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Fiberglass boats can endure small wears and tears but more serious damage requires elaborate repairs. Use of good quality materials and well thought-out repair techniques can effectively restore your vessel.
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Ocean and Cobra are manufacturers of sit-on-top kayaks. Both companies offer different models of kayaks that serve various types of paddlers. Anglers, fitness kayakers, competitive and distance paddlers can choose from many models that specialize...
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Transport your canoe more easily and faster by building a canoe rack on a utility trailer. This allows you to make a separate compartment for your boat that you can just carry along for all your water adventures. With just a few tools and materia...
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For a boat to be legal when operating between dawn and dusk in the United States, the boat must be equipped with a series of running lights. Larger boats come with factory installed lights. Smaller fishing boats and runabouts need to be retrofitt...
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Whether you and your family are visiting local waters for a day of canoeing, or you and a friend belong to a paddling club and want to spend an afternoon on the water, you can safely transport multiple canoes on the roof of your car with a foam b...
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Take a canoe trip and relax on the waters as you paddle past forested banks bursting with different shades of fall foliage. Fall is an opportune time to enjoy a canoeing trip not only because of the scenery but also because the pesky spring and s...
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Kayaks are small, self-powered watercrafts that originated in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere. Today, the native craft has been widely adapted into many different styles used commonly by recreation enthusiasts.
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Whitewater kayaking can be a dangerous sport if you do not obtain adequate training beforehand. When out on whitewater, it's essential you know how to maneuver your boat so it does not capsize.
While you may be tempted to paddle out withou...
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If you have an old canoe that needs the fiberglass gel coating redone or repaired, or if you have built a canoe from a kit, you need to get the fiberglass done. You can fiberglass your canoe in your workshop. It is important to have a well-ventil...
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As a rule, when hauling your fishing trailer, the lower you can get it to the ground, the better. Most trailers used for fishing entail the hauling of the fishing boat, and because of the high center of gravity of a boat when it is out of the wat...
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If your trailer lights quit working, you'll need to repair or change the wiring to get the lights functioning again before you get back on a public road. To do it yourself, you will have to change the wiring connector pins and plugs. If the wires...
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You need a method of getting boats or other heavy items up and onto the trailer's cradles. Winches accomplish this with mechanical assistance and gear and pulley ratios. You can set one up on your trailer to give you the needed strength to pull b...
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Like any boat, fiberglass canoes and skiffs are subject to wear and tear as well as water damage. If your canoe or skiff is old, cracks may have already started to appear along the hull. While these surface blemishes may inspire you to throw out ...
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Get ready to melt some butter and start a pot boiling. With some practice and time, you can go out and catch you own lobsters for a backyard feed. There are two common methods of fishing for lobster on a small and personal level: dive down into t...
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Your fishing boat is a tool for fueling your passion. The boat gets you to the prime fishing grounds, away from crowds and hopefully into blue and peaceful lakes or seas. The boat engine is a mechanical device that sometimes requires basic mainte...
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From the Canadian wilderness and lakes to the tropical waters around the Maldives and Australia, your next travel vacation could be spent in a lodge that floats on the water. These floating lodges and hotels have become a bit of a trend over the ...
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A composite kayak may be lighter. A molded plastic boat may be more durable. Visually, however, no craft is more stunning than a strip-built wooden kayak. These boats are works of art. Each one is as individual as the builder who creates it and i...
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You can save time by troubleshooting your Humminbird 100 Series Depth Finder yourself. Designed for anglers who require an affordable price tag and compact design while sacrificing few of the features of more expensive models, the 100 series offe...
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The snatch block was originally conceived and invented by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Archimedes. Since then, the snatch block has continued to evolve using modern materials but is still based on the same essential design as the origi...
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Streamwood, Illinois, is a bedroom community of metropolitan Chicago. The region is in the Northern Illinois Water Trails area and near Lake Michigan, making it a prime region for kayak touring. Lake Michigan affords kayakers many places to ply t...
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A portable changing room is a handy device to bring on a camping trip when your tent lacks the headroom needed for standing up. These are also good for changing into swimsuits away from the main camp site.
