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Guidelines to Fix Aluminum Boats Correctly

November 20th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Aluminum boats are fragile and can be subjected to a number of different damaging effects. Most of the damage is caused by leaks or decomposition. Leaks can be caused by improper mounting, or any seam that is not segregated properly. The deteriorating qualities of water, especially salt water, can make the frame vulnerable, and can eventually eat a hole right through if untreated.

The first step in aluminum boat repair is assessing the full extent of the damage. Even if you’re aware of an area of impairment, it is still a good idea to do a complete inspection of the boat, both interior and exterior, to discover any additional damage. Of course you will check for any water seeping in when you are on the water, but also pull your boat out of the water and inspect the outer shell as well.

Some leaks are very small and they cannot be spotted easily or they may be hidden under a seam. Inspect by taking note of this as well. Try not to undertake any work, or even allow anyone to start fixing before you are content that the harm has been fully known.

Next be assured that all surfaces are correctly set. They have to be dry and entirely liberated of any remains from cleansers, solvents, oil, silicone grease, etc. Feeble points should be completely sandpapered and any friable metal detached. If this is not done then the fixing will be weak in the dented area and will most likely give up again in future.

Ensure that the work that is done is of high quality. If you are going to do the work on your own, be honest with yourself about the extent of your skills and knowledge. Fully understand the problem, the solution, and the tools required before starting.

If you are hiring a professional, ask them about their experience with this particular type of repair. You may also want to request some references in order to talk to previous customers, especially those with similar boats or damage.

Lastly, get the work done properly and fully. Completely examine all fixes before laying the boat back together, blotting out the fixed area with covers or other items, or placing it in the water. Do this specifically if the fixing is done below the water line. Watch the fixed areas regularly and cautiously on the first use of the boat.

Done properly, aluminum boat repairs can add years to the life of your vessel. Improperly completed repairs can result in further damage, and even a serious incident while on the water. Make sure the work is done right the first time.

Selecting the ideal Fishing Outing Terminus

November 20th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.

One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

Let’s access some of the most important things to ponder when choosing your fishing vacation.

What type of fish do you want to catch?

To some this question may be a little barefaced, it is something that does need to be decided. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may prefer bass. Many northern lakes are too cold for bass, so the bass fisherman in the group may be sorely let down if this was the location you chose.

Action or Prestige?

Some anglers simply enjoy catching lots of fish (most any size) with the hope of getting a few big ones. Other fishermen would rather give up catching a large quantity of fish for a better chance at catching the biggest fish they can find. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group… lots of fish that maybe aren’t the biggest or fewer fish but a greater chance of a really big one.

It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both… catch lots of fish and get some big ones. But, these tend to be at the more remote and pricey lodges and are not always feasible for many fishing groups.

How are you going to catch your fish?

Are you fond to troll? Or drift? Fish in streams? Deep water fish?

People can be seen trolling in 60 feet of water believing the fish was only a few feet from the surface. Not a lot of option to catch anything this way. Be certain you know the kind of fishing your group favors and that the lake will extend it.

How much can you spend?

The price you’re willing to pay will have a great impact on the type of fishing trip you’ll have.

How much can you really spend? Can you be comfortable in a tent or a shack if the lake has amazing fishing?

Or would you favor staying at a more up market fishing lodge?

Do you want to prepare food yourself… or do you want the fishing pack to do the cooking?

And what about freshening up amenities? Are you eager to use a common shower or do you want a personal shower and bath in your own confine? Gentlemen, if you plan to take your spouse on this trip, make extremely sure you judge this one! If you do not, it can ruin an otherwise big trip.

Other things to consider would be how long your trip will be and the kinds of fish you want to hunt. A trip at a fishing lodge with bass and pan fish will be far more affordable than a vacation in Alaska or Canada for arctic char.

In conclusion, if you want a memorable fishing trip, begin planning these aspects of your trip. If done correctly, you could have a truly amazing fishing experience.

