One of the first things you want to make sure you have when you go to get your new bass boat is the right kind of vehicle for towing the boat. There are many vehicles that are just not made for towing something behind them. When you have your boat fully loaded with your gear as well as gas and attach it to your trailer, you can expect to be towing over 3500 lbs. behind your vehicle. You need to be sure to get a car or truck that can take that kind of load and pull it up a mountain or a hill.

When deciding on what size of a boat to get you will want to consider the size of the body of water that you will be fishing in. In larger bodies of water it is best to go with a boat that is at least 19 feet long where as if you are going to be fishing in a smaller body of water then you can go with a smaller outboard motor on a smaller boat. You can also choose which material your boat is made out of. Bass boats are generally made from aluminum or fiberglass. Each type of material has its good points as well as its bad points. For instance, if you were going to be doing most of your fishing in a small lake then you may want to go with the aluminum boat.

You may want to go with a fiberglass boat if you want a smoother ride on larger bodies of water. Fiberglass is generally more expensive then aluminum but not in all cases. The fiberglass boats are sturdier than the aluminum and they will not be blown around with the wind as much. Before making your choice, be sure to way all the options and check the pros and cons of each type to make the best educated decision.

You can buy either a new or used boat but again, there are pros and cons associated with both. Used boats seem to hold their value much longer but you have to keep in mind that outboard motors are generally short lived. If you decide to buy a used boat then you want to check out the motor properly before you use it. Another advantage to buying a used boat is the price. You can get a good deal for a used boat if you look around but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you get the boat at a cheap price you may have to be prepared to do some “fixing up” on the boat.

If you decide to go with a new boat then you will have the pleasure of getting a warranty with it. You will not have to worry about working on it and you can just get right to fishing. You will also most likely have more boats to choose from than when you are looking for a used one. No matter which way you decide to go, be sure to check out the vessel thoroughly, so that you know what you are buying.

The Joy of White Bass Fishing

The white bass has a relatively short life span of about four years but is a very active schooling fish. It is unlikely that you will only find a few white bass in a particular area. The joy of white bass fishing is in the sheer numbers that anglers can hook. Between the months of January and May, hundreds of thousands of them migrate up rivers and streams. They feed ravenously en route, making white bass fishing loads of fun for you.

A hundred years ago, you were only able to go white bass fishing in certain areas of the east and mid-west. Today they have spread all over the country, and as a sport, white bass fishing is gaining popularity in every state. A hybrid variety known as the hybrid striper is bred in hatcheries. It has the characteristics of both the white bass and striped bass.

The Best Time to Go White Bass Fishing

White bass fishing in the spring is an unforgettable experience. The fish flock to the smaller tributaries of major rivers and reservoirs of Arkansas, Texas and other places for spawning runs. Literally thousands of white bass congregate in small creeks, dam tail waters and minor rivers. They seek clear waters and you can spot them with ease. You just have to cast your tackle to get a bite and this can go on for hours! Many people use tandem rigged lures and catch two fish at a time!

You don’t even have to get on a boat to go white bass fishing in spring – you can angle from the shore. When you see a bridge with numerous cars parked alongside, there is a good chance those people have stopped for a spot of white bass fishing. Most people however treat it just as a sport and release most of the fish straight back into the water.

White bass fishing is a fun filled, active, outdoor sport that can be enjoyed by all – novices and experienced anglers alike. Whether you are catching them for the sheer enjoyment of the sport or to provide a delicious meal when camping, you are sure to enjoy the experience immensely! So why not try your hand at white bass fishing?

Your Options

Even though certain types or models of boats require specific electric boat motors, the following are a few types of electric boat motors that you should be aware of:

One popular type is the Navigator Tournament engine-mounted electric trolling motor. This type of motor is made specifically for instances when your boat capsizes or when strong winds make the use of your ordinary trolling motor impossible.

This particular type of electric motor is permanently mounted to an outboard motor or I/O. Pulse-width modulation electronics and weatherproof remote controls are able to withstand even the harshest and toughest marine situations. Various controls, such as forward/reverse, soft start, and variable speed, ensure that the boat is easy and safe to drive.

Another popular type of electric motor is the Sevylor 12V trolling boat motor. These types of electric boat motors are intended for use on small electric boats. They include patented mounting apparatus that fits all Sevylor inflatable boats that use outboard motors – there is no need for a clamp to secure the motor to the boat.

Take your time when deciding which electric boat motor to purchase. Never feel rushed into making a purchase! In order to find the best quality, most suitable, and most cost-effective electric boat motor, you will have to visit various boating specialists to compare their products and prices. Keep in mind that the personnel at specialist retailers will be able to provide you with expert knowledge – be sure to ask them questions regarding electric boat motors, relating specifically to the boat that you own, to ascertain which motor is best suited to your type of boat.