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The Humminbird 100 series of fish finders uses sonar waves to transmit information on the water depth below the boat. With these sonar waves, you get imaging of schools of fish under the boat, submerged logs or hazards, and water depth. This info...
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Sea kayak and touring takes you into far-off reaches of the water, shoreline and islands. Many hours may be spent during a typical paddling session, necessitating the need for your seat to be working properly and with a good fit.
Back inju...
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Canoe fishing is a worthy alternative to motor-driven boating. A suitable alternative for anglers who prefer a green approach to their sport, canoe fishing also means a quieter environment and the ability to maneuver in shallow waters and narrow ...
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In bed fishing you intentionally try to aggravate and disperse schooled fish from rock beds or other submerged locations. One popular method of getting the fish to move is by employing small red lasers. Red laser pointers, found at office supply ...
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Properly sized whitewater canoe paddle allow you to maintain proper control of a canoe and paddle comfortably across long distances. As a general rule of thumb, whitewater paddles are short with square blades. The shape is designed to allow quick...
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"There's nothing more uncomfortable than paddling a high-sided canoe from a low seating position," writes prolific canoe author Cliff Jacobson in "Basic Essentials Solo Canoeing." Not only is a low seating position uncomfortable, but it also redu...
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You can lock a kayak to a car with or without a kayak carrier, in which case you would utilize foam to protect your vehicle while securing the kayak for safe storage. Locking a kayak to a car also offers an effective way to free up space, especia...
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Manufactured in a variety of sizes and materials, canoes are generally both cumbersome and heavy. Additionally, once you've positioned your canoe on top of your vehicle, mounting it securely to your roof racks becomes a priority. Improperly secur...
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Sea kayaking gets you into places many other crafts can't go. Dipping your paddles into the water in sea caves or along rocky shores are the advantages to sea kayaking. There are times when having a sponson, or outrigger, for your kayak adds to t...
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Novice paddlers may find inflatable sit-on-top kayaks, also called "duckies," easier to handle than plastic sit-in whitewater kayaks. Known for stability and high flotation, duckies can provide you with a gentle introduction to the sport. A fully...
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A paddle set on the surface of the water while you do something else, like taking a picture or opening your day hatch, can quickly drift away. Keep your paddle close by making a kayak paddle lanyard, often called a paddle leash, to attach your pa...
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You don't need an expensive GPS system--be it a watch or hand-held system you can wear around your neck with a lanyard--to measure the distance you've traveled from point A to point B in your kayak. You can make a manual calculation if you are ka...
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Florida provides boaters plenty of access to scenic waterways. The state also regulates use of water-going vessels and enforces regulations to improve boater awareness, minimize accidents and help make the state's waterways safe and fun for every...
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Folding and inflatable kayaks are popular choices for water enthusiasts for a multitude of reasons. They are simple to use and are much easier to care for, transport and store than rigid kayaks.
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Wilderness System began producing kayaks in the mid-1980s and today offers a wide range of sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks. The Tsunami is a sit-in touring kayak offered in different models, including the SP, 120, 134 and 140 series. It is necessary...
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Inflatable kayaks make excellent companions for traveling sailing enthusiasts. Inflatable kayaks made of lightweight fiberglass, plastic or PVC creates easy-to-assemble boats that are light to carry and simple to store. When deflated, they fold i...
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Traveling with a Hurricane kayak requires very little preparation and they can be fitted atop almost any size vehicle. Because Hurricane kayaks have rounded bottoms they require foam cradles to rest securely in to prevent wobbling during transpor...
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A sturdy canoe seat supports your weight and helps tie the canoe's gunwales together, which creates a stiffer and stronger canoe. Building your own canoe seat allows you to customize the size, select the type of finish you desire and choose your ...
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Klepper Kayaks makes and produces folding kayaks designed to be stored in bags and assembled quickly upon arrival at your destination. Because Kleppers fold and store in bags they are a handy choice for fly-in kayak trips, making them a popular c...
