Marine Supply Blog - The Best in Boating & Fishing Gear

Introducing our New Boat Prop Finder & a Sneak Peak at New Prop Offerings

2011-05-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

You probably already know that SavvyBoater offers a wide selection of stainless steel boat propellers from Solas Propellers, and you might know that we have exceptional prices and free shipping on all Solas stainless propellers. But did you know we just launched our new boat prop finder to make it even easier for you to pick the perfect boat prop?

With only 3 quick clicks, you'll find a selection of props designed for your outboard motor or sterndrive. Quickly sort through your options based on number of blades, pitch and rotation, it could hardly be easier.

Along with our new finder, we're also expanding our offering to include Mercury's QuickSilver line of propellers for selected Mercury outboards and sterndrives. Whether you're looking for the prop, the removable hub kit or both, we'll have a good selection at very competive prices. These new props should start coming on line this week.

If you're looking for a PowerTech Prop, give us a call at 866-560-1330. We've been a PowerTech dealer for several years, and will be going beyond special orders to add this line to our finder in the near future. Powertech props are forged in North America and finished in the PowerTech facility in Lousiana. Their attention to detail and deep offerings have made them popular with boaters looking for high-pitch performance propellers.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday Specials at Savvyboater.com

2010-11-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

Looking for a Christmas gift for the boater in your life? We've got some great gift ideas on sale now, but you don't have to wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to take advantage of these deals. All deals are valid anytime - day or night - from now through Tuesday, November 30th. And don't worry, there's no lengthy lines or 4 a.m. wake up call here.

Easy Stocking Stuffers	Special Nautical Gifts

Have questions? Need assistance finding something? We're always happy to help. Just give us a call or shoot us an e-mail and we'll help you find the perfect gift for the boater or fisherman in your life.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday weekend from the crew at SavvyBoater.com

For extra savings and exclusive coupon codes, visit our Facebook page and click the "like" button.

New Cover Options for Bigger Boats

2010-11-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

At SavvyBoater, we help- a lot of boaters find the perfect boat cover. Periodically we get calls from folks with sport or cabin cruisers in the 25-30 foot range, looking for a boat cover. In many cases the boat is equipped with a radar arch. Although we work with 3 of the top brands on the market, we haven't had options for these larger boats. Carver Industries recently came out with a unique new line of boat covers designed specifically for cruisers with radar arches.

The covers accommodate a 120" beam and lengths from 24' to 30'. Each cover has a 100" long slot with hook and loop (think Velcro) closure that will accommodate a radar arch and a bimini top. The design will handle bow rails up to 30" and a cut-out in the bow accommodates an anchor roller. Rope ratchets are included to tighten the rope in the cover's hem for a snug fit.

If you're looking for a cover for your cabin cruiser, visit our boat covers page or give us a call at 866-560-1330, we're happy to help you explore your options.

We also offer a number of other products that will help you outfit our cabin cruiser including Polyform fenders and stainless steel rail mount fender baskets. We offer a selection of anchor windlasses by Quick and Maxwell, and a wide range of stainless steel ladders. We also offer the Solas and PowerTech lines of propellers to fit most outdrive applications.

The new boat cover line for cruisers 24' - 30' with radar arches by Carver Industries

Sustainable Boating - Solar Powered Boat Turanor is traveling around the world

2010-11-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

I recently ran across the PlanetSolar project to sail the boat Turanor around the world. 51 days into the voyage they have crossed the Atlantic, leaving from Monaco and are currently in the Caribbean near the island of St. Maarten. The expedition crossed the Atlantic in 25 days.

The Turanor is a 31 meter catamaran with a 23 meter beam including the solar "flaps" weighing 95 tons, she carries 537 square meters of solar panel that offer 18.8% efficiency. It's a pretty amazing undertaking, circumnavigating the world on solar power, stopping in major ports along the way to spread the word on solar power and sustainable options. Their two major stopovers in the US will be in Miami and San Francisco.

You can check out the project at http://www.planetsolar.org/index.en.php. The site offers a lot of information, some great pictures, videos and interactive tracking applications. It's well done and worth a visit.

Savvy Boater is now on Facebook. We'd love it if you'd like us!

2010-09-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Savvy Boater is now on Facebook. We'd love it if you'd like us!
By liking us on Facebook you'll find:

A community of boaters and fishermen
Entertaining articles
Helpful tips
Boating news
Demonstration videos
Exclusive Facebook coupons!

To like us, visit our Facebook Page and press the "like" button at the top of the page.

Help us make our launch better than this guy's:

All the ways you can follow us:

Fighting Mold and Mildew on Stored Boats

2010-08-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Most boat owners have had to deal with condensation and the subsequent mold and mildew that can quickly grow in damp conditions. Put your cover on your boat when the carpet is damp and you’ll trap in moisture. When the air under the cover cools at night, the moisture precipitates out and makes the perfect habitat for molds.

The first line of defense is to have a good boat cover made of a breathable, marine grade polyester or acrylic. Breathable fabrics will allow water vapor to escape through the cover. Some covers come with built in venting, or aftermarket vented support poles can be added. These provide an additional way for warm moist air to escape from under the cover.

The second line of defense is to install a boat air dryer or dehumidifier. These products are designed to reduce humidity in an enclosed area and work on a couple of different principles.

Chemical Boat Dehumidifiers

Chemical dehumidifiers come in a couple different forms, including disposable tub and packets, and reusable silica gel cartridges. Chemical air dryers are popular because:

They don’t require electrical power to operate
They are not particularly temperature sensitive
They are fairly inexpensive.

Their limitations include:

The need to monitor and replace or recharge regularly
Each unit generally handles a smaller space

Tubs of calcium chloride or similar chemicals are sold under a variety of brand names. They are fairly inexpensive, but they have to be emptied and have a limited life span before they are thrown away. The potential for mess is there as the water can be spilled or overflow and may be somewhat caustic. In addition, care must be take to keep it located where pets and wildlife won’t be exposed or tempted to take a drink of collected moisture. See the No Damp Dehumidifier

Silica gel based options like the Eva-Dry use silica gel enclosed in a protective casing. (Think of the little “Do Not Eat” packets in your vitamins or other moisture sensitive products.) Silica gel absorbs water, transforming the crystals from a hard grain like consistency to a glob of clear heavy gel. Silica gel can be dried back out and used again. The Eva-Dry De-humidifiers tell you when the gel is saturated. You can then take unit to a well ventilated place, plug it in and dry out the crystals in about a day. Once dry, it is ready to be re-installed and go back to work. The Eva-dry Dehumidifiers will last up to 10 years and the gel is enclosed where it doesn’t pose a threat to animals or furniture.

See the Eva-Dry Dehumidifiers

Electric Boat Air Dryers

Electric Boat Air dryers are special low wattage heaters designed to gently raise the temperature in an enclosed space and reduce the humidity. Because they are heating the air, they are effective through the temperate and coastal parts of the country where cool, wet winters prevail. They are not effective in extreme cold, or temperatures much above 60 degrees. Electric boat air dryers typically draw about as much power as a light bulb, and while very warm to the touch, the element is protected inside the unit. With no moving parts the units are designed to be safely used for extended periods of time without direct supervision (when properly installed and used)

These are popular:

Where temperatures are between 33 and around 55 degrees Fahrenheit
Electric power is available
It is inconvenient to access the air dryer on a regular basis

2 of the most popular brands on the market are the Davis Air Dryer and the DryWave Boat Air Dryer by Ironwood Pacific Outdoors,

For more information on Boat Air Dryers and Dehumidifiers, check out our Boat Air Dryer and Dehumidifier Resources at SavvyBoater.com.

Thanks Coast Guard!

2010-08-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Today marks the 220th year of service for the US Coast Guard, and a great time to say thanks for all they do, day in and day out.

President George Washington and the First Congress created the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. In 1915 it merged with the US Lifesaving Service and was christened the Coast Guard. In 1939 the US Lighthouse Service was added and the Steamboat Inspection service in 1946. In 1967 the service was transferred from the department of treasury to the Department of Transportation, and in 2003 it move to the Department of Homeland Security.

While that outlines a long history intertwined with the growth of our nation; what that doesn't tell you is the daily heroics and around the clock vigilance that marks the Coast Guard's contribution to boaters and mariners in US waters. I grew up in Newport, Oregon's fishing community where tales of the local commander who only took his cigar out of his mouth if the surf boat was about to roll, were a staple. We watched from the cliff side while they raced boats across an impossible bar to pluck the crew off a sailboat just before it drifted into the surf and disintegrated. When a faulty diesel injector turned the exhaust system of our fishing boat into a blast furnace, they saved family and friends that were aboard and helped recover the vessel and on more than one occasion, they have evacuated friends with life threatening injuries. These are the smaller stories that mean everything in the world to those involved.

Happy 220th Coast Guard, We're glad you're here.

Hot June Savings at SavvyBoater.com

2010-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

We've got a lot of exciting specials to help you kick off the boating season without breaking the bank. Stop by our Current Specials page to see our full line up of specials

Our Free Shipping special on all Solas Boat Props has been so popular, we've decided to continue the special through June. Just buy a prop from our extensive inventory during June and we'll ship it to you free*.

Now is the time to pick up that new Bimini Top you've been wanting and enjoy protection from the sun all season. We are offering Free Shipping* and a 5% savings on all Carver Bimini Tops with coupon code GOTYOUCOVERED.

Save 5% off any of our extensive line of boat ladders with coupon code UPANDOUT. This includes quality stainless ladders by DiveNDog, Crone's popular Underdeck Pontoon boat ladder and the many great value Boater Sports Ladders.

If you're shopping for a Dad or Grad that loves boating, check out our selection of boating gift ideas. Whether you're looking for quality nautical clocks and weather instruments by the craftsmen at Weems & Plath, or a fantastic high performacen marine cooler we've got ideas for you. We are offering express 3-day shipping on all Weems and Plath Gifts and even better, it's free on items over $100.

Mentioning Marine Coolers reminds me that we are offering free shipping on many of Engel's popular Portable Electric Fridge Freezers.

Last but not lease, we are offering case discounts on the leading boat fenders by Polyform and Taylor.

*Free Shipping via ground to addresses in the lower 48 united states. Alaska, Hawaii, US Possessions and international orders excluded.

Measuring to Get the Correct Bimini Top For Your Boat.

2010-04-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking of buying a bimini top, take a few minutes to measure before you start shopping.

There are a number of Bimini Top Finders on-line, designed to recommend a bimini top based on the make, model and year of your boat. They provide a good way to narrow down the options, but the best way to be sure of a good fit is to take your actual measurements..

Figure out where you plan to mount your bimini top. Remember that the mounting point will be in the center of your top, so if you have an 6' long top, you'll have 3' of cover forwards and 3' backwards from your mounting point. Mark that spot with a piece of masking tape.

Width is the most critical factor on getting the right size. Measure in a straight line between the two mounting points you marked. Bimini tops are adjustable in width so you'll want to select one with a width adjustment that will accommodate your measurements.

To get the correct height, measure up from your mounting point in a straight line. The total clearance of you top will be the height from the deck to your mounting point and from the mounting point to the height of your selected top. For example, if you mounted your 46" Bimini top on the gunwale where it is 24" above the deck, the total height would be 70" or 5'8" above the deck. Make sure this will give you ample head room to move about under your cover.

With a good idea of the Width, Height and Length you'll need, you be quickly able to select the Bimini Top that is correct for your boat.

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After you've made your measurements, check out our full line of quality bimini tops for your boat by Carver. These Biminis feature double walled aluminum main bows for strength, and Sunbrella fabric, the best bimini material on the market. standard fittings are marine grade nylon, or you may choose to upgrade to stainless steel fittings. We offer Free Shipping on all Carver Bimini Tops!

Tips on Towing

2010-04-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

I ran across an interesting site on hitches and towing today. Hitchinfo.com is an informational site offering a lot of good information on hitches, towing and related topics. They include, guides, articles and a towing related blog. There is a Message Board tab, but it doesn't appear to be live yet. While they are not directly selling anything, they also offer email and live chat to discuss hitch questions and issues with an expert in the field.

One of their articles, Trailer Maneuvering Basics offers tips on handling your boat like a pro on the ramp. It also includes videos How to Launch a Boat and Boat Launch Manners.

All told, this site has a lot of great information for anyone towing or using a hitch mounted cargo application, and it looks like we can expect a lot more from it. It's on my bookmarks list.

Check out my adventures in outfitting our new Nissan Xterra to handle our kayaks and gear. I'm now waiting for a Boat Roller system to arrive so loading up our canoe will be less of a chore (and less of a menace to the Xterra too). It will also accommodate a car toppable punt we are thinking about adding to the armada. The boat rollers should arrive Friday and I'll keep you posted on how it works after I've had a chance to try it out. (Hopefully with a fishing trip to Hagg lake this weekend if the weather permits.)

April Boating Sale at SavvyBoater.com

2010-04-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Check out our specials on marine supplies this month.

Save 5% on Dive N Dog stainless steel boating gear including boat ladders, bow roller and windlass chain stops. Use coupon code DIVE45 during the month of April for automatic savings.
Save 5% on the popular high performance marine ice chests. Use coupon code APRILCOOLS when you check out. this offer excludes portable Electric Fridge Freezers, but we've got you covered there too, with Free Shipping on many models.
Save 5% off our already low prices on Polyform buoys and boat fenders with coupon code SAVEONPOLYFORM.
Buy any Carver Boat Cover or Bimini Top over $100 and we'll ship it to you for free. Free shipping is via UPS or FedEx ground in the continental USA (Excludes Alaska, Hawaii and US territories and protectorates.
We are featuring Free Shipping on Solas Propellers over $100. Free shipping is via UPS or FedEx ground in the continental USA (Excludes Alaska, Hawaii and US territories and protectorates.

SeaRay & Purina Launch PAWS (Pets and Water Safety) Web Site

2010-03-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

I just saw a press release today that announced a new web site launched by SeaRay and Purina pet food titled Paws - Pets and Water Safety - http://www.petandwatersafety.com/index.html .

The site is dedicated to sharing water safety tips for when you take you 4 footed pals boating. It very inclusively lists cats (and notes that they should have a life jacket, particularly if they will be going into the water), as I'm sure that there are plenty of ships cats out there.

Being a Dog Person myself, it was interesting to see their tips, which go way beyond the basic life jackets. It's worth a visit if you take your pup (or cat I suppose) out on the boat, whether it's for a paddle down the slough, or a month of cruising. Our black lab Makai loves the water. Whether it is a water bowl, puddle or lake, if it is wet, she'll be in it. She's a great swimmer, but even so, we have a life jacket for her when we go out as she isn't always the best judge of when to call it quits and climb back in the boat. We haven't gone as far as the brimmed hat or dog sun glasses they suggest for protection against the sun, but it would probably be a great idea if she were a little more sedate.

Stop by the site and see what you think, it's a nice service.

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If you're looking for dog life jackets, or a dog boarding ladder, stop by SavvyBoater.com. We offer a great selection of life jackets for pets and people too. There are still a few days left to take advantage of our March Boat Ladder Sale - Save 10% off all ladders including Dive N Dog with coupon code MARCHLADDERSAVINGS.

March Specials on Boating Gear at SavvyBoater.com

2010-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Boat Ladder Sale

If you've been thinking of replacing the ladder on your boat, now is the time with an additional 10% off our already low prices. Use coupon code MARCHLADDERSAVINGS and take 10% off of any of the boat ladders in our broad ladder selection. Whether you are looking for a value priced Boater Sports ladder, a reliable standby like the Detmar or Garelick designs, or one of the innovative stainless steel ladders by DiveNDog, we've got what you need.

