Tag: water

Gas-Saving Tips for Boaters

Posted on Noah Ryan

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

a gas pump in a boat, water in the background
Courtesy of Southern Boating

Most boaters enjoy fishing, water sports, and taking care of their vessel, but there’s one thing they all dislike: spending more money than they have to. From determining your optimum boat speed to replacing old tech, there are several ways to improve your fuel economy. Set sail with us as we explore these gas-saving tips for boaters!

Optimum Boat Speed

Courtesy of Tekscan

If you want to save gas while boating, it’s crucial to find the optimum speed for your trip. To do this, you should start at a slow speed and gradually increase it until you reach the planned speed while monitoring your boat’s speed, rpm, and fuel consumption. By calculating your boat’s fuel efficiency at each speed level, you can identify the speed that provides the highest fuel efficiency while still meeting your trip’s purpose. It’s essential to remain flexible and adjust your speed as needed depending on the current conditions, such as wind, current, and waves. Finding the optimum speed can maximize your boat’s performance, save on fuel costs, and reduce your environmental impact.

New Gear

trim tab on a boat
Courtesy of TheFisherman

In addition to making changes in behavior, many tools and gear exist that help with gas-saving.

Trim Tabs

While the buoyancy factor of boats keeps them afloat, it does not prevent them from turning over. Choppy waters can prove dangerous, if not deadly, to boaters — but trim tabs alleviate that stress. When a vessel creates a bow wave, it stresses the engine as the boat fights gravity in its upward tilt. When the skipper, the person driving the ship, operates trim tabs, the trim tabs move up or down to counteract the bow wave. Thus, trim tabs improve ships’ fuel economy and engine longevity.

Courtesy of Bennet Trim Tabs via Youtube

Fuel Flow Meter

Whereas a fuel gauge shows how much gas sits in the tank, a fuel flow meter tracks fuel consumption and the transfer of fluid. Fuel consumption depends on various factors, such as the environment and wave activity. When sailing in choppy waters, the engine consumes more fuel to compensate for the stress. While this seems like a given, this morsel of data, represented by gallons per hour, proves a gas-saving benefit for boaters on future excursions. However, the ability of a fuel flow meter to report data accurately relies on regular maintenance. For example, an old, clogged fuel filter may result in inaccurate data.

Cabin Refresh

person working on a boat engine
Courtesy of Fishing Booker

When thinking about fuel economies and maximizing our gas usage, you likely don’t think about the little things. But a little can go a long way.

Filters

One item that’s ready for replacement? Filters. The two primary filters on any vessel are the air and fuel filters, which filter out contaminants in their respective directions. The fuel filter prevents particles and water from entering the complex ecosystem of the engine, but the concept of a new fuel filter is somewhat ironic. The phrase “as good as new” does not apply to fuel filters, as new filters are much more open and let more matter through. Over time, filters build up contaminants, but surprisingly, particulates on the surface actually aid in catching other foreign matter. However, once the filter accumulates too much waste, you risk that same matter being pushed through.

Oil

clean oil
dirty oil
Courtesy of SC Fuels

Like cars, oil changes for boats are an essential part of regular maintenance. The oil acts as a lubricant to prevent friction among the organs of the engine, as without oil, the engine wears down exceptionally fast. The oil cleans by collecting debris, such as dirt and contaminants, that enters the engine over time. But, like filters, there comes the point where the oil becomes dirty and negatively affects the motor. Boaters will know it’s time to change the oil when it becomes dark and sludge-like, but it should be changed at least once every 100 hours of use. Additionally, while changing oil aids fuel efficiency, it will also increase the longevity of an engine.

Propeller

Without propellers, often called props, boats do not move. Sharp edges on a propeller cut through the water easily, but a nicked or damaged propeller blade causes multiple issues. Firstly, a damaged propeller does not glide or provide consistent propulsion through the water. Secondly, and along that same vein, many boaters rely on increasing their speed to counteract this, but that causes strain on the engine. It is generally recommended to replace propellers if the damage caused is between 10%–15%.

