Tag: boating

What Type of Boat Fits Your Lifestyle?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Picking out a boat does not have to be a difficult process, you just need to know what you plan on using it for.

A boat will give your family many fun times and great memories on the lake. However, in order to do this, you have to choose what type of boat best fits your needs.

pontoon boat at sunset what boat type is best for youPontoon Boats

A pontoon boat is considered to be flotation device that can hold a large weighted load. It includes a flat surface unlike other boats and relies on pontoons to float. This boat is almost like a boat and raft hybrid.

Many people treat this as a floating patio due to the flat surface and the overhead roof. They barbeque and enjoy the day in the water.

Pontoons are great for families in all age ranges and make for a relaxing day out on the lake!

Bass Boats

Bass boats are a great way to go fishing in style. They are smaller than a pontoon boat and are designed for fishing and built for speed.

These typically only seat 2-3 people so you will have to plan your outings with just a couple of friends or maybe you and your two kids. Generally these boats are purchased for fresh water lakes and features swivel chairs, storage bins, and livewells for your catch.

You can store life preservers inside the boat, as well as fishing tackle and more. This is great (and obvious) choice if fishing is your priority.

Wake Boats

This specific boat is designed to offer a large shaped wake for wakeboarders to jump and launch from. The wakeboard is a V-drive boat which means that they are an inboard boat, which includes a rear-facing engine.

This type of engine is used in order to keep the weight placed towards the back of the boat. Another feature of this boat that is standard is a wakeboard tower. The tower is typically used to elevate the pulling position of ropes that allow the rider to launch and stay in the air much longer.

These boats are perfect for those who love to ski, wakeboard, or even wakesurf!

Canoe

CanoeThis boat is perfect for the minimalist. It is a lightweight narrow designed boat that seats 1-3 people. There are no motors here; canoes are propelled manually by the occupants using paddles.

They are used for many purposes that include racing, touring, camping, and whitewater canoeing. They are made of different woods and can vary in size depending on your needs.

Choosing a boat is all about determining what activities you plan to do on the lake. If you only plan to fish, then having a bass boat may be a great idea. However, if you plan on visiting with family, fishing, and swimming, then the pontoon boat may be the way to go.

No matter which boat you decide on, do your research before you buy. Then, and this is most important, be safe and have fun on the lake!

20 Items That Belong In Your First Aid Kit

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Illnesses and injuries can happen anywhere and run the risk of ruining your lake outing. Making sure you have the right first aid kit can really make a difference in how potential problems are addressed. It is always safe to make sure you are prepared and double check to make sure that you have everything that you need.

You can always pick up a ready made first aid kit from the store, but if you would like a more comprehensive kit that will prepare you for most occasions, read on.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes can happen anytime and anywhere, especially when you are outdoors hiking the lake or even boating. You must make sure that you have everything you need to bandage up those bumps and cuts. Here are some of the bandage supplies you will need on your camping trip.
• Medical tape
• Pads for blisters
• Sterile gauze
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes such as butterfly bandages and triangular bandages.

Sterilization and Infection Prevention

Those cuts and scrapes that you get can soon become infected if you do not have the proper supplies to prevent that from occurring. Here are a list of items that you will need to take with you on your camping trip that will help prevent you and your family from getting an infection.
• Cotton swabs
• Prep wipes containing alcohol
• Antibacterial cream
• Hand sanitizer to use to clean your hands with before you handle the first aid kit.

Medications

Photo courtesy of Yachting Pages.

Aches and pain can happen at any time, but are especially common when you are hiking or doing any kind of physical activity. It is important to bring certain over-the-counter medications with you to help relieve pain.
• Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil.
• Digestive medication for nausea and diarrhea.
• Allergy medications

Tools and Gadgets

These tools will help you prepare bandages, remove sharp objects such as splinters, and more.
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Safety pins

Sprays and Creams

You are bound to encounter bugs in the outdoors so it is beneficial that you have the right sprays and creams to keep those bugs away or treat bug bites.
• Anti-itch creams
• Burn relief sprays
• Bug sprays
• Petroleum jelly

Finally, adding a first aid manual to your kit will also help with anything that you may not be sure about. Purchase a large waterproof container to put your first aid supplies in and double check for everything before you go. It is better to be safe than sorry so make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency.

