new-texan-ramblings

Financing A Boat

2011-12-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

Once you decide to buy a boat, you'll find yourself wondering how you are going to pay for it. This type of purchase will involve some type of financing, whether it's a credit line through the home, an unsecured loan, or a boat line. Choosing the right financing source can be just as important as choosing the right boat.

When choosing a source of financing, there are several things to consider. The first factor is how long you plan to keep the boat. If you are buying a first boat, it'll make more sense to find a loan that will be flexible enough for an early payoff via private party or even a trade in.

If you are purchasing the boat of your dreams, you should expect to have it financed for a long time which makes it important to get a fixed rate loan with terms that allow for a low monthly payment.

Another factor you'll need to consider is the down payment. Most lenders or dealers would like to see at least ten percent down. Zero down payments do exist for those with good enough credit. Normally, the down payment doesn't significantly change the monthly payment for your
boat loan.

Choosing the right type of boat loan is a very important part of the entire buying process. You can start with a boat finance brokerage, which will show you how each one of the available options fit into your profile.

Doing this will give you the knowledge and ability you need to find the loan that best fits you and your budget. The, you can concentrate on the important things - taking your new boat out on the water.

Buying A Cruising Yacht

2011-12-24T23:22:00.001-08:00

Everyone out there likes the idea of a shiny new boat. While buying a new yacht is an accomplishment in itself, you shouldn't spend over your budget then be unable to take it anywhere. When you buy a yacht, always look at what comes with the boat and decide if it's everything you want.

Types of construction

GRP
Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting, strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be sometimes costly to repair.

Steel
Steel is always a great a idea, as it is by far the strongest material. There have been steel boats ran into reefs and banks and received just a few mere scratches. Even though steel has many advantages, rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and ready to avoid all types of rust.

Aluminum
Although rare in the normal cruising market, aluminum is very popular with the construction of top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure that it wasn't constructed by an amateur yacht builder - as this can cause major problems later on down the road.

Wood
Even though it's the most traditional building material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as any other type of material. The maintenence costs are very high with wood, especially if you do your own painting.

Ferro-cement
Concrete type boats have been around for a long time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was very popular in the 70's. If done properly, it can be a very strong method of yacht construction.

Rigs
The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop, cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter rigs will split the sail plan into more easily managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a simple twin headsail with downwind option.

Essentials versus desirables
Before you begin looking for a yacht, make a list of what you must have then make a list of what would be nice to have. There are many additions and add ons you can get for yachts, although they can get very expensive in a hurry.

When you shop for a yacht, always plan out your budget before you even start looking. A nice yacht can cost a lot of money, which is something you may need to save up for. Yachts are great to sail on, especially for those who have a lot of money to spare.

Buying Inflatable Boats

2011-12-24T23:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Buying A Boat Trailer

2011-12-24T23:14:00.000-08:00

A boat trailer is something you really can't go wrong with, as it is a dual purpose device. It provides a convenient way to store the boat, and also allows you to explore new areas by taking your boat down the road. Good trailers must perform both duties equally as good.

Most people buying boats are into getting the boat, and not the trailer. They are more than willing to spend money on a boat, then end up getting a cheap trailer. If you want the most from boating, these tips will help you with buying a trailer.

- The total weight of the boat, gear, and motor should be in the mid range of trailer's carrying capacity. You shouldn't pick a 2,500 capacity trailer if you have a boat with the same weight.

- Go for larger diameter tires and wheels. The larger tires will rotate less times per mile, producing less heat and wear on the tread. The wheel bearings will last much longer as well, as they rotate less times per mile.

- You should look for trailers with "drive on" capabilities. These drive on trailers will allow you to drive the boat onto the trailer, close enough to the winch so that you only need to winch the boat up a few inches.

- Select trailer lights (for the highway) that are protected and sealed against water.

- Pick your trailer based on the environment it will be operating in. If you plan to launch in salt water, you'll need a trailer for that purpose. There are many types of trailers available, each one designed for a specific type of boating.

Although most are protected against weather and rust, you should always pick the one designed for the type of terrain you will be using your boat with. This way, you have no worries about your trailer not doing the job it should be.