Weight, Friction, and Drag

the hull of a boat
Courtesy of Yachting Monthly

Beyond behaviors, tools, and gear, two of the most critical factors in improving your fuel economy are the weight distribution onboard and friction against the water.

Weight

While trim tabs aid in redistributing the weight or angle of a vessel, these should not act as a stopgap. Just because a boat supports a particular weight does not mean it should. Remember to pack only the essentials, as hauling too much weight forces your engine to work harder.

Friction and Drag

We’ve commented on friction regarding propellers, but other elements affect a vessel’s speed and fuel economy. A clean boat, free of debris, travels swiftly through the water. If you store your boat in water, marine life can thrive on the hull, like algae, barnacles, and mussels. Naturally, these hinder performance; likewise, too many items atop the ship cause air drag. In an effort to improve speed and fuel efficiency, boaters may choose to wax their hulls, but the evidence is inconclusive as to the effects. Proponents of a waxed hull claim that it “helps reduce drag and improve[s] your glide in the water,” but opponents to this concept state that waxed hulls “drag air molecules below the surface of the water,” which increases drag.

Now that you know these essential gas-saving tips, you’re ready to tackle lake and sea, but do you know which boat is best for you?

Top 5 Lakes With the Highest Elevation in the World

Posted on Lacey Spear

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Crater Lake on a green hill with a larger lake in the background.
Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock | Vicky SP

There’s nothing like gazing at the lake from the dock or back porch of your lake home. But can you imagine a bird‘s eye view of these incredible bodies of water? Some lakes are situated at such heights that you must hike for days to view their sparkling waters.

As you will notice, South America dominates the list of lakes with the highest elevation. Although some sources rank Asian lakes such as Lhagba, Changste, and East Rongbuk as top-elevation lakes, you will not find them on this list. As HighestLakes.com points out, Lhagba and Changste no longer exist, and East Rongbuk only appears during the snowmelt season. Plus, some Asian lakes may not be documented, as it is challenging to procure accurate information about the Himalayas. Nonetheless, if you’re ready to take your lake trivia to new heights, check out these top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world!

1. Ojos del Salado, Argentina

The frozen crater lake on Ojos del Salado in Chile---the highest lake in the world.
Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Argentina’s Ojos del Salado (“Eyes of the Salty One”) ranks as the world’s highest active volcano and contains the lake with the highest elevation on the planet. The small crater lake rests at an elevation of 22,615 feet (6,893). In 1937, Polish explorers discovered the lake; today, many tourists hike the volcano to view its waters. Notably, there has been some contention as to whether Ojos del Salado is a lake since it only has a circumference of 328 feet (100 meters). Despite this dispute, the lake continues to attract travelers and adventurers from all over the world.

2. Tres Cruces Norte, Chile

Tall mountain with small body of water nestled in it.
Photo Courtesy of XDEEP

With an elevation of 20,361 feet (6,206 meters), Tres Cruces Norte (“Three North Crosses”) ranks only under Ojos del Salado as the second-highest lake in Chile and the world. The lake rests on the lowest of the three peaks in a half-open caldera—a hollow that forms when a volcano erupts and collapses. The Polish explorers discovered the lake in 1937. Then, in 2015, Madswimmers—a group of Polish divers—completed the highest swim in the world upon diving into the Tres Cruces Norte lake. Today, it is an attractive scuba diving and hiking destination.

3. Acamarachi Pool, Chile

Clear body of water in front of tall volcano.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia | Acamarachi Volcano is pictured, but the actual lake lies at the volcano’s summit and is not in the photo above.

Soaring 19,836 feet (6,046 meters), Acamarachi (“Black Moon”) is the tallest volcano in the northern segment of Chile. A crater lake rests on the volcano’s summit and is kept ice-free by the nearby magmatic heat. The lake is 10–15 feet deep and, at one point, was the site of the world’s highest underwater dive. The volcano is also famous for its Inca mountain sanctuary, where several ancient figurines were discovered.