For a comprehensive list of essential safety items to keep at your home, keep reading here.

Essential Items to Always Keep Aboard Your Boat

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

There are many ways that you can ensure safety as well as enjoyment as a boat operator. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with boat safety equipment and consider items that will provide peace of mind while using your vessel.

First, always ensure that you have the valid Certificate of Number or registration card while the boat is in use. This will allow you to prove registration and ownership.

You should keep at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board your boat. The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which will be indicated on the label. They also must be the appropriate size for each person and in good condition. A life ring or flotation cushion must be kept on board for vessels 16 feet or longer.Essential Item: Life jacket

In the case of an emergency, a whistle and an emergency light are necessary. Emergency lights come in many varieties. Varieties such as strobe lights that can be attached to the boat, lantern-styles, and utility style for bright, adequate illumination.

Distress signals are required for boat use as well. These signals can be orange distress flags (used by day only) or signal flares (for use by night).

Another required item to keep on board is a fire extinguisher. Although you are surrounded by water, it is still necessary to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire while under way. Be sure that you have the correct type for your boat, meeting the minimum requirements for the size and type of your vessel.

There are some situations in which you may need to make lots of noise. Noise besides that of the laughter and fun from passengers on board. In meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations, sound signals are required, particularly during times of reduced visibility or while at anchor. You will need to keep at least one sound producing device available. These can be a bell, a whistle, air horn, or gong.

To aid in navigation, it is helpful to keep a waterproof map available for reference. Many boats come equipped with GPS, which is the most convenient way to navigate waters. But, in the absence of GPS, keeping a waterproof map would ensure efficient navigation.

Waterproof maps also inform you of any marine hazards, general configuration, and character of the lake floor. They also include prominent landmarks and port facilities.

Besides safety equipment, there are many things that you can keep on your boat that will ensure comfort and convenience. A VHF Radio would be used for communication and emergency traffic, and an AM-FM radio would be great for your favorite tunes or to catch up on local news.

Essential Items: compassA compass is a great idea to keep on board, as well. You can purchase a magnetic compass to ensure that your boat is pointed in the right direction at all times.

Be sure to always keep a tow line on board, and that it is an efficient length. 75′ is recommended, by at least 1/2″ thick. A small marine tool kit and spare parts would come in handy should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires repair.

Waterproof flashlights in various sizes and styles can be purchased as well. These are easy to tuck into a small space out of the way. Don’t forget extra batteries! Extra fuel is a plus, as well as a First Aid Kit, cell phone, (in a waterproof case), personal identification, and binoculars.

To ensure personal comfort, carry with you a change of clothes and foul weather gear such as a poncho or rain jacket. Also keep sunscreen, bottled water, and snacks, in order to combat UV rays, and stay hydrated.

To make things easy for yourself, create a Pre-Departure Checklist to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything once you’re underway.

Preparation is key to having a great time.  With proper safety and convenient equipment, you can enjoy hours on your boat in relaxation, fun, and pleasure.

Join Us At The 2015 Atlanta Boat Show

Posted on Staff

atlanta boat show presented by progressiveIt’s that time of the year again! The Atlanta Boat Show runs from January 15th through the 18th, and we would love to see you there!

Lake Homes Realty staff and real estate agents will be available throughout the entire show and look forward to discussing all things lake living!

Considering a lake home?

If you are thinking about buying a lake home, we want to make the process as easy as possible!

LakeHomes.com now has over 15,000 properties for sale across 105 lakes. We will have local, specialized lake agents from states across the South including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee!

Our agents know the ins and outs of their lake market and will be more than willing to help you find a lake property that best fits your needs!

Tell us about your experience with Lake Homes!

