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In the time before boat extinguishers, one of the most dreaded weapons in the Byzantine Empire’s arsenal was the terrifying “Greek fire”. To modern minds, it seems strange that the weapon would be such a threat: a few flares fired at a boat, patches of oil that continued to burn while floating on the surface of the water. But for the all-wood navies of the past, to catch on fire meant losing a boat and all souls aboard it.

Today, people no longer cruise the seas in wooden ships, nor are they constantly menaced by Greeks who bear the gift of fiery death. But petrol engines and fiberglass construction bring with them their own dangers, and a proper attitude toward fire safety while on the water is still the one best way to avoid ever having to call “Abandon ship!”

First: make sure your boat is well-stocked with extinguishers. How many extinguishers you’ll need depends mostly on the length of your boat. Anything under about 25 feet can be covered by two good boat extinguishers, rated at least 5A/34B separately or 10A/68B combined. For boats 25 feet and up, it’s better to use three good extinguishers of at least this rating. An extinguisher in the bow of your boat is no good if you’ve got a fire at the stern: keeping enough extinguishers to cover your boat’s length is essential to good fire safety.

Second: most boats, sail or “stink”, involve at least some petrol usage for trolling motors or full-blown boat engines. Never refuel these engines while you’re actually on the water–that’s just an invitation for fires. When you do refuel your engines while docked, make sure to keep all galley stoves, motors, and electrical devices off. One spark can cause more trouble than you’d think.

Third: in the event that a fire does break out, don’t ever go back into the cabin, galley, or any other enclosed space. Smoke collects in these spaces very quickly, and it’s easy to become totally overwhelmed. Keep yourself awake and alert by avoiding these enclosed spaces and fight fires from the deck. (As a corollary to this rule, don’t store all of your fire extinguishers in one place. One in the galley and cabin area is enough to stop any fires that happen here before they start–your other boat extinguishers should be kept out in the open, so that you don’t pass out just by trying to pick up your extinguisher.

Fire safety is a serious issue on the water. Protect yourself and your boat by following these safety guidelines, and it’s a sure bet that you’ll never cry “Abandon ship”–except for the fun of it, of course.

Find all the information you need about boat fire extinguishers at www.FireProtectionOnline.co.uk

Boating is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities. This is the reason why it is getting more and more popularity. While there are still individuals who say that this sport is extremely expensive, there is still an increase of the numbers of individuals who are getting into this sport.

Actually, you can still do boating without crippling your finance. There is no need to buy your own boat just to experience boating. Why not try boat rentals? If you roam around or surf the Internet, you can find lots of this opportunities.

Buying used boat is great alternative for some, although it is not always the most glamorous decision. The oceans and lakes are filled with boaters who are far wealthier than many. Many boaters go well beyond their means and allocate amounts for their boats at extreme levels.

What really important with a used boat is being out there on the water. A person 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 is not considered a boater at all.

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

New boats can lose half of their value in not more than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous owner has already fixed the problems associated with new boats. The previous owner has also already hassled with the dealer to acquire the warranty service taken care of.

A used boat normally has not be utilized very much at all. A boat will sit most of the time, which is nothing like a used car. You can find lots of boats with less than a couple hundreds hours of engine time. For the sake of comparison, check at how many hours are on the engine of your car.

Used boats will already have scratches and ding, so you will feel half as bad when you add a few of your own. When you buy your used boat, you should leave at least a grand to outfit the boat and make any needed repair.

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

The wild card is, of course, whether or not the previous boat owner did the needed maintenance of the boat. Prior to purchasing you should always get the boat surveyed to be sure that it is still in good condition. This way, you will know your getting a great used boat.

For more information, visit http://www.boating101.info/

Going to boat traders is a great alternative when you are looking for a boat to buy or maybe sell your existing one, or even deal it in for another model. You can search a number of boat traders on the Internet and also in the physical markets near boating facilities and equipment. Lots of individuals look to magazines that host “wanted” and “for sale” commercials by individuals who want to buy or sell boats.

