Boat Trader Insider - Official boat blog of Boat Trader

Maxwell America HRC Series Windlass Saves Space

2009-07-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

Boat owners with limited deck space or confined anchor lockers can now choose a windlass that performs as well as it saves space. Designed for trailerable and light displacement vessels up to 42' in length, Maxwell America's HRC Series Windlasses including, the HRC-6 and HRC-8, maximizes rope/chain stowage.

Photo Credit: Maxwell America

This horizontal rope/chain windlass series incorporates the same patented rode-management technology originally developed for Maxwell's top-rated Freedom Windlass Series. Its above-deck design enables the motor and drive to be encapsulated in an IP66-rated watertight case, saving space below deck and simplifying routine maintenance.

Source: Maxwell America

Perko Introduces New Stealth Line Of LED Navigation Lamps

2009-06-29T16:18:00.000-04:00

Perko has introduced its new Stealth line of state-of-the-art LED Navigation Lamps, which includes the lowest profile surface-mounted lights on the market.

Photo Credit: Perko

At just 1/2" high, the sleek Stealth LED Bi-Color and Side Lamps feature a bright, polished stainless steel housing, which can be black or white-powder coated. They are USCG certified for use on power-driven vessels under 12m (39'). The Bi-Color Light is also available in a removable pole version.

Source: Perko

Sextants By Davis Instruments Are Designed For Harsh Marine Enviroments

2009-06-25T14:00:00.004-04:00

Photo Credit: Davis Instruments

The Mark 15 and Deluxe Mark 25 Sextants from Davis Instruments deliver accurate readings to 2/10°.

Featuring a precision-machined, slow travel gear and worm mechanism, the dependable Mark 15 has a 7" frame radius graduated from 120° to -5°. It also includes seven large sunshades, a star scope with anti-reflective glass lenses and a separate hooded sight tube for glare-free sun shots. Designed for the harsh marine environment, the durable sextant has a contoured handle and angled back for a steady grip and added control.

The Deluxe Mark 25 Sextant adds a Beam Converger, LED light and advanced mineral coating. Replacing the traditional, half-silvered mirror, the Beam Converger provides a single, full-field view for reliable sights, even under the most difficult conditions. The highly-efficient, long-life LED illuminates the arc and drum, while a special, mineral coating enables users to see the horizon in one color and a star or the sun in another. This helps to pick up faint objects such as low-light stars as well.

Source: Davis Instruments

Grow Boating Ad Campaign Put On Hold For Another Year

2009-06-22T14:04:00.002-04:00

By Beth Rosenberg

The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s board of directors voted unanimously at its May meeting to continue the redirection of Grow Boating funds until June 30, 2010.

Last year, it was agreed the industry would be better served by redirecting 85 percent of assessments toward a combination of efforts designed to increase dealer sales, while maintaining some momentum of the Discover Boating campaign. The remaining 15 percent would support public relations, DiscoverBoating.com, Marine Industry Dealership Certification and a few additional core programs.

“The state of the market is such that with wholesale shipments … down 70 percent there just isn’t enough funds to create a critical mass for a national advertising campaign, and so it was felt that the manufacturers could use that money more effectively to help their dealers with sales today rather than promoting the lifestyle for future sales,” Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA and Grow Boating Inc., told Soundings Trade only this morning.

“All the other aspects of the program are intact and running at full speed,” he added.

Marketing efforts include a Discover Boating Facebook page with more than 6,000 “fans,” using Twitter to interact with consumers, adding a “social” room with a blog to DiscoverBoating.com and the “I Discovered Boating” ad contest, which has received 150 entries, Dammrich said.

In addition, public relations efforts are continuing, as the NMMA works to get the word out about the boating lifestyle to producers and editors in hopes they will run stories on boating.

Dammrich said the board is hoping to resume a national ad campaign next year.

“I hope that the market has recovered sufficiently by then that it will make sense to do that,” he said.

Dealer Generated Video helps Marine Dealers communicate directly with buyers on BoatTrader.com

2009-06-21T10:30:00.001-04:00

BoatTrader.com now offers dealers three video advertising options: a dealership branding video, manufacturer video reviews and boat-specific videos.

