About.com Powerboating

Cold Water Boating Can Happen Anywhere

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:29 +0000

I recently blogged about a feature called Boating Bow Wows on Boating Magazine's website (a great feature, by the way), and the irony of seeing pooches in life jackets while it was quite possible that their owners weren't wearing one. A comment from a reader stating: ""Cold" water is anything under 70 - I noticed that a man just about died in a cold water boating accident in Florida today..." prompted me to wonder how many people think cold water boating only happens in northern climates?

Since I live in sunny Florida where boaters boat all year long, I would wager to guess that many boaters, non-Floridians and Floridians alike, would never guess that cold water boating would apply to those of us lucky enough to be able to go boating during January. But they would be wrong.

As my reader stated, cold water boating can happen anywhere, and hypothermia can set in even in the summer with water temps above 84 degrees if a person is immersed in water long enough. All boaters should be aware that boating in winter, regardless of location, is always hazardous and should take proper precautions including wearing a life jacket and dressing properly in cold weather boating gear. They should also know what to do if they suddenly find themselves immersed in cold water.

To that end, here are articles detailing all three:

Life Jackets
Cold Weather Boating
Water Survival Techniques
Cold Weather Boating Gear

Cold Water Boating Can Happen Anywhere originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 05:00:29.

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Miami International Boat Show

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:35:05 +0000

The 69th Miami International Boat show begins February 11 and continues through the 15th. Considered the biggest, and best, boat show in the world, the 69th Miami International Boat Show is not one you will want to miss.

Chris Fischer, Expedition Leader of National Geographic's Expedition Great White, will be on hand in the Big Game Room with a presentation on the expedition and to answer questions and take photos and sign autographs. There will also be seminars on kid's safety, resources for affordable boating, and the Discover Boating center to learn about all aspects of boating.

Much more than your average boat sale, the 69th Miami International Boat Show is a time to celebrate the joy of boating.

View the January 2010 Boat Show Calendar for more information.

Boat Show Tips
Best Time to Buy a Boat
2010 Boat Show Calendar

Miami International Boat Show originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 at 05:35:05.

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February Boat Shows

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:24:01 +0000

The hot boat show season continues with over 40 February boat shows that you can attend including: the Seattle Boat Show, the Detroit Boat Show, Washington D.C. and the most famous of all - the Miami Boat Show.

Don't miss out on the boat shows going on around the country, check out the 2010 Boat Show Calendar and these other boat show resources:

Boat Show Tips
Best Time to Buy a Boat
2010 Boat Show Calendar

February Boat Shows originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 05:24:01.

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Buying a Boat - One Big Decision or Many Smaller Ones?

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:06:04 +0000

Buying a boat is one big decision no matter the size of boat you are considering. Whether it's a 16 footer or a yacht, there are many little decisions that first must be made before you sign on the dotted line.

For instance, what is your budget? Are you including the cost of boating in your assessment of how much boat you can afford (think of fuel costs these days). As you ponder the size of boat you want, does your dream boat match your available time to devote to it's care and maintenance? What do you want to do with your boat? If you want to simply fish, then your options can be narrowed - but if you want a boat for many different activities, the field is wide open.

To make the best buying decision, you need to consider all the little questions. Check out these resources to break down that one big decision into many smaller, more manageable pieces:

Before Buying a Boat
Do You Have Time for a Boat?
Consider the Real Cost of a Boat
Determine the Right Size Boat for You
Which Type of Boat is Best for You?

Buying a Boat - One Big Decision or Many Smaller Ones? originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 11:06:04.

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Boating Magazine's Boating Bow Wows

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:08:17 +0000

For dog lovers who also love boating, the Bow Wow feature at Boating Magazine's website, will be among your favorite internet stops. Pictures of boating dogs sleeping, smiling, and ... wearing their life jackets.

After seeing picture after picture of cute dogs wearing their pet life jackets (and some quite fashionable, too), I had to wonder if the dog's owners put on their own life jackets after making sure their pooches would float?

In a recent blog, Don't Be One of the Ninety, I lamented over the boating fatality statistics that haven't changed in years, mostly because boaters refuse to WEAR their life jackets. I don't understand the logic of going to all the trouble of putting a life jacket on a pet, but not yourself. What good does it do the dog is he lives and you don't? Of course, I don't know for sure if the owners of the pooches featured on Boating Magazine's site are wearing their life jackets or not, but the question still begged to be asked.

Do you put a life jacket on your pet and not yourself? Know someone who does? Leave a comment below.

Boating Magazine's Boating Bow Wows originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 05:08:17.

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Q. Should You Buy a Boat at a Boat Show?

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:09 +0000

A. It depends.

In an interview with a dealer who regularly attends boat shows, I received an answer to this question that might surprise most buyers. His answer was "no." And the reason why is because it costs a lot of money for a dealer to purchase his spot in the boat show and to transport all the boats to and from the show. To cover the costs, he must mark up the price. He said buyers would be better off going directly to the dealer and working out a deal.

However, it is true that there are good deals to be had at boat shows, otherwise they would not continue to be a popular venue for buyers and sellers alike. So how do you know whether to buy at the show or go to the dealer? By doing your homework ahead of time.

Buying a boat shouldn't be a snap decision, and should only be made after careful consideration that includes makes, models, dealers and pricing. Just like with anything else, comparison shop the dealers in your area before going to the boat show. This will give you an idea of the dealer pricing you are likely to find and something with which to compare boat show pricing. If your dealer price was thousands higher than the boat show price, it may pay off to buy it at the boat show. The boat show price may also be a bargaining point for you and another dealer.

