Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. We have all heard about some cars being a lemon. Here is a pontoon boat lemon.
It's a beautiful day for a boat ride on lake Skiatook. An experience Scott Bennett and his wife always dreamed about.
"We wanted a boat big enough to where we could have gatherings," says Scott.
He bought his pontoon boat in June of last year from Tulsa Boat Sales
"We thought that if we bought a new boat we may not have the issues that a used boat might have," says Scott. Turns out he was wrong.
The first problem came on the very first outing.
"We opened up our engine compartment and it was full of water," says Scott.
And that was just the beginning.
"Not only was water coming in our engine compartment, it was also coming up inside the pontoon up on the deck," says Scott.
Then the stereo also stopped working properly and sheets of metal tearing loose from the bottom of the boat. Scott took it back to tulsa boat sales for repairs.
Says Scott, "I've had the boat about 10 and a half months and five of those months it was in the shop."
Still the boat isn't fixed and Scott's frustration eventually led him to the Problem Solvers. Our calls to Tulsa Boat Sales weren't returned so we called the boat's maker, Tracker Marine.
Tracker agreed to bring the boat back in to the shop.
"They deemed the boat unrepairable and refunded our money 100 percent," says Scott.
Tracker sent Scott a check for more than twenty thousand dollars. He used the money to buy a new pontoon boat.
"Have had it now for three weeks and are just extremely satisfied with the product. We really feel that we bought quality this time."
The best advice for consumers, do a lot of research on any product, especially a big ticket item, before you buy. Thanks to; Pontoon boat takes on water - KJRH.com
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Used Pontoon Boats - Pontoon Boat Lemon
Used Pontoon Boats - Pontoon Boat Plantation River Cruises
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Go on a pontoon boat tour before heading out to a special lunch or dinner. Cap'n Rod's Lowcountry Plantation Tours, 705-B Front St., offers pontoon boat tours on the area's rivers and creeks. There are three options.
The three-hour Pontoon Boat Plantation River Tour cruises past former mansions and rice fields and runs at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children.
The three-hour Lighthouse Shell Island Tour allows passengers to visit an unspoiled barrier island and walk around for about an hour. The tour runs at 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It costs $25 for adults and $20 for children.
The two-hour Ghost Story and Harbor Tour is an evening tour cruising the bays as a guide relates haunted tales. The tour runs Monday through Friday and costs $20 for adults and $15 for children.
For more information call 477-0287. or visit www.lowcountrytours.com.
Eat dinner or lunch at the Rice Paddy. Appetizers include shrimp and corn chowder, grilled barbecued shrimp and deep-fried, bacon-wrapped oysters. The lunch menu features a jalapeno pimento cheeseburger, crab enchilada, or Lowcountry oyster pie. Dinner choices include mustard-coated rack of lamb and pan-fried quail with country ham.
The Rice Paddy, at 732 Front St., is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Make reservations by calling 546-2021.
Note | If you are in the mood for a quick lunch, the Rice Paddy's chicken salad is a great buy. The portion is big, and the house vinaigrette is a must try.
Splurge
Stops | A boat tour, lunch or dinner at the Rice PaddyTime | About five hours
Cost | From $40 to $55 per person
Thanks to;Couples - Coasting - Myrtle Beach Sun News
Used Pontoon Boats - Heckel’s Eagle River Marina files bankruptcy protection
JS Online: Wisconsin’s boating season hits rough waters in bad economyHi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry.
Wisconsin’s boating season hits rough waters in bad economy
It’s been unusually quiet this summer on the Chain O’ Lakes in Waupaca where, normally, the buzz of boat engines starts shortly after dawn and lasts until dusk.For some lakefront residents, a decline in boat traffic is welcome because they never liked the noise and partying that’s associated with recreational boating. But it’s an uneasy silence for others whose livelihoods depend on summer tourism.
“It’s a short season to make money. Basically, we have six weeks for boat rentals,” said Bruce Becker, owner of Becker Marine, which has been in business since 1949.
Statewide, the 2008 boating and camping season got off to a slow start because of poor weather.
Now, boating especially has run into rough water because of the economy and high fuel prices.
This week, Heckel’s Eagle River Marina Inc. and three of its Wisconsin affiliates sought bankruptcy protection from creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
The closely held companies, Heckel’s Lake DuBay Marina, Heckel’s Madison Marina, and Heckel’s Outlet Stores, each listed assets of as much as $10 million and debt of up to $50 million.
No reason was given for the bankruptcy filings and owner Bob Heckel did not return calls seeking comment.
Several Wisconsin boat dealerships have gone out of business in recent months. Nationwide, powerboat sales have fallen to the lowest levels in more than 40 years as consumers have faced shrinking job prospects, record gasoline prices and declining home values, according to Brunswick Corp., the parent of Mercury Marine Inc., an outboard engine maker in Fond du Lac.
Tourism decline overall
This summer, many boaters are spending more time partying at the docks or anchored off a beach.
Some campgrounds and tourism businesses are seeing a decline in customers as people vacation closer to home.
The Fourth of July weekend was “absolutely nuts” in Waupaca, but otherwise the summer has been fairly quiet, said Maria Belke, owner of Ding’s Dock, a canoe and cottage rental business on the Chain O’ Lakes.
“People are being extremely conservative in their spending,” Belke said. “I think a lot of them don’t have the money to travel as much, so they used the July Fourth weekend as their summer vacation.”
Sales are down between 15% and 20% at some tourism businesses, especially on weekdays.
There are noticeably fewer power boats on the Chain O’ Lakes this summer, according to Belke and others in Waupaca.
Some vacationers are renting pontoon boats rather than spend hundreds of dollars in gas to haul their own watercraft to the lake.
Others are trying to save money by asking seasonal businesses for discounts, figuring the business owners will give up a few bucks just to get customers.
Don’t bother, Belke said, because business owners also are struggling with higher operating costs.
“I hate to be rude, but that’s just the way it is,” she said. “We already didn’t increase the price of our river trips this year, just trying to help people out, and we are making less money on the trips than we did a year ago.”
Camp reservations up
Campsite reservations at state-owned campgrounds are up about 1% from a year ago, according to the latest figures from the Department of Natural Resources, although attendance at some facilities is down 10% or more.
“We were heavily impacted by the storms in June. The campground system, as a whole, took a big numbers hit” then, said Peter Biermeier, DNR operations chief.
Campgrounds closest to large cities, such as Kohler-Andrae State Park about 45 miles north of Milwaukee, have weathered the latest economic storms better than some facilities farther away.
The Kohler-Andrae campground has been consistently full this summer. It’s one reason why the DNR is adding 30 campsites to the park and opening a new campground at Harrington Beach State Park about 35 miles north of Milwaukee.
Both new camping facilities will be open next year, Biermeier said.
The number of visitors to Peninsula State Park, in Door County, was down 10% in June from the same month last year, according to park officials. Camping was down 4%, and it was easier than usual to get a campsite without a reservation.
Many people are still bringing their motor homes and fifth-wheel trailers to Peninsula State Park, but some are downsizing.
“Our campground hosts have said they’re seeing more tents and pop-up trailers than they’ve seen in the past,” said Gene Tiser, assistant park superintendent.
Vacation habits change
Vacationers’ habits are different this year in Bayfield, one of the North Woods’ hot spots about 300 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
“People are staying longer rather than the quick day-or-two visit. And we are seeing a lot more apartment and condo rentals where the units have kitchens,” said Kristen Sandstrom, Bayfield Chamber of Commerce marketing manager.
Bayfield’s tourism got off to a slow start in June, largely because of the weather and the economy. Lately, business has rebounded.
“Our numbers aren’t necessarily down at this point, but the season is different. People are certainly being more careful in deciding where to spend their money,” Sandstrom said.
August is one of the busiest tourism months in Wisconsin, so there’s still time for businesses to recover from the summer’s sluggish start. But in some cases, people are probably making one or two trips this summer instead of three or four, said Steve Petersen, property superintendent for the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
On a recent Friday at Lake Tomahawk, in Oneida County, local officials collected boat launching fees from only about eight people. But the next day they collected fees from about 200 boaters.
“That’s still a lot of action,” even if there are fewer boats on the water, Petersen said.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Used pontoon Boats - High Gas Prices Steering More Toward Electric Boats
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry.
Will high gas prices make electric boats as hot as hybrid cars? St. Paul-based insurer Travelers Cos. is hoping so.High Gas Prices Steering More Toward Electric Boats: Travelers Offers 10% Rate Cut on Insurance
The company is offering discounts of up to 10 percent on insurance for electrically powered boats. Although the boat industry is in a downturn, the demand for electric boats is up, said Chantal Cyr, vice president of Travelers' boat and yacht division.
Sales at California-based Duffy Electric Boat Co. have increased 50 percent this year, said Kevin Kearns, a Duffy executive."The interest in the last 90 days has been historical for the company," he said, citing rising fuel costs as a big reason for the boost.
Electric boats -- which you plug in and charge like a Dustbuster -- cost more than their gas counterparts. They're also slower, topping out at a mere 6 to 10 miles per hour. Although numbers weren't available Monday, electric-powered boats appear to be a tiny fraction of the 866,500 boats registered in Minnesota."A lot of people are moving down to the smaller engines, but an electric boat ... I still don't think it will catch on quite yet," said Jeff Shelton, an owner of Boomsite Marina in Stillwater.
Gassing up on the water costs more than it does on the road, said Shelton. It's the same fuel, but waterside stations can charge more because there is less competition and they don't do the volume a roadside gas station does. Electric boats sell at a 20 percent premium to their gas-powered counterparts,estimates John Farrell, president of Duffy Boats of Minnesota, an electric boat dealer.
But it doesn't take long to recoup the difference, he said, when you consider the cost of winterizing a gas-powered boat and the price you'd pay for gas.A few years ago, he compared the cost of owning Duffy's version of a pontoon to a gas-powered pontoon and calculated that it would take 3 1/2 years to make up the premium you'd pay for the electric-only version."With gas prices now, it's probably gone down to about 2 years," Farrell said.Another selling point: Electric motors are quieter.
When Gorham Builders developed the Lakes of Radisson in Blaine, they highlighted the neighborhood's 170-acre man-made lake, on which only electric motors are allowed."People turned their noses up at that and said, 'Yeah right, what I can get is probably the size of a 5-foot bathtub,' " said Gary Gorham, the company's founder, now retired.
To show them what he meant, Gorham bought a 21-foot electric boat from Duffy.Today, he lives in the Lakes of Radisson development and says his electric boat has plenty of company. Earlier this month, someone counted 54 electric boats, he said."There is absolutely no noise," Gorham said. "People can go right by my dock and I don't even hear them. That's so cool. Thanks to"Nicole Garrison-Sprenger for this.
Used Pontoon Boats - Annual boat decorating, parade
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. PORTAGE DES SIOUX - Boats with tiki huts, balloons, flags and funny names like The Scoundrel and Aquatraz came from north and south along the Mississippi River to be blessed recently in Portage Des Sioux at the 51st annual Blessing of the Fleet event.
