The most widely used canoe construction materials at the present time are polyethylene, aluminum, Kevlar and fiberglass. Polyethylene is becoming increasingly popular for new canoe construction because it is bendable, lightweight and cheaper than aluminum.

Aluminum Canoe Construction

Aluminum was, until recently, the usual preference for material to use for canoe construction but it has recently been overtaken by polyethylene. Even though aluminum is very tough and hard-wearing, and is one of the lighter metals, it is much heavier than polyethylene. It can stand up to being dragged on the bottom and will not be damaged by exposure to the UV rays from the sun as polyethylene can be. Aluminum canoes do need to be fitted with buoyancy chambers and they can be difficult to operate especially for unskilled paddlers. Additionally they may be heavy to carry and dent when knocked with plenty of force. Mending holes is also easier said than done and cannot be completely covered up.

Where Could You Use an Aluminum Canoe?

For flat water and for recreational use an aluminum canoe may be perfect, particularly if you don’t need to move it very far on your own. For people who lack storage space inside, an aluminium canoe is obviously be a more suitable option than polyethylene because it will not suffer damage from the sun’s rays or deteriorate from the weather.

Places Not to Use your Aluminum Canoe

Aluminum canoes aren’t good for white water paddling or for rivers with many sharp rocks and should not be used when you may be on an extended trip and will need to carry the canoe.

Aluminum Alloy Canoes

Canoes made of aluminum alloy are lighter and tougher than all aluminum and some may be even lighter than polyethylene. However, make sure that you are aware of the actual weight of any aluminum canoes as they may vary a great deal.

Polyethylene Canoe Construction

Polyethylene is light and flexible, is robust and is one of the most widely used canoe construction material. It’s comparatively easy to repair and inexpensive although it is vulnerable to damage from jagged edges like rocks, branches etc. However, it’s elasticity does present a problem so measures need to be taken in order to construct a more rigid canoe. One method is to use aluminum which provides a stiff framework and this is the type of construction seen in canoes made by Coleman and marketed under the name Ram-X.

An alternative way to provide some rigidity is by using a thick layer of polyethylene foam between two layers of material. This is how Old Town canoes are made and is called CrossLink 3. The polythene foam ensures natural buoyancy and this construction method can better endure damage from abrasion than pure polyethylene.

Some disadvantages occur when polyethylene is used unfortunately. It isn’t buoyant so most polyethylene canoes require buoyancy chambers. This material is extremely vulnerable to damage by abrasion and this is the most frequent cause for a canoe being irreparably damaged. Canoes that are made from polyethylene are normally low priced and you can save some money by picking a self-assembly model.

Locations to Use a Polyethylene Canoe

For calm rivers and lakes and water with no jagged rocks, a polyethylene canoe made with a rigid support as in the Coleman canoes is probably an excellent option. For more extreme conditions a Crosslink 3 construction is recommended as it will have increased durability and strength and can stand up to abrasion damage and jagged edges better.

For more information on canoes and canoeing and some good deals visit Cheap Canoes for Sale or Canoe Construction

[tags]canoe construction,buying a canoe,aluminum canoe,polyethylene canoe,how to choose a canoe[/tags]

If you are deciding on your very first kayak there are many different options to consider. The first thing to consider will be the construction material and you have the choice of inflatable plastic, rigid plastic, wood plus other materials such as Kevlar, carbon fiber or graphite composites. Once you’ve determined the type of kayak material you prefer you should think about a few factors before you buy your kayak.

1) What type of boating would you be doing for most of the time?

Kayaks are made for different locations such as long distance touring, fishing, ocean or whitewater kayaking. You will need to think about what type of boating you will be doing for the majority of the time and pick a kayak that is suitable.

2) How experienced are you?

If you are beginning a kayak that is straightforward to get in and out of is usually the major priority. Nearly all beginners are concerned being able to easily to get out of the kayak so wouldn’t want a snug cockpit. An excellent choice for beginners is a ’sit-on-top’ kayak with a recessed seat. Beginners typically like better a kayak with excellent initial stability with very low ‘tippiness’. Veteran kayakers will almost certainly prefer a kayak that has superior final stability that will cope more easily with rougher water.