Have you used LakeHomes.com to find a property or used a Lake Homes Realty real estate agent? We want to hear about your experience! Stop by the booth and tell us your story! We will be glad to share a token of our appreciation!

The show.

The Atlanta Boat show is an annual event and is a great place with something for the whole family. For the kids there will be a surfing simulator, a kids sea park, and a chance to meet Dora the Explorer.

For mom and dad there are fishing seminars, home improvement and DIY demonstrations, sailing tutorials, and of course, boats!

The schedule.

The show will be 11am-9PM this Thursday and Friday, 10-am-9pm on Saturday, and 10am-6pm on Sunday. The event takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center, hall C.

Lake Homes Realty will be located in the same space as last year, in booth 332 (click here for a map of the event).

Things to Consider For First Time Boat Buyers

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Boats of different kindsWhen you are looking for the ideal boat, there are lots of things to consider before you make the purchase.

A boat is a significant investment. You don’t want to squander your money on a boat that is not right or suitable for you. Buying a boat is not complicated either, but you do need to do your research and prepare before making your purchase.

So to help you, here are some things to consider as first time boat buyers:

The Type of Boat

The first thing you have to take care of is the actual type of boat that you will be using. This concerns the type of activities that you will be doing in your boat as well.

Will you be, for instance, sailing, fishing, skiing, or wakeboarding in your boat? Depending on how you answered, you may be looking for a sail boat, bass boat, pontoon, or something that meets in the middle.

The Brand of the Boat

There are thousands of manufacturers and models of boats in the market. Finding a suitable and reliable brand can be confusing for many people who are not affiliated with the market. Research about brands of boats is very important. This it will allow you to purchase a boat that is perfect for you.

Look at brochures and compare the prices of the boats online and read reviews about a particular brand or model of boat that you are considering before you seal the deal.

A Used or A Brand New Boat?

You will need to answer this question in order to purchase the right boat. This is generally associated with how much cash you are willing to spend on your boat.

A new boat will obviously cost you more money, but should not require as many repairs or maintenance costs. Used boats can be found at bargain prices and in good condition, but will usually require much more intensive shopping and research to ensure a good deal.

A Private Seller or A Dealer?

You will also have to consider this factor when you are purchasing a boat. Most people expect to pay less when dealing with a private seller. Dealers will add their own costs on top of the original price of the boat.

However, dealers are less likely to sell you a lemon without any issues, while securing a boat privately may end up with you having a boat that needs frequent repairs. Purchasing a boat from a dealer will also allow you to acquire a warranty for the boat. This option will not be afforded to you from a private seller.

The key point to remember for boat buyers is to put in the time and do your homework before making the purchase, every step of the way. From how you plan to use the boat, to expected prices, and even boat maintenance so you can check out your craft before you buy!

Boating Etiquette for Beginners

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Boating is a way of life for water lovers, which is why there are certain rules that must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you’re new to boating, here are some general boating etiquette tips & advice (for both passengers and pilots) you should be aware of to ensure passenger safety, both on and off the water.

Launching and Returning Your Boat

It’s important to launch and return your boat as efficiently as possible.  Other boaters will likely be waiting in or around the ramp or dock, so exercising discretion and care while launching or returning is critically important. Important rules to remember:

  • Become familiar with the procedures of a particular facility ahead of time
  • Prepare your boat by taking off tie-down straps and covers in an out-of-the-way place. Load coolers, tackle, and other gear ahead of time as well
  • Once you have launched, move quickly aside (but not hurriedly) to allow other boaters to do the same

When returning, tie up your boat on the opposite side of the dock so that other boaters may take off while you are retrieving your tow vehicle.

Marina Etiquette

Marina etiquette is an integral part of boating etiquette to pay attention to.  After refueling or loading your boat at the marina, move to a temporary docking station and park if you need to go inside for groceries or other items. Don’t keep others waiting while you take care of business. At the marina, you should also:

  • Keep your area clean and free of debris
  • Assist other boaters who are docking and de-boarding
  • Put carts and other equipment intended for common use back where it belongs when you are finished

Boating Safety On the Water

Boat wakes can cause damage to floating docks, can cause seawall damage, and have even thrown children off floating docks. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own wake, and should be accountable for any damage you cause by it.