There are some trailers that include a spare tire, which is an excellent investment for those who plan to travel long distances. Even though it can be hard to find trailer tires in the dark, it's still great to have a spare if you get a flat while you travel.

All in all, a boat trailer can save you a lot of time and money. You can store your boat on your trailer when it isn't be used, even take it to other lakes or oceans. A trailer will open up new roads for you and your boat - all you have to do is find one that you need.

Buying The Right Fishing Boat

2011-12-24T23:11:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to buy a boat, you'll first need to evaluate what you plan to do with it. If your primary purpose is fishing, then you'll want to look into boats that are designed primarily forfishing. If you happen to be a tournament fisherman, or hope to be, then you probably wouldn't be happy with a boat less than a 150 HP motor and shorter than 19 feet in length. Those of you who plan to fish in really deep water on a regular basis will probably need a 200 HP motor and at least 20 feet of length.

If you don't plan to tournament fish, but go after bass fish instead, you'll want a 17 - 18 foot boat with at least a 115 HP motor. This way, you can enjoy the lake or the river. Those of you who like to fish for species may want to look for a more versatile boat with plenty of walking around room, higher sides, and a different seating arrangement. This type of boat is ideal for several people, even a trip out with your wife and kids. If you plan to fish on occasion, but not enough to invest in a boat, you may want to look at a fish and ski model. This is a hybrid boat, crossing between a bass boat and pleasure boat, and can easily serve your purpose.

The biggest part of the buying process is getting what you can afford. Luckily, there are many new boats available, giving you several that fit your budget. If you prefer, you can shop and find a used boat that fits both your needs and budget.

Buying A Fishing Boat

2011-12-24T23:09:00.000-08:00

Selecting the right fishing boat can be a real challenge and also a lot of fun for someone who is new to boating. If you haven't experienced buying a boat before, it can also be a daunting task to say the least. Before you start looking, it's important to consider the purpose of your fishing boat. A fishing boat serves but one purpose - fishing. You have to decide if you plan to fish in the ocean, or in other bodies of water, such as lakes. This is very important, as there are different types of fishing boats available.

If you plan to use your fishing boat for ocean cruising and overnight stays, it would be ideal to buy one that has a hull. This design is meant for rough waters, riding the waves, and providing more comfort for anglers while they fish.

When you buy a fishing boat, you should know if it includes a warranty. If it does, you should really study the warranty as not all are the same. Buying your boat from a dealer is always a smarter decision, as dealers will provide repair services is the boat is found to be defective. It's also important when buying a fishing boat to note if the boat is certified by the NMMA. This agency will guarantee that the certification they give to every boat passes the agency's standards of excellence.

When it comes down to it, you should do more than just look around when it comes to a fishing boat. You should learn how to look for the best details to ensure that your boat is worth the money. If you take the time to look around, you'll find a boat that you can truly be proud of.

Buying Boat Insurance

2011-12-24T23:04:00.000-08:00

Those of you who own boat will want to make sure you get watercraft coverage. Often times, people don't realize that they need this type of coverage for their boats. There are many boat owners that don't even realize this type of insurance is even available. You need boat insurance if you own a boat, it's that simple. Before you buy boat insurance, here are some things you simply must know.

- Many states now require that you carry watercraft liability coverage. What this coverage does, is protect you against any damage that you cause to other people or their property with your boat. This insurance will also cover you for vandalism, theft, fire, stranding, sinking, and even collision. You should always call your insurance agent and see what's required with your state and what policies they cover.

- There is also optional coverage that you should really consider. One type of coverage that you should strongly consider is Wreckage Removal. In most areas, the removal of sunken or wrecked boats is required by law, and the responsibility of the owner to pay for the removal, which can easily be very expensive.

Wreckage Removal coverage will pay these costs for you. You should also consider adding coverage that will pay for repairs and mechanical failure as well, along with towing charges - should you ever need to be towed back to the shore.

- Not all insurance companies cover everyone who operates the boat. This is something you should always ask about, find out who is covered when operating the boat. There are several companies that will only cover the owner of the boat. Make sure that the insurance agent defines who is covered when operating the boat.