4. Lake Lincancabur, Chile/Bolivia

Lake Licancabur in Boliva/Chile.
Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Licancabur is a symmetrical volcano between Chile and Bolivia, reaching a peak of 19,410 feet (5,916 meters). It contains a crater lake with an elevation of 19,409 feet (5,916 meters). The lake stretches 328 feet (100 meters) long, 229 feet (70 meters) wide, and 26 feet (eight meters) deep. Most of the year, the lake is frozen. However, in the warmer months, it is in liquid form, as pictured above. Although the temperatures can often dip to -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 degrees Celcius), Licancabur Lake houses a plethora of planktonic fauna.

5. Aguas Calientes Pool, Chile

Red pool of water on Aguas Calientes.
Photo Courtesy of High Lakes

Climbing 19,436 feet (5,924 meters) high, the Aguas Calientes (“Hot Waters”) Volcano is situated in Chile. Within the summit lies a small crater lake with an elevation of 19,260 feet (5,870 meters). The lake has an intriguing red tint due to its substantial population of microorganisms. The winds often carry sulfuric acid and water vapor clouds into the waters, making them acidic. The lake’s ecosystem relies primarily on photosynthesis but can also be influenced by the hydrothermal activities of the nearby volcano. Interestingly, many have studied the Aguas Calientes lake as a potential terrestrial parallel to Mars.

Bonus: Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia

Photo courtesy of Pexels

Although Lake Titicaca does not make the list of the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world, it is the highest navigable lake on the planet. While the other top lakes are small bodies of water, Lake Titicaca spans 3,200 square miles (2,048,000 acres). Situated in the Andes Mountains, the lake has an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). It is the second-largest lake in South America, after Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Lake Titicaca also attracts many tourists due to the 120 handmade floating islands crafted by the local indigenous Bolivians, the Uru. They not only live in these unique homes but also offer tours of them year-round.

Now, you know where to find the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world. If you’re an adventurer, add them to your bucket list and plan a hiking excursion. Or, if you like staying closer to home, visit LakeHomes.com to view the breathtaking lakes in your local area.

FAQS

The volcano’s small crater lake rests at an elevation of 22,615 feet (6,893).

In 1937, Polish explorers discovered the Ojos del Salado.

With an elevation of 20,361 feet (6,206 meters), Tres Cruces Norte (“Three North Crosses”) ranks only under Ojos del Salado as the second-highest lake in Chile and the world.

In 2015, Madswimmers—a group of Polish divers—completed the highest swim in the world upon diving into the Tres Cruces Norte lake.

Soaring 19,836 feet (6,046 meters) high, Acamarachi (“Black Moon”) is the tallest volcano in the northern segment of Chile.

The lake is 10–15 feet deep and, at one point, was the site of the world’s highest underwater dive.

Licancabur is a symmetrical volcano situated between Chile and Bolivia, reaching 19,410 feet (5,916 meters) at its peak.

It contains a crater lake which sits at an elevation of 19,409 feet (5,916 meters).

Climbing 19,436 feet (5,924 meters) high, the Aguas Calientes (“Hot Waters”) Volcano is situated in Chile.

Within the summit lies a small crater lake with an elevation of 19,260 feet (5,870 meters).

The lake has an intriguing red tint due to a substantial population of microorganisms. The winds often carry sulfuric acid and water vapor clouds in the waters, making them acidic. The lake’s ecosystem relies primarily on photosynthesis but also can be influenced by the hydrothermal activities of the nearby volcano.

The crater lake on Aguas Calientes Volcano in Chile.

Although Lake Titicaca does not make the list of the top 5 lakes with the highest elevation in the world, it is the highest navigable lake on the planet.

Lake Titicaca spans 3,200 square miles (2,048,000 acres).

Situated in the Andes Mountains, the lake has an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters).

Lake Titicaca is the second-largest lake in South America after Maracaibo in Venezuela.

Lake Titicaca also attracts many tourists due to the 120 handmade floating islands crafted by the local indigenous Bolivians. They not only live in these unique homes but also offer tours of them year-round.

