Pontoon Boats & Pontoon Boat Accessories

Using An Anchor Windlass

2011-08-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

The device that's used to operate the chain or rope which supports the anchor will be the anchor windlass. They enable the boater to pull up or bring down the anchor easily because electric or perhaps hydraulic motors are used to power them. The chain links or the actual ropes are managed by a wheel that has notches around the sides. Most likewise have brakes to help influence the activity.

The term 'windlass' frequently is applied to horizontal winches, while 'capstan' describes those that have a vertical design. The horizontal design utilizes a gearbox and motor arrangement with a horizontal shaft. You can find added wheels for the actual chain, ropes or both on either side of the system. The windlass is usually located above-deck. The capstan utilizes a vertical shaft employing the motor and gearbox assemblage; and they are based directly below the winch model.

Horizontal windlasses have got many perks; the unit is self-contained which often protects the equipment from usual corrosiveness of boats. A pair of anchors on two-fold rollers are managed by dual wheels, vertical capstans help the equipment to get located below deck, therefore which causes the center of gravity to lower - a significant thing to consider in boating - while also permitting a accommodating angle of pull.The overall notion is that often smaller boats use capstans whereas bigger vessels have got windlasses, but this isn't always true everywhere you go.

When we speak about power, several windlasses are controlled by hand in the same way as a large number of typical boats used sheets. Current motorboats contrast in a sense that they've a practical source for power, not like vessels in the old days which usually made use of manual energy. Power sources tend to be steam, hydraulic along with electrics. Electric energy sources are hassle-free and fairly affordable, but hydraulics have proven to be more sound and highly effective when we focus on small boats. Windlasses ought to be powerful enough to lift the anchor as well as its chain or rope. If deployed, the anchor really should be in a hanging position in deep waters. A windlass's rated functioning pull should be utilized rather than getting it to the maximum level.

On both vertical and also horizontal anchor windlass, wheels are there to engage either chain or line. The wheel for the line is ordinarily referred to as 'Warping Head', while the wheel dealing with the actual chain is actually 'Gypsy' in the UK and likewise known as 'Wildcat' in the North American region, but to reduce the ambiguity, the generic term 'Chainwheel' is usually utilized. On smaller crafts, the handling of both chain and rope is accomplished by the 'Warping Drum'. To operate successfully, special care needs to be taken with sizes and compatibility regarding line, chain plus windlass itself.

If at all possible, there should be no difference involving the chain size or link pitch and the actual chainwheel. Perhaps even very small diversions in the link size and additionally the consistency may wear down the chainwheel unnecessarily. They may possibly make the chain to jump away from the windlass although the winch is still running, a runaway problem from time to time labeled 'water spouting'.

Windlasses might be separated into port and starboard units when dealing with large sea-going ships similar to tankers as well as cruise liners. In such cases, they're installed using warping drums which might be self-tensioning or of the continual tension design.

Sea Eagle Foldcat 375fc Review

2011-08-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

If you’re considering upgrading your boat or buying your first boat then take a look at the Sea Eagle Foldcat 375fc. Too many boats out there promise you comfort and reliability, but rarely does one actually fulfil these promises. Therefore, it’s crucial to research and learn which qualities are most relevant for you when it comes to a boat.

The Sea Eagle Foldcat 375fc is the boat that’s advertised as being able to go from car to fishing in only five minutes. It’s a two person boat weighing in at only 75 pounds making it easy to transport, and also doesn’t get waterlogged. Overall, the lightweight of it makes maneuvering the boat quite easy and it’s never awkward like most boats are. The set up doesn’t require much so it literally will be from car to fishing in only a few minutes. You just have to unfold the system, inflate both saltwater resistant, 1000 denier reinforced pontoons and your assembly is complete.

Convenience

As convenient as can be, this boat can fit inside of a full sized car trunk, when folded. The patented folding frame essentially takes out almost all of the assembly time. As well as allowing the transportation of your boat to be a painless accomplishment. The fold up feature might seem unnecessary to some, until you actually consider how much of a struggle it is getting your boat to the fishing grounds. The fold up feature is inventive and accessible for everyone, even if you have a small vehicle.

Read the rest of the Sea Eagle Foldcat 375fc Review

Outcast PAC 1200 Pontoon Boat Review

2011-08-19T23:05:00.000-07:00

For most anglers fishing is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby and the Outcast PAC 1200 Pontoon Boat is bound to improve your fishing experiences. Your boat can greatly impact your enjoyment while attempting to fish. If it’s not roomy enough, that can cause discomfort. If it’s too roomy that can cause you to feel slowed down and bulky. However, there are always alternatives and there’s a boat out there that can provide and fix all your boating annoyances.

The durability of the Outcast PAC 1200 Pontoon Boat is impressive as it is assembled using 37 ounce 1670 denier PVC fabric on the surface and 43 ounce 1670 denier base fabric on the base. You won’t doubt the power this guy can omit with two urethane air chambers featuring top quality Leafield valves. There will never be worry or doubt again because this boat can truly handle rough waters. It’s extremely important for your boat to be reliable and be able to take on hard waters. If your boat fails you, then you and your equipment end up in the water.

Transporting the Outcast PAC 1200 Fishing Pontoon

Honestly, one of the most troublesome conquests involved with your fishing adventure would be actually getting the boat to the river or lake. The eleven piece aluminum frame can break down so transporting the boat isn’t a hassle.

The Outcast PAC 1200 Fishing Pontoon is unique as it has a split frame that permits the boat to be utilized as either a solo or tandem. This is a feature that many boats skip but in fact is quite handy for almost all fishermen. Allowing your boat to be either a solo or a two man boat eliminates having to have two boats, or even having to fish without your buddy. These two options leave it open so your fishing trip enjoyment won’t ever be compromised.

For those fishing trips that are bound to take up time, the front seat pedestal is able to be replaced with a cooler and a tray so you’ll have more room on the boat. Ideal for your fishing desires, this boat comes equipped with a casting platform and a stripping basket for sight casting without complications.

Click here for more info and reviews on the Outcast PAC 1200 Fishing Pontoon

Pontoon Boat Escapes At Branson Landing

2011-05-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Shoppers at the Branson Landing Mo were greeted with a bizarre sight Thursday on Lake Taneycomo when a runaway dock floating free with a pontoon boat attached.

The dock drifted north between The Landing and the Coon Creek Bridge on the east side of Lake Taneycomo.

Three men in a small boat managed to stop it near the bank, where it remained for a time before breaking free again.

Shoppers at The Branson Landing say the men in the boat stopped the dock a second time and tied it off to a tree. The Water Patrol is working to determine who owns the dock and boat.

Pontoon Boat Capsizes on Flat River

2011-05-01T00:41:00.000-07:00

wwmt.com reports the following pontoon boating accident on the Flat River on Friday.

LOWELL, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The Kent County Marine Patrol is investigating a boating accident on the Flat River.

Several people on the boat were pulled to safety after their pontoon boat capsized on the river at the Main Street dam Friday evening around 7:42 p.m.

The owner of the pontoon boat told police the boat had engine problems which forced the boat to drift toward the dam.

The boat then hit the dam and pedestrians nearby helped rescue the people on board.

The Kent County dive team attached a tow wire to the vessel and later pulled it to safety, police said. No medical attention was needed for those involved. A Kent County Marine Patrol division continued investigating through late Friday night..

No one was injured in the accident.

Considering Buying An Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat?

2011-03-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Just about all fishermen realize that having a steady platform to fish from is a prerequisite when fishing. Even though fishing from a kayak is nearly impossible they actually have one advantage over flat base fishing boats, and that is maneuverability. Precisely what boat type combines stability as well as maneuverability? You guessed it; the inflatable pontoon fishing boat. As you will observe in this article, the inflatable pontoon fishing boat is light weight, durable, and stable in the water.

An inflatable pontoon fishing boat comes with several choices determined by your fishing requirements. One- and two-seat alternatives are readily available. These seats are well built and several models are offered using plenty of padding to make sitting in them for a long time comfortable. Most inflatable pontoon fishing boat seats will also include a high back for leveraging while rowing. You may also choose to have a small gas or electric motor for your inflatable pontoon fishing boat. These motors make trolling and maneuvering whilst dealing with fishing tackle easier. They come in varying sizes, 2hp or 3hp being the most typical. Prior to selecting your inflatable pontoon fishing boat you should take you and your fishing partner's weight into consideration.

It's apparent that an inflatable boat will be simpler to transport than a large flat bottom vessel or even a kayak. A good inflatable boat can simply be collapsed down for transportation. Some bigger designs might not be as maneuverable but they shouldn't require a trailer to transport them. A one man inflatable fishing boat can generally be folded down into a large back pack. These types of boats range in weight from 20 up to 40 lbs. If you plan on trekking with your boat, it is not suggested that you take a motor along with you. A boat motor will significantly increase the weight of the craft.

Rigid metal frame construction helps make the inflatable pontoon boat remarkably resilient. They're designed to last for years and can quickly be repaired or patched should an issue arise. The pontoons are manufactured from coated PVC and thick nylon and are sufficiently strong to be taken down light rocky rapids. There is some trade off when it comes to durability with these types of craft. The more durable the more the vessel will weigh. If you plan on only making use of your boat for fishing you may want to opt for a more durable boat because you will probably not be trekking with it for extended distances. Some designs also offer fold-down wheels as an option. These wheels will make transporting your vessel from the car to the shore easier as well as eliminate some of the wear on the underside of the boat from pulling.

An inflatable pontoon fishing boat can also be used for alternative activities such as swimming and sun bathing. Prior to choosing your boat ensure you take into account all the things you want to use your vessel for and consider how much storage each boat provides.

Souped Up Pontoon Boats On Show

2011-02-07T12:52:00.000-08:00

Souped up pontoon boats are proving a popular attraction at this year's Greater Rochester boat show according to this report.

"Pontoons have the reputation of being slow putt-putt boats, but now they are more performance-oriented," said Joseph Paris, treasurer of the boat show association and sales manager of Sutter's Canandaigua Marina.

To increase speed, boat designers are using three pontoons instead of the typical two. The modern pontoon may also feature illuminated drink holders and LED lighting.

Such boats are among the more than 300 boats that are on display at the Riverside Convention Center. There are also sport boats, cruisers, fishing boats, deck boats, performance boats, personal watercraft, ski boats, jet boats, canoes, kayaks and outdoor accessories.

Mark Hadden of Penfield was at the show Saturday morning looking for "a little party boat" to use along the Erie Canal. He seemed to be happy with a deal he'd found on a Harris Floteboat.

"It's pretty slick," said Hadden, who likes to start cruising the day the canal opens to boat traffic and keep going until the fall.

Marty Faeth, who sells boats for Mark's RV and Marine Dealership and showed the Floteboat to Hadden, said he found the show turnout very encouraging. He said that he expects pontoons and smaller speedboats to be popular this season.

"They're making them more family user-friendly," he said. "You have more of the comforts of home."

Oysters & Pontoon Boats ... What A Combination!

2010-10-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

FIS announces the launch of Virginia's first oyster co-operative.

Virginia's first privately funded oyster cooperative has been born thanks to the joint efforts of watermen, scientists and businessmen. Oyster Company of Virginia will provide 12 watermen with the resources they require to farm oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, bringing hope to oyster restoration and jobs to locals.

Founded last August by businessman W Tolar Nolley, the cooperative will lease acres of Virginia’s bay bottom and purchase oyster seed and cages in which to grow oysters. Watermen will plant the seeds, harvest them and then sell the oysters using a new custom-designed pontoon boat, 900 oyster cages and 2 million oysters.

The watermen’s salary will come from the oysters’ profits, which will also fund the purchase of new gear and the scheme’s expansion, said Ken Smith, president of the Virginia State Waterman's Association.

The cooperative needs about USD 200,000 per waterman in startup funding, and it has thus far raised more than USD 1 million from private investors. The public and businesses can join the project by purchasing a membership starting at USD 175, reports Richmond Times-Dispatch.
For decades, disease, loss of habitat and pollution have all afflicted Chesapeake oysters, leaving them at less than 1 per cent of their peak historic population at this point.
Numerous watermen have rejected their aquaculture, but the industry has made great leaps in the last 10 years -- most remarkably by creating more disease-tolerant oyster seeds. This development plus the endorsement of trusted people like Smith has led to the birth of the cooperative.

The group hopes to take on additional watermen as the years pass and draw corporate support by endorsing the programme as a method to cut pollution in the bay, Smith said. As they filter up to 50 gal of water per day, oysters help clean the bay of excess nutrients that cause problems like dead zones.
The cooperative intends to lobby state and federal officials to add their efforts to the "pollution diet" being drafted for the bay by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Similarly, an effort launched two years ago by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission used part of the USD 15 million obtained to overhaul the Chesapeake Bay's blue crab stock to train numerous watermen on oyster aquaculture.

Oyster Company of Virginia has additionally partnered with reef-building company Reeftek Inc to collaborate on the creation of oyster sanctuaries, Smith said.

Read more ...

Cleaning Up The Napa River

2010-09-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

This letter to the editor of today's Napa Valley Register will be of interest to anyone living in the area and to anyone who might be visiting. The river is regularly cleaned up by volunteers in kayaks with a support team in a pontoon boat...

Dear editor, I’m so glad Matt Villano enjoyed his time on the Napa River (“The best view of the river,” Sept. 1). I have to agree with everything he mentioned, from its beauty and peacefulness to the wildlife sighting. I’m one of the owners of Kayak Napa Valley (Kayak NV) and have been singing the praises of the river and sharing my passion with locals and visitors to the valley who have joined us during our river excursions.

Laurie Aboudara-Robertson and I have been partnering with the city of Napa Parks and Recreation Department as well as Napa Valley College Community Education to bring this sport to adventurers of all ages.

On Saturday, the day before the River Festival, we scheduled another “Go Green with Kayak NV” event. Several times a year, we donate the use of our kayaks for river clean-up.

Volunteers arrive eager to donate their time by adding to its health and beauty while having a great time. We equip them with heavy-duty gloves, two different-colored bags (for separating recyclables from garbage), paddles and personal flotation devices (PFDs). We offer basic paddling and safety instructions and send them on their way.

The paddlers start and end at the Riverside Launch and head to the downtown area to scour the riverbanks for discarded bottles, cans, plastic wrappers and anything else they can get their hands on. Rick Blocker and brother-in-law, Ken, are our support team in a pontoon boat.

Read the rest of the story...

Buying a Boat Motor Cover - What To Look For

2010-08-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Generally, any form of cover for a boat is important however possibly the most important of all is ensuring that you get a high-quality boat motor cover to help keep all electrical components safe from the weather.

You may well be thinking “I know all this already” but it's extremely important that you keep your engine dry and debris free even though it is stationery. That protects the boat motor from danger of mechanical or electrical harm.

The part of your boat that will be most safeguarded by a boat motor cover is the outboard and if this is not protected efficiently, or at all, whenever not being used then this may cause subsequent damage. The possible need to replace the damaged components would be challenging and costly and it would likely not be safe without maintenance. Be practical and think about health and safety; absolutely nothing is more paramount for almost any prospective operator.

Price of a Boat Motor Cover

Prices will change when searching for the right boat motor cover however you will probably spend on average $70 to $100 for a top-notch, acrylic cover that should keep the outboard nice and clean and greatly reduce all wear and tear to your investment.

CLICK HERE FOR BEST PRICES ON A BOAT MOTOR COVER

The particular question you should consider is can you put a price on your vessel and most importantly, the safety associated with you and your boating party? Please don't take the chance, pay out the money on a boat motor cover and this will assist you to protect the most important elements and increase the life of the boat.

Storing Your Boat in a Garage or Other Building

Some people suggest that if you are going to store your boat in a garage or suitable construction in that case a boat motor cover isn't required. Whilst that is sometimes accurate, it continues to be worth buying a boat motor cover to make certain the outboard or the engine isn't impacted by airborne dirt and dust during the time it's being stored.

Why Use A Boat Engine Cover

2010-08-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

In the same way you cover your boat whenever it is not in use, exactly the same needs to apply to your boat engine as well as casing. In a few ways, the best boat engine cover is actually much more crucial, considering that the specific mechanics of the motor could be quickly destroyed through only a bit of road debris, water, humidity or UV rays.

Standard Boat Protection

Road particles captured in the boat motor during the time it is being trailered result in major repair bills. Ultra violet rays stream down on an engine housing, eventually leading to cracking. Water should be kept out of the engine’s intake valves. The appropriate boat engine cover will eliminate these kinds of problems and lengthen the lifespan of an motor.

Right now there are a number of types of outboard engine covers to pick from, based on exactly where you maintain your vessel. In most cases, the measurements and length of the boat engine cover ought to match up comfortably to the engine. Always take the measurements prior to making your purchase.

A well-constructed boat engine cover covers the engine from the top of the housing to the bottom of the propeller. This is the most effective cover to utilize for trailering your boat, to keep small stones, street litter or other unwanted objects from gaining access into the motor or chipping any of the casing. This is also a high quality cover for dry storage, to keep out the greatest amount of dust particles.

A half boat engine cover protects just the top part of the actual engine. This is a practical option for a boat that stays moored in the water and does not require protection for the propeller and shaft. This style should always keep the intake valves dry and block ultra violet rays.

An engine carrying case is a soft, padded bag used for carrying a smaller outboard motor. Some styles will be the same size as the engine and have an opening for the propeller to stick out. Other types are designed to accommodate the propeller as well. In the event that the engine and case are stored under shelter, UV resistance is actually not really essential with regard to this particular type of boat engine cover.

Add-Ons

For high-latitude boaters, starting up the motor on a frosty day can represent a challenge. Nonetheless, for boat operators like the Canadian Navy as well as the US Coast Guard, heated boat engine covers ensure speedy starting. Some manufacturers provide these types of latest technology accoutrements to the public. Plugs are obtainable in different voltages and will keep an engine good and warm, regardless of whether moored in the water or stored on dry land.

Discount Skeeter Fishing Boat Cover

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

The corporate motto of Skeeter fishing boats is “Engineered Like No Other”, and that's an accurate description of these high performance fishing boats. With more than fifty years of experience, this company excels in developing high performance fishing vessels. Assuming you have bought a Skeeter boat, or are preparing to get one, it will be because you expect power associated with your fishing boat.

Therefore, if you're a Skeeter boat owner or a prospective purchaser, you probably enjoy fishing ... a great deal. And if you are into angling, you are aware that water, fresh or from the coast, can be very corrosive and also destructive. If you don’t sufficiently maintain your boat and your gear, you will notice that the weather will start to make their mark almost right away.

No matter if your Skeeter is put into storage indoors or if you're towing your boat, a Skeeter boat cover is essential if you would like your boat to last and give you many years of entertainment. And, it also maintains the value of your property as the resell price is totally based on the state of the product.

Sites to look for a Skeeter Boat Cover

Skeeters are everywhere. So, it is reasonable to believe that accessories for these kinds of fishing vessels are available almost anywhere in the us. And, the truth is, they can be. If you are searching for a Skeeter boat cover then you won’t have any problem finding one. But where can you purchase it?

There are plenty of places to buy them and EmpireCovers.com is one of them. With over 85% of products in stock, they are able to dispatch almost any order the same day you place it. With just a few clicks you should be able to get the Skeeter boat cover that you are interested in. You will learn that in many instances they are available in various materials, such as canvas, poly-cotton as well as poly-guard.

Another option when looking for a Skeeter boat cover is Amazon.com. You can find dozens of different types of boat covers available and, with each style, various choices of materials and color. If you are not confident which one is the most practical in your case, give these folks a call or send them an email.

As a final point, if you feel uneasy about shopping online, you could search for a local marine outfitter. It’s highly likely that they sell boat covers and they will help you with the Skeeter boat cover that you need. Look for them in your local yellow pages or find them on the internet.

Bayliner Boat Cover | Protecting A Bayliner Boat

2010-08-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Boats have always been a great way to escape from the daily routine and explore the mysteries associated with water and nature; from an exciting fishing trip to an intimate getaway this is a fantastic way to spend a day, a weekend or however much time you can afford.

Having a boat may be many a person's dream and is sometimes one thing they may save for many years to purchase. Boats may become an even bigger passion than automobiles and maintaining them is not only satisfying but necessary.

Established in 1955 the Bayliner boat corporation supplies quality watercraft for both individuals and the boating sector. The company also supplies care items from Bayliner boat covers to equipment and boat parts and accessories.

