Friday, April 27, 2007

Boat Accessory, Boat Fenders Storage Solutions

If you are wondering what to do with your boat accessories, specifically boat fenders, and how to store all that "stuff," listen up to the following suggestion.

Storage on boats is always a challenge. There are storage compartments under bench seats, under single seats, in a side hole, or if your boat is large enough, there may be a storage locker or closet. Of course, there is usually somewhere to put your boat accessories: boat fenders, towels, tools, spare engine parts, anchors and an extra propeller; but let's face it, boat accessory storage is at a premium.

The trick is to own the type of boat accessories which respect economy of space. Not everything can be broken down and folded up, but you can think ahead before purchasing your boat fenders and other accessories. Now, at the beginning of the boating season, is the best time to prepare, look at the overall picture, and get organized. You want space for your passengers and their gear to be a priority, not have your boating accessories take up all of your people space.

Let's look at Boat Fenders. You need them, of course, but do you need them all the time? No. Are you tired of them taking up so much space or rolling around on the floor? Yes, of course. The solution is to have boat bumpers you can deflate, compact and store in a small space like the new Inflatable/Deflatable Boat Fenders from Boat Bunkers. These boat bumpers are truly space saving and convenient.

Boat Bunkers Inflatable Boat Fenders are made of a high-impact absorbing material. They inflate in seconds with just a few strokes of the hand or foot pump through a high-volume, one-way recessed valve for the occasions when you need them. Now here's the beauty of it. When you're done using your boat fender, simply unscrew the cap. It instantly deflates and you can roll it up. You can fit four boat fenders and the pump in the compact tote bag which comes with the set. They can match your boat with a variety of available colors which include black, dark blue, light blue, red and green. They come in four sizes of small, medium, large and extra large. The extra large boat bumper inflates with a handy foot pump. These boat bumpers are great quality, come with a heavy-duty abrasion-resistant cover, a built-in strap and buckle for convenient attachment to your boat, and have a manufacturer's Lifetime Guaranty. The whole "kit," which includes four boat fenders, the pump and tote bag, starts at only $79.96 for the small size, a very affordable package price.

I use these boat fenders myself and really feel they are an asset no boat owner should be without. I am a big believer in anything useful which is more efficient, compact, and space-saving. These boat fenders really fit that bill and are just what you need this season to make your life a little easier. Including these boat fenders in your boat accessories list will improve your boating experience simply because you are saving space.

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Advice On How To Find The Best Fly Fishing Rod

In the sport of fly fishing, your rod is one of your most important pieces of equipment. Fly rods come in various shapes and sizes, and which one you choose depends a lot on how you are going to be using the rod.

Fly fishing rods come rated in terms of the net weight they can handle (designated by nwt). That means if you are fishing waters for fish up to 8 pounds, you should use an 8 nwt rod. The higher the number, the bigger fish the rod will be able to handle.

Some rods are multi-rated (i.e. 8-10 nwt). These rods are good because they can handle a variety of situations, but you will sacrifice flexibility in the performance of the rod. A multi-rated rod is good for beginning fly fishermen because of it's ability to adapt to various fishing scenarios.

Rods are made of three different materials: fiberglass, graphite, and bamboo. Fiberglass rods are the best choice for beginners. They are durable and considerably less expensive than the alternatives. Most fly fishing rods are made of fiberglass.

Graphite rods are a little more expensive, but they are lighter than fiberglass. They are better at casting than other rods and can handle many types of fishing situations. Graphite rods are strong so they'll give you more fighting weight when trying to finish your catch.

Bamboo rods were the earliest rods used in the sport of fly fishing. Today, bamboo rods are quite expensive, but they are amazing strong and durable. These rods are suited for a slow, soft casting style associated with slow, leisurely fishing. Bamboo rods are very graceful, but they can be difficult to handle in certain situations, so this is not a good choice for beginners.

The length of your rod makes a difference as well depending on what type of fishing location you are in. Rods less than 8 feet long are good for tight, narrow places and areas with overhanging trees. Eight to nine foot rods are ideal for trout and bass fishing in open areas where you can get casting distance. Anything nine feet and over is for wide open waters and long distance casts. You can also use a nine foot and above rod for fishing from a float tube.

Put some thought into your fly fishing rod. While it's not the only piece of gear that matters, it can be the one piece of gear that can help you bring in a monster fish or a baby fish. Think about what you want to accomplish on your fishing expedition and choose a rod that you help you achieve your goal.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Take a Boat Trip for Exciting Fun

You will find that all you may need is a break from the world at times. By going away on a cruise you will be able to spend a lot of time finding yourself and letting go of all your stress and worries. When you come home, you problems may be waiting for you, but you'll be ready to tackle them. You will come back home with a clear picture of yourself and all the things that you may find out about yourself. You'll also be able to find new friends and have a lot of fun experiencing new things, but then you will be able to find new friends as well.

