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Sunday, June 28, 2009

Bird Proof your Boat

It's a situation that happens all too often: a boat owner plans to take their vessel out for a day of enjoyment, only to find it covered in bird droppings.

Bruce Donoho, owner of Bird Control Supply Company, Bird-B-Gone, says "Left unattended, bird droppings can stain surfaces, and eventually erode materials, not to mention the health risk: bacteria and parasites can also be found in bird droppings." A high concentration of uric acid, found to be even higher in sea birds, can be to blame for the erosion. The acidity can erode materials like steel, discolor paint, and stain canvases. Taking steps to "bird proof" your boat is an investment that will save you time and money.

There are a few steps that boat owners may already be taking to help protect their investment. For example, the wax coating used on the exterior of a boat can buy an owner time before bird droppings reach the boats surface, prolonging the possibility of erosion. But how do you keep birds off of a boat in the first place? Birds prefer the highpoints on a vessel, but will also land on a protective canvas. Treating these areas with visual or physical deterrents will help encourage the birds to move on to a more suitable location. Birds rely heavily on visual clues in their environment helping with flight, the detection of predators, food sources, ect. In fact, birds have the largest eye to body ratio in the animal kingdom.

Using items on a boat which move or sway in the wind, such as the Bird Spider from Bird-B-Gone can be big help. The bird spider looks sort of like an umbrella with no vinyl… the arms move in the wind, discouraging birds from landing on the boat. Usually one or two units on a boat will be enough to keep the birds at bay, and Bird-B- (A Bird Spider w/ Sandbag Base on Boat Canvas) Gone offers three different boat attachments: a rail mount, a boat base, and a sandbag base.

Another product similar to the Bird Spider is The Solar Repeller. The repeller is a small unit with a 5 foot rod mounted atop that continuously spins. The constant movement will ward off any nearby birds. The repeller is ideal for the bow, canvas covers, or swim platforms. Best of all the solar panel works in conjunction with rechargeable batteries, keeping the unit energized on cloudy days, and at night.

Similar to movement, visual clues such as reflective items will also keep messy birds away from your boat. Reflective deterrents such as Absolute Bird Control's (www.absolutebirdcontrol.com) Mylar Flash Tape or Bird Free Boats (www.birdfreeboats.com) Scare Eye Diverters both use reflection to ward off birds. Strung around the boat, the reflective surfaces will have bird avoiding the area because they cannot

(Two Solar Bird Repellers)

Boat owners are no stranger to pest birds, and over the years many have come up with their own deterrent systems to keep their boats clean. Many will use a mono filament fishing line, or cable stung above the masts and spreaders to deter birds from landing. The birds do not like the instability of landing on the wire, moving on to a more inviting perch. However, monofilament will not last long, even in a moderate climate, cable is also used.

Remember to keep birds in mind when winterizing your boat too. An undisturbed boat in a marina can become a favorite perch or winter home for resident bird species. Boat houses also provide the perfect protection for a winter roost or nesting spot. Netting is a great way to block a bird from the boat house rafters. Actively checking up on your boat will help determine whether deterrents are necessary, and save you from the daunting task of cleaning off droppings come spring.

Bird deterrents are designed to discourage birds from choosing your boat as a perch. The products and techniques listed require no maintenance and are very easy to install, the best part of all: the products are humane. We share the waterfront with our feathered friends, but it doesn't mean we have to be responsible for their mess. Taking small steps to bird proof your boat allows the boat owner to focus on their passion, boating!




About the Author
Meredith lives in southern California, she has been in the Bird Control industry for over 7 years.

Surviving 2012 in Unsinkable Boats

If in 2012 you choose to endure the forthcoming tidal waves and hurricanes at sea, you absolutely need to have an unsinkable boat at your disposal. But the boat shouldn't only 'not sink', it should not capsize either. Consulting boating experts, chances are that a large ship will become uncontrollable, break up and sink. The message is to use small boats instead of large ones.

Should your boat start seriously leaking you will be in dire straits. History may well have an answer for this issue. The inhabitants of Aha-Men-Ptah escaped by means of their Mandjits, which were small unsinkable boats that they launched in a huge flotilla. So how can we translate this to today's world?

Sailing contests in which yachts capsize and the crew gets imprisoned inside the cabin are a reality that needs to be brought into account when choosing your survival boat. The unfortunate crew cannot free themselves because the water rushes in and the boat sinks. We can follow the coverage of the plight of the unfortunates for several days. During those days they remain locked up before they are rescued. This assumes that the yacht can be located. At the end of 2012, after the reversal of the poles, this would be a hopeless situation that must be avoided.