About 100 boats participated in the "water parade,"
which featured two starting points - the Yacht Club of St. Louis in St. Charles and Harbor Point Yacht Club in West Alton. The parade started at about 1 p.m. from both locations, and many lavishly decorated boats came to the shrine of Our Lady of the Rivers to receive a blessing of safe travel.
The theme of this year's parade was "Margaritaville," and many of the boats were decorated like Mexican tiki bars. One boat released balloons from the cabin as it came around the parade route.
Most of the boats came to the statue between 2:30 and 3 p.m. to be blessed by "Deacon Bob" of St. Francis Church in Portage Des Sioux.The church began the event in the 1950s when a flood threatened the town. The Rev. Edward Schlattmann led residents in prayers to Mary, asking to be spared from the floodwaters.
When their prayers were answered, the town decided to pay tribute to the Blessed Mother by erecting a statue called Our Lady of the Rivers. Ever since, the statue has served as a landmark for boaters and as the Blessing of the Fleet site.Several first-time attendants said they were impressed by the turnout and participants' decorating efforts. Maryann Schmidt of Smithton said she was not used to boating on the river but enjoyed watching the parade."This is our first time at the Blessing of the Fleet event, and I really had fun today," Schmidt said. "I just loved it. We usually go to the Lake of the Ozarks, but this was a different way to spend a day on the boat.
"Boaters competed against one another for the Best Decorated Boat award in five categories.
The Best Decorated Cruiser award went to Night-N-Gale, a 47-foot Chris craft. The Best Decorated Houseboat was Aquatraz. The Best Decorated Sailboat was the Kontaloa, and the Best Decorated Pontoon Boat was Misbehavior. The Best Decorated Runabout had no name, as it was just purchased and its owner had not yet named it.Con Trios Yacht Club also presented an award for Best Decorated Boat to club member Alan Deutschmann for his Sound of Pleasure boat.
Con Trios hosted a party after the parade at the marina in Grafton.Three judges decided on winners of the categories and presented the awards. This year's panel included Gary Meinershagen, commodore of the Con Trios Yacht Club; Jerry Daugherty, a Portage Des Sioux alderman; and Frank Amato, Division 3 captain of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Darryll Weil of Fenton, Mo., runs Blessing of the Fleet's Web site and is a member of the Clifton Terrace-based Con Trios Yacht Club. He watched the event with his wife, Maureen, and friends."We participated in the parade once in 2004," Weil said. "I decorated it with a huge bear because the theme was Lewis and Clark that year. Now, we just take photos because if you are in the parade, you can't see the parade." Thanks to;
Local News: NEW: Decorations grab attention at annual boat blessing | decorated, parade, boat : TheTelegraph
About 100 boats participated in the "water parade,"
which featured two starting points - the Yacht Club of St. Louis in St. Charles and Harbor Point Yacht Club in West Alton. The parade started at about 1 p.m. from both locations, and many lavishly decorated boats came to the shrine of Our Lady of the Rivers to receive a blessing of safe travel.
The theme of this year's parade was "Margaritaville," and many of the boats were decorated like Mexican tiki bars. One boat released balloons from the cabin as it came around the parade route.
Most of the boats came to the statue between 2:30 and 3 p.m. to be blessed by "Deacon Bob" of St. Francis Church in Portage Des Sioux.The church began the event in the 1950s when a flood threatened the town. The Rev. Edward Schlattmann led residents in prayers to Mary, asking to be spared from the floodwaters.
When their prayers were answered, the town decided to pay tribute to the Blessed Mother by erecting a statue called Our Lady of the Rivers. Ever since, the statue has served as a landmark for boaters and as the Blessing of the Fleet site.Several first-time attendants said they were impressed by the turnout and participants' decorating efforts. Maryann Schmidt of Smithton said she was not used to boating on the river but enjoyed watching the parade."This is our first time at the Blessing of the Fleet event, and I really had fun today," Schmidt said. "I just loved it. We usually go to the Lake of the Ozarks, but this was a different way to spend a day on the boat.
"Boaters competed against one another for the Best Decorated Boat award in five categories.
The Best Decorated Cruiser award went to Night-N-Gale, a 47-foot Chris craft. The Best Decorated Houseboat was Aquatraz. The Best Decorated Sailboat was the Kontaloa, and the Best Decorated Pontoon Boat was Misbehavior. The Best Decorated Runabout had no name, as it was just purchased and its owner had not yet named it.Con Trios Yacht Club also presented an award for Best Decorated Boat to club member Alan Deutschmann for his Sound of Pleasure boat.
Con Trios hosted a party after the parade at the marina in Grafton.Three judges decided on winners of the categories and presented the awards. This year's panel included Gary Meinershagen, commodore of the Con Trios Yacht Club; Jerry Daugherty, a Portage Des Sioux alderman; and Frank Amato, Division 3 captain of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Darryll Weil of Fenton, Mo., runs Blessing of the Fleet's Web site and is a member of the Clifton Terrace-based Con Trios Yacht Club. He watched the event with his wife, Maureen, and friends."We participated in the parade once in 2004," Weil said. "I decorated it with a huge bear because the theme was Lewis and Clark that year. Now, we just take photos because if you are in the parade, you can't see the parade." Thanks to;
Local News: NEW: Decorations grab attention at annual boat blessing | decorated, parade, boat : TheTelegraph
Used Pontoon Boats - Out on the water enjoying the summer
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry.
Boating enthusiasts say there's nothing more relaxing on a summer day than going out on the boat.
The sun is on your face and the wind is blowing through your hair while you're on the water. Whether it's one with a motor, sails or pontoons, boating is incredibly popular.It's late afternoon at the Mactaquac Marina and boats of all shapes and sizes are docked.
Within the next couple of hours, people will make the 20-minute drive from Fredericton, leaving all work and worry behind as they head out on the headpond for a few hours of boating until dusk.
Gary Morehouse works at the marina. Despite rising fuel costs, he sees even more boats at the marina.Morehouse himself owns a boat and says it's a wonderful way to spend time with your family and friends."We meet up with our friends who all own boats too. We get together and waterski.
Then we will tie our boats together and spend the day on the water.
"He estimates he spends about $100 for the fuel needed for a weekend on the water. But in his opinion, it's well worth the price for fun time with his family. Larry Jewett manages the marina. He also operates a houseboat rental business from there.
While the cost of fuel isn't stopping people from putting their powerboats in the water, he says, he's seen a change in how they are using them."People with the big boats don't go fast because of the fuel costs. We see them being used more like a recreational vehicle on the water. "They will drive them slower and go shorter distances. Then they will stop and anchor wherever they are and stay for the night or an entire weekend.
What's growing in popularity, he says, are pontoon party boats which, he explains, are very fuel-efficient.
For those who aren't prepared to make the financial commitment of owning a boat, he says, there is a growing interest in renting boats for a few days.
Jewett loves to be on the water too, but now that the two houseboats he owns are in use by those who rent them, he says he isn't getting out on the water as much as he'd like."We're a little depressed because it's fully booked from now until mid-August. We love the houseboat. It's a floating cottage and it cruises along at 10 miles an hour. It's a lot of fun."The reason boating on the St. John River at the Mactaquac headpond is so popular, he says, is because this is a wonderful waterway with deep water and nothing to worry about such as sandbars and rocks.
Whether it's a boat with an inboard engine and lots of horsepower or a vessel that relies entirely on Mother Nature, boating in all forms is a thrill for those with love being on the water on hot, sunny days.For Bruce and Beatrice Messer, the fun begins when their pontoon boat leaves the dock.
The couple and the rest of their family often take the party boat on the water before lunch and will stay for the day."Most times we will stay out until sunset. We'll take a lunch and refreshments and lots of sunscreen," says Bruce Messer.A canopy provides shade for those who don't want to get too much sun. The Messers will anchor and swim right from the boat.
"If we get tired of one lake, we can put it on the trailer and take it to other lakes. I've got an ambition to take it on the St. John River."They bought this boat nine years ago. Back then there were very few of them in use, he says. They are growing in popularity because they are family-friendly and fuel-efficient, he says.He motors up to a dock and opens the door so several passengers can come aboard.This is like a floating living room and very comfortable. It's all about comfort, not speed.
Pontoon boats are also secure in rough water, Messer explains.
"They are wide and they ride the crest of the waves. We can go out on the roughest days and it's fun."Messer says he understands why many people are turning to these as their boat of choice for a weekend on the water because they are not too expensive to run for a weekend.
He estimates he spends about $60 to $70 to run this boat all weekend. Some people use them like houseboats. Before this boat, Messer owned a small aluminum fishing boat, a bass boat and a 16-foot pontoon boat. And soon, he says, he would like to try sailing."Any time on the water, in any kind of boat, is fun as long as you use your head about it and you do it safely.
"For Steven and Danielle Harrison, the thrill is in the power of the wind as they slice through the water on their 19-foot sailboat. It's wonderful to be on the water with only the sound of the wind and wildlife all around them, they say.This couple also does a lot of canoeing and kayaking, using their muscles to power them through the water. It's a great way to experience the water and a great upper body workout too, she says."We much prefer to enjoy the water without the noise of engines and the smell of gas fumes.
It's better for us and for the environment."According to a national survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for Discover Boating, 68 per cent of Canadian boaters believe that boating relieves their stress."Boating is a great social activity that can help people bond with those they are closest to," says Lindsay J. Rennie, marketing director, Discover Boating, NMMA Canada."There is something undeniably romantic about being out on the water with that special someone. Boating can set the mood for total relaxation." Thanks to;
dailygleaner.com - Out on the water
Boating enthusiasts say there's nothing more relaxing on a summer day than going out on the boat.
The sun is on your face and the wind is blowing through your hair while you're on the water. Whether it's one with a motor, sails or pontoons, boating is incredibly popular.It's late afternoon at the Mactaquac Marina and boats of all shapes and sizes are docked.
Within the next couple of hours, people will make the 20-minute drive from Fredericton, leaving all work and worry behind as they head out on the headpond for a few hours of boating until dusk.
Gary Morehouse works at the marina. Despite rising fuel costs, he sees even more boats at the marina.Morehouse himself owns a boat and says it's a wonderful way to spend time with your family and friends."We meet up with our friends who all own boats too. We get together and waterski.
Then we will tie our boats together and spend the day on the water.
"He estimates he spends about $100 for the fuel needed for a weekend on the water. But in his opinion, it's well worth the price for fun time with his family. Larry Jewett manages the marina. He also operates a houseboat rental business from there.
While the cost of fuel isn't stopping people from putting their powerboats in the water, he says, he's seen a change in how they are using them."People with the big boats don't go fast because of the fuel costs. We see them being used more like a recreational vehicle on the water. "They will drive them slower and go shorter distances. Then they will stop and anchor wherever they are and stay for the night or an entire weekend.
What's growing in popularity, he says, are pontoon party boats which, he explains, are very fuel-efficient.
For those who aren't prepared to make the financial commitment of owning a boat, he says, there is a growing interest in renting boats for a few days.