Dealers may upload a dealership branding video to all of its Ad Detail pages, as well as its dealership listings on the Find a Dealer Page, Browse Page and Inventory Page on BoatTrader.com. This gives dealers the opportunity to tell their dealership message with video or show a dealership commercial.

Dealers also may link or upload a unique video for each boat in their inventory on BoatTrader.com. This gives dealers the opportunity to show unique features specific to a boat, making it easier for buyers to see differences between similar boats for sale online. This video will be played on the boats' Ad Detail page.

Once a dealer has signed up for Dealer Generated Video they can link, upload, and manage their videos from their Inventory Management Tool, under the Add Video tab. All dealers who advertise with BoatTrader.com will receive an Inventory Management Tool for free. These videos must be less than one gigabyte in size and will undergo a screening process before they are viewable on BoatTrader.com.

"Dealer Generated Video was created to give dealers a better way to differentiate their dealership and their inventory. It allows our dealer partners to speak directly to boat buyers, and to control exactly what is seen and said," said David Bingham, Boat Trader general manager.

According to a study by the Online Publishers Association, after viewing video ads, 31 percent of consumers visit the company’s Web site, 52 percent of consumers take an action after viewing a video ad and 16 percent of consumers who view video ads make a purchase. Statistics such as these were key influences to the development of dealer generated video on BoatTrader.com.

Source: Boat Trader

Boating Essentials - Don’t Leave The Dock Without Them.

2009-06-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

By Capt. Mike Genoun

If you’ve spent enough time on the water you’re probably well aware of the fact that our favorite pastime is not easy on the wallet. Whether it’s a fuel filter, bait pump, bilge or battery, things go wrong as a result of the harsh marine environment.

There is only one thing saltwater will not eventually corrode, and that is saltwater. In fact, many believe the word boat is actually an acronym for Break Out Another Thousand, because it seems our spending never ends.

While it’s obvious that you won’t be performing an oil change or replacing a wiring harness at sea, there are a number of basic tools and spare parts that every boater must keep onboard. At the very least, a basic tool kit and a few spare parts may assist you in getting home safely while simultaneously avoiding an expensive call to Sea Tow.

Before we get started, keep in mind that regardless of which port you call home or where you ply your craft, you must be familiar with your vessel’s capabilities and be able to overcome nearly obstacle that may unexpectedly arise. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “If I break down in shallow water it won’t be that big of a deal.” You would be seriously wrong.

Consider this very realistic scenario. You’re floating over skinny water in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in search of tight-lipped permit. You’ve spent a majority of the high tide scouting the shallows and it’s now time to make a move before the water flushes off the flat.

You casually climb down from the poling platform and crank the motor when to your surprise you get no response. The next four hours you find yourself resting on the bottom, awaiting Sea Tow and the FWC to potentially write you a hefty fine for damaging the fragile ecosystem. If you only had a wire brush and crescent wrench handy to clean and tighten your corroded battery terminals you could have avoided a whole bunch of headaches – and saved a few hundred dollars.

Before selecting which tools to keep onboard it’s important for every boater to remember that preventative maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring enjoyable days on the water. All thru-hull fittings, hose clamps, pumps, battery terminals and exposed electrical connections should be doused with a proven corrosion resistant no less than once each season.

From there, the range of tools you keep onboard should be in direct correlation to the size of your vessel, its mechanical systems, and the activities you plan on engaging in. It’s also imperative that you have any specialized tools that may be required to perform a specific repair at sea.

Some bolts need a unique shaped wrench, and without one your spare part may be rendered useless. For larger boats, a windlass-wrench and macerator pump crank are two must-have items never found in off-the-shelf tool sets. Fortunately, engine and equipment manufacturers often provide pre-packaged kits, which include the required tools. Keep them onboard, not in your garage. And finally, we always recommend that you mentally walk through every installation and adjustment you may have to make just to be sure you have the necessary items.

Along with basic tools, spare parts are also essential. When purchasing spare parts for your engine(s) or any other piece of equipment, make sure to copy the exact model number. If possible, compare the spare pump, plug, or hose to the original to make sure it is an exact replica.

