Unless you're trying for the world boat docking record, there's no reason to be hasty. Slow down to steer effectively. The more control you have while steering, the better the chances are of successful docking.
There are a few things to consider when approaching the dock. You should know the direction of the wind and current. Work with these forces and ease off the propeller. You’ll likely drift right into your well or dock.
Firstly, you must position the fenders. Fenders provide a cushion between your vessel and the dock. With well-positioned fenders, you will prevent damage from an accidental bump. An error in your judgment or depth perception could lead to a collision, damaging your boat.
Secondly, prepare your lines to tie your boat to the pilings on the dock. Keep them within arm’s reach and out of the water so that they don’t twist around the propeller.
While it’s critical to proceed gently to avoid colliding with the dock, you may need to accelerate to complete a turn, or navigate through wind and current. Find the perfect mix between excessive and sufficient power. Before doing the first burst, ensure that the steering wheel is aligned with where you want to go. You wouldn't want to accelerate into your neighbor’s dock.
You should start the docking process perpendicular to the dock. Gradually point the bow parallel to the dock when you are approximately 100 feet away. This allows the stern of your boat to swing over towards the landing.
Next, shift to neutral and let the boat's momentum propel it towards the dock. Then, spin the wheel to keep the boat parallel to the dock. Accelerate slightly, propelling the stern toward the dock. Reverse to slow your momentum, and tie up to keep your boat secure.
Now that you have an idea of how to properly dock your boat, you can try it out yourself. Browse Innovative Marine Group's marine equipment for sale to add to your boat. From fender covers to flag poles, we have you covered!
]]>Look for a spot isolated from other boats and objects where you may safely drop your anchor. When you've found the perfect position, examine the area to guarantee there's nothing in the way of the line. Determine the depth of the water and the nature of the material below the surface. The surface floor determines what type of anchor you need. A chart or plotter typically tells you what you can expect on the ground floor.
Secure the anchor to the bow cleat until it reaches the desired location. Allow at least five times the amount of line from the water's surface to the depth you intend to drop it below.
Now that you're in the prime location, it's time to use the current to your benefit. Curb your speed to nil and head into the wind, past where you want your boat to be before a complete stop. If the conditions are choppy, keeping the anchor onboard and drifting back first is advantageous. Doing so gives you a general idea of where the boat will end up.
With the hook set, firmly cleat it off and run the ride through chocks to guarantee that your equipment on deck is out of harm's way from the ride as the boat swings. Then, make a reference point from the naked eye or your GPS device and set an anchor alarm in case things go astray.
Anchoring is more accessible with a suitable size anchor to do the job. You're better off having a heavy anchor than one that doesn't hunker you down. Finding a happy medium with weight in where you can handle it and keep yourself secure is the goal.
Calling shotgun on the spot means you oversee the surrounding area. However, some days are more crowded than others, and you'll have to squeeze in somewhere. Make sure you are considerate of others and allow enough room to steer clear of previously anchored boats.
By knowing these boat anchoring tips and tricks on how to anchor a boat with ease, you should have no issues when you are in the water. Innovative Marine Group provides premiere anchors and matching boat anchor cover for your next trip. We know you'll have no problem staying with one of our anchors!
]]>Your boat fenders do a wonderful job protecting your vessel from grazing the deck and damaging your boat. However, from the constant contact wooden pier, there may be tiny bits of wood that remain in the material of the fender. If the wood remnants are scraping on the exterior of your vessel, it's time to consider new fenders.
Whenever you have anything inflatable, you risk a hole ruining your day. The smallest punctures may be why your inflatable yacht fenders aren't working as intended. You can try a short-term solution by using some industrial tape on the hole. However, the fenders will continue to lose their effectiveness until you fully replace them once damaged. Plus, it's not aesthetically pleasing to see a piece of your boat covered in silver duct tape.