Jewett loves to be on the water too, but now that the two houseboats he owns are in use by those who rent them, he says he isn't getting out on the water as much as he'd like."We're a little depressed because it's fully booked from now until mid-August. We love the houseboat. It's a floating cottage and it cruises along at 10 miles an hour. It's a lot of fun."The reason boating on the St. John River at the Mactaquac headpond is so popular, he says, is because this is a wonderful waterway with deep water and nothing to worry about such as sandbars and rocks.
Whether it's a boat with an inboard engine and lots of horsepower or a vessel that relies entirely on Mother Nature, boating in all forms is a thrill for those with love being on the water on hot, sunny days.For Bruce and Beatrice Messer, the fun begins when their pontoon boat leaves the dock.
The couple and the rest of their family often take the party boat on the water before lunch and will stay for the day."Most times we will stay out until sunset. We'll take a lunch and refreshments and lots of sunscreen," says Bruce Messer.A canopy provides shade for those who don't want to get too much sun. The Messers will anchor and swim right from the boat.
"If we get tired of one lake, we can put it on the trailer and take it to other lakes. I've got an ambition to take it on the St. John River."They bought this boat nine years ago. Back then there were very few of them in use, he says. They are growing in popularity because they are family-friendly and fuel-efficient, he says.He motors up to a dock and opens the door so several passengers can come aboard.This is like a floating living room and very comfortable. It's all about comfort, not speed.
Pontoon boats are also secure in rough water, Messer explains.
"They are wide and they ride the crest of the waves. We can go out on the roughest days and it's fun."Messer says he understands why many people are turning to these as their boat of choice for a weekend on the water because they are not too expensive to run for a weekend.
He estimates he spends about $60 to $70 to run this boat all weekend. Some people use them like houseboats. Before this boat, Messer owned a small aluminum fishing boat, a bass boat and a 16-foot pontoon boat. And soon, he says, he would like to try sailing."Any time on the water, in any kind of boat, is fun as long as you use your head about it and you do it safely.
"For Steven and Danielle Harrison, the thrill is in the power of the wind as they slice through the water on their 19-foot sailboat. It's wonderful to be on the water with only the sound of the wind and wildlife all around them, they say.This couple also does a lot of canoeing and kayaking, using their muscles to power them through the water. It's a great way to experience the water and a great upper body workout too, she says."We much prefer to enjoy the water without the noise of engines and the smell of gas fumes.
It's better for us and for the environment."According to a national survey, conducted by Angus Reid Strategies for Discover Boating, 68 per cent of Canadian boaters believe that boating relieves their stress."Boating is a great social activity that can help people bond with those they are closest to," says Lindsay J. Rennie, marketing director, Discover Boating, NMMA Canada."There is something undeniably romantic about being out on the water with that special someone. Boating can set the mood for total relaxation." Thanks to;
dailygleaner.com - Out on the water
Used Pontoon Boats - USA Water skiing team feeling fuel crunch
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry.
U
High fuel prices have even affected the dazzling acrobatics of the U.S. Water Ski Show Team.
The team, which operates near Jumpin’ Jack’s, has decreased the number of boats it uses from four to three. President Kara Pangburn estimated that the team spends $500 on gasoline per show. This year, they are doing a total of 11 shows every Tuesday.“It’s really hard. It means that we have to go out and find sponsors.
We are relying on the contributions that the community makes during shows,” she said.There are 65 people on the team, but about 30 active skiers. This year, the organization also increased the fee that every single member of the team must pay from $75 to $100. Everybody seemed to understand, given the circumstances.“I think they just figured it was bound to happen. There’s really been few complaints. I think everybody is realizing that the team is incurring a huge cost,” she said.
“A boat takes a lot more gas than a car does.”The team tries to use just one boat for practices.“Until boats can run on solar power, we’re pretty much stuck in this situation,” she said.Pangburn said she believes there is still interest in the sport. However, gas prices may have limited extracurricular boating activities.
“I think a lot fewer people go out,” she said.Dave Hyde, owner of Hyde’s Boats in Rexford, said he has heard from people who live on Saratoga Lake and Sacandaga Lake that activity is down. However, he pointed out that the boating season just started.
Boat sales have been a little weak, but not that bad overall. Sales of four-stroke outboard motor boats and small electric pontoon boats have been good.
“I can’t say that fuel is really seriously affecting our operation,” he said.“It really seems like it’s not going to be a bad year as long as the weather holds up,” he added.Ken Reynolds, sales manager for the Adirondack Marine in Lake George, said sales have not been bad. People may be looking more toward buying used models.He said people are also looking for new in-board engine motor boats. “They’re more fuel efficient than the outboard models,” he said.He added that these boats are especially useful at the speeds that will be used — 18 mph to 22 mph for wake boarding and 28-34 mph for waterskiing.
He said that the fuel prices are just about $5 on the lake for regular gasoline. Ironically, he said the prices for gas at the marina used to be “astronomical.”“They used to be $4.25 when gas was down at $1.99. Now, they can’t get away with such a large [profit] margin,” he said.While the lake has been quieter, industry sales are up. He said a lot of people are realizing the longevity of these boats.“They’re more than just water skiing and wake boarding boats, they’re great cruising boats,” he said.
Thanks to; Water skiing team feeling fuel crunch
U
Used Pontoon Boats - Why choose a pontoon boat?
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry.
Why buy a pontoon boat?Why choose a pontoon boat?
First of all, it is the only boat that is known as a “Party Boat”. However, if you need additional reasons there plenty. This type of boat offers many attractive features; the low price, plenty of extra room for stretching out or taking a group of people for a ride. They are also easily customized to specific needs, and come in various models. Some pontoon boats are intended for fishing, others for cruising, and some have a dual purpose.
What can I do with a pontoon boat?
There are a wide variety of uses for a pontoon boat. The biggest perk that I know of is that you can fit a lot more people than on most other types of boats. The more, the merrier. Right? There are many accessories available that can be added to your pontoon boat to customize it for your use. You can have bench seating all around the sides, in rows, or just use lawn furniture and tables. Adding a camper enclosure can make most all pontoons suitable for spending a night on board.
Attaching a canopy makes your pontoon boat ready for an afternoon cruise with family and friends by providing shade from the hot sun.
For the fishermen; you can get built in livewells, rod holders, and bait buckets.
The deck of a pontoon boat also makes a great platform for fishing with the buddies. It is also an ideal boat to use for scuba diving.
Some models are even fast enough to pull the kids on water skis, wake boards, or tubes. These boats are also available with freshwater and toilet facilities.
What is a pontoon boat made of?
A pontoon boat is a lightweight vessel. The hull of the boat is constructed of tubes called pontoons, which taper in at the front of the boat. This allows for better movement and speed in the water. An aluminum frame attaches the pontoons to the deck platform.
The deck of a pontoon boat can be made out of wood, aluminum or fiberglass. There is a railing all around the deck for safety. This comes in useful for the occasions when the boat is used for party cruising.
Where should I take my pontoon boat?
The best place to cruise on your pontoon boat is in a lake, river, or other calm water. They are not made for the sea because of its shallow hull. Waves over two feet will be washing on to the deck of your boat. So I would stay away from the rough waters of the ocean.Pontoon Facts: Depending on the size of the Pontoon boat; it can hold anywhere from 6-17 people. The sizes range from 14 to 28 feet.
The average price of a pontoon boat is $11,000; with prices ranging anywhere from $7,000 - $30,000 new. A used pontoon boat can range from $1,000 - $15,000. Pontoon boats use an outboard engine and stern drive; with horsepower ranging from 10HP to 135HP.
Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl's Blog on SellUrBoat.com.. These articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit SellUrBoat.com to view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. SellUrBoat.com is The Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling 'Ur' Boat. Thanks to;
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Used Pontoon Boats - Zelda's River Adventures
Zelda McKenzie, owner of Zelda's River Adventures in Hampton, offers three-hour river tour, departing three times a day from the Lighthouse River Centre.
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Zelda McKenzie of Hampton was out paddling almost every day on the Kennebecasis River with her husband in their 14-foot flat bottom, handmade cedar canoe.
So much so that it was there that they hatched their business idea.
"We love the river and we spend at least 20 hours of personal time on the river each week," she said. "So we thought why not take people out on the river with us?"
Eco-friendly electric-motor pontoon boat
The couple decided to build their own eco-friendly electric-motor pontoon boat, which would allow them to take groups of people for a tour on the river. Thus, Zelda's River Adventures was born.
Regulated by Transport Canada, the pontoon boat can hold groups of 12 people, including Skipper Zelda.
It departs from the floating dock at the Lighthouse River Centre in Hampton for three-hour tours with available summer departure times at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Customize your Pontoon Boat Tours
People can also customize their tours, which can be used for birthdays celebrations, weddings, team-building events or family outings. Up to four anglers can also book the boat for trolling on the river.
In whatever way they want to use it, McKenzie said, the river offers serenity.
"There's nothing like being on the river. You just leave your worries behind and enjoy God's nature."
Pontoon Boat is wheelchair accessible
The pontoon boat is also accessible for those in wheelchairs and is convenient for seniors who can't access a canoe or a kayak.
"Sometimes, they aren't capable of going out in a canoe," McKenzie said. "This gives them an opportunity to experience what some of us take for granted."
The cost for a three-hour tour is $30 for adults and $20 for children. Seniors and the disabled are offered a 10-per-cent discount.
Name their Pontoon Boat Contest
McKenzie is also holding a contest to name the boat on her website at www.zeldasriveradventures.ca
The winner will receive a trip for six.To book a tour, phone 653-0726 or 832-0726.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
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Used Pontoon Boats - spending time with families on the Mississippi River
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. From canoes and kayaks to bikes and boats, summer is the time of the season for fun-time, tri-state businesses.Perhaps surprisingly, high fuel prices haven't affected sales at three local recreation boat dealerships.
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. From canoes and kayaks to bikes and boats, summer is the time of the season for fun-time, tri-state businesses.Perhaps surprisingly, high fuel prices haven't affected sales at three local recreation boat dealerships.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
Hawkeye Boat Sales in Dubuque
A.J. Becker, of Hawkeye Boat Sales in Dubuque, noted that as of May 1, sales were up 2 percent from last year.Becker believes the trend now is to vacation closer to home. "People aren't going to Disney World, or places like that," he said. Instead, people are investing in boats, spending time with their families on the Mississippi River and the recreational opportunities it offers, Becker said.
Hawkeye offers pontoon boat rentals
For those who want to enjoy the river, but don't want to buy a boat, Hawkeye offers pontoon boat rentals -- an eight-hour excursion with a driver to boot.At nearby American Marine at the Dubuque Yacht Basin, Bob Runberg points out his 275-slip marina is more than 96 percent full. It boasts $60,000 in remodeled rest rooms and a popular restaurant, Catfish Charlie's. The boat business, he adds, is "very" bullish, with interest Advertisementrates conducive to buying.
"A lot of it is positive thinking," Runberg said. "People need to relax, and they do it by boating and enjoying their families. People who want to go get away do it in their boats.