Nothing can ruin a day on the water faster than a mechanical failure, but having the proper tools and a few basic spare parts can quickly save the day. Sure, if you’re out for a sunset booze cruise down the ICW, there’s no need to bring a spare prop and prop wrench, however if you’re headed to the beautiful Bahamas for the weekend, that same spare prop may be your saving grace.

Essential Spare Parts

Oil Filter
Fuel Filter
Electrical Connectors
Fuel Water Separators
Spark Plugs & Plug Wrench
Fuses
Battery
Fuel line
Hose clamps
Propeller, cotter pins, hub nut and prop wrench

Essential Tools

Wire Cutters
Wire Ties
Adjustable Wrenches
Assorted Screwdrivers
Hammer
Assorted Pliers
Tape (duct and electrical)
Engine pull-start rope
5200 Adhesive
WD-40
Anti-Corrosion Spray
LED Flashlight
Sockets
Wire Brush
Allen Wrenches
Strap Wrench
Snorkel Gear
Jumper Cable

Rudder Control From Raritan Engineering Simplifies Docking

2009-06-19T12:49:00.002-04:00

Minor collisions while mooring and maneuvering through dense marinas can cause huge headaches and expensive repairs. The Rudder Master from Raritan Engineering helps boaters get into the tightest docks.

Photo Credit: Raritan Engineering

An economical steering aid and rudder positioning device, the analog Rudder Master provides constant monitoring of the rudder angle from 0° to 45°. Offered in five versatile versions, each unit comes complete with a calibration box, 30' of wire, sending unit and all other necessary installation components. Repeater units are available for multiple station readouts.

The round MK2 and MK3 Models are spray-proof and conveniently backlit. A flush-mount meter, the reliable MK445 features an edgewise readout. The attractive MK5 and MK6 Models offer an easy-to-read panoramic meter

Source: Raritan Engineering

Safe Haven Systems Offers Redesigned Boat Lift To Make Launching Easier Than Before

2009-06-18T12:00:00.002-04:00

Safe Haven Systems has announced a redesign of its environmentally-friendly Solar Hybrid Power Box to make launching even easier than before.

Photo Credit: Safe Haven Boat Lifts

Providing an effortless launch every time, users simply push a lever on the Power Box down to activate the Air Assist System, slide their craft off the Safe Haven boatlift once it enters the water and drive away. To dock, they just target the bow guide, drive onto the lift and pull the lever up to raise the lift. The whole process takes less than two minutes.

Photo Credit: Safe Haven Boat Lifts

With no hydraulic fluid, oil, grease, zinc or other environmental hazards, Safe Haven boatlifts do not require problematic remote controls, outside electricity or winches. Designed for the toughest marine conditions, the maintenance-free system has no chance of mechanical failures that can prevent launching.

Source: Safe Haven Boat Lifts

Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization System Takes On Rough Seas Near Australia

2009-06-16T15:00:00.002-04:00

The Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization System, a system designed to eliminate boat rock and roll, had a recent demo off the Gold Coast Seaway in Australia on a new Maritimo 500 Offshore Convertible.

According to Seakeeper, the boat combated an outward tide current, 15 knot Southeast winds and 5-6' Easterly waves.

Photo Credit: Seakeeper

The first Australian-built vessel to feature a Seakeeper Gyro, Maritimo installed the innovative unit to meet its customer's need for comfort at anchor, low speed and underway. During the sea trial, Nick Barry-Cotter from Maritimo's engineering department was at the wheel with Kendall Barry-Cotter alongside. Seakeeper's local distributor Twin Disc (Pacific) also had staff onboard during this historic event.

Photo Credit: Seakeeper

Once in rough waters, the advanced Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization System was activated. After one, possibly two waves, the roll rate was drastically reduced and all aboard immediately noticed a much smoother ride. This test was repeated several times and in each instance the stabilization results were the same. Even when tested at zero speed, the roll rate was dramatically reduced.

"There was a considerable amount of roll reduction, more than expected," said Nick Barry-Cotter. "It made a large difference and in my opinion, it's worth the money."