Polyform Buoy and Fender Event

We offer the full range of Polyform buoys and fenders, from the popular G fenders and HTM Series boat fenders to the commercial grade F Series fenders. Find any of the round inflatable A Series buoys from the 11.5" A-1 buoy to the massive 42" A-7 Buoy, or the low drag LD Series buoys at unbeatable prices.
Use Coupon Code SAVEONPOLYFORM to save 5% off any Polyform Fenders or Buoys.

Trolling Plates at Unbeatable Prices in March

We've rolled back prices on the popular Happy Troller Trolling Plate and the EasyTroller Trolling metal trolling plates to $99.95. Or get the automatic nylon Trol-A-Matic trolling plate for only $79.95. Compare those prices anywhere and you'll know why we are the savvy angler's choice for trolling plates.

Engel Portable Fridge Freezers

We are currently offering FREE SHIPPING on most of Engel's legendary line of portable electric fridge freezers. Make sure you check out the MR040 40 qt. Marine Cooler Freezer and the newly redesigned MD14F 14 Quart Electric Travel Cooler. the new 14 quart cooler now features the latest generation compressor for improved efficiency and quieter operations.

Boat Covers and Bimini Tops by Carver

We are offering a FREE SHIPPING Special on Semi-custom and Custom Boat Covers by Carver. Made in the USA of US manufactured materials, these covers are the tops in fit and quality. Order in March for free shipping on any Bimini Top or Custom Boat Cover over $100.

Solas Boat Propellers

In the world of boat propellers, the Solas brand stands out for the depth of their offering and the quality of their props. SavvyBoater offers over 300 Solas Props in stainless and aluminum, and through our connections with Solas, we can find you any Solas prop that is currently in stock anywhere in the United States. Shop our extensive selection of Solas Props and get FREE SHIPPING on any boat prop over $100.

You can View all of our boating gear sales by visiting our Current Specials page.

Dreaming of Fishing

2010-02-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

It's still winter, as the heavy snow snarling parts of the country will attest. However the first signs of spring are arriving, foremost of which is that I'm getting anxious to get the fishing rods and kayaks out. I'm not the only one. Last week my 10 year old nephew started asking me when we could go fishing again.

It is a good time to start thinking about fishing, particularly if you have youngsters as fishing buddies. There are a number of organizations that have great web sites, activities and books to help us all hone our skills.

Here'se a list of a few good resources for teaching kids good fishing skills.

Future Fisherman Foundation - Home page of the FFF, dedicated to helping introduce America's youth to fishing.
FFF Resources - Books for kids and fishing instructors by the FFF
Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation - Home of the RBFF
RBFF - Passport to Fishing & Boating
RBFF Little Lunkers
Missouri Department of Conservation - Introduction to Fishing - a nice little introduction to fishing wherever you are
Safe Boating Sidekicks - Go Fishing - a collection of fishing oriented games and activities for kids by the safe Boating Council.
Backyard Bass - Fish shaped casting targets and plugs to hone casting skills in your backyard or gym. Also offers a variety of resources for teaching fishing skills.

Spend a rainy (or snowy) weekend finding some fun fishing activities and get your whole crew ready to go fishing come Opening Day!

Let me know if you find other great fishing sites out there. We would love to hear about them and share them with others.

Loren

New Boat Ladder Launch

2010-02-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

We've just complete a major renovation of our Boat Ladder category. You'll find a wide selection of ladders in stainless and aluminum for just about any boat. Our line up includes excellent deals on quality boat ladders by Garelick, DiveNDog, Detmar, Boater Sports and Crones Marine.

Our Recreational / Ski Boat Ladder section includes a broad selection of transom and swim platform mounted ladders as well as gunwale and bow mount ladders.

Our Pontoon Boat Ladders selection includes fixed and removable ladders for the front or read deck as well as side gate ladders. One of our most popular pontoon ladders is the Crones Pontoon Ladder that mounts under the deck where it is totally out of the way. We're also excited about the additon of the DiveNDog Boarding Staircase. (right)

If you have a Larger boat or Sail Boat and are looking for a ladder, we've got 20 styles and sizes up to 6 steps and 67" in length. These include DiveNDog's innovative Boarding Staircase, their in-water Platform Ladder gives you a place to rest at the bottom of the ladder and their triple walled Prestige Series.

We are also offering a selection of Dock Ladders, Dive Ladders and Dog Ladders to round out our offerings.

Ice Eater Update

2010-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Ice Eaters are still available in all sizes but are currently requiring an additional business day to ship due to the overwhelming number of orders passing through the warehouse at the moment. At the moment there are a limited number of P500 1/2 HP units that can ship today and can be overnighted for the standard shipping rate.

Demand for De-icers and Ice Eaters is High as Arctic Blast Slams Eastern and Central States

2010-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

With the recent frigid weather that has slammed the eastern and central states, we've seen demand for dock de-icers skyrocket. Reports of many local dealers being out of stock have led large numbers of dock and boat owners to search on-line for available units that can ship out quickly.

We're happy to say that we have all sizes of the Kasco Marine De-icers and PowerHouse Ice Eaters in stock and ready to ship. Most orders will go out the same or next business day. Our de-icer warehouse is in Maryland which makes for short delivery times to the eastern seaboard and the Great Lakes. Shipments to the mid-west take about 3 busniess days by ground.

We have slashed our prices on Powerhouse Ice Eater units, so you'll find that our prices on both brands are extremely competitive. We also have parts and accessories, whether you need a replacement propeller a de-icer thermostat, or a special dock mount, we can help.

Visit our De-icer and Ice Eater section or give us a call at 866-560-1330 if we can be of assistance.

By the way, we work with a number of marinas, resorts and commercial entities, so if you are looking for 5 or more units, contact us about bulk order discounts. We can get you individual units, or pallet loads.

Stay warm,
Loren

Read the recent SavvyScoop on our De-icer & Ice Eater Sale

December 17 2009 is the last day to order nautical gifts and get them by Christmas

2009-12-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

We just wanted to remind you that if you are looking for great nautical gifts for your boater, order by December 17 to be sure you get it by Christmas. We are offering 3 Day Express standard shipping on these items from Weems & Plath as a Holiday Special, and even better, it's FREE on items over $100!...

Your Friends at SavvyBoater.com

Christmas Ship Parades

2009-12-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Portland, Oregon has a venerable tradition (55 years and counting) of parading lighted boats up and down the Willamette and Columbia Rivers during the holiday season. It's a lot of fun to pull up on the lawn or dock of one of the many riverside parks, wrap up in a blanket and watch the imaginative boats parade by. If the weather doesn't cooperate, you can catch them the next day at a different stretch of river Andrew Curtis produced a great little video of the 2008 Christmas Ship Parade that runs through the entire parade in about a minute set to Vince Guaraldi Christmas music.

For more info on the Portland Parade visit the Christmas Ship Parade web site at http://www.christmasships.org/.

If you're not in Portland, there are dozens of similar parades around North America. Blue Water Sailing has a current schedule of events around the US and Canada.

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Still looking for a great gift for the boater on your list? Check out SavvyBoater's nautical gift ideas for the boater or sailor on your Christmas list. Standard shipping has been update to 3-day Express and it's free for selected items over $100. Order by December 17th for delivery by Christmas.

Have a joyous holiday season!

Boating Gifts - Find the perfect gift for the boater or sailor on your list

2009-11-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect gift for the boater in your life? We've got some ideas and specials to make your shopping easier.

If you'd like something to remind them of boating year around, we are offering some great deals on fantastic clocks, weather instruments and other nautical gifts by Weems & Plath. We've upgraded our standard shipping to 3 day express on all our Weems & Plath items, and to make it even better, we've are offering FREE Express Shipping on Weems & Plath items over $100!

In addition to their most popular collections of clocks and instruments, we have a selection of decorative and functional brass chart weights and ships bells as well as brass yacht lamps. I'm planning on picking up a Storm Glass for our "sailor that has everything". This antique weather instrument was developed in the British Royal Navy and grows different crystal patterns in response to atmospheric conditions. exactly how it works remains a bit of a mystery, but it is a novel and handsome addition to any mariner's collection.

Buying boating gear for a boater can be a challenge unless you are quite familiar with their boat. Here are a few things that any boater will find useful:

Engel Marine Coolers - Whether your boating, fishing, camping or hunting, nothing performs quite like an Engel Cooler. The High Performance Ice Chests feature 2+ inches of top quality insulation, freezer grade gaskets and a super tough roto-molded plastic body with molded in hinges make this a cooler that will last a lifetime. When used properly, these coolers can keep ice for up to 14 days which makes them popular with boaters of all walks. Engel Electric Coolers run on 12V or 110V. With a reliable power source they function like a refrigerator, or turn down the thermostat and freeze your catch while you're still at sea.

Top Snapper Snap and Deck Tools - The Top Snapper by Ironwood Pacific makes working with canvas boat snaps a well... snap. The main blade on this tool can effortlessly pop open even the stickiest snap, and it can be used to snap snaps on the outside of the windshield from inside the cockpit. The short blade at the bottom of the handle makes it easy to snap difficult snaps, even on shrunken canvas. Pick up the matching DeckMate to add 7 of the most common deck tools in one clever package.

Backyard Bass - If you'd like to introduce youngsters on your list to fishing, the Backyard Bass game is a great way to teach casting. they are fun and simple, and best of all, can be played with in a garage, hall or gym, even when the weather keeps you indoors. Each set includes 3 colorful plastic fish and a casting plug. Just set the fish out cast to them and with a little skill catch and reel them in. I can tell you from experience that the kids had to fight the adults for a chance to use the set I got for my nephew.

Ice Eater Functionality Extended with Shallow Water Stand

2009-11-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Over the years we've helped a lot of customers find the right de-icer configuration to meet their specific deicing circumstances. One of the toughest to solve has been shallow water situations, whether it is a pond or lake with a shallow slope or a wetland/water interface. The Shallow Water Ice Eater Stand by MallardView now makes it easy to mount your Ice Eater in 18" to 48" of water.

This metal stand features 4 legs that can be sunk securely into the bottom and adjusted for the depth of the water . The Ice Eater mounts to a bracket in the middle of the frame that allows for the angle to be adjusted from nearly horizontal to nearly vertical.

How can you use a shallow water Ice Eater stand? It was originally designed to open water holes in the ice in flooded fields for waterfowl, but that isn't the sole use. It could be applied to open water in shallow ponds for livestock or wildlife. In one recent application, our customer had a viewing platform at the edge of a marsh. The platform was exposed to the open water of the lake and had sustained ice damage during the past couple winters. Unfortunately the water was only 2' -3' deep which blocked the normal installation of an Ice Eater. With the new shallow water stand, the customer was able to mount the Ice Eater in the shallow water in front of the platform, circulating warmer water from the depths of the lake, back around the dock.

Check our Current Specials and save up to 35% Ice Eater De-icers. We've got the best prices of the season on the full array of the Powerhouse Ice Eaters as well as the Kasco Marine deicer line.

We've recently expanded our PowerHouse and Kasco Marine offerings to include Pond Aerators, Aerating Fountains and water circulators for year round management of your water quality.

Outfitting Our New Rig with Kayak Racks and Gear Storage

2009-10-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

We recently bought a new Nissan Xterra and needed to outfit it for hauling our kayaks and gear on trips. I turned to the folks at FastTrackRacks.com for some help and they were great. Here's how it rolled out.
Phase One - Add a Trailer Hitch. We added a CURT trailer hitch, which cost, including installation, at about 1/2 the price we were quoted for the Nissan factory option.

Phase two - Add Kayak Racks. The factory racks on an Xterra are stout, but pretty narrow and we wanted to load two kayaks. We decided on adding a set of wider 65" cross bars and went with the Inno Racks - a brand which is big in Japan, but relatively new to the US. Quality and option wise Inno gives Yakima and Thule some strong competition, but they are a much better value. In addition, they have square cross bars which make it easier to get racks to stay in place and not "roll". We added two Yakima kayak racks, each composed of a Yakima "Hully Roller" in the back and the Yakima Mako Saddle in the front. I haven't fully decided whether I would go with the Hully Rollers in the future, or go with a second saddle. The rollers help a little bit, but are less stable and guiding than the saddle seems to be.

Phase Three - Gear Storage. Since our Lab, Makai normally goes everywhere with us, we needed some extra room for gear. I wasn't too excited about throwing paddles, wet boots and life jackets into the back seat, so we invested in a Stowaway Cargo Box. This gives us a 16 cubic foot trunk, which is a lot of space. It was the perfect solution for us as our roof rack is already occupied, and frankly, it is a lot easier loading stuff in at waist height than having to climb up to the roof to access the box. It's easy to install and takes me about 5 minutes to hook up or remove. It fits into the trailer hitch and pins into place. Since it has a swingaway style frame, we are able to gain full access to the back.

The Results - We are totally stoked about the new system and loving the Xterra. It makes it really easy to load and transport our kayaks and gear and it's fun to drive. Since it is the end of the season, we haven't put too many miles on all the racks, but enough to know they were a good decision. We've found the Stowaway extremely useful for all kinds of things ranging from bringing 40 pounds of tomatoes home, to hauling products and display items to trade shows.

Disclosure - We are right nextdoor to the FastTrackRacks office and I know the people there well. They gave us a good deal and lots of helps selecting our new gear. If you are in the market, be sure to check them out, I think you too will find a great deal and helpful service at FastTrackRacks.com.

Take in a Boat Show

2009-09-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

List of Upcoming Boat Shows - Fall 2009

There are several great boat shows coming up. Here is a list of a few of them.

Lake Union Boat Afloat - Seattle, WA - September 16-20, 2009
Features 200+ new and used boats from basic run abouts to the 143' M/Y Devotion. go sailing on beautiful Lake union, or tour the Sea Star featured on the Deadliest Catch series.

North American In-Water Boat Show - Sandusky, OH - September 16-20, 2009
Billed as the largest in-water boat show on the Great Lakes. Browse Boat displays or take a test drive at the demo dock. Check out the LCM-8 landing craft

Jersey Shore Boat Sale and Expo, Lakewood, NJ - September 18-20, 2009
30+ boat lines on display, Maine Delares and fishing and boating seminars.

United States Sailboat Show, Annapolis, MD - October 8-12, 2009
United States Powerboat Show, Annapolis, MD - October 15-18, 2009
Great In-water shows back to back in Annapolis. Be sure to stop by Providence Marine System Tent A40A to learn more about Kasco Deicers.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show - Fort Lauderdale , FL - October 29-Nov 2, 2009
50th anniversary show will take place at 6 venues in Fort Lauderdale.

St. Petersburg Power and Sail Show - St. Petersburg, FL - December 3-6, 2009
Billed as the Largest Boat show on the Gulf coast

Let us know about your favorite Boat Show.

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Are you looking for Boat Show Savings right now? Check out the Sales and Specials on Boating Gear at SavvyBoater.com.

New Sailing Speed Record

2009-09-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how fast people can get going under sail power. To quote Captain Jack Aubrey, "Gentlemen, this is the shape of the future. What an amazing modern world we live in."

The l’Hydroptère sustained 51.36 knots over 500 meters and peaked at 55.7 knots making it the fastest wind powered boat on the water. See Yachtpals for the complete story and video.

Future Fisherman Foundation Announces Program Grants and Resources for 2009-2010 School Year

2009-09-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in a post back in July, "The Future Fisherman Foundation is an organization dedicated to exposing America's Youth to angling and the outdoors." They provide and facilitate a lot of resources to develop and maintain programs that meet these ends.

They just came out with a release listing a variety of grants and resources that are available for the upcoming school year.

If you have questions or would like to get more information on the organization or opportunities, contact:

Teresa Rodriguez
Director of Education
Future Fisherman Foundation
703.402.0004
trodriguez@futurefisherman.org

The Program Resource List for Educators - September 2009 is listed below:

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Program Resources for Educators

The following grants and resources will help you start, expand or enrich your angling, boating and aquatic conservation educational program.