5 Drink Additives for Better Hydration

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Bluewater Sweden on Unsplash

During summertime, it can be hard to stay hydrated. Especially when you’re spending all day out in the sun doing your favorite lake activities. Of course, a trusty glass of water can do the trick. But have you ever tried hydration-boosting drink mixes? Loaded with both flavor and vitamins, delicious powders from these brands will keep you healthy and happy for long days in the sun. Whether you’re lounging on the dock or hitting the trails, these hydrating drink additives will become your must-have for leaving the lakehouse.

Salud

Photo courtesy of mylifeonandofftheguestlist.com

While sipping on Salud, you’re guaranteed to stay both hydrated and happy. These hydration + immunity drink additives were created by social media influencer Josh Leyva who wanted to help people quench thirst and increase hydration in a healthy way. Salud’s hallmark trait is their clean premium ingredients and authentic flavors. I have personally tried Salud, and I appreciate the wide variety of flavors from pineapple to mango to hibiscus (my favorite) that never fail to enhance the H20 experience.  Further, each drink mix is packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals — including 100mg of elderberry and Wellmune to boost immune systems.

ZYN Daily Wellness Drink Mix

Image courtesy of socialnature.com

ZYN prides itself on using clean, simple ingredients in its daily wellness drink mix. Just mix this 10-calorie, electrolyte powder with water to get amazing immunity and recovery results. Whether you want to improve your gut health, hydration, or bounce back after a tough workout, these powdered stick packs are perfect. ZYN’s product comes in four flavors — Strawberry Yuzu, Blackberry Dragon Fruit, Passion Fruit Lemonade, and Mango Pomegranate — all of which are delicious summer flavors. It’s also great for anyone gluten-free or lactose intolerant since their products are totally free from gluten and dairy. Instead, you’ll get the healing benefits of curcumin and turmeric paired with stevia-sweetened flavor.

Ultima Replenisher

Image courtesy of Amazon

Made with real fruit flavor extracts, this electrolyte powder from Ultima is the perfect, refreshing drink additive for a summer’s day at the lake. It comes in tasty flavors like raspberry, grape, lemonade, and orange. It’s also made from organic stevia rather than added sugar, making this drink an excellent zero-calorie option. After a long day of sweating at the lake, this Ultima powder will replenish your lost electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and chloride. For ease of use, the powder comes in small stick packs that are easily packaged with exact servings.

Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier

Image courtesy of liquid-iv.com

If you’re looking for double the electrolytes, this Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolyte Powder might be your drink additive of choice. If you mix just one stick of this hydration powder into a cup of water, you’ll get three times the electrolytes of average sports drinks. How does it work? Cellular Transport Technology — a mixture of sodium, potassium, glucose,  and water that helps deliver water and nutrients into the bloodstream much faster than an average cup of water. On top of that, you’ll be getting premium ingredients like 100% of vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, and B12. Plus, every time you buy a packet of these, the Liquid I.V. brand will donate a bag to charity.

Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Mix

Image courtesy of Amazon

Last but not least, Dr. Price’s electrolyte mix is a refreshing, fruit-flavored hydration-enhancing drink of choice. With a blend of more than 72 trace minerals and electrolytes, it’s perfect for extra hydration during an active day on the lake. Like many of the other drink additives on this list, it’s made from stevia leaf extract for a natural sweetening option. In addition to the classic raspberry flavor, the powder is also available in lime, pineapple, mixed berry, and other options. 

We hope these drink additives help you stay hydrated on the lake!

Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Lake House

Posted on Staff
Shoes on flooring of lake house

Anyone buying or remodeling a lake home has a myriad of decisions to make. Many times, flooring is one of the last things you want to think about. Even so, lake home flooring is a very important decision!

If you are buying or remodeling a lake home, chances are you are already familiar with the effects of the elements. Lake homes withstand a huge amount of moisture, humidity and wear and tear.

Here are the most common flooring types and how they stack up against those elements.