Factors for Successful Bass Fishing

November 18th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Bass fishing is a very sought after sport in the United States and many other countries like Australia and Canada. Many tournaments are held throughout the year and this has made bass fishing a very lucrative industry.

Although bass is an edible fish, sport anglers do not treat them as food. During a fishing tournament, bass are caught, weighted and then release back into the water. If the bass are stressed, they are placed in a holding tank for treatment and then released back into the water right after treatment is completed.

There are several ways to become a great professional bass fisher. The primary thing you must know is the biological and behavioral aspects of the bass that you are fishing. Knowing how they act in certain environments and temperatures will greatly affect your production.

An example would be to know that bass are sleepy and slow in exceptionally hot or cold waters and that they do not put up much of a struggle when they are hooked. In contrast, however, they eat and thrive at a rapid rate in moderate waters and will fight to the death when caught.

Bass also favor covered areas and normally feed on smaller fish. This will provide you with some planning as to where to look and also how to attract bass fish when fishing.

Besides learning about the bass fish, you need to understand and maximize the use of your fishing equipment. The type of rods, reels, lines and lures to use will depend on the type of bass fish you are expecting to catch. You certainly do not want your equipment to fail at the moment when a fish bites.

In a fishing contest, you rarely stay in the same place for a long time. When you do not get good result in one area you will have to change your spot fast to pick up your catch. Your capability to read a fishing chart rapidly and precisely will assist in your possibility of locating a good fishing site.

A piece of advice to take would be to visit a supply store near the actual location of the competition. You can talk to the store owners and learn useful information about hot fishing spots.

But if you are an entertaining angler, then you must pick up your fishing technique and information on a customary basis. Get and exchange ideas and pointers for other successful bass fish anglers. Most successful anglers would love to impart their knowledge.

Going online to fishing forums helps you make friends that have common interests. You can meet fishers from all over the world that will add to your fishing knowledge.

By adopting all the above mentioned steps you can make your fishing experience pleasurable and fruitful.

Storing Your Boat to Survive Winter.

November 16th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

As the winter months advance, those who own boats must start to contemplate just how they are going to store their delicate machine, not to mention just how to properly insulate and prepare it for the cold.

Living in a climate with frigid winters dictates that you take your boat out of the water for a number of months each year. Your first decision will likely be whether to find some space to store your boat indoors, or whether to brave the elements and stow it outside.

If you make use of an outboard motor then you can lay up the motor indoors and the boat outdoors. This is a simple solution. But if you think to stow your craft outside and your boat has an inboard engine, then you must take extra considerations along with your decision.

It is completely safe to keep your boat outside during winter, even if you have low temperatures and considerable snowfall. But if temperatures do fall below minus zero or in that range for a long time then storing your craft outdoor may cause damage to the boat.

Sub-zero can harm engines and other parts, which might result in costly repairs. Thus outside boat storage can be adopted by most of us but those who live in extreme climates should find another solution.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations when winterizing for outdoor boat storage. If you have any questions, consult with your dealer. Make sure that any products you use in the winterizing process are manufacturer approved, as the use of other products may void your warranty.

To ready engines for winter, they made need to be bleed of oils and coolants. If there are any pricey or touchy accessories that can be removed, it may be wise to move it indoors into a safe and dry environment. Make sure to cover the boat completely with a sturdy tarp, not a cheap plastic tarp. Instead purchase heavy duty canvas tarps, and make sure it completely covers the boat.

When warmer weather arrives, promptly uncover your boat and fully inspect it for any damage. Pay particular attention to any signs of rot or animal intrusion, and cracks due to the cold. Have any damage repaired as soon as possible, and certainly before putting the boat into the water.

If you follow the company’s guidelines for winter storage and make sure it is covered in a quality tarp and constantly check for damages, you will have a beautiful boat in the spring.

How To Catch Crappie In The Wintertime

November 16th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Finding Crappie in the Winter isn’t as difficult as many others believe. In fact, once you find Crappie in one area, you can pretty much find them in the same type of areas any place on the body of water you are fishing.