Applications Invited for Target Field Trip Grants Program
Grants of up to $800 will be awarded to K-12 education professionals conducting art, science, and cultural field trips, community service or civics projects, career enrichment opportunities, and other events or activities away from the school. Deadline: November 3, 2009

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Invites Nominations for Inclusion Champion Award
Individuals who have made significant efforts to promote the full inclusion of youth with disabilities in society will be acknowledged with a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

CVS Caremark Community Grants Program Accepting Grant Applications for Programs Serving Children With Disabilities and the Uninsured
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and schools working to provide disabled children and youth under age 21 with health and rehabilitation programs and active play opportunities alongside their non-disabled peers. Deadline: October 31, 2009

Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council Offers Funding for Youth Outdoor Programs
Grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded to improve the lives of young Californians through connections with the outdoors, including those which protect and enhance watershed lands and uses. Deadline: Various

Every Body Can! AAPAR’s Physical Activity Video Contest
Promoting Adapted Physical Activity & Education
Every Body Can! is a nationwide video contest that will promote, celebrate, or teach adapted or inclusive physical activity and raise awareness about the opportunities for and accomplishments of people with disabilities. Have your students make a video of how fishing is an ideal activity for people of all ability levels. For more information and contest guidelines visit AAPAR’s website.

Applications Invited for State Farm's Youth Advisory Board Service-Learning Grants Program
Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada sponsoring student-led service learning projects on environmental, societal, or financial issues in higher education. Deadline: October 2, 2009

North Carolina Teachers Invited to Apply for Bright Ideas Grants
Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded to certified North Carolina K-12 teachers conducting innovative energy-related classroom projects. Deadline: September 18, 2009.

Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge Invites Students and Teachers to Address Environmental Issues
Students and teachers in grades K-8 will be awarded grants and publicity for their solutions to classroom environmental issues. Deadline: Various.

The Pay It Forward Foundation administers a mini-grant program for Pay It Forward activities designed by and involving youth in service to their school, neighborhood or the greater community. Mini-grants up to $500 are available to schools, churches and community-based groups of youth for service activities of all types.
A Pay It Forward project is defined as one or more service activities that benefit a school, neighborhood, or the greater community and include learning goals for its youth participants.
Contact Information: http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org/educators/mini-grant.html...

Toyota TAPESTRY Program Now Accepting Entries for the 20th Annual Science Grant Competition $550,000 Available to Teachers for Innovative Projects in Science Education
The Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Science Teachers program, one of the largest science teacher grant programs in the nation, is now accepting entries for the 2009-2010 competition. Sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., and Inc. and administered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the program offers grants of up to $10,000 to K-12 teachers for innovative science projects that enhance science education in their school and/or district over a one-year period. The 2009 - 2010 competition marks the 20th anniversary of the Toyota TAPESTRY program.

Fifty large grants and a minimum of 20 mini-grants totaling $550,000 will be awarded this year. Individual science teachers or a team of up to five teachers can submit proposals in one of three categories: physical science application; environmental science education; and integrating literacy and science. A judging panel convened by the NSTA will select the award-winning projects based on several criteria, including their innovative approach in teaching science and ability to create a stimulating and hands-on learning environment.

Applicants must either be an elementary teacher who teaches science in the classroom or a middle or high school science teacher. Applicants must be residents of one of the 50 states or a resident of Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; or the U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information visit http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/.
Application deadline: Jan.18, 2010 .

State Farm Youth Advisory Board Service Grants
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is calling on educators and school-based service-learning coordinators to submit applications for their service grants. Grants are awarded to groups who develop service-learning projects that address one of the following areas: natural and societal disaster preparedness; driver safety; accessing higher education/closing the achievement gap; financial education; and environmental responsibility.The number of grants to be awarded will depend on the number and quality of requests received. Grant amounts will vary according to the nature of the proposal and availability of funds. However, at least one service-learning project will be funded in each of the thirteen State Farm zones which include the three provinces in Canada. Contact Website: http://www.statefarmyab.com/apply.

New Green Boating Options - Organic Boat Fenders

2009-09-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

We are always on the lookout for new products that make boating a little less taxing on the environment. We are pleased to introduce the new ZC1 line of fully organic boat fenders. Available in a variety of sizes in either festive yellow or soothing green, while season lasts. ;?)

If you're looking for more conventional boat fenders, we have great prices on a wide selection of fenders for trailer and sports boats as well as heavy duty fenders for larger boats.

Portable Freezer and Ice Chest Savings in September

2009-08-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

Our August Special on Yeti Coolers has been so popular, we've decided to extend it through September for those end of the season camping trips, hunting season and the fall salmon and steelhead runs.

If you've been considering a high performance marine cooler, don't miss out on free shipping on Yeti Tundra Ice chests, Yeti Roadie Travel coolers and Closeout Savings on the Yeti Sherpa.

We've extended our free shipping special to include the most popular line of Engel Portable freezers. This includes:

August Savings on Ice Chests and Marine Coolers

2009-08-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Summer cooler season is just warming up with hot days on the lake, Labor Day Camping and Fall hunting and fishing seasons still to come. That's why we're offering a Free Shipping Special on Yeti Cooler's High Performance Tundra Ice Chests and their line of Fiberglass Marine Coolers during the month of August. Free shipping can save you up to $70!

The Yeti Tundra Ice Chest comes in sizes ranging from 35 qt. to a massive 250 qt. and feature 2" of freezer grade insulation in the body, and an unequaled 3" of insulation in the lid where it is needed most. Indestructible hinges, freezer grade sealing gasket and durable t-latches, wrapped in a super durable roto-molded plastic shell mean these coolers will last you a lifetime. In fact, they are so tough, they stood up to grueling lab testing and to hungry grizzly bears to earn the "Bear Resistant Container" certification from the US Forest Service's Inter agency Grizzly Bear Committee.

The Yeti Roadie Coolers are a personal sized version of the Tundra. In 15 qt. and 25 qt. sizes, they are perfect for travel or work. These are the only high performance coolers of this size we are currently aware of. Our Free Shipping special includes these popular travel coolers.

The Yeti Fiberglass Marine Coolers make a sharp looking boat cooler with the refined lines and gel-coat finish of of fiberglass, and the high performance insulation and features you expect from a Yeti. Ranging from 35 qt. to 330 qt., Free Shipping means big savings on these special coolers.

If you are looking for a bargain on a Yeti, we are offering close-out deals on the older Yeti Sherpa Cooler model as well as Free Shipping. These coolers are no longer being made and are limited to available stock. Only the 70 qt, 100 qt. and 145 qt. Sherpas are still available, so don't wait too long.

For more great savings, check out our entire selection of high performance ice chests and our electric portable freezers too. Note: If you are planning for a labor day camping or a hunting or fishing trip, be sure to order ahead as these coolers ship by ground freight and can take a week or more for delivery. We regularly get questions on expedited shipping but it is generally not cost effective on these coolers do to their large sizes.

Future Fisherman Foundation Has a New Executive Director

2009-07-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

The Future Fisherman Foundation has introduced Keith Sutton of Alexander, Arkansas as the new Executive Director. You can read the full press release at the FFF web site.

The Future Fisherman Foundation is an organization "dedicated to introducing America's youth to angling and the outdoors." They work with a number of angling clubs, conservations groups, Sportfishing Industry members and youth programs to fulfill thier mission.

If you enjoy fishing, thank the person that introduced you to it, and remember to pass it on to the next generation.

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If you are looking for a fun and effective way to teach the children in your life some basic fishing skills, try the Backyard Bass. These fish shaped casting targets and plugs allow you to make a number of games and activities that all reinforce casting skills and allow you to advance the level. They are used by angler educators across the country, but they can be just as effective at home. Kids are playing not practicing and they love it. I got a set for my niece and nephew and they are playing with it in the back yard every time we are over. That is if the adults aren't already playing with them.

2 new articles on boat covers

2009-07-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Joanna, recently published 2 new article.

The Secret to Finding the Perfect Boat Cover by Joanna Shratter
How to use a Pontoon cover for Mooring and Trailering by Joanna Shratter

These are first two of a series of articles she will be preparing on boat covers.

Green Boating the Old Fashioned Way - Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival

2009-07-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

The Tall Ships Nova Scotia Festival 2009 starts today and runs through August 1. If you are in the area, this looks like a lot of fun. Their Confirmed Ships page lists and pictures over 40 tall ships from around the world that will be visiting during the event.

According to the site, ships will arrive in Halifax today, parade in Halifax on July 20, 2009, then selected ships will head north to Cape Breton stopping in various ports over the following two weeks.

This looks like it would be a lot of fun if you get a chance to participate. While I'm not a sailor, there is somethign about seeing and standing on a tall ship that kind of makes me want to run away to sea....

Protecting Yourself and Your Family Against Skin Cancer

2009-07-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yachtpals published an interesting article today on Preventing Skin Cancer - The Sailor's Disease by Brad Hampton. While the bent of the story is on sailing, the same warnings and suggestions hold true for anglers and recreational boaters.

Brad's story is worth the read, but to sum it up, the most important things to do in order of importance are:

Wear big, stupid hats

Use awnings and dodgers (or bimini tops for power boaters)

Wear long sleeves and long pants during peak sun hours

Wear sunglasses

Use sun screen or sun block

The author explains his logic and offers some compelling reasons to change your habits, so take a minute and give it a read.

SavvyBoater can help you out with item #2 - physical sun protection from an awning or dodger on your boat. We offer bimini tops in sizes to fit most any boat. We also offer special Pontoon tops with square tubes, and bimini tops for wake board towers too.

Our bimini tops feature heavy duty aluminum frames, Sunbrella Covers and matching storage boots. We've got brace kits and bimini top slides to assist with proper mounting of your top, and we are always happy to answer questions help you find the right bimini top for your boat.
We are offering Free Shipping on Bimini Tops through the month of July! Check out our other great July Specials.

Still More Electric Boats - This is a big one....

2009-07-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

We ran across this article "Solar-Powered Cargo Ship Debuts in Long Beach" on the Ecogeek Blog today. It's about the MV Auriga Leader which is a joint demonstration project between Toyota, the Port of Long beach and NYK Line Shipping company. The ship is outfitted with 328 solar panels that help off-set the power the ship uses while in port. Not exactly an electric boat, but interesting none the same.
In the same vein, the This is Green Blog has a posting on a "Kite Used to Power Cargo Ship." This article covers the 462 ft cargo ship MS Beluga which hopes to cut fuel use by deploying a huge kite to act as a sail theoretically cutting diesel use by 20%.

Want to add a little solar flare to your waterfront? Check out the new Aqua Lantern Solar Lighted Marker Buoys! These durable 20" buoys are available in 5 colors, illuminate for up to 20 hours on a 4 hour charge and will last up to 2 years between battery replacements.

33rd Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Show in Seattle

2009-07-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Seattle area this weekend, be sure to check out the 33 Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Show at the Center for Wooden Boats. The event takes place 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday July 4, and Sunday July 5, 2009 at the Lake Union Park and The Center for Wooden Boats

Visit the Center for Wooden Boats (www.cwb.org) and their events page for more details on their organization and the event.

If you get pictures, send us a few. I'm headed south this weekend and hope to check out the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in Sauaslito.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

Polyform Boat Fender & Buoy Event

2009-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

We've got some great deals on Polyform's popular boat fenders and inflatable buoys. You'll find the Polyform G-3 boat fender for as low as $10.95 each or the heavier Polyform HTM-3 fender for only $54.95 with our case discounts. We also offer the full line of Polyform F-Series commercial grade fenders.

If you need an inflatable boat buoy or heavy duty boat fenders with a lot of stand-off, check out our selection of the popular A Series buoys or the low drag LD Series buoys by Polyform. Both of these buoys are designed for commercial applications, but are used by recreational boaters and fishermen for a variety of purposes, ranging from anchor markers to protective fenders when going through lock systems.

Here's our entire Polyform line-up:

Boat Fenders:

Polyform G-Series Boat Fenders: twin eye fenders for recreational and utility uses

Polyform HTM-Series Boat Fenders: medium duty fenders with a center hole design for larger boats and more strenuous docking

Polyform F-Series Boat Fenders: Commercial grade fenders in 12 sizes for boats from 20' to 70'+

Inflatable Buoys

Polyform A-series Inflatable Buoys: Round inflatable boat buoys used for a wide range uses. we offer all sizes from the 11.5" A-1 to the 41.5" A-7 buoy

Polyform LD-Series Inflatable Buoys: Low drag design available in 3 sizes

If you are looking for a stainless steel fender basket system, visit our Polyform Fender Holders, choose your kit and then enter COUPON CODE: JunePolyformEvent to save an additional 15% off our already low prices!

If you are looking for a Polyform Boat Fender or Buoy product that you don't see on our site, give us a call Toll Free at 866-560-1330 and we'll be happy to get it for you. (Some special orders may require case level purchase)

More Electric Boats - Epic Boats 23e Hybrid Wake Boat.

2009-05-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

I just saw the announcement that Epic Boats is launching the Epic 23e Electric hybrid wakeboarding boat. A while back, we reviewed the Duffy Electric Boats which offer a quiet peaceful way to cruise protected waterways. The Epic 23e looks to be a whole other creature. Designed for performance and backed up with a gas motor, it is a wakeboard boat. According to the Epic 23e page, you can wakeboard for an hour on electric power alone and can recharge them with the generator in about an hour or plug in to a 110 or 220 socket. Of course the whole point of the hybrid is that you also have the power and recharge capabilities of the gas engine.

As green boating and hybrid cars advance, it isn't surprising to see some exciting, greened up options in the performance boating field. Check out Epics video.

Carver Covers are On-line and On Sale!

2009-05-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Customer feedback on our new Bimini Top Finder has been enthusiastic. For many, two quick clicks landed them at the bimini top recommended for their boat. Thinking "Why mess with success", we decided to use the same model for our Carver Boat Cover Finder. With roughly 1300 boat cover patterns to choose from, The Carver cover database can provide the perfect fit for most boats. Just select your boat's manufacturer from the list, then choose your model and year and we'll take you to the cover you need. If you've got a more unique style, you'll have the option to Select your boat's style and size to find a semi-custom cover that will work for you.

Carver Industries, based in South Carolina, has become one of the most recognized names in boat covers, as much for their exceptional customer service as for unequaled American craftsmanship, design and materials they use. We've worked with carver on a special order basis for several years, and we are very pleased to be able to offer our customers their full line of Custom, Semi-custom and universal covers. we have fond that their pattern library is particularly strong with V-hull and center console fishing boats, deck boats and cuddy cabins. Where many lines offer 1 style of semi-custom cover for all the flavors of pontoon boats, Carver has developed 4 unique patterns in a number of sizes to get a better fit for most pontoon boats. they have also developed an innovative series of covers for runabouts, ski boats and deck boats equipped with wake board towers. Stop by and check out our Carver Covers, and you'll see why we are so excited about them. Buy one and we'll ship it to you for free!(in the lower 48.)

Sales on Polyform A Series Buoys and F Series Boat Fenders

2009-04-09T08:10:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for Polyform Buoys and Fenders, we have what you need. In addition to their G Series and HTM Boat fenders, we've got the Polyform A Series Buoy, which is the most popular buoy with fishermen world wide. We also offer the full line of Polyform F series Commercial grade fenders.

Polyform A Series buoys are used as marker buoys, mooring buoys, floats and heavy duty boat fenders. The familiar red "teardrop shape is unmistakable, and the limited lifetime warranty is unbeatable. We are currently offering big discounts on these popular buoys.

This super sale lasts until April 30, 2009, then it is back to our regularly scheduled low prices.

We've got wholesale pricing on the Polyform F Series boat fenders. These commercial grade fenders are used around the world. Who buys F series fenders from us? The US Navy, the United States Coast Guard, police departments, ferry systems and commercial and pleasure boat owners across the united states.

