatig names 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…
Summer’s here and many parents are contemplating whether to send the future of our country to manners school for three months or allow them to join the rest of the family on vacation. Recalling so…
Eager to entertain aboard your boat, but not sure how? Here are 10 fun ideas to help you get the party started. There's something about being on a boat that causes most people to cut loose a little…
If all goes as planned for Colin Osborn, he's hung up the suit and tie and is out on the water by early Friday afternoon. It'll take at least an hour to finish preparations for the trip. His wife Lisa…
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…
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…
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…
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…
