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…
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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…
While much of the country seems to be mired in a lot of gloom and doom about the economy, one thing's for certain: The fish don't care one bit. Blue marlin will still snap off St. Thomas this summer; …
In my mind, self-sufficiency represents the single greatest character trait missing from the general American populace today. Society lives with the attitude that if they screw up somehow, someone wil…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
Make your next blue-water adventure safe and enjoyable with these trip-planning and boat-handling tips. …
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.…
Of the three damaging elements of hurricanes — wind, rain and storm surge — wind is the most underestimated. Windage increases by the square of the wind velocity. Five square yards of flat surface gen…
Marine generators don't have it easy. They labor away in tight, stifling corners of the engine room or lazarette and, all too often, are overlooked until something goes wrong. If it's been awhile sinc…
There are probably a hundred or more different navigation markers on American waterways, so learning to follow them can be a full-time endeavor. Most markers are set by the United States Coast Guard a…
Most of us put away water-sports equipment the way Clark Griswold stored lights in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation — in a heap, wherever it lands. But a hasty retreat from the boat will only spe…
Maybe you stayed out too late just to catch the sunset or maybe it was always your plan to enjoy an evening cruise. Whether by chance or by choice, the minute the stars come out, the world looks forei…
You don't have to hang around a busy marina long to see boaters of all skill levels operating at their best — and worst. This is what I learned about both during my job as a dock boy. …
I'm always taken aback when statistical long shots are described in terms of the chance of being struck by lightning. Sure, the odds of a person directly catching a bolt from the blue are quite low — …
You can get a little insight into the psyche of a fisherman by the boat he owns and runs. Here are some boat names to ponder, with some poignant thoughts about each handle.…
If you're not an experienced photographer, and you want to take better photos from your boat, try these suggestions:…
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…
After several hundred thousand miles on the road, Tim Horton says these are his top tips…
Understanding the letters and numbers on the container helps ensure that you use the right lubricant in your diesel engine. …
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…
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…
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 — …
Whether you own a power yacht, wakeboard boat, fishing boat or sailboat, if you enjoy recreational boating then you share two common interests with all other boaters, clean water and access to it. The…
Your palms are sweaty, your mouth is dry, and you have a knot in your stomach – you must be backing your boat into a slip. Despite the initial anguish of attempting this seemingly difficult task, ther…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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 …
Follow these easy top 10 tips for clean and green boating.…
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…
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 …
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 …
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.…
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…
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Pricing, prepping and paperwork essential to the successful sale of your boat.…
If you’re one of the legions of trailer sailors, you know the advantages of having your boat in your driveway or storage yard instead of in a slip or on a mooring. Storms are not likely to be a concer…