Carpet

White farmhouse style bedroom with carpet lake house

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, upstairs hallways
Worst for: Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways

Many people think carpet is an automatic no-go for a lake house. Far from it! If your heart (and your soles) are set on having carpet in your home, never fear. Just keep a few things in mind.

The main worries for carpet on the lake are water, mud, and humidity. Those muddy footprints can add up pretty quickly!

But if your property isn’t waterfront, this might not be a serious problem. Many builders compromise by using hardwood or synthetic flooring in main entryways and kitchens, then carpet in the main living areas.

Carpet also gives comfy insulation during the winter months. Having a soft, comfy floor is a big plus on those chilly winter nights!

One hidden drawback of carpet is its absorbency. Carpet absorbs moisture, pet hair, dust, pollen, and mold. Many of these are in abundance at a lake house! If you are buying a previously owned lake house, be sure to clean the carpets when you move in.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring of lake house with fireplace and walk out patio
Photo courtesy of OneKindesign.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, foyers, hallways, bedrooms
Worst for: Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, wet areas

Many lake homes have hardwood floors. There is a wide range of hardwood flooring options, from bamboo to pine, to oversea exotics such as mahogany and rosewood. These can be attractive, durable, and increase your home’s value.

The two primary concerns with hardwood on the lake are cost and the chance of water damage. Hardwood can be extremely expensive, depending on the wood chosen. Water damage from flooding, the elements, or just years of wet feet can be expensive to replace.

Hardwood is also vulnerable to humidity, especially in basements or other “below grade” areas. Many builders only use hardwood on or above the ground floor. Or you can use engineered wood. This uses a top layer of finished wood over multiple, thin layers of plywood or fiberboard. Amy Matthews, the host of HGTV’s Sweat Equity, says, “depending on the thickness of the veneer, engineered wood can be finished once or twice.”

Laminate / Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl laminate floors in lake house kitchen
Photo courtesy of Mi Windows.

Best for: Entryways, hallways, living rooms
Worst for: Bathrooms

Lake homes often sport vinyl or laminate flooring in parts. These are more affordable and durable than carpet or hardwood. Better yet, they have advanced greatly since the 1970s, when vinyl flooring, floral wallpaper, and lava lamps went hand-in-hand.

Laminate is a synthetic flooring with the appearance of hardwood. Vinyl is a synthetic flooring with far more options and can have the appearance of tile, wood, stone or other materials. Both come in panels of various sizes.

Many of these can beautify a home at a fraction of the cost used by hardwood or tile flooring. They can easily shrug off spilled drinks and muddy footprints, too.

Remember that these flooring options are not perfectly waterproof. They typically require a perfectly clean, level floor. Seams between the panels can let water in, as well, that could soak into the underlayment or subflooring. Be careful when using these in a bathroom, where small puddles of water are almost a daily occurrence.

Linoleum

Hand painted linoleum floors with stencil navy blue
Photo courtesy of BBFrosch.

Best for: Entryways, kitchens, bathrooms­­­
Worst for: Sunrooms, bedrooms, rooms with rough concrete flooring

Another flooring that has seen a resurgence ­is linoleum. This synthetic flooring can come in either glue-down sheets, panels, or tiles.

The main difference between linoleum and laminate is the materials used. Linoleum is made from natural products, including linseed oil and sawdust.

Linoleum is more waterproof than laminate or vinyl tile. Because of this, it is more commonly used in areas like kitchens where spills happen frequently. When installing linoleum, be sure to waterproof the seams and edges.

Avoid installing linoleum flooring in any room with direct sunlight. The flooring will fade with time, and could even peel or warp. Install linoleum flooring in a sunroom, and you will most likely need to replace it in a few years’ time.

Ceramic or Stone Tile

Rustic kitchen with stone tile
Photo courtesy of Elona Home.

Best for: Entryways, outdoors, kitchens, bathrooms
Worst for: Bedrooms

Many homeowners on the lake solve these water damage issues with ceramic or stone tile. Tile flooring is attractive, easy to clean and completely waterproof. It also comes in a wide range of textures and colors. A tile floor can give your home a warm, old-world charm; a crisp, clean surface; or any other look you desire.