A hole may be why your fenders aren't fully inflated, but there might be other reasons why it's not properly inflated. Regardless of why the fenders are starting to soften up, you don't want to dock a boat with fenders that can't protect your vessel. It's not like you'd want a collection of underinflated balloons for a birthday party, so don't settle for half-inflated fenders either.
There's nothing like soaking up the sun on a beautiful summer day, especially when cruising around in your boat. Unfortunately for your fenders, the sun can make its mark by discoloring the fenders from repeated exposure. If you notice your dark-colored fenders are beginning to fade, you might want to invest in fenders that keep their color.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all boat fender, so it's possible you purchased the wrong size from the get-go. It's vital to know what size fender you need, and the best place to start is by knowing the size of your boat. Use a small fender for a PWC under 20', a medium fender under 35', and a large version for anything between 35-72'. Therefore, if you have accidentally purchased a large fender for a medium PWC, your vessel might be vulnerable.
Paying close attention to the warning signs it's time to replace your boat fenders is integral for any boat owner. Innovative Marine Group is your home for the best inflatable fenders available. We are as passionate about maintaining the condition of your boats as you are, so we promise our Aere inflatable fenders will protect your vessel at all costs. Don't hesitate to contact our customer service experts today if you have any questions.
]]>Sometimes, it’s impossible to get to a location via a jet ski or a boat. A boat may be too large to squeeze under a bridge, and a jet ski may be too small to handle choppy conditions. By easily turning your jet ski into a boat, you can explore areas you otherwise could not. Additionally, the waves won’t affect the performance because the design of these vessels cushions the blow, resulting in a more comfortable ride.
Because these watercraft are inflatable, they are considerably lighter than a traditional boat. Lighter boats have better fuel efficiency without compromising the standard perks of having a boat, such as entertaining guests and relaxing in the water.
Another perk of jet ski boats being lighter is you can amp up the throttle and go faster. With a jet ski being the engine behind an inflatable boat, you can test its limits and enjoy fuel-efficient RPM and horsepower, which is something a regular boat cannot offer. In a safe environment, everyone enjoys seeing the power they get when they maximize the capabilities of their boat.
Their adaptability proves fruitful for watersports, swimming, and exploration. They’re not only built to provide a safe and pleasant trip for your guests but also prepared for a full day of excitement, no matter what you plan to do.
An inflatable jet ski boat requires much less maintenance than a standard vessel. Gone are the days of cleaning, waxing, and buffering out scrapes. Rinsing it off and inflating it is easy. You don’t have to be an expert to maintain an inflatable, saving you time and money on unnecessary repairs or winterizing it.
Knowing the top five benefits of inflatable jet ski boats illustrates how wonderful they are on the water. Innovative Marine Group has the best inflatable jet ski boat money can buy with our X-Tenda Jet. It can reach speeds up to 30 knots and be yours in four interest-free payments. Please consult with us if you have further questions so we can get you into the driver’s seat today!
]]>The most beautiful thing about using a jet ski boat attachment is its adaptability to a two-person PWC into one that can fit multiple passengers. Most attachments can comfortably seat four companions and reach upwards of eight, and you can even bring your favorite furry friend. It’s much easier to plan a fun getaway when there’s not a limit of one extra person riding behind you.
Fishing is an activity many people enjoy in the water, but it can be challenging to cast and reel a fish on a jet ski. Plus, you don’t have to do this by your lonesome because you have the boat to help you seat people and bring your gear.
If you are looking for more of a thrill than cruising around on your jet ski, grabbing a Flyboard is an excellent way to get your adrenaline pumping. Using a Flyboard is the closest you will feel to being a superhero, rising from the surface into the sky like an Avenger.
Although they look intimidating to use, they have safety measures in place that let the rider rest between throttling. The boat attachment gives you more juice to operate and bring interested parties along.
Tubing is a right of passage for most children who have grown up around a boat. A jet ski attachment provides that experience by bringing the family along without a boat. You will have more than enough power to safely coast around the water and enjoy the special memories of your little one wiping out after rolling over a wave.