Polyform F Series fenders feature the Polyform Limited Lifetime Warranty which makes them a great value in larger commercial type fenders. Check our wholesale pricing on these commercial fenders and see why so many people turn to SavvyBoater for their boat fender needs.

April Sale - Free Shipping on Bimini Tops

2009-04-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

In March, we launched our new Bimini Top offerings including the Sunbrella Bimini Tops by Carver Industries. The response to our low prices and free shipping special were so great, we decided to extend the sale through April.

Buy any of our Taylor Made or Carver Bimini Tops this month and we'll ship it free in the continental USA! That's a savings of up to $50 and includes the popular square tube Pontoon Bimini Tops as well as the specialty Tower Biminis designed to install with your ski or wakeboard tower.

Check out our Current Specials for all of the great deals we are offering in April including Custom Boat Covers, Solas Props and Polyform A Series Buoys and Polyform F Series Commercial Boat Fenders.

Looking For A New Bimini Top? We've Got You Covered!

2009-03-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

We've expanded our Bimini Top category, and to kick off the new boating season, we are offering Free Shipping on all Bimini Tops through the month of March. So what's new?

We've added a really simple "2 click" Bimini Top Finder that lets you instantly find the best bimini for your boat.

If you prefer, you can use our Bimini Tops By Size Tool to sort through our tops by size to find the options that will work for you.

We now offer over 100 size options in traditional round-tube bimini tops. Combined with our easy finder, getting your perfect new bimin top is a snap. Whether you've got a runabout, a high performance ski boat, a center console or a pontoon boat, we've got a solution for you.
We offer a wide selection of tops from two of the best Bimini Manufacturers in the USA, Carver Industries and Taylor Made.

All of the bimini tops we offer are complete sets, including a durable frame, premium cover materials (the best value) and a matching storage boot to protect your new top.

We offer Bimini Accessories like support braces and slide tracks to make mounting your bimini easier

You'll find popular square tube Pontoon Bimini Tops with heavy-duty frames, Sunbrella fabric tops and storage boots and built in support brace.

If you have a wakeboard or ski tower, we've got Carver's new Universal Tower Bimini Top. This Sunbrella bimini is designed to quickly and easily install on most boat towers with no drilling.
We've pulled together a selection of Bimini Top Resources including articles, product instructions and videos to help you get the most from your new bimini.

Why buy your Bimini Top from SavvyBoater.com? Service, Selection and extremely competitive prices! And Don't forget Free Shipping during this month!

Spring Trolling Plate Sale

2009-03-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to add or replace a trolling plate, now is a great time to be shopping. As we've mentioned before, SavvyBoater has a great selection of the top trolling plates on the market, adn the experience to assist you in getting the right plate.

In addition to great prices, like an EasyTroller by Ironwood Pacific for only $104.95 or a Happy Troller by Davis Marine for only $109.95, we are also offering Free Shipping on these trolling plates during the month of March!

Shop SavvyBoater.com for service, selection and very competitive prices.

A Bright Spot of Optimism - The Mastercraft 300

2009-02-18T07:16:00.001-08:00

If you've spent any time around water sports boats in the US, you are familiar with the name MasterCraft and probably with their large and loyal following. However, the name might not have you immediately thinking of a 30'+ luxury cruiser. That's about to change as MasterCraft has just launched the MasterCraft 300 which takes them squarely into that realm.

At 33. 9" (with Platform) and an 11' beam, the MasterCraft 300 is designed to be a day cruiser with the capability to accommodate overnight or weekend trips gracefully. I asked Jason Boertje of MasterCraft what led the company to step into this new class of boat. He explained that as "MasterCraft Boat Company" they don't feel constrained to limit themselves to a specific niche. The MasterCraft 300 allows them to capitalize on their experience and style, while expanding their customer base. Their team of engineers and designers aren't just experienced in designing performance boats, but many have backgrounds with yacht companies like Hatteras, Hinckley Yachts and Cruiser Yachts. Boertje explains that MasterCraft sees three types of customers that will be interested in the MC 300:

Tried and true MasterCraft fans looking to upgrade to something larger.
Luxury yacht owners looking to downsize to something a little more manageable, but without sacrificing any of the luxury yacht amenities.
Owners of similar day cruiser style boats looking to upgrade in quality and luxury.

With the current economic conditions and softening of boat sales, I had to ask why launch a new model now, particularly one that diverges from your established base? Boertje explained that MasterCraft sales have remained strong with their greatest challenge being the tight credit market that makes it harder for dealers to afford floor units. The MasterCraft 300 will be produced in conjunction with their dealers, but under their new Luxury Retail Program. They plan to produce roughly 2 MasterCraft 300s per month, each to customer specifications. Dealers won't stock these units, but will help bring qualified customers to the program. Customers will visit the MasterCraft headquarters for trials and orientation, then again to customize their new MasterCraft day cruiser, and finally for delivery and sea trials if desired.

For more information on the new MasterCraft 300 visit http://www.mastercraft.com/300/.

MasterCraft 300 sports a twin point bow

The MasterCraft 300

The Real Deal - the MasterCraft 300 unveiled at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show

New Article on Installing Ice Eaters Published

2009-01-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

EzineArticles.com recently picked up our article Installing an Ice Eater Dock De-Icer.

We offer a selection of articles on Ice Eaters and other marine de-icers in our Marine De-icer Resource Center including tips on selecting a de-icer, set up and using Ice Eaters and Ice Eater's Product Specifications.

SavvyBoater is an authorized dealer and offers the entilre line of Ice Eaters de-icers at hard to beat prices.

Amps and Currents - Fun With Electric Boats

2009-01-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the roar of an outboard while you race across the water is exhilarating. But sometimes a little peace and quiet is in order, which is one of the reasons I enjoy paddling a kayak so much. When I’m quietly sliding along the river, I see and hear so much more. Round a bend and there is an otter playing on the bank, a heron roosts on a log up ahead and the murmur of the water passing under the hull is soothing.

What if you could combine the best of both worlds? How about a silent, electric launch, that can propel you along at 5 miles per hour, and can run for up to 10 hours on a dollar or two’s worth of electricity? It sounded pretty interesting to me, so I got in touch with Duffy Electric Boats, a leader in the electric boat field and had the opportunity to speak with Kevin Kearns.

Shamrock 14' Electric Launch by Duffy Electric Boats

My first assumptions was that electric boats must be something new, a waterborne cousin of the EV1 or Tesla electric cars, but Kevin set me straight. Duffy has been producing electric boats long before electric became cool. They were producing electric launches back in the 1970’s . Today they produce a line of 9 electric pleasure boats that range from the 14’ Shamrock to the Duffy M240, a 24 foot pontoon like “Party Barge”. Scanning over their designs, they have tended towards that elegant launch styling from the earlier half of the last century. Some models are available with teak furnishings and fittings with leather like seats, and models have removable canopies with full window enclosures. Kevin tells me not to be deceived by their refined looks; they have done a lot to over-build these boats with heavy hulls and a prominent keel for stability and strength.

So who’s using these boats? Most of them are used for casual cruising on protected waters, think picnic on the lake with the family or a romantic sunset tour of the harbor. Apparently I’m not the first person to think about the nature watching possibilities. A nature preserve in Naples, Florida shifted over to electric boats because their outboards were disturbing birds on nesting sites, and tours for patrons were less than satisfactory as the wildlife fled from the boats.

22' Cuddy ST Electric Launch by Duffy Electric Boats

Kevin pointed out several other benefits of Duffy Electric Boats. No gas or oil to mess around with, which is a great benefit when it is easy to drop a C-note on a fill-up. No internal combustion engine also means no direct emissions (I know, it took something to create the energy, but here in the Northwest, hydro and wind are more significant than coal.) Kevin pointed out that there is also no need to winterize. As long as the batteries are kept in a state of positive charge, the boat is good to go. For any of us that have winterized the boat, then been presented with several beautiful boating days, the last features is pretty appealing. Models with the canopies and window enclosures, with a heater and optional seat warmers make boating a year around possibility as long as you’ve got boatable water.

I noticed that one of the images on the Duffy web site showed a boat with a solar array on the canopy. I immediately imagined cruising the waterways, perpetually refilling my batteries on free sunshine. While solar panels are becoming popular as an alternate energy source on larger cruiser and RV’s, the return from one of these solar arrays is not enough to significantly extend the cruising range of these boat. Besides, as Kevin points out, these boats will run longer on one charge than most people want to spend in a boat. Just plug it in overnight and you’re ready to run for another full day of boating tomorrow.

One obvious question I had to ask Kevin was, “How do you keep these electric motors happy around all this water?” He told me it isn’t really an issue. Duffy uses a “bilge within a bilge” configuration to assure that the workings stay out of the water, and they employ “marineized” motors and components, specifically designed to operate in harsh marine conditions.

Electric Boats…What’s next?
Here’s a hint, biodiesel – electric hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cells, but we’ll have to g there another day. Visit Duffy Electric Boats at http://www.duffyboats.com. They have an interesting site that offers a good introduction to the world of electric boats.

M240 Electric Boat by Duffy Electric Boats
Images courtesy of Duffy Electric Boats

Boating Should be More Affordable This Year

2009-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

With the current economic conditions, many of us may not be rushing out to buy a new boat this year, but at least it may be a bit more affordable to get out on the water this summer. With fuel prices exceeding $4.00 per gallon in 2008, a lot of folks decided it would be better to stay on the beach, than to splurge on a fill-up at the gas dock.

According to the Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the US Government web site, "Average monthly U.S. prices for regular gasoline and diesel fuel were $1.69 and $2.45 per gallon, respectively, in December 2008, more than $2.25 per gallon below their monthly peaks last July. Economic contraction in 2009 and lower projected crude oil prices are expected to reduce annual average retail gasoline and diesel fuel prices in 2009 to $1.87 and $2.27 per gallon, respectively."

At $1.87 per gallon, hitting the water should be a much more affordable option this summer. We see that as a glimmer of sunshine on a cold January day.

See you on the lake.

Photo courtesy of Skeeter Boats

'Tis Still the Season for Marine De-icers.

2009-01-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Now the holidays are behind us, so I'm ready for spring to arrive. Unfortunately, no amount of hoping is going ot make it arrive any sooner. In fact, January is typically our busiest month for marine de-icer sales. If you've been thinking about setting up a de-icer to protect your dock or boat, now is a good time to buy. We've got some great sale prices on all models of the two leading marine de-icer brands. We've got Powerhouse Ice Eaters for as low as $409.95 and Kasco Marine De-icers for as low as $399.95.

Not sure if a marine de-icer is right for you? Need a little help deciding what size de-icer will best meet your needs? Here are a few good de-icer resources to help you decide:

Dock De-Icers 101 - The Basics of Choosing a Dock De-Icer to Protect Your Dock From Ice Damage by Loren Hadley on ezine articles

Choosing an Ice Eater By Paul Esterle on Mad Mariner

Archive of Marine De-icer specifications and articles on SavvyBoater.com

Future Fisherman Foundation Could Use Your Help

2008-12-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

I got an email yesterday that promised "A Gift That Can Give a Lifetime of E...." that was sent with high priority. My SPAM sensors were working overtime, and I went to delete it. It must have been fate, but I accidentally opened it instead. Rather than the usual offers for better living through chemistry (or whatever) it turned out to be from the Future Fisherman Foundation, looking for help.

If you aren't familiar with them, The Future Fisherman Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has been promoting, supporting and delivering angler education programs for over 20 years. Whether it is helping schools create an angler education program through grants and guidance, or the "Hooked on Fishing - Not On Drugs" program that has reached over a million kids, this organization is hard at work helping kids develop a healthy interest in fishing, the outdoors and conservation. Visit their web site at http://www.futurefisherman.org/ to see how you can help. (I've included the complete email below.)

Hapy Holidays,
Loren

Do you remember who taught you to fish?
For over 20 years, the Future Fisherman Foundation, a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, has delivered school and community based aquatic education. Our programs have demonstrated that fishing is a wonderful way to lure young people outside to reconnect with nature.
We believe that fishing is an ideal way to entice children away from indoor screen time to outdoor green time! While learning about the aquatic environment, children develop an appreciation for our fragile aquatic resources. Fishing provides hands on experiences in the sciences that foster a love of the outdoors that can last a lifetime. It is our mission to provide programs that help develop the next generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

How do we invest in the future?

In the last six years, our Physh Ed grant program has provided funds to over 300 K-12 schools across the country for angler education programs. There are over 90,000 Physh Ed Student graduates with over 85% of the programs continuing past their initial grant year. Over half of the schools have reported that their programs have expanded to other schools in their districts increasing the youth involved each year. The Future Fisherman Foundation needs support to ensure that this program can continue to reach school children in the next year.
Since 2006, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America began implementing our afterschool fishing program in 30 clubs across the nation. Youth in these clubs learned angling basics from club professionals and local police officers partnering to provide positive mentoring for these new anglers. We provided the instructor training, resources and support on the national level. Funds for this program were cut entirely for FY2010-we need your support to continue reaching youth in clubs across the country.
Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs-is a nationally recognized angling education and youth mentoring program providing instructor training, best practices curriculum, and national networking. H.O.F.N.O.D. has reached over one million youth across the country over the last twenty years! Additional funding is needed to continue updating this successful educational resource and provide national guidance to the participating instructors.

Join our Mission-ensure the Future of Fishing!
Please help us continue reaching more youth across the country by making your tax deductable donation to the Future Fisherman Foundation. You will be added to our Good News Donor List and updated quarterly to see how your gift is helping us activate young anglers. Your donation will help us educate the youth of today, so that they may become the stewards of tomorrow. Donations can be made online at: http://www.futurefisherman.org/ or mailed to the address below. Thank you for helping to ensure the Future of Fishing!

Teresa Rodriguez
Manager of Education
Future Fisherman Foundation
225 Reinekers Lane Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.519.9691 ext. 224
Fax: 703.519.1872
http://www.futurefisherman.org/

Catch some good news...Check out our video!

De-Icer Sale

2008-12-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

If you are not sailing your boat in Namibia, but you are coping with winters in the Midwest, we've got you covered. We are running a winter sale with great prices on both the PowerHouse Ice Eater deicers and The Kasco Marine Deicer line up. Save up to 40% on Ice Eaters and 35% on Kasco deicers this month. We've got the lowest prices around, and we back that up with a Low Price Guarantee.

We've also got some great gift ideas for the boater or fisherman on your holiday shopping list. Check them out and be sure to order soon so we'll have time to get it to you before Christmas.

Fast & Furious

2008-12-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

The SailRocket is really phenomenal. They broke a sailing world speed record, clocking over 47 mph over 500 meters.

They then turned around and broke 52 mph...in a sail boat. Of course, they ended with a big bang of stellar proportions. Did I say sail boat? Maybe I was thinking sailplane. Check out the photos and additional info on YachtPals.com. Note that the "pilot" escaped with some bruises. The boat and Paul Larson who was at the helm, are recovering in Namibia. What's next?

One Thing Leads to Another... Another Wooden Boat Center to visit anyway.

2008-11-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote about "discovering" the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle Washington. Now, I've stumbled across the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center in the bay area. I'll be headed that way later this Fall, so add another wooden boat center to my itinerary.

I have a soft spot for wooden boats. growing up we had an old plywood rowboat converted to a sandbox in the back yard. Some of my earliest memories are going out on our wooden Dory from Pacific City, Oregon. The first of our commercial boats was a 40' wooden trawler, a shrimper named the "Shadow Dew" out of Newport Oregon. Since then, everything I've owned or crewed on has been steel, aluminum, glass or plastic. But still, seeing a beautiful wooden boat brings a smile to my face.