We will be witness to global destruction, and chances are pretty high that there won't be anyone available to rescue you from awkward situations. So how can you possibly prevent such a situation? Do unsinkable boats exist? Who knows more about this? The good news is that there are a few companies that do build those types of boats...and their business is on the upraise since more and more people see this as an alternative for 2012 survival. One of them being Unsinkable Motor Yacht from Malle, Belgium. Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, is known for housing some of the finest sail boat building companies, especially the unsinkable ones. They are developing an unsinkable motor yacht with an approximate length of ten meters (30 feet). If they succeed they can also start building bigger sailing ships. The Flemish Authority supports this. It believes in a worldwide prevailing quality. The name of the company is ETAP.

In a meeting, sales manager Jan van Speybroeck confirmed they do build and deliver unsinkable boats for their clients. During this conversation, some of the problems that would confront anyone in an ETAP, were identified as follows:

* Broken mast after the calming down of the tsunamis; * Uncontrollability because the diesel motor cannot be started due to electric failure caused by the magnetic storms.

Unsinkable Boats Generate Substantial Safety In our opinion these boats will give people the greatest chance for surviving the cataclysm. Besides these yachts, there is just one other possibility, and that is to move up into the high mountains of some well-chosen areas. Unsinkable boats could make a valuable contribution to the survival of our civilization, just as they did 12000 years ago. In the previous cataclysm they carried along a major selection from their library. Through this it became possible to help science flourish again. In 2012 we will have to have organized something similar. Our advantage will be that the ETAP yachts are far more enduring than the Mandjits of the Atlanteans.

However, this option contains many more risks and insecurities. You may be consumed by volcanic gasses or swallowed by fissures in splitting mountains, or it's possible you might be washed away by the global tidal wave. It is up to you to decide where you will be.

Anyone considering escape by boat needs to take into account that the ETAP yachts are small, and that is a disadvantage. You cannot bring much food, survival material, or many books. Each ship can only carry the most important things, so the literature will have to be divided amongst them. The boats belonging to a group need to stay close to each other, however, in most cases this will be next to impossible. After the chaos has dissolved, the survivors will have to summon all their force to reach the place of gathering, which itself may prove hard to find in a greatly changed world. But it will be imperative to meet, so that all the information that has been spared can be gathered in one place and a mini-library can be constructed as quickly as possible.

Remember, at this moment ETAP is the only producer in the world of comfortable, unsinkable yachts. If you have hesitated too long, you will never be able to get such a yacht. Timing will be an issue even if you want to rent a boat, once you are convinced of the necessity. A License for Hiring a Boat Yachts can be rented. To mention some places: the Azure Coast, South Brittany, Corfu, Gouvia and Mallorca. In 2012 there will surely be more places. In order to rent a boat there is, however, one challenge: you need to have a boater's license which means that you have to take an instruction course on boating. Without such a license you cannot rent a boat. Therefore start taking lessons well beforehand, or have someone with you who does have a license!



About the Author
Learn much more about the significance and severity of the events in 2012 and how you can be prepared to save yourself and your loved ones. In addition, we'll give you a free report on the "Labyrinth of Egypt" when you visit http://2012pro.com/ today!

Why Rubber Boats Are So Popular

Using rubber boats today has become very common and sales are increasing. If one need a boat for their vacations, a rubber boat is an excellent alternative as it`s light and very portable. One can put it in the trunk of a car, in a bag or even as baggage on a plane.

I bought an inflatable boat last year and I have no regrets for one second as it satisfy all my needs for boating.

I am a passionate bass fisher and use it whenever I can. When you are fishing it`s a huge advantage to have a boat to bring you to the hot spots. It`s so easy, I just put it in the car and drive to my favourite places and my catches are now way bigger.

You probably don`t need a boat for fishing, maybe for kayaking, but that`s not a problem. There is rubber boats for every small boating needs; whitewater paddling kayaks, sports boats, sailing boats, pontoon boats and longboards.

The sports boats can take large outboard motors so one can go waterskiing with your kids. The length of these sports boats are from 9`2" to 14`.

The catamaran sailing boats can take onboard four adults and are made for easy and smooth sailing.

So if you need a boat for fishing, camping, exploring or other outdoor activities these boats are highly recommendable.

The possibilities are many, and the manufacturers are constantly developing new types and even better materials.

The superior material these boats are made of is extremely strong and durable. When hitting a rock it just bounce off without getting damaged. After one year of significant useage including hitting all kinds of objects it`s still in good shape and no repairs have been required.

Compared to a traditional boat I cant see any limitations. The strength, usability and security are at least at the same level and adding the above mentioned features makes these boats an excellent choice.

Did I mention the price ? No, I think not but they are from $299 and up so they are not expensive either.

Do yourself a great favour and check out these rubber boats when you consider buying a boat.



