Types of Sailboats

There are many different types of Sailboats and designs to sailboats. In this article we will go over the various types and some information on them. A sailboat is a boat that uses wind as its primary way to move around. Although these boats vary in size and craftsmanship, they are still sailboats.

Sloop

This is the most frequently used sailboat and has very distinguishing features. It has one Mast with two sails attached to it; these are generally a mainsail and foresail.

Rig Sloop

The next is the Rig Sloop or Rig for short. The Rig has two sails, however, they do not run to the top of the mast. This allows more tension in the Backstay, while arching in the middle of the forward mast.

Cutters

The cutter may look similar to the sloop, however, it only has one single mast and mainsail to allow for 2 headsails to be used.

Catboats

Catboats have one mast that is mounted towards the forward. These come without a Jib. The modern Catboats have only one sail, while the older ones have multiple sails.

Ketches

While Ketches are a very close relation to the sloop, they have a second mast that is shorter and located forward of the rudderpost. This second is known as the mizzenmast, the sail on this mast is called the mizzen sail.

Yawl

The yawl is very closely related to the Ketch. It has a mizzenmast, however is astern the rudderpost.

Schooner

A Schooner can and will have more than two masts. The second will be as tall as the first mast, which helps to mark its difference from the yawl and ketch.

Hulls

The hull is the body or also known as the frame of a ship. This is the part of the boat in which the bottom half is in the water

Keel

The keel is one of two different things, one being the frame on which the boat is built, while the other is used to help with the boat's maneuverability.

Centerboard

The Centerboard is a lightweight keel that is not mounted permanently, and can be moved out of the way in shallow water.

Dee

Boating Safety Tips

Having a safe and fun day on the water simply requires a little planning and a heavy dose of common sense. Most boaters are so much about having fun on the water that they sometimes overlook some FUNdamentals. Since boating is such a pleasurable treat, it's very easy to let your guard down. So here's the plan for a great and safe day on the water.

Planning your voyage Before leaving home, know where you are going, who will be with you, and when you expect to return. Obviously, if you are just going across the lake or up the river, this is a simple matter, but if your are going salt water fishing, it is critical that someone ashore knows where you are going and when you are expected to return – so that they can call for help if you turn up overdue.

Make sure your boat is seaworthy Whether you are just going 'for a spin' or for a full day's trip, it's important to ensure that your boat is seaworthy (not taking on water), your engine is reliable, and you have the proper safety equipment on board. Your boat should never be overloaded with people or gear and the engine must be of adequate power to push the loaded boat through the worst possible conditions that you can imagine. Whatever bad weather you can expect, sometimes you just get really surprised!

Have the proper boat equipment, fuel and supplies There are few worse experiences than being broken down or out of fuel in a boat well out of the sight of land. Before venturing out, make certain that you have enough fuel to go to the farthest point and back and still have half a tank to spare, taking into consideration the various marinas and fuel stops that may be along your planned route. Never leave the dock without, at a minimum, a Person Floatation Device (PFD) for each person in the boat and a throwable floating cushion as well. You must have a fire extinguisher of adequate size and type for the boat. The battery(s) must be fully charged and the bilge pump in good working order. Be sure that the boat's blower, horn, and navigation lights are in good working order – even if you don't intent to be out at night. Although it's usually not a legal requirement in most states, you should always have an anchor and line of the size and length to enable you to safeguard the boat in the event of a breakdown. If you plan to be out of cell phone range, a marine radio is a must as is a GPS for navigation if you are going out to sea.

Have the proper people equipment, fuel and supplies! For you and your crew, be certain to have enough water, ice and snacks. A good sunscreen lotion is a must and the sun's rays are greatly enhanced by the reflections off the water. Be sure to take the medical needs of your crew and guests, especially if someone is a diabetic, has a heart condition or other chronic condition. Of course, a good first aid kit is important. If alcoholic beverages are on the menu, make sure that nobody overdoes it, particularly anyone who will operate the boat. Since there are no lanes out on the water, other boaters can approach from any direction and the driver of the boat must be ever alert to traffic, wakes, and conditions. Most states now enforce a "Boating Under the Influence" law with serious consequences for those who overdo the alcohol and then risk their lives and those of their crew by driving a boat. I just pays to have a designated driver along.