After mastering the art of tubing, you can dip your toes into wakeboarding. Going wakeboarding with a jet ski makes more sense because its propulsion system is safer for towing sports, it’s more affordable than boats, and its nimbleness makes it easier to maneuver in the water. The boat attachment makes it easier to go over choppier water, aiding the wakeboarder in their efforts to stay afloat.
These five innovative uses for jet ski boat attachments ensure that more than a handful of patrons will have an exhilarating day in the water. You can look at Innovative Marine Group’s X-tenda jet ski inflatable raft if you want to add a boat at a fraction of the cost. Our expert team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about turning that jet ski into a full-fledged boat.
]]>The start of a new season is an excellent opportunity to ensure that all safety equipment is good. Examine the expiry dates on flares, fire extinguishers, life vests, and rafts since they don't last forever.
Evaluate your navigational devices, anchors, and steaming lights and, if feasible, install LED lights instead of bulbs. Lastly, fully stock up your first-aid kit with the essentials. You don't want to be in a situation where you have a severe laceration and you can't stop the bleeding because you don't have bandages.
It is preferable to begin the season with a spotless cabin. If you didn't do it in the autumn, now is a good time to clear out extraneous objects from the cabin, wipe it down, and scan it for damage. A tidy and pristine cabin helps you and your patrons enjoy cruising even more, and it limits the chances of having to make any repairs in the cabin.
Ensure that all engine oils and lubricants are full or replenished per approved maintenance schedules. Schedule a qualified engine technician to inspect and adjust the engine for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
If any engine belts are on the verge of wearing down, replace those promptly. Change your outboard engine's bottom gear case oil if you didn't do that during winterization. And don't forget to check the impeller of the water pump.
Ensure that other kinds of onboard equipment, like bilge pumps, are running correctly. You may purchase additives and apply them straight to the water storage tank to enhance its flavor and odor. Finally, create a list of the spare components you must bring in the event of a breakdown.
Learning why boat preparation is key for safe spring cruising can give you peace of mind when taking the sails out. Here at Innovative Marine Group, we want you to enjoy spring, and the first step is to check out our selection of yachting equipment. If you need any of the materials or equipment listed above, we will help you.
]]>Everyone enjoys going to special events like games or concerts, especially when considering the pre-game festivities. Many stadiums and outdoor venues give you limited access to the water, so consider enjoying the event from your boat.
You might not be able to see every pitch in the ballpark or the band’s lead singer perform, but you’ll be able to hear the crowd’s roar from the ballgame and music from the concert in the comfort of your boat.
Very few things are as beautiful as a sunset on the water. Mother Nature rarely disappoints when you are cruising around dusk. If you’re an early riser, seeing the sunrise over the water is another breathtaking option. Either time of day is perfect for a beautiful experience you and your family can enjoy together. And it’s free—you don’t need to make any purchases to look at a majestic sky.
Being out on the water all day can make everyone hungry. Rather than go back home, dock your boat, and fire up the grill yourself, take advantage of a dock-and-dine option near you. There, you can dock your boat at the restaurant and enjoy the good food. After all, you don’t want anyone to get hangry and ruin the good vibes.
Being able to escape society for a few days is good for your mental health. Like traditional camping, you can spend a few nights looking at the stars in a desolate area from your boat.
Make sure to grab all the camping essentials you need to set up shop. If you own a jet ski, you can invest in a jet ski inflatable boat attachment to take the family out and enjoy the thrills of watercraft together.
Lastly, what’s more relaxing than anchoring your boat and reeling in some fish? If you are an avid angler, fishing together can be an opportune time to pass your knowledge down to your family. You’ll get the pleasure of educating your children while doing something you enjoy. Also, you never know what you might catch if you don’t try. You could set a new personal record.
Knowing how to make boating more fun for the family this summer provides you with fun activities that will please everyone. Innovative Marine Group has plenty of nautical items to enhance your experience, including the groundbreaking jet ski inflatable boat attachment.