Bayliner Boat Cover

Bayliner produces many different types of watercraft and yachts and thus locating a Bayliner boat cover should not present a challenge. The good news is the company itself produces boat covers which means you will be able to find a cover to match your design.

There are many options when buying a Bayliner boat cover. One alternative is to order a custom made cover for your vessel. This will give you a cover that will fit just like a glove. This option will involve you taking the dimensions of your boat. These dimensions could be easily obtainable in your boat owner's manual otherwise you can call a professional to do the calculating for you.

The second choice is to get a ready made Bayliner boat cover which could potentially be ideal as the company itself makes them with their own watercraft in mind. All you need to give them is the model of your boat and they will take it from there.

Before you select a Bayliner boat cover you have a few choices to make:

The type of materials
The color of the actual boat cover
The style of the boat cover

When the previously mentioned choices are decided upon, the professionals will take charge and get you the perfect Bayliner boat cover to shield your boat from the elements.

A Bayliner boat cover cost will be based on the dimensions and materials you select. Nevertheless, it will be well worth each and every penny, and will pay for itself in reduced servicing expenditure. Running a boat is similar to having a child, or so many boat owners say; investing in its well-being is assuring a long and healthy life to take pleasure from it for years to come.

Bass Boat Covers - Where To Find Best Deals

2010-08-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

If you experience the independence of boating on rivers and lakes then it is truly essential to make sure that your vessel is protected when it is not in use by buying the right boat cover. This will protect your boat from the extreme conditions of nature and boost the lifespan of the boat.

Frequently a bass boat might be bought in excitement and then neglected through not purchasing the necessary bass boat cover to shield it from wear and tear and climatic conditions that may rapidly bring about deterioration.

Owning a bass boat offers enjoyment for the whole family however you should make sure that it is completely protected so the boat’s use is not jeopardized in the least. Buying a bass boat cover is not expensive and it will almost certainly conserve many hundreds of dollars in future upkeep expenses.

What Does A Bass Boat Cover Cost?

Normally, most bass boats are likely to be comparable in size however there may be minor variants that can influence the overall price of the actual cover. Due to the level of proper protection that the boat cover can provide do not compromise on the quality.

A ball-park amount for a bass boat cover will be around $150 to $200, on the other hand certain manufacturers will undoubtedly be less expensive compared to others and may offer equivalent items for as little as $110. When considering your options always take a look at the price, as it is based on the actual width and length of the vessel, even so, do not compromise on the quality of the boat cover considering the fact that a less expensive cover could possibly be constructed from lower quality material.

Purpose Of A Bass Boat Cover

Ensuring that you've got a top quality boat cover at the best price will help safeguard your vessel as well as significantly extend its life. Boats that are left without a cover for any length of time can easily deteriorate which can cause safety issues in addition to high maintenance charges.

A high quality bass boat cover provides many benefits and will prevent numerous potential difficulties in the future.

Good quality bass boat covers should be mold and mildew resistant; they effectively block ultraviolet rays that can fade the paintwork and crack the seats, and they ought to be waterproof.

Usually, it is worth paying a premium to get a better quality product but you can almost guarantee if your boat is left uncovered and unprotected, then ongoing maintenance tasks will almost definitely cost more than the price of the bass boat cover in the first place.

Alumacraft Boat Cover Discounts

2010-08-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

Owning an Alumacraft fishing boat can be the best way to experience the streams and lakes in the great outdoors and in order to make the most of the experience it is vital to buy an Alumacraft boat cover to safeguard your fishing boat against weather conditions and UV rays.

You'll be able to generally locate these types of covers reduced to around $250 or less even though the true worth is roughly thirty percent higher. Alumacraft's greatest seller is the 6.5 square yard Sundura fabric cover which is extremely high in quality and very durable.

Alumacraft Boat Cover Assurance

Although there is little that may go wrong with a boat cover, no matter what style of fabric they may be manufactured from, there is often the possibility of damage and the buyer would be wise to make sure the cover comes with a warranty. Whenever you purchase an Alumacraft boat cover, you're automatically spending money on quality and once bought the cover has a five year warranty alongside the 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with the product you'll be able to get a full refund with no questions asked.

Fabrics Used In Alumacraft Boat Covers

Alumacraft manufacture their particular covers from the 100% polyester fabric generally known as Sundura, just about the most popular boat cover fabrics on the market. The choice of colors, on the other hand, is limited to either blue or grey.

All Alumacraft boat covers are extremely tough and are also water repellent and also grime resistant although they're not automatically protected against ultra violet rays and mold. An extra treatment is available through the organization to provide additional protection against mildew and mold as well as UV rays and this treatment is highly recommended.

Special Orders On Alumacraft Boat Covers

For those who have a special request for your new Alumacraft boat cover then the company can assist you with special requirements to match your individual needs. Alumacraft will be pleased to support in any way at their disposal but it is important to understand in advance that if a specific order is placed then the merchandise can't be returned since the enterprise has an as-is policy.

It is not likely that you will have a special request because Alumacraft boat covers should be in a position to supply everything you may need however should you require something slightly different then get in touch with the company first to see if what you require is possible and will not be too expensive.

Pontoon Boat Rentals Destin FL

2010-07-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

The destinlog.com reports that local businesses are banking on a bumper 4 July weekend.

Business has been erratic at Luther’s Pontoon Boat Rentals in Destin. One minute it’s up, the next it’s down.

Owner John Stephens jokes that he can hardly read his reservations book since he’s made so many changes in the days leading up to this holiday weekend.

“We have a lot of cancellations and then as soon as they cancel, somebody else has booked,” Stephens says. “We look like we’re going to have an OK weekend.”

Businesses like Stephens’ that rely heavily on tourism say that though this July 4th isn’t quite like those in years past, it’s shaping up to be a good weekend.

But folks are definitely waiting longer to confirm their vacation plans on the Emerald Coast. They’re watching the weather and they’re watching the oil, which makes mercurial appearances on local beaches, inundating one stretch, while leaving beaches on either side untouched.

“The phone’s been ringing very steady,” Stephens says. “Sometimes I spend 20 minutes talking to people about the oil. That’s probably the hardest thing … trying to convince someone that it’s normal here. That our beaches aren’t gummed up with oil.”

Trailerable Boat Covers - Finding The Right Cover For Your Boat

2010-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Boat covers vary greatly in quality. You may think that a storage boat cover would also be suitable as a trailerable cover, however, the truth is that a cover designed basically for storage is unlikely to be able to stand up to highway travel. The three key characteristics that set trailerable boat covers apart from storage covers are thickness of material, tie down straps, as well as a snug fit.

If you're interested in a trailerable boat cover the initial thing to consider is the thickness of the actual fabric. Some manufacturers might suggest that their 150 denier polyester covers are generally tough enough to use while trailering your boat. This material thickness may end up being suited to storage, but a trailerable boat cover requires a thicker polyester.

A 300 denier polyester boat cover is an infinitely more durable thickness. It truly is strong enough to offer proper protection against sun, rain, snow and airborne dirt and dust nevertheless is still sufficiently breathable to avoid moisture damage to your boat. Three hundred denier will be more expensive however you will be happy you chose it. For ultimate protection choose heavy duty 600 denier material.

Tie down straps vary for each boat cover. Examine the tie down method regarding effectiveness. Tie downs that will wrap over the top of the boat offer reliable coverage while avoiding the risk of a ripped hook or eyelet. If you select a boat cover with eyelets, make sure they're reinforced. Furthermore be sure that no metal parts will come in contact with the boat. The eyelet and straps may rub against the boat and scratch it should they be improperly positioned. Make certain that any buckles or metal eyelets are not able to rub against the hull.

Tie down straps need to have hardly any give in them. Bungee cord or stretchable rope won't hold the cover on firmly enough to be secure. Make use of at least four complete tie downs to fully secure your boat cover, and also ensure there are no loose straps that can get caught in the trailer wheels or flap in the breeze.

When you're trailering your boat on the highway your cover must remain in place. An adjustable elastic hem will help to hold the cover and avoid loose edges. determine your boat measurements accurately to get the best possible fit.

When selecting a universal boat cover, your vessel is measured from bow to stern but not over the windshield. Measure from side to side at the widest section of the boat to find the beam dimension. Pick the cover that most closely matches the dimensions of the boat. With the elastic or adjustable hem, you can get a custom fit using a universal boat cover.

Boating Safety Quiz

2010-05-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

National Safe Boating Week is coming up soon starting May 22 2010. The National Safe Boating Council will be hosting events to promote using life jackets and safe boating.

According to the US Coast Guard, in 2008 there were 4,789 recreational boating accidents that involved 709 deaths and 3,331 injuries.

Of the 709 fatal accidents, two-thirds of them drowned and 90% percent of the drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Manitou Pontoon Boats has partnered with Discover Boating and Boatsafe.com to create an online quiz that gives boaters a refresher course in boating safety for National Safe Boating Week.

Test your boating safety knowledge ...

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The Inflatable Pontoon Fishing Boat

2010-05-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Just about all fishermen are aware that having a stable platform to fish from is a necessity. While angling from a kayak is nearly impossible they actually have one particular benefit over flat bottom fishing boats, and that's maneuverability. So what vessel type includes stability as well as maneuverability? You guessed it; the inflatable pontoon fishing boat. As you will see in this post, the inflatable pontoon fishing boat is light in weight, tough, as well as stable in the water. And the Sea Eagle Foldcat is one of the best available.

A good inflatable pontoon fishing boat includes several choices depending on your fishing requirements. One- and two-seat alternatives are readily available. These seats are generally well built and some versions are available with plenty of padding to make sitting in them for long periods of time comfortable. Many inflatable pontoon fishing boat seats will likely include a high back for power while rowing. You may also decide to have a small gas or electric motor for your inflatable pontoon fishing boat. The motors make trolling and maneuvering whilst managing fishing tackle easier. They come in variable sizes, 2hp or 3hp being the most popular. Before deciding on your inflatable pontoon fishing boat please take both you and your fishing buddy's weight into consideration.

It's clear that an inflatable boat will be simpler to transport than a large flat bottom vessel or even a kayak. An inflatable boat can simply be folded down for transportation. Some larger models may not be as maneuverable nevertheless they should never need a trailer in order to carry them. A one man inflatable pontoon boats can usually be folded down into a large backpack. These types of boats range in weight from 20 up to 40 lbs. If you plan on trekking with your boat, it's not recommended that you take a motor with you. A boat motor can significantly raise the weight of the craft.

Rigid metal frame construction makes the inflatable pontoon boat very resilient. They are designed to last for years and may quickly be repaired or patched should a problem occur. The pontoons are fabricated from coated PVC and thick nylon and therefore are strong enough to be taken down light rocky rapids. There's some trade off when it comes to durability with these types of craft. The more durable the more the boat will weigh. If you intend just making use of your boat for fishing you may want to opt for a more durable boat as in all probability you'll not be hiking with it for long distances. Some designs also offer fold-down wheels as an option. These wheels can make transporting your boat from the vehicle to the shore easier as well as eliminate some of the wear on the bottom part of the boat from dragging.

An inflatable pontoon fishing boat could also be used for alternative activities like swimming and sun bathing. Before choosing your boat make sure you think about everything you would like to use your boat for and consider the volume of storage each boat provides.

What Makes A Personal Pontoon Boat Good For Fishing?

2010-04-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

One- or two-man pontoon boats are most likely the ideal watercraft for solo fishing. Even though other more high-priced watercraft created for fishing may appear better, a real fisherman will need to take all aspects into mind.

When selecting the best fishing boat you have to think initially about cost. What are you prepared to invest? Although flat bottom boats designed for fishing can offer some great options they are often very costly. A wonderful thing about personal pontoon boats is that they're affordable to purchase. An additional feature of single person pontoon boats that can make these more economical is that they can be used for a variety of outings besides doing some fishing. A flat bottom boat is not typically good for swimming. It can quite easily end up being overturned when leaving or entering the boat. Inflatable pontoon boats can act as a swimming platform as well as a personal fishing craft.

Though it may seem that personal pontoon boats are only designed for "one man" there are several lines of these personal watercraft that have a two person seating solution. If you plan on fly fishing from a personal pontoon boat you might not consider seating a possibility since it tends to restrict your casting room on the boat. You could look at adding an optional docking station for a fish finder. Many single person pontoon boats will also have various other handy options such as cooler storage areas and awnings. Depending on the style of fishing you'll be doing from your boat you should think about these possibilities wisely before choosing them.

A one person pontoon boat can easily be managed with an electric or gas trolling motor. They tend to perform very well even in shallow water where larger vessels might get stuck. They're also extremely steady in the water. If you're teaching a young child to fish a personal pontoon boat would be a more realistic option than a flat bottom boat.

Transportation of these small boats is also something to consider. Because personal pontoon boats are much smaller compared to other fishing boats they are able to very easily be moved from the trailer into the lake or river. In addition they weigh significantly less than traditional craft. If you're planning to fish on your own you'll definitely need to take transport into consideration. Maneuvering a flat bottom boat may be tedious as well as cumbersome. Personal pontoon boats can be raised at one end and dragged across sand. This also makes docking your boat by taking it ashore much easier as well. Folding pontoon boats tend to be even easier to transport and can be folded and transported in the trunk of a car.

Regardless of whether you're a newcomer to fishing or you're an experienced fisherman you can see that personal pontoon boats outperform the competition in every feature. Always take into account local and state boating licenses when scouting for a craft and ensure you follow these rules. You might also wish to ask your local park ranger for recommendations on what sort of personal pontoon boats perform best in the region you want to fish.

Buying A Bass Boat Cover

2010-04-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Advantages Of Using A Bass Boat Cover

When you experience the freedom of taking your bass boat on lakes and rivers then it is vitally important to ensure that your vessel is protected when it is not being used by purchasing a bass boat cover. This will protect your boat from the extreme conditions of nature and boost the lifespan of your boat.

Frequently a boat might be purchased in haste and then neglected by not investing in the necessary cover to guard it from wear and tear as well as climatic conditions that may rapidly bring about damage.

Proudly owning a bass boat provides enjoyment for your entire family however you'll want to ensure that it is thoroughly protected so the boat’s use is not compromised in the least. Purchasing a bass boat cover is not costly and it will no doubt save many hundreds of dollars in future maintenance expenses.

What Is The Cost Of A Bass Boat Cover?

Generally, the majority of bass boats tend to be comparable in dimensions but there might be modest variants that will impact the overall cost of the actual cover. Because of the proper protection that the boat cover can provide don't skimp on the quality.

A ball-park figure for a bass boat cover is going to be in the vicinity of $150 to $200, however some providers may be cheaper when compared with others and may provide comparable items for as little as $110. When considering your alternatives always check the price, since it is based on the actual width and length of the boat, on the other hand, do not compromise on the quality of the boat cover considering the fact that a less expensive cover may be manufactured from lower quality fabric.

Reason For Using A Bass Boat Cover

Ensuring that you've got a top quality boat cover at the best price is the best way to safeguard your vessel as well as substantially prolong its life. Watercraft that are left with no cover for any period of time will quickly deteriorate which can result in safety issues in addition to excessive maintenance costs.

A superior quality bass boat cover affords advantages and can prevent many potential difficulties in the future.

Good quality bass boat covers are mold and mildew resistant; they efficiently block ultraviolet rays which can fade the paintwork and crack the seats, and they ought to be waterproof.

Normally, it's worth spending a premium to get a superior quality product but you can almost guarantee if your boat is left uncovered and unprotected, then ongoing maintenance will almost certainly cost more than the price of the bass boat cover in the beginning.

Choosing An Alumacraft Boat Cover

2010-04-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Owning a good Alumacraft fishing boat is a sensible way to benefit from the rivers and lakes of the great outdoors and in order to take full advantage of the experience it is essential to get an Alumacraft boat cover to protect your fishing boat against weather and ultra violet rays.

You can usually find these types of covers reduced to about $240 although the real value is somewhere around 30 % higher. Alumacraft's greatest seller is the 6.5 square yard Sundura fabric cover that is definitely very high qualityand sturdy.

Alumacraft Boat Cover Guarantee

Although there is little that may go wrong with the boat cover, no matter what type of material they are constructed from, there is always the possibility of damage and the buyer would be wise to confirm that the particular cover has a warranty. Whenever you purchase an Alumacraft boat cover, you're automatically investing in quality and once purchased the cover has a five year warranty alongside the 100% satisfaction assurance. In case you are unhappy with the item you'll be able to obtain a full refund with no hassle.

Fabrics Used For Alumacraft Boat Covers

Alumacraft manufacture their covers from the 100% polyester material known as Sundura, just about the most popular boat cover fabrics available. A choice of colors, on the other hand, is limited to either blue or grey.

All Alumacraft boat covers are extremely sturdy and are water repellent as well as stain resistant although they're not automatically protected against ultra violet rays and mildew. An extra treatment is obtainable through the organization to provide extra protection against mildew as well as UV rays and this treatment is highly recommended.

For those who have a special request with regard to your new Alumacraft boat cover then the company can help you with special requirements to match your individual needs. Alumacraft will be pleased to support in any way at their disposal but you should understand in advance that if a specific order is placed then the product cannot be returned because the enterprise has an as-is policy.

It is improbable that you will have a special request because Alumacraft boat covers ought to be in a position to supply anything you may need however should you need something slightly different then get in touch with the company first to determine if what you request is possible and will not be too expensive.

See Pontoon Boats At Vero Beach Boat Show

2010-03-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend a Vero Beach Boat Show boating enthusiasts can get a taste of the boating lifestyle. tcpalm.com report ...

VERO BEACH — The 27th annual spring edition of the Vero Beach Boat Show at Riverside Park Saturday and Sunday will showcase a good cross-section of the boating lifestyle.

“People who attend will be able to see everything from 10-foot long kayaks to the brand new 33-foot Grady White Express we just received this week,” said Brian Cunningham, of Vero Marine Center. “The key to this show is you get to meet the local dealers from Indian River and St. Lucie counties who will sell and service the products you buy.”

In addition to boats of all makes, models, styles and sizes, there will be boating safety educators with the local United States Power Squadron and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary units, sellers of merchandise, boating equipment, clothing, accessories, jewelry, artwork and more.

Admission and parking are free.

“Everybody is all jazzed up,” Cunningham said Friday afternoon as final preparations were being made. “The weather report is about the best we’ve had for a weekend so far this year.”

Finance and insurance representatives will also be on hand to help guide would-be purchasers through the potential sale process. There will also be demonstrations of various products and ongoing seminars about kayak fishing and more.

While show-goers can float test kayaks on the park’s shoreline, Cunningham said it will be necessary to schedule an appointment to test try a new pontoon boat, cruiser, bay boat or flats boat.

IF YOU GO

What: 27th annual Vero Beach Spring Boat Show

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Riverside Park, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. (southeast of the Barber Bridge), Vero Beach

visit the website

Compare Mini Pontoon Boats

2010-03-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a mini pontoon boat but you're unsure which model to choose? Check out the mini pontoon boat reviews and discover the differences between some of the the more common pontoon boats and see which one was voted best mini pontoon boat overall.

Other boats can take up to 45 minutes to assemble but you'll be fishing in this one in under five minutes. Compare mini pontoon boats here.

Former President Travels on Pontoon Boat

2010-03-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

You never know who'll you meet when you have a pontoon boat. According to this article from TCPalm.com Captain John Young recently encountered former President Jimmy Carter aboard a pontoon boat...

When Capt. John Young received the phone call for a recent fishing charter, he had no idea it would lead to a handshake with a former president. But a fishing trip Friday afternoon turned into a chance Saturday meeting with former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Club Med in Port St. Lucie.

Young, who regularly guides anglers on inshore fishing trips in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, was chartered for a fishing trip Friday. It was not until he pulled up to the resort’s dock that he learned he would be entertaining the former president’s son Chip Carter and his wife.

“It was really a surprise,” said Young, who guides out of Billy Bones Bait and Tackle in Port St. Lucie. “I was told two maybe three people wanted to fish Friday. They told me when I pulled up who it would be and that’s when I noticed all the extra security-looking guys around the property wearing dark sunglasses.”

Young said Chip Carter, 60, and his wife seemed to enjoy a morning of drifting the St. Lucie inlet area catching numerous bluefish, along with sheepshead, mangrove snapper, ladyfish, croaker, jacks and weakfish.

