Archive for the ‘Boating articles’ Category
Pontoons Boats NJ
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT: You don’t need something the size of a yacht to have fun on the water
For every behemoth of a yacht, there are a million 18- to 22-foot affordably priced boats out there that you can have just as much fun in for a hundredth of the price.
Boats are a complete luxury item, and in this economy that rings even more true. But people have always enjoyed getting out on the water on their own watercraft – but the price has to be right.
Some popular models are pontoon boats, runabouts and the ever-popular center-console boat. All of them are versatile, and in the 18-to 22-foot range can be affordably priced without all the bells and whistles.
According to Doug Parkerson, sales manager at Gulf Coast Boating Center, pontoon boats are one of the area’s most popular choices in affordable boating.
“They’re trying to find the boat they can do everything in,” he said. “That’s the reason pontoon boats are versatile and that’s why we’re always sold out of them. And you can get them for $20,000 or under.”
The runabout, which is a smaller ski boat, is a popular choice for the same reasons. But while a pontoon boat can hold 12-14 people, depending on the size, the runabout can hold about half that number and is a bit better equipped for activities beyond lounging. A 19-foot Sting Ray 185 runabout can be purchased for $19,000, and it includes the boat motor and trailer.
The center console boat is also a popular choice – with good reason. It can be used for anything one could think to do on the sea: fishing, towing, cruising, diving, etc. Depending on how they’re equipped, they can be very affordable and can transform from a hardcore fishing vessel to a sunset cruiser by throwing down a few seat cushions.
Kevin McDaniel, owner of an 18-foot Wellcraft center console, uses his boat primarily for fishing and chose it for its fuel efficiency and easy handling.
“There’s plenty of places to sit; there’s just fiberglass everywhere,” McDaniel said. “I could throw a bow cushion down up front and go for a little cruise too. But I like to just be able to come home from fishing and just hose everything down.”
Getting a boat for the right price is the first step, but McDaniel insists that maintaining your boat is the name of the game. His Wellcraft is actually a 1988 model that he bought used 11 years ago.
“Oh yeah, people let the little things go until there’s a bunch of little things and that’s where it gets expensive,” he said. “You need to take care of them as they come or it can get to be too much.”
Newer boats certainly have their advantages, though.
“The boats now are made a little lighter,” Parkerson said. “The performance is computer designed so you get better speed and fuel economy.”
Gas tanks range in size from 18-50 gallons, depending on the boat, and with fuel prices at around $4.50, things can get out of control quickly, especially for people like McDaniel, who gets out three days a week on average.
“(People) want to have fun,” Parkerson said. “They’re kind of letting loose now. For a while boating was in a downhill dive and now it’s on its way back again.”
Posted in 
States crack down on intoxicated boaters
After a powerboat ran up on the south bank of the Toms River and demolished a gazebo last weekend, state police charged the captain with operating a boat while intoxicated.
That story brought home a familiar danger to Matawan sailor Donald E. Baker.
“I love to sail at night, because the wind’s steadier and it’s so beautiful,” said Baker, a boating safety educator with the Raritan Bay Power Squadron, who sails his 34-foot sloop on the Toms River. “But I won’t do it on a moonless night. A lot of these accidents happen at night.”
The small buoys and channel markers of the Toms River are too easy to miss in total darkness — and there is the danger of impaired boaters making their way to port. It’s a danger boating educators stress in the safety classes that are mandatory for all New Jersey boaters.
“After just four or five hours on the water, you’re already impaired from the fatigue effects of the sun, wave motion, the heat,” Baker said. That intensifies the physical effects of even one or two drinks, he said: “If you’re going to have a drink, wait until you get back to the dock.”
New Jersey began to tackle the problem of alcohol-related boat accidents during the recreational boating boom of the 1990s. Today, offenders are treated just like drunken drivers are on land, including the potential loss of all boat and automobile operating privileges for six months.
As the summer boating season enters full swing, other states are moving to curtail the peril on the water this weekend with “Operation Dry Water,” an annual enforcement exercise between the U.S. Coast Guard and state law enforcement agencies. Last year, there were 322 arrests during the operation.
Mandatory safety education programs like New Jersey’s have dramatically reduced boating accidents and fatalities over the last two decades. But alcohol remains the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents involving the America’s 12.4 million registered boats, the Coast Guard says. There were 126 fatalities and 293 injuries in 330 alcohol-related boating accidents in the U.S. in 2010.