Employing the principles of gyro-dynamics, the high-tech Seakeeper Gyro spins a forged, high-strength steel flywheel at 10,000 rpm in a near-vacuum to generate an unmatched 7,000 Newton meter seconds of angular momentum. Actively controlled by motion sensors and computer processors, it optimizes torque and is highly effective over a range of conditions and applications.

Source: Seakeeper

Resolution Passed To Declare July 1, 2009 As National Boating Day

2009-06-12T10:01:00.000-04:00

The NNMA reports the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed House Resolution 410 which designates July 1, 2009 as National Boating Day in recognition of the important role recreational boating and the boating industry play in the lives and health of the nation’s 59 million boaters and the U.S. economy.

House Resolution 410 was introduced by Congressmen Ron Klein (D-Fla.) and Henry Brown (R-S.C.), along with Congressional Boating Caucus Co-Chairs Candice Miller (R-Mich.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) and passed with 27 bipartisan co-sponsors. It must now move through the Senate before the President can issue a national proclamation in observance of the day.

Source: NNMA

Brunswick Corporation Chairman and CEO Dusty McCoy Is Now On Twitter

2009-06-11T15:00:00.001-04:00

Mercury Marine reports that Brunswick Corporation Chairman and CEO Dusty McCoy is now on Twitter, keeping his followers updated on the revolutionary Axius and Zeus propulsion systems and other topics.

Also, Dusty will post periodic blogs on JoystickBoatControl.com.

To follow Dusty, go to JoystickBoatControl.com or to Twitter.com/dustymccoy.

You can also follow Boat Trader on Twitter at Twitter.com/BoatTrader.

Source: Mercury Marine

Yanmar Offers Instant Rebate Program On Engine Repowers

2009-06-11T13:00:00.000-04:00

Helping to stimulate owners' boating passion, Yanmar Marine USA Corp has introduced the Yanmar Instant Rebate on repowers, saving boaters up to $1,700 per engine.

Photo Credit: Yanmar Marine

"We're happy to announce our own stimulus package in the form of an instant rebate for retail repower engine sales between June 8 and August 31, 2009," said special projects manager Greg Eck. "The plan is to give a pleasure boat customer who is thinking about repowering a reason to act now."

Putting money back in owners pockets, boaters simply visit their local Yanmar dealer and repower with a new Yanmar engine between now and August 31, 2009. The rebate will be deducted from the final invoice.

Every repower engine qualifies for the Yanmar Instant Rebate. Per engine, owners can save $200 on the YM Series, $300 on the JH Series, $500 on the BY Series, $700 on the LP Series, $1,000 on the LY Series, $1,300 on the CX Series and $1,700 on the SY Series. This rebate is only available through participating Yanmar dealers/distributors in North and South America.

Source: Yanmar Marine

Mercury Marine And Sea Ray Launch JoystickBoatControl.com

2009-06-09T08:30:00.001-04:00

Mercury Marine and luxury boat builder Sea Ray, along with parent company Brunswick Corporation, have launched JoystickBoatControl.com, a consumer Web site that provides information on these revolutionary technologies and updates viewers on this summer’s nationwide demonstration tour.

JoystickBoatControl.com provides information regarding Mercury’s Axius sterndrive propulsion system and Cummins MerCruiser Diesel’s (CMD) Zeus pod propulsion system, as well as boats that are equipped with Zeus or Axius.

JoystickBoatControl.com also details the 2009 Axius to Zeus Joystick Boat Control Tour, which is touring the country to show people how easy and enjoyable boating becomes when the intimidation of docking and tight maneuvering is removed.

Mercury’s award-winning Axius propulsion system combines drive-by-wire steering, throttle and shifting with a twin sterndrive package. The result is a system that allows boaters unprecedented vessel control by virtue of an intuitive joystick.

Source: Mercury Marine

205 Sportfish by Scout Boats

2009-06-08T08:30:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit: Scout Boats

The Scout Boats homepage features details on the 205 Sportfish.

According to Scout Boats the new 205 SF combines comfort, style and performance into one center console beauty. Stainless steel hardware and cup holders, ample rod and tackle storage, a 90-quart removable cooler complete with cushions for forward seating while underway and an aerated bait well with high speed pickup are just a few of the numerous standard features.