The following day Young returned to Club Med to pick up a three passenger charter led by custom classical guitar maker Manuel Rodriguez. As Young pulled up to the dock, he noticed the former president and wife and family returning from a short river cruise on a pontoon boat. Chip Carter saw Young and called out to him with a friendly wave to come over and meet his well known parents.

“I get out of my boat and here comes Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter over to meet me,” said Young as he was introduced by Chip. “The former president was a true gentleman, and very down to earth. He joked that since his son was such an unlucky fisherman, for him to catch so many fish the day before, I must be a pretty fair guide.”

Young said the former president is still in great physical shape at age 85 and told him he still swims a mile every day.

read the rest of the story...

Hunters Rescued By Pontoon Boat At Reelfoot Lake

2009-12-28T22:44:00.000-08:00

This story from NTWNToday tells of a dramatic pontoon boat rescue of a group of hunters from Reelfoot Lake after their boat capsized...

What could have been a tragic outcome of a duck hunting trip by a Troy family had a happy ending Christmas Day with the rescue of two of them from the choppy and cold waters of Reelfoot Lake.

Sunday afternoon, Bill Evans Sr. of Troy spoke his mind about the fire departments, rescue squads and others who responded to a frantic call for help for duck hunters whose boat had capsized on the lake. “I’m thankful for those who were there and doing what they could to help, and they certainly did a lot,” Evans said. “We are thankful for them. We appreciate what they did for our family. I am confident they saved the lives of my son and my brother.”

Evans is the father of three sons — Bill Evans Jr., 33, of Union City, a Kohler Co. employee; Bradley Evans, 23, of Troy, a Goodyear associate; and Robert Evans, 17, a junior at Obion County Central High School in Troy. Evans is also the brother of Ed Evans, 41, an Obion County Highway Department employee.

The three Evans brothers and their Uncle Ed organized a duck hunting outing to Reelfoot Lake. Bill Sr. was invited to go along but declined. About 5 a.m. they launched two metal boats — one 18 feet long, one 16 feet long — from a state park boat ramp. The boats were powered by outboard motors, one of which they had bought new and owned only one day.

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Secret Location Only Accssible By Pontoon Boat

2009-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Larry Dablemont paints a wonderful picture of a serene day spent in the Missouri woods. His secret location is only accessible via his pontoon boat...

My secret place is quiet and serene, and beautiful even in the starkness of full-blown winter. There are no roads into it; I get here by boat. There are grey skies threatening rain and the waves whitecapping in places out on the lake. It will be a rough ride when I leave here. With my rifle and pack, I head up into familiar hills. There are three eagles riding the wind, soaring in circles over the high crowns of big oaks and cedars before me. Two of them are mature, likely the ones who use the nest there in a big sycamore each year. Maybe the immature one was hatched there.

In the light rain and spitting snow, a gigantic flock of snow geese come, also fighting the wind, and just above me only 200 feet or so, they break into a concerted, frenzied cry, as if they are tremendously excited all of a sudden. When they sound like that, they are envisioning a place to alight and rest, and I am sure it was within a few minutes of them, a bottomland field across the lake somewhere. Even tired snow geese do not often favor landing on the water when they are in large groups. They want an open field somewhere, with vegetation too short to hide a predator. I thought back to times in past years when I have lain in Canadian harvested crop fields, covered with concealing straw, watching flocks above me like that one, so loud you can almost feel their excitement.

In the woodlands, where giant oaks and hickories are as big as any I have ever seen anywhere, I find scrapes and rubs freshly made by buck deer. Not far away are the remains of a rock foundation only about 10 by 15 feet, where an old cabin once stood. There is the remains of an iron bedstead there, nearly rusted away, and nothing more. A cedar growing out of it has to be 80 years old, so the cabin has been gone at least that long. I wonder what the people were like who lived there a hundred years ago and perhaps much longer back. I hope the six piles of rock on a small flat area above the creek aren’t graves, but they may be.

My back, recently injured in some way I do not even recall, is in agony, and so I sit down against a big chinquapin oak where it is already growing dark. A shortened evening is advancing with no sunset. My back problem will not keep me from walking where I want to go, but it will make me get there slower. A slower hunter though, is a better hunter. You have to make the most out of each situation you face in life.

In sitting, I notice that woodrats have an advanced nest around a nearby tree with a root system favoring a tunnel beneath it. It is quite an arrangement of sticks. These woods are filled with dens of one type or another, beneath rocks and crevices, under the roots of huge fallen giants, in the boles of standing, but rugged, den trees. There is such a variety of wild creatures here it is amazing.

This is my place, this large acreage of land set aside on Truman Lake. For once they made a lake right, and there are more than 110,000 acres of public land here. Much of it is typical of the Ozarks, with small pockets of clearing, stretches of cedar glade and open, mature forest. In this I can lose myself, forget whatever has been bothering me, and wonder if God isn’t behind me somewhere, smiling because I have returned to marvel in the greatness of his unspoiled creation. I am hoping he isn’t upset with me for missing church, but where is there a greater place to talk to Him.

This secret place of mine seldom sees humans, unless it is the opening of deer season. Earlier in the day I picked up two recently discarded beer cans, to show me some nit-wit passed here who knew not what he did. It is a sacrilege to come to a place like this and leave something to defile it. I am convinced that most deer hunters are not like him, but nothing brings out the bad side of hunting and hunters like deer season. No squirrel hunter would do this. Before that, in the early morning, with a bright sun rising above the horizon, and the temperature about 20 degrees, I had found hundreds of frost flowers, growing from the base of stems of composite plants. They are unique, white, fragile ice formations that form in the night as the dead plant somehow emits a water vapor, which freezes. Most who have spent time outdoors in the winter have seen them, but each is a piece of sculptured art.

In the lateness of the day, as small flakes of snow fall, intermingled with drops of rain driven by the wind, I gain my feet with no sign of the pain I had felt an hour before, and continue on, slowly, watching for whatever I may not have seen on other trips to this forest. And there it is… I never had seen, or just don’t remember, that huge cedar with the hole beneath it, making it appear to be a miniature version of those California redwoods where roads pass through them. And not much farther along the game trail I follow, there is an oak tree with a huge hardened mushroom growing up along its base nearly three feet off the ground, and it looks a great deal like some bird-bath which nature has fashioned. The fungus is grey, and about two feet wide, a foot across, solidly attached to a huge post oak trunk. In all my life I have never seen any this large.

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Pontoon Boat Involved In Motor Vehicle Accident

2009-12-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

The Hudson Star-Observer reports on a crash involving two pick-ups, a minivan and a pontoon boat.

Two pickup trucks, one pulling a pontoon boat, collided at the intersection of Carmichael Road and Vine Street at approximately 11 a.m. Monday.

The crash also involved a minivan, which came to a stop on the north side of Vine Street and west of the intersection.

The two pickup trucks collided head-on in the southbound lane of Carmichael Road, on the north side of Vine Street.

St. Croix EMS paramedics and an ambulance, as well as the Hudson Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene.

At least one of the occupants of the three vehicles was reported to have been injured.

Officers from the Hudson Police Department, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol were on the scene.

More on the accident will be posted when authorities make the information available.

Christmas On The River At Demopolis

2009-11-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

Pontoon boats and drivers are required for the Demopolis Christmas on the River festival. There is still more work to be done than people to do it but if you have a pontoon boat and live in the area that might be a great way to support the community.

Here's the latest from the Demopolis Times

“It’s a lot of hours. We need people to come down and help paper maché. We’ll teach them. It’s not hard,” committee chairperson Jennifer Roemen said.

On Thursday, she and Kirk Brooker, last year’s committee chair, were touching up floats at the Christmas on the River warehouse. Each of the existing floats requires some degree of attention and touch-up work. Additionally, the committee hopes to unveil a new float this year. However, that process has been hindered by an absence of manpower.

“We would like to (unveil the new float). We really would like to,” Roemen said. “We want it out there. We really do. But it takes so much work. We’re getting down to the wire here.”

In 2008, the committee was able to roll out a collection of new floats. Brooker attributed that accomplishment to the rich volunteer base the festival boasted last year.

“(Volunteer numbers) were a little bit better. We had five new floats last year,” Brooker said. “Fortunately, we had a decent volunteer base last year.”

Roemen said there are a number of various volunteer opportunities available for those desiring to help.

“There’s other opportunities,” she said. “It takes volunteers from all over the community. It’s a total volunteer operation and everybody has something to offer.”

In addition to the painting and assembling of floats, volunteers are still needed to pull floats in the river parade. Demopolis High School JROTC instructor Mike Black is in charge of putting together that portion of the festivities.

“Mike is looking for people with pontoon boats,” Roemen said. “He says those are the best to pull the floats. We are looking for drivers and the boats. We’ll pay for their gas.”

Roemen, who has been involved in the behind-the-scenes work of Christmas on the River for some time, said the reward for the volunteer hours is rich and unchanging.

“The day (the floats) go out on the street and you see those kids, it’s why you do it,” Roemen said. “It brings so many people into our community.”

Individuals wishing to assist with floats should be at the Christmas on the River warehouse on Tuesday evenings between 6 and 9. Those seeking to offer up the use of a pontoon boat for the river parade should contact Pat Brady at the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce.

Fishing For Smallmouth Bass From A Personal Pontoon Boat

2009-11-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

In this article from the Indiana Gazette, Jeff Knapp reports on excellent fishing in the Greenbriar River from a single person pontoon boat.

Holding true to its moniker as the Mountain State, West Virginia indeed features plenty of rugged territory. And where there are mountains, there will be streams and rivers that drain them. The Greenbrier River is such a water, one that provides excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and trout.

"The Greenbrier is one of the largest tributaries of the New River," explained Larry Nibert, a veteran guide and outfitter www.westvirginiaexperience.com. "It drains much of West Virginia's portion of the Allegheny Mountains.''

Nibert stated some of the best smallmouth bass fishing takes place on the Greenbrier in the section starting near Anthony Creek and Caldwell Springs and on downriver.

"There is a nice special regulations section in that area," noted Nibert. A six mile section of the Greenbier - running from the U.S. Route 60 bridge near Caldwell, and extending downstream to the U.S. Route 219 bridge at Ronceverte, is under a slot limit regulation. One bass over 20 inches may be kept, as well as bass that measure 12 inches in length. Bass between 12 and 20 inches must be released. The number of kept bass can't exceed the statewide creel limit.

Nibert said that while the Greenbrier isn't noted for exceptionally large smallmouth bass, that doesn't mean the fish aren't there.

"During the fall and again in the early spring we catch a lot of smallies in the 16- to 21-inch range from the Greenbrier," stated Nibert. "Definitely the late fall and early spring is the best times to contact Greenbier's best smallmouth bass."

The Achilles' heel of many of the state's better smallmouth bass rivers is the presence of sections of whitewater, which creates access issues for folks lacking the experience and gear necessary to safely float them. But this isn't an issue on much of the Greenbrier.

"It's a river that just about anyone can float with the exceptions of a few sections downstream of Alderson," he explained. "Between Alderson and Hinton, where the Greenbrier flows into the New, there are some sections where a person lacking whitewater experience could get into trouble." Nibert said the Greenbrier, upriver of Alderson, is ideal for floating in a canoe, kayak or personal pontoon boat. In regard to the type of water he's looking for this time of year, Nibert has had his best success at the heads of backwater pools, especially if there is a mix of sand and rock along the bottom. These areas, he said, tend to hold the most pre-spawn smallmouth bass.

Access to the Greenbrier River is excellent. In addition to the obvious spots near bridges, the Greenbrier River trail runs along 79 miles of the river valley in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties.

"It makes it easy to jump on a mountain bike and peddle your way to some great fishing spots," he noted. A map of the river trail can be downloaded from www.greenbrierrivertrail.com. Public access sites are found in Alderson, Anthony, Caldwell, I-64 Bridge, Jiffy Foam, Renick and Roncevete.

In addition to the excellent smallmouth bass fishing found on the Greenbrier, the river also features an outstanding trout fishery, primarily fueled by the West Virginia Division of Wildlife's exceptional stocking program. Some of the better trout opportunities are located in Pocahontas County, which is not only home to the headwaters of the Greenbrier River, but also such blue ribbon trout streams as the Williams River, Cranberry River and the Shaver's Fork of the Cheat River.

Pontoon Boat Used In Apartment Fire Rescue

2009-10-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

A Bonita Springs resident has been involved in a dramatic rescue by firefighter Jason Burgess who arrived on the scene via pontoon boat. News-Press.com has the story …

Jason Burgess has been a Bonita Springs firefighter for 10 months and has already been credited with saving two lives – the most recent taking place Saturday when he was out fishing in a 20-foot pontoon boat with his girlfriend and four others.

A former Marine and supervisor aboard the 100-foot yacht, the Sanibel Princess, Burgess, 38, said he always wanted to help people.

“I feel I have it in here,” he said pointing to his chest shortly before a Bonita Springs Fire Board meeting Monday. “It’s a calling.”On Saturday, Burgess, 38, girlfriend Erica Schatz, Jerry and Gail Gray and Mark and Julia Owens headed out toward the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River to fish.

“Jerry had a good spot and that’s where we were headed,” Burgess said.

Just as Burgess was about to throw out a cast net for some baitfish near an island next to Shell Point Village, an alarm sounded.

“We all saw the smoke and Julia called 9-1-1,” Burgess said.

Immediately, the group’s boat began chugging toward the shoreline. Jerry Gray, the boat’s owner didn’t have time to dock. Instead he pointed the pontoon at the seawall and steered the bow right into it.

“At that point, you don’t think about (damage to your boat),” Gray said.

Immediately upon hearing the crunch of metal and rock, Burgess jumped off and high-tailed it toward the five-story building where clouds of black smoke were seeping out.

Mark Owens followed closely behind.

“We could see that the smoke was coming from the second and third floor,” Burgess said.

When he arrived at the floor where the apartment was burning, a lady screamed, “There’s a man in there,” Burgess recalled. Burgess then opened the unlocked apartment door and thick smoke billowed out. “I couldn’t see anything. I yelled, ‘I’m a firefighter, is anyone here?’ That’s when I saw a silloutte.”

The man inside screamed, “I’m hot, I’m burning,” Burgess said.

The man was sitting down and couldn’t move. Flames as high as four feet surrounded him. Burgess raced toward the man, picked him up and tried to carry him to safety.

read the rest of the story …

Moose Hunting on a Pontoon Boat

2009-10-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

Oregonlive.com sports columnist Bill Monroe has published this story about a moose hunt in British Columbia. I'm posting it here simply because a pontoon boat was involved.

After driving 1,392 miles in 27 hours, I join longtime friend and moose guide Mike Danielson for the final leg of my trip in his seaplane, landing on the shoreline of a small lake less than 100 miles south of the Yukon border.

Danielson frowns at the sight of his bright red Mercury inflatable boat, a vital tool to get his hunters to the other end of the lake, where bull moose gather for the rut.

He had been up a day earlier to prepare his cabins and take the boat and small outboard 200 yards down to the lakeshore. Overnight, however, a curious grizzly visited, and the raft's left rear pontoon is punctured in two places, wrinkled and limp from the loss of air.

Danielson's wife, Carol, arrives by ATV with Allen Flanagan of Hillsboro after a 14-mile trek, bringing along the food, gear and rifles. The Danielsons unpack, then try to patch the holes in the boat. Fortunately, the bear didn't shred anything.

Monday: The patches work marginally, slowing the leak enough to allow use of the boat, but we see only a cow and a calf.

Back at camp for lunch, we board the ATVs for a 26-mile round trip into the back country, closer to where we'd seen a bull feeding during the previous day's flight.

There is no sign of moose activity, but the hunt and several off-trail hikes are nearly as invigorating as having to twice winch ourselves out of marshy mudholes.

Tuesday: Tracks show the bear has returned to the boat overnight, but it only walked around the sandy beach for a while then lumbered off along the water line.

We pump up the boat for more moose-less trips up the lake, morning and afternoon. Mike Danielson is clearly concerned. The rut begins like clockwork Sept. 17 or 18, and the vacant, soggy marsh should be crawling with bulls. We've timed our trip to mesh the moose rut with Oregon's subsequent October hunting seasons.

"Will you still love me if you don't get a moose?" Danielson asks on our hillside vantage point.

Wednesday: Another quiet morning hunt.

After lunch, we sit in the cabin, watching hopefully from its bay windows overlooking the marsh and lake.

Danielson bolts to his feet. "Here comes a bull," he says, "straight at us."

Up the marsh, I can see the distant twinkle of whitened antler palms against the dark willows.

A bull is trotting behind a cow and her calf, several hundred yards across the meadow below the cabin and moving fast toward a moose's favorite feeding ground, vegetation on the shallow lake bottom.

We hustle to intercept but can get only within 400 yards or so when they stop. We freeze and watch as the bull chases the hapless calf away. The cow is having none of his advances though, so he urinates. As he rolls in the result to improve his male-ness, the cow and calf continue for the lake at a fast trot.

We stalk through the lakeshore willows in time to see the bull catch up, rinse himself for a few minutes as the cow begins to graze underwater, then retire to the lakeshore for a nap. Only his antlers are visible.

We spend half an hour watching, pondering. To reach him, we'll have to cross the stream. He's not one of the big bulls that make this part of British Columbia so popular with trophy hunters. Is it worth it, Danielson asks?

My trophy is the hunt, not the antlers; I want that moose. "Let's do it," I whisper to Danielson. "If we go down, we'll go down together."

Danielson tells me to stay close so we look more like a large animal from a distance, and we wade into full view of the feeding cow, 430 yards away. When her head dips beneath the water, we move. When she comes up for air, we stop.

The water seems warmer than the stiff breeze as we cross the inlet downwind and slowly make our stop-and-go way along the shoreline. The calf sees us and is clearly upset, returning to its mother and then shore, then to mother again. But she pays no attention to its nervousness. We hike up and over a knob just as she finishes feeding and comes ashore, surprising us barely 50 yards away ... but out of sight of the bull. Danielson quietly shoos her away with his arms to separate her from the bull, and we use a bluff to hide our stalk to within 120 yards of his bed.

As I peer around the corner, he is standing broadside, looking directly at us and within a second or two of following the retreating cow. Or is he wondering whether we're another moose?

The young bull's momentary confusion gives me just enough time to set up the shooting stick bipod, rest the .270 rifle, take aim and pull the trigger.

read the rest of the story …

Pontoon Boat Auction

2009-08-25T17:51:00.000-07:00

There is a Kayot 20' Pontoon boat going to auction on August 29 in Ulen, MN. Also a 40 hp Evinrude motor. Details here...

Boating Accident Caused By Alcohol

2009-08-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

If you needed any further proof that boating and drinking don't mix this article from therepublic.com provides it …

"A Greensburg man accused of drunken boating was rescued from Schaefer Lake after he was injured in a Jet Ski accident.

Christopher Schwartz, 19, was thrown from the Jet Ski after starting into a tight turn while northbound on the lake Sunday, according to Bartholomew County Sheriff's Department.

He landed face down and unconscious in the water, where he remained until a pontoon boat that was headed south on the west side of the lake could cross over to his location.

Amy Smith, a nurse aboard the pontoon boat, entered the water to turn Schwartz over.

He was not breathing and had a cut over his left eye, according the sheriff's department.

Smith and her daughter, Erika Smith, 14, and her father and mother, Carl and Marilyn Smith, who live on East Lakeshore Drive South, pulled Schwartz from the water.

After a few moments, Schwartz began to breath and the Smiths took him to Carl and Marilyn's dock, where Hope fire and police helped transport him to Columbus Regional Hospital.

Schwartz's blood-alcohol level was above the legal limit of 0.08 percent to operate a motorized boat, according to the sheriff's department.

He was charged with operating a motor boat under the influence, a Class C misdemeanor.

Schwartz was not jailed due to his injuries and the potential for complications from being face down in the water for an extended time, the sheriff's department said. "

New Marina For Omaha – Construction Begins

2009-08-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

The fleet of boats on Omaha's largest lake will have a new marina by next spring. Boat owners looking to secure a slip at the new marina should grab one now. This article from omaha.com tells the story …

Construction is under way for a new marina at Cunningham Lake in northwest Omaha. It will open next spring.

Sailors who want a slip at the marina for their sailboat, fishing boat or pontoon boat shouldn't wait that long, however, to secure a spot. If they do, the only guarantee that they'll find after the ice melts is that a private dock spot will cost more — if one is available.

Discounted marina slips are available if reservations are made by Sept. 15, said Joan Bailon, special projects coordinator for the Omaha Parks Department.