OK, back to the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center - In addition to their main site, which offers information on the organization and its programs, there is a Wooden Boat Finder site; sort of a blog clearing house for wooden boats ranging from partially finished projects, to large sailing yachts. I then ran across their Boatbuilders' and Sailor's Blog about a program where kids build and sail wooden boats. Tomorrow - November 8th they are having a launching party for their latest creation - the Guppy, a 12' Norwegian Sailing Pram. stop by and check out the project. They had nice documentation and a very cool project. Where were they when I was a kid? Congratulations and best of luck on your launch tomorrow.

Loren

Center for Wooden Boats on My "Places to Visit" List.

2008-11-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

In a round about way, I discovered a site for the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle, Washington. I've got several trips to Seattle planned for this fall, so I'm going to see if I can get over to see their museum. It looks like a fascinating place. According to their web site they have a broad collection of vintage and replica wooden boats ranging from canoes and skiffs to steam launches, classic motor boats and sailing vessels of various sizes. In addition to touring the docks and looking at boats, they offer boat rentals on Lake Union, free boat rides in classic wooden boats, and classes in boat building and related skills. Want to learn how to build a wood and skin Umiak? Need to brush up on making cedar rope? How about sailing lessons or seamanship classes? This is the place.

Visit their site for full directions and hours. They offer a pdf version of their walking Map of the Center for Wooden Boats which has some interesting information.

I'll keep yo posted once I've had a chance to visit this remarkable museum.

Loren

Cape Ann Dory - Rent it and sail or
row it on Lake Union in Seattle

Engine Compartment Heaters - Xtreme Heaters

2008-10-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Engine compartment heaters, bilge heaters; call them what you will, these heaters are designed to do one thing - keep your engine compartment above freezing and protect your engine from freeze damage. For as long as we've had engines and circulation systems on boats, people have been trying to figure out how to protect them over the winter. If you live where winters are pretty extreme, then winterization is a given - draining fluids, replacing antifreeze, fogging moving parts, you know the drill. If you live in more forgiving climates, the urge to keep the boat up and running all winter may out weight the prudence of winterizing it. Hard freezes may be few and far between, and the promise of a Steelhead run in January alluring.

Enterprising boaters have been jury rigging winter protection in the form of space heaters, heat lamps and the like. That's why in our area anyway, there is at least one major marina fire every winter.

In the past few years, high quality engine compartment heaters have come on the scene. They are designed specifically to operate safely in an unattended vessel over the winter. Meeting Coast Guard safety standards, they are approved for mounting in your engine compartment.
they are compact, energy efficient and easy to mount, either permanently, or temporarily.

For more information and a great sale price - visit our Engine Compartment Heaters section, see the article "Marine Engine Compartment Heaters Can Extend Your Boating Season While Protecting Your Boat's Engine"

Big Savings on Dock De-icers, Engine Compartment Heaters and More

2008-10-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

We've kicked off our Fall Boat Winterization Sale.

Highlights include:

Save 40% on PowerHouse Ice Eater Dock De-icers.

Lowest Prices of the season and free shipping on Xtreme Heaters Engine Compartment Heaters.

Save 25% on Ironwood Pacific Drywave Boat and RV Air Dryers.

Free shipping on custom and semi-custom Taylor Boat Covers - Use our Boat Cover Finder to find the cover that is right for your boat.

Visit our Current Specials page for the full run down on our boat winterization specials.

2008 Duracats Championships Coming Up

2008-10-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Duracats 2008 Catfish Angling Championships are scheduled for October 25th and 26th in Mount Vernon, Indiana. This 2 day event runs from 7:00 am to 4:00 PM both days. For full details be sure to visit the Duracats Catfish Angling Tournament site.

If you have the chance to stop by and visit, you're assured of seeing some unbelievable catfish brought in by the expert anglers that participate in this circuit. If you think you've got what it takes to compete, talk with the friendly folks there and get involved in next year's Duracats Catfish Angling Tournament.

SavvyBoater.com is a proud sponsor of the Duracats Catfish Tournament and the Championships this weekend. While I haven't had a chance to come back to any of the tournaments, it has been a lot of fun talking with the folks who are so passionate about chasing really big fish. It is also important to us that in doing so, they play a leading role in protecting the catfish fishery and the lakes and rivers of the area.

Good Fishing this weekend, we look forward to seeing the results.

What do you do with a 1/2 ton Pumpkin?

2008-10-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

What do you do with a 1/2 ton pumpkin? Apparently, take it to sea...

I was mentioning that it was feeling like Fall around here, and if not from the weather, then from the giant pumpkins being queued up for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta planned for next Saturday. I've been aware of this the past few years, but have always had a scheduling conflict, but this year it is looking like I may get lucky.

If you're not familiar with the regatta, a dozen or so giant pumpkins, most in the range of 600-800 lbs are carted in, hollowed out into makeshift kayaks and raced around the Tualatin Lake.

I plan to take the camera, so stay tuned for some action photos of the competition. If you can't picture what hitting the water in a giant pumpkin might be like - Here a File Photo from the City of Tualatin.

Important safety tip - be sure to wear a life jacket whenever you're out on the water in a giant vegetable.

2008-10-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

EzineArticles.com has recently published two of our articles.

Marine Coolers - Making Your High Performance Marine Cooler Really Perform covers tips for getting the best performance from your Marine Cooler.
Dock De-Icers 101 - The Basics of Choosing a Dock De-Icer to Protect Your Dock From Ice Damage touches on the basics of selecting a Dock De-icer.

Check them out and let me know what you think.

Loren

Season's Turning

2008-10-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I took the Kayak out fishing on the Tualatin River a couple days ago. Nothing new about that, but it made me realize that whether I like it or not, Summer is over in our region. Recent rains have created a small but noticeable current in the normally lake-like stretch I frequent. I slowly swirled down the river like the handful of golden leaves that dotted the surface. As I cast a woolly bugger or panfish popper back under the willows and around the sunken snags, I noticed that the whole tree line had taken on an autumn glow in the long evening light. Instead of feeling comforting, my damp pant cuffs were a little chilly... Summer is over.

There are a lot of things I love about Fall, but it is always a little wistful when it comes time to put away the boat for another season. While I'm not totally ready to wrap it up yet, it is time to start getting ready.

How about you?

Is the boat cover in shape for winter?

If you're in a temperate area like Oregon's Willamette Valley or the coastal regions of the Northwest an air dryer like the DryWave can help keep your boat mold free until next Spring.

If you plan to keep the boat running past the first frost, you might want to consider an engine compartment heater.

Friends in colder climes may also want to make sure that their Ice Eater is in good working order so they can be certain the dock will still be there next Spring.

I figure I'll still be able to pick up a few nice days in the coming weeks, but winter is in the back of my mind.

Loren

Salmon on The Run

2008-09-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Salmon fishing in the Northwest has been markedly missing this year. To a large part this was due to closures to protect threatened species up and down the coast. While the Salmon closure is frustrating for sports fishermen, it is devastating to the commercial fishermen and communities that rely on the salmon for a livelihood. Having grown up in the fishing community in Newport, Oregon, I have some first hand knowledge of the challenges to the industry, but I can only imagine the impact this closure has on families up and down the Pacific coast.

The Smithsonian Magazine this month has an interesting article On California’s Coast, Farewell to the King Salmon that explores the complex issues that threaten our fish and fishermen. It is depressing and hopeful at the same time. I have to believe that if enough attention is paid to the issue, we'll find a away to save and co-exist with these amazing natives. Quite frankly, I have to have hope as I can't imagine the Northwest without salmon.

Polyform F-Series Commercial Grade Mooring Fenders Join the SavvyBoater Boat and Mooring Fender Line-Up.

2008-08-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

If you've visited the Boat and Mooring Fender category at SavvyBoater.com, you know we offer great prices on an extensive line of Polyform, Taylor Made, Hull Hugr and Boater Sports brand mooring fenders. We thought we pretty much had all the bases covered, but increasing requests from our commercial customers for the Polyform F-Series Mooring Fenders has led to a new addition.

The Polyform F-series Fenders are a commercial grade mooring fender ranging from the 6" X 25" Polyform F-1 to the massive 32" X 77" F13. We are offering the entire line in case lots ranging from 10 pieces per case for smaller fenders to 2 fenders per case for larger fenders.

The F-series fenders are made from heavy duty flexible vinyl and feature a twin eye design. The eyes on the Polyform F-series fenders are the same rugged rope holds that are used on the popular Polyform A-Series Buoys.

The F-series fenders are used by the United States Navy and the US Coast Guard as well as yachts, shipping and transportation companies, commercial fishermen and anyone else that needs a serious pneumatic vinyl mooring fender.

The Polyform F-Series mooring fender line, from the F-1 to the massive F-13

A Tour Around the Harbor on a Gentle Breeze...NOT

2008-08-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

I'm not a sailor, but this caught my eye. Scenes form the iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week in the UK. these folks are hardcore; over 40% of the teams were out by race 4 due to capsizes and collisions.

I first spotted this in a digest from Yachtpals then stopped by the site. they have video and more images as well as detailed race coverage. http://www.yachtpals.com/cowes-ishares-3007 It is worth a look.

New Product Review - AnchorLift Pro by Ironwood Pacific

2008-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

We've carried the popular AnchorLift by Ironwood Pacific for some time and it has proven to be very popular with our cutomers who fish or boat on larger rivers and lakes. It is one of those products that is so simple, and works so well you wonder what you did before you found it. Just when we thought they couldn't improve on it, Ironwood Pacific came out with the new Anchorlift Pro.

The AnchorLift works like a check valve for your anchor rode, allowing the lift to slide towards the anchor, but not slip back out. To set the anchor ,you hold the anchor lift and pull back the bolt and allow the line to run out. Once the desired scope has been played out, you drop the anchor lift into the water where the float will mark the line.

To pull your anchor simply pull out around the bouy at an angle to keep the line clear of your prop. The resistance of the buoy will pull it down the line while floating your anchor to the surface. Once the anchor is up, you simply pull in the line and your anchor will be floating just below the AnchorLift and buoy. Some fishermen will use it as a line marker if they have to run to follow a big fish. If you try this, just be sure you have a stop at the bitter end of your rode to keep the line from running all the way through.

Because a picture is worth 1000 words, here is a video that shows how this works.

The new AnchorLift Pro is Ironwood Pacific's newest addition to their anchor retrieval line-up. While it works on the same principal as the original AnchorLift, the construction is entirely of heavy marine grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel. The Anchor Lift and Anchor Lift pro are designed for anchor rodes with little or no chain. They also work well as crab pot and shrimp pot pullers .

If your anchor rode is rigged with chain as is common in marine environments, try Ironwood Pacific's Anchor Ring and Heavy Duty Anchor Ring Anchor Retrievers.

Taylor Made Boat Fender Sale Extended

2008-07-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

The response to our sale on Taylor Made Boat Fenders has been very positive, so we've decided to extend it through July. buy 4 or more Taylor Made Boat Fenders and Save an additional 10% off our already low prices.

This sale includes the Taylor Made Super Gard utility boat fender, the oval profile Hull Gard boat fender and the heavy-duty, "hole through the center" style Big B boat boat fender by Taylor.

Note: offer excludes Close-out Fenders.

Specials on Popular Taylor Made Boat Fenders

2008-05-30T07:50:00.001-07:00

If you've shopped SavvyBoater.com in the past, you know we have extremely good prices on all of our Boat Fenders, whether you're looking for Taylor Made Boat Fenders, Polyform Fenders or Boater Sports Brand value priced fenders.

Now through June 15, 2008, we are offering special deals on Taylor Made Big B, heavy-duty, center hole boat fenders, Taylor Made Super Gard utility fenders and Taylor Made Hull Gard fenders with an oval body to resist rolling. by 4 or more of any of these boat fender styles and save an additional 10% off our already low prices.

Just visit the site, add 4 or more of any one of these style to your cart and you'll automatically get the discount price. Not only is your purchase backed by Taylor Made's Lifetime Warranty, but you have the SavvyBoater 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to assure that your shopping experience is ship shape!

The Yeti Tundra Marine Coolers

2008-05-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Yeti Coolers has been busy. In addition to rolling out a number of great accessories for the Yeti Sherpa and Yeti Fiberglass cooler lines, they have also developed a new line of tough, roto-molded marine coolers, dubbed the Yeti Tundra Cooler. While I haven't had a chance to get my hands on one yet, but I've gone over the literature and had a chance to talk with the folks at Yeti.

It looks like they took some of the well loved features of the older Yeti Roughneck Cooler line, and married them with the high performance innovations of the Yeti Sherpa Cooler line. The new Tundra Cooler features a squared off look similar to the Roughneck and Fiberglass Marine Coolers as well as the rope handles and T-latch system employed by the Roughneck Coolers. However, it has beefed up seals and insulation that has put the Yeti Sherpa among the elite of high-performance coolers.

The Yeti Tundra Cooler is currently available in 35 quart, 45 quart, 65 quart, 85 quart 120 quart and 155 quart sizes. I understand that a 250 quart model is in production and should be available soon, and a massive 420 quart Tundra Cooler is in the works.

Yeti Tundra Coolers are available from SavvyBoater.com, an Authorized Yeti Dealer. Watch the new SavvyBoater.com Blog for more information and specials on Yeti Coolers and other high performance marine coolers.

I know, Yeti Roughnecks never wear out, but if you decide it's time to upgrade, take a look at the new Tundra, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Engel Portable Fridge Freezers

2008-03-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

I mentioned last week that we had added the line of UltraCool Marine Coolers including the brand new UltraCool Rugged Plastic Marine Coolers that are sized to fit US standard marine cooler spaces and accessories, as well as the popular UltraCool Fiberglass Boat Cooler.

We now have the Engel Portable Refrigerator - Freezer units available on the site as well. These Portable Fridge Freezers range in size from 14 quart 12 Volt DC to a commercial sized 84 quart model that runs on 12/24 Volt DC or 110 AC power.

Why buy an Engel Portable Fridge Freezer?

Patented Swing Compressor designed for use specifically in portable refrigeration units.

Powerful energy efficient cooling.

Features based on 40 years of experience and durable construction

Cooling temperature range from 45 degrees F. to 0 degrees F.

Heavily insulated box

Flexible 110 and 12/24 Volt AC/DC power options (most units)

We've broken this product line down into the following 3 groups based on the product features.

The 14 quart Engel Cooler Warmer features the patented Engel Swing compressor for improved performance and energy efficiency over competitors using thermoelectric cooling systems. Available as either a cooler, or a cooler warmer unit, they are perfect for any time you really need to keep something cool (or warm). They are popular with Boaters, truckers, salespeople with perishable samples, medical personnel who need to transport perishable items at constant temperatures and many other uses. They operate on 12 Volt DC power, or with an optional converter they can use 110 volt AC power.

The heart of the Engel Portable Fridge Freezer line-up are the 16 quart to 43 quart AC/DC models. These units are know for their durability and offer unsurpassed performance in some very practical sizes. They are also very flexible, running on 12 or 24 Volt DC power, or 110 Volt AC Power. Perfect to extend your refrigeration while cruising, camping or on extended fishing trips.

The Commercial Grade Engel Portable Refrigerator Freezers in 64 and 84 quart sizes are trusted the world over by guides, outfitters, charters and other outdoor professionals. These units are larger and heavier, so they ship truck freight on a pallet. Give us a call toll free at 866-560-1330 for pricing and a freight quote.

We have also added a broad selection of official Engel Portable Fridge Accessories, including insulated covers, slide lock systems, converters and more. We also have the TwoZone Module by the Australian company, TwoZone. It lets you add roughly 22 quarts and a second temperature zone to your Engel portable fridge models MT35 and MT45.

Engel has been a world leader in portable refrigeration for 4o years and has sold over 3 million units around the world. Whether you are treking in the Australian Outback, on safari in Africa, fishing the King run in Alaska or cruising the Carribean, Engel Portable Fridge Freezers are there.

