Finding the perfect Arizona classified ad with the perfect boat for you, especially if you are a first-time boater, may seem like a very difficult task to accomplish. To help you in your quest for the perfect boat, there are a few things you should know.
Deciding what is important Choosing the right boat is more than just locating one for sale on one of the many Arizona online classified ad sites, like Qwixo.com. Really, it's all about knowing what is truly important to you. You will need to decide whether you will be using the boat for your own private use, fishing, or cruising. You should also consider your family's wishes and feelings, since buying a boat for your own personal needs without consulting your family will probably lead to disappointing experiences or less time spent on the water.
Typically, boats will fall into five categories which are fishing boats, powerboats, sailboats, personal watercraft, and self-powered boats. To help you find the perfect boat, well take a look at some of the features that each one offers.
The designs for fishing boats will vary quite a bit, as are the places you can use them. The boats that are meant for shallow waters of inland lakes and rivers are not the same boats meant for deep seas and great lakes. There are many different designs, even boats that serve no other purpose besides fishing.
These types of boats normally have stowage and holders for bait, fishing poles, tackle, and even special tanks to hold live fish. Other types of fishing only boats feature an open platform where anglers can fight fish from all sides of the boat.
Powerboats are the most popular boats sold. The designs on and of powerboats are as varied as their uses. Boats with seating in the front are called bowriders, which are mainly used for towing skiers or rafts. Most boats can also be used for fishing as well. If you want to do both, there are ski and fish combinations available.
When you first learn to pilot a sailboat, it can be very challenging, although very rewarding as well. A sailboat requires more skill and knowledge to operate than some other types of boats, although they are also considered more rewarding once mastered.
With all available sailboats, the single-masted sloop is the most popular design. For those who only boat on occasion, catboats, daysailers, and dinghies are small and easily trailer able.
When you finally decide on the perfect boat for you, look at what each one offers and how you plan to use it. The perfect boat for you is out there, all you have do is find the one that best matches your needs, and an online Arizona classified ad site is the best place to start.
Autopilots The first self-steering gear was introduced in the 1920s to control model yachts but it was not until 1948 that the principle was applied to full-scale yachts. Standing at the helm for lengthy periods, monitoring instruments and keeping a good lookout can be very tiring. An autopilot relieves the helmsman from steering the correct course leaving him free to maintain a proper watch. The autopilot can be set to either steer a compass course or a course relative to the wind. A fluxgate compass or electronic wind indicator feeds information to a microprocessor which then makes the necessary rudder movements to return the vessel to it's required course. The mechanical power is applied to the rudder by either electric linear activators, hydraulic pumps or rotary drives. GPS/Chart
plotters can be used to input navigational instructions to the autopilot.
Battery Chargers will keep batteries fully charged thereby extending their working life.
Chart Plotters Typically a chart plotter consists of an antenna, mounted high on the boat, to track GPS signals and a display unit sited either at the at the navigation station or the helm of the vessel. The vessels position is sent from the antenna to the display unit which in turn shows it graphically on the chart. The Chart itself will look similar to its paper equivalent and show depth, land mass, navigational aids such as buoys and potential dangers in the form of wrecks and obstructions. The user can add waypoints to the chart and zoom in and out of the display. Chart plotters can be connected to drive an autopilot and/or send GPS data to a fish finder or radar. They can also interface with a laptop enabling complex passage planning to be done away from the boat and then entered into the chart plotter after arriving at the boat.
Magnetic Transmitting Compasses work like traditional compasses using magnets to determine the vessels orientation to the earth's magnetic field they then transmit the boats heading to an electronic display. They make steering easier than with conventional compasses because they display steadier headings and do not suffer from the "lag" that occurs when making a turn. They can interface with chart plotters, autopilots and radar. Fluxgate Compasses consist of two pieces of readily saturated magnetic material with coils wound around them in opposing directions. AC current is passed through the coils and the material is saturated in one direction and then the other. The earth's magnetic field affects slightly the time at which saturation occurs, earlier in one coil and later in the other. The difference is then calculated giving an output proportional to the earth's magnetic field. They are accurate to 0.1 of a degree. Their output can be displayed digitally to the helmsman or they can interface with autopilots, chart plotters and radar.