New Jersey saw two fatal boating accidents that involved alcohol in 2010, the highest number since four deaths in 2006, according to the annual Coast Guard tally of recreational boating accidents.
“It’s starting to get recognized that boating while intoxicated is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated,” says Lt. Cody Jones, a game warden for the marine enforcement section of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
“You’re in a 1-ton vehicle, but this vehicle doesn’t have brakes, and there’s no lane of traffic or stop sign to direct you.”
He and other experts say that many recreational boaters don’t realize that stress factors associated with boating — such as heat, direct sunlight, vibration, wind and noise — magnify the effects of alcohol.
“Alcohol has more of an impact out there,” says Maj. Chris Huebner, North Carolina’s state boating safety coordinator. “It can take as little as one-third the alcohol on the water as on land to be impaired.”
The Lexington, Ky.-based National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is pushing for a national marine field sobriety test standard that would enable patrol officers to test boaters while they’re seated.
New addition Steigercraft
New Jersey Outboards is teaming up with Steiger Craft to sell there wonderful boat. Here is some information on the company and they have a brand new website you can check out here:
www.steigercraft.com
Steiger Craft Marine is a builder of high quality fiberglass boats ranging in size from 21 feet to 26 feet for Commercial Fisherman and the Recreational Sportfisherman.
Founded in 1972, Alan Steiger has maintained continuous ownership and management of Steiger Craft, Inc.
His boats became popular with Offshore Commercial Fishermen along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, because of their meticulous engineering and build quality. Alan’s adherence to a simple philosophy, build an easily-maintained and long-lasting quality boat, has proven time and again to be the reason fisherman all over the globe continue to purchase Steiger Craft Boats.
Recreational fishermen recognized their needs were similar. They wanted a strong and stable platform for fishing and recreation with the ease of maintenance Steiger Craft Boats afford.
Over 4,000 boats bearing the Steiger Craft name have been produced. The emphasis has been on limited production to tightly control build quality and guarantee the highest possible standards.
Steiger Craft continues to build Center Console, Cuddy Cabin and Pilot House Boats for the Law Enforcement, Search & Rescue, Harbor Patrol, Fire Departments.
A few features that set Steigers apart…
- • All-fiberglass stringer system.
- • No interior carpet to mildew.
- • One piece fiberglass flush deck from bow to stern–no step down to trip over (on all except one model).
- • Custom molded fiberglass seating, pedestals, and other fixtures.
Proven Performers…
I’ve always had a deep admiration for the rugged work boats found in the Northeast. So when we began building boats under the Steiger name, we started with a rugged Modified V design that was stable on the water, easy to work and maintain, and had a level of quality that would last the test of time.
Soon, our ‘work boat’ Pilot House designs began to attract the attention of the fishing community and recreational boaters. They were drawn to our traditional lines, and they wanted a boat that was economical to own and run, while offering a level of quality craftsmanship that would assure enjoyable, worry-free boating.
We’ve always listened to our customers, and in response to this new breed of boater, we began building Deep V vessels, while adding performance and design features that would appeal to the fisherman and recreational boater.
Steigers perform wonderfully in all conditions, while retaining the performance, styling, and sea-keeping of the hearty Pilot House work boats found in the North East.
Al Steiger
President Steiger Craft
Bottom Paint Pontoon
Check out this video on us bottom painting a pontoon with the tough stough made by sea hawk. At New Jersey Outboards were always looking for better product and trying to get our customers the best protection.
Prep and Freight…the delivery process!!
This is a great video showing a boat being taken off the load and prepped before it even reaches the lot. If you ever wondered what was involved with prep and freight and why you have to pay that on your new boat here is a little look at just one part. What is missing is the boat being loaded from the factory and delivered to us than us taking it off of that truck and obviously all the prep to get it ready for the new owner once it is purchased.
Here’s it from the view of the fork lift. Great shot.
New***Seahunt Triton 225
The Triton Series
The Triton Series exemplifies what Sea Hunt Boat Company was founded on, the principle that people desire an affordable boat with excellent performance, a layout with lots of room and great fishing features. Each Triton comes with large fish boxes, aerated livewells and lockable console storage space. What separates the Triton series from the rest of the pack is the performance. With a sharp entry deadrise and dry Carolina Flair, comfort does not have to come at a price; it comes standard in the Triton Series.