Unexpected variables Many things can come up to surprise you when you are out on the water, particularly the weather. Check out the weather forecast before leaving the dock so that you know what's expected. Of course, storms are most likely to 'pop up' at any time, so it really pays to keep an eye to the horizon at all times. If you see a thunderhead approaching, you should not try to outrun it, but to take a course at a 90 degree angle from the direction of the storm. If you can get to a harbor or shoreline and tie up, that would be advised. If you cannot avoid being in the storm, stow all loose gear, just keep the bow of the boat pointed into the direction of the storm and give the engine enough gas to keep the bow raised to handle the wave action. My salty old Coast Guard chief petty officer used to say," boats are made for bad weather, people are not!". If it is in reasonably good condition, your boat will likely weather the storm very well. All of the SOB's (Souls on Board) should put their PFD on at the first sighting of a bad storm – just to be safe. If people become ill during the rough weather, help them rest as much as possible.

If you will take the proper precautions and plan ahead just a little bit, your voyage on the water will be a whole lot of fun. Have a great cruise!

Lagoon 2008 Model Changes

The major change with the catamarans mentioned above is the interiors. The interior wood used on all the models has been changed to light oak alpi and synthetic wenge floor in order to create a modern ambiance.

Two new versions of the Lagoon 380 will be available for 2008: The Lagoon 380 Club and Lagoon 380 Premium. The Lagoon 380 Club version is a simplified of the 380-S2. This model will be offered with a short options list. The idea and result of this is to provide future customers an attractive base price less than $280,000. The Premium model is now the exclusive version of the Lagoon 380.

The Lagoon 380 will also have new lazy bag option available, new davits blocks, new upholstery: New color chart, and new hull decals: similar to the ones on the Lagoon 420.

The Lagoon 440 will have black painting on salon plexiglass window: similar to Lagoon 420. A new mast step: similar to the L500 with the 2 top steps at the same level will be implemented in the L420. Just like the L380 the L440 will have a new lazy bag option, new davits blocks, and new upholstery: 2008 color chart, and new hull decals. Fiddles will be place at the top of the cockpit seat back and behind the wet-bar to prevent water from sliding in the cockpit. Fixed glass escape hatches with hammer and stainless fridge and freezer in option will also be available for the L440.

Keeping up with their tradition of staying on top of the competition Lagoon has made various changes to their 2008 model line-up. The Lagoon 380, Lagoon 420, Lagoon 440, and Lagoon 500 all have new features and options.

The Lagoon 500 will also have many of the same new features and options as the other models.

Boat Seats Should Serve More Than One Purpose

Boating is a great hobby for families, individuals and even friends to take part in together. There's just something about hitting the open sea, or lake, at the end of a long week that makes all the worries in the world melt away. Whether it's a sail boat, a fishing boat or a skiing boat that's in question, however, safety needs to be a paramount concern. Everything from the boat itself to the boat seats should be in tip top condition to ensure that fun on the water doesn't turn into a nightmare.

Everyone knows that boats should be well stocked with life preservers. In fact, safety vests are not only smart, they happen to be the law in some locales. There are some extras that people can do to go above and beyond when it comes to floatation devices. This is where good boat seats come in handy.

Many boat seats come equipped with a breakaway feature that allows them to be used as flotation devices in an emergency. These are stock onboard the vessel from the time of purchase. Made to blend in with the boat's design, these are great extra measures of safety. Caring for them properly will involve nothing more than making sure the seats stay in good condition and are cleaned as necessary.

Although most boats offer some sort of built-in flotation device system, there are other boat seats that can be purchased to provide an extra lift when they're necessary. Add on boat seats that double as floaters are great choices for making boats comfortable for those who use them and safer in the event of an emergency. Some boat cushions, in fact, even offer arm holds to help people use them more effectively when they are needed.