Even if you do the research and find that it is too expensive, there are rooms where you can share a cabin with others. There are other passengers, usually of the same sex, that will split the cost of a room. However, you will have to pay extra if the cruise line can't give you a roommate.

If you would prefer to have your privacy, then you will find that there are some cruise lines that will offer you lower extra fees if you would like to have a bigger cabin, but it might be less exclusive them most. You'll be able to get more comfort for the same price that you would pay for a normal cabin. Finding an offer that will give you the best of options will require you to put some thought and research into your planning.

Another option that you may agree on is if you wait until very last minute. Cruise lines will offer the discounts for any vacant cabins. This may require less planning, but you may not have much luck in getting exactly what you like.

However, once you are onboard you will find that you will not spend your vacation online. You will find that there are plenty of activities on and off the ship that you may be able to take part in. You will want to ask the activities director for a complete program so that you can spend your hours exploring the world.

If you would like to meet new people, you'll be able to find a lot of comfort in dinner. You can walk about getting to know each other. You will want to talk to those at your table and try to make friends so that you will feel comfortable. Then if you end up not liking the group of passengers, you an always ask to be seated at another table. There are hundreds of people on a cruise and you should be able to make at least a few friendships.

Then again, sailing by yourself, you'll be able to find mystery. Others will want to know your business and everything about you, as well as, explore the cruise and activities by making new friendships at the same time.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Personal Boat Insurance - An Essential Part of Boat Ownership

If you are considering a personal boat purchase, such as a cruiser, a fishing boat, or any other type of boat, you will want to incorporate insurance into the overall cost of the boat. Its a good idea to get boat insurance quotes when you have decided on the make and model of the boat, or when you are ready to purchase. Personal boat insurance is essential for boat safety and security.

The first place to start is with your current auto or homeowners insurance company. A separate policy is best for a boat, because you don't want your liability or premiums tied into your home-owner's policy. You can always sell your boat if the insurance is too expensive, but it is much more difficult to do that with your home. However, if you have your different policy lines with the same company, than you may get more of a discount. After you've gotten the initial quote, you can shop around for comparison quotes before you make your decision.

Similar to auto insurance, boating insurance covers liability to others, and physical damage to the vehicle itself. In addition, there is also additional types of coverage you can add to your policy. If you have a newer boat, or have a lien holder on the boat, you will want or may need to include physical damage coverage on your policy, which covers damages to the hull, parts and machinery of the boat. Agreed value is a type of policy where you and the insurer agree on the value of the boat, usually based on the purchase cost. If there is a loss, the insurer already knows how much to pay for the total loss of the boat. With this type of policy, its important that you keep documentation for the value of the boat.

Another type of physical damage policy is similar to auto insurance, where the insurer pays what the boat was worth at the time of loss, or the actual cash value of the boat. This type of policy factors in depreciation, and is usually less expensive than an agreed or stated value policy. However, you may get less then you would in the event of a boat loss.

Your policy will also include liability, which will protect you if you hit another boat, or someone in the water. You want to make sure your liability limit is high, so you will be fully protected in case of an accident. You will also want to include medical payments, which will cover any passengers on your boat who are injured.

Other essential items in a boat policy are emergency services, such as towing coverage, which provides coverage if your boat has to be towed back to shore because of an accident, and also boat recovery. If your boat has sunk, and has to be brought up to the surface, that type of service can be very expensive, and you want to make sure its covered in your policy. You may also want to consider additional coverage for any extra equipment on board, such as fishing gear and tackle, as most policies have a coverage limit for personal items.

Personal boat insurance is a necessity, and should be incorporated into the overall cost of boat ownership. By comparison shopping, you can usually get a good deal on comprehensive insurance. Its better to have the peace of mind that proper insurance provides, so you can truly enjoy yourself when you take out your boat.

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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Alaska Cruise Tours From Anchorage - The Best Post-Cruise Tour

With an Alaska cruise, you have some great optional land tours that you can add on either before or after your actual cruise. In the Anchorage area, which includes the ports of Seward and Whittier, you have some wonderful pre- or post-cruise land Alaska land tour options.

Two of the best tour packages are the Kenai Fjords tour and the Denali Tour. The Kenai Peninsula tours generally run about 2 to 4 days. The Denali tours run between 4 and 5 days. There are also week-long tours that include both locations.

While it is possible to take a guided tour, many of the tours are self-guided rail or bus excursions, allowing you to visit the sights at your own pace, yet without worrying about driving, so that you to relax and enjoy your trip.

Kenai Fjords Tours: See the Breathtaking Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula is located about three hours south and southwest of Anchorage. The peninsula is home to the scenic ports of Seward and Homer, along with the breathtakingly beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park.