SavvyBoater.com is an Authorized Engel Portable Fridge Freezer Dealer. No other authorized dealer will offer a lower price than we do, and our manufacturer direct relationship allows us to provide you with the best service possible.

New Engel UltraCool Marine Coolers Added to SavvyBoater.com Line-up

2008-03-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce that we've partnered with Engel to offer you great deals on the full line of UltraCool Marine Coolers. UltraCool has been a name in high end marine coolers for years both with their Rugged Plastic Marine Coolers and their Fiberglass Marine Coolers.

Engel is just releasing the re-designed UltraCool Rugged Plastic Marine Cooler in April. The new coolers offer all the features that have made UltraCool so popular with boaters, yachtsmen and fishermen over the years with a few refinements. One of the biggest changes is that they have been re-sized to match USA industry standards. If you've got an Igloo or similar cooler, or your raft frame or leaning post is sized to fit one of these popular entry level coolers, your in luck, now you can upgrade to a high performance UltraCool marine cooler that will fit the same space.

We also offer the popular UltraCool Fibergalass Marine Coolers which come in 5 sizes ranging from 47 quarts to a massive 253 quart boat cooler. As an UltraCool Authorized Dealer, we have a manufacturer direct relationship which allows us to serve you better, and we're offering these coolers at the lowest prices you'll find from any authorized dealer. Stop by and browse our Marine Cooler section or give is a call toll free at 866-560-1330 (8-5 Pacific Time, Monday -Friday) and one of our customers service reps will be happy to answer your questions or assist you with an order.

Taylor Made Semi-Custom Boat Covers Added to SavvyBoater.com Boat Cover Offerings

2008-03-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

We teamed up with Taylor Made, to offer their quality boat covers in2008. I mentioned earlier that we added the Taylor Made Boat Guard Universal boat Cover lines to our Universal Boat Cover section. We've also added their 2008 catalog of Semi-custom boat covers to our line up. For you that means SavvyBoater.com is the place to turn if you need a boat cover. Taylor Made offers a broad selection of quality boat covers in either a polyester cotton canvas cover, or their Taylor Made HotShot acrylic coated polyester material.

The easiest way to find the boat cover you are looking for is to use our Boat Cover Finder. Just select the style of boat you have, then choose from the available length and beam options for the cover closest in size for your boat. Finally click Show covers for a selection of covers that are sized for your boat. In addition to the new Taylor Made Boat Covers, you'll also have access to the Carver Covers Boat Covers and BoaterSorts Boat covers we offer.

You'll find we have a broad selection of boat cover styles and materials and that our prices are very competitive. We are adding additional styles to our new Boat Cover Shop By Style section every day. This section is designed to help you browse through and find the correct cover style for your boat. For example, You have a newer Nitro Bass Boat - what do the cover manufacturers call your style? By selecting Bass Boat Covers, the looking at the short text description, profile and floor plan, you might select Tournament Style Bass Boat Covers where you cna review a write up that explains the style and its features, then browse all the covers that are available for that style.

Stay tuned as we are in the process of adding 1000 Taylor Made custom boat covers to the SavvyBoater.com site. In addition, we will be offering the Taylor Made Cover Finder that will allow you to find just the right custom or semi-custom boat cover for your make model and year of boat.

The Children's Cancer Association - Helping out Children who are fighting the tough fight

2008-03-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a little off topic today, but I wanted to share some information on a great organization that has become a model for helping children with cancer and their families during their fight with the disease.

The Children's Cancer Association is a great organization that has successfully inspired regional businesses and wonderful volunteers to really make a difference for children in Oregon & Washington who are dealing with cancer or similar diseases.

In addition to providing resources and visibility, they have developed strong programs like the Chemo Pals, that provides a carefully screened and trained adult friend for children, to be a friend during chemo and to provide some support and relief time for parents. Their innovative Music Rx Program brings music to kids in the hospital, providing distraction, entertainment and comfort. The Dream catcher program helps ill children fulfil a special wish and their Caring Cabin provides a place for families to spend some time outside the hospital. Free to the families, it can meet ill children's medical needs while providing a comfortable private retreat for families.

Take a moment to visit the CCA site and learn more about what they have going on. By the way, I'm not a representative of the CCA, just a fan, so if I've got any of the facts wrong in here, mea culpa.

The SavvyBoater crew recently were able to do our tiny part, by helping outfit the Caring Cabin with life jackets fishing rods and games so the families can enjoy boating on the small private lake. What can you do to help out the CCA and the children they serve?

Phantom Shipwrecks and Cannons Mark 2007-2008 Winter in Oregon

2008-03-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

I like boats and I like history, so the winter of 2007-2008 has been an interesting one. For starters, old and forgotten shipwrecks have been resurfacing up and down the coast. The first popped out of a sand dune in North Bend, near the site of the modern wreck "New Carissa", and proved a mystery for awhile with many people weighing in on it's identity. It has finally been identified as the George L. Olson, a lumber ship built in 1917 and lost in 1944. Winter erosion revealed a couple more unidentified wrecks, then revealed 2 cannons just south of Cannon Beach in Northern, Oregon.

Cannon Beach was named after a couple cannons were found in the the late 1800's, presumed to be from the U.S. Navy Survey ship "Shark". Surprisingly, two more cannons were discovered just south of the town in February. They have been recovered by the state and are now undergoing a long process to stabilize and preserve them for future display.

The image above is from http://historicphotoarchive.com/caps/00068.html where you can also purchase copies

The first time I saw this image I thought it must have been PhotoShopped. How would a ship in full sail have run on the rocks like that? What you can't see is that this is faced by a huge cliff and mountain that run right down to the sea, so not really even a surprise rocky shoal. It is real, the ship Glenesslin wrecked on Mt. Neahkahnie (also famous for legends of buried pirate treasure). Apparently more than a couple crew members had been into the spirits - another great reminder to "Boat sober". :?)

For more information on the exposed shipwrecks, check out the Oregonian's coverage at http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/02/oregon_shipwreck_identified_sh.html

I also ran across the following interactive map of the "Graveyard of the Pacific" - Columbia River bar. It shows you a time lapse of the shifting river topography and the wrecks from the mid 1800's to present. Interactive Columbia River Shipwreck Map the data was compiled by the staff of the Columbia River Maritime Museum which is worth a visit in person or on-line - http://www.crmm.org/. In addition to information on the spectacular museum, their site offers a live webcam of the Astoria, Oregon bayfront and the current weather station as well.

I don't know what made me think of it, but I thought I'd mention that at Savvyboater.com we offer a wide array of life jackets, inflatable life vests and personal flotation devices including life jackets for children and pet life vests.

New Universal Boat Covers added to our Boat Cover Line-up

2008-02-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

If you've visited SavvyBoater.com, you probably noted that we have a good selection of boat covers at very reasonable prices. we've been spending some time this winter expanding both our Boat Cover offerings and the support materials that will help you find the cover that is just right for your boat and needs.

Among our new additions to our Universal Boat Cover Section are the 4 boat cover lines in the Taylor Made boat Guard Universal Boat Cover line.

The Boat Guard RainBreaker Boat Cover offers a simple, economical mooring and storage cover. Made from 70 denier polyester, it is a light weight easy to manage cover designed to protect your boat from moderate elements as well as dirt and debris. It is available in 6 size / style combination to provide protection for many of the popular boat styles.

The classic Boatguard Universal Boat Cover steps up to 11 styles and offers a number of great features that make Taylor Made covers an industry leader. These include 4 ply seams, double folded hems, sewn in tied downs loops and a 2 year warranty.

The premium Eclipse Boatguard Universal Boat Covers step it up even further. The Eclipse boat covers are made from Taylor Made's Hotshot acrylic coated polyester fabric in a striking two-tone black and gray design and comes with a five year warranty. These boat covers feature sewn-in air vents, reinforced tie-down loops and each cover order includes tie-downs, a support pole and a storage bag. While the cover is premium, the price isn't.

We're also offering the Taylor Made BoatGuard SST Self Supporting Technology universal boat covers. The SST Universal covers feature a unique, patented support system where flexible fiberglass poles slide into sewn in pockets in the cover ,creating a fairly rigid arched support under the cover. Designed for V-Hull Runabouts and Cuddy Cabins, these are an interesting solution to the boat cover support question.

In addition to the Taylor Made Boat Guard Universal Boat Covers, we also offer Carver Covers Flex-fit universal boat covers as well as Wolf Covers Harbor Shell universal boat cover line. we've got fantastic prices on Wolf Covers heavy weight Mariner mooring and storage cover in our clearance section.

When you're looking for a new boat cover, think SavvyBoater.com.

Investing to Protect Your Dock & Boat

2008-02-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

It's getting towards the end of the ice season (to the joy of many boaters) But I finally did some catch up reading and ran across an article of interest.

If you've bought, built or rent dock space, you know it is a real investment. If you live in many places in the country, you're probably familiar with the kind of havoc that ice can raise. I ran across a great article "Storm Proofing a Marina Can Get Very Costly" by JoAnn W. Goddard in the December issue of the boating industry magazine Trade Only. According to the article, ice causes millions of dollars in damage to docks and marinas each year.

If this article doesn't help you understand the value of investing in ice protection for your dock or boat, nothing will. Marine de-icers are definitely an investment but compare the outlay to the cost of resetting all your pilings, replacing your dock structures or any of the other imaginable. Visit our Dock and Marina De-icer Section at SavvyBoater.com and compare all the major brands. We offer the full catalog of PowerHouse Ice Eaters de-icers, accessories and de-icer parts. We have a wide selection of the popular Kasco Marine De-icers and Pyramid Tech's innovative oil free de-icer line.

Picking it up in the New Year

2008-01-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all having a great start to 2008 this year. Its been awhile since our last post, mainly chocked up to the holidays and brisk business during the past couple months.

I attribute the brisk weather for part of that. Demand for dock de-icers is at a peak this time of year, and many customers have discovered that SavvyBoater.com has the broadest selection of dock de-icers you'll find, featuring the full catalog of PowerHouse Ice Eaters, including de-icers, parts ands accessories, the line of popular Kasco Marine De-icers as well as the new Oil-free Pyramid D-icer line. In addition, our prices for Dock De-icers are very competitive. Compare them to the competitions' "Sale" prices and see for yourself.

Despite the weather, we're getting a lot of visitors preparing for the upcoming boating season, however distant that may seem at the moment. One customer from the Great Lakes area picked up and EasyTroller Trolling Plate, and noted wistfully that now he had to wait for the ice to melt before he could use it. I feel his pain. Now that the year has turned, I'm getting restless to get outside. A look out the window looks inviting with blue skies and sun, but we are at uncommonly cold temperatures for our area and a stiff east wind means its still time for indoor activities.

I opened my email this morning and found a notice for the SuperYacht Cup Transatlantic Challenge slated for April of 2008. they are trying to add a little fun to the annual slog of crossing the Atlantic when the Caribbean yachting season ends and the Mediterranean Season begins. I'm glad someone is seeing to this, because it is certainly a misery no one should have to suffer. - ;?)

It is the stuff of day-dreams, running from Antigua to the Azores for a stop over, then on to the finish line at Vigo, Spain. Oh well, I don't suppose my 17' "SuperYacht" would be competitive anyway. They have a pdf SuperYacht Cup Newsletter that is image intensive and will warm you up on a cold, dreary, January morning.

Whether you are boating, or just dreaming about it, we look forward to seeing you drop by SavvyBoater.com to see what's new.

Note, the image of Antigua Harbor above is from TheSuperyachtCup.com.

Jewel of Portland

2007-11-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

I was pulling the pictures of the HelmsMate Outboard Extension Handles off my camera, and ran across a shot I took of the Willamette River in downtown Portland, Oregon a couple weeks ago. Tom McCall waterfront park starts just to the left and the odd little building on the dock to the right of the marina is a seafood restaurant with dock side drive up service. Across the river, under the first arch of the bridge is OMSI and moored outside the museum is the submarine USS Blueback.

New Product Review - New HelmsMate T & TE Model Outboard Motor Tiller Extension Handles

2007-11-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

If you troll with a kicker or trolling motor, you may have discovered that it is a stretch to steer from the best seat. If you sit clear in the stern, you may throw the boat out of trim, or develop a back kink from twisting and leaning to reach the tiller. If so, an outboard tiller extension handle may be just the ticket. They are designed to attach to your existing outboard tiller giving you the extra reach you need.

We carry the HelmsMate Extension Handles by Ironwood Pacific, and were pleased to evaluate and add two new handles to their line-up. The New Models -dubbed T and TE are much shorter than any of the previous Ironwood handles, measuring in at a fixed 18" for the T model and an adjustable 17" to 23" for the TE model. These are a welcome addition to this line-up as we've talked with a few customers who had purchased the longer versions and sawed them off to get to these kind of lengths.

In addition to the anodized aluminum shaft, the two new HelmsMates share other qualities with their big brothers. They utilize the same universal clamp as the longer models, which is really universal. It consists of a marine grade nylon clamp which you shouldn't mistake this for ordinary plastic because it is really tough. I took one of my samples out, laid it on a cement floor, and stood on it with all my weight (200 lbs.) on one foot, then bounced up and down a few times. It flexed and deformed a bit , but sprang right back and there was zero sign of cracking or distress.

The universal clamp comes with a 1/8" thick heavy rubber sizing sleeve that fits many tiller handles perfectly. If your handle is a little thicker, you can slide the sleeve out and if youn eed even more room, just grab the clamp ears and spread it open wider. for some of the smaller motors with a really thin handle, Ironwood Pacific provides what they call a second sleeve. It is a sheet of rubber that you can wrap around the handle from a partial turn to several turns to get the exact fit you need. It doesn't come included, but they will send yo one for free if you find you need it. As you can see from the picture above, there is a big cut-away that allows easy access to the kill switch.

The Helmsmate T Model is a fixed 18" length, but the Helmsmate TE is extendable from 17" to 23". I like the fact that there is a positive lock system consisting of a spring loaded metal button that locks into one of a series of holes in the outer shaft. It took me a couple tries to get the hang of it, but once I did it was very simple and it stays where you put it. This system means that I have to adjust in abut 2 1/2" increments, but I don't picture ever needing more fine control than that. It is a real contrast to the cam-lock systems used by some of the other tiller extension handles I've tried. On the most recent cam lock version I tried, it didn't take opening and closing the mechanism more than a handful of times before it got a little loose. Imagine twisting the throttle, only to have the cam slip and suddenly you lose throttle control and your length setting is lost. I'll take the positive lock over the cam any time.

In summary, these two new handles have all the features that have made the Ironwood Pacific HelmsMate one of my favorite trolling motor extension handles. They fit well on a variety of gas outboard motors and electric trolling motors, they are made in the USA, and they have a very attractive price. We are able to offer the T model at $14.95 and the TE at $18.95.

Dock De-icer Offerings Expand Again With Addition of Pyramid Oil-Free Dock De-icers

2007-11-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Our goal is to offer the most comprehensive offering of dock de-icers anywhere on-line. If you've visited SavvyBoater.com, you may have seen that we offer the entire catalog of Ice Eater Dock De-icers by Powerhouse, including all 4 de-icer models in both 110V and 220V with the full range of cord length options. We also carry all of PowerHouse Ice Eater's de-icer accessories and de-icer replacements parts.

We also offer a wide selection of Kasco Dock De-icers and de-icer parts and accessories. People have been putting their trust in Kasco Marine de-icer for over 40 years, and Kasco has leveraged those years of experience to produce a efficient, durable de-icer, that will stand up to the harshest environments.

We are pleased to announce that we have added the Pyramid Oil-Free Dock D-icers by Pyramid Tech. Why another line of Dock De-icers? We feel that the unique design of the Pyramid oil-free de-icers has a real appeal for users that are interested in protecting the environment or anyone who needs to de-ice a sensitive aquatic area. While standard Dock de-icers may contain a gallon of oil, the oil free de-icer uses only an ounce or two right at the seal. In addition, a higher starting torque motor allows them to use a tighter seal, further reducing the potential for a leak. The Pyramid Tech dock de-icers are very competitively priced, offering an environmentally friendly option, without having to pay a premium.