3) Transportability and Weight

A major concern concern with kayaks of course is that you have to store and transport them and launch them easily. Folding and inflatable kayaks are a good deal easier to transport and store but if you are going to buy a rigid kayak try to buy one that is as light as possible.

4) Storage Capacity And Comfort

If you are just going to use the kayak for brief periods storage space won’t be an issue but if you’ll be touring for longer you would be advised to make certain there is room to carry all your gear. Also check that there are comfortable seats. Whether you favor a tighter fit or more space to let you move may depend on the kind of paddling you’ll be doing. For long tours more space is probably better to allow you to move around, stretch and change positions. If you are doing whitewater kayaking a tight fit is usually preferred.

5) Stability

The ability of a boat to stay in a vertical position is is referred to as the initial stability. The boat’s tendency to tip is is referred to as the final stability. Kayaks have either initial or final stability, not both at the same time! Beginners often prefer a boat with superior initial stability as a boat with good final stability may seem unsteady to them and they may be fearful that it will tip over. More skilled kayakers who are not afraid of overturning usually prefer a boat with superior final stability. A more stable kayak, though fine for beginners, is inevitably slower.

6) Length of the Boat

The boat’s length is in direct relationship to it’s ability to move in a straight line and maneuver. A shorter kayak will be more easily maneuvered and easier to turn whereas a longer boat will track a good deal better.

7) How Much Should You Pay?

Naturally this is going to be quite a most important factor deciding which kayak you will purchase. A beginners kayak made from plastic can start at approximately $200 whereas other more advanced plastic kayaks could be around $1600. Folding kayaks start at around $1300 and can go up to $4500 for a high quality tandem kayak. Inflatable boats can be bought for around $300. Kayaks made from composite materials are much more expensive.

For more information on inflatable, recreational, fishing and other kayaks and some good deals visit Cheap Kayaks for Sale or Sit on Top Kayaks

[tags]buy kayak,fishing kayak,kayak,types of kayaks,ocean kayak,cheap kayaks for sale[/tags]

My Wife and I originally made our decision to live aboard our 33′ CSY sailboat when the economy started plummeting as a way for our small family of three to lower our costs of living and most importantly fulfill a dream and live a life outside the ordinary. Without a doubt this was the best decision we have made and do not regret leaving terra firma for a minute. The experience has made our relationship stronger and provided our young daughter a perspective few can understand.

It is not an easy lifestyle. Every single task takes twice, if not three times as long, to accomplish than if you lived on land. Buying groceries, doing laundry, even refueling can take an entire day compared to living on land. Living on a sailboat does provide an opportunity to slow down, escape the rat race, and consider what really matters to you in this short life.

If you don’t own a boat currently, there are lots of resources on the web that can guide you to find a solid sea worthy vessel. BUT, I have one very important tip for you. This one tip can save you tens of thousands of dollars and lots of potential frustration in the future.

Buy the smallest and cheapest boat you can find.

Why? Well, for one, a boat of any kind is a horrible financial investment. It can be the smartest lifestyle investment you ever make but don’t hope to break even much less make any money on selling a used boat. In the event you bought a $200,000 sailboat and after a year of living aboard you decide this lifestyle is really not for you, after you pay the brokers fee, account for the maintenance costs, add in the insurance fees, and then total the loss after selling your boat- you might find you’ve taken a serious financial hit. On the other hand, you find a small but sea worthy boat in the 30′ range for about $30,000. After a year, you decide the boating lifestyle is not for you. Not only is the fees, insurance, and maintenance expenses significantly less expensive but there are a whole lot more people out there to buy your boat in the $20-30,000 range.

Here’s another excellent reason to buy small and cheap. If it turns out you really LOVE the live aboard lifestyle, I can almost guarantee your first boat will not be your last boat. You will start to accumulate a ‘wish list’ of options or features your would like in a boat.