Echo Sounders work on the same principle as sonar. A transducer emits a narrow beam of high-frequency sound. This is reflected by any solid objects and the time between transmission and receipt of the echo is measured. The speed of sound through water is known and so the range or distance to the seabed can be calculated. That is then displayed in meters. Forward-Looking Sonar (FLS) enables you to see the underwater hazards before you're actually on top of them. A typical range for an FLS is 150 meters.
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a piece of equipment designed to float free of a vessel in distress. It then sends a radio signal that can be detected by Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) satellites. They relay a message to a ground station that in turn can instigate a search and rescue operation.
Fish Finders use the same technology as sonar. A narrow beam of high-frequency sound is transmitted by a transducer, this is reflected by solid objects such as the seabed. By developing this technology fishfinders provide displays that show where the fish are and they can differentiate between baitfish and larger species
Global Positioning System (GPS Receivers) - This system was originally designed for military purposes and is owned and operated by the United States Department of Defence. 24 satellites are arranged in a "birdcage" around the globe, they are positioned in such a way that at any place on the earth's surface a direct line of sight can be established to a minimum of 4 satellites. A fix is obtained by measuring accurately the distance between a satellite and the GPS receiver at a precise time. Because the exact position of the satellite is known, these distances provide position lines which are converted by a microprocessor within the GPS receiver to readouts of latitude and longitude.
The log is used to measure the boats speed through the water. A paddle wheel or impeller, mounted below the waterline is turned by the flow of water, this generates electrical impulses that are fed to a microprocessor that displays both speed and distance run.
Inverters - On most boats today you will find domestic equipment of one sort or another. For onboard entertainment, there are televisions and stereo systems. With the popularity of chart plotters comes the PC or laptop. Maintenance often requires the use of power tools. Liveaboards might have a washing machine, dishwasher or microwave. Can take 12v, 24v or 48v supply and convert it to a stable 110 v or 220v AC supply.
Navtex can perhaps best be described as a continuously updated telex service providing navigation and weather information within specified areas. An onboard receiver, tuned to 518kHz, the worldwide Navtex frequency, if left turned on will either print out or display the latest messages sent from a local station. The service is available up to 400 miles from the coast.
Radar enables you to see what otherwise would be invisible. They offer the greatest benefit at night and in fog or rain and are of particular value when close to shore or in busy shipping lanes. They consist of an antenna and a display. The antenna sends out a stream of RF energy which is reflected back off hard objects. When this energy is bounced back it is converted to a signal which displayed to the user. The antenna rotates every few seconds, the display continuously calculates the direction of the antenna and so a precise bearing to the target is calculated. The time is measured for the energy to be reflected and so the distance of the target is also displayed.
Satellite Phones consist of an antenna, a modem and a normal handset. They are powered by an iridium battery. Their range is anywhere covered by in Inmarsat Mini-M satellite. Voice, fax, email and data can be transmitted.
Satellite TV requires an antenna and of course a television. Reception is available within a "footprint" which is based on EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) of a transmitting satellite. The EUTELSAT together with the two ASTRA satellites covers Europe. NILESAT and the two ARABSATs cover Africa and the Middle East. Good coverage is also available in North, Central and Southern America.
SSB Radio has a range of several thousand miles. You will need an FFC license or the equivalent in whichever country you plan to operate it. Power consumption is a consideration. Up to 100 Watts may be required for transmission. SSB radio requires several items of equipment. A transceiver capable of SSB operation, An antenna, this must be 8 metres long and in practice, most boats use a backstay or shroud for the purpose having fitted the necessary insulators. An antenna tuner matched to the transceiver model. If you want to send an email you will also need and radio modem and computer.