Pyramid Tech Dock De-icers are available for 110 volt power in the following sizes:

Pyramid Model 6205D Dock Deicer - 1/2 HP clears roughly 40'-50' of ice.
Pyramid Model 6208D Dock de-icer - 3/4 HP dock de-icer clears approximately 60'-75' of ice.

Pyramid Model 6210D Dock De-icer - 1 HP dock de-icer which will clear about 80'-100' of ice.

Note: Ice clearance is approximate and depends on a wide variety of local variables including water depth in the de-icing area, overall size of the body of water, temperature and weather conditions. These figures are provided by Pyramid Tech and are based on dock de-icer installations in mid-state New York.

If you are interested in reviewing the full specifications for the Pyramid Tech Oil Free Dock De-icer line, visit our product Pyramid Tech De-icer Product Comparison and Specifications page.

To aid you in your de-icer decision, we have also developed a Powerhouse Ice Eater Dock De-icer Comparison and Specifications page and a Kasco Dock De-icer Comparison and Specifications page.

IBEX Redux

2007-10-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back, I had the opportunity to spend a few days at the IBEX (International Boat Builders Exposition ) in Miami Beach, Florida. It was an awe inspiring site to see all those boating related manufacturers in one place. They had multi-ton lifts and ramp systems for your mega-yacht. There was a robotic milling machine that could carve huge mold forms, and apparently from their video, also be programmed to clean and sanitize a toilet as well?!? If you wanted to cut sheets of fiberglass or canvas into custom forms, lay a teak deck or purchase tanker loads of resin, it was all there among the acres of stainless steel fittings.

While it is a boat builders show, There were a large number of marine supply manufacturers represented as they work to develop OEM sales. Yeti Coolers was there, and I had the opportunity to take some video of both their Yeti Sherpa Coolers and their Yeti Fiberglass Coolers. We are in the process of editing to give you a new perspective on these coolers.

One of the canvas supply companies was offering Ironwood Pacific's Top Snapper Tool, both for boat and canvas builders and as a possible OEM addition to boats. It is such a great tool that it really ought to come with every boat with canvas snaps. I've heard some manufactures are including it, but until everyone does, you can pick yours up at SavvyBoater.com

New folks I met include Dive Dog with their line of Boat & Swim Ladders as well as Aqua Performance with some innovative retractable boarding ladders.
Look for these as possible additions to our Boarding Ladder Category in Spring of next year.

I also had the chance to talk with designers and engineers from Milsco, manufacturers of OEM boat and automotive seats. I had never heard of these folks before (because they generally don't sell you you and me - just manufacturers) but the look and feel of their boat seat line-up caught my attention from across the room. The lines and designs have a very sleek, eye candy look, like they came out of a high end custom sports car. Milsco hasn't sacraficed comfort on the alter of style though, as the seat feel as good as they look, offering good support while sort of scooping you in. While they are an OEM manufacturer, they are in my rolodex and I'm going to see if we can work out a way to get them into your hands aftermarket.

Of course the electronics manufacturers were well represented, showing off their latest and greatest gear. My "wouldn't that be cool" list included the Garmin GPSMAP products - GPS chart plotters integrated with your radar, sonar and other gear on a big, touchscreen LCD display. Advanced graphics chips allow for overlay of satellite imagery over the charts, and toggle to a "point of view" display both above and below water that allow you to see the terrain that should be ahead of you and below you. These items have come a long way since the sonar, radar and loran C systems we used when I was commercial fishing.

Another very cool electronic "gadget" I got to play with was FLIR's Navagator infrared night vision video cameras. Check it out at http://www.cvs.flir.com/maritime/products/navigator.cfm. It hardly does it justice, though. The manual or remote controled infrared camera shows you everything with a heat signature on your monitor - very special OPs.

While there I also got a chance to knock around South Beach, eat some great seafood at CJ's Crab Shack somewhere around 13th & Ocean, and look at some amazing boats. They are very different than what we normally see in the Northwest. The amount of money invested in major and mega yachts was astounding, and the cruisers were a treat. Driving down the freeway and looking to the side to see 35' cigarette boats on cradles, and little flats boats with 300 HP strapped to the back end flying down the labrynth of waterways was a lot of fun. Overall I had a great time visiting Miami and look forward to heading down again next year.

New Product Introduction - Boater Sports Keel Protectors

2007-10-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

While meeting with our friends at Boater Sports during the IBEX Show in Miami earlier this month, we learned about a new Boater Sports Keel Protector they have just launched.

If you are not familiar with Keel Protectors, they are typically a protective strip that bonds to your boats keel, forming a protective pad for several inches on either side of your keel. The purpose is to provide protection from abrasion or dings when you beach the boat, or come in contact with shallow structures or debris.

Like many of the other products Boater Sports offers, these are focused on utility at a very nice price point. Similar to competing keel protectors like the Keel Shield or Keel Guard products, the Boater Sports Keel Protector is made from PVC with a special 3M marine adhesive to bond it to your keel. The product is designed for you to install it yourself in an afternoon. It requires some prep work to get the keel surface ready for the adhesive, and a little care when actually putting it into place, but it is well within most boat owners capabilities.

The Boater Sports Keel Protector is available in Black or White in 6, ft., 7 ft. and 8 ft. lengths. Each kit comes with the protector, a pair of rubber gloves, 4 tubes of 3M primer to prepare the surface, a special scouring pad and an application squeegee.

Length - Savvy Price
6 ft. - $109.95
7 ft. - $124.95
8 ft. - $139.95

Compare those prices to any other Keel Protector on the market and you'll know why we are so excited about this product.

We are also very pleased to offer Keel Shield Keel Protectors, the industry leader in Keel protection. While they cost a bit more than the Boater Sports Keel Protectors, they are available in a much wider range of colors and sizes. We currently offer 4 sizes and up to 5 color shades, but as a special order we can get the entire range of Keel Shield Keel Protectors from 5 ft. to 12' in up to 14 colors. If you need a size or color we don't offer on the site, give us a call toll free at 866-560-1330 for pricing and availability.

Kasco Marine Deicers Added to the SavvyBoater.com Deicer Line-up for 2007-2008

2007-10-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

While I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around marine deicers at the moment (I just got back from Miami and the Bahamas, and it was 70 here in Oregon yesterday), the time is here to start thinking about protecting your boat and dock from ice damage.

We had so much interest in the Powerhouse Ice Eaters last winter that I decided to expand our offerings for 2007-2008. I think we now have about the broadest offerings of dock deicers anywhere on-line. As noted earlier, we have added the entire catalog of Powerhouse Ice Eaters de-icers this year as well as helped several customers acquire specially built units. We've also added specifications and comparison charts for the Powerhouse Ice Eater line.

We are now offering the popular Kasco Marine Deicers in our line up. These units are available in a variety of configurations including:

The 1/2 HP model 2400D deicer with 25' 50' or 100' of cord.
The 3/4 HP 120 volt model 3400D with 25' 50' or 100' if cord. The 3400HD is for 240 volt power sources and is available with a 50' or 100' cord.

The 1 HP 4400D 120 volt deicer is available with a 25' or 50' cord while the 240 volt 4400HD features a 50' power cord.

In addition to the units, we are also offering the many Kasco Deicer Accessories that will allow you to customize your installation. their dock mounting and float mounting kit, deicer thermostat and thermostat/timer units as well as the basic replacement parts you'll need for routine maintenance which you can replace yourself.

Technical specifications and typical deicing poswer for these units is available on our new Kasco Marine De-icer Specification and Comparison page. In addition to a great selection of Kasco models and competitive deicers, I think you'll also find we offer very competitive prices.

ACATS 2007 Classic Catfish Tournament

2007-10-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

The river conditions weren't optimal, but 15 teams met at Henderson, Kentucky, on the Ohio to give it a go. Despite temperatures in the mid 90's high humidity, low water and no current, every team caught fish and a total entry weight of 607.2 lbs were logged.

Winning Results were:

1st Place - Audie Hammond & Brian Vohol with 134.0 lbs

2nd Place - Bill & Robin Basham with 125.2 lbs

3rd Place - Dale Kerns with 98.8 lbs.

Big Cat was 33.2 caught by the team of Ken & Elzie Lewis.

If you would like to learn more about fishing for BIG catfish, or how you can compete in the 2008 tournaments, visit http://www.catfishangler.com/start.html.

Mike Parr and the other folks at ACATS are looking forward to a lot of growth for next year. Their enthusiasm and hard work has just added 4 new chapters, and word has it that there are a several more in the works.

To get great deals on catfish angling recommended by the Pros, visit SavvyBoater's Catfish Angling Gear page. we've got hard to beat prices on Ironwood Pacific's anchorLift system and other products to help you fish more efficiently .

Complete Catalog of Ice Eater De-icers, De-icer Accesories & Parts for Winter 2007-2008

2007-10-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

As part of our boat winterizing category, SavvyBoater.com carried a basic selection if the Power House Ice Eater Dock De-icers last year. The response was great, so we have added their entire catalog for 2007-2008.

One of the things we find appealing about the Ice Eater Deicers by The Power House is the fact that they are available in a wide range of configurations to meet your specific needs. The powerful Ice Eater P1000 Deicer offers a full 1 HP for your larger scale or tougher jobs, while the super efficient Ice Eater P250 Deicer sips power with a 1/4 HP motor when you need to keep water open in less extreme conditions. The 1/2 HP P500 Ice Eater Deicer is one of the most popular models, offering a good balance of power and efficiency. The Ice Eater P750 3/4 HP Deicer is a work horse, offering powerful de-icing for moderate size boats and docks in fairly extreme conditions. All the Ice Eater models come with the option of 115 volt or 230-volt power and can be purchased with 25, 50 or 100 ft. cords. The P1000 is also available in 230-volt 3-phase power as a special order.

In addition to offing great prices on all of the available Ice eater models, we also have the new KP16110 thermostat, screens and other accessories that allow you to further customize your de-icer installation.

While Ice Eater De-icers are durable, sometimes you may need replacement parts. For your convenience, we have added the complete line of Ice Eater replacement parts, from zincs and props to brackets and shrouds and more. Stop by the Parts page for a complete listing.

One of the challenges of offering such a flexible product, is deciding which model is right for your application. We've added an Ice Eater De-icer Specifications & Comparison Guide on the Ice eater De-icer models to help you decide which one is right for you.

Added to Boating Directories

2007-09-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Just a note, we have been added to the Boatinglinks Directory. Boater Boating Directory and
Websaurus Boating and Fishing Directory:One of the web's largest boating and fishing link directories. Whether your sport is canoeing, kayaking, bass fishing or fly fishing, you'll find plenty of sites here. Looking for a lodge, guide or charter? Look no further.

My Intro to Catfish Angling

2007-09-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

It has been interesting getting to know a little more about the world of competitive catfish angling, and seeing the magnificent fish they bring in. The sum of my catfishing experience has been a few attempts to hook "bullheads" and unidentified catfish in small lakes and ponds near where I grew up. The only competitive aspect was whether I'd catch one and my buddy wouldn't. More often than not it degraded into a rock skipping contest or driftwood swordfight.

Living out West, I've had the opportunity to fish for sturgeon on the Columbia river and I have to imagine that catfish angling the big rivers of the Midwest is a similar experience - peacefully watching the river roll by until suddenly the rod tip jiggles, you set the hook and realize you are into a massive, powerful fish. The adrenalin surges and if all goes well, the whole experience ends with the catch and release of a spectacular fish.

Since I joined SavvyBoater.com, I've had the opportunity to talk with a number of serious catfish anglers from the Midwest. We've got great prices on some of the anchoring and anchor retrieval gear they regularly use, which has led to a number of great discussions and learning sessions. We've pulled together some of the gear recommended to us by the pros in a Catfish Angling Gear page. It has also allowed me to learn a little more about the fishery from some very serious anglers such as "Doc" Lange of http://www.hookedoncatfish.com/. (Note: he was also willing to share his experience with the AnchorLift Anchor Retrieval System) It has also led to SavvyBoater.com sponsoring both DuraCats 2007 Championship Catfish Tournament (October 27 & 28, 2007) and the ACATS Catfish 2007 Catfish Championship (September 21 & 22, 2007)

Another thing that has impressed my in talking with these competitive catfish anglers is their dedication to protecting the fishery. Like sturgeon, growing really big catfish doesn't happen overnight, so it is a shame to only catch them once. Proper care and release of caught fish means that they are there to be caught again, and to contribute their exceptional genetics to the next generation.

While I haven't had the chance to fish with any of these folks, I hope to get the chance to get out that way one of these days and see how it is really done. If you have an interest in catching big catfish, or think you could be a competitor, I'd urge you to visit one of the upcoming tournaments to learn more or join DuraCats or ACATS and give it a try.

I also noticed that ACATS has launched ACATS Radio a series of streaming audio shows about catfish angling featuring discussions with ACATS Tournament Winners, ACATS members and other catfish angling notables.

MAATS 2007 Marine Products Show in Las Vegas

2007-08-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finally getting around to mentioning it, but I had a chance to attend the MAATS show - (Marine After-market Accessories Trade Show) in las Vegas last month. While it was a whirlwind 1-day trip, I had a chance to talk with a number of our suppliers and brand representatives.

One feature of the show is the New Products Awards. Congratulations to Mustang Survival for the selection of their Rescue Stick product. If you want to see more about these selected new products, check out the Boaters TV video review below:

BoatersTV17 MAATS Boat Product Awards Power & Motoryacht 100

Aside from the awards, the show was manned by hundreds of hearty souls braving the 106 degree heat to show us all the new toys we should have. Some are old SavvyBoater friends and other became new acquaintances as they pitched their new products.

As you may have figured out, I'm a fan of Boater Sports products. They produce a number of solid products at very competitive prices and our SavvyBoater customers have made it clear that they appreciate this. I had a chance to meet with Keith (right - Keith at the Boater Sports booth at MATS 2007) and the other Boater Sports reps, and after our discussion, there are a number of new products we'll be adding to the SavvyBoater line-up in the coming months.

We had a chance to talk with Marine Dynamics, manufacturers of the StingRay Senior Hydrofoil Stabilizer series. My first question was, "We could sell lots more of these if we could just get our hands on them - What's going on?"

If you've had a chance to look at the product, you'll realize that complex molded plastic components are integral to the design. According to the Marine Dynamics representative, changes in their major supplier caused them to have to set up with a new supplier. Things didn't go as smoothly as planned with the transition at the same time demand for the innovative StingRay XPRIII Hydrofoil Stabilizer with no-drill mounting was really taking off. It looks like they have things working smoothly again, so I'm hopeful we'll see a steady supply of this popular product.

Polyform was there of course and we had a chance to talk with our representatives there. The SavvyBoater.com offerings of Polyform fenders & buoys have been very popular this year. We are carrying a broad selection of the Polyform's popular G-Series boat fenders, the rugged HTM-Series Fenders and the signature A-Series Polyform buoy as well as their stainless steel True Fit Fender Holder system. While we didn't run across anything really new, it was good to confirm that we've got the full selection of boat fenders and buoys that are geared towards the recreational boater and fisherman.

Among the new companies I met were the folks at BulZeye Boat Cradles - While it is a little large for on-line retail, it is a very interesting guide system for docking and lifting or trailering your boat.

Aqua Lantern has developed a line of solar powered lighted marking and regulatory buoys. We are currently working with the manufacturer to add AquaLantern to our buoy line-up.

