Tips for Trailering Part 3

For anyone who’s never trailered their boat there’s a whole list of things you need to consider before running out and buying that brand new, shiny trailer. Things like the towing capacity of your vehicle are absolutely critical to purchasing a trailer. You don’t want to buy your brand new trailer only to find out your vehicle doesn’t have the necessary power to tow your boat.

A great way to get this information is to check your owner’s manual or find out if other boaters are using the same vehicle to tow their boats. Almost all family sedans are automatically disqualified because they simply aren’t designed to tow much of anything, much less a hulking mass of water-going equipment. Your best bet is a truck or SUV as these almost always have the power to tow a boat up to 25 feet in length. But you always want to check your owner’s manual to be absolutely certain. And if you own a Yaamaha engine check out Yamalube 2W oil and maximize your boat’s efficiency for saving gas on the water.

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Tips for Trailering Part 2

When you decide to trailer your boat take the time and do your research to find only certified trailers. The National Marine Manufacturer’s Association maintains a trailer manufacturer’s certification program to help ensure clean, safe transportation for your boat. This group helps maintain industry standards and certifies that all trailers bearing their marker meet all federal and most state safety regulations.

The areas certified by the NMMA are as follows:
• identification plates
• capacity ratings
• couplings, safety chains
• lighting, winches
• brakes
• registration procedures
• conspicuity systems

For Yamaha owners you can help ensure the best mobile boating experience by keeping a supply of Yamalube 2M oil on hand.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 6

One thing that can’t be stressed enough is recycling. Recycle, recycle, recycle. This is one of the biggest, easiest ways everyone can contribute to environmental conservation. What does recycling mean to boaters? Well, in addition to keeping your trash out of waterways and off of coastlines, it means the proper disposal of batteries, paints and other chemicals. 12V batteries are one of the most recycled products on the planet. Any hazardous wastes must be disposed of properly and in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Many marinas and shops will offer a credit for an old battery when purchasing a new one. This is a nice incentive to anyone replacing a battery and also helps keep batteries out of landfills. In addition, never pump sewage out when you are near the shore. Check local regulations for specifics, but most marinas offer pump-out stations for proper waste disposal. And don’t forget to buy bulk oil for maximum savings this season.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 5

Our fourth installment of eco-friendly boating tips ties closely into one of last week’s tips for saving money at the pump. A lot of people are so excited to get out on the water that they forget to take the time to get to know their waterways. This year, take the extra time and experience the satisfaction of responsible navigation. Know where you’re going, how to get there and even the best time to head out. Proper navigation saves you time on the water and ultimately money in the bank.

You can avoid excess fuel consumption by being patient and planning your trip well in advance. Avoid this common mistake. Everyone can’t wait to get out on the water every year so don’t fall victim to impatience. Save yourself time, money and wear and tear on your boat by thinking ahead and having a solid route planned out. The best part is you can help the environment at the same time! Also, try buying bulk motor oil to save money on all of your boat trips.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 4

Responsible and routine maintenance aren’t just important for the life and longevity of your boat but also for the environment. Keeping your boat and engine in optimum operating condition means you’re helping it maintain maximum fuel efficiency. Maximum fuel efficiency translates directly into lower emissions from your boat’s engine, which in turn means a healthier, happier environment.

One excellent method for achieving optimum fuel efficiency is to use the proper equipment, such as the right propeller for your boat and engine. An adjustable-pitch propeller or a modular prop could help increase fuel efficiency. Ensure that your motor reaches the proper wide-open-throttle RPM with the right combination of motor and propeller and you could save yourself even more money at the gas pump. This can also help you to burn less boat motor oil, ultimately saving you money when boating.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 3

Topping off has long been a no-no at filling stations nationwide. By trying to get that last little bit of fuel into your vehicle you can end up creating dangerous spills as well as excess and unnecessary fumes and emissions. When you decide not to take the easy route and top off you save the environment and other motorists from unsafe conditions and exposure to fuel gasses ans fumes.

The same is true when it comes to our boats. When filling the engine we must take care not to top off since excess fuel may end up in our waterways. The last thing we want to do is exxpose marine life and marine environments to gasoline and oil. Learn the proper techniques for fueling your boat’s motor and prevent spillage, excess filling and overflow. Fuel slowly and responsibly to help prevent long term damage to the environment created by careless fueling practices. Using the proper 2 stroke oil will also help increase your fuel efficiency this season.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 2

Our second installment in our tips for eco-friendly boating is both simple and affordable. When buying cleaning products for your boat, be sure to look for the EPA-Certified “Design for the Environment” DfE on product labels and packaging. This certification can mean three things for you. First, it lets you know that the product will help you protect the environment when you use it. Second, it’s safe for you and your family. Third, these products have minimal environmental impact. All three are an important part of getting the most out of your boating experience.