Four stainless steel vertical rod holders, two stainless steel flush-mount rod holders, rod storage under the gunwale for up to three more rods and rod holders behind the helm leaning post offer plenty of storage .

Other Standard features include a 148-quart insulated fish box/storage area with overboard drain, a 63-gallon fuel tank, raw water wash down, Bay Star hydraulic steering and a removable wave gate with stern seat.

Source: Scout Boats

Lamborghini Miami And Deep Impact Boats Collaborate To Create An Exclusive Line Of Luxury Boats Inspired By The Italian Auto Brand

2009-06-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

Deep Impact Boats, manufacturer of luxury powerboats, and the premier exotic auto dealer Lamborghini Miami, have announced they will collaborate to present an exclusive line of luxury powerboats inspired by the Italian auto brand.

Photo Credit: Deep Impact Boats

The unique line of Deep Impact Boats will be customized from bow to stern and color matched to the unique colors of Lamborghini models available on the market. The first special edition Lamborghini Deep Impact available for purchase is the 36’ Open, a Lamborghini Green Triple Engine with 350 Mercury Verados and white interior lined in blue and green accents reaching speeds above the 70 mph.

“The collaboration of Lamborghini Miami and Deep Impact Boats offers the consumer a completely unique and exclusive opportunity to combine two great luxury brands into one incredible product” said Brett David CEO/Owner of Lamborghini Miami. “The Deep Impact Boat has many common traits to the Lamborghini automobiles such as extreme looks, high top speeds and exhilarating mid-range acceleration,” said Elias De La Torre III, President of Plantation Boat Mart & Marina.

Source: Deep Impact Boats

The Cabrio 274 By Larson Boats

2009-06-04T08:15:00.001-04:00

The Larson Boats homepage features details on the Larson 274 Cabrio.

According to Larson Boats, the 274 Cabrio features a patented Duo-Delta Conic notched hull that provides fuel efficiency without sacrificing power-on-demand.

The innovative deck design has an extended transom platform with deck walk-around features that give all 28' a big-boat feel.

A U-shaped cockpit design features a face-to-face conversation area, laydown sunlounger or convertible dinette on the starboard side while the portside lounger with armrest provides comfort and style to your passengers.

An arch mount cockpit TV and swim platform carpet are new optional features for '09.

Source: Larson Boats

RESOURCES

Outboard Motor Safety Alert System Makes Boating Safer

2009-06-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

Powersport Innovations introduces the Safety Alert System for outboard motors. An amber LED light mounted on the outboard motor alerts other boaters that the craft is decelerating.

Helping to avoid injuries, costly repairs and downtime due to an accident, the patented Safety Alert System features a microprocessor-controlled G force sensor. As a boat decelerates, this module provides power to the LED to alert surrounding boaters to take timely corrective action.

"The Safety Alert System helps make boating safer and in the end more fun," said Powersport Innovations CEO Paul Grzebielucha. "There's no better cause for our company to be associated with than helping increase safety on the water."

Source: Powersport Innovations

Brunswick Expands Consumer Support, Adding Nine Boat Brands to Marine Industry's First Payment Protection Promotion; Now Includes 12 Boat Brands

2009-05-29T16:45:00.001-04:00

Responding to grassroots dealer and consumer sentiment, Brunswick Corporation has announced an expansion of its Payment Protection promotion, which will make the monthly boat payments for those buyers who may unfortunately lose their jobs due to current economic conditions, to an additional nine of the Company's boat brands.

Photo Credit: Triton

Twelve of Brunswick's well-known boat brands are now participants in the promotion, which continues through the Fourth of July weekend. Additional brands to the promotion include Cypress Cay and Palmetto Pontoon, Harris FloteBote, Kayot as well as select models in the Crestliner, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft and Triton aluminum boat lines.

Photo Credit: Kayot

These brands join Bayliner, Maxum and Trophy as eligible for the promotion. The qualifying monthly payments can go up to $500 for the Bayliner, Maxum and Trophy brands and up to $250 per month for all other brands. Customers must take delivery of their new boats by July 6, 2009.