While our CSY 33′ sailboat is an excellent boat, it has a V berth forward and I soon dreaded crawling up into the berth every night. I dreamed of getting a sailboat with a ‘pullman’ berth that you can get into from the side and is rectangular like a normal bed. This is only one example of the many little details that you find after having the experience and pleasure of living aboard a boat.

When we found out my wife was pregnant with our second child while in Key West, Florida, we knew it was time to upgrade sailboats to meet the needs of our expanding family. In a matter of 2 short months, we had sold our 1979 CSY 33 sailboat at a reasonable price and negotiated to buy a 1993 Gemini 3400 Catamaran. The years of owning the CSY have provided us the first hand experience on what is important in a live aboard vessel. Our Gemini 3400 Catamaran has many of the items on our wish list, including a pullman berth!

Bigger is not always better. A bigger boat will ALWAYS cost you more to maintain, insure, dock, and eventually sell. Optimally, find the smallest boat you think you can live on- and then find one just a bit smaller. Then you have found the perfect first live aboard boat. Everything is a compromise on a boat. The only definitive way to determine what works for you is to ask a lot of questions and then try it on for size.

If you are truly committed to living aboard a sailboat, the experience can have a profound impact on how you see the world. We have been fortunate to run into (and been the beneficiary of) the kindest people on land or water you can imagine.

If you want to live aboard a sailboat, remember, buy small, buy cheap, but GO NOW!

JC McDowell lives aboard a sailboat with his pregnant wife and two year old daughter on the east coast.

JC McDowell is a former real estate developer, builder, and furniture maker who has decided, after being a workaholic most of his adult life, to ‘Work to Live’ not “Live to Work’. You can read more at his website, JC McDowell and the Family Unit

[tags]liveaboard, live aboard, sailboat, buying a boat, buying a sailboat, boat buying, tips live aboard[/tags]

Firstly the sport of kayaking is a great way to get out in the fresh air and normally takes place in amongst some of the most spectacular scenery, and close to nature. By pursuing this sport or hobby you will effectively be allowing yourself to go on amazing adventures and at the same time encouraging a more fit and healthy lifestyle, all the whilst being able to enjoy the open outdoors.

It is important that you do take lessons, in learning kayaking, as there are situations that you will need to be trained to handle, as well as making decisions upon which equipment and more relevantly which type of kayak to purchase for your hobby. There are three main types of kayaks which are the collapsible, the inflatable and the rigid types of kayaks that can be chosen from. Quite logically the collapsible kayak is primarily for those who do not have too much space for storage, or transportation of the kayak; which is also primarily true for the inflatable top of kayak.

As someone who is learning kayaking, the inflatable kayak may well be your best choice due to the fact that they are extremely portable and lightweight. These inflatable kayaks are normally cheaper than the rigid or hard sided ones, however they are extremely tough and if correctly maintained and looked after, will provide many years of use.

The collapsible versions are somewhat more complex than the hard sided and inflatable ones, and are normally made up of a skin and frame that is put together at the place of kayaking. Due to the complex nature of these types of kayaks as well as their durability they tend to be somewhat more expensive than the rigid and inflatable counterparts.

Obviously there are disagreeing opinions as to which is the best type of kayak, where the purists might say that more traditional approaches need to be taken in deciding on which vessel to purchase; and although their approach or opinions might well be valid, unfortunately with in our modern life styles space does come at a premium and we may have no choice but to select a collapsible or inflatable kayak, due to space constraints. Unless of course you do have the space, or even prefer the rigid or hard sided type.

The purchase of a kayak, should follow the process of learning kayaking, once you have possibly experienced the various different types of vessels available so that you can at least make an informed decision, this is due to the fact that such a purchase is normally a relatively intensive and of a personal nature. This should not dampen your enthusiasm of learning kayaking, or even wanting to get out closer to nature and you’re therefore encouraged to select the right vessel in accordance with your preference and that suits your needs.

For additional resources and all aspects pertaining to kayaks, learning to kayak and all things related, paddle through to Learn Kayaking or even Kayaking courses to get you started.

