Boating

along the North Coast

But use caution however, the rivers along the North Coast usually do not have dams on them to slow water flows and especially during the winter and spring months when mountain snow falls and torential rains can swell these otherwise peaceful waterways into death traps.

Author: Terry Price

Inflatable rafts come in all shapes and sizes. A raft is a special type of boat this is usually distinguished by the lack of a hull. These rafts are kept afloat by inflated containers or buoyant materials such as wood and are manufactured of flexible materials. Inflatable technology is fast becoming superseded by hulled boats in most parts of the world but inflatable rafts are commonly used by whitewater enthusiasts. If you love whitewater, it is exciting to see the variety of rafts on the market. Available in many different types, they vary from small inflatable rafts that are ideal for one or two people to huge frame rafts that will hold a dozen or more people and a ton of gear that can blast you down the river!

Generally, if you are looking to save money, the smaller inflatable rafts are ideal for floating and fishing for one to three people and are very affordable. Of course, on the other side of the coin you have the larger craft specifically designed to carry large loads and and are made to jump huge waves in treacherous rivers. This type of craft is going to run you anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more depending on the model you choose and what type of frame you decide on. The larger ones with metal frames come complete with seats, paddling frames, and more.

An inflatable raft has many advantages over the larger boats such as canoes or drift boats. They are very rugged and can be ported just about anywhere. You will also be amazed at how they can take the rocks and downfall without any punctures. A quality inflatable raft that is designed for personal use is far less expensive than the drift boat or canoe. Remember to buy quality and stay away from the $50 boats. Be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars. You will be glad you did!

Author: Neels Thero

Looking around on the web for an aluminum fishing boat? You'll soon enough find out there are a number of different ways to go, depending on your needs and budget...

Are you looking for something very straightforward and uncomplicated you can quickly fit on your pickup? Or maybe you want something more sophisticated you can use for both tournament fishing and recreational fishing?

Another option - if money isn't your biggest concern - could be to look into a custom built boat with everything just the way you want!

You will probably know why you're looking for an aluminum fishing boat as opposed to a fiberglass or steel boat, but lightness (greater performance or fuel savings) and strength (around 35,000 pounds per square inch (psi) will deform it as opposed to 30,000 psi for mild steel) are probably the greatest advantages.

Price also comes into play as many an aluminum fishing boat owner have reported looking around for similar fiberglass boats and being put off by the prices.

In addition it is not only the purchase price, but also the maintenance costs afterwards which one need to take into account.

Aluminum is practically maintenance-free. If left unpainted aluminum will form a supertight layer of aluminum oxide on its surface and then will stay that way indefinitely.

What else is great about owning an aluminum fishing boat? Aluminum is fireproof and non-toxic; it is natural, and the most abundant metal in the earth's crust. It is easily repairable, and a great advantage for boats: aluminum won't absorb water!

What about price? Well, you can start looking at something thatwas designed to fit right into small pickup truck beds like a Meyers Explorer 12 Jon Boat. This one goes for only a few hundred dollars!

Then you can move up to something much more advanced like the Tracker Pro Angler V-16. The Tracker features large lockable rod storage that holds up to 7'6" rods, divided aerated livewell with Flow-Rite aeration, a deluxe console with a simulated burlwood switch panel and more.

On the Tracker there's always plenty of room for tackle, people and gear. Even an amateur would know that this was a great aluminum fishing boat after only one ride!

Then there's the Ranger Cherokee 217, which is known for an extremely wide front casting deck. It also features an extension-deck option to make it even bigger. (Note: Unfortunately Ranger stopped making them, but if you can find one, rest assured it's a solid boat. Crestliner's boats can now offer a similar quality in a bass boat).

You may also want to look at unique boats like those of Design Concepts. Their aluminum fishing boats are crafted with a revolutionary hull configuration called Drop-Keel. Instead of being flat on the bottom like other boats, Design Concepts boats are engineered to drop just below the water line before turning upward at the bow. This feature keeps the cutting edge of your boat in the water at all times.

Design Concepts also offer a "true lifetime warranty": even if you sell your boat, the warranty stays with it, ensuring you the highest value retention of any boat you can buy.

How about a custom-built aluminum fishing boat? As an example, King Salmon Marine lets you choose many details like the position of the console, overall length and hight, bottom width and thickness - even the type of aluminum alloy!

Author: Terry Price

Protecting your investment with a boat cover, whether it is a brand new sailboat, canoe or the family ski boat is a wise choice. Boat covers for the most part are easy to use and they are designed to protect your boat from the elements.

Whether you are mooring, storing in your garage or dry-docking your boat, a good cover will actually extend the life of your boat. If you tow your boat behind your vehicle, the sun and chemicals from road spray can all contribute to the breakdown of the exterior finish.

Boat covers come in many different shapes and sizes and can offer protection for your Deep-V Cuddy cabin, Jet boat, pontoon boat or the family ski boat.

Boat covers come in a variety of materials including lightweight material such as DuPont Tyvek which is a lightweight, bonded polyethylene This tyvek material actually weighs 70% less when compared to canvas material and is extremely durable, definitely worth looking at.

Did you know that microscopic pores trap moisture in and around your boat and cause mildew? A good water-repellent cover is going to prevent this annoying moisture from deteriorating your boat's surface.

The sun's UV rays are another enemy of your boat's surface. The Tyvek cover once again does its job and blocks out 99% of these rays, thus protecting the interior of the boat by keeping it cooler. This great boat cover comes with reinforced seams, specially designed loops for secure tie-down, adjustable shock cord locks, and is machine washable. This great cover also has strong double-sewn center seam construction that eliminates leaking and ripping problems common to boat tops and covers.

Most boat manufacturers will make a cover that exactly fits your make and model of boat. Even if you have aluminum fishing boat, a good boat cover is going to prevent the aluminum from oxidizing and deterioration will be less. After all, your boat is not a cheap investment and you want to get as many enjoyable years as possible.