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The United Kingdom is a major competitor in the international world of competitive kayaking. It is not surprise when the country itself hosts a multitude of national competitions for youths, amateurs and professionals alike. Sea kayaking, surf ka...
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The majority of dive fins on the market today are mostly plastic, but all fins have rubber parts and some high-end fins are still made using all-rubber construction. Rubber fins are more flexible than their plastic counterparts, but they are also...
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Inflatable kayaks, lightweight and requiring little storage space, offer stability on the water and ease of transport. Kayakers and fishermen use inflatables as well as plastic hardshell kayaks, and inflatables may be easier to fly into remote areas.
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In the state of Georgia you can find both whitewater and sea kayaking opportunities. Kayak clubs throughout the state do daily and multi day trips to rivers, reservoirs and bodies of water within the state.
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Folbot kayaks fold up into two bags for easy storage and transport. When at the launch site, according to Folbot, kayakers "should be able to put the boat together in under 20 minutes." Assembling the boat quickly means more paddling time and les...
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Enjoy the outdoors by kayaking. You can paddle around a lake, through ocean waters and down rivers. To do any of those activities it's likely you are going to need a way to get your kayak to the landing and back. Several options are available for...
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Chicago's close proximity to Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River and many small streams and fast rivers make it a good place for kayakers to enjoy their sport. The Chicago area has several kayaking clubs. These organizations offer kayakers of al...
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Before you start using your kayak to paddle the many scenic water routes in Oklahoma, you must first register your watercraft. All boats used for transportation and recreation on the state waters, with a few exceptions, are required to be titled ...
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Sea kayaks and similar longer craft take more work to turn than a whitewater or recreational kayak. The sweep stroke, a fundamental stroke for kayaking, works efficiently to turn sea kayaks. Think of the sweep stroke in terms of Newton's third la...
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Kayaking at night time is a very peaceful and enjoyable experience. It is important to take precautions and have functional safety lighting when paddling on the water at night.
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Protect your investment by taking care of your kayak. Kayaks can last years with a little TLC that takes only a little time. You will be happy that you did.
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The Greenland style of sea kayak paddle is long, lean and has a very narrow set of blades. Greenlandic Inuit use these to paddle their kayaks (spelled qajaq in Greenland) to hunt for walrus, seal and narwhal. The paddles themselves are designed i...
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Brisbane, Australia boasts miles of sandy beaches and access to the Indian Ocean. Sea kayaking on the coast is challenging due to the open coast, large ocean swells, marine wildlife and surf launches and landings. Learning how to kayak in the Bri...
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Sea kayaking and touring gives a low platform to the water that turns you into an active participant in the surrounding seas, versus being a passive observer on a large motorboat. Having a whale surface near you in a kayak or watching seals and s...
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The Humminbird series of fish finders provide anglers with sonar-equipped units designed to give information about the water depth, fish and obstacles under the boat. The 215 series is available in portable or fixed-position models. Sonar dual be...
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Different types of kayaks have various features. The features are based on what will make the kayak perform best in its environment--whether it be in the rapids or in the sea.
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In whitewater kayaking, there are inherent risks just as in any outdoor activity. Knowing your risks and what to do if you get into trouble is the best way to keep yourself safe and to minimize the risks.
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Your kayak paddle separates into two pieces at a joint. It's not uncommon for these pieces to stick together. Learning what causes this, and how to prevent it, will save you time during your next kayaking trip.
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Protect your investment by buying a kayak lock. These locks help protect your kayak from theft and also can help you make sure your kayak is secure to your vehicle during travel.
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Skegs are self-housing rudders found on the bottom of sea kayaks and designed to help steer and keep the kayak on track. They retract into the hull of the boat, keeping the lines of the boat sleek and contained. Because the skeg is attached to th...
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If a fiberglass kayak is not sealed properly or if breaks occur in the epoxy, water can enter and damage the kayak. The problem is easy to repair and can be fixed using a few simple tools such as fiberglass cloth, chisel and resin. The repair pro...