About the Author
Harald Hoel, an experienced rubber boats user.

Summertime Safety at Saylorville Lake Boating and Drinking Alcohol

Every summer people gather with friends and family at lakes around the state to enjoy the warm weather and cool water. Favorite lake activities often include water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, fishing and other boating activities. People tend to enjoy a few cocktails while relaxing out in the sun. In order to reduce the risk of injuries, Iowa has passed laws concerning alcohol and boating.

Accidents involving alcohol and a boat can occur just as much as if you were driving a car instead. You are still capable of hurting yourself or someone if you decide to drink and drive a boat.

A person can be charged with boating while intoxicated if their blood alcohol content is .10% or greater. While making it illegal to operate a boat under the influence reduces the chances of a boating accident, unfortunately with or without this law dozens of Iowans are seriously injured each year in accidents involving boats, wave runners, jet skis and other personal watercrafts.

Any person who operates a motorboat or sailboat on navigable waters gives consent to a blood, breath, urine or chemical test to determine if the person is intoxicated, if reasonable grounds exist to believe the person is intoxicated or under the influence. Refusal to submit to a test will result in a fine of at least $500 and a suspension of boating privileges for at least one year.

- A boating while intoxicated first offense carries a minimum 48 hours in jail, a $1,000.00 fine, a suspension of boating privileges of one year and attendance at a course for drinking drivers.

- A second offense requires 7 days in jail, a fine between $1,500 and $5,000, a suspension of privileges for two years and the drinking drivers' course.

- Third offense boating while intoxicated is a Class "D" Felony and may result in 5 years in prison in addition to enhanced fines and a six year boating privileges suspension.

Boating while intoxicated offenses apply only to the operator of the boat and Iowa law allows passengers of legal age to consume alcohol while on the boat. So the best advice is just like driving a car, designate a sober person to drive the boat before hand if people are going to be drinking.

Drinking and boating isn't worth risking an accident on the water. Don't wreck your hot summer days on the water by being careless while having a good time boating with your friends and family.



About the Author
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident or other personal injury accident then you can request my FREE Book. Why offer a Free Book? Over the past 11 years I have represented hundreds of Iowans injured in boating accidents and other personal injury accident and too many have made mistakes before they had the "right" information costing them thousands of dollars. Quantities are limited so go to http://www.IowaInjuryBook.com .

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Practical Advice on Using Inflatable Boats

The lightweight inflatable boat has become a household item today for many reasons. Due to its size and weight inflatable boats are portable and they do not require a large storage area. When deflated it can be easily stored in a bag and kept in a corner or even in the boot of your car until next use. Due to its low cost and many other advantages the demand for inflatable boats has risen. It is an ideal boat for fishing, leisure rides and water sports activities such as kayaking and white water rafting. These boats are also commonly used today as dive boats, life rafts, for military purposes and as rescue crafts.

Inflatable boats are made out of reinforced fabric which will not be damaged by stones or sticks. Although the boat is lightweight it is strong enough to carry at least 6 adults without any risk. The light weight of the boat is another reason for its low fuel consumption. Little power is needed to start the boat therefore only a small amount of fuel will be needed. It has two large buoyancy tubes on either side which contain pressurised gas. With the help of these tubes the inflatable boat can stay stable on water without toppling over.

Inflatable boats are easy to purchase because of their low price. Maintaining the boat won't be an issue since spares are easily available at stores. Also regular servicing is a must since it will definitely lengthen the lifespan of your boat. However there are few important things to know before you put the boat into water.

It is advisable to check the weather conditions always to know about local current and wind conditions. It is a good practice to tell somebody the time you plan to return. If you're taking any passengers, they should know about the basic operations of the boat. It is also better if you accompany someone else who knows how to man the boat. Check the inflation pressure levels according to the manual. Tighten all the clamps in the motor before you set off and inspect all the valve caps. Engine clamps should be checked even after you start the engine. It is very important that the safety stop switch is working. Never leave without topping the fuel and always start your trip with a full tank and take a spare can of fuel along with you.

When you are having passengers make sure to carry personal floating devices for each person, tools, paddles, oars and a foot pump and carry the boating license always. The passengers should be seated on the wooden seat so that there is proper balance. Once you're on your way be watchful to man the boat smoothly avoiding any sudden jerks.

After returning from your trip, follow the guidelines in the manual to deflate the air properly. Open all the valves and let the air go out slowly. Do not attempt to fold it while the air is still remaining. Make sure you attend to any small repair immediately before it takes too long in order to avoid major damage. Proper care and regular servicing of your inflatable boat will indeed save lot of money and time.



About the Author
Jeff Coulson sent the useful information on Inflatable Boats. A detailed description on Inflatable Boats is found here for further reading.

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