Wakeen's Family Boating Center in East Dubuque
"What surprises Lynnette Kettle, across the river at Wakeen's Family Boating Center in East Dubuque, Ill., is the number of people coming in buying new or used boats for the first time. Kettle echoes what Runberg says: the Mississippi is to boating what Dubuque is to turkey and dressing sandwiches and euchre."It is a family hobby," she said. The weather's been against us and the high water hasn't helped. It makes that itch a little harder to scratch."If the river is in you, you will get out there one way or another.
Fever River Outfitters in Galena, Ill
"For the outdoor enthusiast who opts for the quiet plink plunk of a paddle, Fever River Outfitters in Galena, Ill., offers a number of options in canoes and kayaks. It sells (and rents) canoes, kayaks and all types of paddling accessories to go with. Fever River offers 20 percent off any accessory to customers who purchase a boat.
Fever River manager Debra Malone said the season has been an odd one."It's started out unusually slow, and I give all the credit to Mother Nature," she said. "She's given us a hefty base of snow, followed by a nice steady consistent two months of rain."With that being said, we expect everyone's had enough of the wet weather and are more than ready to spend time outdoors in the sunshine.
Fever River Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals on the Galena River
"For five years now, Fever River Outfitters has offered canoe and kayak rentals on the Galena River and the backwaters of the Mississippi River. This year the business has expanded its number of paddling events.Its popular "Birdwatching on the Backwaters" kayak tour is now being offered at 10 a.m. every Sunday.
Fever River also added some new combination paddling events, such as the "Mississippi Adventure Days," a seven-mile paddle to Chestnut Mountain, followed by a hike on the mountain, lunch and a nine-mile bike ride back to Galena.For those who want to get outside, but aren't into human-propelled recreation, Fever River offers scooter rentals.
Malone said the most popular rental is the "Scooter to the Vineyard" tour.With advance reservations, customers can ride motorized 50 cc scooters on 12 miles of remote country roads to the Galena Cellars Vineyard. Once there, they enjoy free wine tasting, relax, then get shuttled for a ride back to town.Like boating, bicycling remains a staple recreational activity in the tri-state area.
Bike Shack Cycling & Fitness
Philip Wagner, of The Bike Shack Cycling & Fitness, said he's had a good spring. People are bringing in their bicycles for repairs."The weather has been interesting, of course, and with the exception of shorter weekends, overall the season has been great," he said.The Bike Shack has seen a slight increase in mountain and hybrid bike sales."Commuting in other communities with flatter terrain, it's a little bit more of a trend," Wagner said.
"Gas prices would have to get very high for people to ride up and down the streets and hills of Dubuque."For those buying a new bike, it's pretty easy. The Bike Shack has a computerized fitting system that matches customers with a bicycle that's comfortable and efficient in any kind of terrain or weather.
Like the Bike Shack, business has been brisk all spring at Free Flight Bikes, Skis & Fitness, on Dubuque's West End, according to the shop's owner."Even when the weather was bad, people had cabin fever," said Free Flight owner and operator Brian Walsh. "As soon as the weather broke, even I was amazed at the unprecedented number of people talking about commuting with $4-a-gallon gas."Walsh notes, commuting aside, recreational use is a given and rarely changes."Cycling is a pretty social activity to do with other people," he said. "Riding with friends and family is fun."Parrish Marugg, of Bicycle World, 1072 Central Ave., concluded there is nothing like the sun to bring out the riders -- the same could be said of boating, too."When it's nice and sunny, you want to ride," he said. "Cold and rainy, no." Thanks to CRAIG D. REBER TH staff writer for this. TH - Business Article
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Used Pontoon Boats - The boating life is what you make it
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Tips on getting the best deal on a boat to sail on Lake Murray.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
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Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
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Sponsored by Seized Boat Auctions
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. Tips on getting the best deal on a boat to sail on Lake Murray.
Boating on Lake MurrayThe State | 06/08/2008 | Staying afloat
Boating on Lake Murray can cost as little as a used car parked at a marina or as much as a fancy home on its shoreline. New watercraft can cost as little as $7,000 or more than $250,000.Dealers suggest planning to spend $30,000 initially for a new boat — half that for used. It’s likely you’ll want a boat that carries six people — to account for all the relatives and friends who will want to ride along. Set aside $800 to $1,000 monthly for up keep, fuel, mortgage, taxes, insurance and storage.
The price depends on what you consider fun on the water — fishing, skiing, staying overnight, riding around or a combination. Elaine Price of Little Mountain, leader of the lake chapter of the boating club U.S. Power Squadron, recommends going out with friends or joining a club to test watercraft, learn navigation and understand the care required. Take your time shopping. About 100 boat makers sell nationally, although not all are available in the Midlands.If you have a boat
Boating can burn money. The National Maritime Manufacturers Association
estimates its annual cost is the same as a family vacation at a theme
park — about $3,100:
Fuel: Four-stroke engines are more efficient than
two-stroke. Five miles per gallon is good, but bigger boats are
measured in gallons burned per hour. Prices at marinas are 50 cents to
$1 a gallon higher than at service stations off the lake, so many
boaters bring it in themselves. But that can be laborious — even small
boats hold 10 gallons and many typical watercraft hold up to 35. To
conserve, follow the same maxim as for driving — slow down.
Maintenance: Upkeep of the body and engine can be
do-it-yourself. Getting a boat ready for winter storage is doable but
takes a while. Emptying waste tanks must be left to experts. Some
boating clubs provide repair tips. Unlike a car, you shouldn’t park a
boat and walk away. Things such as flushing the motor should be done
after every outing. Dealers estimate it costs an average of $50 monthly
to keep a boat in good shape. Add another $100 monthly for insurance
and taxes.
Storage: Keeping it in a slip at a marina can cost up
to $225 monthly, but cost varies with boat size. You can buy a new
trailer for as little as $1,600 for an average boat and store it at
home free. But check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see if you can
haul it. Launch fees at marinas typically are $5. Free landings are
scattered around the 650-mile shoreline, but many are in remote spots.
Necessities: State guidelines require appropriate
lifejackets or flotation devices for everyone on board, fire
extinguishers in boats with motors, a bell or whistle to warn other
boats and lights for sailing at night. State natural resources
officials recommend a marine radio to call for emergency help and to
keep abreast of weather changes. A cell phone also is helpful.
Training: Anyone under 16 must complete state-approved
training to operate watercraft solo. The course can be taken at home
with DVDs for $30 and its test online for $24.50. Boating clubs also
offer instruction and advice, sometimes on the water. Those classes
usually cost less than $150. For more information on instruction, go to
www.dnr.sc.gov/boating.Buying and selling
The market: An uncertain economy means deals are
available. But it’s not as much a buyer’s market as when the lake
dropped significantly in 2002-04 for dam improvements, dealers say.
Popular boats: Depending on your style of play, lots
of boats are available on a lake where sailing is possible year-round.
Warm weather heightens interest in power skis and small motor boats.
Pontoons are favorites with retirees and families. Fishing boats and
cabin cruisers for all-weather sailing are in steady demand.
Deals: Price cuts of 10 percent or more are being
offered on new watercraft. So are low-interest loans. Unlike a car, a
boat can be financed longer — up to 20 years in some cases. Monthly
payments on a $30,000 boat — a typical family buy — run about $500,
according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Buying used: A boat falls in value about 20 percent
after a year, dealers say. Add 10 percent more depreciation for every
year until a boat is 10 years old and its worth stabilizes. As with
cars, values fluctuate with condition. Go to www.nadaguides.com to check on dealer estimates.
Selling it: Spring is the best time since it’s the
traditional start of boating season and newcomers are shopping. Like
homeowners and car owners, some boaters look at ads and signs for
owners selling on their own. Others sell through dealers — expect to
pay 10 percent commission, although that’s negotiable on high-priced
models.
Check it out: Dealers and boat clubs urge test rides on the water to make sure you are comfortable with maneuvering a boat.
Add-ons: Figure on $1,000 extra for toys, such as water skis and required equipment like lifejackets.Renting
A glance at what leasing a boat at Lake Murray costs:
How much: $125-$225 daily during the week and up to
$275 on weekends and holidays. Some sites rent for shorter periods,
with a $50 minimum for two hours. Add $25 to $50 for taxes and fuel
refill for a typical daylong outing. Or join the Lake Murray Boat Club
— an aquatic country club where you can pick among a dozen watercraft
and leave upkeep to the staff — for a $995 initiation fee and dues of
$199 monthly.
Type of boat: Generally, pontoons seating eight to 12
people or power skis seating three. Motors boats usually seeking six
available at a few sites.
Skills needed: For the inexperienced, rental companies
provide a basic course in sailing that takes an hour. If you can’t
handle the boat afterward, rental is canceled.
Where: Major sources include Lake Murray Boat Club,
Lake Murray Jet Ski Rentals; Lake Murray Marina and Yacht Club
(operated by DP Marine) in Ballentine; Lighthouse Marina in Ballentine;
Putnam’s Landing (operated by Brown Marina) near Prosperity; and
Southshore Marina near Batesburg-Leesville. Go to www.lakemurraycountry.com for more. Thanks to TIM FLACH flach@thestate.com
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures. Check out our newest pontoon enclosure for under $1,000.
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Friday, July 11, 2008
Used Pontoon Boats - Chinnook Pontoon Boats
Sponsored by PRACTICAL BOATER: PONTOON & DECK BOATS
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. When you think of Pontoon boats, you probably think of cruising around the lake. Not anymore.
Pontoon Boats earn a fantastic reputation
These versatile boats have been put to work and have actually earned a fantastic reputation. These boats are not only good at being party boats on the lake. They can easily adapt and perform in various tasks such as fire fighting, commercial recreation, wildlife protection, marina construction, fish and game research and management, and marine demolition or construction.
Chinook Boats from Metalite Industries
Pontoon boats, particularly Chinook Boats from Metalite Industries, have earned respect because design specifications can be tailored to payload capacity, work environment and weight demands. Width, length and buoyancy can all be modified to meet working requirements. And bow and stern shapes can be adjusted to allow for the best utilization of surface space and work requirements.
In short, each pontoon boat user starts off with a platform that is designed and honored for its durability and flotation stability. But the end product requires the customization of everything from riggings, cleats, tie-downs, steering and enclosures - cabins, tarps or canopies to make this boat yours. All based on the simple or complex nature of the enterprise.
Copper Bay Construction, a fixture on Idaho’s Priest Lake
Ken Hagman’s firm, Copper Bay Construction, has been a fixture on Idaho’s Priest Lake since 1977. He ties the increased use of his pontoon boats to the demand for greater longevity of marine construction. “We’re using more aluminum framing and composite decking. Because of that, transporting equipment and materials to the site has become much more critical over the years.”