If your wake causes other boaters distress, knocking items (or people) off a dock, you could be held liable for damages or injuries. Be mindful of wake zones at all times and remain in compliance.

When overtaking a boat, allow for as much room as depth conditions allow for. Consider your wake, and slow your speed if necessary to ensure you don’t rock the other vessel. If that vessel is a sailboat, overtake it by passing astern to avoid blocking its wind. If you are the vessel being passed, slow your speed to a reasonable clip to allow the other boater to get around you safely.

Leave plenty of anchorage between yourself and other boaters, especially when carrying multiple passengers or playing loud music. Sound carries much farther on the water, and you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors if at all possible. Avoid traveling between a fishing boat and the bank, even if that watercraft does not appear to be moving.

Rules of Anchoring Your Boat

Boat anchorWhen first entering an anchorage, reduce your speed significantly so as not to create any wake at all. The rules of anchoring deem that the first person into the anchorage is the one who determines the swing radius. Mimic the leader in how you tie off and anchor, and use roughly the same amount of distance between boats.

These boating etiquette rules will go a long way toward ensuring your time on the water is as pleasant as possible. Boating consists of a tight-knit community of individuals, which is why good manners are so important.

How to Store & Maintain Your Personal Flotation Devices

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
Life jackets laying on lake deck how to properly store personal flotation devices

One of the best safety measures that you can rely on while out on the water is the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs).

A personal flotation device, also referred to as a life jacket or life preserver, is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer, who may be either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat.

In case you’re wondering, you can check your state’s PFD requirements here.

The bottom line is that PFD’s save lives. But, these devices will only work as they should if they are maintained and stored properly between uses.

Here are a few tips on how to store and maintain your personal flotation devices to be sure they’re always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Cleaning Your Personal Flotation Device

Cleaning products
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

To keep PFDs clean, all you need to do is wipe them down with a solution of mild soap and warm water and then rinse thoroughly.  When cleaning stains from life jackets, use a stiff-bristled brush to gently scrub them away, but avoid using bleach, solvents, or other stain removers. The strong chemicals in these products can break down the materials PFDs are made from, thereby compromising their integrity. When exposed to saltwater, a quick rinse is needed to remove residue before allowing your device to dry.

After washing your PFD, hang it up in the open air away from direct sunlight and leave it there to dry thoroughly before storing it. Never place it in the dryer or near a heat source, as this could cause the vinyl or plastic components to warp or crack. Personal flotation devices should never be dry cleaned.

Inspecting Your Flotation Device

Kid inspecting life jacket
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Flotation devices should be inspected on a regular basis, preferably before each use. Some of the things you should look for include:

  • Broken or damaged hardware
  • Ripped, torn, or missing webbing
  • Webbing that has become unattached
  • Mold or mildew
  • Rotted material
  • Large rips or tears
  • Oil spills, as this could affect buoyancy

Inflatable vests should also be inspected for:

  • Bobbins and pins that aren’t operating properly
  • Evidence of any corrosion on the CO2 cartridges
  • Nozzles that have not been punctured by the firing needle

It is also a good idea to manually inflate vests from time to time in order to check for leaks. Allow them to remain inflated overnight to be sure they are working properly, and repair or discard any that are not holding air as they should.

Storing PFDs

Storing lifejackets personal flotation device on boat
Photo courtesy of The Hull Truth.

Boating laws typically require that PFD’s are readily accessible to all passengers onboard a vessel.  Make sure that your PFDs are actually taken out of the plastic wrapper they came in prior to use. The U.S. Coast Guard does not consider these devices to be ‘readily accessible’ if they must be unwrapped first. In addition, you must generally carry a throwable device onboard all watercraft that is 16 feet in length or longer.