]]>Boat seats suffer a lot of wear and tear from so much use and all the different weather elements. You can upgrade them in several different ways: replacing them, buying new covers for them, or cleaning them. Your choice between these options will depend on your project budget and your time and ability.
If you have a sizeable budget and the seats are too far gone to clean, then replacing them will be your best choice. Opting for new seat covers is a good second choice if your seats are still salvageable and you have a slightly smaller budget, but don’t have the time or ability to give them a good scrub. Annual or bi-annual cleaning is the most affordable choice that will keep your seats looking upgraded without the price tag.
Adding more lighting to your boat is a great upgrade that will make it easier and safer to use. LED lighting strips are thin enough to fit in small places, such as around seats and cupholders, so that you and your guests can see easier while onboard in the dark. Sealed, surface-mounted LED strips are available so that you can add them to the exterior of your boat, even below the waterline, for cool ambiance and safer night docking.
For a quick, fashionable upgrade, consider a boat rail flagpole mount. Flags are a boating staple, and this type of mount will make yours easily visible. Displaying flags this way gives you the opportunity to show off your private flag, national pride, or that you have an international guest on board. And if you’re ever in distress and have no other way to communicate, using these mounts for signal flags can ensure that you quickly get the help that you need.
Like your seats, your boat carpeting takes a beating from all the use and weather. If signs of wear and tear are just starting to show, then all you need is a heavy-duty cleaning to make them look like new. Unfortunately, in some cases, no amount of cleaning will restore your carpet, so it’s time to get something new. Depending on your time and ability, you may be able to do the installation yourself. You can find DIY kits and snap-in carpet if this is an upgrade project you’d like to tackle on your own.
Cleaning or replacing seat upholstery and carpet and adding lighting and flag mounts are some of the best upgrades for boating enthusiasts to make. You’ll be able to better enjoy your time on the water with these updated elements that add comfort, style, and value.
]]>Nautical flags come in three shapes, with the square being the most common of the trio. The other two are triangular, with pendant flags having a flat tip at the end. There are 26 square flags for the alphabet and 10 pendants for numbers 0 through 9. If a number is greater than 9, a boat would have to combine flags to get the complete message across.
Each of the 26 square flags has a meaning behind each letter. Considering how challenging it is to verbally communicate in a naval emergency, these flags help relay a message of the situation at hand:
Your flags must be easily visible, so you will only see five colors: red, black, blue, yellow, and white. Therefore, there isn’t a lot of variety for colors for nautical flags. Some flags are completely solid, whereas others might have a combination of the five colors. However, you won’t find any other colors onboard.
Relaying messages to emergency responders can help you escape from a perilous situation. Using different colored flags, you can communicate exactly what is going on. You can effectively describe the ongoing crisis with either one or multiple flags. It can be as simple as displaying a “U” flag to signify that there is danger ahead, or as intricate as a combination of “M,” “O,” and “W” flags to state that you have stopped because there is someone overboard and you need medical assistance.
Now that you know about the different types of boat flags and what they mean, you’ll need some marine flag poles to put them in. Check out our store at Innovative Marine Group to purchase those flag poles, as well as any other marine gear that you might need.
]]>Everywhere across the globe has four seasons that break up the year. However, there are only two seasons that matter when it comes to yachting: summer and winter. A charter season refers to weekly intervals instead of full seasons based on weather patterns. Typically, a charter season is when a yacht is in the highest demand.
Most manufacturers design yachts for warmer climates, so the odds are they don’t have the amenities to handle winter weather. Therefore, if you have a destination in mind, knowing when they are in and out of season is beneficial. You don’t want to show up to a marina and find out it isn’t operational because it’s out of season.
The summer yachting season lasts six months and takes place in the middle of the calendar, usually from April to October. Certain locations are more desirable than others in the summer charter season, such as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska. It's optimal to travel to these locations when the climate is warmer because you don't want to shiver from frigid air on deck.