If you do decide to buy at the boat show, wait until the last day. Dealers are usually more eager to meet you at your price point to purge their inventory.

How about you? Are you a dealer with advice for boat buyers? Have you ever purchased a boat at a boat show? Give us your comments below.

Q. Should You Buy a Boat at a Boat Show? originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 05:00:09.

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Great Resource for Buying a Boat

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:00:39 +0000

Buying a boat is not a simple purchase - knowing what you are getting in the boat and from the dealer are bottom line crucial, and crucial to the bottom line.

In the January 2010 issue of Boating Magazine, author Phil Scott reminds of the right questions, and their answers, that we should be asking before we sign on the bottom line. The article, 17 Questions You Better Ask Before Buying, is a great way to start the boat buying process and serves as a handy reference for anyone looking to buy a boat.

One question, "Is the manufacturer still in business?" may seem a little unnecessary, but as the author reminds us, in this economy you can never be too sure. One case in point is the recent auction of boat lines held by Genmar Holdings, who filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last June. If you are interested in Triumph, Ranger, Carver, Larson, Four Winns and other boats lines previously owned by Genmar Holdings, you may have issues with getting the warranty honored.

If you are in the market for a boat, take a look at the article to arm yourself with the questions you most need to ask before sealing the deal.

Great Resource for Buying a Boat originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Monday, January 18th, 2010 at 05:00:39.

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Genmar Holdings - Triumph Boats Bankruptcy

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:26:15 +0000

In June of 2009, Genmar Holdings, the owner of Triumph Boats, declared a decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The filing included more than 20 of the company's subsidiaries, including the boat lines of Four Winns, Larson, Triumph, Carver, Wellcraft, Stratos, Ranger, Glastron and others.

In the latest news, yesterday a Minneapolis bankruptcy court approved the sale of Genmar Holdings to be divided between Platinum Equity LLC., Irwin Jacobs (Genmar's former CEO who filed Chapter 11 and resigned late last year), and HydroBoats LLC. Jacobs purchased the Carver and Larson lines for $6.05 million despite the Official Committee of the Unsecured Creditors' bid that the offer be rejected.

No one yet knows what will happen to these lines of boats. Many owners who recently purchased from one of these boat lines are questioning what will happen with their warranties, parts and other issues. However, no statements are scheduled until after the sale closes, which is scheduled for January 20.

To be sure, it is disconcerting to see so many lines of boats affected. Triumph boats are best selling boats in their class due to their rugged durability. Similarly both Ranger and Stratos boats have been top picks in the J.D. Power and Associates Best Boats based upon customer satisfaction surveys of recent years. We can only hope that fine tradition of craftsmanship will be continued under the new ownership.

How about you? Does the bankruptcy and sale of Genmar holdings affect you? Weigh in with a comment below.

Genmar Holdings - Triumph Boats Bankruptcy originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 16:26:15.

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Q. When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:37:07 +0000

A. Right now.

If you are in the market for a new boat, during the boat show season is one of the best times to buy a boat. The other good time to buy a boat is in the early fall when dealers are looking to move their inventory.

If you are ready to buy, dealers are ready to bargain at boat shows. But, before you go, be sure to do your homework. Check out my boat show tips, and be prepared before you attend. If possible, attend more than one boat show in your area to get a feel for more manufacturers and dealers. Ideally, you will have narrowed down your choices to the make and model you are set on and complete a price comparison before you go. Haven't got that far yet? Make a list of your must-haves and your would-like-to-haves and make a budget with your magic number - the highest price you are willing to pay for a boat.

If you aren't quite ready to buy, take advantage of this boat show season by getting out there, asking questions and inspecting as many boats as possible. The value of this can't be overestimated when it comes time to actually making the purchase, whenever that may be.

Here are more resources for boat shows and boat buying to help you get the most of the boat show season:

Buying a Boat
Consider the Real Cost of a Boat
Do You Have Enough Time for a Boat?
2010 Boat Show Calendar

Q. When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat? originally appeared on About.com Powerboating on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 11:37:07.

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Don't Be One of the Ninety

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:19:32 +0000

Did you know two thirds of all boating accident victims in 2008 drowned, and that in 90 percent of these fatalities the victims weren't wearing life jackets?

I recently had occasion to revisit boating statistics and was disheartened to realize that since 2006, nothing has changed. Back then, ninety percent weren't wearing their life jackets when the accident occurred and ninety percent weren't in 2008. Although the 2009 numbers won't be out for a few months, I am not holding my breath that there will be a significant change, despite the campaigning for boaters to Wear It! instead of carry it.

The stationary numbers indicate the message is not being embraced, which is incredible in the face of the typical boating accidents that end in death.

The top five primary accident types listed in U.S. Coast Guard 2008 Boating Statistics in order were: collision with a vessel, flooding or swamping, collision with a fixed object, falls overboard and skier mishaps. Which of these can be foreseen and planned for? Which of these generally afford the boater an opportunity to fish his life jacket out of the storage compartment and get it on? Answer: none.

Common sense tells us that we never know when one of these incidents will happen to us and if one does happen, getting to a life jacket might be impossible. I am sure that of the 90 percent that died, not one of them was planning on the accident and felt confident boating without wearing a life jacket.

The point is this: Don't be one of the 90. Buy a life jacket and wear it. Any reason not to is an excuse that, if avoided, could save your life.