Pre-cruise Kenai tours generally start in Anchorage, then follow the road or train lines along the Turnagain Arm to Seward. The Turnagain Arm is a long, narrow bay that is home to many beluga whales, so keep an eye out for them when you pass alongside this bay.

Seward is a quaint fishing village that is located on the Gulf of Alaska, home to many great little shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums. Seward serves as your home base for exploring the peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Since the vast majority of Kenai Fjords is accessible only by water, you will take a day cruise from Seward into the park, exploring its amazing fjords and glaciers up close. The park is a truly beautiful place, with abundant sea life and wildlife, and many breathtaking views.

You generally spend the next day exploring the town of Seward, including the Alaska Sea Life Center, a world-class marine research and educational facility, where you can see and learn about the area's amazing sea life.

The tour then heads by bus or rail back to Anchorage, before taking you on to your cruise at the port of Whittier.

Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park Tours

As beautiful and scenic as the Kenai peninsula is, if I had to pick one of these two tours to add on to my Alaska cruise, I would select the Denali tour. The reason is that this tour allows you to see and experience much more of the great interior of Alaska, a perfect compliment to your cruise along Alaska's coastline.

Your Denali park tour will begin in Anchorage, heading along the wonderfully scenic Alaska Railroad. The trip takes a little more than 7 hours by rail, and along the way you pass some absolutely beautiful scenery, including, on clear days, some breathtaking views of the 20,320 foot Mt. McKinley, North America's tallest peak.

Some tours whisk you off for a whitewater rafting adventure, an incredible experience along one of the beautiful, wild rivers in the Denali area.

The next day you will likely take a tour of Denali Park itself. Bear in mind Denali National Park is the size of Massachusetts, so you could take a month and still not see it all. The 95 mile long Kantishna Wilderness tour is one of the more popular Denali trips. It is a twelve hour long journey through some of the parks' most scenic roadways.

The wildlife viewing in Denali is beyond compare, including black and brown bears, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose.

After Denali, most tours generally head back south to the village of Talkeetna. After some shopping and lunch in this quaint town, you might head off on a jet boat cruise along one of the area's wild and scenic rivers, often with the massive and spectacular Mt. McKinley as a backdrop.

Finally, on the last day, you head from Talkeetna to the port of Seward or Whittier, where you board your Alaska cruise.

This Denali land tour is really full of excitement, thrills, and breathtaking scenery. It gives you a great feel for the interior of this amazing state.

Whether you take the Kenai Fjords tour, the Denali tour, or a combined tour of both, you will have a great experience that perfectly compliments your Alaska cruise and gives you a greater appreciation of the vast and varied natural beauty of this incredible state.

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Monday, April 16, 2007

Sports Fishing

Sports Fishing is a beautiful hobby around the world. It is actually became a big industry now. The people like to enjoy the fishing in many different ways. They use various types of accessories and equipments for fishing. It is really charming.

People who are in this sports are professional enough. They catch various types of fishes, see these fishes, studies their nature and then release them again in water. Actually these fishing are done in sea. Various types of boats are used in this fishing. The boats are also very innovative and beautiful.

There are various types of Accessories and Equipments used for this fishing. These accessories are used depending on the type of fish. These accessories are also innovated regularly to create new attraction in this sport. There are various thousands types of accessories available in the market for this.

Some Accessories which are very popular are:

Carp Accessories


Rod Pod


Buzzbar


Bite Indicator


Catapult


Float


Feeder


Bank Stick


Disgorger


Rod Rest


Head Rest


Priest


Umbrella Holder


Pike Gage


Hook Board


Hook & Needle


Kit Accessories


Boom Stick


Stopper

Except the above equipments there are thousands types of equipments used in this sport. All the accessories are available in the market.

This Sports Fishing is really a charming and enjoyable hobby. People pass their time with such a enjoyment that everybody will be attracted in this sport. How different of fishes are there in the sea. We don not know. But we can try it with the a Fishing Boat and various accessories available and enjoy the fishing in a new way.

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Saturday, April 14, 2007

The Loss Of The Edmund Fitzgerald

The Edmund Fitzgerald construction began on August 9th 1957 in the Detroit Great Lake Engineering shipyard on the Rouge River. It was launched on the 7th June 1958, by Elizabeth Fitzgerald on the third attempt to break the bottle of champagne on the ship's bow. It was the largest ship of the time at 729 feet and could carry 25,000 tons of cargo that would sail the great lakes on the Canadian, American border.

The ship was named after the president of the Northwestern Mutual and soon had her nick name "The Mighty Fitz" - this was shortened to "Fitz". She gave over 25 years of service, only having a couple of mishaps on the way, In 1969 near Soo docks the Fitz ran aground causing substantial structural damage. Repairs were carried out to the keelson (the reinforced ribs attached to the keel).