[tags]learn kayaking, learnkayaking, kayaking, rowing, boating, kayak[/tags]

White water river rafting is an outdoor sport that has been enjoyed by millions of adventurers since the development of early rubber rafts in the 1800s. It began to gain major popularity in the 1960s and today is a thriving, evolving sport. In rafting, in order to safely navigate a river, parts of a river are classified into different levels of white water.

This is called the International Scale of River Difficulty. Though the many countries have their own grading systems, including the United States, these differ from the International Scale only in detail. The United States grading systems is basically the International system, but expanded and more detailed. The grades are divided into six classes.

Below is a description of each class of white water in the United States.

Grade I: Easy
In this class, waves are small and passages are clear. There are few obstructions and the risk to swimmers is slight. The water is fast moving with riffles and small waves.

Grade II: Medium
The class requires some white water rafting experience and obstacles can be easily avoided by an experienced rafter. The water is fast-moving and mostly clear and free from obstacles. The rapids are straightforward, moderately difficult, with wide and clear channels.

Grade III: Difficult
Rapids in this class are moderate and irregular which may be difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvers by an experienced rafter may be necessary. There may be large eddies and powerful currents.

Grade IV: Very Difficult
This class has large, irregular, and intense rapids that must be handled by someone with experience. Maneuvers must be made around dangerous hazards. Risk of injury to swimmers may be high.

Grade V: Extremely Difficult
Rapids in this grade are extremely long, obstructed, and violent. There may be large drops and unavoidable holes. Eddies may be strong and turbulent. Swims are dangerous and rescue is often difficult. Extensive experience is required.

Grade VI: Un-runnable
This grade is virtually un-runnable and extremely dangerous. These runs should not be attempted at risk of death.

If you are considering going on an adventurous river rafting trip it is very important to look into the various ratings of the rapids on the river. If you do not feel like you or your group is skilled enough to handle a higher rating, you should definitely look into going down a different river. Otherwise, you can look into guided tours which will have a professional guide to ensure your group’s safety.

All Adventures Rafting provides professional guides and customized Washington white water rafting trips in the state of Washington. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

[tags]Washington white water rafting[/tags]

With the summer fast approaching, it is a great time for all boat lovers to take to the open water. There are a number of great places for the marine minded to indulge their passion, from hiring a punt on Thorpness Mere to entering a high profile yacht races such as Cowes Week. This guide takes you through the options available for treating the fanatic in your family to a great day out on the waves.

Thorpness Mere offers a taste of the quaint with a mix of Lewis Carroll imagination. The Suffolk based boating lake offers a lot more to the boating enthusiast than first meets the eye. There is a choice of punts, canoes and traditional rowing boats that can seat anything from a single person right up to a group of 12. There Mere itself is a lot bigger than it first looks. Whole networks of channels weave in and around small islands that have hidden worlds of castles, forts, dinosaurs and crocodiles.

There are plenty of mooring spaces on each island, so everyone can get out and explore. Hire times are in increments of half an hour, but it is highly recommended that you book at least a couple of hours and allow plenty of time to get back. As the waters are regulated by tidal movements of the nearby Suffolk coast, there is often quite a pull on the way back, which can induce a slight panic if you are up against the clock.

For something a little more exciting, Cowes Week offers some great hospitality packages for the yachting enthusiast. Renowned for being the most prestigious yachting event in the sporting calendar Cowes Week, based at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, attracts people from all around the world to watch races and to take part too. The hospitality packages offer a unique opportunity to join in the fun by including a place for up to 8 people on a chartered racing yacht.

Not only do the lucky passengers get to experience Cowes Week full throttle, they will also be treated to VIP treatment throughout the regatta, including champagne and canape reception and first class accommodation on land. Although the package is suited to experienced mariners, the crew are fully qualified and experienced on the Solent, so the less able seamen are also welcome to attend.

Although these packages are wildly different, they offer a great opportunity to experience a wonderful day out on the water, and as both accommodate large group, they are popular with families. For the true thrill seeker though, we recommend taking the wilder way for an extra special treat, as messing about on the Mere is available all year round.