When you’re not on the water, you should store flotation devices in a cool dry area with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as UV rays could prove harmful to them. Hang them up whenever possible rather than placing them on a shelf or the bottom of a locker. If hanging them up isn’t possible, make sure heavy objects are not placed on top of them, as this can also cause damage.

Personal flotation devices play an important part in keeping you safe on the water. Although it might seem trivial, properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing your PFD’s will go a long way to make absolutely sure that they are functional and in good working order for when you need them.

Child Water Safety Tips to Consider at The Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

child water safety, wearing life vestLake homes have a timeless appeal for both children and adults, since people of all ages are so wildly attracted to the water.

Keeping everyone safe around the water needs to be a top priority. This is because of potential threats in, and around the lake or any body of water. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.

Ten people die from unintentional drowning in the U.S. every day, and of these ten drownings, two are children aged 14 or younger.

The following is a number of critical child water safety tips that will help to keep your children and your family safe around the lake. Continue reading “Child Water Safety Tips to Consider at The Lake”

How to Winterize Your Boat for the Off Season

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

a boat covered and prepared for winterIf you own a home right on the lake, then you may be lucky enough to have direct access to the water.

There’s nothing quite like being able to walk out of your lake home, onto the dock, and right on to your boat!

In light of colder weather, though, you might not be taking it out as often. This is especially true if you’re on a lake that can freeze during the winter time.

Exposure to harsh temperatures for an extended period of time can threaten your boat’s health. We suggest you winterize it to minimize any damage from occurring.

Winterize Your Boat, Protect Your Investment

  • Fill your boat’s fuel tank – Ensure the boat’s fuel tank is filled roughly to capacity. But remember, don’t fill it all the way up! Leave a little space to allow for the expansion that often occurs during cold weather. Don’t forget to add gasoline stabilizer, as well. This will help keep your boat’s fuel from degrading during the winter. It also slows down the oxidation process in addition to preventing varnish and corrosion.
  • Close your boat’s fuel valves – To avoid condensation from occurring inside the fuel tank, be sure to close the fuel valves. You’ll also want to replace the fuel filter and water separator. Afterwards, seal all thru-port exhaust ports using duct tape.
  • Coat your boat’s spark plugs – Remove the engine flame arrester and, while the engine is running, shoot two-cycle oil into the carburetor. In order to burn any excess fuel, turn the fuel supply off. To coat the spark plugs, spin the engine a few times. Replace the plugs but don’t connect any of the wires. These steps will prevent the pistons of the boat from being exposed to air and dampness.
  • Fill your boat’s engine block – First, make sure all leftover engine coolant is drained from the engine block. Then fill it with antifreeze. Be sure to use antifreeze that’s appropriate for the model of your boat.Antifreeze for boat winterization
  • Change the gear oil of your boat’s engine – If your boat contains an inboard/outdrive engine, you’ll want to flush the lower unite gear case lubricant and replace it to keep the engine’s internal parts from becoming damaged by water.
  • Remove the boat’s battery – Before taking the battery out of your boat, ensure that it’s fully charged. Store the battery in a place that is safe and dry for the remainder of the winter.
  • Check the boat’s propeller and hub – Inspect the blades for damage or severe wear and tear. Replace or repair anything that’s too damaged.boat propeller
  • Protect your boat’s plugs and bulb sockets – Use a moisture-displacing lubricant to coat the plugs and bulb sockets’ contact points. With electrical tape, cover the plugs to keep them dry for the remainder of winter.
  • Clean your boat – After following these steps, clean it one more time to remove any surface dirt that might have collected. Before you start, make sure the cleaning solutions you’re about to use are appropriate for the boat. For the most part, over-the-counter glass cleaners, vinyl cleaners and vinegar and water solutions should be safe and effective.
  • Cover your boat – Lastly, cover the boat with a waterproof tarp or canvas to protect it from rain, snow, ice, and other debris.

Winterizing your boat is incredibly important. Exposure to harsh winter weather can be damaging to what may be one of your biggest investments. Be sure to use these tips to ensure your boat will survive the off-season and be ready to hit the water running next year!