The most popular time to charter a yacht in the summer is between July and August, so plan accordingly. You'll want to research potential landing spots beforehand to avoid a crowd and save a few bucks.
Conversely, the winter season lasts from November to April, with some destinations experiencing a bit of overlap between the two seasons. This period is popular for those who want to escape the cold winter air. Thus, tropical locations in the Caribbean are in high demand at this time, as are areas in the Indian Ocean and near the British Virgin Islands.
The charter season doesn't end in some locations and instead goes all year long. Areas like the Bahamas and Florida don't cease yachting, as the weather is relatively comfortable all year. Temperature aside, the one thing you must consider in this vicinity is hurricane season. You won't want to be in the water if a hurricane is approaching. August through October has the highest propensity of a storm, so it's in your best interest to avoid setting sail during those months.
By understanding when to set sail and reviewing this guide to yachting seasons, you can enjoy yachting all year long. Learning where to go and what to avoid guarantees you the most pleasant experience. Our high-quality yachting equipment at Innovative Marine Group will aid you as you set sail.
]]>Here’s something to get pumped up about. Inflatable fenders are a simple, versatile, and cost-effective means of protecting your boat from accidental contact with docks and other boats. Inflatable fenders consist of vinyl-coated air sacs that you can inflate to your liking. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a full range of watercraft. While they do require you to do the inflating on your own, you should only need something as simple as a manual bike tire pump to get the air flowing. If you’re a casual boater on a factory-standard craft, inflatable fenders are a smart choice. However, be warned: inflatable fenders are susceptible to punctures and abrasions, damage that can deflate them and permanently put them out of commission.
Not all fenders are inflatable, however, and not all boats can take them on. Providing an alternative is an array of non-inflatable options for boat fenders. Typically, these are made of molded plastic or foam rubber. Unlike inflatables, they’re ready to go right out of the box. Also, unlike inflatable fenders, which are limited to a narrow range of spherical, cylindrical, and ovoid shapes, non-inflatable fenders can take on a broader spectrum of unorthodox shapes and sizes. Some of these fenders may be specially tapered to better fit the contours of a boat. Pontoon boats, which often have sharper corners than others, can use specialty non-inflatable fenders to best protect those corners. Remember that with non-inflatable fenders, you can’t adjust the hardness of the surface by adding or subtracting air—what you have is what you have. Also, without relying on air to do the job, these fenders can be quite a bit heavier.
Determining the best type of boat fender for your craft is an important decision. Your boat is a significant investment, and fenders protect that investment. At Innovative Marine, we offer inflatable boat fenders for sale that provide that necessary buffer between boats and docks or boats and other boats. With an expansive selection of shapes and sizes, we’re confident you can find the inflatable fender you need. As for those non-inflatable fenders, your boat probably won’t need them, but as a last resort, don’t sleep on the idea of them as a backup.
]]>For most, deciding between getting a jet ski or a boat can be a challenging decision. You can make a pros and cons list and still struggle to select one over the other. So, why not both? Thankfully, you can convert your jet ski into a boat with a simple attachment. Learn about the easiest way to turn your jet ski into a boat and all the reasons why it’s worth the investment.
Currently there are molded fiberglass boat kits that are specifically designed to insert a jet ski as the main propulsion, however the cost of a jet ski and the jet ski boat is exorbitant. The best solution to expand your Jet Ski into a boat is getting a kit, like an X-Tenda Jet.
If you already own a Jet Ski and transport it to the water on a trailer, the deflated X-Tenda Jet can be transported by simply stowing in the trunk of your vehicle or strapped down to the seat of the Jet Ski while on the trailer. The X-Tenda Jet is lightweight and inflates / deflates quickly with the provided 12 Volt inflator. The portability of the X-Tenda Jet is outstanding and compares to no other, as there’s no need for a big expense for the fiberglass Jet Ski boat and a trailer to tow it.
