How to Choose a Life Jacket

Almost eighty percent of all boating-related deaths occur by drowning. Wearing a life jacket - also called a personal flotation device, or PFD - when out on the water could keep you from becoming a statistic.

1. Purchase the bulky off-shore life jacket for greatest buoyancy - at the expense of some comfort.


2. Choose the near-shore buoyancy vest if you will be on calmer, inland waters.


3. Consider buying a flotation aid if you will be on protected waters where a quicker rescue is assured. They allow some movement and are somewhat more comfortable than the other jackets.


4. Opt for one of several types of floatable life jackets, which are easy to wear and inflatable. Also called special-use devices, each is designed for a specific water activity, such as sailboarding, and is worn at all times.


5. Purchase a throwable device as an extra safety measure. They are literally thrown to and held onto by someone who has fallen overboard until he or she is rescued.

Know where life jackets are stored on the boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requires that everyone on a boat less than 16 feet long have a jacket; on any boat longer than 16 feet, you must also have one extra jacket on board.

Further regulations regarding life jacket use vary by state; for more details, call the USCG at (800) 368-5647 or consult your local marine store.

Make sure that the life jacket is USCG-approved.

Regardless of regulations, when out on the water in a boat, people who require (or could require) assistance, such as children and nonswimmers, should wear life jackets at all times.

Let your life jacket drip-dry thoroughly, then store in a well-ventilated area.

In an emergency, you could slip through a life jacket that is too large for you; try on any life jacket before purchasing it.

Waterlogging or compression can cause jackets to lose buoyancy, rendering them useless, so inspect and test them at least twice a year.

Read more »

Travis Boating Center

Travis Boating Center is one of the premier super stores for the best deals on boats in the United States. Travis Boating Center was founded and began by the man who was responsible for launching Bass Pro Shops – the premier store for everything outdoors. It seemed like a natural transition for him to also found a store that sold boats and everything associated with them since boats are used in fishing as well as for recreational purposes.

Exclusively carrying Tracker brand boats, Travis boating center was started back in the 1970’s and featured a “ready to fish” boat package that was unheard of in the industry at the time. Tracker boats have since become known as some of the best quality of boats that can be found today. Since its inception, Travis Boating Center has expanded their brand lines to include Nitro, Sun Tracker, and Tahoe, to name just a few.

Today, this is a national phenomenon growing by leaps and bounds every day. Inside the stores of Travis Boating Center, you’ll find the largest selection of boats all tailored to the regions that each store serves.

This great store, founded with a love of both fishing as well as boating offers the finest new and used boats at the best prices. They pride themselves on bringing service and selection together to offer boating enthusiasts the best boating package at the very best price.

Travis Boating Centers are located in many places concentrating mostly in the south and southeastern United States. They are especially concentrated in areas where boating is big such as Texas, California, and Florida. However, chances are very good that if you take the time to look, you will be able to find a boat dealer near you that carries Tracker boats which were developed by Travis Boating Center.

Travis Boating Centers are well-known for being heavy participants in boat shows all around the country. Because they have such great boat packages which usually include trailers as well as boating gear, they have a lot to offer at these shows.

They pride themselves on offering everything the avid boater needs no matter what activity the boat will be used for. Their staff is friendly and very knowledgeable as each employee must go through a rigorous training session where they learn everything that will help the consumer make a well-thought out decision on their boat purchase.

Whether you want to angle for sport fish, ski with family, or cruise to Margaritaville, look for a Travis Boating Center to get outfitted with the best boat around. When you become an owner of one of their fine boats, you will enjoy the results of founder Johnny Morris’ enduring vision: “Build a better boat, make it affordable and make it last.”

That’s what you’ll get from Travis Boating Center and Tracker boats.

Read more »

Boating Marinas

A boating marina is a port within a sheltered harbor where boats are kept in the water. Boating marinas also offer services that meet the needs of the recreational boater. These services include offering gas, snacks, boating supplies, and more.

The boating marina is where you will find the boating ramp to get your boat on the water. Some marinas will offer out of water boat storage for the off-season. Boating marinas will also have extensive parking facilities for boaters and slips where boats can tie up while the boaters take care of their personal business.

Most boating marinas are privately operated often by clubs like yachting clubs or organizations. They usually charge a fee for ramping your boat and may also have membership fees to belong to the marina. But when you are a member, you will be able to take advantage of many opportunities marinas offer like boating classes, safety courses, and much more.