- When you shop for boat insurance, call your current company first, then check with other companies to see what type of rates they offer as well. Always remember that insurance agencies are in competition with each other, and they'll work with you to get you to join them. Let one know about a better rate that you've been quoted and see if they'll go one better.

Before you shop for boat insurance, think about the investment you have made with your boat. Boats are not cheap, replacing or repairing them isn't cheap either. Therefore, you should always make sure you get the coverage you need to protect you against anything that happens with your boat.

Cash Or Finance For Your Boat

2011-12-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

Before you go out and purchase your boat, remember that boating is a hobby and you shouldn't go overboard with it. Unlike your house, boating isn't really worth going into debt for. First time buyers who aren't sure about boating should always make sure they spend well within their budget. To get the most out of your boat, it's always a better idea to scrape up your recreational dollars, sell a few of your belongings, and simply save up for a while. In the meantime, you should carefully study the boating market. When you manage to save up 3,500 - 25,000 dollars, go ahead and buy the boat you want.

Whatever you do, make sure you don't spend all of your money on the just the boat itself. When you purchase the boat, you'll need to have enough money for taxes, registration, storage, towing insurance, gas, equipment, and even minor repairs if your boat requires them.

When buying a boat, used or new, cash is always better than financing. You can save money with cash, as there are no finance charges. Financing charges can get high, very high in fact if you don't know a lot about it. If you simply must finance your purchase, it's a smart idea to use a home equity loan instead. This way, it'll be tax deductible. Always be on the lookout for boat show financing, and never, ever use it. Several boat show financing ploys will extend the loan out over the course of 10 - 15 years. A new boater will either advance with boating or get out of it all together. Most boaters don't keep their boat for more than 10 years, which is reason enough not to get an extended finance loan on your boat.

Buying The Right Anchor

2011-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

The right way to use an anchor is probably one of the least understood areas of boating. If you are new to boating, you may be thinking - how hard can it be? You simply throw the anchor in the water, wait until it hits the bottom, then tie it off, correct? Anyone who is experienced with boating has probably seen the types of problems that type of attitude can cause. Just like everything else in boating, anchoring requires the right equipment, careful thought, and a lot of practice.

The starting point is selecting the right ground tackle (the proper term for the anchor, line, chain, shackles and swivels) for your boat and your style of boating. There is no single anchor that will do everything perfectly. Each style has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and each one performs best under its given conditions.

The Danforth anchor
The Danforth anchor is one of the most popular, being easily identified by its two long, sharp pivoting flukes and long shank. The Danforth is also a great choice for small to medium sized boats as well. The anchor is light and easy to store, digs well into sand and mud, and releases easy when pulled from different directions.

The flukes on the Danforth pivot so that the shank can be pulled at a more vertical angle. It's ideal for fishing, which requires quick release and moving around to different locations. If you fish overnight a lot or travel to different areas of water you may want to consider a different anchor, which will hold better in changing conditions.

The plow anchor
The CQR, or plow anchor, features a single shaped fluke that pivots at the end of the shank. This design works well on many bottoms. The plow shank pivots from side to side, while remaining parallel to the fluke. This design also makes releasing a snap when the anchor is pulled vertically.

The Bruce anchor
This anchor was originally created for offshore gas and drilling rigs. The more scaled down version of this anchor is popular with boaters. The anchor holds fast, yet it will still come loose when pulled vertically. Always make sure to select an anchor system that matches the length of your boat, displacement, and the windage. If your looking for strength, elasticity and durability, you should use only top quality braided nylon anchor line. It's very important that the size and length of your anchor line is appropriate for your boat and it's requirements. Small or medium boats should use a section of galvanized steel chain between the line and the anchor.

If you are new to boating, anchoring is something you should become familiar with. As you use your boat more, you'll pick up the proper anchoring techniques. Or, if you prefer, you can always take classes and learn everything you need to know about anchoring from a qualified professional.

Buying A Used Boat

2011-12-24T22:51:00.001-08:00

Those of you who have the money and plan to keep one boat forever, should buy it new. If you happen to be on a budget and skeptical about owning a boat, you should buy it used. Buying used is great for some, although it isn't always the most glamorous decision. The oceans and lakes are filled with boaters who are far wealthier than most. Many boaters go well beyond their means and finance their boats at extreme levels. What really counts with a used boat is being out there on the water. Someone who is out there every weekend on his beat up boat is a great boater. A businessman who only has time to ride on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year isn't considered a boater at all.