VHF Radio The power required to transmit is minimal, all sets have the option of transmitting on either 1 Watt or 25 Watts and the lower power should be used whenever possible. Unlike telephones that allow you to both talks and hear at the same time, most VHF sets require you to press a transmit button prior to talking. This is known as simplex. Duplex sets are available but are much more expensive. VHF radio waves travel in straight lines so the aerial should be mounted as high as possible, preferably at the masthead.
There may have been a time when you did not know what the term "yachting" meant. In fact, the very definition of what makes a yacht different from other boats often escapes many people. For the yacht owner, there is probably no more frustrating experience than to be discussing this part of your life at a social gathering only to have someone respond "I know what you mean, I love my fishing boat." The two could not be more different and the better people understand that the fewer strange looks you will get when you tell your associates that one of your passions is "yachting".
Two things that are most often true of yachts is that they are mostly large boats and that they are primarily used for recreation. But despite some predefined notions of how yacht owners approach their passions, there is a lot of variety to how yachts are used recreationally. For one thing, yachting is split between those who enjoy yachting for the luxury of cruising the high seas in maximum comfort and those who love yachts for racing. Both approaches to yachting have strong populations and lots of support industry to feed the growing enthusiasm for yachting amongst the yachting population.
Even within the luxury yachting set, there are distinctions in types of yachts and in how people go about enjoying this very diverse hobby. One big difference is between motorized yachting and sailing. There is a beauty to sailing that is undeniable. But sailing also is also more demanding and it has a lot of equipment and specialized skills that are called to carry it off. But it is an addictive side of yachting that you can grow into. Many who love sailing yachts will start out sailing with a crew who are skilled at handling the rigs and then allow those talented sailors to teach the skill to the yacht owner.
Another distinction of yachts is the level of involvement you might bring to actually operating the boat on open waters. A full crew yacht is one in which everything is done for you. This is the ultimate of luxury because not only do you have no concerns for the actual act of taking the yacht from here to there on the waters, you are pampered with every need and desire by a crew dedicated to your comfort and happiness. But if you want to get closer to the experience of running the boat yourself, you can go with a skipper only who can manage much of the details of the yachting but leave the "crew work" to you. And then for the ultimate in taking on the seaman to elements you can take out a "bareboat" yacht which means you do all the work.
You can see there is a lot of variety in the experience you can have on a yacht and still call it a yachting excursion. But in all of these cases, the yacht is devoted to one thing, to giving you fun and pleasure and excitement. Whether it’s the thrill of a yacht race or you alone in your yacht exploring the coast of Africa and having the adventure of a lifetime, you are fulfilling a dream. And to most of us, that is what it means to own a yacht or even to charter one and feel like you own it. You are giving yourself the chance to realize a dream and have that singular experience of fun, happiness or relaxation on a luxurious yacht in a luxurious setting. What could be better than that?
A group of people riding a wooden boat off a beach in Venezuela. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Boating is a great adventure on any type of boat and is being enjoyed by many on a daily basis, but with that comes a great responsibility. It is not mandatory to do a boating course at this time but there are some very good reasons to get your self-informed about the rules of the road.
1) You will learn about safety equipment and what you are required to have on your boat before you undertake any boating excursion. This is very important because what you don’t have with you could make the difference between being able to handle a situation or not. Also, that outing for the day could cost you if the sheriff stops you to spot check your boat and fines you for not having all the safety equipment required for your specific boat.
2) You will learn that driving a boat is vastly different from driving a car. You are dealing with air and water currents. If you have never docked a boat you may think that it is easy until that is, the current is pulling you in the opposite direction that you want to go. Understanding air and water currents will help you learn how to dock your boat.
3) Knowing how to work with lines and tying knots is part of boating. You have to be able to secure a boat properly. If your boat gets away, it is amazing how quickly the current will take it out of your reach and you will probably require the assistance of another boater to help you get to it. So learn your knots.