Almost all boating marinas will offer boat rentals for people who don’t own boats. This is a great service for people who don’t have the resources to own their own boats – yet. The rental prices are usually quite reasonable and provide for a fun day on the water for almost everyone.

All bodies of water will have a boating marina – in fact, many will have multiple marinas to serve many locations along the way. In some places, the marina business can be quite a competitive one as each tries to look for their share of business from eager boaters. However, because the marinas really have a captive audience so to speak from people on the water, don’t expect to find any great bargains on gas or ramping fees.

Boat etiquette when in a marina is very important to know about. When you are ramping your boat, you should do so as quickly as you possibly can and then vacate the ramp area so others who are waiting to either drop or pick up their boat can do so. If there is a line, do not “cut” into it. Wait your turn no matter how impatient you might be. You’ll get your share of dirty looks and perhaps cross words if you breach this unwritten rule.

When you are tied up at the boating marina, be sure you are in a slip away from traffic and not just floating out in the middle of the water hampering others abilities to get to a vacant slip. Be respectful of others in the marina and practice safe boating when backing out and getting back on the water. Many accidents happen in the marina, so pay special attention to the traffic around you as you’re backing out or coming in.

Boating marinas are great oases where you can stock up on supplies, take advantage of services, and gas up your boat for more water fun. Use your local boating marina as what it’s meant to be – a service to you and everyone else out on the water!

Read more »

Boating Magazines

There are literally hundreds of magazines being published these days probably because of the popularity of this fun sport. Stop into any bookstore and you will find all sorts of magazines dedicated to boating and various aspects of boating. What are the more popular ones? Here’s just a sampling:

Motor Boating Magazine – This magazine is celebrating their 100th anniversary of publication. They are dedicated to the sport of motor boating and have lots of great sections as well as articles that can help the avid motor boater. Subscription rates are just $14 for one year with your first three issues free. They are online at www.motorboating.com.

Boating Magazine – Covering all aspects of boating is what Boating Magazine is all about. They have reviews of different watercraft, suggested boating destinations, articles about boating, and ways to take care of your watercraft. You can get a one year subscription for just $14 and can sign up online at www.boatingmag.com.

Go Boating – Like many boating magazines, Go Boating gives complete reviews and tests for various watercraft to help the boater decide which boat they may want to buy. They have information about fishing along with articles about boating in general. Subscription rates are quite affordable at just $9.97 for two years! Find them online at www.goboatingmag.com.

Life – If you are into boating as a recreational sport, this is the boating magazine for you. They also review boats, but they have articles about fun boating destinations and how to have fun while boating. They do offer a free sample issue, and subscription rates are reasonable at just $9.97 for two full years. Sign up online at www.boatinglife.com.

Boating World – This magazine contains articles on fishing, water sports, boats, and product reviews. They also talk about boat maintenance, repair tips, trailers and more. This boating magazine really is great in covering equipment as well as boating lifestyle news. One year of ten issues is just $9.95. Their website is at www.boatingworld.com.

Of course, these are only a few of the most popular boating magazines. You can also find magazines dedicated to water skiing, water sports in general, and sailing. Depending on your particular interest in the sport of boating, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a boating magazine that will help you gain a new appreciation of the sport.

You can often find discounted subscriptions to these magazines as well as others from discount magazine outlets. Just be sure that you know what you are getting and that their reputation is solid. You will learn so much in the pages of a boating magazine, so take advantage of free issues and read on!

Read more »

Boating Store

When you begin to take up the sport of boating, you’ll want to find a good boating store where you can outfit your boat and yourself. A boating store is more than just a sporting goods store. It’s a store devoted strictly to the needs of boating and those who love it.

Often, a boat dealership will have a store inside where you can find all sorts of boating gear. They will carry authorized products and usually will have a wide variety of products for you to choose from. The advantage to shopping in a boating store like this is that you will have the advice of professionals who know what they’re talking about to guide you in the right direction when it comes to choosing your boating products.