We also met with KS Marine and got a chance to look at their KeelShield keel protector products. I know - they aren't really new, but they are new to me, and were kind enough to give us a bit of an education. Since then, we have added the Keelshield keel protector product as well as the TransomShield transom protector to our offerings. They are available either in our Anchoring & Mooring - Beaching Category or our Boat Maintenance - Keel and Hull Protection Category.

I could go on a lot longer as I was able to cram a lot of research and visiting into one day, but I'll wrap up for now. I'm looking forward to attending the IBEX show in Miami in October, with plans to hit the Bahamas after words for some fishing, diving and recreation.

The SavvyBoater.com Trolling Plate Category Has Expanded

2007-08-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

If you fish for Walleye, Salmon, big Lake Trout or a variety of marine species, you are probably aware of the importance of slow trolling. Getting your boat down to that perfect speed can be a challenge, which means that anglers usually have to turn to some specialized gear to help them out.

Many anglers add a small electric or gas trolling motor to push them along with a little less force. However that brings with it the challenges of buying, maintaining and mounting two motors, plus they may need an separate steering system for their trolling motor.
The other alternative is to run their regular outboard or stern drive at an idle, but in many cases, even that isn't slow enough. That is where trolling plates and drift socks come in.

A drift sock is basically small sea anchors - sort of a windsock for the water. They work by creating drag opposite the boats direction of travel. When trolling, this can be enough to slow you down and it can aid in maintaining steering control at slow speeds. Drift socks are also used when anchoring in a current to help stabilize the boat from swinging in the current. This is a favored tactic for catfish anglers who are working the big rivers and need to stay steady while drifting bait through deep holes and flow convergences. The challenge with a drift sock is to make sure you keep it our of your prop. we offer two sizes of the popular Minnkota Nylon Drift Sock and the drift sock harness designed for each.

Trolling Plates are pretty simple in theory. When in use they present a plate (metal or plastic) that drops behind the prop, deflecting the engines thrust. When not in use, the trolling plate swings up out of the way so that it has little or no impact on normal engine performance. Where it gets trickier is designing the plates to raise and lower reliably under pressure, and to survive accidentally being hit with the engines full thrust. It is inevitable that an angler with a trolling plate will forget to lift the plate before hitting the throttle to set up for the next track or head home. In the original models, that would almost guarantee that the trolling plate would bend or break. You don't do that to too many of trolling plates before you wonder if there isn't a better way. The most recent generation of trolling plates have come up with some pretty innovative ways to address this issue.

In heavy duty metal trolling plates, the Ironwood Pacific Easy Troller Trolling Plate is one of our favorites. It provides good positive up and down locks and works smoothly even under some pressure. The Easy Troller also includes a patented hinge design that allows the plate to flex and disperse the energy if the engine is throttled up while the plate is locked in the down position. You won't go anywhere fast, but you won't ruin your Easy Troller either.

The Davis Marine Happy Troller Trolling Plate is another of the heavy duty metal trolling plates. The Happy Troller trollng plate has been used by thousands of anglers over the years and it is one of the best known names in trolling plates. Our only complaint about it is that Davis still relies on their tried and true "original" style. That means if I forget and hit the gas with the plate down, I'm liable to break or bend my Happy Troller and I won't be happy.

The T & L Trol-a-Matic Trolling Plate is a unique design that uses fiberglass filled nylon to make a light weight trolling plate. The Trol-a-Matic is spring loaded so that when engine speeds drop to a certain level, it will drop to the down position. It doesn't lock, but still disrupts the thrust enough to slow the boat to trolling speeds. If you apply power, the thrust overcomes the spring and automatically pushes the trolling plate to the "up" position. No bent plates and no worrying about raising and lowering it. The manufacturer notes that since it is always on, Trol-a-Matic can also aid in slow speed maneuvers like docking and it sits out of the way in the down position when the boat is moored.

If you are looking to get your boat's trolling speed down, stop by the SavvyBoater Trolling Plate and Brake Section and check out our great prices and the most popular brands of trolling plates and drift socks.

Time to Buy That Yeti Cooler!

2007-08-10T07:27:00.001-07:00

If you've been thinking about getting one of Yeti Coolers high performance coolers, now is the time. September 1 marks the beginning of the new 2008 pricing and prices are going up. Prices on the Yeti Sherpa Cooler and the Yeti Lunchmate Cooler will be going up somewhat.

According to Ryan at Yeti Coolers, the Yeti Fiberglass Coolers have been redesigned for 2008 to add a second layer of fiberglass to make these coolers even tougher. I guess it isn't a surprise that the prices will be increasing more significantly for this line.

Regarding the recent backlog in Yeti Sherpa Cooler orders - it looks like Yeti will be ready to start shipping nearly all of the Sherpa Cooler line again beginning August 13, 2007. Their growing popularity among the boating and sporting community Was almost too much of a good thing. In talking with Ryan, it sounds like production has been scaled up to meet the increasing demand and availability shouldn't be an ongoing problem. I'm told that the most recent production run of the 100 Qt. Yeti Sherpa Coolers has already been sold out, so that size may continue to be scarce for awhile. The following coolers should be shipping next week.

Yeti Sherpa Cooler - 25 Qt.
Yeti Sherpa Cooler - 50 Qt.
Yeti Sherpa Cooler - 70 Qt.
Yeti Sherpa Cooler - 80 Qt.
Yeti Sherpa Cooler - 120 Qt.
Yeti Sherpa Cooler - 145 Qt.

The long and short of it? Order your new Yeti Cooler today to take advantage of current pricing.

Launching our New Boat Cover Finder

2007-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

We've launched our new Boat Cover Finder to help you find the perfect cover for your boat and boating needs. Simply select your boat style, length and beam, then our finder will narrow the 800+ possible covers to the ones that will work for your boat.

We are starting our offerings with two popular brands of semi-custom boat covers. Carver Covers offers a heavy duty boat cover made of Saber Cloth, a 10.5 oz. polyester cover with a heavy PVC backing. These covers are fully trailerable when properly tied down and offer a lot of protection for your boat.

We are also offering Boater Sport's boat covers made from a light but durable 6.5 oz. Acrylic-coated Polyester. Available in 9 colors, they will look sharp while protecting your boat and gear. These semi-custom boat covers are fully trailerable if tied down fully.
Our Carver Covers selections are ready for your review, while our Boater Sports Boat Covers are being added now and will be fully available within a couple days. We've also added the Wolf Ultra-Heavy Universal boat covers we have on clearance to the finder. I wrote about these i a previous post and we still have a fair selection of these nice storage covers available at an amazing price.

Blowout Deals on Heavy Duty Storage Covers for Boats.

2007-06-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned finding a stash of clearance Taylor Made boat fenders. Well, we've done it again.

This time we found a fantastic price for Wolf Covers Mariner Universal Boat Covers. These are an ultra-heavy 12.5 oz poly-cotton canvas storage and mooring cover. I did a quick check this morning and found that the manufacturer is asking $146.99 and another on-line source has them priced at $189.99. We are offering that same cover complete with storage bag and manufacturer's 3 year warranty for only $89.95!

Why the great deal? A catalog company I know didn't have enough of these boat covers in stock to add them to their 2007 catalog, but they still had a few tucked away in the back of their warehouse. They gave us a really great price just to clear the space. We are passing those saving on to our SavvyBoater.com customers.

We have a limited supply of:

14 ft. to 16 ft. "V" Hull - Series C Cover
Maximum Length - 16 ft. 6 in. Beam Width - 68 in.
Grey 12.5 oz. Poly Cotton Canvas
Only $59.95

14 ft. to 16 ft. "V" Hull, Tri-Hull & Bass Boats- Series D Cover
Maximum Length - 16 ft. 6 in. Beam Width - 90 in.
Grey 12.5 oz. Poly Cotton Canvas
Only $89.95

16 ft. to 18 ft. Fish and Ski - Series E Cover
Maximum Length - 18 ft. 6 in. Beam Width - 94 in.
Grey 12.5 oz Poly Cotton Canvas
Only $79.95

17 ft. to 19 ft. Pontoon Boat - Series G Cover
Maximum Length - 19 ft. 6 in. Beam Width - 96 in.
Grey 12.5 oz. Poly Cotton Canvas
Only $199.95

As always with deals like this, availability is subject to stock on hand. They tend to move fast, so order now so you don't miss out.

Additions to our Marine & High-Performance Cooler Offerings.

2007-06-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

If you've ever been camping or fishing and discovered that your ice had dwindled to a couple cubes floating in a sea of tepid water, you'll appreciate the value of a really good cooler. Not all coolers are created equal. While the normal cooler may suffice for the picnic or ball game, high performance coolers are what you need for hot temperatures, and extended use. What's the difference? It usually starts with more insulation- Up to two inches in top of the line models. Many also include improved seals and gaskets to help keep the cold where you want it. because there is more invested in one of these marine type coolers, they are typically built with extra durable shells and hinges to improve the durability and years of life.

Just in time for Summer fun, we've expanded our offering of marine and high performance coolers. You may be aware that we are a Yeti Coolers authorized Dealer. We offer the popular Yeti Sherpa line of coolers that range from handy 25 quart cooler to the ever super 145 quart model. The Sherpa's rugged shell protects 2 inches of foam insulation, which in turn keeps your food cold for days, even under extreme conditions. The personal sized Lunchmate Cooler" href="http://www.savvyboater.com/p-58-yeti-lunch-mate-cooler.aspx">Yeti Lunchmate offers the same great features in a 16 quart size plus an integrated stainless steel handle. Whether you are planning a day on the lake in high summer of are working oil fields or fire lines, the Yeti Lunchmate will stand up and keep up.

Yeti Cooler's Fiberglass Coolers range from 90 quarts up to the majestic 330 quart model. Built with unmatched quality , they not only perform, but their white fiberglass and gel-coat shells almost class them as a piece of art. they are designed as a fixed marine cooler and will meet your needs whether you are driving a flats boat, or an open ocean fishing yacht.

We offer the lowest prices on Yeti Coolers allowed by the manufacturer. You won't find a better deal at any legitimate dealer.

Our newest additions are the Coleman line of Xtreme and Ultimate Xtreme coolers from 36 Quart to 100 Quart sizes. These are Coleman's premium coolers. The xtreme line of coolers is rated to keep you ice cold for 5 days in temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. the Ultimate Xtreme coolers have 2 inches of insulation and are rated to keep your ice for 6 days in 90 degree weather. the larger models offer the option of wheels to allow for easier transport of heavy loads. These are a "can't miss" cooler for a day long wakeboarding party or for an extended family camping trip. They'll assure that your last soda is as cool as the first.

We are also offering the Coleman Powerchill. The Powerchill is a combination cooler and portable fridge. It will operate off 12V vehicle power so it is perfect for your boat, camper or truck. You can also get the optional 120V converter that will allow you to plug it in to a standard socket as an alternative to the 12V standard power supply. The Coleman Powerchill will maintain a temperature 40 degrees below the outside air temperature.

Be sure to visit the SavvyBoater.com Marine Cooler section to see our full offerings and fantastic prices.

Great Deal on Taylor Made Super Guard Fenders

2007-06-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just stumble onto treasure. I was talking with one of our suppliers about boat fenders the other day and he mentioned that they had a bunch of Taylor Made Super Guard Fenders in the warehouse from a time when they regularly stocked them. The long & short of it - we were able to pick these fenders up at a really great price and we're passing those savings on to you at SavvyBoater.com.

We have the 5-1/2 x 20 in. and the 6-1/2 x 22 in. sizes of the Taylor Made Super Guard Fenders in a variety of colors. We've priced these at a very appealing $13.95 for the 20 in. fender and $21.95 for the 22 in. version. You could spend a lot of time shopping the web trying to find a better deal (We know - we did).

If you are interested, order now as these are limited to the supply on hand. With Father's Day just around the corner, they are moving pretty fast, but there is still a good supply of most colors.

Visit this product on SavvyBoater.com >> Close Out Taylor Made Super Guard Fenders

SavvyBoater.com Launches Live Chat to Assist Customers

2007-05-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

SavvyBoater.com has added Live Chat to our site. Now we are only a mouse click away. If you have questions, need suggestions, or would like to share your feedback with us, just click on the Chat Live icon towards the upper right corner of the screen. While we are in, it will let us know you are there and the next available customer service representative will be able to help you. When we’re off-line, you’ll be able to leave us a message and we’ll get back with you as soon as we can.

This is just another way SavvyBoater.com is working to make your on-line shopping experience a positive one. We are striving to bring you quality marine supplies at a discount and provide the support you need to find just what you are looking for. Let us know how we are doing.

Polyform Buoy Update

2007-05-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

We've just added new colors and sizes to our selection of Polyform Buoys. If you've visited SavvyBoater.com recently, you may have noticed that we offer a great selection of Polyform A Series Buoys at extremely competitive prices. Whether they are being used as mooring buoys, marker buoys, as part of anchor lifts or as heavy-duty boat fenders, nothing beats the Polyform A Series for durability.

We now stock the Polyform A2 Buoy and Polyform A3 Buoy in florescent Red, florescent Saturn Yellow, and White.

Due to the popularity fo the A3 buoys, we've added the Polyform A4 buoy to our line-up. This big boy is 28 inches in diameter, has a buoyancy of 187 lbs and is available in florescent Red.

If you're looking for Polyform A Series Buoys, check out Savvyboater.com. We shop our prices regularly and are confident you will have a tough time finding a beter deal than we offer. We also stock a great selection of Polyform Fenders including the G Series Guardians, the rugged HTM Series Hole through the middle bumpers. View our entire offering of Polyform products.

A Quick Introduction

2007-05-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the SavvyBoater.com Marine Supply store blog. If you’ve visited SavvyBoater.com, then you probably know we are all about bringing you the best boating and fishing gear at extremely competitive prices. You may have noticed that our marine store is a little different than the other marine supply sites you may have run across. Our Mission –

To offer you the best prices on the best gear.
To make your shopping experience a pleasure
To provide you with excellent customer service

Discount pricing and customer service? While they often seem to be mutually exclusive, we know they don’t have to be. Savvyboater.com has brought together a top-shelf team of employees and partners with deep roots in the marine supply industry and an eye for the cutting edge advantages today’s technology has to offer.

As a quick introduction, my name is Loren and I’m the Ecommerce Manager for SavvyBoater.com. While I was growing up, my dad fished a dory out of Pacific City, Oregon. I caught my first Salmon when I was three and could tie a salmon leader before I could tie my shoes. (That always baffled my mom, but I guess I just had my eye on the important stuff.) When I was in grade school, we moved to Missoula, Montana and I got a chance to fish Georgetown and Flathead lakes. We also made frequent ice fishing trips to Nine Pipes and I learned the rudiments of fly fishing.

After a couple years in Montana, my dad bought a shrimp trawler in Newport, Oregon and it was back to the coast. I earned pocket money splicing chaffing gear and helping maintain the nets. A couple years later we bought a Gulf Shrimper in Pensacola, Florida and had it retrofit in Mobile, Alabama. I got a chance to crew it down the coast of Central America, through the Panama Canal and up to Newport, Oregon. During my college summers I was a Puller on the 90' trawler as we roamed the Pacific Coast and Bering Sea fishing for Hake or Sole.

My commercial fishing days are well behind me. My father is retired and from time-to-time I get to join him as he chases Kokanee and big Browns in the lakes of central Oregon. My wife and I both enjoy fishing and boating, whether it's knocking around on a friend's ski boat, drifting for salmon and steelhead or flyfishing the Deschutes

For the past 10 years I’ve been assisting various companies in leverage the Internet to provide real value to their customers. When the President of SavvyBoater.com asked me to join his team, how could I say no?

Through this blog, the SavvyBoater crew and I will keep you posted on what’s going on at SavvyBoater.com, introduce you to new and interesting products we come across, and share what we learn from the manufacturers, marine industry leaders and fellow sportsmen with whom we're privileged to talk.