One line of Hagman’s work is to remove damaged boat lifts and replace them with fresh new equipment. Hagman wanted to make the job more efficient, so he went looking for a large high-speed pontoon boat that could readily move and install heavy machinery. He chose a Chinook Pontoon Boat that was built to his customization and spec by Metalite Industries, a subsidiary of NewMax Incorporated. The 12 x 32-foot pontoon boat has an enormous 15,000-lb capacity and carries a gantry crane that can lift and position 8,000 to 12,000-lb boat lifts. The speed and size of his new boat saves him time and labor costs. “With it being 12 feet wide, which is extremely wide for its size, it allows us to deliver and set boat lifts with a two-man crew. As opposed to the old method, a slow moving boat that needed four people to jockey and set the lift in place.”
In fact, Hagman has calculated that since purchasing the Chinook Pontoon five years ago, he has saved half the cost of the boat in labor savings alone. Even as fuel costs rise, Hagman has calculated that he has saved even more money because of the boat’s four-stroke engines operate at one-third the cost of powering the large and heavy semi-displacement work boat Copper Bay previously used.
He said, “We’ve been very impressed with the performance of the boat. It’s common to travel fifteen miles over water to get to a job site. Most work boats are semi-displacement vessels that plow through the water at a slow pace. The Chinook Pontoon work boats incorporate an angular, flat pontoon design that has a higher displacement and better surface planning capability. The design provides better hydro-dynamics to allow the vessel to plane on the water’s surface, where it can move quickly and more efficiently. We specifically wanted this boat so it would save money in labor costs by getting people to the job faster. We’ve had a lot of competitors, some who come from five hundred miles away, looking at the boat for design ideas for their operations.”
Hagman’s Copper Bay Construction crew is in the midst of replacing Priest Lake’s oldest marina. A hundred boats slips will be replaced and a new breakwater will be installed. The marine aspects of the project will not be completed until the end of 2008, when full attention will be given to the on-shore construction of a bar and restaurant.
Hagman had his Chinook Pontoon Bout built with aluminum ramps that attach to the front of his boat. This allows the crew to transport and disembark mini excavators easily. The machinery is needed for the on-shore work that must be done during the winter months, when Priest, a reservoir lake, water level is lowered. Snow many arrive in early November and remain on the ground as late as April. Nevertheless, The pontoon boats are still working hard in the water year round.
Hagman keeps his people and boats busy most of the year, but when the season allows he’s not against a little fun. “In the summer, we throw a crew party for our twenty-five employees. We turn the pontoon into a floating party barge. We decorate it and cruise all over the lake, waving at everybody. We’ve had more than 30 people on that boat,” he said.
About the Author:
Chinook Boats is the premiere manufacturer of pontoon boats and work boats for a wide range of applications. Each boat is custom designed and built of the finest to meet the the customer’s needs. Chinook also builds leisure craft pontoon boats. Thanks to
Chris Newman, http://www.odysseycs.org for this.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by PRACTICAL BOATER: PONTOON & DECK BOATS
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. When you think of Pontoon boats, you probably think of cruising around the lake. Not anymore.
Pontoon Boats earn a fantastic reputation
These versatile boats have been put to work and have actually earned a fantastic reputation. These boats are not only good at being party boats on the lake. They can easily adapt and perform in various tasks such as fire fighting, commercial recreation, wildlife protection, marina construction, fish and game research and management, and marine demolition or construction.
Chinook Boats from Metalite Industries
Pontoon boats, particularly Chinook Boats from Metalite Industries, have earned respect because design specifications can be tailored to payload capacity, work environment and weight demands. Width, length and buoyancy can all be modified to meet working requirements. And bow and stern shapes can be adjusted to allow for the best utilization of surface space and work requirements.
In short, each pontoon boat user starts off with a platform that is designed and honored for its durability and flotation stability. But the end product requires the customization of everything from riggings, cleats, tie-downs, steering and enclosures - cabins, tarps or canopies to make this boat yours. All based on the simple or complex nature of the enterprise.
Copper Bay Construction, a fixture on Idaho’s Priest Lake
Ken Hagman’s firm, Copper Bay Construction, has been a fixture on Idaho’s Priest Lake since 1977. He ties the increased use of his pontoon boats to the demand for greater longevity of marine construction. “We’re using more aluminum framing and composite decking. Because of that, transporting equipment and materials to the site has become much more critical over the years.”
One line of Hagman’s work is to remove damaged boat lifts and replace them with fresh new equipment. Hagman wanted to make the job more efficient, so he went looking for a large high-speed pontoon boat that could readily move and install heavy machinery. He chose a Chinook Pontoon Boat that was built to his customization and spec by Metalite Industries, a subsidiary of NewMax Incorporated. The 12 x 32-foot pontoon boat has an enormous 15,000-lb capacity and carries a gantry crane that can lift and position 8,000 to 12,000-lb boat lifts. The speed and size of his new boat saves him time and labor costs. “With it being 12 feet wide, which is extremely wide for its size, it allows us to deliver and set boat lifts with a two-man crew. As opposed to the old method, a slow moving boat that needed four people to jockey and set the lift in place.”
In fact, Hagman has calculated that since purchasing the Chinook Pontoon five years ago, he has saved half the cost of the boat in labor savings alone. Even as fuel costs rise, Hagman has calculated that he has saved even more money because of the boat’s four-stroke engines operate at one-third the cost of powering the large and heavy semi-displacement work boat Copper Bay previously used.
He said, “We’ve been very impressed with the performance of the boat. It’s common to travel fifteen miles over water to get to a job site. Most work boats are semi-displacement vessels that plow through the water at a slow pace. The Chinook Pontoon work boats incorporate an angular, flat pontoon design that has a higher displacement and better surface planning capability. The design provides better hydro-dynamics to allow the vessel to plane on the water’s surface, where it can move quickly and more efficiently. We specifically wanted this boat so it would save money in labor costs by getting people to the job faster. We’ve had a lot of competitors, some who come from five hundred miles away, looking at the boat for design ideas for their operations.”
Hagman’s Copper Bay Construction crew is in the midst of replacing Priest Lake’s oldest marina. A hundred boats slips will be replaced and a new breakwater will be installed. The marine aspects of the project will not be completed until the end of 2008, when full attention will be given to the on-shore construction of a bar and restaurant.
Hagman had his Chinook Pontoon Bout built with aluminum ramps that attach to the front of his boat. This allows the crew to transport and disembark mini excavators easily. The machinery is needed for the on-shore work that must be done during the winter months, when Priest, a reservoir lake, water level is lowered. Snow many arrive in early November and remain on the ground as late as April. Nevertheless, The pontoon boats are still working hard in the water year round.
Hagman keeps his people and boats busy most of the year, but when the season allows he’s not against a little fun. “In the summer, we throw a crew party for our twenty-five employees. We turn the pontoon into a floating party barge. We decorate it and cruise all over the lake, waving at everybody. We’ve had more than 30 people on that boat,” he said.
About the Author:
Chinook Boats is the premiere manufacturer of pontoon boats and work boats for a wide range of applications. Each boat is custom designed and built of the finest to meet the the customer’s needs. Chinook also builds leisure craft pontoon boats. Thanks to
Chris Newman, http://www.odysseycs.org for this.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon Enclosures Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by PRACTICAL BOATER: PONTOON & DECK BOATS
Used Pontoon Boats - Boat Safety Tips
Sponsored by Safe Boating Contest - Win 50,000.00 in prizes
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. MILLVILLE --Whether used for fishing, exercise or transportation, boats are an important part of the draw to eastern Sussex County.
But many boaters are often so caught up in thoughts of fun in the sun that they forget about safety
Carl Littleton of Bob's Marine Service in Millville said boaters -- even those venturing out for a day-long excursion -- should become accustomed with their vessel and take steps to ensure their trip into the back bays and coastal waters is a safe one. The lack of knowledge that boaters are bringing into Sussex County's waterways, he said, is a concern. "I'm out on the water almost every weekend and there's getting to be a lot of boats out there," he said. "I can tell a lot of people don't know what they're doing."
According to the National Department of Vessel Safety Checks, most people who have their boats examined --nearly 75 percent of them --pass inspections. Of the boats that fail, 3 percent don't have the correct flotation devices on board. The main items missing on boats are visual distress signals, incorrect display of numbers, lack of registration and lack of some type of sound-producing device such as a bell. Items with expiration dates, such as signal flares, are often neglected.
Inexperienced boaters who become boat owners
The problem, according to Littleton, most often lies with inexperienced boaters who become boat owners. "A lot of times people just don't know what they don't know," he said. "Most of the time they don't have the safety equipment just because they don't know what they're supposed to have."
Proper boat equipment saves lives
Littleton is a member of the United States Power Squadron --an organization dedicated to showing boaters how to operate their crafts safely. Checks are made on every boat that leaves Bob's Marine, Littleton said, and new owners are advised of their responsibilities. "We do a safety check on the boat by going over the boat completely," he said. "We tell the boat owner what all the safety aspects are that you have to have according to Delaware or Maryland law."
As a member of the Power Squadron, Littleton became certified in vessel examinations. Offering inspections with boat sales, he said, is an important part of his job. "I've been around boats all my life, so I can go around the boat and look to see what needs attention," he said. "For the most part, people really like that."
So what are the most common items that need to be addressed on boats?
Potentially the most important, Littleton said, is the status of life jackets on board. "People don't realize that kids twelve and under need kids vests, or they have life jackets on board that are old and in bad condition," he said. "There needs to be one life jacket for each person." Flotation devices are an important aspect to boat safety, according to Robert Rosenberg, flotilla commander for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary's Flotilla 12-1 of the fifth district.
"All children must have life jackets on in proper sizes for everyone on the boat, plus one extra," he said. "Plus, I always suggest that people get a (lifesaving) ring and tie a rope to it so they can pull it back if they have to throw it overboard."
Problems not limited to motorized vessels
More safe boating classes needed
Motorized boats aren't the only vessels that cause a problem for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, according to Rosenberg. "We have a great number of kayak rentals in the area," he said. "Some of these people haven't taken safe boating classes or anything and they go out there and they get themselves in trouble. Even though they're kayaking --they don't have motors or anything --they still have to have a lifejacket on and some means of communication, something to hail people down."
Novice kayakers need to take heed on area waterways
Rosenberg said. "The biggest problem is that these people rent the kayaks, but they don't know anything about the water," he said. "They give themselves problems. They have no knowledge of what they can and can't do on the water."
While inexperienced kayakers and canoeists create a great deal of woes for emergency agencies, motorized vessels still account for a large part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's calls. One of coastal Delaware's most used destinations for boat travel, according to Rosenberg, is also one of the most hazardous for larger boats.
The Indian River Inlet is the second roughest inlet on the east coast
"You get people coming out and going in with a changing tide and a high wind and it's very tough. They get afraid and try to turn around and go back and when they do it rolls them over. That's one of the biggest places for our distress calls." 'Preparedness is of the utmost importance' As boats begin to appear in greater numbers in the bays and along the coast, boat operators will be checking their rigs to make sure everything is the way it should be.
Sheryl Campbell, an Ocean View resident and owner of a 20-foot pontoon boat, said her boat is outfitted with all the proper gear for her and her passengers. "We have at least 11 life jackets," she said. "But it's rare that we have more than half a dozen people on the boat. We also keep our life vests on board for our grandchildren and they're all appropriate to their size."
