The Boating Life

Theres so much to be said for living the boating life. Boaters have their own lifestyles. They live on boats, take their families boating, attend boating events, give boating gifts, have a unique code of etiquette and love to laugh about boating and the boating life. Its a wonderful way to look at the world from the deck of a boat.

Boating Life magazine embraces this lifestyle and is perfect for anyone who loves the wind in their faces as they skim across the water. Like many other boating magazines, this one offers its subscribers a plethora of information about the sport of boating.

Its sections include:

* Boat test drives
* Safety tips
* Boat maintenance
* Water sports
* Fun stuff
* And more!

There is a separate section for classified ads so you can look to buy products and even a new boat. If you have some extra equipment you want to get rid of, list it in the classified section. Want to upgrade to a bigger boat? Boating Lifes classified section, again, is the perfect place.

Are you looking for some tips on the best places to travel by boat? Boating Life magazine has got tons of suggestions. Theyve already been there and can offer up tips and advice for you to take to heart.

Their website also has a lot of great information on the boating life. Have a question about boating and need an experts advice? Ask it online. Curious about upcoming boating events? Theres a section for that too! The website is located at www.boatinglife.com.

You can get a free newsletter sent directly to your e-mailbox. This publication is a great way to stay up-to-date on all the new trends in boating and all you have to do is check your e-mail!

If you want to subscribe to Boating Life, you wont believe the offer they have on their website. To begin with, you can get your first issue FOR FREE! If you like it, do nothing and they will bill you for a two year subscription at just $9.97! If you dont want to subscribe, just write cancel on the invoice and send it back to them. But with a rate of less than $5 a year, why not keep it!

The boating life is a great way to live. If you want to embrace it fully, check out Boating Life magazine!

A Boating License — Do You Need One?

Like obtaining a drivers license, getting your boating license is a process that you must take seriously. There are many different types of boating licenses, and each state has its own regulations regarding who may operate a boat and what type of license theyll need.

The speed at which a boat is driven determines whether a person needs to be licensed to operate the boat. If the boat is motor powered and is driven at a speed of 10 knots of more requires a boating license for operation. Ten knots is the speed at which a boat generally starts to plane or skim off the top of the water.

A general boating license is for persons age 16 and over that allows them to operate a motor boat. Young people age 12 to 16 can also obtain a boating license under some specific stipulations. They must:

* Be accompanied by someone who has a general license
* Not exceed a speed of 20 knots
* Never travel at 10 knots or more before sunrise or after sunset
* Never tow a water skier or wake boarder

Your boating license can be good for either twelve months or three years, but you will save money by selecting the three-year option. How do you go about obtaining your boat license? Its similar to getting your drivers license.

You will be required to complete a boating course and successfully pass a test at the conclusion of the course. You will need to know how a boat operates, how it needs to be cared for, and what the general boating rules are. The course will teach you boating safety as well as give you ways to scope out the weather for safe boating.

There are many places where you can obtain a boating license. Check with your local marina or department of recreation to get information on boating classes available. There are even places online where you can take a boating class designed to ultimately earn you your boating license.

The choice to take an online course versus a real life course is up to you. However, keep in mind that the best way to learn a new skill is to get out there and do it. The presence of water and other boats around you will make you a better boater. Plus, you can depend on your instructor to answer questions and offer you tips.

Responsible boating means obeying the laws of your state when it comes to getting a boating license. Many states will different in their requirements, so youll need to become familiar with your own states regulations. Once you have your boating license in hand, you can get out there and have fun! But remember to boat responsibly!

Boating Knots – Just Like Popeye

Rope, knots, and boating go hand in hand. Whether tying an anchor to a line or tying up a boat to a dock, the wrong knot will lead to trouble and the right knot, when properly tied, will hold under extremely heavy loads. Well give you a few of the most common knots used in boating and do our best to tell you how to tie them.

The two half hitch knot is a very reliable knot and used most often in mooring. Pass the end of a rope around a post or other object. Wrap the short end of the rope under and over the long part of the rope pushing the end down through the loop. This is a half hitch. Repeat on the long rope below the first half hitch and draw tight.

The anchor bend knot is used in boating to tie the rope to the anchor. Start by passing two loops through a ring and then placing the free end around a standing line. Pass the free end through the loops on the ring. Complete by making a half hitch.

The figure eight knot is ideal for keeping the end of a rope from running out of a tackle or pulley. Make an underhand loop bringing the end around and over the standing part. Pass the rope end under and then up through the loop. Draw tight.

A clove hitch knot is a general utility hitch when boating for when you need a quick and simple method of fastening a rope around a post, spar, or stake. Begin by making a turn with the rope around the object and over itself. Take a second turn with the rope around the object. Pull the end up under the second turn so it is between the rope and the object. Tighten by pulling on both ends.

When tied properly, the bowline knot wont slip or jam. This is a good tight boating knot. First, make an overhand loop with the end held toward you. Pass the end through the loop. Pass the end up behind the standing part and then down through the loop again. Draw tight.

A sheet bend knot is used in boating to tie two ropes together. It is easy to tie, strong, secure, and works well with ropes of differing sizes. Make a loop in the end of one rope. If one line is heavier than the other, make the loop in it. Pass the end of the other rope through and around the loop. The working end should exit the knot on the same side as the loops short ended side.

Boating knots are important to learn for your safety on the water. When you know how to tie the basic boating knots, you will be safe and secure.