Dom Donaldson is a sporting expert.
Find out more about Cowes Week Hospitality Packages and what you can expect by attending the world’s most famous week of yacht races.

[tags]Cowes Week Hospitality Packages, cowes week, sailing, solent, yacht racing[/tags]

Canoeing is a very fun water actively to do. You get to row down the river for hours and it can be do peaceful and relaxing. It is a time where you can spend time with your family and friends. You can even go canoeing for a few days if you wanted to. Some canoeing trips are longer than others, if you rent an canoe you will have a time limit to get them back. If you have your own, you can stay out as long as you want. If you are going on a long trip, it may be a good idea to take a guide with you so you can get back if anything might happen.

You will need to bring sun screen with you so you will not get burned. Sun burns from being out under the sun all day long can damage your skin if unprotected. It might also be good to bring hats, long sleeved shirts, sun glasses, and a first aid kit with you. Do not bring anything with you if you do not want it to get wet or make sure it is in an airtight, watertight container because the canoe can flip over or water can splash in the canoe with you if the water is rough. You have to watch out for rocks, tree breaches in the water, and watch the way the water is moving. You can run into unexpected rapids and some can be very dangerous. This is why you should always keep your life jacket on while canoeing

You can take classes on how to canoe correctly so you will know what you can expect when on the water. When you are rowing the canoe, all you have to do is have someone or yourself row one each side to control the canoe. If you row on one side you will go in circles and might not go anywhere. Not all canoeing trip are rough, some are smooth rides. It just depends on where you go. There are canoe rental places that conduct day trips or longer on many rivers and they are not that expensive in comparison to the fun and adventure you can have. Some places you may have to call ahead of time to rent the canoes because they go fast on hot days.

You will want to bring lots of water and food with you if you are out for a long time so you will not get hungry and more importantly, dehydrated. Make sure you bring a watertight cooler with you to keep the food and the water cold. You will need to put ice in the cooler or the food can go bad. These are things you will need to do and bring. A lot of people go camping when they are out canoeing so they can be out there for days. This is another reason why a cooler is good to bring. You will need to make sure the cooler is strapped down so it will not fall out or slide around in the canoe if it rocks. This goes for any other supplies you bring along too.

Aydan Corkern is a writer an you can visit his sites for more information:
water damage miami and miami fire damage restoration.

[tags]canoeing,sunscreen,watertight containers,rapids,life jacket,river[/tags]

A boat trailer is something you really can’t go wrong with, as it is a dual function device. It provides a convenient way to store the boat, and also allows you to explore new areas by taking your boat down the road. Good trailers must perform both duties equally as good.

Most individuals buying boats are into getting the boat, and not the trailer. They are more than willing to spend money on a boat, then end up getting a cheap trailer. If you want the most from boating, these tips will help you with buying a trailer.

- The total weight of the boat, gear, and motor should be in the mid range of trailer’s carrying capacity. You shouldn’t pick a 2,500 capacity trailer if you have a boat with the same weight.

- Go for larger diameter tires and wheels. The larger tires will rotate less times per mile, producing less heat and wear on the tread. The wheel bearings will last much longer as well, as they rotate less times per mile.

- You should look for trailers with “drive on” capabilities. These drives on trailers will allow you to drive the boat onto the trailer, close enough to the winch so that you only need to winch the boat up a few inches.

- Select trailer lights (for the highway) that are protected and sealed against water.

- Pick your trailer based on the environment it will be operating in. If you plan to launch in salt water, you’ll need a trailer for that purpose. There are many types of trailers available, each one designed for a specific type of boating.

Although most are protected against weather and rust, you should always pick the one designed for the type of terrain you will be using your boat with. This way, you have no worries about your trailer not doing the job it should be.

There are some trailers that include a spare tire, which is an excellent investment for those who plan to travel long distances. Even though it can be severe to detect trailer tires in the dark, it’s still great to have a spare if you get a flat while you travel.