A magazine is effective alternative as a website when you are looking for boat. Both will probably run images of the boat in question, so you could save on a lot of time and extra effort if the sight of the boat tells you quickly that it is not in fact what you are searching for. On the other hand, you may be interested in some models-thanks to the accompanying photographs with the advertisement.

Once you have made the purchase on a brand new boat you will be very excited - as you should be! The first thing to do is celebrate with your family and friends, you deserve to do it. Remember this one important point and that is, you should not rush out on the water directly after the purchase, as you have some things to take care of first.

If you are new to boating, you should take a safety or precaution, of course,first. There is a lot to understand about boats. Being out on the water is a lot of fun, although there are things you should know and things you should always be aware of.

After purchasing your boat, you should register it and re-title the boat and trailer if you need to. Pay your sales tax and apply any up to date registration stickers if you have to. Also, make sure you purchase the appropriate insurance for your boat, as it will protect you while you are on the water.

When you make your first trip on the water, you should do so with an experienced boater assistance. You can have them perform before you turning in tight spaces, even trailering and docking. Practice docking in varied currents and take the helm with the boater there to help you. Get comfortable at the helm enough to where you will feel comfortable taking others out for a ride.

The world of boating can be very fun, providing you many things to do and a lot to see. Boating offers plenty of freedom as well, most especially for those who are completely new to boating. Your first boat purchase is very essential, as it opens up new doors in life.

For more information, visit http://www.boating101.info/

The ocean air, the constant breeze and the sun glowing down on you are some of the reasons why you might take a look at boating as a hobby.

A vessel afloat over millions of gallons of water may not frighten many people, but it probably does frighten a few. Being scared usually has something to do with what size of boat you are on, but most of the time it’s the water itself that concerns people. The fear of just floating on the water, whether it is in or out of a boat, is enough to make people say no thanks to boating. Taking a look at different options when deciding whether or not boating is for you would be a good place to start.

First things first. Are you afraid of the water? If the answer is yes, then boating may not be the right fit for you. You may have to look at why you have this fear. Is it fear of drowning, being alone on a boat or being lost at sea? You can help to eliminate this version of the phobia by having someone else go with you. Sometimes the knowledge that you are not alone out there helps to take some of that anxiety away. If something happens to you, they can always help you or get help from someone else.

If this fear exists because you don’t know how to swim, then perhaps swimming lessons might do the trick. You could take private lessons, take lessons at a health club or at the “Y.” A friend who is an avid swimmer can even teach you. Basically, if you learn how to keep your body afloat, you can alleviate much of your fear of boating.

A life jacket is a requirement to have on a boat, no matter what type of boat it is. Whichever type of boat you decide to be on, keep in mind that the life jacket is there to help you. Put it on and get familiar with it. Learn how to adjust the jacket properly and make sure it fits correctly. You don’t have to put it on right away. You can wait, but if you are further out from shore and get nervous, then put it on.

Some questions you may ask yourself are, “What type of boat would I like to be on?” “Do I want to own one or rent one?” When getting into boating, you have a few options, not unlike many other hobbies. There are some important things to consider. If you want to own a boat, be prepared to look into the maintenance of the vessel. Also, storage would be an area to look at if you don’t have the room for it where you live. Renting a boat could be a good option if you don’t have time, patience or knowledge to take care of the boat yourself.

A sail boat is relaxing, especially if you’re not in a rush to go out and come back the same day. You would have to watch the weather to make sure it’s a good day to do the sailing. An askew wind or rough waters can take you far from your mark. A motor boat is a little noisier getting you there, but can get you there in less time. It gives you more time to enjoy your destination.

Once you get where you’re going, drop anchor and relax. Don’t worry about all the technical terms for the boat or what you’re doing with it. If learning is what you want, you’ll learn all of it soon enough. As a novice at boating, you will take the opportunity to learn as much as you can with your new venture and find that it can be fun and very relaxing in the end. So enjoy the ocean air, the water, the sun on your face and your book and welcome to the world of boating.