Early-bird prices are $995 for full-size boat slips, $650 for half slips and $500 for moorings.

All slip reservations require a $250 nonrefundable deposit. Mooring reservations require a $150 nonrefundable deposit. The balance of payment will be billed Jan. 2, 2010.

Bailon said the marina will provide better access to the lake and will be packed with features.

Concrete docks will include electrical power and water. Full-size docks will be 10 feet by 24 feet. The site will have 24-hour gate security and a bath house with rest rooms and showers.

The marina also will feature a courtesy dock at the boat ramp, a beach for easy launching of small boats, space to lock dinghies and trailers for day-boating, plus a picnic area, added parking and a lighthouse.

Half of the marina's $1 million cost was shared by the Papio–Missouri River Natural Resources District and Omaha park bonds. The remainder will be funded by revenue bonds repaid from boat slip fees.

Paul Jeffrey, a sailor and president of Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects in Omaha, said the marina is a long-awaited community asset.

“Cunningham Lake is the only substantial sailing venue in Omaha,'' Jeffrey said. “Those whom have experienced the solitude, quiet and natural setting — let alone the gorgeous sunsets — of the lake while sailing are all getting very excited about having the lake back in shape to again go boating here in Omaha.''

In Jeffrey's vision, photographs of silhouetted sailboats on Cunningham Lake would rival any other location for a promotional postcard scene of the city.

Part of Jeffrey's eagerness is anchored in his day job. His architecture firm is involved with designing the marina.

He started sailing at Cunningham in 2003, which means that he had only three seasons there in his 1979 Catalina, a 25-foot cabin cruiser, before the lake was drained for a two-year restoration project.

The slowly dying lake was dredged to remove silt and deepen it to extend its life and improve water quality and the fishery.

The project was initiated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which manages the water.

The commission constructed jetties, piers and breaks to create better aquatic habitat and improved spots for shore anglers to cast to fish, including bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and other species.

The lake is rimmed by 1,050 acres of parkland.

Cunningham Lake is north of Interstate 680 near 72nd Street. It was completed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1973 as part of its flood-control system along the Papio Creek.

For more information about the marina and to reserve a slip, call 402-444-5955.

Contact the writer: 444-1127, david.hendee@owh.com

Boating And Drinking Don't Mix

2009-08-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

Boaters appear to be abiding by the BUI laws and alcohol-related boating accidents have dropped according to this article from TimesLeader.com

Twenty-five years after a rash of alcohol-related fatal boating accidents and two years since boating under the influence laws were toughened, the waters of Harveys Lake are calmer.

Bill Hilburt, who is retired, spends most every summer day on his pontoon boat on Harveys Lake. A few hours of boating dehydrates you, says Hilburt, and drinking alcohol only adds to that feeling.

“Once in a while you’ll find someone who is reckless, but for the most part, the boaters are well-behaved. That’s not to say that there isn’t some partying going on some of the boats,” said Dick Squitieri, who lives at the lake and is an active U.S. Coast Guard boating instructor.

But, just as drinking and driving don’t mix, neither do drinking and boating.

Coast Guard data show alcohol as a contributing factor in 11 boating deaths in Pennsylvania in 2006. And while the number of fatalities declined the next two years, the number of boating accidents involving alcohol rose.

According to the state Fish and Boat Commission, the number of boating under the influence arrests in Pennsylvania slipped to 83 in 2008 from 87 in 2007. But that number is up sharply since 2001, when there were 54 BUI arrests.

Jeff Bridi, assistant director of the commission’s Bureau of Law Enforcement, said the fact that the number of BUIs on Pennsylvania’s waterways has been steady the past few years doesn’t mean the problem isn’t serious.

“The consistent message is boating is fun, but we do not encourage people to go out and drink and boat,” Bridi said.

Bridi said water conservation officers patrol waterways on a daily basis, checking for boating licenses, registrations and other common violations.

They also look for intoxicated boaters.

“When (officers) make contact with boaters, they are looking for life jackets, etc.,” Bridi said. “While they are engaged in conversation, they look for cues of impairment, just like any law enforcement officer.”

Waterways conservation officer John Cummings routinely looks for reckless conduct on bodies of water such as Harveys Lake.

Drunken boating is not as frequent locally as in other areas in the northeast region, he said.

“I’m not saying it doesn’t occur, but we haven’t prosecuted anyone for (BUI) in the last couple of years,” said Cummings, who is responsible for an area that is about half of Luzerne County.

He said he has noticed a sharp decline in boat usage on the lake, which he thinks also means fewer violations.

Another reason BUI isn’t as frequent on Harveys Lake is because people are aware officers are actively looking for intoxicated boaters, Cummings said. Also, the lake is surrounded by private property, unlike other areas such as Lake Wallenpaupack, where boozing and boating is more prevalent, he said.

That gives Harveys Lake boaters the option of partying later on land when they are finished for the day, Cummings said.

It’s not only the waterways that officers have to think about. Intoxicated boaters might get behind the wheel after they put their craft back on a trailer. A DUI/BUI Task Force created in 2004 by the state so the commission and police could work together is no longer funded, but the commission coordinates with police departments on their own accord.

“We work with local and state police from time to time,” Bridi said. “We make arrangements for additional patrols in highways and access points.”

The legal limit for operating a watercraft in Pennsylvania is the same as for driving a motor vehicle, .08 percent blood-alcohol concentration, a limit that was dropped from .10 for boaters two years ago.

read the rest of this story...

Pontoon Boat vs Floatube – Which Is The Best Personal Watercraft

2009-08-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

The choice of personal watercraft for anglers has never been greater. This article from examiner.com compares pontoons boats to floatubes. I don't think you can beat the pontoon boat for versatility …

"Personal watercraft choices for anglers have greatly advanced since the days of the first float tube. Originally just a truck tire tube with a canvas outer shell and a simple strap to suspend the angler. The first designs were not only uncomfortable, but lacked any type of amenities for the angler such as storage for gear. Today's float tubes, with advancements in materials, craftsmanship and designs, provide the modern angler with the ability to take a wide assortment of gear, as well as be more comfortable or even suspended above the waterline.

Click here to check out our pontoon boat reviews.

These advances do not come at a moderate price, however. Float tubes today range from around $80.00 to over $500.00. With such a wide range in pricing, it is somewhat safe to say that you get what you pay for. For example, when looking at some of the lower priced boats, keep in mind the materials of both the outer shell, as well as the tube itself. The lower cost boats typically will have a lighter gauge vinyl for the tube, and the shell will either be light duty nylon cloth or denier. The problems that might occur here would be two-fold:

First would be the puncture resistance. Lighter duty materials will not stand up to branches, rocks and other potential hazards.

Second is the ability to withstand pressure of the air itself. The lighter the tube material, the less resistant to air expansion from natural heat build-up the tube will encounter when exposed to the sun. In addition, the weight capacity will also be reduced as lighter weight materials will not sustain the increased air pressure needed to support heavier loads.

When shopping for a float tube you need to consider several things:

First and foremost is your budget. What do you want to spend on a float tube?
Second, is what features are you hoping to get?
Third would definitely be the manufacturer.

Now in many respects, this last choice should be first, as this may be the overall determining factor of quality, and therefore, longevity of your boat. There are two major brands that will stand out against all others in respect to quality, craftsmanship, and customer service: Buck's Bags of Boise; Outcast (or Aire), of Meridian. These two manufacturers are without question the two most popular and advanced manufacturers of personal watercraft in the market today. They are widely recognized by all retailers, and luckily for us, they are both made here in the Treasure Valley. Both Buck's and Outcast have fantastic service and warranty for their product lines. Each has their own proprietary features and both have a broad enough offering to accommodate most budgets.

Pontoon boats offer greater platforms of stability for larger lakes and reservoirs

The second most common choice when looking at personal watercraft would be the pontoon boat. Here, advancements and designs seem virtually limitless. While Buck's Bags and Outcast still seem to hold the torch for other manufacturers to follow, we are given huge choices across the board when looking at prices, features and styles. Since the opportunity for where these boats can be used is broader in terms of larger lakes and rivers, the boats themselves have developed to accommodate the broader spectrum of fishing needs. These watercraft have choices of up to eleven feet and longer in length, as well as adding increased storage, motors, anchor systems, rod holders, and a vast assortment of other accessories." Read the rest of the story...

Milfoil Overtakes Crystal Lake

2009-08-05T03:18:00.000-07:00

Residents of Crystal Lake, Connecticut, are trying to remove the insidious aquatic invader, milfoil, from their lake with the help of a pontoon boat …

ELLINGTON - Crystal Lake appears as pristine as its name, at least on the surface.

But down below is where the milfoil lies -- a slimy and insidious aquatic invader residents here are battling to root out.

The Crystal Lake Association, a group of residents dedicated to preserving the lake, is taking action, with the help of $67,000 the town has put up for an anti-milfoil campaign. Milfoil can cause problems for boating and fishing, even swimming.

"We want our lake," said Jean Burns, a Crystal Lake Association Member and lakefront homeowner. "We want the resource to stay."

Native to Europe and Asia, milfoil is a freshwater weed that is an unwelcome presence in Connecticut from Candlewood Lake in the western part of the state to Crystal Lake in the East. The plant is believed to be transported between lakes and ponds by boat trailers and waterfowl.

The effort to get rid of the milfoil got underway today.

Armed with giant underwater vacuums and Navy SEAL-style scuba gear, Jason Houghtaling and his three-man crew from Water's Edge Restoration and Management of Danbury will spend the next three weeks working underwater to remove the spiny sea weed.

"We're using a method called 'suction harvesting,' " Houghtaling said Tuesday, aboard his pontoon boat 200 yards off the shore. "We actually are sending a scuba diver down who is controlling a four-inch vacuum hose. He catches the top of the plant in this hose, he reaches down with his hands, plucks the root ball out and it goes up the giant hose into a large bag."

A recent survey of Crystal Lake found that about 20 acres of the 200-acre lake has been overtaken by milfoil. Broken off pieces of the feathery underwater foliage can grow back and get to be as long as 25 feet.

"This plant can take over a lake, you will no longer be able to boat in the lake, you will no longer be able to swim in the lake," Houghtaling said.

The objective of this mission is to rid the lake of about half of its problem.

"This is an ongoing battle so you have to take it one step at a time," Houghtaling said. "We can take a bad problem and make it very controllable."

Copyright © 2009, The Hartford Courant

Best Mini Pontoon Boat

2009-07-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

A mini pontoon boat is a great way to fish a small lake, a narrow river, a even a pond. These boats are ideal for many types of fishing, from fly fishing in northern streams to lure fishing and they also make useful drift boats.

The key to choosing the right mini pontoon boat for your boating or fishing needs is to purchase your boat from a reputable dealer who stocks pontoon boats produced by quality manufacturers. The quality manufacturers stand behind their mini pontoon boats with extensive warranty periods, perhaps a free trial offer and money back guarantee.

In addition some manufacturers will offer free or discounted shipping and handling charges. Any or all of these things show you that you are dealing with a reputable manufacturer of quality pontoon boats.

The Pontoon Boat Site has reviewed a range of mini pontoon boats to help you select the right pontoon boat for your purpose. I recommend you check out the mini pontoon boat reviews here.

Hire A Pontoon Boat at Lake Lavon in Wylie

2009-07-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hiring a pontoon boat is a great way of exploring the waterways and having a day out with family and friends without the expense of owning a boat. Any boat owner can tell you that BOAT stands for Bring Out Another Thousand, so hiring a pontoon boat for a day or a few hours is an economical option this summer. The Murphy Monitor may have the answer …

In the current economic climate [don't you get tired of hearing that phrase?] area residents may be looking for ways to relieve stress and enjoy the summer months without the costs associated with a vacation trip to the beach.

A local company, Lavon Water Sports at Lake Lavon in Wylie, may be just the ticket.

Owner Greg Allen said he had been reminding Ron’s Water Sports owner Ron Fielding for four years that he was willing to buy the business when Fielding was ready to retire. In January, Fielding finally made that call to Allen.

LWS’s other owner Dan James was working for EDS when Hewlett Packard bought the company. James said that, as part of the merger team, he became aware his team was targeted for eventual elimination, and he began looking for a new job. That’s when Allen, his friend and neighbor, told him about Fielding’s retirement and pending sale of Ron’s Water Sports.

“Things just came together at the right time, and Greg and I decided to go for it,” James said. “It’s been quite an adventure.”

By April, Lavon Water Sports was open and ready for business, renting pontoon boats, WaveRunners, ski boats, fishing boats and a party barge (with crew).

“The first few weekends were hectic, to say the least,” Allen said. “It didn’t take long before we got the hang of bringing in the boats and getting them cleaned and ready to go out again. Now, we’re in the groove; it goes very smoothly.”

Watching the staff work together on a busy Saturday proved him right. Once the double-decker party barge docked, the staff, mostly Wylie High School students or graduates, swarmed the decks and set about preparing it for the next party. Thirty minutes later, the party barge was ready for boarding.

“The next party is four hours,” said Captain Jack Courtney. “Then it’s back here to clean up and go out again at 8:30 p.m. We’re pretty busy, but the best thing about Lake Lavon is it isn’t crowded like Lake Ray Hubbard or Lewisville Lake. Lake Lavon is the best-kept secret in Wylie.”

Allen and James agree.

“Most of my neighbors hadn’t been out to Lake Lavon and didn’t realize it was so close,” James said.

Although easily accessible from FM 544 and other major thoroughfares in Wylie, the lake isn’t visible from the busy streets.

Nhan Vo, who rented the party barge to celebrate his birthday with about 30 friends, said he found Lavon Water Sports on the Internet.

At nearly 22,000 acres in size, Lake Lavon is a bit crowded on weekends but not as crowded as other area lakes. During the week it’s wide open. Canopies and lounge chairs dot the sandy beach. Sand is imported to Collin Park Marina every year. The marina also boasts a campground, picnic area, playground and restaurant.

“It’s great to have a lake so close to home,” James said. “You get a day off and want to head to the beach or out on the lake, you don’t have to go far from home or along the coast. We have it all right here near where you live. We call it ‘vacation one day at a time.’”

Allen and James have also rented the boats to companies such as Fujitsu and Texas Instruments for team building and employee events.

Most of the Lavon Water Sports boats are gone all weekend, James said. Next year, they plan to add another pontoon boat, and the two recently added a house boat to Lavon Water Sports’ inventory. It has an open deck up top, and inside there is air conditioning, furniture and appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven). There’s even a master bedroom with a queen-size bed and additional sleeping with a full-size bed, twin bed and a sleeper couch.

“Pontoon boats are great for families,” James said. “It’s like a floating patio. People bring their own food and drinks and go swimming off the sides or pull inner tubes. The houseboat is for smaller groups than the party barge, probably 20 to 25 people or less, perfect for a family gathering, mix-and-mingle or V.I.P. parties. Because of the sleeping facilities, we’ll also offer weekend and overnight packages as well as our usual hourly rates.”

read the rest of the story …

Renting A Pontoon Boat Lake Of The Ozarks

2009-06-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

If you're heading to Lake of the Ozarks this summer and you want to rent a pontoon boat it would be wise to reserve one in advance. Several marinas are reporting increased interest in renting boats and some folks are being disappointed.

This article from OzarksFirst tells the story ...

(Branson, MO) -- It's great weather right now to be out on the lake. But renting a boat may not be that simple.

Several Branson marinas have seen an significant increase this year in the number of people renting boats. And they say the type of customers they are getting is also changing.

Boating season is at its peak, and that means you'll hear a lot more of these sounds on the lake. While that response is nothing new, Rock Lane resort owner Jim Heckman says this season is shaping up to be quite different from last season.

"We've been busy since back in May. Last year, we didn't ever get open until the end of May," said Heckman. Heckman said there are probably several reasons for the increase in business. The temperatures are warmer, lake levels are lower and gas prices are nearly a dollar less than year than a year ago. While that's great for business, it also means people are in a frenzy to rent boats. "We'd probably like to find a couple of these people over here that aren't going to use their boats because we could use them to rent since we have no availability right now for 4th of July."

Heckman said he's seen a big increase in the number of people coming to the lake from out of state. For instance, Heckman's Marina has several boats from Indiana, Illinois and one from Colorado. Arlington Heights, Illinois residents Diane and Bob Shaw have never been to Branson before but decided to come here instead of their usual trip to Florida. It saved them some money, but they're learning that when it comes to renting boats, the early bird gets the worm. "A lot of places have the boats reserved and if you didn't get here early, you have to wait a day."

The Litzinger family did manage to get a boat for the day, and they say so far, it's been worth it. "It's fun. We don't do a whole lot of tubing or have a lot of lakes in Southern California."

Several Branson Marina owners told us that it's a good idea to reserve a boat in advance.
They say you can sometimes rent boats the day-of, if it's on a week day. A two hour pontoon ride will cost you around $100. To rent it all day costs $300. A ski boat is about $140 for two hours, $400 for all day.

New Port Richey Boat Show This Weekend

2009-05-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

Pontoon boat rides will be available this weekend at the Bright House Networks Boat Show this Friday through Sunday at New Port Richey. More than 100 boats will be on show plus there'll be lots of seafood as part of the Cotee River Seafood Festival.

Read about it in this article from tampabay.com

[The boats] — and lots of seafood — is just the beginning of the increasingly popular late springtime festival in and around Sims Park.

The event now includes 21 hours of live bands playing in the amphitheater, as well as an arts and crafts village, kayak races, pontoon boat rides, the Swamp Master Gator Show and a car, truck and Corvette contest.

Music kicks off the festival on Friday, with three bands playing at True Oldies Music Night. The Solid Core Band will play pop, blues, funk and dance music from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the '60s Groove band from 8 to 9:30 p.m., with tributes to the Beatles, the Who, Dusty Springfield and others.

Friday's headliner is Mike T's Tribute to Roy Orbison from 10 to 11 p.m.

The festival continues from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days there will be an arts and crafts village with items from $5 to $500; the boat show; and Miss Daisy pontoon boat rides ($5) on the Cotee River.

Both days will feature the Swamp Master Gator Show at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Saturday has other special events: the Salt Springs Classic Kayak Race and Fun Paddle, both starting at Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, 9120 Old Post Road, Port Richey and ending at Sims Park (transportation back to your vehicle will be provided). Entry fee is $15 per kayak; registration starts at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. See saltspringsalliance.com for details and rules.

Makai Kayak & Kanoes will be at the Sims Park dock with kayak and canoe rentals at various prices.

Saturday also features the Sunset Corvette and Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with 35 awards, including Best of Show, and dashboard plaques for the first 75 to enter. Registration is $15; call Tom Morrow for details at (352) 650-3464.

A Weeki Wachee mermaid will appear throughout the park from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for chats and photo ops.

The Blues by the River concert goes from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Free (bring chairs or blankets for seating) or VIP seating for $7, starting at 5 p.m.

Read the rest of the article...

2009-04-25T22:24:00.001-07:00

Pontoon Boat Tours on Clear Lake

2009-04-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Pontoon Boat tours of Clear Lake will be a feature of the upcoming Heron Festival on April 25 & 26. Here's the story from lakeconews.com

KELSEYVILLE – The upcoming Heron Festival and Wildflower Brunch, on April 25 and 26, sponsored by the Redbud Audubon Society and the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA), promises an array of fun and interested nature oriented activities, ranging from pontoon boat tours on Clear Lake to a live bird presentation.

The Heron Festival is in its 15th year and since its founding, by the Redbud Audubon Society, the event has grown to become one of Northern California’s most popular nature festivals.

The festival is held at the Clear Lake State Park on Soda Bay Road near Kelseyville. Pontoon boat tours on Clear Lake are a popular feature of the festival, but a huge variety of other activities and programs are offered.

Boat tours are held on both days and last for approximately 90 minutes. Advanced reservations are required for the boat tours. This may be accomplished by going to the Heron Festival website at www.heronfestival.org. Price for a boat ride is just $15 per person.

Other activities on Saturday include an Audubon Bird Walk starting at 8:30 a.m., the popular Wildflower Brunch from 9 a.m. until noon, a “Nature Fair,” which features exhibit booths highlighting education displays and information from nature-related government agencies, local environmental nonprofit groups, and nature-related artists and craftsmen.

Keynote speaker on Saturday is Philip Greene, an internationally known photographer of herons and egrets. His presentation will be presented at the Visitor Center Auditorium at the park. There will also be Visitor Center tours of the interpretive displays of Lake County’s natural and cultural resources.

