<>< Boating Tips ><>

1. Electrical connections
When adding electronics to your boat you don't want the connections to get wet and corrode. Use liquid electrical tape you can brush it on just about anything you want and its waterproof and seals up solid. When it comes time to remove it it comes off very easy.
2. Stuck anchor
If you find that your anchor is stuck on the bottom and all attempts have failed to free it, attach a float to it and return when tides have changed direction. This sometimes loosens a trapped anchor.
3.Sea sickness
If you have a problem with sea sickness always stay on the deck and try to watch things in the distance, like the horizon. Also stay upwind from the boat's exhaust Breathing fumes makes things worse.
4.Launching Boat
When I launch my boat I put on hip boots making it easier to get the boat off and on the trailer. It takes the danger away from trying to walk down the trailer and falling off. It takes me less then a minute to change from shoes to hip boats and I am off and on the trailer faster then without them.
5.Keeping cats from crawling under your boat cover
To keep cats from crawling under your boat cover in the winter time and leaving their scent behind, put a few moth balls around on the floor. No more cats.
6.Sunglasses
Before going out in rainy weather, put some rain-x on your sunglasses. Because it will repel rain and helps you to see better.
7.Boat Bearings
A lot of anglers forget to check their wheel bearings on their boat trailers. Every spring when you get your boat out of storage, always have your bearings checked. This could save you from a serious accident with your boat.
8.Waxing Your Boat
If you hate using car wax to wax your boat because of the wax getting down in every little nook and cranny, leaving that unsightly leftover wax. Then try using a furniture polish to wax your boat. I like to use one with a moisture barrier in it. You can wax your boat in 15-20 minutes, it looks great and protects your boats finish.
9.Gas can coolers!
Cover gas cans with reflective foil insulation, wrapping the insulation around the gas cans reflects heat and sun away from cans keeping them cooler. Cooler gas make the engines run better, saves gas, less evaporation. Make sure it's wrapped loose and also allow for venting with a hole on top. Use foil tape to seal edges and seams. Keeping fuel cool is simple, but safety always comes first.
10.Emergency Stop Switch Replacement
I recently purchased an 8HP outboard to power a small boat I use to fish locally with my grandkids. Being safety conscious I looked into buying a replacement Emergency Stop Switch lanyard and found it extremely pricey for a small u-shaped piece of plastic and cord lanyard. I solved this problem by shaving down one side of a clip clothes pin to the same thickness of the stop switch clip that came with the outboard. Attach a piece of line to the metal spring on the clothes pin and the other end to you wrist and you're ready to go.
11.Trolling speed
When trolling use a rpm gauge on your motor because there are too may variables. Also you might want to try a low speed mph gauge. Remember, current adds or detracts from trolling speed, and waves also cause a fluctuation.
12.Slowing down your trolling speed
When trolling and you can't get the boat to slow down enough try a wind sock or a bucket to slow you down. Just tie it on the cleat in the rear. Some sea anchors are adjustable so now you can even play with the amount of slow down.
13.Algea Free, is the way to be
Now, You want to scrub all the algae off your boat after a day of fishing. This will keep your boat's color and condition in good shape.
14.Are You Running With Dead Gas?
A few years back I thought it was a good idea to take the old gas out of my boat so I wouldn't damage my outboard with poor detonation. But I was not willing to throw it away. So I pulled it from my boat's tank and added it to my truck. It did okay the first two hours on my way to the Potomac river but on my return trip when I reached the Chesapeake Bay Bridge I couldn't get more than 15 miles per hour. Lesson learned: Keep my gas fresh!
After this experience I have used a fuel stabilizer and haven't had that problem since. I use stabilizer all year to keep the gas fresh, preventing detonation problems which can lead to blown cylinders. When I winterize the boat I add more stabilizer per instructions on the bottle for the extended period of idleness.
Since this event I have learned even the best grade and brand of gasoline can go bad (loses octane value) in two months time. When deciding where to purchase your fuel determine if you'll be able to burn it off before it does. Consider how fresh the fuel is when purchasing a tank full. Think about the tank the service station you uses. Fuel is stored in their tank for a period of time before it is refreshed when the distributor's truck comes to refill their storage tank. A station that fills only once a month means you could have month old gas going into your tank. You'd have to burn it all up in the month to keep fresh fuel in your boat. This is why I will only fill up at high volume dealers. Those that are located in major shopping areas or on the main highway. This way I am sure the fuel I purchase is the octane advertised. Still I will use stabilizer to maintain the quality of my fuel.