This article was written by Reivy Mason on behalf of http://www.boatclassifieds.us, a popular boat classifieds website.

Bearing in mind you will be using your kayak paddles for going forwards and backwards as well as turning and bracing you will want to make sure you have a decent set of kayak paddles if you are serious about kayaking.

Paddles are one of the most important kayak accessories to have because without them you are not going to get very far.

Recreational kayaking is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports today. More and more people are finding out the joys of kayaking.

The great thing about kayaking is it s something that just about anyone can do and if its just about having a leisurely and fun paddle around then a cheap set of kayak paddles will suffice and there is no real necessity to learn the more advanced paddle strokes. However if your intention is to do a lot of paddling and especially over long distances then it will pay you to learn some paddling techniques.

Kayak paddles are made from various materials but are usually carbon, fibreglass, aluminium or wood. Kayak paddles have two blades attached to either end of the shaft. I have broken down terms normally associated with the various parts of your kayak paddles.

The Tip - The very top of the paddles.

The Blade - The blades are the ‘bat’ like part of your kayak paddles which are at the end of the shaft. They are dipped into the water alternately allowing you to propel the boat.

The Shaft - This is the part of the paddle which you hold. The shaft design can be straight or crooked depending on what style suits you.

Convex - Convex simply describes the shape of the blades. If the blades have a scoop like curve then they are convex paddles.

The Power Face - This is the scooped side of the blade, if you imagine the blade was a spoon this is the part of the blade where your food would be loaded.

The Back Face - This is the back of the blade, the opposite side of the power face.

Drip Rings - Drip rings are small rubber disks that normally slide up and down the shaft and are designed to stop water dripping down the shaft or onto the paddler.

For optimum paddling performance you should hold your kayak paddles with a loose grip so that there is minimal strain to your wrists and forearms.

Ideally you should hold the shaft so that your forearms are at a ninety degree angle. A good way to size this up is to place the shaft on top of your head and then place your hands on the shaft so that your arms are at a ninety degree angle. You can move your drip rings along the shaft and use them as a marker.

The best place to get a feel of what paddles will be right for you is at your local kayak dealers. Good kayak dealers will help you with your selection and some kayak dealers will allow you to demo sets of paddles before you make up your mind.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Inflatable Kayak Accessories providing you with excellent resources and products including reviews on Kayak Paddles.

If you have ever dreamed of going rafting, there is no better place to go than the Colorado River. Rafting on the Colorado River is one of the best experience for the beginner and the expert rafter. It is the ultimate getaway adventures.

The best vacations give a person not only the fun and relaxation they need, but also an adventure that that you cane remember for years to come. If you want to experience all that nature has to offer, a whitewater rafting trip is the experience of a lifetime. Not only will you be able to learn new skills, you will also be able to travel on one of the country’s most beautiful rivers. Not only can you find adventure on the Colorado River, you can also explore the rest of the state. Colorado is the best place to take a vacation, whether you want to go whitewater rafting or not. The beautiful scenery and the majestic landscapes will be the best part of the experience.

And when you are on a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, you can use the time you are on the river to bond with the other people that you are rafting with. A whitewater rafting trip is great for those who want to use the trip in order to bond with co-workers. Many companies have used whitewater rafting in Colorado to give you an experience that you can share with your co-workers for a long time. Whitewater rafting is an activity that that takes a lot of teamwork and can really help not just coworkers but family and friends to bond as well.

Some of the highlights of rafting on the Arkansas River, a popular river for rafting in Colorado is the high alpine setting where rafting begins. From there, you will travel parallel to the Continental Divide. This winds its way through the mountain landscape that has the largest number of 14,000 foot peaks in the continental United States. With Colorado River and the Arkansas River combines, there is more than a hundred miles of whitewater adventures to navigate. If you follow the Arkansas River all the way down, you will eventually come to the Royal George and you will raft right under the world’s tallest suspension bridge.