Photo Credit: Princecraft

Under the Brunswick Payment Protection promotion, these participating Brunswick boat brands will pay up to nine months of payments if the boat buyer loses his or her job within a year after the boat purchase. Brunswick Corporation, the world leader in marine manufacturing, is the first company in the marine industry to launch such a large-scale payment protection program, taking its cue from similar efforts that have been used successfully in the automotive industry by Hyundai, Ford and General Motors.

Photo Credit: Lund

"We are pleased to respond to our dealers and consumers, and offer this assistance during a challenging marine market," said Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dustan E. McCoy. "In today's economy, it is important to do what we can to alleviate consumer concerns over many issues, including the potential of job loss. We wish to restore confidence for the American boat buyer, so that they are able to fulfill their boating dream and spend quality time with family and friends on the water this summer. They can count on Brunswick for quality products, as well as resourceful financing and insurance options. We are committed to advancing the boating industry."

Source: Brunswick

DiscoverBoating.com Wants Your Boating Videos For The "I Discovered Boating" Ad Contest

2009-05-28T16:15:00.002-04:00

DiscoverBoating.com features videos created by boaters as part of the "I Discovered Boating" contest.

According to the contest homepage, Discover Boating hopes a picture or video is worth a thousand words, as it encourages boaters across the U.S. to submit entries on how they ‘Discovered Boating’ for a chance to win up to $10,000 and have their creation featured in a national advertising campaign.

You can check out the entries on the I Discovered Boating ad contest site.

Here is a video explaining the contest.

Source: DiscoverBoating.com

NMMA Estimates 70 Million Americans Expected to Hit the Water This Summer

2009-05-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) homepage reports there were an estimated 70 million Americans who went boating in 2008.

The NMMA site also reports that Discover Boating, the boating industry’s national awareness campaign, has reported the results from a summer boating habits survey conducted in May of 25,000 members of the nation’s largest boat owners group, BoatU.S.

The survey reveals that when compared to the 2008 boating season, 52 percent of respondents do not expect to change the way they use their boat this summer and an additional 39 percent predict they will actually go boating more if gas prices continue to remain lower than 2008.

With gas prices currently hovering around $2.50 per gallon, much lower than last year’s nearly $4 per gallon, the industry expects this summer to be one of the busiest with boaters taking to the water in record numbers to de-stress and look for ways to vacation closer to home.

The survey also found that more than two-thirds, nearly 70 percent, of respondents said spending time on the water plays a significant role in bringing their families together. For landlubbers without a boat of their own, DiscoverBoating.com, the Discover Boating campaign's online boating resource, is providing affordable tips on how to try out the boating lifestyle and begin creating lasting memories with friends and family.

“We anticipate Americans cutting down on out-of-town vacations this summer but still looking for ways to afford the activities and hobbies they love – for those who love the water we want to make sure they know how to access the boating lifestyle at all price points,” says Ellen Hopkins, spokeswoman for Discover Boating. “As the 70 million Americans who went boating last year can attest, being on the water can be a great way to soak in the summer weather, spend time with your family and friends and enjoy a vacation close to home.”

Source: NMMA

Free Performance Reports Assist With Yanmar Repowers

2009-05-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

Repowering to a new diesel engine can enable boat owners to take advantage of improved fuel consumption and range, bringing new life to an existing craft.

Mack Boring & Parts Company can now put the data behind diesel engines at owners' fingertips with free Yanmar performance reports. With hundreds of boat model and Yanmar diesel engine combinations available, each report outlines a repower scenario with comparative information.

According to Mack Boring & Parts Company, the easy-to-read documents cover boat and Yanmar engine specifications, with charts showing the repowered boat's speed and fuel burn at incremental rpm's. Most also contain gear and propeller data. Yanmar performance reports are available for boat owners in Mack Boring's 22-state distribution territory, from the Carolinas to Maine and west to the Great Lakes.

Boaters simply email repower@mackboring.com with their name, phone number, boat brand, model, year, length and current engine. Each inquiry will be promptly handled by Mack Boring's knowledgeable staff.

Source: Mack Boring & Parts Company

Mooring Whips - Necessary or not?