Campbell was an attendee of one of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's past boater safety courses and said it was very beneficial. "You're taught how to maneuver in the bay, how to read channel markers and how to handle a distress situation or an accident," she said. "If you're following the channel, the course teaches the correct side to pass other boats on and who has the right of way --it gives you all of those rules and regulations."
Boater safety is important
To Campbell because, she said, there are those inexperienced boaters out there who are on the water without following the rules. "Those people out there who don't have any knowledge --you will run into them," she said. The bays and the sea, Rosenberg said, are unpredictable, so boater safety and preparedness is of the utmost importance. "On the water, if it can happen, it will," he said. Thanks to Andrew Ostroski, aostroski@dmg.gannett.com Staff Writer http://www.delmarvanow.com for this.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon EnclosuresUsed Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. MILLVILLE --Whether used for fishing, exercise or transportation, boats are an important part of the draw to eastern Sussex County.
But many boaters are often so caught up in thoughts of fun in the sun that they forget about safety
Carl Littleton of Bob's Marine Service in Millville said boaters -- even those venturing out for a day-long excursion -- should become accustomed with their vessel and take steps to ensure their trip into the back bays and coastal waters is a safe one. The lack of knowledge that boaters are bringing into Sussex County's waterways, he said, is a concern. "I'm out on the water almost every weekend and there's getting to be a lot of boats out there," he said. "I can tell a lot of people don't know what they're doing."
According to the National Department of Vessel Safety Checks, most people who have their boats examined --nearly 75 percent of them --pass inspections. Of the boats that fail, 3 percent don't have the correct flotation devices on board. The main items missing on boats are visual distress signals, incorrect display of numbers, lack of registration and lack of some type of sound-producing device such as a bell. Items with expiration dates, such as signal flares, are often neglected.
Inexperienced boaters who become boat owners
The problem, according to Littleton, most often lies with inexperienced boaters who become boat owners. "A lot of times people just don't know what they don't know," he said. "Most of the time they don't have the safety equipment just because they don't know what they're supposed to have."
Proper boat equipment saves lives
Littleton is a member of the United States Power Squadron --an organization dedicated to showing boaters how to operate their crafts safely. Checks are made on every boat that leaves Bob's Marine, Littleton said, and new owners are advised of their responsibilities. "We do a safety check on the boat by going over the boat completely," he said. "We tell the boat owner what all the safety aspects are that you have to have according to Delaware or Maryland law."
As a member of the Power Squadron, Littleton became certified in vessel examinations. Offering inspections with boat sales, he said, is an important part of his job. "I've been around boats all my life, so I can go around the boat and look to see what needs attention," he said. "For the most part, people really like that."
So what are the most common items that need to be addressed on boats?
Potentially the most important, Littleton said, is the status of life jackets on board. "People don't realize that kids twelve and under need kids vests, or they have life jackets on board that are old and in bad condition," he said. "There needs to be one life jacket for each person." Flotation devices are an important aspect to boat safety, according to Robert Rosenberg, flotilla commander for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary's Flotilla 12-1 of the fifth district.
"All children must have life jackets on in proper sizes for everyone on the boat, plus one extra," he said. "Plus, I always suggest that people get a (lifesaving) ring and tie a rope to it so they can pull it back if they have to throw it overboard."
Problems not limited to motorized vessels
More safe boating classes needed
Motorized boats aren't the only vessels that cause a problem for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, according to Rosenberg. "We have a great number of kayak rentals in the area," he said. "Some of these people haven't taken safe boating classes or anything and they go out there and they get themselves in trouble. Even though they're kayaking --they don't have motors or anything --they still have to have a lifejacket on and some means of communication, something to hail people down."
Novice kayakers need to take heed on area waterways
Rosenberg said. "The biggest problem is that these people rent the kayaks, but they don't know anything about the water," he said. "They give themselves problems. They have no knowledge of what they can and can't do on the water."
While inexperienced kayakers and canoeists create a great deal of woes for emergency agencies, motorized vessels still account for a large part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's calls. One of coastal Delaware's most used destinations for boat travel, according to Rosenberg, is also one of the most hazardous for larger boats.
The Indian River Inlet is the second roughest inlet on the east coast
"You get people coming out and going in with a changing tide and a high wind and it's very tough. They get afraid and try to turn around and go back and when they do it rolls them over. That's one of the biggest places for our distress calls." 'Preparedness is of the utmost importance' As boats begin to appear in greater numbers in the bays and along the coast, boat operators will be checking their rigs to make sure everything is the way it should be.
Sheryl Campbell, an Ocean View resident and owner of a 20-foot pontoon boat, said her boat is outfitted with all the proper gear for her and her passengers. "We have at least 11 life jackets," she said. "But it's rare that we have more than half a dozen people on the boat. We also keep our life vests on board for our grandchildren and they're all appropriate to their size."
Campbell was an attendee of one of the Coast Guard Auxiliary's past boater safety courses and said it was very beneficial. "You're taught how to maneuver in the bay, how to read channel markers and how to handle a distress situation or an accident," she said. "If you're following the channel, the course teaches the correct side to pass other boats on and who has the right of way --it gives you all of those rules and regulations."
Boater safety is important
To Campbell because, she said, there are those inexperienced boaters out there who are on the water without following the rules. "Those people out there who don't have any knowledge --you will run into them," she said. The bays and the sea, Rosenberg said, are unpredictable, so boater safety and preparedness is of the utmost importance. "On the water, if it can happen, it will," he said. Thanks to Andrew Ostroski, aostroski@dmg.gannett.com Staff Writer http://www.delmarvanow.com for this.
For more information on Pontoon Boats and Pontoon EnclosuresUsed Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
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Used Pontoon Boats - Record-high gas prices and a slumping economy
Sponsored by Pontoon & Deck Boat, Special 2008 Issue
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. In years past, Marvin and Lucille Walizer spent many an afternoon cruising up and down Raystown Lake in their pontoon boat, waving to other boaters and looking for wildlife.
Record-high gas prices and a slumping economy
These days, however, record-high gas prices closing in on $4 a gallon and a slumping economy have put the brakes on the the Huntingdon couple’s routine — and many of others who say they’re cutting down on what’s quickly become an expensive hobby.
‘‘Now we usually pull into a cove and sit there. I read while he fishes,’’ Lucille Walizer said as she docked at the James Creek boat launch Friday. ‘‘It’s relaxing. Today, we splurged a little and went looking for bald eagles.’’
Boaters will adjust
The Walizers figure a few day on the lake will cost them more this season, but it won’t break the bank. Boaters who make a longer trip to get there, such as Ron and Francis McCulloch of Martinsburg, won’t have it so lucky. The McCullochs, who usually boat 30 to 40 days each summer, say this is the first year they’ve opted out of buying a lake pass.
‘‘We won’t be coming over as much because we can’t afford the gas to get here,’’ Francis McCulloch said, adding that it now costs about $75 to tug their boat over Fredericksburg Mountain and back.
Seven Points Marina, gas has topped $4.44
At Seven Points Marina, gas has topped $4.44 for regular fuel and $4.49 for mixed, but it’s too early to tell what long-term effect those prices will have on boating at Raystown, marina employee Gary Nolen said.
‘‘People have already made their plans for this summer, but next year, I think people will think a lot harder about what they’re going to do’’ to conserve gas, he said. Officials reported a drop in the overall number of boaters and people using boat ramps during Memorial Day weekend, normally one of Raystown’s busiest periods.
Park Ranger Allen Gwinn said he suspected the low numbers of boaters had more to do with cold water temperature than fuel prices, although he can’t say for sure. ‘‘Ten degrees can make a big difference,’’ Gwinn said.
Prince Gallitzin State Park anticipate good attendance
On the other hand, Daniel K. Bickle, park operations manager at Prince Gallitzin State Park, said his staff experienced a packed Memorial Day weekend, and they anticipate good attendance on Glendale Lake all summer long. He also predicted public lakes and parks ultimately will benefit because they present an affordable alternative to other vacations.
‘‘I think because state parks have free entry, people will stick closer to home and not go on longer trips,’’ he said. Prince Gallitzin has a 20- horsepower limit on the lake.
Boaters are saving gas by staying in their marina slips
Officials at Raystown are seeing a big difference in the activity on the water. Boaters are saving gas by staying in their marina slips or tying up on the lake rather than zooming around.
That’s good news for fishermen such as Christian Donharl, a West Virginia University student who splits the cost of maintaining a boat with a friend.
‘‘It’s nicer when there’s not that many people here,’’ he said, lowering his boat into the water from the empty Shy Beaver launch Friday. Fuel prices also are affecting boat sales. Smaller boats aren’t selling, while bigger, luxury ones are for those seeking to upgrade.
People who are boaters are still boating
Said Wayne Price, sales manager at Shy Beaver Boat Center. ‘‘But I’m not seeing any new faces.’’ Howard Reese, salesman at Jim’s Anchorage in Hesston, said he expects boaters to cut down on how often they take to the water.
‘‘We’re certainly not where we were last year, but neither is any other department, whether it’s cars or boats,’’ Reese said. He estimated that it takes about 25 gallons of gas for a family of four to go out on the lake for a weekend.
Climbing gas prices don’t seem to concern Bob Evans, an Elizabethtown resident who has been going to Raystown for the past 24 years. The owner of a 28-foot pontoon boat, Evans doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. ‘‘It’s not going to change the way I run [my boat], because I come here to enjoy the lake,’’ he said. Thanks to Mirror Staff Writer Cori Bolger at http://www.altoonamirror.com 946-7458 for this.
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by Pontoon & Deck Boat, Special 2008 Issue
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway bringing you Used Pontoon Boats along with news and views from the boating industry. In years past, Marvin and Lucille Walizer spent many an afternoon cruising up and down Raystown Lake in their pontoon boat, waving to other boaters and looking for wildlife.
Record-high gas prices and a slumping economy
These days, however, record-high gas prices closing in on $4 a gallon and a slumping economy have put the brakes on the the Huntingdon couple’s routine — and many of others who say they’re cutting down on what’s quickly become an expensive hobby.
‘‘Now we usually pull into a cove and sit there. I read while he fishes,’’ Lucille Walizer said as she docked at the James Creek boat launch Friday. ‘‘It’s relaxing. Today, we splurged a little and went looking for bald eagles.’’
Boaters will adjust
The Walizers figure a few day on the lake will cost them more this season, but it won’t break the bank. Boaters who make a longer trip to get there, such as Ron and Francis McCulloch of Martinsburg, won’t have it so lucky. The McCullochs, who usually boat 30 to 40 days each summer, say this is the first year they’ve opted out of buying a lake pass.
‘‘We won’t be coming over as much because we can’t afford the gas to get here,’’ Francis McCulloch said, adding that it now costs about $75 to tug their boat over Fredericksburg Mountain and back.
Seven Points Marina, gas has topped $4.44
At Seven Points Marina, gas has topped $4.44 for regular fuel and $4.49 for mixed, but it’s too early to tell what long-term effect those prices will have on boating at Raystown, marina employee Gary Nolen said.