15.Extend Your Battery Life
After a day of fishing your batteries will need to be charged. Don't let them sit for extended periods partially charged as this will shorten battery life. Before charging check the level of each cell and add distilled water only. Never use tap water as it may contain chemicals that can harm your batteries. You can purchase distilled water at your local grocery store for less than a buck or buy a counter top distiller at SEARS for around $99.00 and always have distilled water on hand.
Keep the battery terminals clean with a solution of warm water and baking soda. Coat the terminals with protectant available at any auto parts store. Check the tightness of the battery leads to ensure a good contact. This will prevent poor charging and enhance the performance of your electronics or trolling motor.
If you are storing your boat for the Winter it is best to remove your batteries and store them in your basement or garage. Through the Winter months check and charge them periodically to keep them at full charge. Perform all the steps above and you'll benefit by not replacing batteries every year.
16.Stronger and Longer running engines
To make your electric motor run stronger and longer I have some tips to do so. If your prop has nicks on the edges you should sand it down until it is smooth. You also may want to take your prop off first. Then you can check for weeds, line or any other gunk that may get stuck in their. while your prop is off you may want to check your drive pin. If the pin is not straight you will want to replace it with another one from your local boating store. These tips will make your engine run true and strong.
17.Small Boats for hard to reach places
If you love to fish the hard to reach places that are too hard to reach even by boat try the following ideas. Use a small 2 man boat or a flat bottom boat in the 10-12 ft class. I been able to get too those hard to reach places with a smaller boat, or even a float tube. Fly fisherman have used the float tubes for years now bass fisherman are catching on. Use the float tube to maneuver your way through overhanging limbs or hard to reach places. Drop into the water at that perfect place and enjoy some exciting fishing.
18.Make your batteries last longer
When you come home from a fishing trip you should make sure your battery is run down. As soon as you get home you should also charge your batteries fully. You will want to use a slow batteries charger for a marine batteries. Also you will want to make sure your terminals are full. If not, fill them up with some tap water. These tips will make your batteries last much longer.
19.Make your trolling motor run STRONGER and l o n g e r
First of all, you want to remove your prop and make sure the drive pin is straight. If it is not go to your local boating store and buy a new one, they are very inexpensive. Also, you might want to check your prop for noticeable chips and scratches along the edges. If there are many of these, you may want to sand down the edges and make it smooth. This will keep your prop from getting caught up in weeds. These tips will help your trolling motor run faster stronger and longer. Remember don't be lazy and take good care of your stuff and it will take good care of you ;)
20.Tire out bigger fish for an easier retrieve.
If you fish from a canoe, kayak, or small boat, there is a method that you can use to have some fun and catch larger fish like catfish or muskies out. If you get a bit, open the bail and let the fish take your bait. As it's swimming, manually close the bail, which should cause a good hook set. This will cause the fish to panic or try to escape. If the fish is deep, wrestle it to a middle depth, then let it swim around for a few minutes. This will often let the not only tire, but it will tow the canoe, which is like a human pulling a car or truck. The fish will quickly tire, allowing you to reel it

21.Knowing the Weather
Pay close attention to the TV weathercast and listen to detailed marine weather forecasts on NOAA Weather Radio. Take note of small boat cautionary statements, Small Craft Advisories, or Gale or Storm Warnings in the forecasts. The Advisories and Warnings (see definitions) alert mariners to higher winds and waves either occurring now or forecast to occur up to 24 hours from now. Advisories and Warnings for conditions expected later give mariners time to take action to protect life and property.
22.Safe Boating Boating
Before you leave on a boating trip, file a "float plan" by simply telling someone where you are going and when you will return. If you run into trouble, it will assist authorities in searching for you.

23.Always wear your life jacket

When in rough waters, Or when the big motor is running, Always wear your life jacket. In Fact, when in doubt, wear it.