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When you buy a boat, you may also choose to rent a boat dock in the marina. If you do, you’ll likely decide to purchase some boat dock accessories. This will make the dock more user friendly. It will brighten it up and make it more personal. The first step is to determine what sort of boat dock accessories you want or need for your dock site. It is good to first know what options you have to choose from so that you can make a truly informed decision. The purpose of thes article is to help you get started on this process.

First of all, one of the many boat dock accessories that you may want to consider is a dock ladder. This will allow you easier access into the water at your dock. In this way, you can check out the exterior parts of your boat up close. You can do this without having to find a way to climb up and down off the dock or off the boat itself. A dock ladder can come in quite handy also in case you can’t quite reach the dock from the boat. You’d like to avoid having to drop into the water and swim over.

Also, you may want to consider boat dock accessories like dock bumpers. These can help you preserve your boat. You then do not need to worry that your boat will bump the sides of the dock in heavy winds or water movement and get dented or obtain paint scratches. You can install the bumpers so that your boat merely touches a soft surface, much like the use of car bumpers, allowing it to shift back away from the dock edge without damage.

If your dock is narrow and if you have difficulty getting your boat into it’s slot, you may want to consider boat dock accessories like dock wheels. These will simply catch your boat gently at the corners of your dock slip and guide your boat in the right direction. Thus, you do not have to back up and start over in your attempt to dock. Dock wheels are quite a blessing, especially for new boat owners who haven’t yet gained a lot of experience. Also, it helps those who are stuck with a very tight fit into their slip.

Dock floats can also be a great help in keeping the boat elevated almost completely out of the water so that it is not moving around in heavy winds and hitting the sides of the dock constantly.

While this isn’t complete, nevertheless, here are several boat dock accessories that can come in handy to boat owners housing their vessels in a marina. Take a look at some catalogs and find out which ones are best for you.

Enjoy!

Verlyn Ross owns and operates a website dedicated specifically to the enjoyment of boating. It includes a wealth of free articles in which you may have an interest. For a great place to get answers, go here!
Freely explore it and visit our Blog. ENJOY!

We’ve all heard it a million times: Buyer Beware! That may never be truer than when buying a used boat. Most experts agree, first time boat buyers may be able to find a great deal from a private seller, but your best bet is heading to a reputable dealer to find a good quality used boat at a fair price. Experienced boat owners may opt to forgo the dealership in lieu of finding a great deal elsewhere.

Whether you decide to risk buying your first (or next) boat from another boat owner, or from a dealer, there are a few things to watch out for when purchasing any used watercraft:

Maintenance:
Ask for a detailed maintenance history so you can see firsthand what kind of major repairs have been made in recent months. Also, find out who handled the repairs, so you can ask them what type of work maintenance may be need in the future.

Marine Survey:
It’s a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect any boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. This can be pricey however, and some boat buyers decide to go it alone. At the minimum, do-it-yourself inspectors should always check the following: spark arrestors and plugs; the alternator; belts; hoses; strainer; blower; shift cables; and engine alignment.

Hull Condition:
Make sure the hull is in good condition. Tap on it all the way around to make sure it is consistently solid. Check carefully for mismatched paint (this could be a sign of a previous accident), and also gel-coat blisters and dry rot - more signs of potential trouble.

Propeller:
Check for warping, cracks, or nicks - they can hinder performance.

Storage:
How has the boat been stored while not in use? Dry storage is best, but a well-kept outdoor stored boat shouldn’t be discounted.

Upholstery:
Check for ripped seams and color fading. Of course how much of this you can tolerate is solely up to you.

Extras:
Always ask if there are any extras that come with the purchase. You may be surprised at what the owner may throw in to seal the deal: a depth finder; a stereo; a radio; life jackets; or even an anchor. Either way, it can’t hurt to ask.

N.A.D.A. Boat Appraisal Guide:
Find the boat you are looking at in the N.A.D.A. Guide to see what its current market value is. Remember, if it is priced too low, it may have unseen problems. And if you trust the owner, ask why he’s selling it for so much less than book value. If his answer makes sense, count yourself lucky. You just found a great deal!

Buying a used boat is much like buying a used car: you have to take your time, not let your emotions rule the sale; and be clear as to what you want and how much you’re willing to pay for it.