If you look around the water, you'll se that the little boats are the ones that move, while the big boats are the ones that never move. Those that are too busy earning money and never have the time to go boating shouldn't really have a boat at all. New boats can lose half of their value in less than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous owner has already fixed the problems that are associated with new boats. The previous owner has also already hassled with the dealer to get the warranty service taken care of.

A used boat normally hasn't be used very much at all. A boat will sit a majority of the time, which is nothing like a used car. You can find many boats with less than a couple hundreds hours of engine time. For the sake of comparison, look at how many hours are on the engine of your car. A used boat will already have scratches and dings, so you won't feel half as bad when you add a few of your own. When you purchase your used boat, you should leave at least a grand to outfit the boat and make any necessary repairs.

A used boat will normally come with dock lines, life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety equipment, and other nice additions. New boat owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars for these kinds of things.The wild card is, of course, whether or not the previous boat owner did the proper maintenance of the boat. Prior to buying you should always get the boat surveyed to be sure that it's in reasonable condition. This way, you'll know your getting a great used boat.

Choosing The Right Boat

2011-12-24T22:49:00.000-08:00

The first thing you should know when choosing a boat is that no single boat will do everything. If your looking for a boat that inspires confidence, don't expect it to shine in light air. Boats that are exciting to sail on the weekends aren't the ideal boats for a passage through the ocean.

You shouldn't expect to find quick acceleration and load carrying capacity together with the same boat. You can buy a boat now to race or fish, then sail around later - as you can only do one or the other with a specific type of boat.

The logic to choosing the right boat is determining how you plan to use the boat. Think about why you want to own a boat, what you plan to do with it, and how you plan on using it.

For some, beauty is the first consideration. For sail boats beauty is very important, as you'll spend a majority of time floating and sailing around, with many people looking at your sail boat. With people looking at your vessel, you want to make sure that it looks nothing short of amazing.

If you are planning to race instead of cruise, then speed is your primary consideration. There are many cruising sailors out there who simply can't be happy unless their boats are moving very fast. The ideal boat for speed demons are those that can cut through the water, creating plenty of waves.

Fishermen on the other hand, want to look towards fishing boats. Trackers and other boats that are designed for fishing are ideal here. Fishing is one of the most popular boat activities, meaning that you'll have plenty of boats to select from.

When it comes down to it, selecting the right boat is up to you and what you plan to do with it. Take your time, weigh your options, and you'll have the right boat before you know it.

Choosing The Right Engine

2011-12-24T22:46:00.000-08:00

Choosing the engine (or propulsion system) for your boat is very important. Both the weight and the horsepower will have a major impact on the performance of your boat. If you have a boat that's underpowered, the engine will work twice as hard, giving you poor performance.

Now, we will take a look at the motors available for boats and vessels:

Outboard motor
An outboard motor is very popular and very useful on small boats. These motors are very light, powerful, and extremely quiet. Normally mounted on the transom of a boat, there are boats available that offer a motor well or even a bracket to mount the motor to.

The entire motor will swivel about, providing easy steering as the turning propeller pushes the stern about. Outboard motors come in many different sizes and the horsepower can use different types of fuel.

Stern drive
These motors are also known as I/O engines, and normally heavier than outboard motors. Consisting of an engine mounted inboard and a lower unit attached to the transom, these motors offer power and versitility. You can also tilt the motor up and down to help provide boat trim while you cruise.

Inboards
On boats that are over 26 feet in length, these motors are very popular. Same with the stern drive motor, the inboard motor is mounted inside the boat towards the center, giving you good weight proportion.

Inboards connect directly to the transmission, then on through the hull of the boat. Then, the shaft is attached to a propeller which will turn and propel the boat. The shaft is fixed and doesn't swivel around. Therefore, a rudder is mounted behind the shaft and propeller to help deflect the flow of water which provides your steering direction.