When using boat seats as flotation devices, there are some pointers people should remember. These include:

Proper care: Seats and cushions that double as flotation devices should be kept in good condition. This means cleaning them when necessary and making sure there are no rips, tears or other damage that might render them not usable in the event of an emergency. Cushions that are add on purchases should be replaced if they are damaged.

Testing: Since boat seats and cushions are used in watery conditions, they can develop problems from time to time. It's a good idea to check their effectiveness before relying on them solely if an accident or emergency arises.

Extra protection: Seats and cushions can provide an extra level of comfort, but it's important to remember they are add on devices. A good floating boat seat does not replace the need to have life vests onboard a boat. It doesn't matter if the boat is a little fishing vessel or a big ski boat built for speed, safety should be a top concern.

Boating is a great way to get away from it all. Safety on the water, however, should never be taken for granted. To ensure every outing is a good one, make sure necessary equipment is onboard. From the life vests to the boat seats, they'll all be important in an emergency.

Financing Your Boat

There are several options to consider in financing a boat. If it is a new boat, most banks and finance companies will provide a long payoff period on a boat since it is a discretionary purchase and, historically, these are very safe loans for the financier to make. If the boat is pre-owned, the finance rate (APR) is usually a little higher and the maximum term allowed is considerably shorter.

To begin the process of investigating the financing of a boat, start with your credit score. Your ability to finance a boat and to get the best possible terms is more dependent on your credit score than on any other single factor. Run check on your credit score and your credit history. You may find some problems there where erroneous information has been reported and it would behoove you to get those items cleared up (and your credit score thus improved) before you apply for a loan. Generally speaking, if your credit score is above 650, you should have few problems and if it is above 700, you can probably get the best terms.

With your good credit score in hand, visit the bank where you have your accounts as well as your credit union, to determine their boat financing programs. Many times, they will provide better rates and terms to a known customer than a boat finance company will provide to a stranger. Regardless, it just pays to ship.

Next, go on the internet and do a Google search for "boat financing". Check out the ads that appear and shop them diligently until you find a competitive deal. Do not make any commitments until you are done shopping!

If you are purchasing the boat from a dealer, check with him to see what connections they have pre-arranged for financing of the boat. Since they do this hundreds of times a year (and since the majority of their business is dependent on financing), they usually have the ability to 'shop the deal' among the larger banks in the region that finance boat transactions. Once again, your credit score will likely be the single most important factor contributing to the deal that you get.

Don't be surprised if the boat financing offered to you at the dealership includes optional credit life insurance, extended warranty coverages, and other 'add-ons'. It certainly is your option to accept or to decline these options without affecting the underlying financing package. Boat dealers are paid handsomely for selling these add-ons, so be prepared for the onslaught of offers. Depending on your financial condition, credit life might be worthwhile, but for most people, it is not. The extended warranty coverage is only important where the engine manufacturer's standard warranty is limited to 12 to 18 months. Most marine manufacturers now warranty their engines for 24 months or more. Most problems that you may have with the actual boat hull will normally rear their heads within the manufacturer's standard warranty period. Radios, instruments, accessories, etc are all covered by their respective manufacturers, usually for a period of one year.

When facing boat financing decisions, be sure to have a budget for your whole boating experience including not only the monthly cost of the boat, but also operational expenses for fuel, insurance, repairs and maintenance, etc. It would be terrible to have a nice, shiny new boat in the driveway and be unable to use it because you didn't anticipate the cost of operating it!

With a little homework on your part (and a good credit score!), financing your boat should not be a problem. Have a great voyage!

Top 4 Reasons to Buy Aluminum Boats

One of the top questions people often ask me is this: is it really necessary to spend cash on aluminum boats? And my answer has always been that- If you want longevity and are looking forward to keeping your boat in good condition for a long time, then you should seriously think about investing in aluminum boats. Unlike fiberglass boats, the hull of a boat is stronger and hence, more durable. Moreover, it is easier to adapt aluminum boats to specific conditions and requirements.