All in all, a boat trailer can save you a lot of time and money. You can depot your boat on your trailer when it is not be used, even take it to other lakes or oceans. A trailer will open up new roads for you and your boat - all you have to do is detect one that you need.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor

For further reading please check out: Definition Of Canyoning

[tags]Buying A Boat Trailer, Boat Trailer, Buying A Boat[/tags]

Those of you, who have the money and plan to keep one boat forever, should buy it new. If you happen to be on a budget and sceptical about owning a boat, you should buy it used.

Buying used is great for some, although it isn’t always the most glamorous decision. The oceans and lakes are filled with boaters who are far wealthier than most. Many boaters go well beyond their means and finance their boats at extreme levels.

What really counts with a used boat is being out there on the water. Someone who is out there every weekend on his beat up boat is a great boater. A businessman who only has time to ride on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year isn’t considered a boater at all.

If you look around the water, you’ll se that the little boats are the ones that move, while the big boats are the ones that never move. Those that are too busy earning money and never have the time to go yachting shouldn’t really have a boat at all.

New boats can lose half of their value in less than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous owner has already fixed the problems that are associated with new boats. The previous owner has also already hassled with the dealer to get the warranty service taken care of.

A used boat usually hasn’t be used very much at all. A boat will sit a majority of the time, which is nothing like a used car. You can find many boats with less than a couple hundreds hours of engine time. For the sake of comparison, look at how many hours are on the engine of your car.

A used boat will already have scratches and dings, so you won’t feel half as bad when you add a few of your own. When you purchase your used boat, you should leave at least a grand to outfit the boat and make any necessary repairs.

A used boat will commonly come with dock lines, life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety equipment, and other nice additions. New boat owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars for these kinds of things.

The wild card is, of course, whether or not the previous boat owner did the proper maintenance of the boat. Prior to buying you should always get the boat surveyed to be sure that it is in reasonable condition. This way, you’ll know your getting a great used boat.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor

For further reading please check out: Alaska Salmon Fishing

[tags]Buying A Used Boat, Used Boat[/tags]

Finding the perfect boat is an undertaking for an experienced boater. For the first time boater, it can be a very difficult task to accomplish. To help you with your quest for the perfect boat, there are a few things you should know.

Deciding what’s important

Choosing the right boat is all about knowing what’s really crucial to you. You need to decide whether you’ll be using the boat for your own private use, fishing, or cruising. You should also consider your families feelings, as buying a boat for your own personal needs without consulting your family will probably lead to disappointing experiences or less time spent on the water.

Types of boats

Typically, boats will fall into five categories - fishing boats, power boats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and self powered boats. To help you find the perfect boat, we’ll take a look at what each one offers.

Fishing boats

The designs for fishing boats will vary quite a bit, as are the places you can use them. The boats that are meant for shallow waters of inland lakes and rivers are not the same boats meant for deep seas and great lakes. There are many different designs, even boats that serve no other purpose besides fishing.

These types of boats usually have stowage and holders for bait, fishing poles, tackle, and even special tanks to hold live fish. Other types of fishing only boats feature an open platform where anglers can fight fish from all sides of the boat.

Power boats

Power boats are the most popular boats sold. The designs with power boats are as varied as their uses. Boats with seating in the front are called bow riders, which are mainly used for towing skiers or rafts. Most boats can also be used for fishing as well. If you want to do both, there are ski and fish combinations available.

Sailboats

When you first learn to pilot a sailboat, it can be very challenging, although very rewarding as well. A sailboat requires more skill and knowledge to operate than boats, although they are considered more rewarding once mastered.

With all available sailboats, the single masted sloop is the most popular design. For those who only boat on occasion, catboats, daysailers, and dinghy’s are small and easily trailer-able.

When you finally decide on the perfective boat for you, look at what each one offers and how you plan to use it. The perfective boat for you is out there, all you have do is obtain the one that best matches your needs.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor

For further reading please check out: Surfing Waves

[tags]Finding The Perfect Boat, The Perfect Boat[/tags]