Tile floors are more durable than nearly any other finished flooring. You can use it in entryways, kitchens, patios or anywhere you like.

The only true drawbacks to tile are cost, hardness, and temperature. Depending on the type, tile can easily cost more than hardwood. Tile can also be very unforgiving if you plan to stand for long periods of time, or if someone slips and falls. This is especially true for gloss finish tile.

Tile gets very cold in the winter, too. This is why builders rarely use tile in bedrooms or hallways.

Location, Location, Location

Couple selecting tile flooring at hardware store

Whatever your preference, a mix of flooring types will probably work best for your lake home.

Many builders use grading to determine what type of floor to use. “Grade” refers to ground level. Rooms at ground level are “on grade,” above ground level are “above grade” and below ground level is “below grade.”

Most builders never use hardwood, or other floorings susceptible to water damage, in below-grade rooms such as finished basements. Due to the proximity to the lake and the water level, this can bring persistent dampness or even water seepage. Any flooring susceptible to damage from moisture (such as hardwood) should not be used below grade.

For more home improvement and DIY tips, read more of our articles here.

Water Safety for Kids on the Lake

Posted on Staff

three children smiling under waterEvery parent wants their children to stay safe while having fun at the lake.

Just a little preparation can help your kids have a fun time on the lake, and build memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Whether they are toddlers or teenagers, water safety can start right now!

Here are some water safety tips for parents, big brothers and sisters or anyone keeping an eye on kids at the lake.

 

Near the Water

Imagine a warm summer afternoon. You’re sitting in a lounge chair on your back deck, having some laughs with the family. The smell of barbecue is in the air, the sun is shining off the lake and it’s a gorgeous day.

The water is less than 50 yards away. Everyone’s having a great time – especially your toddler, who is making her way right to the water!

With small children, the most important safety factor is supervision. Even if you are watching them, it’s easy to get distracted. Always keep an eye on your children.

If you have small children, make sure you latch, lock or childproof every possible route between your little one and the water.

As soon as they are old enough, make sure they understand that they are never to go near the water without a parent or adult. Don’t make them afraid of the water! Rather, visit the water with them.

Make sure your kids know to be careful around docks, shorelines, dams and boathouses. One wrong step on a slippery dock can spell disaster.

Consider buying your kids water shoes or boating shoes. These give much more traction than sandals or bare feet, and protect your little ones from rocks, sticks and broken glass.

 

On the Water

Water safety is just as important for boating. Make sure everyone on a boat wears a life perserver, especially children. Many communities mandate the use of life preservers for children on boats less than 30 feet long.

This is good advice, even in calm water. Nearly half of all drownings related to boating happen in calm water. In the vast majority of them, life preservers were in the boat, but not being worn.

It helps to serve as a good example. Wear a life preserver yourself! You don’t have to wear the bulky life preservers of the past, either.

Modern technology has given us smaller, more comfortable life preservers. Many of them lay flat until they hit the water, at which point they inflate automatically. Those which need manual pull-cords to inflate are not recommended for children.

Make sure your child has an appropriately sized life preserver, too. It should close securely around their chest.

If you grip the life preserver securely and lift, this should eventually lift your child. A life preserver that is too loose will slide up around their neck. One that is too tight or small will not close.

Enroll your child in a boating safety course, if you can. Most lake communities have these available for a small fee. A weekend of instruction can not only save your child’s life. You might learn a few things, too!

 

In the Water

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of four.

If you are supervising kids, make sure you keep an eye on them at all times. Children who are not strong swimmers should have life preservers in the water. Toys such as water wings and pool noodles do not count!

If your kids are in the water, you should be, too. Should your child get in trouble, you need to be right there. It won’t help if you’re busy texting at the shoreline! This is less important if they are strong swimmers, but you still need to be nearby.

Of course, the best way to encourage water safety with your kids is to enroll them in a swimming course. Any child who spends time on the lake should be able to swim, even if they wear a life preserver. This does more than save their lives. It also means they can enjoy the lake, and the water, in every possible way!