Think again if you believe there is a long, drawn-out process in converting your jet ski into a boat. Preliminary work to the Jet Ski requires the simple installation of three eye-bolts to the rub rail lip. After that it’sas simple as inflating the X-Tenda Jet, putting it in the water, driving your jet ski into the attachment, and securing the X-Tenda Jet to the Jet Ski with the tie down straps. Before you know it, your two or three person jet ski turns into a boat for the whole family to enjoy.
The main benefits of getting a two-for-one like this item is the versatility that it offers. The X-Tenda Jet is lightweight, has a small footprint when deflated, is easily handled by one person, and inflates / deflates quickly with the provided 12 Volt inflator.
You can end up taking a small group out that you wouldn’t have been able to do on a jet ski alone. You can also bring extra gear to the beach or sandbar for a more comfortable day on the water. Since the propulsion is the Jet Ski, there’s no worry of a propeller injuring someone or damaging the marine environment It also allows you to engage in other water activities like fishing, snorkeling, diving, lounging in the sun, or using as a Tender to ferry people, and or gear, back and forth from boats. The X-Tenda Jet also adds stability to the Jet Ski which makes transitioning onto land or other boats a much safer and more predictable event. Now that you know the easiest way to turn your jet ski into a boat, and the fun that you can have, check out our X-Tenda Jet selection at Innovative Marine Group. We’re sure the X-Tenda is a unique and value added accessory for your family and friends.
]]>Docking your vessel doesn't always go smoothly, which is why every boat needs fenders for docking maneuvers, and while docked. . Once docked, your fenders will do all the hard work keeping your boat securely moored and protected from the dock, however, protecting your hull surface from perpetual fender contact (scratches, scuffs) should not be over looked. While a fenders surface is generally soft, that material is more rigid than a soft fabric fender cover, and if you value the condition of your hull, a good soft, stylish cover is very important.
Since fenders are mandatory equipment that get used, abused, become dirty and or tattered, consider adding fender covers to instantly clean them up. First impressions last, so instead of presenting dirty or boring white fenders hanging off the side of your boat, clean them up with fender covers. Fender covers allow you to instantly color coordinate your fenders to your boat’s accents, and or you can add custom embroidery for that extra level of detail and personal touch.
Fenders are notorious for squeaking during moments of compression between the hull and dock. Anyone who sleeps aboard understands that the frequent cyclical squeak can be quite annoying. Adding a soft fender cover will mitigate squeaks, which can be an invaluable benefit to you and or your guests.
Nearly every exterior item on a boat is subjected and impacted by the suns U.V. rays, and covers are generally used as sacrificial protection to protect the greater good. While fenders generally have good UV resistance characteristics, it is considered good preventative maintenance to keep them covered, especially when they are stored full time in the sun, so when the critical need arises, you can feel confident that your fender is ready for action.
Are boat fender covers worth it? Well, these four key benefits point towards “yes.” Check out our marine fender covers at Innovative Marine Group to find the ideal assortment to fit your needs. We offer a variety of sizes and colors, ensuring you’ll be satisfied with your choice.
]]>When you want to calculate the size of the fenders your boat will need, the important thing to understand is how they relate to the size of your boat. Larger boats move with more weight behind them, which means that a fender that’s too small won’t be able to adequately redirect that weight enough to prevent damage. However, you don’t want to get fenders that are too big for your boat because then you may run into a storage issue, even if you opt for inflatable fenders. Below are two common fender types and the sizes you might want to consider.
The shape of ball fenders makes them more difficult to crush under pressure from an impact. This quality makes them ideal for larger boats, as they can deal with the larger amounts of force driving behind them and creating the impact. One rule of thumb you can use to find the right sized ball fenders is to have two inches worth of diameter in your ball fender for every five feet of your boat’s length. Ball fenders are also great for boats with more pronounced bow flares since the round shape fills the area below the rub rail while still providing protection. The shape also helps prevent the fender from walking up the hull and over the rub railing, which can be useful in certain docking situations.