You can find many different companies that offer some of the best adventure expeditions through the Colorado River. Your experience level does not matter when you want to whitewater raft you can find an expedition to meet your needs. Anyone who offers whitewater expeditions will always put your safety first. Staffs are experts on whitewater procedure and safety, so you know that you will have a safe and fun trip.

If you love nature, rafting, or just want to try something new, you can always depend on whitewater rafting to give you and your vacation companions the ultimate experience. Whether you are going for a quick trip or a long extended vacation, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River will be the best experience that you can imagine. Don’t hesitate. Plan your vacation today.

Jordan Mcpelt is a professional author who specializes in Rafting and Colorado River rafting. For more information on River Rafting please visit www.bikeraft.com

There are now many companies providing yacht insurance cover with confusion often resulting as owners seek to find the best provider for their needs. Each insurance provider wants to encompass elements that are not available elsewhere but at the same time each policy holder’s individual requirements also need to be met. This article includes some basic information which is often overlooked but can help in your decision when comparing yacht insurance costs.

Carry out a check on the financial stability of the company in question and try to look at their previous year’s submitted accounts. The financial stability of a yacht insurance provider speaks much about the security of your own insurance. Search the Internet for top rated insurers of marine vessels - those with large customer bases are often rated highly by the industry watchdogs and probably the best companies to start with.

There may come a time when you need to claim on your policy and you need to be assured that the customer services department will answer your claim quickly and efficiently. To help ensure this is the case search for a marine insurer that has many outlets. The outlets should include emergency services, agencies and helpful representatives. A good reputation is often a hard won thing and important to the business that has won it. How a company’s customer service representatives act (i.e. do they seek to uphold the company’s reputation) will give a potential customer an idea on how well they will be looked after should the need arise.

The type of yacht insurance policy required is based on the ability of a company to provide services at a reasonable cost; avoid those that promise everything at the lowest cost. Be aware that marine policies can be complex and will most likely take longer to assess than regular insurance policies. Each person will have specific ideas about what they want covered with their policy; do not use an insurance provider that only has limited options available.

Consider which aspects of yacht insurance are most important to you before doing anything else: researching the finer details of each policy is easier when you have already produced a smaller list of requirements. Carrying out these simple suggestions you should help you to more easily compare yacht insurers and yacht insurance costs. The last thing anyone needs after signing their policy is to find there’s a problem with their marine insurance company.

For more advice on what you need to look at when comparing
yacht insurance costs go to http://www.aboutinsurancesite.com/yachtinsurancecosts.html

For anyone who owns a boat, there are ten rules which should always be kept in mind. There is also certain equipment which should always be carried aboard ship.

1. Check your boat thoroughly and never leave your mooring until you have done so.

2. Never over-load your boat and at all times be especially careful about non-swimmers and children.

3. Carry a life preserver for every person on board. Be sure they’re worn when doing deck duty in rough weather.

4. Carry filled fire extinguishers.

5. Exercise extreme caution when filling fuel tanks - no smoking - turn off all fires and electric accessories - hold filling nozzle firmly against fill pipe (ground it) - wipe up spillage - thoroughly ventilate engine compartment and all enclosed spaces before restarting motors.

6. Observe carefully weather, wind, tide and current conditions before starting. Plan emergency harbors on long hops.

7. Keep to the right when meeting another boat and give the right-of-way to vessels approaching in your danger zone on the starboard (right) side.

8. Always be Courteous, Careful and Competent. Watch your wash! Slow down to 4 mph in harbors. Keep away from large vessels, which are not as maneuverable as smaller craft. Keep away from all sail boats - small ones may be swamped by the wash from a motor boat and large sailing yachts do not have the maneuverability of a motor boat.