The Fitz was loading taconite (low grade iron pellets) at the Burlington-Northern docks on 9th November 1975. Later that day the Fitz set sail to Detroit in a northeasterly direction. The weather forecast was storms on Lake Superior on Monday 10th November. Early evening of the 9th November the storms had started and the Fitz could see another ship called the Anderson ahead. During the night the Fitz, a faster ship had overtaken the Anderson. Both ships had been in storms this severe before and both captains were used to the November weathers on the lakes.

The evening of the 10th, the Anderson was about15 mile behind the Fitz when the Fitz captain radioed the Anderson that she had lost both her radars due to the being damaged by the weather and was sailing blind. The Anderson was requested to catch up and navigate on behalf of the Fitz. But during the night the radar contact with the Fitz had disappeared.

The Anderson captain tried in vain to contact the Fitz, and requested assistance to search for the Fitz, they never heard or saw the Fitz again.

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Friday, April 13, 2007

The 10 Essential Items You Must Take On A Cruise Vacation

If you are going on a cruise for the first time, no doubt you are excited about taking your first cruise. Going on a cruise can be great fun; however, it is important that you remember everything you need, because you will not be going back home for a few days. The following are ten essential items that you will need on your cruise, so make a list, check it twice, and sail away into the sunset.

Essential #1 - Passport - One of the most important things to take with you on a cruise is your passport. You will probably need to show it when you visit on shore, and maybe even when you get back home as well.

Essential #2 - Medications - If you have any medications that you take on a regular basis, you will need to make sure that you pack them as well. Forgetting your medications could lead to a medical emergency, and it may be hard to get the medication you need on the ship or even when you are touring various land destinations.

Essential #3 - Toiletry Items - While you can purchase some toiletry items on the ship, it is better if you remember to bring toiletry items such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, makeup, contact solution, shampoo, soap, and any other toiletry items you need. Buying them on board may be expensive and you may not be able to get exactly what you want either.

Essential #4 - Comfortable Shoes - More than likely you are going to do a good bit of walking while you are on your cruise, so be sure to take a comfortable pair that will not have your feet screaming by the end of the day.

Essential #5 - Jacket and/or Sweater - While it may be warm during the day, many times it will be a bit cool in the evenings, and in some cases, out on the water you may find it cool during the day as well. Take a jacket or sweater to have just in case you get a bit chilled.

Essential #6 - Sunscreen - Sunscreen is another important thing to remember when you are going on a cruise. You will probably be spending a great deal of time out in the sun, whether on deck or on shore, and you want to avoid sunburn, so make sure you add the sunscreen to your bags.

Essential #7 - Rain Gear - You can never guarantee the weather on a cruise, and you may just run into some rain storms along the way. Taking a raincoat or an umbrella with you can keep you from being miserable if the rain decides to hit.

Essential #8 - Payment Methods (Cash, Credit Cards, Travelers Checks) - Money is going to be important while you are on your cruise, and you need to make sure that you take methods of payment with you like credit cards, travelers checks, and some cash as well.

Essential #9 - Camera - You will be making many exciting memories while you are on the cruise and you will definitely want to capture those moments to remember forever. Make sure that you take along your camera and the film you need so you can capture every important moment.

Essential #10 - Formal Wear - Most cruises will have at least one night, if not more, when dinner is going to be a formal affair. You may need to take a suit or tuxedo, or for women, you will need a cocktail dress or a formal gown.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Inflatable Boats For Fishing

It may be something that you've never thought of, but an inflatable boat can be a great way to go fishing. Especially in a river situation. There are even small inflatable pontoon boats that carry 1 to 2 people that are a great way to fish a river. Heck, these types of inflatable boats are a great way to travel a river, whether you happen to be fishing or not.

Inflatable boats are in most cases much more inexpensive than traditional boats and a ton more convenient. Imagine being able to take your boat with you in the trunk of your car? And then storing it in your closet with the rest of your fishing gear? These are some of the advantages that inflatable boats offer the outdoors person and fisherman. These inflatable boats are incredibly durable as well. Probably to a much greater degree than you ever imagined.

The amount of water that can be covered with the aide of boat such as this can be tremendous. When compared to the amount of water that can be covered on foot, wading and crossing the river, the amount of water that can be covered almost isn't comparable at all. It obviously holds true that the more time that you can spend with your line in the water, rather than walking, the more chance you have of hooking up. Well, inflatable boats enable you to spend more time with your line in the water, which is exactly where it needs to be.

The bottom line is that inflatable boats are most certainly a viable alternative to traditional boats for fishing. They could very well be exactly what you've been looking for. Inflatable fishing boats can make completely new area's of your favorite river available to you.

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