Aluminum boats are very popular among those interested in boating. Even government boats are made of aluminum. Aluminum has now become the standard ingredient used for manufacturing high-end luxury yachts.

The fact that half of the boats in United States are made of aluminum is enough to appreciate the importance given to aluminum boats. Some of the aluminum boats manufactured in the U.S are small, thin-hulled boats fastened with rivets, while others have thick, welded sections of aluminum. One of the main advantages of aluminum boats is that they are dent-resistant and lightweight. Since they are lightweight, you can get greater performance from the aluminum boats in terms of speed, plus light boats need less fuel consumption than heavier boats. Aluminum is so strong that it can withstand all kinds of calamities, which neither steel nor fiberglass can. For example, if you want to change your boat into a hull, the blows that go into the making of hulls can make fiberglass boats crack up, since they are brittle by nature. In contrast, such blows only cause a small amount of dent in aluminum boats.

Another advantage of aluminum boats is that they can be easily repaired. Unlike fiberglass boats, you can easily fix an aluminum boat. For example, if your aluminum boat has a dent in it, you can easily fix it by pounding out the dent with a hammer. If this doesn't work, you can use a saw to cut and replace certain sections of the boat plate. Repairs like this are not only economically viable for the boat owner; they also take much less time to complete than repairing a whole boat.

One of the things that fiberglass boat owners may not know is that fiberglass is generally made up of petroleum-based chemicals, which are combustible. In contrast, aluminum boats are generally fire-proof. Aluminum is also known to resist corrosion, which makes it perfect for salt water fishing trips.

If you want to customize your boat to suit your needs, then you should go for aluminum boats rather than fiberglass boats. Fiberglass boats are made up of molds, which makes it really difficult to customize them. In contrast, aluminum boats are easy to customize! If you want to add new parts to an aluminum boat, you just need to cut, weld, and drill or bolt new parts to the boat. Moreover, with the advent of computer-aided drafting and design, it is easy to generate custom hull shapes out of aluminum.

If you want a boat that is durable, fire proof, flexible and easy to repair and customize, you should really get yourself an aluminum boat. There are no two ways about it. Aluminum boats are used by most boat owners today. Why not give it a try yourself?

If you need more information about aluminum fishing boats, we have a complete resource guide available for that purpose. Simply click the link below in my resource box in order to access the guide.

Choosing A Boating Gift

Choosing a gift for someone special can always be a bit of a challenge. But when you're buying for a hobby enthusiast, your options expand as a host of hobby-related gifts becomes a possibility. For boating enthusiasts especially, a well chosen boating gift can be both enjoyable and functional.

There may be those people who are difficult to buy for because they seem to have everything. But when it comes to boaters, "everything" is a bit more difficult to acquire; for this reason, giving a boating gift means that you'll always have something to buy that special someone – outfitting their boat with the latest and greatest in modern gadgets.

Today's sophisticated boats are outfitted similar to floating homes. Subsequently, you can easily find a boating gift that adds to the convenience and luxury of the boat's living quarters. Boating supply stores offer a wide variety of convenience items and appliances that are specially designed for onboard use such as blenders and coffee makers. Another boating gift could be a host of safe and attractive dinnerware that the boat owner can use to entertain. There are a variety of beautiful cocktail glasses, plates, serving trays, and utensils that you can arrange in a basket with linens that complement the boat's interior.

To go along with this boating gift theme, you may want to present the boat owner with an additional basket of easily stored, non-perishable food items to keep on board for entertaining purposes such as small jams, crackers, or a nice bottle of wine. If you are staying on board for the evening or for an extended period of time you could think about bringing along a pre-arranged meal for an onboard feast.

There are also a host of decorative items to give as a boating gift including small candles, placemats, picture frames, and non-breakable vases. You could even put together a lovely basket with miniature toiletry items including small towels, creams, lotions, soaps, and powder.