9. Never make a turn at high speed. Small craft can easily be and have been swamped by their own wash.

10. Approach dock or mooring slowly against the wind or current, whichever is strongest.

Articles of Equipment Which Should Be Aboard Every Well-Found Boat, Though Not Required By Law

The Motor Boat Act prescribes that motor boats must carry certain equipment for the safety of those aboard. This includes life preservers, lights, whistle, bell, fire extinguishers, name arresters on carburetors, ventilating cowls and ducts for the bilges, and the certificate of registration. These requirements vary with the class of boat, and certain exceptions are made in some classes.

In addition to this required equipment, however, there are other things which should be aboard before a boat may be considered to be well-found. The extent of cruising the boat does will determine the amount and kind of equipment, such items as anchors and lines, boat hook, fenders, bilge pump, tool kit, spare engine parts, piloting equipment, auxiliary lighting equipment, and such special safety equipment as ring buoys, flares, and a first aid kit.

In the same category with tools and spare parts we might include a few good carpenter’s tools, extra pieces of line of several sizes, a ball of marlin, an assortment of nails, screws, bolts, washers, wire, caulking cotton, paint, etc. On boats equipped with sails a small repair kit should be added containing twine, wax, needles, palm, fid, and similar articles. All should be properly stowed to keep it accessible and in good condition.

Other miscellaneous items would be a deck mop, pail (some prefer a canvas bucket), a chamois for cleaning windows, brass polish, a supply of oil for engine, grease (both the regular and waterproof varieties as required), some light machine oil and penetrating oil for rusted parts, vaseline, distilled water, a hydrometer, some clean rags and several rolls of paper towels. An emergency tiller is often carried.

Keep the ten rules of conduct outlined, and carry the equipment mentioned above, and you will be well-prepared for anything.

Learn How To Become A Master At Sea With This Just Released Mariner’s Book Of the Ocean

Click here for FREE online ebook!

http://www.boatinginstruction.net/

What does it take to sail? The main ingredients are a sailboat, a mild breeze on a suitable body of water, and a little desire. Sailing is by no means difficult, and if you can tell which way the wind is blowing, you can learn the fundamentals in a short time.

The quickest and easiest method of learning to sail is to take a formal course. Such courses in sailing are developing in various places all over the United States and Canada. Even public funds are being allocated for this purpose in many cities and communities. The following organizations may be able to advise you of any local classes in sailing: YMCA or YWCA, Coast Guard Auxiliary, local Power Squadron, Chamber of Commerce, local marine dealers, and local yacht or boat clubs. The cost of such courses varies from nothing to several dollars an hour.

Although certainly desirable, formal sailing courses are not necessary. Many people prevail upon a friend or neighbor who has a sailboat and trade their services at spring fitting-out time for instructions in sailing.

While it’s not the fastest or best way, the most lasting method of learning to sail is by the seat of your pants in a boat, developing your sensibilities by trial and error. But before you shove off on your first sail, you should know the basic theory of what makes a sailboat go and the various points of sailing in relation to course and wind direction.

What Makes A Sailboat Go?

It may sound easy to explain why a sailboat goes. It is blown by the wind, just as your hat goes sailing down the street on a windy day. But the person who is to learn the art of sailing can’t stop there. He must have a little idea of the theory so that he’ll be better able to understand why he must handle sails and rudder in certain ways to obtain the desired results.

If we were simply to accept the analogy of the hat, we would not be able to account for the fact that a boat can sail in a great many directions other than the one toward which the wind is blowing. Actually, a sailboat can go in any direction except directly into the wind. In such a case, we must tack the boat or angle it into the wind.

When the boom is positioned directly above where the stern and the side meet, and the wind is coming about 45 degrees either side of the bow, you’re in a close-hauled (or beating, or pointing, or tacking) position. When the boom is let out a little farther and the wind comes more directly at right angles, you are reaching; and as the wind comes across the side closer to the stern, you’re on a broad reach.