Like many other businesses, you can find a variety of products online in an online boating store. You will often find lower prices in these stores and many specials you can choose from to help you save money on your boating gear. Here are some of the top picks when it comes to an online boating store:

• www.boatingstore.com – When you visit this web site you can almost, quite literally find everything you need in the way of boating gear. They have a full line of supplies for all aspects of boating and even have their own line of products that are available in regular brick and mortar stores. * www.binnacle.com – This online store has hundreds and hundreds of products that range from clocks and barometers to safety equipment and books on boating. You will find everything you need right here!
• www.westmarine.com – Besides offering a complete stock of everything a boating store would need, you’ll find helpful articles on this great web site. Plus, they have a clearance section where you can save big on boating gear!
• www.basspro.com – Bass Pro Shops is probably considered THE boating store as well as THE fishing and hunting store. They have locations all over the United States and offer boating, fishing, and hunting equipment for the sportsman.
• www.boatstoreonline.com – This online boating store claims to have “everything boating”. They mostly carry engine parts and equipment, but if you’re looking for that special part, they’ll probably have it!

It’s not difficult to find equipment that you need in a boating store. Whether that store is online or just down the road, you can easily get everything you need to enjoy your boating experience.

Read more »

Boating Supplies

You’re ready for a relaxing day out on the water, but you’re wondering what boating supplies you’re going to need. You’ve already got all the necessary boating supplies to make your boat legal, but what will you need for a really great getaway?

The first thing you need to consider when it comes to boating supplies is who will be with you on this excursion? Are you bringing your family, a bunch of friends, or will it just be you and that special someone? That makes a difference. It also matters if you will be on just a day outing or an overnight one. Let’s look at each scenario.

For a family boating trip, the supplies you’ll need should reflect the needs of everyone. You’ll want some healthy foods for snacking like trail mix, cut-up vegetables with a low-fat ranch dip, and some fruit. If you want to make the day special, consider some junk food as well. Bring along lots of water and juices for the kids. Try to stay away from the soda as you don’t want some hyperactive kids running around!

When cruising with a group of friends, boating supplies will be a lot different. Cruising with friends is usually a party time, so have along some snacks that are considerably more grown-up. Get a cheese and cracker platter, but have a place to keep it cool so the cheese doesn’t spoil. Chips and dip are good choices as are finger sandwiches like ham salad and egg salad.

Beverages will probably be quite different as well. Have lots of coolers on hand to hold canned beer, some wine coolers, and soda for your non-drinking friends. As a note here, if you are driving the boat, consume alcohol moderately or you risk a boating while intoxicated violation.

What if it’s just two people on a romantic sunset cruise? Boating supplies necessary for this type of excursion should be in keeping with the romantic atmosphere you want to create. Have some strawberries and champagne for toasting each other. Again, some fine cheese is good as are aphrodisiacs like oysters and shrimp. Candles really make the atmosphere romantic as you can watch the sun set while floating on the water.

A day trip will require much fewer boating supplies than an overnight trip. On a day trip, you won’t need to plan for multiple meals. If you are over-nighting, have some easy breakfast foods around like granola bars, fruit, and bagels. Lunches should be simple with sandwiches and some chips. You can go crazy at dinner if you want, but we would suggest finding a great stop-off along the way with a waterside restaurant where you won’t have to worry about dishes!

Boating supplies are more than just life jackets and tow ropes. When you look at boating supplies from a different perspective, you see that the essential supplies are the ones that help make your day on the water a real trip to remember!

Read more »

Boating Gear

What do you need to know when it comes to boating gear? What really is boating gear? We define boating gear as everything you need to outfit your boat to meet your specific personal needs. This can range from safety equipment to apparel. What is the essential boating gear every sailor should ideally have?

First, you need to have all the required safety equipment as outlined by the United States Coast Guard. That includes a fire extinguisher, life jackets for all people on board, a sound-making device like a horn or bell, and accurate lighting for boating at night. This boating gear is required by law and every boat must have them.

It’s a good idea to outfit your boat with a radio so you can communicate with the shore. At the very least, you should have some type of cell phone or two-way radio in case of emergency. You can also put a stereo in your boat for personal enjoyment while on the water.

For docking and anchoring, you’ll need an anchor, of course, as well as line to attach the anchor. You’ll also need docking line so you can tie up at the pier. You’ll also want some dock bumpers to avoid doing damage to your boat when mooring. These are like blow-up buoys that hang from the side of your boat.

When it comes to activities with your boat, the gear you need is probably a little bit obvious. If you will be water skiing, you’ll need the skis as well as a strong tow rope. For inner-tubing, get a good tube that can hold more than one person. It’s also a good idea to get a tube with handles. You need a tow rope to inner tube as well.