Of course, there are also quite a few practical items that would serve as a wonderful boating gift, although these tend to be on the pricier side. Check with the boat owner to try to find out what items he/she still needs but hasn't yet purchased.

No matter what you choose to purchase, the truth is that a thoughtful boating gift for the water enthusiast in your life will be well received and much appreciated!

Best Boating Destinations You Ought To Go To Now

If you are really into boating, then you'd always want to find the best boating destinations out there in order for you to get the best of your boating experience. What better way than to spend the time with your family at these great boating destinations doing the things that you love such as water sports or fishing.

Below are two of the best boating destinations and the reasons as to why you will love these places.

1. South Puget Sound, Olympia, Washington

The first boating destination is South Puget Sound. This waterfront capital is a place worth going to. There are a lot of interesting places and activities that can keep you and your family occupied. Your family will love you for it.

The 30-Mile Cruise - If you love to glide along calm waters while at the same time enjoying marvelous scenery, then it is ideal for you to take a cruise to the Seattle - Tacoma metropolitan route.

Salmons Haven - Calling all salmon lovers and bottom fishers. If you love salmon, you will enjoy South Puget Sound as there are a lot of fishing sites to last you a lifetime.

Spacious Marinas - If you are not into crowded places, then this is the best place for you as the marinas are spacious. Here you can have the privacy and space that you need.

Wonderful Sceneries - What more can be said here when you have alpine-like sceneries and snowcapped peaks as the backdrop for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring your digital cameras and camcorder. You don't want to miss a shot here.

Holidays - Due to the bodies of water, you can bet there are a lot of boat related festivities and also water activities such as:


- Olympia Wooden Boat Festival


- Oyster Festival

Beautiful Sunset - To some recreational boaters, watching the sun set in the Olympic Mountain is all the satisfaction they need.

2. Deer Harbor, Orcas Island

It is located in the middle part of San Juan Island Cruising Grounds, and because of its location which does not form the mainstream cruise path the Deer Harbor has maintained its carefree and relaxing atmosphere.

Boater's Paradise - There is no way that you are not going to love this place, which can only be described as paradise on earth. The scenery will leave you satisfied and its relaxing atmosphere will surely make you feel like you don't want to be anywhere else.

Amenities For Your Convenience - The main attraction in Deer Harbor would be the Deer Harbor Marina and The Resort. The facilities provided are so complete that you will definitely find everything you want without having to go far. The marina itself has 110 slips that come complete with water and electricity.

Wonderful Dining Experience - If you love to eat, then look no further than the Deer Harbor Inn. You'll get a taste of native delicacies while at the same time enjoy the beautiful scenery that overlooks the harbor. You'll find all kinds of menu and they vary depending on the season.

Wildlife - If you enjoy what nature has to offer, you don't want to miss Frank Richardson's Wildlife Reserve. Get off your boat and explore nature.

The two best boating destination above are not the only destinations that are recommended for boaters. There are other beautiful boating destinations around the world that are just waiting to be discovered by you.

So, what are you still doing here? Pack up your bags, bring everybody in the family and just enjoy yourself!

Boating Fun Doesn't Have To Break The Bank

Many water enthusiasts love to spend time at their local lake or river but simply don't have the funds for a boat. A boat can be quite expensive, not only to purchase, but also to maintain. Then there's the cost and pain in the butt that is pulling said boat from here to there. With the price of gas, this can become quite an extra cost. The interesting thing about all of this is that having a boat doesn't have to break the bank.

A viable option for many people is a quality inflatable boat. Now before you roll your eyes and minimize the screen, you should hear me out (or in this case read me out). Inflatable boats aren't like those things you but at the super center and used to play with when you were a kid. Technology has enabled manufacturers to make high quality boats at very affordable prices. So high quality that they stand up to a dog walking inside of them and someone hitting them with a hammer while inflated.