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You’ve decided to join the ranks of boat owners worldwide, but what do you need to know before you head to your local marine dealer? As is the case in making any large-scale investment (like a boat), there area few things you need to consider before making such a high-cost purchase. First, ask yourself:

Will I Really Use A Boat Enough To Warrant The Expense?
Go boating with some friends. Make sure it’s something you can see yourself doing every weekend - or at leas enough to justify the time and expense owning a boat requires.

Understand What Owning A Boat Really Means:
Owning a boat is time consuming and expensive. Seriously consider the cost of ownership before investing big bucks for one. Consider the costs of buying it, insurance, interest, fuel and oil, trailer, storage, repairs, setting up a tow vehicle, lodging, weekend food, extra fishing gear, skis, life jackets, licenses and permits, maintenance, to name a few. And, don’t forget the time it takes to round up the gear, get to the water, participate in water activities, get back home, unpack, and service the boat.

Do Your Research:
Go to a few boat shows to see what styles are available. Visit a few showrooms and talk to a variety of different salespeople and current boat owners to help you decide what size boat and options best fit your needs and budget.

Consider What Type Of Boat Best Fits Your Needs:
The kind of boat you ultimately purchase will depend a great deal on the types of activities you will be using it for. Will you be fishing, skiing, tubing, or cruising? Will you ever operate in salt water? Do you plan on pulling your boat by a trailer? All this will help you determine the best boat for your lifestyle.

Find A Good Dealer:
If you know little about boats or what’s entailed in boat ownership, then it’s important to find a dealer who can guide you through the buying process and beyond. Ask other boat owners about dealers in your area who offer exceptional service. This should go beyond selling you the boat, by also offering tips of towing, winterization, and repairs.

Avoid Buying Too Much Boat:
Bigger isn’t always better - especially for the first time boat owner. The larger the boat, the harder it is to handle, and maintain, and the more it costs to operate. Start with a boat that is small, economical, easy to use. A used one from a reputable dealer is even a better choice until you know exactly what size and style boat you’ll be happy with for the long haul.

Understanding the Difference Between the Asking Price and the Selling Price
Just like cars, buying a boat doesn’t always mean the sticker price is the “real” price. Most boats sell for less than the asking price. Do your homework so you understand what the real value of the boat your interest in is, then be prepared to haggle for the best price.

Buying a new boat is very similar to buying a new car: it takes persistence, patience, some know-how, and the ability to walk away until you find the best deal.

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Failure to winterize can cause your boat to suffer significant damage such as cracks that cause leaks, corrosion, frozen pipes, interior damage, and fuel degradation.

The first thing to do is to fill the gas tank to prevent condensation, oxidation, and subsequent spoilage, and add enough stable to condition the fuel for storage. After the fuel is topped off, hook up your water supply hose to your “ears” and attach them to the lower unit. The “ears” are the same ones you use to flush and run your outboard with. Use these to prevent damage to your engine, while warming it up. While warming the engine, change the oil to allow impurities to drain. Your owner’s manual will show the location of where to pump out your oil. Most are through the dipstick pipe, but some boats have a special pipe just for this. You need to make sure the hose runs down the pipe well into the engine sump pan.

Getting your boat ready for winter is essential to keeping it in great shape for next season. Here are a few basic tips to remember when dry docking your boat this winter:

-Make sure the oil filter has a check valve in it to protect your engine from oil draining back through the filter.

-To stop oil from settling on the bottom of the engine block, consider fogging the carburetor while the engine is running for 20-30 seconds or until it begins to smoke.. Once the engine is fogged, detach the fuel line and run the engine until all of the gas is burned. Lower the motor so all of the water drains from it

-If your engine uses coolant, drain the existing fluid from the engine block and replace it with a non-toxic, propylene glycol base antifreeze

The best place to store your boat during the cold winter months is ashore (dry-docked). But it can be expensive. Dry-docking your boat is a better storing method because it protects from developing blisters around the hull caused by water soaking into the laminate below the waterline. Always power wash the outside of your boat at the end of the season to clean off any stands and sea build-up. Check for places that need to be re-sealed, painted and varnished. It not only looks better, but it helps to protect your boat even more.

Always cover your boat, whether you store in the water, or out of it. This will protect the waterline from the wind, snow, and ice and eliminate undue corrosion. Place mildew bags throughout the interior of your boat to eliminate smells and extra cleaning in the spring. Make sure your cover is in good shape — not torn, or ripped anywhere, and that it fits snugly.