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If you are renting a kayak while at camp and do not have a kayak carrier on which to secure it, foam is an effective alternative. You can use the foam to protect your car while securing it to the vehicle for safe storage. Securing a kayak to your...
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Kayaking in water conditions such as high tide, high sand bar and deep bottom can cause your kayak to start wobbling or flip over. High tide is when the tide is at its peak for the day. High sand bar means a ridge of sand has formed in the curren...
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Heavy and often unwieldy, kayaks can be difficult to carry. Ideally, two people should be involved when lifting and moving a kayak. A single person should carry a kayak only when necessary. Kayaks aren’t cheap, and neither are doctor bills....
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As your camper ages and the camper chairs inside start to show wear and tear, you’ll want to dress the aging furniture with camper slipcovers. Using just a few basic sewing tools, you can make camper slipcovers in about an hour. Solid color...
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Kayak paddles come in various lengths with differing shaft shapes and blade designs. All the features of the kayak paddle are designed for the kayaker’s comfort, skill level and type of water the paddle will be used in. The style of paddle ...
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Hilco swim goggles are modular goggles that can use prescription lenses for people who would normally wear glasses or contacts. There is no need to worry about poor vision or losing a contact while swimming while wearing prescription goggles. The...
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Recreational kayaks are built for the casual paddler who might want to boat in a variety of water, including easy whitewater, lakes, placid rivers and some sea kayaking. While the boats don't have the performance capabilities of serious whitewate...
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The Impex Assateague is a large paddler's dream boat. This composite sea touring kayak belongs to a four-model Specialty Touring line, each model catering to a specific paddler size and skill set. The Assateague is 17 feet, 10 inches long, 22.5 i...
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Delaware was the first official state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, doing so on Dec. 7, 1787. Delaware, in addition to the long-standing cultural history in the country, has a long tradition of nautical and natural history. Delaware enjoys an ...
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Kayaking with a sail provides more speed with less fatigue. You still have to paddle when using a kayak sail, but you have the ability to take advantage of the wind, and your paddling will be used more to steer the kayak rather than to provide al...
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One of the essentials of beginner kayaking is learning how to efficiently and effectively rotate your craft, giving you complete control while you're out on the water. Turning your boat, a seemingly simple maneuver, can take some time to master. ...
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Touring kayaks are longer and more stable than white-water kayaks and are designed to stay upright even in rough ocean surf. They have long waterlines and low centers of gravity that make them track well and eat up minor jolts and waves. Nonethel...
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Deck netting, known as elastics, are generally affixed to both the front and back deck of sea kayaks and recreational kayaks. The foredeck elastics, usually three in number, are mostly to hold your compass and chart, though many people also stow ...
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Kayaking enthusiasts know that getting a kayak on good white water typically means transporting the boat for several miles. Getting from point A to point B with a kayak can be challenging unless you are using the right system for transporting. Se...
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If you want to fish in one spot, stop and watch wildlife or just take a relaxing a break from paddling, a kayak anchor is a necessity. Fortunately, any fairly heavy object attached to a rope will keep your kayak from drifting in all but the worst...
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The kayak spray skirt goes around the combing of the water craft and keeps excess water from entering the cockpit of the boat, ensuring heat retention, buoyancy and dry comfort for long paddling trips. Spray skirts are made from either waterproof...
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Sea kayaks come in a variety of styles, designs and hull dimensions. Some sea kayaks come with rudders, some with skegs (rudders housed internally on the inside bottom of the kayak). Many sit-on-top sea kayaks or hard shell touring kayaks do not ...
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Fish and depth finders operate using either analog or digital signal receivers designed to interpret sonar image waves transmitted via a transducer fixed to the bottom of the boat. Many units using the flasher function are analog--and a bit antiq...
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The Lowrance X96 Depth Finder users sonar waves to plot water depth, lake and ocean bottom topography and find fish or obstacles in the water The unit comes with transducer, installation kit, manual and display unit with transom mount. Learning h...
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Fish finders, depth finders or echo locators, no matter what you call them, function to provide information about depth of water, where the fish are and if there are obstacles to be avoided. Using these sonar equipment devices help maximize time ...
