While there are some similarities between a car dealership and a boat dealership, you may be surprised at how much they don’t have in common. Sure, they both have showrooms, shiny new vehicles and salespeople. But with few exceptions, a car purchase comes down to function and price. And even if you wind up getting…
All throughout the spring, summer and fall months, most of us are out on the water. If the weather’s nice, we’re boating. Every weekend, for sure, and maybe even a quite a few “personal” days when the opportunity arises. But when the weather gets colder, our thoughts turn from boating to boat shows. Whether you’re…
1. I’ve never owned anything bigger than a dinghy. What am I looking for in a first boat? There’s a lot to consider before taking the plunge, including your budget, where you’ll be boating, where you’ll be keeping the boat and, perhaps most importantly, what kind of lifestyle you envision for you and your family on the…
Five of the worst gifts you can buy your boating friends. T-shirt emblazoned with Capt. Crunch. Just don’t do it! If you want to get them a shirt get them something they can use like a Columbia Fishing shirt, or a shirt with their boat brand on it. Black lug-soled boat shoes. Yep they will…
The summer is officially over, kids are back in school, and the winter holidays are quickly approaching. If you are a boater like me, you also think in terms of “it’s only 8 more months until boating season” or “it’s only 4 more months until the boat goes back in the water.” It’s time to…
When the boating season is winding down and you do not boat in a year round boating area, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your valuable recreational asset. The time and effort you spend now will have a definite effect on your boat’s performance, or lack of it, and certainly save you time, effort…
Learn how emergency aviation maneuvers can be applied to similar boating situations. By Jim Hendricks Flying Lessons: A Pilot Offers Time-Tested Advice That Benefits Boaters Sonny Hendrix is a captain, but not the kind who pilots a boat. He pilots commercial aircraft. I found myself on the same boat with Hendrix during a Florida fishing…
The leaves are turning colors, there’s a chill in the air, kids are back in school, and fewer people are out on the water. It’s a perfect time to go boating! Before you go, prepare yourself for the changing conditions. Here are some things to consider: Water Temperature: Fall days can be balmy and bright, but…
Summer is in the rear view mirror but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy boating this fall. Whether you’re simply taking leisurely trips around the lake, skiing or fishing, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a longer season on the water. Obviously, with fall comes cooler temperatures and shorter days, which means you need to take…
Whether it’s mac and cheese or a classic pot roast dinner, good comfort food puts you at ease. It brings you back to your happy place, where easy bliss and nostalgia automatically improve whatever you’re doing. A good boat trip can be like that, too. While we love the glitz and glamour of new cruising…