‘‘People have already made their plans for this summer, but next year, I think people will think a lot harder about what they’re going to do’’ to conserve gas, he said. Officials reported a drop in the overall number of boaters and people using boat ramps during Memorial Day weekend, normally one of Raystown’s busiest periods.
Park Ranger Allen Gwinn said he suspected the low numbers of boaters had more to do with cold water temperature than fuel prices, although he can’t say for sure. ‘‘Ten degrees can make a big difference,’’ Gwinn said.
Prince Gallitzin State Park anticipate good attendance
On the other hand, Daniel K. Bickle, park operations manager at Prince Gallitzin State Park, said his staff experienced a packed Memorial Day weekend, and they anticipate good attendance on Glendale Lake all summer long. He also predicted public lakes and parks ultimately will benefit because they present an affordable alternative to other vacations.
‘‘I think because state parks have free entry, people will stick closer to home and not go on longer trips,’’ he said. Prince Gallitzin has a 20- horsepower limit on the lake.
Boaters are saving gas by staying in their marina slips
Officials at Raystown are seeing a big difference in the activity on the water. Boaters are saving gas by staying in their marina slips or tying up on the lake rather than zooming around.
That’s good news for fishermen such as Christian Donharl, a West Virginia University student who splits the cost of maintaining a boat with a friend.
‘‘It’s nicer when there’s not that many people here,’’ he said, lowering his boat into the water from the empty Shy Beaver launch Friday. Fuel prices also are affecting boat sales. Smaller boats aren’t selling, while bigger, luxury ones are for those seeking to upgrade.
People who are boaters are still boating
Said Wayne Price, sales manager at Shy Beaver Boat Center. ‘‘But I’m not seeing any new faces.’’ Howard Reese, salesman at Jim’s Anchorage in Hesston, said he expects boaters to cut down on how often they take to the water.
‘‘We’re certainly not where we were last year, but neither is any other department, whether it’s cars or boats,’’ Reese said. He estimated that it takes about 25 gallons of gas for a family of four to go out on the lake for a weekend.
Climbing gas prices don’t seem to concern Bob Evans, an Elizabethtown resident who has been going to Raystown for the past 24 years. The owner of a 28-foot pontoon boat, Evans doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. ‘‘It’s not going to change the way I run [my boat], because I come here to enjoy the lake,’’ he said. Thanks to Mirror Staff Writer Cori Bolger at http://www.altoonamirror.com 946-7458 for this.
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by Pontoon & Deck Boat, Special 2008 Issue
Friday, July 4, 2008
Used Pontoon Boats - More Gas Price Issues
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here again from North American Waterway and Used Pontoon Boats bring you news and views from the boating industry. More gas price issues slow boaters,
some take shorter trips; others ask guests to pitch in.
"There's nothing pleasant about it," says the general contractor and owner of ACR Concrete. "But what choice do we have? Thank God we're not in Turkey where gas is $11 a gallon."
• Video: Fuel-saving tips
• Find the cheapest gas prices in our area.
• How are you coping with high gas prices?
The cost of summer boating has never been higher for the owners of nearly 40,000 power boats registered in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
With marine fuel selling for $4.75 to $5 a gallon, thousands of owners are starting to cut back. Some are leaving their boats at home or in storage. Others are putting their vessels in the water, then partying on them at the docks. A third of 823 boaters surveyed last fall told the Ohio Division of Watercraft that they're taking fewer boating trips and going shorter distances when they do.
Nationwide, retail sales of powerboats have dropped nearly 13 percent since 2005 - to 267,300 last year.
No one's claiming a falloff in boating passion, but it's clear that habits have changed.
Ziebell, 40, says he works 12-hour days, six days a week, and looks forward to his day off on his boat. But if he and his wife Elizabeth ran their 27½ -foot Baja wide open at 60 mph on the Ohio River, they'd be lucky to get 2 miles to the gallon and they'd need to fill up again in just a few hours.
Instead of the 20 boat trips he usually makes each year, Ziebell figures he'll go out maybe 15 times this year.
"If gas prices keep going up, I'll be one of those people in line to sell," he says. "I'm almost there now. As hard as it is to make money today, you can't waste money frivolously."
Cindy Armstrong of West Price Hill owns a 23-foot Sea Ray cruiser that's "still shrink-wrapped in the driveway" from winter storage. "We're still contemplating what to do," she says.
Armstrong says her great-looking gas hog will burn up to 50 gallons of gas - or about $250 - in three to four hours pulling water-skiers or inner-tube riders on the river. Fortunately, her bank loan for the 1996 cruiser was paid off long ago.
"If we were still making payments, we'd probably feel we had to go out and put it in the water,'' she says.
She and others say selling their boats isn't much of an option, because most buyers in today's economic pinch want to buy cheap.
Her best bet? "We can hang on and hope gas prices bounce back."
'Lifestyle' changing
Despite the uncertain times, the National Marine Manufacturers Association is staying upbeat. It reports that more than 59 million U.S. adults participated in boating last summer - up 10 percent over 2006.
"Boaters aren't boating less; they're running their engines less," association president Thom Dammrich says.
Recreational boating also isn't just for the very rich, the association says.
It says that three-fourths of American boaters have household incomes less than $100,000. The average outboard powerboat sold for $17,768 and the average ski boat for more than $47,000 last year. Lenders are writing boat loans at 7 to 8 percent interest - and offering payback periods as long as 10 to 15 years.
Greg Keairns, 61, a self-employed carpet seller, keeps a 42-foot houseboat and a pontoon boat at Riverside 4 Boat Harbor in Dayton, Ky. He bought his 1993 pontoon boat used, about six years ago, for $8,000, including boat, engine and trailer. Since then, he's seen pontoon boats surge in popularity - and price.
Keairns keeps his houseboat docked and uses the pontoon for cruising. It's more maneuverable and gets 4.5 miles to the gallon compared to 1.25 mpg for the houseboat.
Keairns cut back on boating a bit last year, but plans to buck the trend in 2008. "I will be back up to 400 hours of boating this year," he claims. "With boating, you either love it or hate it."
Harbor owner Dave Bricking, who lives year-round with wife Debbie aboard a houseboat there, says he was "tickled pink" over selling all 150 dock spaces this summer. Two customers paid about $1,000 each for boat slips this summer before they even bought their boats.
Bricking says river-going houseboat owners used to invite friends aboard and would suggest: You bring the drinks or appetizers. Now it's more likely everyone chips $20 into a pot for fuel.
"It ain't nothing to have 20 people on a houseboat," Bricking says.
He says boaters are taking shorter trips from the dock and partying more at marina restaurants and bars.
"Everybody's expecting $5-a-gallon gasoline," he says. "Everybody's penciled that in."
Rivertowne Marina dock master Bill Manis says his Kellogg Avenue marina gained customers this year, thanks to a marina closing downriver.
"Boaters aren't taking joy rides as often," he says. They bring larger groups, sometime the whole family, and are more likely to draw up a float plan before heading out. The number of year-round, live-aboards has dwindled from dozens to just a few at some marinas.
Jeff DeNardi and his wife Leona of Mason took their new 33-foot twin-engine Sea Ray cruiser out for a maiden run from Rivertowne up the Ohio River on Memorial Day weekend. It's their fourth boat, their biggest yet.
DeNardi, a director with Luxottica Retail, estimates his Sea Ray gets about 1.2 miles a gallon when he opens it up to top speed of 50 mph. Tank capacity is 250 gallons. The DeNardis anchored up-river, but on future jaunts plan to cruise about 35 miles downriver to Aurora, Ind. for a little shore time at the casinos.
"A lot of people use these boats like a weekend home," he says. "They're really expensive if you didn't use them. We're doing our part for the economy."
Floating v. boating
Local boaters aren't just coping with rising costs along the Ohio River.
Ron and Denise Grause keep a 68-foot houseboat and 35-foot twin-engine Formula FASTech speedboat at Lake Cumberland, about 200 miles south in south-central Kentucky.
"Boats are still being enjoyed; they're just not used as much. The highway is still busy going down to the lake," says Grause, the owner of Ron's Complete Auto Body shop in Fairmount.
He says it's more expensive to run his houseboat generator over a weekend than it is to fuel up. Houseboat owners by the dozens now routinely tie on to each other in mid-lake and commence a fuel-free, floating party at their "trailer park on water."
Grause says he's saving $60 round trip by leaving his Ford pickup truck with double rear wheels at home and driving down and back in a Ford Focus coupe that gets 35 miles to the gallon. Some boaters at Cumberland now use rubber dinghies with 10-horsepower outboards to shuttle between docks.
Some boat owners who have to trailer their vessels wince at the double whammy of hauling their boats to water and then fueling them up.
Clint Ridenour and his girlfriend Sommer Tate of Hyde Park feel torn between transporting their 21-foot Rinker Festiva family boat to bigger waters like Tennessee's Norris Lake or compromising with short trips to smaller lakes closer to home. They save by camping aboard their boat.
"People boat because of the lifestyle," says Ridenour, a business development representative for a chemical analysis company. "They boat to get away. It's really not the same experience if you are forced to go to dinky, nearby lakes because of these ridiculous gas prices." Thanks to Tony Lang for this at http://news.cincinnati.com
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by Virtual Skipper 3 - Race people all over the world in online regattas
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here again from North American Waterway and Used Pontoon Boats bring you news and views from the boating industry. More gas price issues slow boaters,
some take shorter trips; others ask guests to pitch in.
Gas prices slow boaters
The gauge quickly clicks past $100, $250, $300 - finally stopping right about $400."There's nothing pleasant about it," says the general contractor and owner of ACR Concrete. "But what choice do we have? Thank God we're not in Turkey where gas is $11 a gallon."
• Video: Fuel-saving tips
• Find the cheapest gas prices in our area.
• How are you coping with high gas prices?
The cost of summer boating has never been higher for the owners of nearly 40,000 power boats registered in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
With marine fuel selling for $4.75 to $5 a gallon, thousands of owners are starting to cut back. Some are leaving their boats at home or in storage. Others are putting their vessels in the water, then partying on them at the docks. A third of 823 boaters surveyed last fall told the Ohio Division of Watercraft that they're taking fewer boating trips and going shorter distances when they do.
Nationwide, retail sales of powerboats have dropped nearly 13 percent since 2005 - to 267,300 last year.
No one's claiming a falloff in boating passion, but it's clear that habits have changed.
Ziebell, 40, says he works 12-hour days, six days a week, and looks forward to his day off on his boat. But if he and his wife Elizabeth ran their 27½ -foot Baja wide open at 60 mph on the Ohio River, they'd be lucky to get 2 miles to the gallon and they'd need to fill up again in just a few hours.
Instead of the 20 boat trips he usually makes each year, Ziebell figures he'll go out maybe 15 times this year.
"If gas prices keep going up, I'll be one of those people in line to sell," he says. "I'm almost there now. As hard as it is to make money today, you can't waste money frivolously."
Cindy Armstrong of West Price Hill owns a 23-foot Sea Ray cruiser that's "still shrink-wrapped in the driveway" from winter storage. "We're still contemplating what to do," she says.