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The Sea Hunt Story
The Sea Hunt Story
Sea Hunt started in 1995 by a father and son combining generations of experience and a deep seeded passion to bring innovation, performance and value to the marine industry. Vic Roof Sr. began in the marine industry in the 1960’s with his brother Alvin and went on to create one of the largest boat companies of the 80’s, Sunbird Boat Company. Sunbird was eventually purchased by Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Due to his experience and success, OMC retained Vic for several years to run the company. After the completion of his contract Vic took a short break from manufacturing. When his son Vic Roof Jr. (Bubba) graduated college they joined their interest in the marine industry, expertise for design and manufacturing and passion for fishing and created Sea Hunt Boat Company.
All boat companies target specific segments of the marine industry. What Sea Hunt does better than all the rest is deliver the most boat for the money. Simply stated Sea Hunt is the best VALUE in the marine industry. Sea Hunt defines value and creates this advantage many different ways. When you combine materials, craftsmanship and construction, design, styling, performance and ease of maintenance, Sea Hunt can not be beat. This process begins with how the company is operated. By operating debt free and having superior financial strength, Sea Hunt can take advantage of cash discounts on raw materials. Our experienced work force, many of whom worked for Vic at Sunbird, allow us to create new models and build boats with far fewer people, further reducing overhead.
MATERIALS
You can rest assured that Sea Hunt uses only the finest components available to the marine industry. Sea Hunt is part of the largest independent marine buying group, Independent Boat Builders Inc. (IBBI). Being a member allows Sea Hunt to procure the best materials available at the best prices. IBBI purchasing group has members such as Bertram, Contender, Scout, Regulator, and Cruisers Yachts. From gelcoat, fiberglass, resin, and composite coring material, to pumps and hardware all components have passed tests and standards to be on a short list of the best available to the marine industry.
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CONSTRUCTION
Sea Hunts are crafted using composite materials. Sea Hunt uses Nida-Core polypropylene honeycomb material in the floors and other load bearing areas and Nyloboard recycled fiber blocks in areas requiring extra strength and support at critical points. Transoms are Coosa Composite Blue Water Series high density fiberglass reinforced polyurethane boards that are CNC cut specifically for each boat. The ability to assemble these materials in the most efficient manor is one more way Sea Hunt separates itself from the industry. Each step of the process these boats are assembled by craftsmen with many years of experience and supervised by the owners. Sea Hunts are NMMA certified following the ABYC and ISO standards providing one more stamp of assurance that these boats are the finest available.
DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, AND MAINTENANCE
All Sea Hunts started on a drafting board with specific ideas in mind, then hand built into a wood “plug”. Using the wood plug a fiberglass mold is made and from the mold, a Sea Hunt Boat. The design team has remained the same from the first boat. Vic Roof Sr., Bubba Roof, and Doug Collier Design are all responsible for the innovative designs. Doug Collier is a 5th generation boat designer whose ancestors started in boat design when his great, great grandfather built the Robert E Lee Schooner. Boat design remained in the Colliers blood through the subsequent generations. Doug cut his boat design teeth running around the Grady White plant during the ‘70’s when his father worked for Grady. Early on in his own career, Doug was successful designing boats with Vic and Sunbird. When Sea Hunt was born the team only got stronger adding a true fishing perspective to the design team, Bubba Roof.
Sea Hunt Boats are designed to combine classic looks and modern practicality, with emphasis on building a safe, outstanding performing boat with more space and better ride than the competition. Our goal is to have Sea Hunts perform with less horsepower, ride like bigger boats, and feel like the interiors have more room than our competitor’s larger boat. Viewing the profile of a Sea Hunt, it is evident; the bows drop down sharply, allowing the largest degree of deadrise to enter the water creating a soft ride. Incorporating a reverse chine on the bottom and Carolina Flair on the bow virtually eliminates spray. If spray does make it past the chine, the flair comes all the way back past the console and leaning post keeping the spray out of the cockpit. If you view a Sea Hunt from the rear looking to the front down the gunwale you can see these boats are wider all the way back to the shear line break. Additionally, looking at the transom you can see the boats are wider from chine to chine eliminating any rock and roll creating stability. Compared to some of the competition, Sea Hunts transom deadrise is lower than some. Lower transom deadrise and longer running surfaces allow these boats to perform with smaller horsepower and burn less fuel. (For example there are not many 22 footers that will run with 150 horsepower or many 20 footers that will run with 115 horsepower).