Boats need a lot of tender loving care; both during the season and when they aren’t in use to keep them working great for years to come.

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According to national Coast Guard statistics, 80% of all boating accidents are caused by human error.

Most fatal accidents in small boats are caused by drowning due to a failure to wear a life jacket or other Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Even good swimmers find the trauma of going into the water unexpectedly, coupled with stress and fatigue, can render them helpless in a water emergency.

Non-fatal accidents are most commonly caused by collisions with other boats or objects in the water, according to reports.

Getting Safely On and Off of a Boat:
Believe it or not, a large number of passenger accidents occur before the boat ever leaves the dock. Small boats, especially, can be unstable, tipping easily. Be sure that passengers board the boat carefully, being sure to step into the centerline of the boat with one hand on the pier, and the other on the boat. Practice lowering yourself into the center while still on land. Other tips include: being sure the boat is firmly attached to the pier; and wearing a PFD at all times, even while boarding the boat.

Another danger: trying to carry items on board with you. Always board first, then have someone hand you the items to bring aboard.

Safety Rules on the Water:
Once underway, take heed to avoid standing up, or riding on the bow. Always keep the boat steady, avoiding sharp turns.

Capsizing is the #1 small boating accident emergency. All new boat models, (built after 1978), have built-in flotation devices that keep it from sinking. Should you be involved in a capsizing accident, stay with the boat if possible.

Why is capsizing so common? In their rush to hit the water, many people fail to take heed of the following:

Overloading: Not watching how much weight you’re carrying can cause a boat to swamp, or take on water. Too much equipment and too many people aboard can slow the boat and reduce its freeboard area above the waterline. Avoid overloading by carefully keeping track of how much your boat can carry, and staying well within restrictive levels.

Improper Weight Distribution: Not placing people and supplies in the proper balance throughout the boat can make it even more unstable.

Waves: Waves, too, can be a big factor in capsizing, especially when they come at you unexpectedly. Anticipate all waves, and aim the bow at them.

What to Do if Someone Falls From The Boat:
Hopefully, even if someone falls from your boat, they will be wearing the proper Personal Floatation Device to keep them afloat until you can reach them. Never jump in after them unless you are a trained lifeguard who knows how to handle panicky people in the water. Otherwise, they may pull you under also. Throw them a flotation device and or a line and pull them in. Use your whistle or horn to call for help immediately!

Boating can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous if proper safety rules are not followed. Be prepared for an emergency by knowing what to do no matter what happens.

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Life jackets may be the #1 safety device needed for all boaters. No matter what your age, or experience, a life jacket or PFD is a must-have for everyone on board!

Life Jackets:
Life jackets come in two main styles: standard and small vessel. Standard life jackets are the most recommended since they offer the best protection and durability. They come in the following colors to enable you to be seen in the water: red, orange and yellow.

Standard Life Jackets:
A good-quality standard life jacket has several main objectives. They are designed to:

-Turn you on your back, keeping your face out of the water, even if you are knocked unconscious.
-Good for all water conditions.
-Sized appropriately for both children and adults.

Small Vessel Life Jackets:
Since small vessel jackets are generally worn on smaller-sized ponds, lakes and river they do not offer the same protection as standard life jackets, which are worn when on rough seas. These devices offer:

-Less flotation.
-Slower turn around from to back when in the water (which could cause water ingestion).
-Only 3 sizes, which may not fit every body size/type properly.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s):
Personal Flotation Devices, commonly known as PFD’s, are most used for pleasure crafting such as canoeing, kayaking and sail boarding, among others. Although they come in a variety of stylish colors, most water experts agree that the best choice is red, orange or yellow, since they allow rescue workers t located you faster when in the water.

Most people prefer the use of PFD’s over standard life jackets because they are more comfortable. But, keep in mind when choosing between the two, that PFD comfort may give way to safety. They offer far less flotation and turning capability if thrown in the water, and shouldn’t usually be worn by children or poor swimmers.

Choosing a Personal Flotation Device style depends a great deal on our needs, and the type of activity you will be engaged in. When traveling at high speeds, a PFD featuring three or more chest belts are recommended. Cold-water users should consider purchasing a PFD with thermal protection and those who wear a PFD for a specific ongoing recreational purpose (ie: canoeing, sailing, etc). Use one specifically designed for that sport.