Children’s activities will consist of a wide range of fun educational programs for children to learn about nature, including owl masks, peanut butter birdseed feeders to take home, and making a personalized bird journal. A family nature walk is also planned.

Pontoon boat tours continue on Sunday along with more bird walks, the nature fair, a presentation by Dr. Harry Lyons on Myths and Music of Clear Lake, and at 1 p.m. a live bird presentation, “Raptor Speak,” by Native Bird Connections, that will give visitors the opportunity to see raptor behavior up close.

All events except the pontoon boat tours and the Wildflower Brunch are free and open to the public. Registration for both the boat tours and the brunch are required and can be made by going to the festival website or by calling the Lake County Visitor Center1-800-525-3743.

The Web site also features the full schedule of events for the two-day Heron Festival at Clear Lake State Park.

Take The Pontoon Boat To A Pirates Game

2009-04-14T01:03:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh is a city defined by its rivers so taking a pontoon boat to a Pirates game seems like a great option. This story from the Post-Gazette tells the story ...

We're a city defined by our rivers, so a water taxi seems a natural. Yet the $6 round-trip from the Strip District to PNC Park -- with free parking, cheap drinks and cushioned booths in a heated pontoon boat -- remains a secret to most.

Ninety minutes before the Pirates opened their season, Capt. Mark Schiller opened his. A five-minute cruise whisked 15 baseball fans across the Allegheny River from the 23rd Street dock, below the Cork Factory, to a dock on the North Shore just east of the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Mr. Schiller, 46, has been hauling frigid football fans in his 49-passenger "Miss Pittsburgh" since 1999, taking them from Downtown to games first in Three Rivers Stadium and then Heinz Field, but baseball always has been a tougher sell. The weather is nicer and the walk is shorter from Downtown.

But last June 24, after a Strip District dock opened below the Cork Factory, he started his baseball shuttle and fans headed to the ballpark from points east have found the deal hard to beat.

Randy Doman of Plum, who works in the Strip District, and his friend Bill Perroz, of Indiana Township, were the first passengers to board shortly before noon. When Mr. Schiller's engine didn't turn over right away, Mr. Doman joked, "You going to get the oars out?"

But the engine soon kicked in and a couple more groups, totalling a baker's dozen, came aboard. Joe Jezik of Oakmont brought a vanful of friends and was joyous at finding this deal when he checked the parking options on the Pirates' Web site.

"What better way to ride out these hard times?" he asked and bought a round of drinks at the opening week price of $2 a pop.

Mike Broniszewski was part of a group from the Strip District that popped a bottle of champagne in the parking lot before boarding. Why?

"The Pirates haven't lost a home game yet all year," Mr. Broniszewski explained.

His group included David Regan, co-owner of Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle just a short walk away on Penn Avenue. The Irish pub, along with the nearby Spaghetti Warehouse and the organic supermarket, Right by Nature, are picking up half the boat fare for their customers who spend at least $10 and take same-day receipts to the boat. The first drink is free, too.

•

That's all about boosting a fledgling operation they think will benefit the Strip, but these ballpark runs are only part of Mr. Schiller's dream. He'd like to have shuttles on Friday and Saturday nights from the Strip District to Station Square to the Watersteps on the North Shore and on back to the Strip. He'd run them from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., linking three of the city's top entertainment districts.

This water taxi would fill a new niche for people interested in bopping among the attractions on the three rivers, but so far Mr. Schiller has been unsuccessful in getting docking rights at Station Square. (I was unable to reach a Station Square official for comment yesterday.)

I made the first two runs with Schiller and his first mate, a friendly old guy who didn't want to be named, so call him Gilligan. Fifteen passengers went on the first run, and 17 on the second, and the consensus was this beat the horsehide out of battling the pre-game traffic and paying $12, $15, $20 or worse for a parking spot near PNC Park. And after the game, they could essentially swim ahead of the post-game Route 28 logjam.

Starting 90 minutes before each game, this boat makes four trips, one every half-hour. Return trips begin after the seventh-inning stretch and the last one leaves 20 minutes after the last pitch.

Mr. Schiller carried about 60 passengers yesterday, each way.

•

As a teenager growing up in Penn Hills, he'd told his friends he'd open a restaurant on the water one day, and he did. He opened Trolls on Herrs Island in 1997 but sold it in 2003 because after he got married, the late hours no longer made sense.

But he had the restaurant long enough for Merle Crouse, a local beer distributor, to walk in one day in the summer of 1998 and mention that he wanted to start a water taxi. Mr. Schiller told him he'd always had the same idea and they formed a partnership, and a decade later this "hobby" is still cruising.

He'd just like to do more than ballgames and party cruises. He'd like to be the go-to guy for getting to the night spots along our rivers, but he needs Station Square to make that work.

"I'm not asking for a subsidy," he said. "All I need is access."

Contact Pittsburgh Water Limo atpghwaterlimo.com and 412-221-LIMO (5466).

Boating Improvements in Canton Il

2009-04-13T01:43:00.000-07:00

Canton City Council has approved plans to improve boating facilities at Canton Lake. The Daily Ledger reports:

Alderman Eric Schenck noted options for recreational development at the lake had been offered by Western Illinois University graduate student Rachel Rose of Canton. A city council committee then supported recommendations at a recent meeting.

The recommended option council adopted for the campgrounds included installing a self-pay station for issuing daily camping and/or boating permits. The system could be low-tech, like envelopes and a secure lock box, or high-tech with something like an automatic teller machine. Maps, boating rules and other information would be at the station.

Season passes would still be available at the city building or campground host. Eventually, a "ranger station" could be developed at the beach area, serving multiple purposes of issuing permits, renting boats, providing self-serve ice/bait/soda pop machines, first aid, and so forth.
On campsites for recreational vehicles, add 10 to 20 more RV sites as part of a multi-phase project to update the entire campground. Offer different camping options: full service with sewer, water and 50-amp electricity; limited service with electricity and/or water; and primitive (tent or small trailer) with no service.

Also, construct an updated shower house with additional outdoor toilets and water supplies to facilitate primitive sites. Use an engineering firm with experience in recreational developments to design the campground.

For Canton Beach, install a boat dock with slips for campers who wish to keep boats while camping. Use "hitching posts" and/or reservation/fee system for pontoon boats. Along with the ranger station, build public restroom/concession stand and expand parking for those facilities. Include boat rental and other services.

For the former Kilroy farm purchased by the city, open the property to seasonal uses including morel mushroom hunting in the spring, walking/biking in the summer and bowhunting in the fall. Administer the bowhunting program by requiring permits for deer stands (similar to boat permits).

Schenck said after the meeting he thought expanding the campgrounds was a good idea. Camping fees are worth $50,000 a year, so there is good reason to work on the campgrounds, he said. He also agreed with using an engineering approach before implementing improvements, so nothing started will need to be undone later for some unanticipated reason.
Schenck said since the project likely will be done in phases, space will remain available for camping. He added grants for the project could be sought from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Similar types of grants also could be sought for improvements at the old boat dock.

Schenck noted during the council meeting Maurer-Stutz engineers had surveyed the relatively small site for the old boat dock or south boat dock. Estimated cost to implement the selected option for improvements there was $104,268.

Those improvements include building a handicapped-accessible restroom facility for men and women, fishing pier and small picnic shelter. Some of the details include removing old concrete and constructing an 8-inch concrete pavement and 4-inch concrete sidewalk; installing rip-rap along the shore for erosion protection, signage and a boat ramp gate; and providing a shoreline aggregate path.

Mayor Kevin Meade pointed out the city will not be spending any money now; the action was only for adoption of long-plans for such upgrades.

read the rest of the story ...

Pontoon Boats Used In Lake Of The Ozarks Cleanup

2009-04-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

The shoreline beautification program at Lake of the Ozarks is in full swing and pontoon boats have removed record levels of debris from the lake according to lakesunleader.com

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. -

The 18th annual Spring Shoreline Beautification Cleanup was on a record pace as volunteers began removing trash and debris with mild weather and near perfect water levels.

After experiencing colder than normal weather and high lake levels in 2008 that limited cleanup opportunities, Adopt-the-Shoreline Volunteers rededicated their efforts this spring to improving Lake of the Ozarks.

Groups scheduled dumpsters and removed debris at near record levels, according to Bryan Vance of AmerenUE.

As in past years, volunteers reported that dock flotation materials accounted for most of the debris removed, he said.

This was the first cleanup since AmerenUE’s ban on non-encapsulated dock foam took effect Dec. 31, 2008.

The spring cleanup began March 15 and continued through Wednesday, although opportunities to volunteer may be available in some areas through May.

Vance said with the change to warmer weather and steady lake levels, zone coordinators for this year’s cleanup expected the total amount of trash removed to reach near-record levels compared to past cleanups.

The annual spring cleanup is the largest volunteer effort in the lake area. More than 600 volunteers – representing 60 Adopt-the-Shoreline member groups – are expected to participate in the spring cleanup.

There is always a need for more volunteers and boats to make the clean up a success

There’s plenty of work for everyone – cleaning shoreline, transporting waste flotation material and stacking debris for pickup by volunteers with cleanup boats.

Adopt-the-Shoreline is sponsored by AmerenUE, which provides administrative support, supplies bags, and pays for disposal.

The physical cleanup work is performed entirely by volunteers.

The cleanups were the catalyst of AmerenUE’s ban on the use of non-encapsulated foam. It was used for decades as the flotation material of choice on thousands of docks on the lake.

Since its inception, the annual spring cleanup has removed hundreds of tons of dock foam, junk and debris a year from the shoreline.

A second cleanup is held in the fall with the Adopt-the-Shoreline groups.

Where To Take Your Pontoon Boat In The Bay Area

2009-04-09T01:39:00.001-07:00

Tom Stienstra at the SF Chronicle has provided a great service to all boaters by compiling this list of the top 10 lakes for boating in the Bay Area. He says that Bay Area lakes offer many boating opportunities plus pontoon boat rentals, but not all lakes are open to the public.

Of 70 lakes in 10 counties in the greater Bay Area, the public is permitted to take part in some form of boating at 30 of them. No boating of any kind is permitted at 40 lakes, including all eight lakes in Marin County. Of those 40, no public access of any kind is allowed at 13, including five lakes in San Mateo County.
At lakes where boats with trailers are permitted, new inspection programs for invasive zebra mussels are typically required, adding to the cost and time of trips.

With spring arriving, here are the top 10 lakes in the region for boating:

1. Lake Berryessa, Napa County: This is the Bay Area's backyard boating headquarters. Berryessa is one of the biggest lakes in Northern California, 23 miles long with 165 miles of shoreline. It is the launch point for all types of boating and water sports, great fishing, camping and shoreline resorts. The Bureau of Reclamation is overseeing major renovation of concessions. For now, services include a free boat ramp at Capell Cove and hand-launch areas for kayaks at Eticuera and Oak Shores. Markley Cove, Steele Park and Pleasure Cove Marina are expected to continue operations this year. Other resort sites are expected to renew in new configurations in 2010. Brochure at (707) 966-2111 or www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa.

2. Del Valle Reservoir, Livermore: Del Valle feels big. It's a long, narrow and deep lake in a canyon, 5 miles long, surrounded by wild lands. This is the best lake-based park in the Bay Area, with access for boating, swimming, fishing, camping, biking and hiking. A 10-mph speed limit keeps things quiet. The marina offers boat rentals, including motorboats, pontoon boats, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats, and Del Valle Kayak Center has Hobie and sea kayaks available. Marina, (925) 449-5201; brochure at (888) 327-2757, ext. 5; download PDF file at ebparks.org.

3. San Pablo Reservoir, El Sobrante: For boaters, San Pablo is a fortune hunt, there's so much to explore, including Scow Canyon, just outside the protected waterfowl preserve on the south end, with good fishing for trout and bass in many areas. Motors are restricted to 4-cycle with a 25-mph speed limit in the center of the lake, 5-mph along shore. Rentals are available for kayaks, row boats, boats with motors, and pontoon boats. Kayak Demo Day is April 19. (510) 223-1661 or norcalfishing.com.

4. Loch Lomond Reservoir, Ben Lomond: Long, narrow Loch Lomond is the prettiest lake in the greater Bay Area. It is nestled in a deep redwood canyon, quiet and gorgeous, with lots of birds. No gas motors permitted. A small marina rents rowboats, boats with electric motors and paddleboats. (831) 420-5320, www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us - in column on far right, scroll down, click on "Loch Lomond Recreation Area."

5. Lake Anderson, Morgan Hill: Anderson is tucked in a big canyon edged by foothills peppered with oaks, just over the ridge from Morgan Hill east of Highway 101. It's the boating capital of Santa Clara County, so popular that boat-launch reservations are required on weekends. It opens daily for boating Wednesday. Boat-launch reservations, (408) 355-2201; park headquarters, (408) 779-3634 or parkhere.org.

6. Lake Chabot, San Leandro: Chabot is small, pretty and intimate, complete with a small island, hidden coves and high slopes surrounding its shore. There's no boat ramp, but you can carry in kayaks, canoes or sculls less than 20 feet. Rentals available: row boats, canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, boats with electric trolling motors, patio boats. Marina at (510) 247-2526; brochure at (888) 327-2757, ext. 5, or ebparks.org.

7. Calero Reservoir, Coyote: Calero is tucked in foothill valleys along McKean Road, west of Coyote and Highway 101 in Santa Clara County. It's excellent for all boating (35-mph speed limit) and catch-and-release bass fishing, but crowded on weekends. Boat-launch reservations (required on weekends), (408) 355-2201; park headquarters, (408) 268-3883 or parkhere.org.

8. Shadow Cliffs Lake, Pleasanton: This isn't exactly a lake, but rather a former water hole for a rock quarry. That is why it resembles a 75-acre square with high walls. It provides a boat ramp, good trout fishing, swimming, and rentals for rowboats, canoes and paddleboats. No gas motors. (925) 846-3000; brochure at (888) 327-2757, ext. 5 or ebparks.org.

9. Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette: This little lake has been like a backyard paradise for locals, but it's so pretty and tranquil, with decent enough fishing, that it attracts visitors from throughout the Bay Area. Rowboats, paddleboats available for rent. Marina, (925) 284-9669; ebmud.com/services/recreation- click on East Bay.

10. Lake Elizabeth, Fremont: A visit to this 83-acre urban surprise, which opens April 18, is like finding Valhalla on hot summer days. A small marina rents kayaks, canoes, small sailboats and paddleboats. (510) 790-5541; fremont.gov - click on recreation tab.

Where boats will float

Alameda County: Boating permitted at Aquatic Park, Bethany Reservoir, Lake Chabot, Del Valle Res., Lake Elizabeth (opens April 18), Lake Merritt, Quarry Lakes, Shadow Cliffs. No boating at Cull Canyon, Don Castro, Jordan Pond, Shinn Pond. No public access at Upper San Leandro Res., San Antonio Res.

Contra Costa County: Boating permitted at Contra Loma, Lafayette, Los Vaqueros and San Pablo reservoirs. No boating at Lake Anza, Briones Res., Lake Temescal.

Marin County: No boating at Alpine, Bon Tempe, Kent, Lagunitas, Phoenix or Stafford lakes, or at Nicasio or Soulejule reservoirs.

Napa County: Boating permitted at Lake Berryessa, Lake Hennessey (Conn Dam). No public access at Lake Curry, Milliken Res., Rector Res.

San Francisco: Boating permitted Lake Merced North, Lake Merced South.

Santa Clara County: Boating permitted at Lake Anderson and Calero Res. (both open five days per week now; daily starting Wednesday), Coyote Res. (now closed, opens Wednesday), Lake Cunningham, Parkway Lakes, Stevens Creek Res. (now closed, opens Wednesday), Lake Vasona. Palo Alto residents only at Boronda Lake. Limited access by special permit at Lexington Res. No boating at Arastradero, Lake Almaden, Almaden Res., Campbell Percolation Ponds, Chesbro Res., Cottonwood Lake, Guadalupe Res., Sandy Wool Lake, Uvas Res. No public access to Felt Lake.

San Mateo County: No public access to Upper Crystal Springs, Lower Crystal Springs, San Andreas Lake, Pilarcitos Lake, Waterdog Lake.

Santa Cruz County: Boating permitted at Loch Lomond Res., Pinto Lake. No public access at Lake Elsman.

Solano County: Boating permitted at Lake Solano. No boating at Lake Chabot (adjacent to Dan Foley Park). No access to Lake Madigan.

Sonoma County: Boating permitted at Ralphine Lake, Lake Sonoma, Spring Lake. Public banned at Laguna Lake.

Note: Facilities, access, rules regarding motors and required inspections for privately owned boats vary greatly.

With all of these lakes available for boating it's time to take the pontoon boat out onto a lake and enjoy the spring weather.

Buying A Pontoon Boat Lift

2009-04-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

A pontoon boat lift can be a necessary part of maintaining and protecting your pontoon boat in the same manner as a garage is a normal part of maintaining a motor vehicle,

Pontoon boat lifts come in many configurations and it is important to understand the options before you purchase your boat lift in order to obtain the result that you want. You should avoid being pressured into purchasing a less-than-optimal solution!

Before you buy your pontoon boat lift it is worth considering the following questions about where and under what conditions your pontoon boat lift will be used:

Do you have an existing boathouse, pier or dock?
What is the weight of your pontoon boat? Are you considering a potential boat upgrade in the future?
Is your vessel used in fresh water or salt water?
What weather and water considerations need to be acknowledged?
Are there county ordinances that specify height or visual restrictions?
Do you want to install the pontoon boat lift yourself or will you require a contractor?

Pontoon boat lift manufacturers continue to fine tune their designs to meet the specific needs of boating enthusiasts under all foreseeable circumstances and you should be able to choose from a range of boat lifts including low-profile lifts, overhead beam lifts, piling lifts, boathouse lifts, personal watercraft and jet ski lifts plus custom lifts.

A pontoon boat lift requires a substantial monetary investment and it's a decision that you will be living with for years to come. The decision about which pontoon boat lift is right for your situation will become evident once you are fully aware of all the options.

Go Fishing And Win A Pontoon Boat

2009-04-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

Prizes include a stand-up pontoon boat when the third annual Elk Lake Fishing Derby for little kids and big kids gets underway this Saturday.

The Times Colonist reports:

"Find yourself at dawn with your child, rod, fishing licence and ticket and you, too, could be on the water to winning a prize.

The prizes are pretty darn good, including a 12-foot aluminum boat and engine, a stand-up pontoon boat, a grand $1,000 for the biggest trout and biggest bass, as well as a junior draw prize. Tickets may be obtained at Island Outfitters on Douglas Street: $25 per an adult, and $10 for a junior.

"The Elk Lake Fishing Derby is a fun fishing event and we really want to focus on taking a kid fishing," says derby organizer Darren Wright. "It is so important that we get kids off the computers and X-Boxes and get them outdoors enjoying the sport of fishing."

I think most parents can agree with that one. Getting kids into the outdoors can help them grow into a lifetime attachment and during those hours they are learning about life rather than sitting with a little joy-stick box all day. So find the two of you -- kids must be with an adult -- and your thermos of coffee at the crack of dawn which comes shortly after a bracing 6 a.m. these days.

Starting early is a good idea because in the event of a tie for top weights, the first fish registered wins the prize. In addition, trout are in the shallows where they have been overnight. It is only later that they migrate into deeper water areas. As this is a transition time, trolling the deeper middle area of Elk Lake is an obvious choice, too. Bass are starting to leave their deep suspended locations and many can be found in the brushy, reedy shores of the lakes. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you nab the fish first, it can't be nabbed by anyone else.

But as the sun climbs higher and sends down its rays, more of the lake will be heated and the insect hatches that trout focus on will begin in waters less than seven metres. So if you can't do the crack of dawn, that is OK, too -- the derby lasts until 3 p.m. and then prizes are awarded at the Eagle Beach Park by the rowing club at 3:05 p.m.

And the derby fosters a catch-and-release ethic that kids need to learn early for the preservation of the fish resources we enjoy on this island. "We will have several weigh-in boats around Elk and Beaver lakes so you can let your fish go after it is weighed, if that is what you would like to do with your finny prize." Wright adds."

read the rest of the article...

So get on out to Elk Lake for a chance to win a stand-up pontoon boat.