Not sure if your child is old enough to learn to swim? If they’re even six months old, they can get started! “Infant swim” classes are becoming more popular nowadays. These programs have decades of research behind them, and are proven to save children’s lives.

Instructors teach children to float, to roll over onto their backs, and not to panic if they fall into the water. Infant swim lessons are not a substitute for parental supervision. They are a last line of defense. They also acclimate children to the water, so they can take proper swimming lessons as they get older.

For more information on infant swim classes, visit infantswim.com or read our Lake Living Basics article for tips on how to teach your kids to swim yourself.

Even if your children can tread water on their own, swim classes are a great summer activity. Most lake communities have places for swim lessons for kids of all ages.

Whatever their interests, your children can be safe near, on, or in the water with just a little preparation. Have fun, stay safe and enjoy the lake!

 

Summer Lake Toys in 2017

Posted on Staff

Lake toys have advanced in leaps and bounds since the good old days when we were growing up. That’s just as true on the lake as everywhere else!

Here’s a look at some cool new lake toys to keep an eye out for in 2017. Some are made for kids, but most are a blast for all ages on the lake!

The TowBoggan

The TowBogganthree children being pulled behind a boat on an orange watermat is just like the floating water mats you see so many people lounging on in recent years, with one exception.

It’s designed to hook up to your boat for an exhilarating trip around the lake!

The TowBoggan is reinforced at one end, and equipped with attachment points for a tow line. So grab a seat and hang on tight for a trip around the lake!

Large enough for six people, the TowBoggan works just as well at zero miles an hour, and makes an excellent lounge area on the water.

 The Sea Window

Tortuga green and blue sea window floatie

Give small children, or kids of any age, an easy look under the water’s surface with The Sea Window!

The Sea Window Snorkeling Window is an inflatable portable viewing window, with double-layered panes to give a sharp, magnified view underwater.

You can use this lake toy while swimming, wading, or just standing in the shallows.

 

Seaview Snorkel Mask

For those looking for a more immersive experience with their lake toys, try the Seaview 180-degree Snorkel MaskSea View 180 sea mask snorkel  by WildHorn Outfitters.

This modern take on a snorkel gives you a better view, while also keeping water out of your mouth.

The comfortable full face mask gives you a 180-degree view of your surroundings, with an anti-fog design that keeps it from clouding up.

The mount at the top of the mask is specially designed for attaching a waterproof GoPro camera, as well, to document your excursion under the waves!

JetPack America Jet Pack

three men jet packing out of the water

These high-end toys have come in vogue in recent years, with lake visitors across the country jetting across the water like superheroes.

Each jetpack is connected to a small, powerful pump at lake level that sucks water through a tube up to a pack on the wearer’s back (or under their feet).

It is then shot back down in a powerful stream, propelling them up and forward!

Users can safely steer, hover, dive and jet underwater as they please.

Just be careful of any underwater hazards!

Kits start at $3,500, so there is a chance it’s out of your price range. Good news, though! You can book jetpack “flights” at many lakes around the country. Look online to see if there is a location on your lake!

Sportstuff Cabana Islander4 people relaxing on open water on cabana float

If a leisurely afternoon at the lake is more your speed, take a look at the Sportstuff Cabana Islander.

This canopied inflatable island has all the comforts you could ask for: an entry ramp, inflatable cooler, detachable nylon top and seating for up to six.

The Cabana Islander is constructed of sturdy K80 PVC, so it won’t tear on lake bottoms.

At the end of the day, it deflates for storage into a single, easy to carry tote bag.

WaterSkipper Hydrofoil

men riding on water bike Want a cool new lake toy?

How about a way to get a good workout there, or get from one end to the other without any fuel, noise, or other hassles?

Take a look at the WaterSkipper Hydrofoil.

Step aboard, grab the handlebars, and gently hop up and down to make the hydrofoil carry you across the water at speeds up to 17 miles per hour. Models start at $500.

Race your friends, ride the waves or just hand it off to the kids to wear them out before dinner.