The nice thing about Winter Crappie is that they tend to hold the same pattern for days, sometimes weeks, on end. Unless of course they’re disturbed by a Winter storm front or days of constant weather changes. Even then, once the weather settles, they generally go right back to their same old patterns.

Day in, day out, Winter Crappie can normally be found hanging around brush in the deeper water of most lakes. This usually includes submerged river and creek channels. Long periods of warm stable weather can cause the Crappie to move shallow. Keep this in mind if the weather has been nice the previous days leading up to your fishing trip.

Winter Crappie can become lethargic. When this happens, which is a lot during Winter, look for them holding tight to brush in deep water hangouts like along submerged channels. There are times you can also find Crappie up in shallow water. One of these times is when you have several days of warm sunny weather.

Use the right tackle for Crappie fishing in the Wintertime.

Winter Crappie fishing requires you to downsize your tackle. The same tackle you used back in the Summer and Spring will not be as effective in Winter. Light and Ultralight rods in the 6 to 7 foot range, small minnows or 1/32 ounce jigs and four pound test line are the norm. Crappie become sluggish and finicky in the Winter, and they won’t chase bait. In fact, they want the bait right in front of their mouth during most of the Winter.

I like using 6 to 7 foot Light to Ultra Light spinning rods with a stiff back. I prefer graphite over fiberglass rods because Crappie bite softly in the Winter. Graphite rods help you feel these soft bites.

My other Winter Crappie fishing gear includes tiny ice fishings jigs or spoons, jigs in the 1/32 or 1/64 ounce range and 2 to 4 pound test line. I know what you’re thinking. But Winter Crappie do not put up much of a fight and you should be able to horse any Crappie from a brush pile with this setup. Sure, you’ll lose a few, but you’ll catch more by downsizing than you will by using heavy rods, lines and baits.

Makes sure you slow down your presentation. Winter Crappie do not move fast and will not chase your bait like they do in the Summer and Spring. Many times I’ve held my rod still to entice Crappie in a deep brushpile to bite.

For more information on how to catch Crappie anytime of the year, please visit the links below.

Repair your Aluminum Boat the Right Way

November 15th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Aluminum boats can suffer a variety of different sorts of damage. Most have to do with leaks and corrosion. Improperly mounted riveting often results in leaks, as will any seam that is improperly sealed or that has a damaged seal. The corrosive properties of water, especially salt water, can make the metal fragile, and will eventually eat right through the hull.

The first thing one must do to repair a boat is survey what damage has been done. Even if you already know the ailment, it would be wise to do a full inspection in case there are any problems you are unaware of. When in the water, check to see if any water is leaking into the boat, and when out of the water check the outer casing.

Understand too, that some leaks can be so small they are difficult to see, or are hidden under a seam. Take note of this as you inspect, as well. You should not undertake any work, or let anyone else start making repairs, until you are satisfied the damage has been completely identified.

Next, make sure that all surfaces are properly prepared. They need to be dry and completely free of any residue from cleaners, solvents, oil, silicone grease, etc. Weak spots should be fully sanded and any friable metal removed, or the repair will be weak in the damaged area and likely give way again in the near future.

Make sure that the repairs made are very well done. If you are choosing to do the work by yourself, make sure that you do not avoid realizing your limits with skill and knowledge.

If you hire a specialist, make sure to ask questions. Ask if they have worked with your kind of boat before. Contacting references may be wise to verify his or her experience.

Lastly, get the work done properly and fully. Completely examine all fixes before laying the boat back together, blotting out the fixed area with covers or other items, or placing it in the water. Do this specifically if the fixing is done below the water line. Watch the fixed areas regularly and cautiously on the first use of the boat.

Done properly, aluminum boat repairs can add years to the life of your vessel. Improperly completed repairs can result in further damage, and even a serious incident while on the water. Make sure the work is done right the first time.

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Credits: Work From Home | Matteo Turchetto | Andreas Viklund