Single Person Pontoon Boats For Fishing

2009-03-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

A single person pontoon boat is the ideal way for a fisherman to navigate a waterway. There are many different models of single person pontoon boats available but, as with most things, some are better than others. One of the things to look for in a personal pontoon boat is the ability, as a user, to be able to stand up on the boat. This is especially important for anyone who enjoys flyfishing. Some types of single person pontoon boats are little more than modified float tubes.

The most useful style of one man pontoon boat has a seat fixed above or on top of the pontoons. This type of boat is truly a "personal boat", rather than an upmarket float tube. A great example of a personal pontoon boat that's ideal for fishing is the SeaEagle FoldCat.

The FoldCat is a high quality single person pontoon boat, manufactured by a well known and reliable company. The manufacturer stands behind their FoldCat boats with a free trial period and a money back guarantee. If you try the boat and discover that you don't like it, simply return it and your money will be returned by SeaEagle. This is a company that stands behind its products, and I am happy to recommend them.

Single Person Pontoon Boat

2009-03-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

A single person pontoon boat provides great way to float down a river. Kayaks and canoes also provide adequate means for river floating, but the convenience of a single person pontoon boat is quite exceptional. Have you ever thought, "so what is a single person pontoon boat, anyway?" Well, they are also known as a personal pontoon boat or one-man pontoon boat and it is simply a seat mounted on a pair of inflatable pontoons.

They deflate to fit into the trunk of a car, are We've found one of the best to be the SeaEagle one man inflatable pontoon boat.

Whether your aim is fishing, sightseeing, exploring or just relaxing a on-man pontoon boat may ideally suit your purpose. If you enjoy fishing, you can wear your waders and when you come to a likely stretch of water simply pull over, step off the boat, and fish the stretch. It's as simple as that. Then, when you're finished fishing, you simply get back on the boat and continue along the river.

Getting on and off a one-man pontoon boat is very easy. Unlike a canoe where you have to pull over and walk to the front of the boat or in the case of a kayak, extricate yourself from inside the boat in order to get out, with an inflatable pontoon boat you simply pull over and step off. A single person pontoon boat is much more convenient than either a canoe or a kayak.

Another feature of personal pontoon boats is how easy to carry they are. If you come to an area of the river with fallen trees or other debris, simply stop, pick up your boat, carry it over the debris, and continue along the river. Getting over or around obstacles can be difficult if you're alone in a canoe for example, but with a lightweight one-man pontoon, it's no problem at all.

Try out a single person pontoon boat on your favorite stretch of river and it's unlikely you'll be disappointed. I'm sure you'll agree that it's the only way to float a river. And if you'd prefer not to float the river you can always add a small electric motor to the stern.

Buying A Pontoon Boat Enclosure

2009-03-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

Pontoon party boats are very popular with families and fishermen, partly because they are stable and fuel efficient and also because of their usefulness as fishing platforms and family vessels. Most vessels when purchased new come with a pontoon boat enclosure in the form of bimini top, a storage locker and a playpen cover.

Pontoon boat bimini covers will provide you and and your passengers with plenty of shade on summer boating outings and can be folded way for when you'd rather enjoy the sunshine. A storage boot will hold the bimini top when folded back and not in use.

A pontoon boat playpen cover is used when your pontoon boat is moored, trailered or in storage. They usually come with several support poles so that the cover doesn't collect rain.

However, pontoon boat enclosures can be even more versatile and a canvas pontoon boat enclosure or a polyester pontoon boat enclosure will protect you from many adverse weather conditions. There are four styles of pontoon boat enclosure to choose from to suit your family's needs.

• The quick weather enclosure
• The slant front full pontoon enclosure
• Pontoon camper enclosure
• The half enclosure

When buying a pontoon boat enclosure the recommended products are Sunbrella acrylic or marine polyester. These products will provide both weather and UV protection.

Pontoon boat enclosures can be custom made for many uses including fishing, entertaining, family outings, and sleeping aboard for weekends or vacations.

NTSB and Coast Guard Disagree On Cause Of Boating Accident

2009-03-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Coast Guard disagree over the cause of the sinking of the pontoon boat water taxi 5 years ago according to the Baltimore Sun.

Five years after the pontoon boat water taxi Lady D flipped over in Baltimore Harbor, killing five passengers, two federal agencies remain divided over the cause of the tragedy and the lessons to be learned from it.

The National Transportation Safety Board, after its investigation, made recommendations to the Coast Guard on steps to be taken to prevent future small-craft accidents. But the Coast Guard has staked out a contrary position on several points as it struggles to rewrite its safety rules in the aftermath of a calamity that shook the maritime agency to its core.

Among the issues in dispute: Under what weather conditions should the Coast Guard tell such craft to stay off the water? How should government ensure that passenger craft don't carry too much weight? How should pontoon boats like the Lady D be tested for stability?

The two agencies continue to wrangle over such matters three years after the NTSB issued its report on the March 6, 2004, accident. The Lady D - carrying a full-capacity load of 25 people - flipped over in the frigid waters of the harbor when hit by a squall on its run between Fort McHenry and Fells Point.

The NTSB report put particular emphasis on the issue of loading - faulting the Coast Guard for setting maximum passenger capacities for small watercraft based on outdated statistics reflecting the average weight of Americans decades ago.

The board also found errors in the Coast Guard's stability testing, including a decision to allow tests on a similar but not identical "sister" craft to be used in setting passenger limits for the Lady D.

The Coast Guard has rejected some of the NTSB's key findings about the causes of the capsizing. In April 2007, for instance, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Brian M. Salerno rejected the board's criticism of the stability testing. Instead, he pointed a finger directly at the pontoon boat's captain, Francis Deppner, saying, "The capsizing occurred primarily because the Lady D's master exposed the vessel to severe wind and waves."

Salerno said Deppner, then 74, improperly decided to leave Fort McHenry in spite of "obvious indications" of severe weather.

According to the Coast Guard, Deppner voluntarily surrendered his license two years ago.

Despite Salerno's contentions, the Coast Guard has yet to issue its report on the accident - five years after it happened and long after the agency's investigation was complete. Cmdr. Brian Penoyer, chief of prevention for the Coast Guard's Baltimore sector, said the report remains under internal review.

read the rest of the story …

Refurbishing A Used Pontoon Boat

2009-03-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

You can save a great deal of money by purchasing and refurbishing a used pontoon boat. Choose your used pontoon boat wisely and always inspect it in the water if possible. Inspecting it in the water will give you the opportunity to check the pontoons for leaks. Of course, if it's on a trailer you'll be able to inspect the underside of the pontoons, too.

The following article by Myra Smith should be helpful when you are shopping for a used pontoon boat.

These days, it's difficult for most of us to justify, much less afford the cost of a new pontoon boat. There are alternatives that are available to have the boat you've always wanted and still not break the bank account.

Used pontoon boats, usually older boats, can be purchased for under $3000.00. Try to find one that is the size you prefer, usually 20 to 28 feet. A lot of the used boats come with a trailer and a usable motor. These are two of the most expensive components of a boat. If these elements are present and the pontoons are in good shape, with no leaks, or visible damage, you are well on your way to accomplishing your dream boat. All the other elements, such as the seating, railing, and flooring can be purchased and can be added with a little skill and diligence.

Some of the necessary tools that are indispensable for this type of work are a cordless drill with several different drill sizes and bits, clamps, and various assorted hand tools. You don't need a lot of expensive tools, to do this refurbishing job, just minimum skills and a little patience.

The first step is to analyze what you want your finished boat to look like, starting with the flooring. If your floor underlayment is sturdy with no soft spots or rot, then you have a major part of the rebuild accomplished. If the flooring underlayment needs replaced, it can be purchased and put in place, this will add to the cost of your rebuild, but is necessary if you have rot or oblivious damage. Marine plywood is designed to be long lasting, and will not need replacement for a lot of years. Most pontoon boats use marine grade plywood as the base, usually with carpet applied over it. Removing the carpet is hard work, but definitely doable. You can then glue down new carpet or vinyl, marine carpeting and vinyl comes in standard widths to fit most pontoon boats and is sold by the running foot.

Once you have the flooring part of the project completed, then you can replace the seating and the console if you so desire. The layout of the furniture is strictly a matter of personal choice and the usage you plan for the boat. If you plan to use the boat for family cruises you would plan for more seating than if you are planning to use the boat for fishing. The type and placement of furniture is totally up to you and your budget.

After you have your flooring and furniture plans in place, you can move forward to the boat enclosures, commonly called railing or fencing. This is a must for the safety of your passengers, and can go a long way toward making your boat look brand new. When you have all these elements in place and clean and polish the pontoons, you have a fantastic looking boat for about half the price of a new one.

If you are willing to expend the effort and do the research into purchasing to refurbish a used pontoon boat, you will be rewarded with years of service and some of the most enjoyable times in the lives of you and your family.

For more information and resources on rebuilding a used pontoon boat and other related boating information. Please visit these sites http://www.pontoonhouseboatodyssey.com Or our blog at http://pontoonboatrefurbishing.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Myra_A_Smith

Marathon Boat Group Building Pontoon Boats in NY

2009-02-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

A small employee-owned boat company is taking on the pontoon boat market ...

Known for making Grumman aluminum canoes and motorboats, Marathon Boat Group, branched out this past June by making pontoon or "party" boats. The flat-surfaced pontoon boats, which float on two hollow aluminum pontoons, have broad appeal, and the Central New York company is hoping to crack the market dominated by Midwestern manufacturers.

The company's new 13-boat line will be on display at the Central New York Boat Show, which kicked off Wednesday and continues through Sunday. Four dealers will be showing Marathon's boats at the show.

Read the article ...

Pontoon Boats On Display At Ocean City Boat Show

2009-02-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

The Ocean City Boat Show is underway and attendance appears to be steady. Vendors have filled all the booths. But are the boat enthusiasts buying? This is the question being asked at delmarvanow.com

“The way the economy is, you’re glad to talk to anybody,” said Mary McCurdy of North Bay Marina in Fenwick Island. “Used to be, people would fall into boats like fish. Now you have to earn the sale.”

The McCurdy’s display of pontoon boats anchors the main exhibit hall of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for the 26th annual Seaside Boat Show, sponsored by the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club. More than 140 exhibitors are on hand, with at least two dozen boat dealers. Last year’s event drew about 17,000 people, and organizers said they expect roughly the same turnout this year.

McCurdy and other vendors said the Ocean City boat show has earned its reputation for having a steady stream of people who come to buy, not just kick the tires. They say the event typically brings as many thousands of people to the resort as they’d see at similar shows in Baltimore or Philadelphia.

“Most people who come here are second homeowners anyway. For most of them, a boat isn’t just an investment, it’s enjoyment. People that are boat buyers are — I hate to say it — in a different class,” she sad.

Ocean City’s boat show is so popular that potential vendors, exhibitors and dealers are put on a waiting list, and depending on what you’re selling — luxury boats versus dockside knick-knacks, for example — there are different waiting lists. McCurdy said she hasn’t seen a new boat dealer on the floor in 15 years.

Paul McWilliams of Oceana Boatworks in Willards said he was wait-listed for four years before getting onto the exhibition floor for the first time this weekend.

read the rest of the article ...

Pontoon Boat Offered As Bribe In Murder Case

2008-12-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

A pontoon boat was offered as a bribe in a case of attempted murder in Arkansas according to a story in the baxterbulletin.com …

A local man who was convicted in a murder-for-hire case may be going to prison after all.

The Arkansas Court of Appeals on Wednesday affirmed the conviction of Thurman C. Russell of Henderson, who was found guilty of two counts of solicitation to commit capital murder by a jury following a 2006 trial in Mountain Home.

Russell was sentenced to two consecutive 30-year prison terms by 14th Judicial District Judge Gordon Webb.

The alleged intended murder victims were Garry Kelton and his girlfriend, Patricia Honeycutt. Thurman and his wife, Carolyn, owned a boat and recreational vehicle storage business and entered a lease/purchase contract with Kelton and Honeycutt in 1998. There was hostility between the two couples and a number of civil cases in which the Russells were ordered to sell the property to Kelton and Honeycutt.

Russell was arrested after a Viola man told authorities Russell was willing to pay money to have two people killed, according to court documents.

The informant, Johnny Lofton, contacted a sheriff he knew in Louisiana and told him Russell had offered him a pontoon boat and cash to kill two people, according to Lofton's testimony at the trial.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted local law enforcement authorities. Investigators contacted Lofton, who agreed to carry a digital recorder and a wireless transmitter to a meeting with Russell.

New York Boat Show

2008-11-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Any readers who are thinking of attending the New York national boat show this year to look for a new pontoon boat should note that the dates have changed. The Stamford Advocate reports …

If you are planning to visit the 104th New York National Boat Show at New York City's Javits Center take notice. The dates of the show have been changed. This year the popular boat show will run from Dec. 13 to 21.

Show producers are expecting 80,000 boating enthusiasts and more than 1,000 of the newest and best in luxury motor yachts, cruising yachts, sport fishers, bass boats, performance boats, pontoon boats, personal water craft and inflatables. And that's not all. Also on display will be the latest in fishing gear, engines, and marine accessories. And since the economy is slow you should find the best deals of the year.

As always there are dozens of great attractions to see and experience at the show. On Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 you will have a chance to meet the stars of Discovery Channel's Emmy-award winning series Deadliest Catch, Captains John and Andy Hillstrand. With a combined experience of 52 years at sea, the Hillstrand brothers haul in adventure as they operate the 113-foot house aft boat, Time Bandit, fishing the Bering Sea in the world's most dangerous conditions. The Hillstrands will be on site to meet fans and sign autographs. Time Bandit apparel and their new book, Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea and one of the World's Deadliest Job, will also be on sale.

I hear that Twiggy the Squirrel is going to be at the show starting on Dec. 17 and there will be a special Hudson River Anniversary celebration also. Next September
will mark the 400th anniversary of he river's discovery by Henry Hudson.

he Jacob K. Javits Center is located at Eleventh Avenue and 35th Street in Manhattan. Show hours are weekdays Noon-8pm; Saturdays 10am-8pm; Sundays 10am-5pm. Tickets are Adults: $15; Youth (13-15): $8 and Children 12 and under are free. Advance online ticket sales carry special discounts and are available now. To save some money go to NYBoatShow.com.

Home Sweet Pontoon Boat Home

2008-09-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

This story just in from bendbulletin.com tells the story of the talented 61-year-old Curt Adams who has turned a pontoon boat into a truly unique houseboat …

Adams, who has a degree in electrical engineering and hit his share of pay dirt in the software business in Portland before moving to Bend eight years ago, calls his latest project the Water Circus.

It’s a houseboat, but probably unlike any you’ve seen before. Floating in Prineville Reservoir (at least until midweek), the Water Circus is “kind of like a townhouse on the water,” Adams says. “It’s not designed to be lived on year-round. It’s a platform for fun in the summertime. It’s sort of like camping without the dirt.”

Sort of.

This is not your typical pontoon party barge, either.

The galley boasts slate countertops. There’s a formal dining table next to a comfy hammock. Adams has appointed his boat with tasteful art, a high-end sound system and a big gas grill. He says it reminds him of a Tuscan pavilion and feels like a cross between an old sailing yacht and a lakefront cabin.

Without the dirt.

It strikes me as upscale bohemian, and Adams doesn’t disagree.

He uses ice chests, not a refrigerator. Instead of electric lights, Adams uses Aladdin lamps with mantles. (There is a generator, but who wants to listen to it?) It uses no gas; Adams tows the craft into place with his ski boat.

The low-tech touches add to the charm.

“This is the real deal,” says Adams. “It’s a wooden boat, 35 feet long with a 20-foot beam, four 16-foot-tall, hand-hewn timber masts 10 inches in diameter, flying 1,800 square feet of canvas so it creeks and groans like a pirate ship.”

Building the Water Circus was a natural evolution for Sawyer … er, um … Adams.

“I’ve always loved the ocean,’ he says.

Born on the East Coast, he was a Naval officer during the Vietnam era, worked in the Boston Whaler boat factory, labored in a shipyard and lived in Hawaii for a while.

Such a boat, among others, has long been in the back of his mind.

Adams built most of the boat, then brought it to Powderhouse Cove on Prineville Reservoir in July. He obtained permission from the Oregon State Resource Board, State Parks and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. But recently, the federal Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees the reservoir, shot him out of the water.

“It was a victim of its own success,” Adams says. “They got barraged by people who wanted to put houseboats in the reservoir.”

Adams plans to move the boat by Sept. 15 and probably float it again on Lake Billy Chinook or Suttle Lake next summer, pending approval.

He also plans to seek Bureau of Reclamation permission to float his houseboats on the reservoir. He’s cheerfully optimistic.

“It used to be a Prineville lake,” Adams says. “Powderhouse Cove (recently renovated and improved) opened it up to Bend. This is kind of a Bend thing. This is a Bend look. I‘m going to keep pinging on the bureau. It’s too nice not to do that.”

The $2 million Powderhouse upgrade makes the lake much more desirable for Central Oregonians accessing it through Alfalfa.

Adams says he’s looking for a marketing partner, preferably someone with experience in real estate whose sales talents might dovetail with his technical prowess. He says he can build two boats a year and either rent them out to vacationers or sell them for about $125,000 for the basic model. He considers this one his prototype.

read the rest of the story …

Pontoon Boat Rescues Pilot

2008-08-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

A pilot escaped injury after his ultralight plane crashed into the Ohio River near Ripley on Friday says news.cincinatti.com

"Richard Swope, 47, of Ripley, was flying the ultralight at a low altitude just above the river, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Georgetown.

The engine sputtered and the right front landing gear was caught in the water, causing the plane to nose dive into the river, troopers said.

Swope, who was not injured, was standing on one of the wings when a pontoon boat came by and helped pull the plane in.

There was minimal damage to the plane, troopers said.

The FAA and the Ohio Division of Watercraft will investigate."

Twelfth Annual Scholarship Tourney For Junior Anglers

2008-08-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

Here's an inspirational story of some young anglers … and, yes, there is even a pontoon boat mentioned.

"Twelve years ago, two young anglers had a dream. Maybe it was actually a mission. Either way Daniel Swenson and Nathan Rausch were determined to set up a fishing tournament like no other.

Sure, the format would be similar to the other adult multi-species tournaments, with two anglers fishing as a team in each boat. But there was a catch; nobody was allowed if they were over 17.

What was first thought up as an avenue to participate in a unique tournament has now transitioned into much more.

In its early years, what is now known as the Nevis Scholarship Fund Junior Tournament was a day of fishing, followed by a teen dance. Proceeds from the dance went directly to the Nevis Dollars for Scholars fund, which provides a one-time honor loan for Nevis High School graduates pursuing post-secondary schooling.

Today, the main focus of the event is fishing without the dancing, unless you happen to observe any of the young anglers catch a fish. Pumping fists. High fives. A little “hoot ‘an a holler”.

In its 12th year, the Nevis Scholarship Fund Junior Tournament will again entertain young anglers on Sunday, Sept. 7th. Each two-person team must be 17 years old or younger and at least one member of each team must be 12 or older.

Proper boat operating certification is required in accordance with Minnesota boating laws.

Entry fee is $35 per team with a $200 first place prize to the team that enters the greatest total weight for bass, walleye and northern pike. A 5-pound bonus is given to any team entering all three species.

The tournament day starts with a brief meeting at 8:45 a.m., with fishing teams sent out in groups of two beginning at 9 a.m. Fishing ends at 3 p.m.

A crew of volunteers weighs fish, keep score, and shuttle fish from the angler’s boats to the scale on shore, giving the kids more time to actually fish rather than travel.

There’s even a pontoon boat grilling hotdogs, delivering the food to teams throughout the day."

read the rest of the story…

What Are Pontoon Boats?

2008-08-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pontoon boats are among the most popular, versatile, and least expensive boats of their size. Those in the trailerable size range commonly feature cylindrical hull sections and are made from aluminum. Pontoon boats are most often powered by outboards. Pontoon boats are generally not targets for lightning and our summer storms pass very quickly.

Pontoon boats are built from a variety of materials, usually closed cylinders. Closed cylinders include pipes, barrels, concrete boxes, and more. Pontoon boats are known for being very safe and stable. However, pontoon boats do not fare well in large bodies of water and are good for vacationing on a lake or where the water is calm. Pontoon boats are also used as small vehicle ferries to cross rivers and lakes in many parts of the world, especially in Africa. Pontoon ferries may be motorised, such as the Kazungula Ferry that crosses the Zambezi River, powered by another boat, or pulled by cables.

