Revealed… Precautions To Take Making Your Boat Less Attractive To Robbers And Thieves
We are into February and before you know it, it will be time for the boating enthusiasts to take their boats out of dry dock and get them ready for another big boating season. Now is the time of the year the boat owner should review the steps necessary to protect his boat from thieves and make this a crime free year.
Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Many boat owners take a lackadaisical approach when it comes to their property. Do not make yourself and your boat an easy target. You can make your boat less of a target if you follow these simple steps:
. Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about the value later.
. Don’t leave equipment or other items loose in the cockpit or on deck.
. Don’t leave your engine key in the ignition; always take it with you.
. Keep your other boat keys separate from your engine keys.
. Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even if it is for a short time.
. Use strong casehardened padlocks or rim locks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.
. Consistently check and think of ways to improve the security on your boat. Do not take security for granted.
. It is a good idea to install an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one your boat has an alarm system.
. Make sure your cockpit lockers are properly secured, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong, making it harder for thieves to get access to the interior.
. Also, think about having a strongbox or a hidden safe down below. If you don’t think something is secure, get it fixed.
IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY
Once you’ve tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.
Always:
. Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong casehardened padlock.
. Lock up any emergency money away from other valuables. A hidden safe can be handy here.
. Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in.
. Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards and always lock them.
. Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.
. When you go ashore using a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, row locks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.
. If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn’t been badly damaged.
. And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven’t been broken into as well.
Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work as a team to keep the marina secure. As a team or marina watch you can do the following:
. Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.
. Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yardmaster.
. Don’t give your marina access card or key to other people for any reason.
. Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.
. Don’t allow strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.
. Keep the marina gate closed at all times.
Don’t hesitate to act on these recommendations today. Tomorrow may be too late. Always remember that thought, planning and intentions are great but in order to accomplish anything you must take action.
Bill Wallmuller aka Mr. Merokee is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. Learn more ways to protect yourself at: http://www.personal-defense-technology.com/diversionsafes.htm
Installing A Marine Fuel Flow Meter For Your Boat
Flow meters are generally installed to measure the amount or flow rate of a specific liquid or gas, used both for residential as well as commercial purposes. This is the best way to show how much of the liquid or gas has been in use of flowed through the pipe. From one perspective this is very good because it makes you in control of the amount of medium in use, and in turn saving the medium.
A marine fuel flow meter does the same in that sense as well. Basically nowadays many American boaters are fond of installing a marine flow meter in their boats to determine the amount of fuel in use, simply to save the usage of fuel at the same time. This is actually a reaction to the price of fuel, which is soaring higher every day.
Always On Alert
This marine fuel flow meter will make sure the correct amount of fuel being flowed through the pipe to be shown to the boater, so that he would be aware of it at all times. This is especially ideal for bigger size engines. Most of the flow meters for boats do not cost more than $400, and in fact the money you would be spending would be a great investment. This is because the marine fuel flow meter will monitor the consumption of fuel at all times. It shows not only how much fuel you’ve used but how fast you’re using it as well, which in turn helps you to find your most efficient cruising rpm.
Affordable
The main reason why the price is very much affordable, compared to other contemporary methods of fuel saving is because this flow meter is basically something that is an ideal thing. Every boater who is concerned about his boat’s fuel consumption would definitely need to install this marine fuel flow meter.
Working on all types of marine fuels including diesel and gasoline, this flow meter is permanently installed on to your boat. This type of fuel flow meter is not just limited to boats; it can simply be installed and used on commercial and recreational boats, stationary industrial engines, heavy duty trucks, automobiles, general aviation aircrafts, and many more. This would mean that getting this fuel meter is not something hard at all, for all automobile and marine hardware stores would definitely have this marine fuel flow meter.
More information on this topic can be found in a number of different locations:
1) The Internet – A favorite search engine can be a very helpful tool
2) A Bookstore – Don’t forget books; and bookstores are full of them
3) A Library – Yet another location for books; and the nice thing about the library is that they are free
For more information on marine fuel flow meters visit http://www.FlowMeterBasics.com/ or http://FlowMeterBasics.blogspot.com/
Inflatable Boats are Very Popular Today
As you are probably already aware of, inflatable boats are very popular today. Each distinct group of inflatable boat is designed for a specific use and therefore equipped with different components and equipment.
If your looking for a small boat to get you from your ship to the shore, a typical inflatable boat is the best answer. If you are looking for a medium sized boat for diving or swimming, there are many choices in that area as well. For recreation or rescue work, there are large inflatable boats available as well.
Dealers
The location of a reputable dealer is very important, as you don’t want to travel too far to get an inflatable boat. Whether you need parts, repairs, or just technical support – a close dealer can also be a close friend. As a new boat owner, you may also have questions, need to claim your warranty, or just need regular servicing. No matter how you look at it, a close dealer is always better than having to travel.
Prices
Many years ago, inflatable boats were the most expensive types of boats and only a small amount of people could even afford them. The reason for this, was the use of exotic materials and the numerous hours of hand labor that went into their construction.
Today, there are machines that do a majority of the construction work. Zodiac and its sister company Sevylor, are the leading low cost producers today thanks to technology. You can even finance an inflatable boat if you need to, making them available to almost everyone now.
Warranty
You may have heard claims from all competitors, with each one promising they have the best or even the longest warranty. A few years ago, a company offered a lifetime warranty – although they soon disappeared shortly thereafter. Many manufacturers will use an attractive warranty to substitute for quality or even proper boat design.