2009-05-26T13:39:00.002-04:00

By Captain Mike Genoun

For those of you who keep your most prized possession docked behind your home, mooring whips are essential for keeping your vessel safe and sound. Without a pair of whips, even multiple fenders and the strongest dock lines will not guarantee your boat doesn’t ‘bounce’ against the dock and jeopardize its lustrous finish. Without the protection, it is inevitable that wakes from passing by boats and breezy conditions will eventually scuff and potentially damage your rubrail or worse yet, your expensive gelcoat. Jagged, barnacle-encrusted pilings and concrete seawalls are, in fact, unforgiving.

Safe boaters shouldn’t overlook the fact that mooring whips are just one element of complete docking protection. Utilizing the appropriate length and tensile strength dock lines, and properly securing your vessel with bow, stern and spring lines all work together for safe mooring.

I recently contracted Pompano Beach’s Mooring Products Worldwide, a leader in mooring whip sales and installation here in South Florida, to install a pair of heavy-duty mooring whips. With a newly applied boat wrap, the last thing I wanted was my Strike rubbing against the dock. While the installation of mooring whips can definitely be a do it yourself job with only a drill and a couple of wrenches, I chose to have a professional complete the project so I could photograph and document the entire process.

I learned that step one is selecting the proper whips for your size craft. Typically, 12’, 16’ or 18’ polls will get the job done, with one-piece fiberglass polls the best option. The next decision was the base units that actually hold the fiberglass poles. The options are standard angled bases or heavy-duty bases equipped with a rubber coupling for maximum flexibility. The last decision was the tip with a smooth operating roller system the ideal choice for me.

If you are emotionally attached to your boat like I am, the minimal investment and short amount of work involved with the installation of mooring whips will help you sleep better at night.

The Installation:

Determine precisely where on the dock the mooring whip base units need to be mounted in order provide maximum protection. Ideally, you’ll want the stern base unit mounted directly in-line with the stern cleat, and the bow base unit mounted in-line with your vessel’s forward cleat. Installed on an angle to the cleats, and you risk the chance of damaging the polls.

With heavy-duty poles, such as the 18-footers’ I selected; it’s a good idea to utilize some sort of backing plate rather than bolting the base unit directly through a plank on the dock. A 12” length of weatherproof 2x4 lumber does the job nicely; just remember that you will need long enough bolts to go through the base unit, the plank on the dock and through the backing lumber. (It’s easier to remove the poles from the base units prior to mounting, and don’t forget to utilize nothing less than high-grade stainless steel hardware.)

Once the mounts are bolted into position, the poles can be reinserted and the mooring whips prepared for final installation. All that is left is tying your boat out and determining the proper length of line on the mooring whips to securely hold your vessel two to three feet away from the dock.

Mooring Whip Options:

-Standard duty mooring whips consisting of 12 ft. poles are typically rated for boats up to 23 ft. in length or approximately 5,000 lbs. in weight.

-Standard 16 ft. poles are ideal for 30 ft. boats with a maximum weight of 20,000 lbs. and standard 18 ft. foot mooring whips are reserved for vessels up to 45 ft. and 30,000 lbs.

-16 ft. heavy duty poles are rated for vessels to 49 ft. and 39,000 lbs. and finally heavy duty 18 ft. poles can handle vessels to 60 ft. and 60,000 lbs.

Base Selection: Standard mooring whips are equipped with fixed angle mounts and are ideally suited for use with small walk-around and center-console type fishing boats.

Heavy-duty whips are equipped with a rubber rocker arm base, which pulls the whip up and out of the way when not in use. This is an ideal set-up for larger sportfish and center-consoles with towers.

Top Tips: A roller tip system will enable you to adjust the whips from the dock for easy boarding. Add plastic cleats on the poles and you have the ultimate, user-friendly mooring whip set up.

Source: Florida Sport Fishing

New Stainless Steel Propellers From Turning Point Propellers Reduce Planing Times

2009-05-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

The hompage for Turning Point Propellers features details on their high-performance Voyager stainless steel propellers. Designed for 135-300 hp engines with 4-3/4" gearcases, the revolutionary Voyager stainless steel propellers maximize a craft's overall performance with increased fuel efficiency, better handling, a quicker hole shot and higher top-end speeds. They're compatible with Mercury, Evinrude, Johnson, Honda, Suzuki, Volvo and Yamaha engines.