4) You will learn what the channel markers mean. We learned the hard way the first time we went out on a boat and ran aground outside the markers. We also had no clue what the red and green markers meant on the poles. This you also learn on the course.
5) There are speed limits on certain waterways but unlike the roads, they may or may not be posted. Ignorance may not be enough to get you out of a ticket.
6) Using charts for coastal navigation can be a lifesaver. It’s your roadmap that helps you stay away from the shallows and shows where all the markers and bridges are, and by using measurements you can calculate the distance and time it will take to get somewhere. It can be a valuable tool for navigation.
7) Just like on the roads, there is the right of way. On a boating course, you will learn who has the right of way and why.
8) Every boat should have a horn. You may hear one long toot or 2 short toot and so on, and you’ll learn what they mean.
9) There are boating regulations and laws that must be followed by all boaters, for example, (and I have seen this rule broken so many times) you are not allowed to sit on the bow of the boat with your feet hanging over board. There are many more regulations to learn and not knowing them can cost you.
10) Anchoring a boat is not just a matter of plopping it down to the sand. There is a mathematical technique applied to anchoring that has to do with the size and length of your boat. Knowing how to do this correctly will give you that extra insurance of knowing your boat is going nowhere until you want to move it.
There are different ways to enjoy pleasure boating such as the fast pace of ski boating or the slow pace of a trawler, kayaking or canoeing. In whatever way you want to do it, it is a good idea to know the rules of the road. Then you can avoid potential situations and get on with the fun of being out there with all that sky, sun, water, family and friends.
Boat shows are great for new and experienced boaters alike
It doesn't matter if you were born on the water or if you just started lake boating outing for you to go to. Boat shows are held all over the country, from Seattle to Chicago to Miami, and they include not only boats, but seminars, new product displays and more. If you are interested in seeing a boat show near you, ask your local lake officials where and when the nearest show is coming.
About a gazillion boats: At it's core, a boat show is in fact a showing off of boats, meaning you can shuttle around the water checking out some of the most prestigious, shiny new boats from other boaters. The bigger boat shows could have upwards of a hundred or more boats while smaller shows may have 10 or 20 boats. The boaters that are displaying their boats often prepare for this event for some time before hand, to make sure their vehicle is clean and ready. If you want to have your boat displayed in a show, talk to the event hosts well in advance.
Seminars: Most boat shows also have seminars for different things relating to boats. Seminars may inform you of the best ways to clean certain parts of your boat or may include guest speaker appearances. The seminars are either held on a bigger boat docked on the water or on shore.
New product give-a ways: Retailers from the boating industry flock to boat shows. Since boaters navigate their way to boat shows when they are around, retailers find it the best place to sell boating equipment, parts and boating accessories. Many of these retailers do raffles, free product give-a-ways and more. If you are looking for equipment, a boat show is often a good place to go.
Boat shows are held all over the nation and are the place to be for interested boaters. Free entertainment, great boats, boating apparel, food and more are often available. It isn't uncommon for thousands of people to attend the boating events. The shows bring together boaters with similar interests and sometimes last several days. Some of the bigger boat shows in the United States include: The Seattle Boat Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Show, and the Atlanta Boat Show.
Chart Plotters Typically a chart plotter consists of an antenna, mounted high on the boat, to track GPS signals and a display unit sited either at the at the navigation station or the helm of the vessel. The vessels position is sent from the antenna to the display unit which in turn shows it graphically on the chart. The Chart itself will look similar to its paper equivalent and show depth, land mass, navigational aids such as buoys and potential dangers in the form of wrecks and obstructions. The user can add waypoints to the chart and zoom in and out of the display. Chart plotters can be connected to drive an autopilot and/or send GPS data to a fish finder or radar. They can also interface with a laptop enabling complex passage planning to be done away from the boat and then entered into the chart plotter after arriving at the boat.