Pontoon boats are available for rentals on lakes and rivers in many parts of the United States. I had my first experience with one a few years back out on a lake in central Oregon. Pontoon boats are quickly becoming popular due to their versatility. They can be outfitted for fishing or have barbecue grills (yes, you can fish from a boat with a grill -- then you've got a grill for cooking your catch!) Rates for powerboats include fuel. Boat reservations are strongly recommended.

Blessing of the Fleet at Portage Des Sioux

2008-07-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

The telegraph.com reports from Portage Des Sioux on the annual Blessing of the Fleet where boats came from along the Mississippi River to be blessed on Saturday.

"About 100 boats participated in the "water parade," which featured two starting points - the Yacht Club of St. Louis in St. Charles and Harbor Point Yacht Club in West Alton.

The parade started at about 1 p.m. from both locations, and many lavishly decorated boats came to the shrine of Our Lady of the Rivers to receive a blessing of safe travel. The theme of this year's parade was "Margaritaville," and many of the boats were decorated like Mexican tiki bars. One boat released balloons from the cabin as it came around the parade route.

Most of the boats came to the statue between 2:30 and 3 p.m. to be blessed by "Deacon Bob" of St. Francis Church in Portage Des Sioux.

The church began the event in the 1950s when a flood threatened the town. The Rev. Edward Schlattmann led residents in prayers to Mary, asking to be spared from the floodwaters. When their prayers were answered, the town decided to pay tribute to the Blessed Mother by erecting a statue called Our Lady of the Rivers. Ever since, the statue has served as a landmark for boaters and as the Blessing of the Fleet site.

Several first-time attendants said they were impressed by the turnout and participants' decorating efforts.

Maryann Schmidt of Smithton said she was not used to boating on the river but enjoyed watching the parade.

"This is our first time at the Blessing of the Fleet event, and I really had fun today," Schmidt said. "I just loved it. We usually go to the Lake of the Ozarks, but this was a different way to spend a day on the boat."

Boaters competed against one another for the Best Decorated Boat award in five categories. The Best Decorated Cruiser award went to Night-N-Gale, a 47-foot Chris craft. The Best Decorated Houseboat was Aquatraz. The Best Decorated Sailboat was the Kontaloa, and the Best Decorated Pontoon Boat was Misbehavior. The Best Decorated Runabout had no name, as it was just purchased and its owner had not yet named it.

Con Trios Yacht Club also presented an award for Best Decorated Boat to club member Alan Deutschmann for his Sound of Pleasure boat. Con Trios hosted a party after the parade at the marina in Grafton.

Three judges decided on winners of the categories and presented the awards. This year's panel included Gary Meinershagen, commodore of the Con Trios Yacht Club; Jerry Daugherty, a Portage Des Sioux alderman; and Frank Amato, Division 3 captain of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Darryll Weil of Fenton, Mo., runs Blessing of the Fleet's Web site and is a member of the Clifton Terrace-based Con Trios Yacht Club. He watched the event with his wife, Maureen, and friends.

"We participated in the parade once in 2004," Weil said. "I decorated it with a huge bear because the theme was Lewis and Clark that year. Now, we just take photos because if you are in the parade, you can't see the parade."

New Marine Habitat In Douglas County State Lake

2008-07-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Members of the Free State Fly Fishers are helping to build a marine habitat in the form of an underwater city from the deck of a pontoon boat at Douglas County State Lake.

“We’ve basically taken what amounts to a bunch of trash and turned it into aquatic habitat for the fishery,” club president Jeff Frye said Saturday from the lake’s shore. “This is a huge enhancement. It makes it a better fishery.”

Club members constructed “trees” made of PVC pipes cemented into plant buckets. On Saturday, they took boat rides across the lake, dropping the trees in selected areas.

The lake and its inhabitants will take up the effort from there.

“Plant life will stick to those plastic branches,” Frye said. “That’ll attract the smaller microorganisms, which will attract the smaller fish. Small fish will attract big fish, so you’ll have the whole food chain right there.”

The move is the latest step in the lake’s three-year renovation. The lake was drained in 2005 for repairs to the dam and water-control equipment.

Since then, it’s been on the rebound. The lake has been restocked with fathead minnows, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and largemouth bass. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks also has enhanced the underwater habitat by adding rock mounds and brush piles to the basin. Fish feeders are set up on the lake to help grow the populations.

The agency is happy to have assistance from such groups as Free State Fly Fishers, said Richard Sanders, district fisheries biologist with Wildlife and Parks.

“We welcome these volunteer groups that are interested in helping out with a fish habitat project like this,” he said.

The Fly Fishers recycled the materials originally used at Sunrise Garden Center, 1501 Learnard Ave. They constructed about 70 “trees” that they dropped in three different areas in the lake."

Buying The Perfect Boat

2008-04-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a new boating story from Thunder Bay Source community newspaper TBSource:

Finding the perfect boat ... is it a pontoon boat?

"I encourage you to take a quick trip down to your favourite marine store to see just what they have to offer these days. It’s mind-boggling to say the least.

There are makes and models to suit anyone or any situation, from small kayaks and canoes to huge cabin cruisers. Aluminum, wood, fibreglass, Kevlar, steel, and even fabric – you name it, they make it. Two-strokes, four-strokes, Optimax’s, E-Tecs, stainless props, aluminum props, speed props, fuel-injected, carburated, jet powered and electric cover the motor department.

So what’s the best answer when it comes time to buy a boat? Sometimes it’s not what we want, but rather what’s the most practical and sensible for our budget. Money is one of the main factors when deciding what kind of boat to buy. Let’s face it, they range from less than $1,000 and can reach as high as the mortgage on an average house – or more – so your ability to pay factors heavily into the equation.

Over the years, the Bohonis family has had many boats and motors, dating back to the time when my grandparents owned and operated Royal Windsor Lodge on Lake Nipigon.

At the time they had several 35- and 40-foot cabin cruisers to ferry their clients for a week at a time about the big lake, and although this is not the norm today, it was a thriving business back then. These large vessels fared well on a large, rough lake. My grandparents towed smaller aluminum boats behind them, sought out sheltered bays and used them to fish from.

Many of the family boats were used solely for fishing rather than pleasure riding or towing a water skier, and therefore were geared and designed for that purpose. We’ve had the usual 14-foot aluminums, closed bows, open bows with walk-throughs, side consoles, tillers and they all met our needs at the time.

Today we have a very simple outfit consisting of a Princecraft (Yukon model) 15-foot regular aluminum boat with a 25-horsepower Mercury two-stroke motor, swivel leather seats, a Hummingbird fish/depth finder and a custom-made travel cover that sits on a Shorlander galvanized trailer.

The boat is very light, at 220 pounds and with this motor I can scoot along at 54 kilometres an hour with two people and gear.

I chose this set up simply because it’s easy to tow and allows me to launch in places where I could not launch a bigger, heavier model. I often frequent places where the landing is non-existent and the roads are trails, but the fishing is awesome. At times I have lifted the boat off the trailer and carried it to the water’s edge to get into some of the spots I like. However there are downfalls to this smaller lighter setup, like space limitations. There’s also the danger of bigger, rougher water, but I weighed all the options to determine what would suit me and my lifestyle best.

If I had a camp on one of the bigger lakes, and didn’t venture out on other bodies of water to fish, it might make a lot of sense to have a bigger, heavier more luxurious and spacious boat sitting at my dock for the summer."

Read the rest of the story...

Pontoon Boat Cleaning Up Lake Of The Ozarks

2008-04-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Lake Sun Leader has this news of a donated pontoon boat being used to assist in cleaning up Lake of the Ozarks...

"The catalyst for an unexpected contribution of a pontoon boat and $500 cash donation for gas dates back 17 years to the first time a group of volunteers sat down to come up with a plan to rid the shoreline of tons and tons of old dock foam.

That was when the cleanup first caught the attention of Steve Beeny, who's now running operations at Glencove Yacht Club Marina. Tackling it that first year was a huge undertaking and it left Beeny with quite an impression.

The project was a great idea then and a great idea now. It got people involved and got the shoreline cleaned up, he said. His feelings haven't changed.

So, this spring when Beeny heard the clean up was getting ready to kick-off, and there was an older pontoon boat tied up to the docks at the yacht club not being used, he went to work. The boat isn't much to look at but it gets the job done.

Described as being cosmetically challenged but mechanically sound, the pontoon has now joined the shoreline clean up fleet. So far this year, the pontoon has shuttled volunteers and hauled more than four tons of old dock foam and debris off the lake."

Read the rest of the story...

Santa Arrives By Pontoon Boat

2007-12-13T14:46:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus arrived Friday night, stepping jauntily out of a pontoon boat festooned with twinkling lights while waving to crowds of children and adults for the first of six evening visits to Rainbow Springs State Park.

As he strode up a forest path lined with colorful luminaries, Santa escorted Mrs. Claus, clad in a shawl and long dress, stopping along the way to shake hands with park volunteers in elves' tunics. He spoke briefly with those gathered as he made his way through throngs of adoring children.

An hour earlier, seven little girls from Brownie Scout Troop A-10 of Dunnellon waited in front of the gift shop. The lights are wonderful, said Teresa Early, 8.

She was hoping to talk to Santa Claus about a special doll she would like to get on Christmas morning. "I want a 'Baby Alive," she said, smiling shyly.

"I'd like a 'Baby Swimming!'" said Kayden Pierce, 6, eyes lit up in anticipation.

Santa Over the Rainbow attracted hundreds of people Friday, the first night of the event. As the Paul Marker Trio crooned old favorites like "White Christmas," dozens of members of the sponsoring volunteer group Friends of Rainbow Springs, and staff members including Park Manager Joseph Smyth, stood by to make sure things ran smoothly.

Read the rest of the story...

Another Fatal Pontoon Boat Accident

2007-12-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

News just in about another fatal boating accident...

A dentist accused in a fatal boating accident on Boone Lake last year was back in a Sullivan County courtroom this morning.

Authorities say Wray Chaffin`s speed boat crashed into a pontoon boat killing one man and injuring another. Chaffin left the scene and was arrested 4-months later. Chaffin`s attorney told the judge his client had decided not to appeal the courts earlier decision to deny judicial diversion.

Diversion would have meant that the charges could have been erased from his record. Trial is set for April 21st.

Didymo Spreads To New Zealand Waterways

2007-11-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

Unwanted organisms such as didymo pose a serious threat to the environmental, recreational and aesthetic values of lakes and rivers. Once in a waterway they can disperse rapidly in suitable conditions.

If you are moving from waterway to another, without realizing it you could be carrying these pests. They hitchhike on clothing and equipment such as boots, boats, trailers and fishing gear.

Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata), also known as "rock snot", is an invasive freshwater microscopic alga. It is a native of northern Europe and North America and was first reported in New Zealand in 2004. Didymo is currently found in a number of South Island rivers.

In an effort to slow the spread of aquatic pests, regular inspection of waterways, especially high risk areas such as boat ramps are carried out.

Individual river users should take care not to transport plants, fish and other organisms from one waterway to another.

Always check and clean your gear, and equipment such as pontoon boats, boat trailers and fishing gear.

Winterization Tips For Pontoon Boats

2007-10-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Fill 'Er Up
Be sure to fill your boat’s fuel tank to capacity (allowing just a little bit of room for expansion) and add stabilizer, prior to stowing it away for the winter. Failing to do so will allow air into the tank, which can condense on the sides as the temperature changes causing corrosion and clogging over time. Turn off all fuel valves, and use duct tape to seal off any through-hull exhaust ports. This will also help prevent potentially harmful internal condensation. In addition to these steps, remember to replace your boat’s fuel filter and water separator.

Visit The Winterization Store

Protect Your Engine
Oil tends to settle on the bottom of the engine block when a boat is not being used, exposing the pistons and valves to air, humidity and other corrosive materials. To guard against this situation, remove the spark plugs and spray ”fogging oil” inside the carburetor and down the spark plug holes. Then replace the plugs without reconnecting the wires. This will provide a long-lasting protective coating for these essential engine parts.

It’s also important to replace your engine’s old gear oil with fresh oil. Dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center. The lower unit gear case lubricant on outboards and inboard/outdrive engines should also be flushed and changed. This will eliminate water from the system and provide better overall protection for key internal parts. Also replace oil filters on inboard and outdrive engines.

Read the rest of the article...

Boating safety course offered by Coast Guard Auxiliary

2007-09-10T03:03:00.000-07:00

I know I've talked repeatedly about boating safety but it is something that cannot be overlooked by any any boater. Any pontoon boaters in the Baltimore area should take advantage of this boating safety course which is being offered at a minimum cost by the Coast Guard Auxiliary...

"Flotilla 24 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will present a three-day boating course, leading to the award of a boating safety education certificate. A written examination is required to receive the certificate.

The course will be offered from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Sept. 24, 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Sept. 27, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29 in the multipurpose room at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel.

Tuition is free; there is a fee of $40 for materials which include a textbook, workbook and compact disk.

Registration is required. Information: Gary Klopf, 410-750-0747 or 301-776-5670."

Keep your family safe on the water by attending a boating safety course near you.

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More Boats Equate To More Danger For Pontoon Boat Owners

2007-08-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

The waterways are becoming more crowded every year and the potential for accidents for all boaters including those with pontoon boats has increased accordingly. This story from the Charlton Post and Courier provides an example...

Yogi Berra supposedly said of a popular restaurant, "Nobody ever goes there anymore. It's too crowded." And for many longtime Lowcountry residents, our rivers, inlets, creeks and lakes now seem too crowded for boating. But intensifying boat congestion in these parts doesn't just increase waiting times at boat landings. It increases the hazards of what should be a relatively safe and thoroughly enjoyable recreation.

As reported in Sunday's Post and Courier, more than 57,000 boats are now registered in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. That's about 10 percent more than in 2000, and nearly 24 percent more than in 1990. With those extra boats come extra chances for accidents.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources has tried to counter that increase in boats with an increase in officers patrolling the waters to detect safety violations. But DNR Capt. Chuck Dial told our reporter, "We're never up to speed."

Capt. Dial did add, however, that the agency is "getting there" in terms of law-enforcement numbers, with another seven officers expected this year.

The potential for danger on the water was brought into sharp focus in Charleston Harbor on July 22 when the Spirit of Charleston, a 102-foot Fort Sumter Tours boat, collided with a 14-foot Laser sailboat. Fortunately, no serious injuries resulted from that accident, which is under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard. Read more ...

Marine GPS for Pontoon Boat

2007-07-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

Most fishing enthusiasts and pontoon boat owners will want to consider a marine GPS system for their boat. A marine GPS is designed to be used around water and should have a waterproof housing and a screen that is easy to read in bright sunlight.

A marine GPS can include a color chart plotter, offshore and onshore maps and fishfinding ability. Some portable or handheld GPS units can be used in the car as well as the boat, thus eliminating the need for two separate devices.

Check out our pontoon boat accessories for more info.

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Pontoon Boat Motors From Mercury Marine

2007-06-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Major pontoon boat enhancements from Mercury Marine

Mercury's new 40, 50 and 60 hp four stroke outboard motors have enhanced features including improved shifting.

Giving the market what they've requested, the Mercury engineers have improved the rigging, shifting and styling of these popular engines.

The new shifting system was recently implemented by Mercury on its BigFoot models, designed with more thrust and greater durability for pontoon boats. The improved design is providing easier shifting with less effort from the pontoon boat driver. The new models also allow for precise throttle resolution and easy rigging.

The new shifting system has also been incorporated in the new 40, 50 and 60 hp non-BigFoot models.

In addition a new cowl latching system makes the top cowl easier to remove whilst providing improved sealing.

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pontoon boat motor, pontoon boat motors, mercury outboard for pontoon boat

Pontoon Boat Safety Tips

2007-06-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

More boating safety tips that are relevant to pontoon boat owners from INAMAR ...

3. Take a boating safety course. More than 70 percent of all reported boating fatalities in 2005 occurred on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety course. You may even qualify for a reduced insurance rate if you complete a safety course. Contact your Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadron or visit www.boater101.com for information on courses in your area.

4. Stay in control by taking charge of your safety and that of your passengers. Adults between the ages of 40 and 49 accounted for the highest rate of the total boating fatalities in 2005. Don’t forget that safety begins with you.

5. Understand and obey boating safety recommendations and navigational rules. Imagine the mayhem that would result if car drivers disregarded highway traffic laws. Know and understand boating safety procedures and rules of navigation before taking to the water, and practice them without fail.

6. Operate at a safe speed and always maintain a careful lookout. Overall, operator inattention, carelessness/reckless operation, operator inexperience and excess speed are leading contributing factors of all reported accidents. Know your boat’s limitations. Take note of visibility, traffic density and the proximity of navigation hazards like shoals, rocks or floating objects. Don’t invite a collision by going faster than is prudent.

7. Check the weather forecast. A calm day can quickly turn ugly on the water. Stay on top of the forecast while boating and heed all weather and storm advisories. Check the condition of your life raft annually and before long distance off-shore cruising. Carry flares at all times.

8. Have your vessel checked for safety—for free! The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Vessel Safety Checks at no cost. Coast Guard staffers will check your boat’s equipment and provide information about its use, safety procedures and applicable regulations. Unsafe boats are a threat to all recreational boaters. Make sure your vessel is as safe as possible. Visit the U.S. Coast Guard web site at www.uscg.mil for further information.

9. Use a carbon monoxide detector. All internal combustion engines emit carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that can kill in minutes. Carbon monoxide poisoning caused six boating deaths in 2005.

10. File a float plan. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you always tell a friend or family member where you plan to go and when you’ll be back. Make it a habit before leaving on any boat trip. The proper officials can be notified promptly if you don’t return when expected.

read the rest of the article on boating safety ...

And remember that you'll find lots of pontoon boat tips at The Pontoon Boat Site.

Pontoon Boat Safety Tips

2007-06-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

These boating safety tips from INAMAR are relevant for pontoon boaters and all boaters...

Recreational boating activity soars during warm weather months, and so do boating incidents and injuries. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Boating Statistics 2005,” the most recent year available, there are almost 13 million registered recreational boats in the United States. Overall boating fatalities continue to occur, with 697 recreational boating fatalities reported in 2005. Close to 5,000 boating accidents were reported, and more than 3,400 people required medical treatment beyond first aid. Property damage exceeded $38 million.

Though the statistics are sobering, the risk of boating injuries and accidents can be minimized. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of reported incidents involved operator controllable factors and can be prevented. In recognition of the recent proclamation by the White House designating an annual National Safety Boating Week, the INAMAR Recreational Marine Insurance unit of ACE USA again has released its top ten list detailing tips to help recreational boaters stay safe, thus reducing the number of preventable accidents that occur each year.

INAMAR’s Top Ten Recreational Boating Safety Tips

1. Always wear a life jacket and insist that your crew and guests do the same. Approximately 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned in 2005. Ninety percent of those who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. Always have an adequate supply of personal flotation devices aboard. Make sure that children are wearing life jackets that fit correctly. Drowning was the reported cause of death for approximately 60 percent of the children who perished in 2005. Overall, fatal accident data indicate approximately 491 lives could have been saved if boaters had worn their lifejackets.

2. Never drink alcohol while boating. In 2005, alcohol was either a direct or indirect contributing factor in 25 percent of all boating fatalities. Stay sharp on the water by leaving the alcohol on dry land.

read the rest of the boating safety article...

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Tips For Buying A Used Pontoon Boat

2007-06-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

When buying any used good it is worthwhile to remember the old adage "buyer beware". Having said that, there are many good reasons to buy a used pontoon boat. First, buying a used pontoon boat means you are going to spend a lot less money. Second, there is often far more room for negotiating the purchase price when buying a used pontoon boat. If you are planning on purchasing your used pontoon boat from a dealer then ensure that they are a member of the relevant state or national boating industry association.

If the pontoon boat is on a trailer you’ll be able to inspect the pontoons and make sure they are in sound condition. Check the engine hours and ask the owner to provide receipts for any work done on the boat. If the pontoon boat is in the water you’ll have the advantage of being able to take it for a sea trial.

Survey

Consider a marine survey which should uncover any problems and determine the condition of the vessel. A survey may be required if you are seeking finance for the purchase and is often required by an insurance company. It is the buyer who pays for the survey and for having the boat hauled out of the water. If the survey uncovers any hidden problems you may be able to negotiate further on the final sale price. Always choose an independent marine surveyor, and always have the pontoon boat surveyed both in and out of the water.