Employing advanced blade geometry, the innovative Voyager props have industry-leading, high-performance rake patterns, aggressive cupping, fine-tuned pitch progression and sharp trailing edges. Now offered in counter-rotating matching pairs and individual left- or right-rotation propellers, they're available in 14-1/2" diameter four-blade and 15" diameter three-blade sets, as well as 16" diameter three-blade sets for Suzuki DF four-stroke applications.

Source: Turning Point Propellers

Bayliner, Maxum And Trophy Boat Brands Launch Payment Protection Promotion

2009-05-22T14:19:00.000-04:00

Brunswick has announced that marine dealers for the popular Bayliner, Maxum and Trophy boat brands will have a powerful new tool at their disposal starting this Memorial Day weekend to help them sell more new boats during this year’s peak boat selling season.

Under a Payment Protection promotion, which continues through the Fourth of July weekend, these three Brunswick boat brands will make the monthly boat payments for those buyers who may unfortunately lose their jobs due to current economic conditions.

Under the plan, Bayliner, Maxum and Trophy will pay up to nine months of payments if the boat buyer loses his or her job within a year after the boat purchase.

“In today’s economy, it is important to alleviate consumer concerns over many issues, including the potential of job loss,” said Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dustan E. McCoy. “So, we’re addressing it in an effective and impactful manner within the marine community. These brands aim to restore some confidence for the American boat buyer so they can make their dream boat purchase this summer, because we stand behind them not only with quality products, but also with resourceful financing and insurance options.”

Payment Protection is offered for all models in the Bayliner, Maxum and Trophy brand lines, with the qualifying monthly payments going up to $500, McCoy explained. Customers must take delivery of their new boats by July 6, 2009.

Source and Photo Credit: Brunswick

BoatTrader.com Launches Wholesale Channel to Marine Dealers

2009-05-21T14:27:00.001-04:00

BoatTrader.com today announced an agreement with GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) that gives authorized marine retailers an opportunity to purchase current and non-current repossessed boats through CDF.

"Today’s market and economic conditions have led to above-average levels of inventory,” says CDF's marine president, Bruce Van Wagoner. “This is driving the need for CDF to liquidate inventory quickly through the wholesale channel.”

To facilitate the liquidation of this inventory, CDF has entered into an arrangement with the largest marine classified site on the Internet, BoatTrader.com, which developed an innovative application to move the inventory quickly. CDF will be offering these units to the wholesale channel through the recently launched Wholesale tab in Boat Trader's Inventory Management Tool. Marine dealers in the Boat Trader network will have immediate access to the Wholesale tab, where they can view, inspect and purchase these units.

"Boat Trader's Dealer Network is nearly 3,000-strong, and we are excited to help companies like GE CDF to market repossessed inventory to the wholesale purchaser," says David Bingham, general manager of BoatTrader.com. “Dealers have requested access to purchase repossessed units from CDF in the past and this offering is in direct response to that request.“

Boat Trader will also help dealers that purchase these wholesale units in their promotional efforts.

"Our commitment to our dealer network expands to the newly launched Wholesale tool, and we are excited to offer dealers purchasing these wholesale units special advertising upgrades and other exclusive offers to put their recent purchases in front of an extensive and targeted group of consumers," adds Bingham. "Dealers that purchase a wholesale unit will have the opportunity to upgrade those boats to Premium Ads on BoatTrader.com. We know that Premium Ads generate an average 95% more leads than standard ads, and we want our wholesale purchasers to benefit from this additional exposure."

Marine retailers not presently aboard with BoatTrader.com are invited to join the Boat Trader Dealer Network to showcase their current inventory to more than 1.5 million consumers each month and gain immediate access to GE Capital, CDF’s wholesale inventory. And, for a limited time, Boat Trader is offering a dealer gallery banner to GE dealers that sign-up. Dealer gallery banners reinforce the dealership brand and drive traffic to the dealership website.

Source: Boat Trader