Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Types Of Boats Available

Types Of Boats Available

There are many boats out there on the market, with
something for everyone. If you are new to boating,
selecting the right boat can be hard. There are
boats for every purpose on the water, all you have
to do is find the one for you.

To help you in your quest, we'll go over the several
types of boats available. This way, you'll know
the differences when you head out to buy one of
your own.

1. Vessel
The vessel is the most common name for a boat, as
it's the description used or capable of being used
on the water. Basically, it's another name used for
a boat or anything capable of being on the water.

2. Power boat
A power boat is any boat or vessel that's propelled
by machinery. Fishing boats are great examples,
as they are powered by motors or engines.

3. Houseboat
A houseboat is fitted for use as a living vessel or
for leisurely cruising. Normally, a houseboat will
include living accomodations such as sleeping
quarters, kitchen facilities, and even a full bath.
The cruising models are normally propelled by
power.

4. Sailboat
A sailboat is any boat that's under sail along with
no mechanical means of propulsion. The modern
sailboats range from one person boats to luxury
yachts that can accomodate several people. They
are divided into three basic types:
1. Daysailer - This is a small boat that's
designed for comfortable sailing without sleeping
accomodations. It offers a roomy cockpit and can
also contain an outboard auxillary engine as well.
2. Cruiser - Cruisers are medium sized or
large boats that contain a cabin with sleeping
quarters, toilet, food area, and usually an auxillary
engine that's built inside.
3. Racer - Racers are boats built for speed
and ease of handling - normally at the expense of
comfort.

5. Zodiac
The Zodiac brand of high performance aluminum boats
are some of the most popular in the entire boating
industry. These boats are constructed with a
conventional rigid hull with increased buoyancy and
stability. The deep V hulls offered by these boats
are made to take any weather. They are well known
for their prowess and are used all over the world
for commercial search and rescue operations.

6. Catamaran
These boats come with twin hulls. They provide
safety, comfort, speed, and stability that's
unmatched by single hulled boats. Popular with
boating, they offer you a new twist to hitting
the water.

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Types Of Boat Sellers

Types Of Boat Sellers

Below, you'll find many people who sell boats, and
how to go about dealing with them:

Private sellers looking to upgrade
These sellers are those who have outgrown their current
boat and are looking to buy something bigger. Normally,
they are knowledgeable and take care of their boats.
They are also less than likely to give you a
great deal, as they need the money for their next
boat. They are also likely to strip the boat of
electronics and accessories, as they need them for
their next boat.

Private sellers wanting out
These types of sellers decide to sell their boat
because they don't use it much. Even though it may
sound great because the boat may have sat for a long
time, this is actually a bad thing. When a boat
sits for a long period of time, the boots can crack,
batteries can dry up, and many other things can happen.

Sellers who want out may not have maintained their
boat well, as they didn't have a passion for it. You
can get a good deal with these sellers, although
you should be prepared to make some repairs after
you make the purchase.

Forced sales
Sometimes, you are able to find an experienced boater
who is selling due to an injury or disability. Many
times, these boats come well equipped and have been
very maintained. These boats sell quick, as you can
normally get a great deal because the seller needs the
money.

Private sellers who aren't serious
These types of sellers aren't serious about their
boats, as they are trying to get a high price so
they can buy a lower priced boat. They normally
don't care if they sell the boat. If they can't get
a high price, they will normally keep the boat. They
should be avoided, as they can be very frustrating to
deal with.

Dealers
Dealers of used boats normally get their boats on
trade or consignment. They know how to make the
boat attractive, although most times they don't know
the history of the boat too well. Dealers are more
middle men, as they have a profit margin that has
to be met.

Brokers
These sellers normally don't waste time with smaller
boats, as reputable brokers can easily put together
high dollar sells. They aren't really the ones to
help you, as they aren't likely to help you get a
great price on a boat.

When you decide to buy your boat, always proceed with
caution and really think about who you plan to buy
the boat from. This can help you get the best
possible price, avoid headaches, and help you get
what you want. There are many sellers available, all
you have to do is compare prices and see what each
one has to offer you and your family.

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Towing And Trailering

Towing And Trailering

A trailer can add a new dimension to the sense of
freedom associated with boating. Once you have a
trailer, you're pretty much free to boat anywhere
you decide, lakes, rivers, or inlets. A trailer
allows you to explore your area, and is also the
most affordable way to store your boat.

Starting out
If you've never owned or trailer or trailered a boat
before, there are several things you should know
and consider. The first thing is the towing capacity
of your truck, car, or SUV. If you don't know, you
can easily find the information in your owner's
manual.

Normally, small cars or family sedans aren't suitable
for towing, although small boats may not be a problem,
if you have the proper towing equipment installed on
the car. Most standard trucks or SUV's can tow
boats up to 25 feet, although you'll need to check
the owner's manual to be sure.

Weighing in
In your boat's owners manual, you'll find the dry
weight of your boat. The dry weight is the weight
of the boat without fuel or gear. Always make sure
you assess your vehicle's towing capacity, and add
a few hundred pounds to the dry weight to cover
these types of extras.

Muscle and power
As the weight, length, and beam of a boat increases,
so does the power needed to retrieve and launch it.
Smaller boats may be easier for one person to handle,
although larger boats will require more than one
person. If you need extra help, don't be afraid to
ask for it - as trailer boaters are always ready to
give you a hand if you need it.

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Financing A Boat

Financing A Boat

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.

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Custom Built Boats

Custom Built Boats

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.

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Costs Of Owning A Boat

Costs Of Owning A Boat

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.

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Choosing The Right Engine

Choosing The Right Engine

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. Similiar to 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.

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