If you will be fishing, your boating gear will be a little different. Of course, you’ll need your fishing gear – rods, reels, bait, etc. But you will also need someplace to keep your catch like a water well or bucket. You should also have someplace to store your gear when it is on board.

A good navigation system is considered by some people an essential piece of boating gear. You can find a good GPS system for not too much money, and it can be a life saver should you find yourself lost on the water. At the very least, you need a good compass so you don’t lose your way.

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of items that people consider essential boating gear. You have to choose which you really need and that you have to have. Boating gear is available in sporting goods stores as well as online, and the variety that is available will get your boat outfitted in style!

Read more »

Boating Accessories

When you are looking for boating accessories, you may become overwhelmed at the amount of products that are available. Are you wondering just what kinds of boating accessories you really need? The truth is that answer is really up to you.

To begin with, you need to make sure that your boating accessories include all of the required equipment as outlined by the United States Coast Guard. Those boating accessories include:

• Fire extinguishers
• Life jackets for each person on board
• A sound device like a foghorn, a whistle, or a bell
• Adequate lighting for night boating

You will also want to have some type of two-way radio for communication with those on shore in the event that you become stranded. While this is not a mandatory boating accessory, you really won’t want to be without this while in the middle of the water.

As far as other accessories for boating, the rest is your decision. How will you be using your boat? If you will be participating in water sports, look into a pair of water skis and a slalom ski as well as a strong tow rope. Inner tubing just requires a reliable tube with handles and that same tow rope.

Some people think that an essential boating accessory is an on-board stereo. If you will be entertaining on your boat, this can be a great addition. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a boat stereo, but you may find that the extra investment is well worth your enjoyment!

Recreational boating accessories can run the gamut from fishing gear to nice sunglasses. If you think you will want to park in one of the proverbial “party coves” that exist on many bodies of water, you will want to have an anchor lest you drift away from the party!

If you will be traveling on large bodies of water, a boating accessory you may really need is a navigation system. Today, many GPS systems can be found relatively inexpensively and they can save your life should you become lost or mixed up while on the water.

If your boat has separate below-deck living quarters, you will want to outfit that with some cool boating accessories. Well, they’re not necessarily boating accessories specifically. What we’re talking about here is a coffee pot, a microwave, and maybe even a television with a DVD player. If you will be bringing your kids along, these devices could be life savers!

Boating accessories can be found in many places. Your best deals will be found online. Shop around and outfit your boat so it reflects you and how you want to use your boat. Then enjoy!

Read more »

Boating Equipment

Boating equipment can be a wide and diverse subject. When you take up the sport of boating, the amount of equipment you need is as complicated or as simple as you want to make it. But the basic boating equipment that everyone needs includes a boat and a trailer.

The boat, obviously, is a no-brainer. You have to have a boat in order to participate in the sport of boating. But your most important piece of equipment is your boat trailer. It’s essential that you match your boat trailer to your boat. This will depend on the size of your boat mainly, but there are other considerations to be thought about as well.

What is the size of the vehicle you will be using to tow your boat on the trailer? There are some lighter weight trailer models that can accommodate vehicles with less horsepower. Ideally, you’ll want a four-wheel drive truck that can handle both the boat and the trailer easily. But if you just have a small truck, look into a lightweight aluminum trailer that is easily towed by a smaller truck.

The type of boat you choose is also dependent on your vehicle. Most people choose their vehicle first and then their boat. If all you have is a smaller truck with little horsepower, you won’t want a 30 foot power boat traveling behind you. Handling will be difficult, and you run the risk of harming others on the roadway if you don’t pay attention to this big detail.

So, you’ve got your boat and you’ve got your trailer, what other type of equipment will you need in your boating adventures? Your boat must be outfitted with a life jacket for every person aboard, fire extinguishers, some type of sound emitting device (your mother-in-law doesn’t count), and adequate lighting for night boating.

Two other essential pieces of boating equipment would include a two-way radio as well as some type of navigation device like a GPS system. When you are on the water, you don’t want to risk becoming stranded and not having any way of communicating with the outside world or being able to find your way back to shore.

If you will be participating in water sports, the boating equipment will differ from pleasure cruising. For water sports, you’ll need a tow rope and some skis or an inner tube for tubing.

What type of boating equipment you need will really depend on how you’re going to be using your boat. Decide for yourself what’s important to you and then go buy your boating equipment, but be sure you have the basics as outlined above!

Read more »