Further, while painting your boat be sure to use bottom paints that are legal. Using biodegradable cleaning agents can also help you ensure that no paint or dangerous chemicals enter the water. With just a few easy steps you can help the environment when caring for your boat. Help ensure the safety of the environment and its stability for generations to come by doing your part and cleaning safely and responsibly. You can also help the fuel efficiency of your 2 cycle engine with the right 2 cycle oil.

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Fuel Economy Tip 7

The seventh and final installment of our fuel saving guide for boaters is yet another in the long list of great practices that many people simply overlook. Since maintenance can cut down on the time you get to spend enjoying your boat, many routine maintenance functions are the first to fall by the wayside. That said, it’s essential to ensure the hull of your boat is clear and free of all marine life and obstructions that will affect your fuel efficiency.

Even the smallest amount of marine growth can take a big chunk out of your fuel efficiency. This is especially the case if you keep your boat in the water. Marine growth can build up quickly, and a lot of boat owners simply forget about this. Everything on the hull creates a sort of drag and as a result of this friction your fuel economy can be needlessly and tremendously diminished. So don’t forget to keep that hull clean! And with the right two cycle outboard motor oil you’ll be even better equipped to save money at the pump.

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Fuel Economy Tip 6

Our sixth installment of fuel saving tips for boating enthusiasts is another critical step in ensuring you’re spending less at the pump this boating season. It’s really a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how often people forget this important money saving piece. It’s absolutely essential that you get to know and understand all of your gauges. When you know your gauges you’ll be able to better study them.

Readings like speed, rpm and fuel consumption will give you the information you need to easily find your boat’s ideal planning speed. If you’ve installed a fuel flow meter you can even monitor fuel usage in real time. This gives you a huge advantage as it allows for accurate adjustment of trim and throttle. The bottom line is, the better you know your gauges the better equipped you’ll be to make navigational and operational decisions while on the water. And don’t forget the optimum outboard motor oil to further maximize your fuel savings.

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Fuel Economy Tip 3

Our third fuel efficiency tip is something many avid boaters forget about. Propeller choice, maintenance and care are as critical to fuel efficiency as anything else and therefore shouldn’t be ignored when preparing for your upcoming boating season. Choose a propeller that allows your boat to perform at the higher end of the manufacturer’s specifications for wide-open throttle rpm. Of course, you’ll want to make sure this is when you’re carrying your standard amount of gear for an outing in the boat.

Also, be sure to check for nicked and dinged blades before heading out on the water. These cut down on the propeller’s efficiency and will have very negative effects on your overall fuel economy. Being careful while out on the water and regularly inspecting your props will help you save money by ensuring your props are operating at optimum efficiency. A little Evinrude outboard oil also couldn’t hurt and is proven to help maintain prop efficiency. Don’t skimp out on this, it’s as important as anything else and could make a world of difference next time you fork over a wad of cash for a little gas.

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Beat High Fuel Costs Part 2

Tip Number 2: Slim Down on Gear
The second installment of our money saving tips for more affordable boating might be a bit challenging for some. When you’re heading out on the water for several hours you want to be prepared. What’s more, you’ll want to enjoy the comforts of home. The problem is, hauling all that stuff can have catastrophic consequences for fuel efficiency. In order to do this you’ll want to examine what you’re taking with you and what could potentially be left off the boat during your next outing.

A lot of boaters will take out as much fuel and water as their boat can hold and this is a classic mistake. Rather than haul all that unnecessary stuff you can take just what you need for the day and save yourself some serious headaches at the pump. You can also save yourself some serious cash with regular maintenance and a good motor oil. Buying bulk outboard motor oil is a great way to help increase fuel economy no mater how much you’re hauling.

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East Coast Escapes Yearly Storms

Neither of this year’s category-4 hurricanes, Danielle and Earl, made landfall on the Atlantic Coast during the late-summer storm cycle. But that doesn’t mean residents didn’t feel the effects of the two very powerful tropical storms. 70-80 mph winds were reported in both the Outer Banks and in some New England states as the two storms slid up the coastline. If Earl had not weakened and remained 85 miles off shore, it would have torn through the Outer Banks with catastrophic effect.

Danielle, on the other hand, stayed several hundred miles of shore and had less of an effect on coastal communities as the two storms went up the East Coast in August and September. This comes as good news to avid boaters in the Eastern United States who will be able to enjoy this season’s shorelines without having to rebuild from a cataclysmic hurricane season. I know I’ll be taking my boat out as soon as possible, that’s why I’ve already stocked up on boat motor oil for the season to come.

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