Jet drive
Jet drive propulsion systems have a big advantage - no propeller to cause damage or injury to those in the water, including marine life. Normally, they are inboard engines that will take in water that flows through a pump, powered by an impeller.

Then, the water is discharged at a very high pressure through a nozzle that will propel the boat. To provide steering for the boat, the nozzle will swivel. For personal watercraft, a jet drive is
the way to go.

Keep in mind that when power isn't being applied, jet driven boats will lose steering, as the stream of water that propels the boat won't be there. Therefore, always keep any part of your body away from the pump intake - and never operate these types of boats in shallow water.

Costs Of Owning A Boat

2011-12-24T22:44:00.000-08:00

Normally, the prices for new boats will vary depending on the size and make, although many dealers and manufacturers will be willing to sell you one for less than the cost of a new car payment.

Financing your boat
Financing your boat is just like financing a new car. Similar to car and home loans, loans for boats have became even easier and more flexible in recent years. The terms will generally range from two to 20 years. To get the most from financing, you should compare rates online.

Outfitting
All new boats are offered with a variety of options and accessories. When you are pricing boats, make sure you factor in the costs of electronics, accessories, and water toys - then buy what's appropriate for your boat type and size.

Most modern marine electronics are very reliable, loaded with features, and more affordable than ever before. Today's accessories can make boat trips more fun, safer, and easier than you ever thought possible.

Operating costs
Boating isn't like driving, as you aren't using gas all the time. If you fish or swim with your boat, your actually not using the motor at all. If you happen to own a sailboat, the motor is used less. Most boats today are less than 21 feet in length. All of these boats don't require a lot of gas, with most using less than 50 gallons of gas per season.

Maintenance
Simply washing down your boat and trailer with fresh water after each use will keep them covered between boat trips. If you don't have the time to do it yourself, you can always hire a professional.

Insurance
The insurance for boats will vary by length and type. Therefore, you should consult your insurance agent for quotes, or simply shop online.

Custom Built Boats

2011-12-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

Almost all boats are constructed on a production basis, as this is the most efficient means of production. There's only one set of molds and many boats being built from the mold, reducing the cost of tooling per boat. Normally, there are a limited number of options to make assembly line production more efficient in terms of cost.

Leaving the ranks of production boats, there are several types of custom construction. There are
many boats built with a limited budget, which is normally by amateurs. If you don't want to build the boat yourself, the next level available is what sailors call "semi custom" boats.

These semi customs are normally built by small or mid sized shops out of one set of molds so the
hull and decks could end up being identical. The builders will however, allow the owner to pick out the interior and other options.

The true custom built boat, or one of a kind boat, is specifically designed and built from scratch for a single customer with an unlimited budget. A true custom boat is a one on one project, and can get very expensive before you know it.

Before you decide to go out and buy a custom boat, you should give the used market another look. Those who have built custom or even semi custom boats in the past do put them on the market for sale at some point or another.

This is a much less expensive way to go, simply because you won't be paying a professional to design the boat from scratch. You can find used boats that offer one of kind features and options, all you have to do is look around.

After Your Boat Purchase

2011-12-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

Once you've made the purchase on a brand new boat you'll be very excited - as you should be! The first thing to do is celebrate with your family and friends, you deserve it. You shouldn't rush out on the water immediately after the purchase, as you have some things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety course first. There is a lot to know about boats. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, although there are things you should know and things you should always be aware of.

After buying your boat, you should register it and re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay your sales tax and apply any up to date registration stickers if you need to. Also, make sure you buy the proper insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater. You can have them show you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in different currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the
helm enough to where you'll feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be very fun, offering you many things to do and a lot to see. Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, especially for those who are completely new to boating. Your first boat purchase is very important, as it opens up new doors in life. Your family will enjoy boating, all you have to do is give it a chance!

2010-12-09T07:12:00.001-08:00

Just Have Fun and Enjoy Your Life!!

We all complain about our lives from time to time. An unexpected expense comes up or we get laid off from our jobs. So many things can happen to us in even just one day. Unfortunately, complaining is a waste of time. It is a grown up version of whining, and yes, we too have tantrums. The key to enjoying life is in how we react to the events and mishaps in our daily lives.