There are inflatable kayaks, sailboats, run-a-bouts, pontoon boats and even motor mount boats. That's right, inflatable boats that you can attach a motor to. And these inflatable boats are a lot less expensive than a traditional boat. Plus they can be easily inflated and deflated and taken with you wherever you want to go. Boating fun simply doesn't have to break the bank.

Imagine the convenience of being able to float and fish your favorite river in your own personal pontoon boat. What could be more convenient? For those of you who don't know, a personal pontoon boat is simply 1 seat (or 2) mounted between a pair of inflatable pontoons. These boats are great for fishing or just relaxing on small lakes and ponds, and floating a river is amazing with the help of a personal pontoon boat. The amount of water that can be covered is truly amazing.

The bottom line is that boating fun doesn't have to be a hassle or break the bank. With the help of a quality inflatable boat, you to can be enjoying boating and all it has to offer. And if you're an angler, an inflatable kayak or pontoon boat can open up all kinds of new water to you, whether that water is in a lake or pond, or in a river.

Selecting a Boat for Your Family

To determine the boat that is best suited for your family, there are many factors to be considered. Your eventual happiness with your boat will largely depend on your consideration of the following issues before going into the dealership and being overcome by the sweet smells and feelings given off by the new vessels on display.

Type of boat – It is critical that you determine whether a runabout, a cabin cruiser, a fishing boat, a sailboat, pontoon boat or perhaps a watersport tow boat will best fit your needs. Obviously, if your kids are avid skiers or wakeboarders, a fishing boat, cabin cruiser or sailboat probably will not suffice, so be sure to match the various boat types to the interests of your family.

How will the boat be used? – If you plan on spending the night on board your boat, you should be considering a cabin cruiser or at least a cuddy cabin. If you will be making full day voyages away from restroom facilities, a boat with a 'head' (marine toilet) should likely rank high on your list. On the other hand, if you are just cruising around on an inland lake with minimal waves, perhaps a new pontoon boat will be the best fit for your needs

Where the boat will be used? – If you live in or will travel to a coastal area and plan on venturing out into the ocean, Great Lakes, or Gulf of Mexico, you will need a larger and more seaworthy boat, perhaps one with dual engines (one to get you home if the other engine fails) will be best suited for your family. In this case, you should also have a marine radio, GPS navigation, as well as charts of the waters that you plan on cruising. It will be important to have a Coast Guard or Power Squadron boater safety class, in any event.

How many people and how much gear will be on board? – One of the interesting things about boat ownership is that, when you own a boat, you suddenly have more close friends than you ever thought possible! Be certain to specify a large enough boat to accommodate all of the people and gear that you will be taking along on your voyages All boats under 25 feet are required to have a capacity plate that shows the maximum capacity of people and equipment that the boat s designed to accommodate.

How large should the engine be? - One of the biggest mistakes that you can make in boat selection is to under power your boat. If the boat has too little power to plane off under a full load or to run with traveling seas in heavy weather, you will never again be comfortable, feel safe, or be pleased with your boat's performance.

Will you be trailering the boat? -If so, don't forget to consider the weight of the boat and trailer n comparison with the towing capacity of your tow vehicle. Also, if the boat and trailer weigh more than 2000 , be sure to consider electric or surge brakes on your trailer rig.

What' s your budget? - Once you have determined the right size and type of boat for your needs, all of that data must then be considered with your budget in mind. To obtain a 'ball park' value of various boats go to www.NADA.com to lookup there prices. Don't forget to add the cost of the trailer and of the engine (if the boat is an outboard). If the cost stretches your budget too much, you might consider a good used boat instead of a new one. Don't forget to consider the cost of fuel, insurance, maintenance, and insurance in your total budget consideration.

Most importantly, never buy a new or used boat before you have ridden in and driven it under power. This may be a big inconvenience to trailer and launch the boat just for a test drive, but the only way to fully check out a boat is to operate it under varying speeds and conditions. Do not allow the dealer or seller to persuade you that such a water test is not necessary!

When you have done your homework well, you will enjoy years and years of wonderful boating fun!