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Shade sails are unique products, designed to provide respite from the hot sun; they come in various cuts and sizes. Shade sails are single pieces of specialized fabric that can be spread over driveways, sports courts, yards or between trailers an...
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Depth and fish finders are electronic tools designed to enhance your day on the water: They maximize fish catches as well as help to avoid obstacles under the surface of the water. Reading depth finders requires a learning curve. Learning the equ...
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Whitewater kayaking requires a series of basic skills used to keep you afloat while you head downriver and through rapids. The flatware clean spin is a single stroke that turns the kayak a full 360 degrees, allowing you to move around rocks or ot...
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The Raytheon L-365 Fish Finder is an electronic device that uses sonar waves to receive information about lake or ocean depth, where schools of fish are, obstacles in the water and water temperature. The L-365 comes with a transom mount, transduc...
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Developed in the 1960s and still going strong today, windsurfing is the acrobatic hybrid of sailing and surfing. The gear minimizes the sailboat to its dynamic essentials, allowing the sailor maximum freedom to cleave the wind and waves.
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Rocks, sand and other debris can scratch your kayak while you are enjoying the water. This doesn't mean that you have to replace your kayak but to make it more aesthetically pleasing and also help maintain speed due to friction, you should repair...
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Illinois is known more for the city of Chicago, long flat areas of wheat and corn fields and chilly winters as opposed to whitewater kayaking. But there is whitewater in the state for rafting or kayaking. Depending on the time of year and the wat...
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Paddling a canoe requires practice and balance. The design of a canoe makes it possible to glide through the water but it also allows the craft to tip with any movement from the passengers. The natural instability of the craft means passengers sh...
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The Humminbird 797 SI is a combination side-imaging depth finder, GPS chart plotter and dual beam sonar unit. A full color TFT screen, sonar depth reading to 1500 feet, side-image depth reading to 150 feet and internal memory for up to 3000 GPS w...
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Whitewater kayaking is an adrenaline-packed sport requiring skill and patience and a steely nerve. The sport is enhanced by learning new tricks, techniques and rodeostyle maneuvers. Tricks include eddy surfing, "boofing", deliberately keeping the...
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A sun shade sail made from used boat sails provides a versatile alternative to an expensive, fixed patio cover. This shade sail serves to protect and shade outdoor areas while also adding style and coziness to a backyard, patio or other outdoor s...
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Fishing has changed with the advent of electronics and sophisticated consumer products such as depth and fish finders. Various forms of the devices are available, including side-imaging depth finders. Side-imaging depth finders work with sonar an...
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Rash guards are articles of clothing used to protect sensitive skin from the abrasive bases of surfboards. Wax that is applied to the base of surfboards often rubs off onto the rash guards compromising the fabric integrity and causing the article...
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Hosting one of the largest unspoiled wildernesses in America, outdoors enthusiasts of all stripes are drawn to the allure of Alaska. Kayakers in particular will find Alaska presents them with a dual challenge. On the one hand are Alaska's wild ru...
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You can identify a captain's chair by its low back and spindles that curve forward for armrests. If your captain's chair is a little worse for wear or plain and lacking style, you can reupholster it with your favorite fabric. The process is moder...
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Trailers are a fairly common accessory to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Canoeists, kayakers and anglers often own trailers for towing their boats, while many campers enjoy the comforts of a pop-up trailer. Changing tires on a trailer is j...
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Roadtrek RVs have raised roofs that can make carrying a canoe seem difficult. However, the vehicles are compatible with several roof racks and canoes can also be mounted to the rear of the RV. Roof racks are the most stable and the safest carryin...
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Okinawa is a prefecture of Japan made up of 161 islands that span over 1,000 miles. The abundance of shoreline and access to the Pacific Ocean has made fishing an important part of Okinawa's economy, lifestyle and tradition. While you can charter...
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Old Town Canoes are a popular brand, and used models can be found in many regions of the United States and Canada. It is important to predetermine the distance you are willing to drive pick up a canoe. Making this determination allows you to narr...