In the back of your mind, you should be sure that the company you buy from will be around long enough to deliver on their warranty. Zodiac has been building inflatable boats for over 50 years, and offer a limited 5 year warranty on their inflatable boats. Therefore, Zodiak is one of the best you can buy today.
With all inflatable boats, you should know which type you want before you purchase. You can always look around and see what each dealer offer, then plan your purchase accordingly. An inflatable boat is great to have, especially for those who own big ships and vessels. You can’t go wrong with these boats either – as they serve many different useful purposes.
Why should you buy a boat
Many studies have shown, and many people already know that being with friends and family, relaxing in the outdoors and being close to nature are the best reasons to buy a boat and spend time on the water. Your family doesn’t need to spend a forture or travel to a theme park to have an experience that everyone will enjoy.
Boating is family
If you’ve ever felt that your family is going in different directions, a boat can help to bring things back together. When you spend time with your family on a boat, it’s all quality time. No matter if you’re fishing, tubing, swimming, or just cruising, your doing it together – as a family.
There are no distractions on the water, so you can focus your attention on each other. You can share stories, laugh, have conversations, or reconnect and create all new memories together. To put it in simple terms, a boat will make life much better.
Boating helps you relax
Being on a boat makes it easy to relax. There are no faxes, computers, or interruptions on a boat. You have the open water, fresh air, the warm sun, and adventure that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
With a boat, a great getwaway is all but a weekend away. You may be a few miles from home in reality, although you’ll feel like your a million miles away.
Having fun
On a boat, the fun will never stop. There are always things to do, places to see, fish to catch, and new memories to create. Buying a boat is easy to do, even if you are on a budget. If your ready to start a new journey in life – a boat is something you and your family simply must have
Copyright 2006 – Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.inflatable-boat-guide.com/ and also http://www.boat-builder-dealer.com/ and http://www.outboard-motor.org/
Spring Maintenance for Used Boats
The temperature is warming and its that time again and I’m sure everyone is as anxious to get back out on the water as I am. Its tempting to pull off the cover and just go, but there are 5 things you should take care of first to avoid the maiden voyage from Hades, well you get my point.
Step one on the list is the battery. I can’t stress this enough. If you make it away from the dock and your battery isn’t 100% you’re asking to be towed back. Check the water in each cell unless it is a sealed battery and add if needed. Charge fully and keep the first trip short in case you do need assistance.
Second step is changing the oil. If you didn’t do this last fall, now is the time. You can take care of this while the battery is charging. If you have never done this it may be a little different than changing it in the family car. Most of the time you need a small pump with a tube that is fed down the dipstick tube and the oil is pumped out. Make sure to warm the engine slightly to thin the oil and suspend any contaminates (but not to hot) before removing with the pump. Place rags under the oil filter and a garbage bag around it to catch any oil that might spill when you remove it. Make sure to put a film of oil on the filter gasket and tighten
Cleaning Tips for Used Boats
It is amazing how quickly how boats can become so dirty. Here are a few tips to bring back that new boat look.
Wash the outside with a mild detergent. Sometimes it’s tempting to whip out the industrial cleaner, but believe me it will only cost you more time in the future. Strong cleaners remove the wax, leaving the finish vulnerable to dirt and the harmful rays of the sun. Marine stores sell detergents that are made especially for boat finishes. These do a good job of cleaning and won’t remove so much of the wax. Some of these detergents may even contain wax for extra protection.
Wax your boat. This doesn’t have to be done each time you wash, but the more you wax the longer the finish will look new. While the surface of a fiberglass boat may appear slick and shiny, if you were to look at it under a microscope you would see that it is actually rough and has many pits and flaws. When you apply wax these microscopic pits are filled in leaving the surface smooth and glossy. Your boat should be waxed in the spring before commissioning and in the fall before storing it in the winter. This is the minimum to maintain your boat in a new looking condition.
Mold and mildew are problems that can be kept under check if you take a little time to keep the inside of your boat clean. They like to grow on surfaces that are dirty. If you already have mildew it is not so easy to remove. A mild solution of bleach and water will kill the mildew on the hard shiny surfaces, however never use these on vinyl seats or canvas boat tops. The stitching used in these products can be deteriorated causing them to fall apart. Believe me I know I just spent over $500.00 to get my canvas repaired when all the zippers and stitching started to fall apart. For use on these types of materials I suggest Amazon’s Mildew Stain Away, also available at boating supply stores. This product will not clean as well as bleach, but it does a better job of not hurting your stitching.
Keeping the upholstery looking good is simple if you keep a good leather and vinyl protectant applied after each use. These are easy to apply, take only a few minutes, and will extend the life of the upholstery these protectants penatrate and moisturize the vinyl helping to prevent drying and cracking. Some even have a type of sunblock to help prevent fading.
Don’t forget the windshield. Sometimes after a day on the water it becomes almost impossible to see through your windshield. Sand, salt spray, and tanning lotions seem to be attracted to this part of your boat like a magnet. After washing and drying clean the windshield with a good glass cleaner and then apply rain-x. Just like the fiberglass, the windshield also has microscopic pits. Rain-x fills these in and makes the surface slick so that it stays cleaner longer.
While boating is a pleasurable way to spend a summer day, it is also very exhausting and you may not feel like cleaning your boat when you get home. Just remember keeping it in a “new boat” condition will increase the resale value and shorten the time it takes to sell your boat.
Bradford Herrington is a long time boat enthusiast who currently owns a 42′ yacht. He is also a part time editor for http://www.awesomeboatdeals.com which specializes in used boats for sale.