Floating Bean Bag Toss Game

Floating Bean Bag Toss Gamefloating bean bag toss game

Depending on where you’re from, you may call this either a bean bag toss or a cornhole game.

Either way, you’ll have loads of fun with this buoyant take on a classic pasttime!

The inflatable target is a snap to blow up, and the “bean bags” float, too.

This way you’ll never lose them in the water, no matter how badly you miss.

 

Channel Water Spraying Helicopter

Channel Water Spraying Helicopter

Need a little range to get back at someone for that Super Soaker attack?

Call in some air support with this remote-controlled, water spraying helicopter.

It has a water fuselage connected to a remote-controlled water gun, and works just like any other remote controlled helicopter.

The built-in gyroscope gives it excellent aiming stability while your friends run for cover. Welcome to the next generation of lake toys.

Gigantic Inflatable Rubber Ducky

giant inflatable yellow rubber ducky in a pool

Simple. Classic. The life of the party.

And absolutely gigantic.

At more than six feet tall, the Gigantic Inflatable Rubber Ducky by BigMouth, Inc. is a larger-than-life reimagining of Ernie’s old friend.

You’ll certainly stand out whenever this big fellow is standing guard!

 

 

 

 

Online Spotlight: Lake-Link: “Beyond The Water”

Posted on Staff

Lake-Link

 

 

The Midwest’s largest site dedicated to fishing!

Lake-Link provides fishing reports, topographical maps, a lake database and message boards and much more!

Additionally, the site features articles, fishing tips and tactics, moon charts. 

Outdoor enthusiasts from New York to the Dakotas have a valuable resource in Lake-Link, a website with everything from fish reports and boating equipment bargains, to forums on camping and archery.

This site also allows anglers to buy discount bear bait online (Lake-Link’s tagline is “Beyond the Water.”)

Lake-Link offers visitors customized outdoor information and resources across 12 states from the eastern seaboard to the Rockies.

For sale-priced j-plugs, tales of the meanest walleye, on-demand outdoor radio shows and more, visit www.lake-link.com.

De-winterizing Your Home – How To Deal With Frozen Pipes

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Cold weather climates instantly cause homeowners to prepare for the winter months to come and to protect their homes from different types of damage that may occur.

However, when the Spring thaw comes roaring your way, it is time to undo all of the things that were done previously to keep it safe from the cold and acclimate it to the warmer temperatures.

There are some steps that you will need to take in order to de-winterize your home.

Water Pipes

Now would be the time to check for any frozen water pipes. Make sure you feel the water pipes with your hands or with an infrared scanner that can indicate the temperature and whether or not there are any frozen sections in the water pipe.

Thawing of Frozen Pipes

Frozen PipeIf you do discover that some of your water pipes are frozen, you must first open your faucets, then use one of two methods in order unfreeze your pipes so that the water starts to flow again.

• Turn up the heat in your home. It can be a slow process but is very safe. Even though it may take some time to unfreeze your pipes, this is a highly recommended method from professional plumbers.
• If there is a specific part of your pipe that you know is frozen, then take a hair dryer to it until you notice a change in water flow.
• This should be used as a last resort, but you can also use a propane torch to warm up your frozen pipe. It is a much quicker method to use, but is also more dangerous and should only be done by someone who is trained to use a propane torch and can practice extreme caution.

Burst Water Pipes

If you notice that there are any burst water pipes in your home after you thaw, then you need to act as soon as possible to get these pipes repaired. The longer you wait, the more expensive the damage can become. If you do find a leaky pipe, make sure you turn off the water supply as soon as possible.

If you know how to repair a leaking pipe, then this would be the time to utilize your skills. If you do not, this would be the time to call a plumber and let a professional handle it. You will also need to replace any plumbing traps underneath your sinks.

These are just a few helpful tips you can use to help get your home ready for spring. A frozen pipe is never a good thing, so if you do not know how to handle the situation you should call a professional as soon as possible to get the problem squared away. Now your home should be ready for those warm spring and summer months ahead.