While some other boat companies add flashy accessories to their boats, Sea Hunt believes flash creates problems and adds maintenance. There is no teak to oil or very little chrome to polish. We want to create a boat with as little maintenance as possible. Sea Hunt wants to reduce the amount of time the consumer spends taking care of their boat allowing more time to enjoy it.
Sea Hunt is an exclusive partner with Yamaha and has the most complete fishing boat line from 17 to 29 feet. By combining the same materials of much more expensive boats, designing boats that will perform with smaller horsepower, and having interior designs creating more room and ease of maintenance it is easy to see why these boats are the BEST VALUE in the industry. All this has made Sea Hunt the number 1 selling boat in America.
Seahunt’s New 25 Gamefish
The 25 Gamefish comes with a hard T-Top and you can get twin engines. Rumour has it that the 26 will stop being made so if you liked that layout better get your orders in now before they stop production.
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Why Boating?
Recreational Boating Guide – Top Reasons to Rent or Buy A Boat
With so many opportunities for boating fun available today, there’s no reason why anyone can’t take advantage of the benefits that recreational boating has to offer. Read our personal list of Top Reasons for Boating below:
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Boating Improves Quality of Life
It’s a proven fact that recreational boating goes a long ways towards improving your quality of life. The minute you start to move forward on a boat, you’ll notice how easy it is to leave your troubles behind. Recreational boating fun provides a constructive outlet for entertainment that reduces stress and provides enriching opportunities for self discovery, whether it’s learning how to water ski or simply enjoying the warm glow of an evening sunset.
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Boating is an Affordable Recreation Alternative
Are you under the impression that recreational boating is too expensive for your current budget? Think again. Many boats can be financed for under $200 a month. Dedicated boating lenders will work with you to help you save money and get you the best financing package available. For help determining if you can afford to buy a boat, including boat loan basics, an NMBA Member Directory, a boat loan calculator, and more, please visit our section on Buying a Boat.
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Water Access is Closer than you Think
Did you know that about ninety percent of Americans live less than an hour from a navigable body of water? This means that water access is a lot closer and more convenient than you might think. To find a recreation boating marinas near you, please visit our boat marinas and ramps page.
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Boating Fun Helps you Bond with Friends and Family
Fifty four percent of all households, in a study by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, listed fishing as their favorite boating activity (followed by cruising and relaxing with family and friends). In other words, to many people the best part about boating doesn’t revolve around the latest waterskiing tricks or the number of fish caught- the best part of boating is simply the opportunities it provides for boating fun with friends and family. Recreational boating is quality time spent away from the television set and the video games, creating an atmosphere that brings people together and creates fond memories to last a lifetime.
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Boating Helps Reduce Stress
We can’t stress the statistics enough – numerous studies have shown that a little bit of boating fun each day can go a long way towards reducing stress. In fact, a National Marine Manufacturers Association survey of over 1,000 American households listed boating in the top-three of all stress-relieving activities.
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Boating is Convenient
As we pointed out above, since over ninety percent of Americans live less than an hour’s drive from an accessible body of water, you can be enjoying the fresh air and water in no time.
In fact, the convenience of boating makes it possible to hop on your boat for a mini-vacation whenever you feel like it, as an alternative to other family recreation activities which can quickly add up to become even more expensive and time-consuming.
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Boating is an Engaging and Rewarding Activity
Recreational boating offers lots of opportunities for personal growth. Whether you’re instilling your child with extra confidence as they learn how to properly secure a line, or you’re enjoying the delicate taste of fresh fish that you caught yourself, boating recreation provides many different rewards for all ages.
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Boating is Good Exercise
From a rigorous sailing excursion to an invigorating run on waterskis, boating provides sporting enthusiasts with many active endeavors to choose from. In fact, we’d argue that simply breathing in the brisk wind coming off the water in itself can go a long ways towards strengthening one’s constitution- not to mention the additional physical and psychological benefits in terms of relaxation and stress relief.
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Recreational Boating is Easy to Learn
If you’re new to boating, take heart. With so many available boating classes and courses to choose from, you’ll be out on the water before you know it. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn how to sail, or you’re just interested in new ways to spend quality time with your family, a wealth of available boater education courses make boating easier to learn than ever. To learn more about finding boating instruction near you, please visit our boating courses page.
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Boating is FUN
Last but definitely not least, one of the top reasons for boating is simply because it’s so much fun. There are so many activities to explore when it comes to boating, whether you like to fish, waterski, snorkel, or simply enjoy relaxing on the water. Be sure to check out our boating activities page to learn more about all the different ways that you too can experience boating fun.