Do extensive research on electric boat motors before attempting to find the motor that is best suited to your needs. It can be extremely difficult to find the appropriate motor for your boat if you do not know what you are looking for. Once again, all good speciality stores employ consultants who are willing and able to help you to make the right decision.

Buying Inflatable Boat Accessories

The best way to ensure that you buy the correct inflatable boat accessories for your boat is to purchase them at the same dealer who sold you your boat, or to buy inflatable boat accessories made by the same manufacturer that made your boat. Inflatable boat accessories made by other brands might not always be compatible with your boat so it is safer to go with the same brand. If you can already find all the things that you need in one place or made by one brand, why go to another place or try another brand?

What Inflatable Boat Accessories Do You Need?

The inflatable boat accessories that you will require depend on your purpose for your boat. If you want to use it for paddling, you will need to purchase oars or paddles. If you want to use it for skiing, you will need to purchase a motor mount, motor, skis, and a ski rope.

Aside from the above examples of inflatable boat accessories, you will also need to consider where to store various items in your boat. Avoid storage containers that have sharp edges as they could seriously damage your boat. Although most inflatable boats are made from durable materials, they can still be punctured by sharp objects. Inflatable storage containers are very popular as there is no risk of them damaging your inflatable boat, and they are also light and easy to store.

When considering used boat trailers to purchase, ensure that the trailer is the correct length for your boat and that it can support the weight of your boat. You may find a trailer at a bargain price that is not in the best of condition. Not to worry, it can probably be restored to almost new condition with a little hard work. As long as it is not bent and there are no cracks in the frame, it can be used!

It is important to check used boat trailers’ wheels and tires before making your purchase as faulty wheels can cause accidents. Ensure that the wheels are both dent- and rust-free. Replacing the wheel bearings after you purchase the trailer is a must, unless proof that they were changed recently is provided by the seller. Roadworthy tires, with sufficient tread, are also a must – the last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of a road, changing your tires with your boat secured to the trailer. This can get quite tricky.

Making Sure That The Trailer Is Legally Road Worthy

Purchasing used boat trailers from a licensed dealer is a lot safer than buying one from a private individual. Used boat trailers from dealers might be a bit pricier but they are usually worth every penny. This is because they have to undergo various inspections and roadworthy tests before they can be sold. Remember, like any trailer or caravan, used boat trailers also have to be registered and legally licensed.

Whatever type of boat that you have, there are certain important things that have to be maintained on any boat trailer. These include the following:

The tail lights must be fully functional otherwise you will not be allowed to tow your trailer on the road. The attachment points should be solid and free of wear and rust. Your trailer must have a tongue that fits tightly to the trailer hitch ball. Also, when towing your trailer, you will need to secure your trailer to the towing vehicle’s frame using a safety chain.

If a large boat is being hauled, an electric braking system on your trailer can help to ease the pressure on the towing vehicle’s brakes which can also help to stop the trailer in an emergency. If your used boat trailer is a tilt-back trailer, ensure that the pivot point keeps the trailer in a straight line when tilted to load the boat out of the water.

It is always a good idea to find out a little about the different types of boat trailers and then to undertake some research on the one that you think will best suit your needs. Just like boats, boat trailers come in many different shapes and sizes, from the height of luxury and all the fittings to a very simplistic model. There are two main types of boat trailers and these are bunk and roller trailers. Power boats have custom trailers and have to be bought when you buy the boat. If you have a sail boat then that will require a special trailer because it has a deep keel and a high winch stand.

You should have at least some idea of what works and what doesn’t work for your boat, along with how much money you want to spend before you actually go out and buy. One of the first things that you should consider when you are choosing your boat trailer is the size of your boat. This is very important when you are buying a trailer, the right boat trailer should fit securely and snugly against your boat and you should always read the manufacturer’s label on weight and size before you buy a boat trailer.

Getting the right boat trailer will also involve making sure that it has adequate features, there should be break and turn lights, which are required by law and a locking feature to attach it securely to your boat. The lights and axle need to be water tight as they will be submerged when the boat is launched. Some boat trailers will have a frame-mounted spare tire.

There are manual boat trailers where you have to do everything yourself and then there are those with a feature for making loading and unloading much easier. A small trailer will have a guide hoist to get the boat on the trailer while the larger models will have a one or two speed mechanical winch. The reason many people settle for adjustable trailers is because they make hauling so much easier. Some boat trailers will have electronic brakes which work in racing bike with the vehicle’s brakes. It is always a good idea to decide just exactly how much you want to spend on a boat trailer before you go out to get it, as a trailer can be a very expensive item.

Boats can either be moved over land or over the water, depending on the circumstances. For example, a boat moored in New York might need to be moved to Florida but the boat owner might not be able to make the trip him- or herself. This is when boat movers will be needed. Boat movers employ experienced staff with the necessary expertise who can move these boats safely over land or at sea.

