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!...
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.
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 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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------
Are you looking for Boat Show Savings right now? Check out the Sales and Specials on Boating Gear at SavvyBoater.com.
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:
------------------------------------
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.
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. ;?)
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:
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.
----------------
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.
Joanna, recently published 2 new article.
These are first two of a series of articles she will be preparing on boat covers.
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....
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.
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.
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%.
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!
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:
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)
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.
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.)
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.
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
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.
Photo courtesy of Skeeter Boats
Posts
All Comments
