Page 2 - boating

Boat manufacturers make their product in a variety of styles, sizes and designs. Furthermore, watercraft units are available for every budget. While considering a water vessel purchase, keep in mind that it is a large time investment, so be sure to research thoroughly to buy the right one.

The best way to successfully navigate rough waters is to avoid them in the first place, but that isn't always possible. Storms can roll in without warning, and it's all too easy for an unprepared boater to get caught in a terrible situation. If you must operate your vessel in rough waters, there are steps you can take beforehand that can save your life. It's also vital to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your vessel, know when to run for shore, and have the presence of mind to ride out a storm when that's the best option.

Driving a boat is nothing like driving a car on the road. Here's what you need to know.

Learning Boating Controls

On most center-console vessels, you'll see a control panel. This is where you'll find the self-explanatory steering wheel and ignition switch. You'll also notice the throttle, a device that not only puts you into forward or reverse but also controls your speed. Next to the throttle sits the power-and-trim switch that raises and lowers the motor.

Powerboating is an enjoyable hobby that offers excitement and relaxation. Boaters can take to the water at high speeds or putter down a picturesque canal. When hobbyists are just starting out in the sport, they may consider taking a few powerboat training courses to ensure their personal safety as well as the security of the guests that they may welcome onboard.

Beginning a Powerboat Hobby

Powerboats typically have a high rate of power compared to their weight. In addition, the boat’s hull is evenly balanced. Therefore, the vessels are easy to maneuver and capable of reaching high speeds. The model’s overall design is streamlined to decrease drag and air resistance.

Be sure to review the total cost of powerboat ownership before buying a boat. The recreational vessel will require storage, transportation to the marina or dock, insurance and operating expenses as well as funds for the initial boat purchase.

Buying the right boat size is essential as a vessel that is too large may be overly

Motorboat batteries require proper care and maintenance in order to provide optimal performance. The first step is to ensure that your boat is equipped with marine batteries. Automotive batteries are not designed to withstand the vibrations and jarring that occurs on the water.

If you have a dual battery system, verify that you have a deep cycle battery and a regular battery. The deep cycle battery is designed to run your onboard electronics and motor. The regular or cranking amp battery provides the short-term power that is required to start your engines. It does not have the capacity to provide continuous power. If you have a single battery system, ensure that your deep cycle battery is properly charged so that it can provide the energy required to start your main engines. Selecting the wrong battery for an application will cause the device to fail prematurely.

How to Maintain Motorboat Batteries

It is better to store your batteries in a warm dry location during cold weather. You should

The batteries used in boats today are high-tech and expensive. The operator should be able to measure the charge and translate the reading into the condition of the battery. Here are a few methods for measuring the charge of a marine battery.

There are measuring tools available for purchase that can be used to measure the state of charge of a battery if you do not have a voltage metering system installed. For batteries that use electrolyte there is something called a Hydrometer, which can detect the amount of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte and displays this reading as a charge. The amount of sulfuric acid will change with temperature so in order to ensure consistent readings, be sure the battery is around 80F. Additionally, electrolyte batteries will have multiple cells so the hydrometer readings should be taken from each individual cell. Use the owner’s manual of your hydrometer to determine if the reading is good or bad. A bad battery will typically have deviations between cells. A

If your boat batteries are properly maintained, you will be able to enjoy them for five to seven years! Some people use their motor boats far more often than others, and generally, those who do have batteries last longer. In order to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your engine and electrical system, you should start and run your boat regularly to maintain proper lubrication of engine parts and charge of your battery.

Boat batteries will power things like bilge pumps, lights, and sound systems. They are also different than car batteries. We strongly recommend that you use deep cycle marine batteries for your motor boats. Take extra caution if you keep your boat on salt water as exposure to salt water will accelerate corrosion of metal parts.

Some maintenance tips:

1. (1) If you store your boat in a region with cold winters, remove your battery and store at home in a dry location.
2. (2) Do not place your battery directly on the ground or floor. Doing this may provide the battery with a grounding

Warm, sunny skies and the beginning of summer schedules means it is now time for water fun for boating enthusiasts. Whether your personal enjoyment is to fish, cruise, or to enjoy recreational activities like tubing, skiing or personal watercraft, it’s important to check out your craft before loading up family and friends for a day on the water.

The No. 1 enjoyment-buster for a day out at the lake or baby shouldn’t come to a surprise to any boat owner. It is failure for the boat to start. And in most cases, the battery is the culprit.

At Impact Battery, we have a wide selection of marine batteries so your fun will never be a bust. Many owners will keep a spare battery charged and ready for that very purpose during boating season. So, whether your existing battery is becoming harder to start and showing signs it’s time to get a new one, or you just want to keep an extra battery on hand, we have what you’ll need.

Our categories make marine battery shopping simple: we have marine starting

Camping and watersports can be enjoyed all year long and some simple power technology can bring a lot of added convenience to these popular outdoor activities.

For camping, we recommend the 25 watt SUNLINQ. Use the sun for more than just a tan with this flexible solar panel that can be easily connected to a mobile battery pack. This lightweight power solution is an easy way to bring a little convenience to your campsite.

If you are looking for a more compact, high powered solution, the Goal Zero Power Pack is a rugged external battery. This sleek lithium battery pack is equivalent to using 70,000 AA batteries and is small enough to fit in any camping pack.

For our boating enthusiasts we have the largest selection of marine battery chargers on the web. From waterproof onboard units to fully submersible chargers to 24 volt chargers to multi-output solutions, we stock everything you need to keep your marine batteries fully powered.

At Impact Battery not only do we offer great prices on top

Aren’t marine batteries all the same? Ask any avid boater that question, and you will assuredly get a resounding, “No!” Having the right marine deep cycle battery can make the difference between a boating adventure and a nightmare where you find yourself stranded.

At Impact Battery, we see sealed lead acid AGM marine batteries that are spill proof and will not leak acid on your boat in rough waters. Because quality is so important, we have chosen to stock batteries manufactured by the quality companies Universal Power Group and LifeLine Batteries.

To help you with a selection of a replacement battery during the current prime boating season, we have included a Marine Battery Selector so you can make sure you are getting the battery you need to provide the appropriate power for your boat.

As with any battery selection from Impact Battery, if you are still unsure about which battery to purchase, we have experienced and knowledgeable staff who can help you with your selection. Don’t hesitate