Armstrong says her great-looking gas hog will burn up to 50 gallons of gas - or about $250 - in three to four hours pulling water-skiers or inner-tube riders on the river. Fortunately, her bank loan for the 1996 cruiser was paid off long ago.
"If we were still making payments, we'd probably feel we had to go out and put it in the water,'' she says.
She and others say selling their boats isn't much of an option, because most buyers in today's economic pinch want to buy cheap.
Her best bet? "We can hang on and hope gas prices bounce back."
'Lifestyle' changing
Despite the uncertain times, the National Marine Manufacturers Association is staying upbeat. It reports that more than 59 million U.S. adults participated in boating last summer - up 10 percent over 2006.
"Boaters aren't boating less; they're running their engines less," association president Thom Dammrich says.
Recreational boating also isn't just for the very rich, the association says.
It says that three-fourths of American boaters have household incomes less than $100,000. The average outboard powerboat sold for $17,768 and the average ski boat for more than $47,000 last year. Lenders are writing boat loans at 7 to 8 percent interest - and offering payback periods as long as 10 to 15 years.
Greg Keairns, 61, a self-employed carpet seller, keeps a 42-foot houseboat and a pontoon boat at Riverside 4 Boat Harbor in Dayton, Ky. He bought his 1993 pontoon boat used, about six years ago, for $8,000, including boat, engine and trailer. Since then, he's seen pontoon boats surge in popularity - and price.
Keairns keeps his houseboat docked and uses the pontoon for cruising. It's more maneuverable and gets 4.5 miles to the gallon compared to 1.25 mpg for the houseboat.
Keairns cut back on boating a bit last year, but plans to buck the trend in 2008. "I will be back up to 400 hours of boating this year," he claims. "With boating, you either love it or hate it."
Harbor owner Dave Bricking, who lives year-round with wife Debbie aboard a houseboat there, says he was "tickled pink" over selling all 150 dock spaces this summer. Two customers paid about $1,000 each for boat slips this summer before they even bought their boats.
Bricking says river-going houseboat owners used to invite friends aboard and would suggest: You bring the drinks or appetizers. Now it's more likely everyone chips $20 into a pot for fuel.
"It ain't nothing to have 20 people on a houseboat," Bricking says.
He says boaters are taking shorter trips from the dock and partying more at marina restaurants and bars.
"Everybody's expecting $5-a-gallon gasoline," he says. "Everybody's penciled that in."
Rivertowne Marina dock master Bill Manis says his Kellogg Avenue marina gained customers this year, thanks to a marina closing downriver.
"Boaters aren't taking joy rides as often," he says. They bring larger groups, sometime the whole family, and are more likely to draw up a float plan before heading out. The number of year-round, live-aboards has dwindled from dozens to just a few at some marinas.
Jeff DeNardi and his wife Leona of Mason took their new 33-foot twin-engine Sea Ray cruiser out for a maiden run from Rivertowne up the Ohio River on Memorial Day weekend. It's their fourth boat, their biggest yet.
DeNardi, a director with Luxottica Retail, estimates his Sea Ray gets about 1.2 miles a gallon when he opens it up to top speed of 50 mph. Tank capacity is 250 gallons. The DeNardis anchored up-river, but on future jaunts plan to cruise about 35 miles downriver to Aurora, Ind. for a little shore time at the casinos.
"A lot of people use these boats like a weekend home," he says. "They're really expensive if you didn't use them. We're doing our part for the economy."
Floating v. boating
Local boaters aren't just coping with rising costs along the Ohio River.
Ron and Denise Grause keep a 68-foot houseboat and 35-foot twin-engine Formula FASTech speedboat at Lake Cumberland, about 200 miles south in south-central Kentucky.
"Boats are still being enjoyed; they're just not used as much. The highway is still busy going down to the lake," says Grause, the owner of Ron's Complete Auto Body shop in Fairmount.
He says it's more expensive to run his houseboat generator over a weekend than it is to fuel up. Houseboat owners by the dozens now routinely tie on to each other in mid-lake and commence a fuel-free, floating party at their "trailer park on water."
Grause says he's saving $60 round trip by leaving his Ford pickup truck with double rear wheels at home and driving down and back in a Ford Focus coupe that gets 35 miles to the gallon. Some boaters at Cumberland now use rubber dinghies with 10-horsepower outboards to shuttle between docks.
Some boat owners who have to trailer their vessels wince at the double whammy of hauling their boats to water and then fueling them up.
Clint Ridenour and his girlfriend Sommer Tate of Hyde Park feel torn between transporting their 21-foot Rinker Festiva family boat to bigger waters like Tennessee's Norris Lake or compromising with short trips to smaller lakes closer to home. They save by camping aboard their boat.
"People boat because of the lifestyle," says Ridenour, a business development representative for a chemical analysis company. "They boat to get away. It's really not the same experience if you are forced to go to dinky, nearby lakes because of these ridiculous gas prices." Thanks to Tony Lang for this at http://news.cincinnati.com
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos
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Used Pontoon Boats - 5 Tips Using Pontoon Fly Fishing Boats
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Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway and Used Pontoon Boats bringing you news and views from the boating industry. When it comes to fly fishing, pontoon boats are an excellent choice.
Using Pontoon Fly Fishing Boats
Many have a wrong impression of pontoon boats. When you hear that word you may be thinking of the pontoon boats from 18ft up to 27ft or the small kinds with peddles. However, there are other pontoon boats that are designed specifically for fishing and can seat one to two people.
For those not familiar with pontoon fly fishing boats they are typically small, not over eight feet in length although you can get them in larger sizes. The fisherman will have two pontoons on either side of them that sit on the water. These pontoons are either inflatable or solid air bladders. The pontoon boat has a hull that is V shaped so that there is very little water resistance when paddling, providing the fisherman with excellent maneuverability. The two pontoons are connected by a frame, which contains the sitting area. When moving they are paddled similar to a rowboat.
When compared to other fishing boats, pontoon fly fishing boats are still relatively new
It wasn't until the 1980s that they first became commonly available. However, they are quickly gaining popularity in the fly fishing world because of their many benefits. Consider the benefits you can gain from getting pontoon fly fishing boats.
The Benefits of pontoon Fly Fishing Boats
There is good reason that pontoon fly fishing boats have become popular. Anyone who wants to do fly-fishing can have many benefits with a pontoon boat. Next time you are considering a boat for your fly-fishing needs consider the benefits you can have with a pontoon boat.
First is the maneuverability. The V shaped hulls of a pontoon boat makes them very easy to maneuver even with the most basic of paddling techniques. The frame of a pontoon boat makes it very easy for a single person to have powerful strokes, this means you can make quick turns or long paddles depending on what you need.
Second is durability. Pontoon boats are very rugged and have been designed specifically to meet the hazards of fly-fishing on rough rivers.
Third is versatility. Pontoon boats can work just as well on rivers or lakes. Some pontoon boats can even work on Class Three whitewater or Class Four if you are a skilled peddler. This means that no matter where you want to fly fish you can take your pontoon boat with you.
Fourth is portability. Not only can you use a pontoon boat in many types of water, but also they are extremely portable and easy to get to your location. The inflatable type of pontoon boat can fit in most trunks. Sold air bladder pontoon boats may not fit in the trunk but they often will fit in the bed of a pickup truck. All pontoon boats are light, making it easy for even a single individual to carry and set them up.
Finally they have easy organization. Since pontoon boats were designed for fly-fishing they have many little compartments on the frame so you can easily store all of your fishing needs including rods, reels and other necessities.
With all of these benefits maybe you should consider pontoon fly fishing boats.
Thanks to Robert Thomas for this. Robert is a seasoned boating campaigner and is always happy to share his secrets with his readers. You can find information on boating items like Towables or Towable Tubes and the Great Big Mable at Premium Power
Sports helping and supporting the boating community. Source: ArticleTrader.com
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by PRACTICAL BOATER: PONTOON & DECK BOATS
Hi gang, Rick Ostler here from North American Waterway and Used Pontoon Boats bringing you news and views from the boating industry. When it comes to fly fishing, pontoon boats are an excellent choice.
Using Pontoon Fly Fishing Boats
Many have a wrong impression of pontoon boats. When you hear that word you may be thinking of the pontoon boats from 18ft up to 27ft or the small kinds with peddles. However, there are other pontoon boats that are designed specifically for fishing and can seat one to two people.
For those not familiar with pontoon fly fishing boats they are typically small, not over eight feet in length although you can get them in larger sizes. The fisherman will have two pontoons on either side of them that sit on the water. These pontoons are either inflatable or solid air bladders. The pontoon boat has a hull that is V shaped so that there is very little water resistance when paddling, providing the fisherman with excellent maneuverability. The two pontoons are connected by a frame, which contains the sitting area. When moving they are paddled similar to a rowboat.
When compared to other fishing boats, pontoon fly fishing boats are still relatively new
It wasn't until the 1980s that they first became commonly available. However, they are quickly gaining popularity in the fly fishing world because of their many benefits. Consider the benefits you can gain from getting pontoon fly fishing boats.
The Benefits of pontoon Fly Fishing Boats
There is good reason that pontoon fly fishing boats have become popular. Anyone who wants to do fly-fishing can have many benefits with a pontoon boat. Next time you are considering a boat for your fly-fishing needs consider the benefits you can have with a pontoon boat.
First is the maneuverability. The V shaped hulls of a pontoon boat makes them very easy to maneuver even with the most basic of paddling techniques. The frame of a pontoon boat makes it very easy for a single person to have powerful strokes, this means you can make quick turns or long paddles depending on what you need.
Second is durability. Pontoon boats are very rugged and have been designed specifically to meet the hazards of fly-fishing on rough rivers.
Third is versatility. Pontoon boats can work just as well on rivers or lakes. Some pontoon boats can even work on Class Three whitewater or Class Four if you are a skilled peddler. This means that no matter where you want to fly fish you can take your pontoon boat with you.
Fourth is portability. Not only can you use a pontoon boat in many types of water, but also they are extremely portable and easy to get to your location. The inflatable type of pontoon boat can fit in most trunks. Sold air bladder pontoon boats may not fit in the trunk but they often will fit in the bed of a pickup truck. All pontoon boats are light, making it easy for even a single individual to carry and set them up.
Finally they have easy organization. Since pontoon boats were designed for fly-fishing they have many little compartments on the frame so you can easily store all of your fishing needs including rods, reels and other necessities.
With all of these benefits maybe you should consider pontoon fly fishing boats.
Thanks to Robert Thomas for this. Robert is a seasoned boating campaigner and is always happy to share his secrets with his readers. You can find information on boating items like Towables or Towable Tubes and the Great Big Mable at Premium Power
Sports helping and supporting the boating community. Source: ArticleTrader.com
Used Pontoon Boats, By Rick Ostler
Pontoon Boats-North American Waterway
Be sure to check out this weeks latest Pontoon Boat Videos
Please visit our sponsors, they help make this possible. Thanks............Rick
Sponsored by PRACTICAL BOATER: PONTOON & DECK BOATS
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