Then when the wind comes over your stern, and your boom is almost at right angles to the boat, out on either side, you are running or sailing downwind. As you can see, the points or positions of sailing are governed by wind direction and the trim of the sail (location of the boom).

The closer the boat has to sail to the wind the closer the boom is brought to the centerline of the craft. The more the course of the boat approaches a run dead before the wind, the farther the boom is eased off away from the centerline.

Many people believe that the pushing effect of the wind on the sail makes a boat go, and they’re partly correct. There is, however, another force at work; it’s the same force that provides the lift for an airplane wing. By this we mean that the force of the air striking the windward side of a sail is but a small fraction of the total force; like a wing, most of the force is developed by the leeward (away from the wind) side the upper side in the case of a wing. In other words, some of the wind engages the sail and exerts a pushing force upon it.

There is more to learn abut sailing a boat, but this is a good start.

Who Else Wants Free Sailing Lessons, Tips And Tricks?!

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All of us on land have had the experience upon walking down the street of meeting another pedestrian, turning to the right and having him turn to his left, then turning to the left and having him turn to his right and finally bumping him. To the pedestrian on the sidewalk, such action and such a collision is comical but between two boats on the water, it is serious, yet boats often behave like human beings and do that very thing.

To prevent such things as collisions, very carefully considered rules have been laid down so that the duty of the skipper in charge of any boat under any meeting, overtaking or crossing situation is pretty definitely prescribed.

Duty of Man at Wheel

It should be remembered as the first principle to learn, that the man at the wheel while he is on watch has but one duty in life - the safe guidance of his ship. Everything else should be absolutely out of his mind until his boat is brought to her destination or the command is turned over to another person.

A Captain or person in charge is the absolute authority over the guidance of his ship as well as being responsible not only for her safety but for the safety of all on board. Under ordinary conditions the judgment, instructions and commands of the Captain must be complied with and may not be questioned.

Safety First

The Golden Rule for small boat handling is Safety First and Keep to the Right. Indecision of action or those actions having an obscure motive may mislead the other vessel and confusion may result. Time should never be considered wasted if safety is at stake. When there are alternate methods of avoiding danger, the safer of the two should be selected.

Rules of Road Applicable To All Types of Vessels

The rules of the road are applicable to all types of vessels when under way. Therefore, they apply with equal force whether a boat has headway or sternway. They apply to craft which are adrift or not under control. They apply to boats driven by steam, motor or sail power, ferry boats, pilot boats, tugs and tows, sailing vessels and, to some extent, to a vessel propelled by hand power and the current.

When Is A Vessel Underway?

A boat is considered underway when she is not at anchor, aground or made fast to the shore. Under all other conditions except these three, a boat is considered underway and the Rules of the Road are applicable.

Where Inland And International Rules Prevail

The Inland Rules are those applicable to the navigation of all vessels on all harbors, rivers and inland waters of the United States tributary to the sea, including coastal waters inshore of the lines established by Congress as dividing the inland waters from the high seas. Upon the high seas, that is, waters outside of these established boundary lines laid down, the International Rules apply.

The inland rules also apply (generally speaking) at all buoyed entrances from seaward to bays, sounds, rivers etc. for which specific lines are not prescribed by the Pilot Rules, inshore of a line drawn approximately parallel with the general trend of the shore, drawn through the outermost buoy or other aid to navigation of any system of aids. The Pilot Rules list in detail the lines of demarcation which have been established between the inland waters and high seas.

Fundamental Objects of Rules

The fundamental objects of the Rules of the Road whether they be the International, Inland or Pilot Rules are to prevent collisions at sea or on the water. Therefore, it may be assumed that the Rules of the Road are applicable only when danger of collision exists. Danger of collision may be deemed to exist also when there is uncertainty or doubt from any cause.

It is imperative for the boat owner to become familiar with these rules.

Learn How To Become A Master At Sea With This Just Released Mariner’s Book Of the Ocean

Click here for FREE online ebook!

http://www.boatinginstruction.net/