Properly Fitting Children:
For the best protection, children should always wear a life jacket or PFD that has been specifically sized for them. It is NEVER acceptable for a child to be strapped into an adult sized flotation device of any kind. Even when wearing the correct size and style for their age, children’s safety devices should also feature:

-Large collars for proper head support in case of an accident.
-Waist ties in front.
-Safety straps between the legs to keep the device form slipping over their heads and off.
-Reflective buckles and straps to make locating them in the water easier and faster.

In addition every life jacket and PFD should be kept in its best condition by:

-Never kneeling or sitting on it.
-Checking regularly for buoyancy.
-Making sure all straps, zippers and buckles remain in tip-top shape.
-Checking to be sure all straps remain attached securely and properly.
-Dried in open air to avoid heat damage.

Keeping your emergency flotation device in good condition is essential to ensuring that it will work properly in case of an emergency.

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“I just broke my leg!” I yelled at my fishing partners as I lay in the bottom of the boat. They seemed unconcerned about me, only anxious about the fishing tackle I had fallen across. “Those rods are not broken are they?” my friend Captain Steve asked, not concerned about me at all.

“No” I shouted, “But my ankle is!”

It was a beautiful warm, sunny, January morning and the Gulf of Mexico at Panama City, Florida was like glass, as smooth as far as the eye could see. The temperature at 8:00 am was in the low seventies. The morning mist from the gulf hid from sight the sea birds you could hear screeching as they fought each other for a morsel of food or any bait left by early fishermen. It was a perfect day and we were about to cast off for a spot about 12 miles offshore from the marina.

Previously Captain Steve, my buddy Jimmy and I had filled up the gas tanks of Steve’s 22 foot fishing boat, bought cigar minnows and squid for bait. Our rod and reels were secured in their holders with the rest of our tackle, cooler and refreshments in the bottom of the boat. Now it was time to head out to our secret hole somewhere in the Gulf, located by the coordinates that Steve had scribbled in his notebook.

Finally we were ready to begin our voyage on a mirror like sea. Everything was wonderful until I stepped from the dock onto the side of the boat and fell. My brand new tennis shoes gripped the bow as the boat shifted to the right. Unfortunately my feet were still pointed to the left. My right ankle sounded like a firecracker as it snapped!

For some this would have been the end of the fishing trip on such a glorious day in the middle of winter, but not for me. I jerked off my shoe and saw my foot swelling before my eyes. The more swollen it became, the more it hurt. The sight even subdued my fishing companions. They were scurrying around helping me find a seat, asking if I wanted to go to the hospital.

Even though there was no doubt in my mind that my ankle was broken, it would have been a disservice to the other two guys not to continue our trip after the money we had spent on tackle, bait, gas and grub. By now my foot looked like a balloon. Captain Steve went below and came back with a half gallon jug of rum. Medicinal of course!
“This will help with the pain as he grimaced at the sight of my foot!” he laughed as he handed me the bottle.

We shoved off and began gliding our way out of the harbor, maneuvering our boat around the many cargo ships that were anchored offshore of the Port of Panama City. After about 45 minutes we arrived at our location. Captains Steve’s navigational tools pinpointed an artificial reef of an old tugboat. These old tugs make perfect habitats for many types of fish, from grouper to flounder.

By the time we arrived, I was pleasantly sedated even though my foot still hurt. We caught a lot of fish that winter’s day. Seated on a deck chair with my right foot resting on a boat cushion, I had two lines dangling over the side of the boat. Sometimes both rods were bent with fish on each line. We had our fishing rigs baited with cut bait, cigar minnows and squid. We fished for about four hours and caught some of the largest flounder I have ever seen as well as red snapper and 2 small groupers.

By early afternoon my fishing companions were beginning to be more concerned about the state of my foot. The swelling never seemed to stop; nor did the pain. My foot hurt of course, but I didn’t care. We were catching a lot of fish and this made the whole trip worthwhile.
We stowed our tackling, put our fish in the ice chests and went back to our marina. I was immediately taken to the hospital where the doctors and nurses fussed at me for not coming in sooner. My ankle was broken in 2 places, insuring me of a cast and crutches.

All in all it was a memorable experience fishing in the Gulf, but then they all are!

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, holiday eating and leisure living.
Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:
http://www.bluemarlinbob.com
http://www.pompanobob.com