Most ports or marinas have large cranes or slings that can lift small or large boats out of the water onto a trailer. The boat will then be fastened safely to a trailer to ensure that no damage is done to it during transportation.

Being Prepared For The Long Haul

A lot of preparation is required to move a boat over land. Everything on the boat, including any accessories in the cabin, has to be secured to the boat to prevent loss or damage. Some equipment may even have to be removed from the boat and transported separately.

It is also important to disconnect all the boat’s electrics before moving the boat. This is done as a safety precaution and it also ensures that the boat’s battery remains charged until the boat reaches its destination.

When moving boats over land, most boat movers tend to wrap the boats in heavy duty plastic for protection. This is effective against damage that can be caused by the elements, as well as damage that can be caused on the road, such as debris kicked up by the trailer’s wheels.

When choosing a boat mover to move your boat, ensure that the company is sufficiently covered by an insurance provider. This is to protect yourself against any eventuality while the boat is not in your care. Should something happen to your boat while it is in transit, you should not be liable for the damages.

Choosing the Right Type of Boat Ladder

The boat ladder that you choose must fit the design of your boat otherwise it can end up being quite a bother. First find a room in your boat that provides suitable storage space for your boat ladder. This will give you an idea as to what type of boat ladder you require.

Some boat ladders are longer than others. The type of ladder that you will need depends on where you plan to moor your boat. It is of no use buying a boat ladder that does not reach the pier where you plan to attach your boat.

If you are a dog lover who enjoys taking your dog along when you take the boat out then you might consider buying a dog boat ladder or a ramp. For a smaller dog, a ramp is more appropriate.

Another consideration that you need to take into account is the type of material boat ladder that you require. Boat ladders can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, vinyl, or plastic, or a combination of any of these. These ladders are lightweight and will not sink if you should accidentally drop them off the side of the boat. An advantage of these types of boat ladders is that they do not rust so the wear and tear that they experience is minimal.

Fold up boat ladders are very convenient in that they are easier to store than one piece ladders. They are also easier to carry than rigid boat ladders.

A few of the main things to take into consideration when selecting a boat transporter to move your craft, is the fact they are experienced, have the right kind of equipment to do the job and are fully insured. The latter is important when you are literally putting thousands of dollars into the hands of strangers. It is a good idea to know a little about the company’s reputation by word of mouth from friends or from professionals working at the marina where your boat is either currently moored or being moved to.

One option regularly offered by a boat transporter is what is known as a water to water service. This means the boat is taken out of the water and made ready for transportation and then placed back in the water when it arrives at the new destination. Naturally, this kind of service is more expensive than simply loading your boat onto a trailer and transporting it to its new home.

Preparing Your Boat for an Overland Trip Takes Time

Prior to the boat transporters arriving alongside your boat to lift it onto their trailer, it is necessary for you to ensure that everything within the craft is secured for the journey. However much care the movers take, there may still be some rough areas en route to the new location and cupboard doors could fly open and the contents scatter all over the deck of the boat. If everything in the storage spaces on board is packed properly then the risk of any damage will be reduced.

Many people on the move forget about utility hook-ups and disconnection from water, electricity and waste really need to be arranged before the move so everything is dealt with in good time and you will not be charged extra whilst the transporters are waiting around for you to do these jobs you have overlooked.

It’s a good idea to have plastic shrink wrap around your boat which will stop any damage to the structure during the transportation. If you are traveling through different states, you need to make sure the transporting company has the necessary documentation to get you from A to B.

Boat Auctions Info

Some websites help you to find an appropriate boat without having to search through huge amounts of unnecessary or unwanted information. These sites offer functionality for you to enter your specific requirements and then search second hand boats that meet those requirements.

There are other websites that hold online boat auctions on a regular basis. These websites try their utmost to provide you with all the necessary specifications and details of each boat that is up for auction. They do, however, often not offer any guarantee or warranty options on the boats in their lots. Make sure that you only bid on boats that meet your specific wants and needs, and that you have inspected the goods beforehand. Aside from this drawback, these websites often offer many of the most affordable, superior quality second hand boats in the world.

Tips for Boat Auctions

There are a few tips and suggestions that can help you to find a top quality, affordable boat at a boat auction:

When searching various boat auctions it is always a good idea to invite friends, family, or someone who has boating experience. It is always advantageous to get a second opinion.

Even though you will be spending considerably less on a boat at a boat auction, you must always ensure that you get the best value for you money. It is no use saving on the cost of the boat when the product that you purchase is faulty. A defective boat will end up costing you more in the long run.

Keep in mind the maximum amount that you are willing to spend. This will help you to avoid overspending or paying more for something that you could’ve bought at another boat auction for less.