Cylinder fenders are the more traditional option, and they still work perfectly well for what they need to do. You also have the option to hang these fenders vertically or horizontally. Hanging them vertically is a better option for pulling up to other vessels, while hanging them horizontally is usually more common for pulling your boat into a dock. Another useful rule of thumb for cylinder fender size is to have about one inch of diameter to every four or five feet of your boat’s length. However, the larger your fenders are, the more protection they will offer. If you have the space on your boat, it won’t hurt to have larger fenders.
We want your boat to be safe as possible while on the water. For boat fenders and boat fender covers for sale, Innovative Marine Group has everything you need to fully equip yourself for your next boat outing.
]]>There are very simple rules of thumb to follow when you want to know what size and how many boat fenders you need. Remember these rules, and you can accurately predict your fender needs no matter what boat you have or may get in the future.
To determine how many fenders you’ll need - for every 10 feet of boat length your boat has, you’ll need one fender to protect it. However, it’s also important to remember that the minimum number of fenders should be three, no matter what size boat you’re on. A 20- to 25-foot boat would still need three fenders as a minimum. A 40-foot boat would need four fenders, one for every 10 feet of boat length. A 50-foot boat would need five fenders, and so on from there.
To determine the diameter of fenders, a general rule is that for every 4-5 feet of boat length, the fender should increase 1-1.5” in diameter for cylindrical fenders, and for round fenders, the diameter should increase by 2 inches. As an example, a 40-foot boat should have cylindrical fenders with diameters of 10 to 12 inches, and for a 40-foot boat with round fenders, they should be a minimum, 10-inch round diameter fenders.
To determine the length of fenders, you must take into account the area of the hull that will be generally contacting the docks, as well as any design elements on the hull that protrude, which will make first contact with the dock. Considering that fenders are typically available in various lengths for each diameter, once you know the fender diameter you need, simply analyze the dock contact area of your boat to determine best lengths for best fender protection.
Having the right number of fenders is only the first part of protecting your boat. You also need to be sure you position them correctly to ensure they provide adequate protection. When you go to position your fenders, allow the bottom of them to just touch the surface of the water. Then you can raise them one or two inches away from the water to position them correctly. Always be sure that you tie your fenders to a solid anchor point, such as a cleat. You want your fenders to stay as low as possible to reduce the amount of swinging they can do. If experiencing unusually high wind conditions and your fenders are swinging around, you can always tie a small sand bag to the bottom of the fender, or fill the inflatable fenders with a little bit of water to weigh them down, then drain water when fenders are not in use.
You can get many accessories for your fenders that make them easier to store and deploy when you need to. For inflatable fenders, hand pumps can be very useful to quickly get them inflated when you need them. Lines and fender rail hooks made specifically for fenders can help to ensure they stay secured properly and do not chafe your brightwork. You can even buy bags for your fenders to make them easier to store.
If you need fenders, or any number of other boating accessories, Innovative Marine Group has a wide variety of them in our shop. Make sure you have enough for your boat and get yourself something fun as a reward for focusing on safety first!
]]>The national ensign is considered the most important flag to fly on a vessel. For the United States, the “stars and stripes” serves as the national ensign. This flag should fly the farthest aft of any other flag, as that is the position of honor. In most cases, the national ensign should also be the largest flag you fly aboard your vessel. Important things to remember about flying the national ensign include:
Many American yachts choose to fly the US yacht ensign instead of the national ensign. Originally, you needed a special license to fly the US yacht ensign, but nowadays, any vessel—whether professional or recreational—can fly the yacht ensign. You can fly either the yacht ensign or the national ensign, but never both at the same time.
Many yacht and sailing clubs have their own burgees, which are pennant-shaped flags used to identify a vessel as part of that club. If you’re part of a yacht or sailing club, make sure you proudly fly your club’s burgee from your ship’s masthead. Burgees usually come with membership to one of these clubs.