... read the rest of the article at The Pontoon Boat Site

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Make Family Boating Fun

2007-05-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Boating season is about to get into full swing. With a little planning getting out on the pontoon boat with your family can be a fun experience that will create many happy memories for your children. Growing up on the water is an experience that not all children get to have. There are some things that you can do to improve the experience.

1. Pick a boating destination. Children will usually enjoy riding on the boat, but they won't want to ride around endlessly all day. They need something to look forward to. If your family that enjoys water skiing, then board your boat and take a scenic cruise to the best skiing spot on the lake. If your children like to be pulled on a float, then make your way to calmer waters where they can enjoy being pulled on the float without having to worry about other boats. If sunbathing is a priority, then a calm inlet where you can tie floats to the boat and be lazy in the water is a perfect spot.

2. Pack plenty of food and drinks. If you have teenagers who eat and eat, then have extra snacks available. A picnic lunch on the water or on the beach is a great idea.

Get more hints for family pontoon boating fun at The Pontoon Boat Site

Pontoon Boat Tour To See Christmas Lights

2006-12-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Macon Telegraph has published this story about a pontoon boat decorated for Christmas and tours around Lake Wildwood...

"
On water as smooth as black glass, shimmering lights ride the ripples of Lake Wildwood.

Every light bulb on land mirrors in soft smears near the shore where about a dozen boats cruise during the Christmas on the Lake tours.

"There's something about the water, the way it reflects the lights," said Randy Oliver, who pilots one of the boats. "It's real pleasing to the eye to see it."

Dozens of lake front homes dressed up for the holidays adorn the 30- to 40-minute tour.

Oliver has spent recent years propagating lighted palm trees that line his yard.

"I add one every year," said Oliver, who wears a perpetual grin when talking about the light tour. "I'd like to do even more next year."

Around the coves and crannies of South Plantation Parkway, the Muchin home pulsates with prancing snowflakes that move to the music.

"We've always gone nutso at Christmas," said Linda Muchin, who moved to the lake from Seattle about eight years ago. "Every year we plan to add to it, although I don't know how."

This year, Muchin's son and daughter-in-law strung the lights and programmed them to flicker to the rhythm of holiday tunes heard on a radio.

For those who can't make it to the lake, the family even has their own Web site, www.crazymuchinhouse.com.

For those who do come, the Muchins ask that they bring some canned goods to help needy families. They hope their light display brings out the spirit of Christmas giving, their Web site states.

"It puts a smile on my face," Muchin said. "It makes me happy."

For the boat rides, organizers are collecting $5 donations for adults, and $3 for children under 12, but infants are free to ride.

The proceeds will benefit the family of Raymond Williams, who died of cancer at age 31, and buy playground equipment for the neighborhood, said John Green, chairman of Christmas on the Lake.

Green mounted a giant manger atop his boat house and attached a 3-foot helium balloon with strobe lights.

"You get the kids out here and they want to sing Christmas carols," said Green, who dressed up his pontoon boat as a giant red sleigh.
"
Read the rest of the pontoon boat Christmas article and visit the Pontoon Boat Site to discover other ways of entertaining on your pontoon boat.

Winterizing your boat

2006-11-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

There’s a good reason many animals hibernate during the winter. Preparing for long periods of inactivity and seeking protection against extreme climatic conditions are necessary steps for survival. It’s no different when it comes to your pontoon boat and motor. Proper “winterization” is a must for protecting your craft, and ensuring that it’s in ship-shape condition when spring rolls around. Here are some valuable tips for safeguarding your valuable recreational asset during the “off season.”

Fill ‘Er Up
Be sure to fill your boat’s fuel tank to capacity (allowing just a little bit of room for expansion) and add stabilizer, prior to stowing it away for the winter. Failing to do so will allow air into the tank, which can condense on the sides as the temperature changes causing corrosion and clogging over time. Turn off all fuel valves, and use duct tape to seal off any through-hull exhaust ports. This will also help prevent potentially harmful internal condensation. In addition to these steps, remember to replace your boat’s fuel filter and water separator.

Protect Your Engine
Oil tends to settle on the bottom of the engine block when a boat is not being used, exposing the pistons and valves to air, humidity and other corrosive materials. To guard against this situation, remove the spark plugs and spray ”fogging oil” inside the carburetor and down the spark plug holes. Then replace the plugs without reconnecting the wires. This will provide a long-lasting protective coating for these essential engine parts.

Read the full article on winterizing your boat...

A pontoon boat trip on the Savannah River

2006-11-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

I thought you might enjoy this story of a 4-day trip down the Savannah River on a 45 foot pontoon boat published at connectsavannah.com ...

"The Savannah River flowing through downtown Augusta has a different personality than the one we know running past River Street toward the wide-open sea. Looking down from a pier in Augusta’s downtown marina, I can see seaweed undulating and small fish darting between pilings.

A Bull River Cruises’ 45-foot pontoon boat, owned and captained by Mike Neal, is being loaded with gear for a four-day expedition that will take several dozen passengers and crew 200 miles downriver tracing the Savannah’s rich history and looking at what lies ahead for this great river.

The water reflects the color of the sky, which is a late September blue, cold and distant in the morning, but in the afternoon it’s plumbago-blue and the golden light is the sort favored by the butterflies -- monarchs, cloudless sulphurs. Once past Augusta, the land on either side of the river turns wild -- sycamores and cypress vying for space on the banks and black willows growing on the sandbars below."

Read the full story ...

A pontoon boat trip http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifon the Savannah River

2006-11-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

Be quick to rent a pontoon boat in Southport

2006-11-22T03:36:00.000-08:00

If you want to rent a pontoon boat in Southport NC be quick. The season ends on 30 November.

Bob Sailer has been renting pontoon boats in Southport for 43 years. Read the rest of the article...

Atlanta Boat Show

2006-11-22T03:09:00.000-08:00

There's a 2007 Crest Pontoon Boat,valued at more than $25,000, to be given away at the Atlanta Boat Show.

This will make the event worth attending for the lucky winner!

More details about the pontoon boat giveaway here

And if you want more information on pontoon boats visit the pontoon boat site

Pontoon Boats for Waukesha County

2006-11-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

The Small Business Times reports on the expansion plans for the following pontoon boat dealer ...

"Delavan-based Summerset Marine plans to expand into Waukesha County by opening a location in Delafield. The company offers high-end boat sales and service, custom pier manufacturing, shore improvement and boat storage. Summerset is a dealer of MasterCraft ski and wakeboard boats, Scout center console boats and Bennington pontoon boats. The manufacturers’ suggested retail price for the boat brands that Summerset carries range from $20,000 to more than $100,000.

By mid-December, Summerset plans to close on its purchase of a 7,500-square-foot building at W63 E. Wisconsin Ave. in Delafield, where it will develop its satellite office.

The new store, which will have about four employees, will sell boats and related accessories to the Lake Country market. It also will have at least one service technician for repairs and maintenance, said Mark Mahoney, co-owner of the company.

Overall, Summerset has about 50 employees, with about 75 in its peak season, which runs from when the ice melts to Memorial Day.

The Lake Country area is perfect for a satellite location of Summerset Marine because of the many lakes there, the affluent demographics and the fact that there aren’t many dealers there now that carry the same brands Summerset carries, Mahoney said."

Read the full article ...

Pontoon Boat s for Waukesha County

2006-11-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Pontoon Boat To The Rescue

2006-11-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

This article from the Gresham Outlook points out the versatility of a pontoon boat in shallow water...

Seven transients illegally camping at Thousand Acres – a swath of wooded land east of the Sandy River and north of Interstate 84 – are safe and sound after floodwaters made an island out of their campsite.

Rescuers found a shallow point and walked through 300 feet of thigh-deep water while dragging a pontoon boat to ferry the other four campers to safety. Meanwhile, water levels continued to rise.

Read the remainder of the article...

You'll find more articles on pontoon boats at the Pontoon Boat Site

2006-11-07T21:26:00.000-08:00

Pontoon Boat Covers

2006-10-29T22:54:00.000-08:00

Of all of the additional equipment you'll need for your boat, the most important are related to maintenance. The environment in which your pontoon boat usually travels can be unfriendly. Salt, humidity, animals and insects can wreak havoc on your new boat. So, how can you protect it? The answer is a pontoon boat cover.

A pontoon boat cover can often be found at your local marina although it’s possible that they won’t have the model you are looking for. There are many manufacturers and models, but they won’t be able to stock everything, however, they should be able to assist you in locating a cover to suit your boat. Let them need the brand and model of your boat and they should be able to show you a range of materials and colors that you can choose from.

Read full article on choosing a pontoon boat cover at the Pontoon Boat Site

Pontoon Boat Vacation Destinations

2006-10-29T22:42:00.000-08:00

Now, summer may be over for some people but for others - including all of us in the southern hemisphere - summer is about to begin. So if you are looking forward to boating this summer check out some of the pontoon boat vacation destinations at the Pontoon Boat Site

At this time we have boating destinations for North America and we'll add more as we become aware of them.

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Pontoon Boat Used In Eco-Tourism

2006-10-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

This story from New Jersey details the use of a pontoon boat in eco-tourism in New Jersey's Meadowlands, less than 5 miles west of Manhattan. Don't be deterred by images of swamps, landfills and a football stadium ...

"New Jersey’s Meadowlands conjures images of a football stadium, swamps, burning landfills, industrial wasteland and, perhaps, the final resting place of Jimmy Hoffa.

Not to be deterred, the state is trying to make the area less than five miles west of Manhattan into a destination for tree-hugging tourists.

The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission has released a 72-page color guide to bird watching and fishing in the Meadowlands and wildlife trails in the Hackensack River Watershed.

“The Meadowlands area is a hidden gem,” Susan Bass Levin, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “People don’t think of it as a place for wildlife and birding, but it is.”

The Meadowlands is more than just the area around Giants Stadium and the adjacent arena and racetrack. Both the Hackensack River and New Jersey Turnpike bisect its 32 square miles, located west of the Hudson River directly across from Manhattan. Portions of 14 towns in Hudson and Bergen counties make up the Meadowlands district, including the towns of Secaucus, Rutherford, Teterboro and parts of Jersey City."" read more...

Pontoon Boat Ferry

2006-09-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Pontoon boats can can be used for so many purposes! This story from LJWorld.com is a case in point with the pontoon boat coming to the rescue of the local school students...

"Several letters recently in the Journal-World expressed some dissension and frustration about completely closing the Lecompton bridge. Their anxiety is certainly understandable. Many sacrifices will have to be made, and it will be asking a lot for the kids to have to make a daily 33-mile detoured commute to attend school. Plus, the district’s fuel consumption costs will skyrocket.

On the positive side, if the repair work could get started early, and have the bridge closed for just the last two months of school — April and May — it could be open again for the start of the new school year. (Perhaps construction could get started in March so as to offset any work delay). Even under the one-lane-open scheme, the bridge would have to be closed for two months anyway. Unfortunately, then construction would drag on for nearly a year.

As an alternative, the folks should formulate a “pontoon” plan. The school buses could deliver the kids to the river’s edge, where a pontoon boat would taxi the students across the narrow stream." Read the rest of the article...

Fishing Brownlee Reservoir

2006-09-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a fishing story from Bend Weekly that I thought you might enjoy. I like the sound of the pontoon boat described in the story, too ...

"If you like catching lots of fish and a variety of fish, then Brownlee Reservoir is the place. My wife and I joined two other couples from Prineville on September 8 and came home with plenty of fish and memories.

Impounded by Brownlee Dam in 1958, this part of the Snake River system provides some great fishing. “Brownlee is probably the best fishery in the Northwest for catching a variety of warmwater species,” said Gary Gorbet, owner of Brownlee Charters in Richland. “I like the variety of fish in Brownlee and being able to go anywhere and find solitude.”

Gorbet fishes the reservoir most of the year and said fishing for all species has recently been on the upswing. This is his twelfth year fishing the reservoir and his fifth season as a guide.

Brownlee is home to a wide variety of fish including black and white crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, trout, brown bullhead, channel catfish, flathead catfish and blue catfish. Most of the warmwater species were introduced in the early 1900’s to the 1940’s into the Snake River system. read more ...

Pontoon Boat Casting Deck

2006-09-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

Pontoon boat accessories are many and varied ... one such accessory is a pontoon boat casting deck.

This unique system available at OutdoorSportz.com attaches to the front of their pontoon boats and provides a great structure for standing and fishing. The padded thigh brace is comfortable yet solid and offers an effective stripping basket for line control. As an added bonus, the brace can be tilted forward and out of the way to make room for aggressive rowing and increased visibility on your pontoon boat.

You can see the casting deck at OutdoorSportz.com Enter "pontoon boat" in the search facility to see the casting deck and other pontoon boat accessories.

Bluegill fishing on the St Joseph River

2006-09-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

This great fishing story has just come in from the South Bend Tribune. I thought the fishermen among you might enjoy it...

'Lonnie Halsema eased his pontoon boat away from the marina dock at Midway Bait and Tackle and headed down the St. Joseph River.

"This really won't take long," he said with a smile. "We'll have a mess of bluegills in no time."

That's usually a kiss of death when an angler speaks with so much confidence before the first line is cast. But the man they call "River Rat" knows his bluegill.

Last winter, he bragged about the fabulous bluegill fishing he enjoys on the river, so I challenged him to prove it. He tendered an invitation last week.

"The fish are as hot as I've ever seen them," he said. "You still wanna go?"

Of course, I did. When an angler talks about catching 100 or more bluegills each trip -- and most are measuring 7 to 11 inches, I want to see it first hand.

Halsema studied his fishfinder as we motored to a deep flat near Baugo Bay. It was Tuesday afternoon and darkened clouds were building around us. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a constant reminder that he had little time to prove his point.

"There they are," he said, pointing to the fishfinder screen.

He eased the 25-horse Merc out of gear and released the electric anchor to the bottom in about 17 feet of water.

"Betcha you'll have a fish on the first cast."

Another kiss of death?' read the full article ...

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Boats Are Getting Bigger

2006-09-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Maine Morning Sentinel reports the following story on the increase in the average boat size in just a few years ...

'Cabin cruisers, powerful speedboats and pontoon "party" boats with more horsepower and all the amenities of home are becoming a familiar sight on central Maine lakes.

Timothy Yotides, of Belgrade, said he has everything he needs on his 25-foot Larsen cabin cruiser docked next to his brother's 23-foot Stingray on Mills Stream in Belgrade Lakes.

Yotides can steer his boat down the stream into Great Pond where he can spend the day or sleep over in the cabin. Even when people can't afford waterfront property, he said, they can still enjoy the lake.

"It's not a bad size for Great Pond," Yotides said. "If you're out there on the lake, you have a bathroom and a kitchen with a refrigerator, a TV for the kids, and if someone wants to lay down, there's the cabin. You can enjoy the lake and spend the day out there and not have to get off it."

State statistics show there has been a slight trend toward bigger and fancier boats on central Maine lakes, a trend that has been occurring in southern Maine for more than two decades.' read the whole article...

Fishing From A Pontoon Boat

2006-09-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

I hope this article from NewsObserver.com will interest the pontoon boat fishermen...

'Walter Young's pontoon boat is not your everyday leisure cruiser.

It's rigged for fishing, with a bias toward catfish.

Early on a cool, foggy late-August morning, Young, 64, fired up his outboard.

Five of his friends in two other pontoons followed suit before motoring out from Eagle Cove on the north side of the lake, just south of the North Carolina-Virginia border. They were in pursuit of Gaston's monster blue catfish.

Richard Amidon of Durham and Carmen Deldeo of Dagsboro, Del., were in the second pontoon, and Jeff Adams of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Tom Milspaw of Dagsboro, Del., were in the third.

Young's new 90-horsepower Yamaha four-stroke outboard churned a bubbly froth as it warmed up, but Young wasn't quite ready to go.

"Richard, before you go blasting off, let's have a word of prayer," said Young, who lives in Durham.

A Southern Baptist, Young prayed for safety, fellowship and a bountiful harvest -- with one condition.

"We promise to release the big ones," he said in his prayer.

All three pontoons headed cautiously into the thick fog.

"Boys, this fog is not good. Not good at all," Young said over a VHF radio wired to a white, 6-foot fiberglass antenna at the back of the boat.

Visibility was so poor that about 100 yards from the shore the party was surrounded by white.

"We can't see how to get where we want to go," Amidon said over the water from his pontoon.

The three captains decided to wait out the fog.' read the rest of this article...

For more articles on fishing on your pontoon boat visit the PontoonBoatSite

Discover mining history from a pontoon boat

2006-09-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

This story from the Hibbing, MN Daily Tribune gives some fascinating insights into mining history (and, of course, includes a pontoon boat ride!)...

'On foot, by bus or water, no matter what way you view it the Hill Annex Mine State Park is an amazing sight to see.

One that is a visual reminder of what this area was built upon.

People travel from across the world to get a birdseye view of the historical wonder.

“Hopefully visitors will walk away with a sense of how important the iron mining industry has been to Minnesota, this area and the whole nation,” said Steve Railson, park manager at Hill Annex. “I hope they learn something about this unique part of Minnesota and gain an understanding of what the iron mining was all about, who worked here and how important it was to the country.”

The former mining pit is 500 feet deep accented by sparkling blue water which is 300 feet deep. It ranges one mile long by half a mile wide.

The mine was in operation from 1913 to 1978 with 64 million tons of iron ore mined from the location making it the sixth largest producing mine in the state.

Through three different tours visitors to the attraction that is listed on the National Historic Site can explore the depths and history of the region.

On the pontoon boat ride one gets a breathtaking view of the mine from the surface of the glistening water that filled after the mine closed almost three decades ago.

During the tour people are surrounded by the jagged edges of the mine which is tinted by various hues of red.

Wildlife including falcons, osprey, eagles, hawks, loons and deer that have found refuge in the state park, can be seen soaring overhead, swimming in the clear waters or frolicking on the land.

“The boat tour is probably the most serene tour,” said Railson. “It touches on some of the history and geology of the land.”

The fossil hunts turns guests into archeologists as they dig through the Cretaceous ore pile and hunt for fossils such as sharks’ teeth and clams that were formed 86 million years ago when a sea covered the area.

“After the fossil hunt I hope visitors leave here with a few fossils they find as a remembrance,” said Railson. “I also hope they learn something about the unique geology of the area.”

The mine tour brings people back in time to learn about the rich history of iron ore mining. read more of this fascinating mine history...'

And don't forget to head on over to PontoonBoatSite.com for up-to-date information and articles on pontoon boats.

Pontoon Boats On The Lake

2006-09-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

I thought you might enjoy this boating article from AJC.com

'The black and blue wake-board boat was tricked out and ready to boogie.

On top, an elevated towline for high-flying tricks. Below, a ballast system for a low ride and maximum wake ramps. On the stern, outboard speakers for better adrenaline-pumping music during those aforementioned tricks. Strapped to the sides of the Supra, three sleek wake boards built for speed — and calmer water.

"We're going to have to wait until later," said the boat's owner, David Priem of Atlanta, who likes glassy, wake-free water and wide-open spaces for optimal boarding. "There's too much craziness right now."

By craziness Priem meant the Labor Day weekend crowd at Lake Lanier.

Occasional rain and low water kept the throttle at three-quarters-speed most of the long weekend. But sunny skies Monday turned the fuel docks at Aqualand Marina into a buzz of activity.

Sharon Hansard of Roswell, who has boated on Lanier for 30 years, took a break from the lake after a morning of attempted relaxation.

"It's very crowded. It's like an ocean," she said, talking about the incessant wake. "There's a boat everywhere you look."

Things should calm down soon. Labor Day is considered the close of Lake Lanier's summer boating season, which starts Memorial Day.

While crowded Monday, the lake wasn't nearly as packed as in past years because it's 8.5 feet below full pool, which turned some boaters off, even more than the higher fuel prices this season, said state Department of Natural Resources spokesman Ben Johnson. The lake was not as low as it was in 2001, when it was 12 feet below full pool.

"Traffic on Lanier this weekend is noticeably less than it was the same weekend in 2005," he said.

Clint Worley spent Monday renting out pontoon boats and WaveRunners from the Aqualand docks.

"Last summer, the lake was just about full," said Worley, 55, who has spent time on the lake since he was 9.

"Just this year, it's been a pretty drastic drop."

Low water doesn't make for easy navigation. Tree stumps and other debris at the bottom of the man-made lake can tear up a boat.

"That's our No. 1 damage anyway and this just kind of compounded the problem," Worley said.' read the full article...