Another piece of important yacht flag etiquette you should know regards flying courtesy flags. If you enter another nation’s waters, it’s appropriate to fly their flag to show respect after the nation’s authorities have given you clearance. Flying the yellow Q flag first will signal that you’re seeking clearance from the authorities.
Part of good flag etiquette aboard a boat is keeping your flags in good condition. A yacht flagpole from Innovative Marine group can help you fly the right flags and show proper respect to them as well.
]]>Perhaps highest on the list of must-have accessories for your boat is proper safety gear. No matter how confident you are in your boating expertise, you never know when you might need them. Accidents can happen faster than you think, and it’s a good idea to prepare yourself. Important gear includes:
The right fenders are absolutely essential to making sure your boat doesn’t get damaged from being close to the dock or even by other boats on the water. Make sure that you have the right number of fenders for your boat’s size, or else they won’t do you any good. Inflatable fenders can help out a lot when you want to pull them up and store them away easily.
Most of the things we consider precious to us don’t mix well with water, despite being surrounded by it when you take your boat out. A dry box or a dry bag will help to ensure that anything that needs to stay dry can do just that. Make sure the items you want to keep dry, such as your phone, fit inside the box or bag. It’s also a good idea to test them before fully trusting them.
Not all boats have built-in GPS in their consoles, especially if you have an older or used boat. Depending on where you sail, a GPS could be extremely useful. Not only can you accurately find your position in relation to the nearest dock or port, but some nautical GPS devices also can tell you where other boats are in relation to you.
When it comes to yachting supplies, a fire extinguisher is one you can’t afford to skip. You may be out on the water, but that actually means a sudden fire is far more dangerous to you. Always make sure that your fire extinguisher isn’t too old and that you are confident in your ability to use it should the occasion arise.
Having a boat hook onboard is a good idea for so many different purposes, and it really is a sailor’s multipurpose tool. Whether you need to fish something out of the water, use it to help tie off a line on the dock, or use it to push something out of your boat’s way, a boat hook is always a smart investment.
]]>There are three primary factors you should consider when deciding on the right anchor for your boat: how heavy the anchor should be, how much holding power it needs to have, and the conditions of the bottom of the body of water you’ll sail in. Once you consider each of these components, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what kind of anchor will suit your boat. Here are some of the important things to consider for each.
In most cases, you’ll want to go for a “bigger is better” approach to your anchors. It’s much better to deal with an anchor that’s too heavy than one that isn’t heavy enough since the latter won’t be able to secure your boat correctly. Most anchor manufacturers will give you a range of boat sizes that they recommend for use with their specific anchors; however, you will be the one hauling it around. If you can’t even lift the anchor, and you don’t have a mechanism to do it for you, you’ll strand yourself. Make sure you can handle the anchor’s weight on your own.
You might think that the holding power of the anchor relates heavily to its size and weight. While they do play into the holding power, they don’t have as much effect as you might think. A relatively lightweight anchor actually has a lot more holding power because of both ground suction and the weight of the water on top of it. You always want to know the anchor’s holding power, even more so than its weight, and consider how factors such as wind speed play into the amount of holding power you need.
The floor of whatever lake, bay, ocean, etc., you’re moored in plays an important role in anchor viability. Hard, sandy bottoms are easy to penetrate for most anchors, but that might not be the kind of water you use your boat on. Muddy or grassy bottoms are often more difficult to grab hold of, so in that case, you’ll need to rely more on the overall weight, rode chain specifications, anchor line length and specific design of the anchor to punch through and hold in these more difficult materials.
It is also important to know, that aside from your primary anchor, it is always recommended to have a secondary or emergency anchor on board, which is typically stowed aboard and manually deployed in certain conditions. Innovative Marine Group offers you the AnchorSuit as a great option for stowing your Fluke style and Fortress anchors so that it doesn’t accidentally damage your boat while stowed
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