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11 Essential Items to Be Prepared When Boating

By: BetterBoat

There is nothing–not one thing–worse than marking a boat day on the calendar for a month, packing the car, launching the pontoon boat in the lake, and hearing the engine sputter and stop. Nobody wants boat trouble on the lake, but boats are finicky and can have many issues. The real question is how to be ready for problems that come up like this. I have had frustrating issues  out on the boat plenty of times. Often you just have to find a way to fix problems as soon as they come up. It is difficult knowing what you need to be ready for anything, but, after a while I learned that there are a few very basic items that can prevent about 90% of the problems you’ll encounter that could derail your boating trip.  Here they are…

#1 – A Portable Utility Battery

When you are out in the middle of a lake, you don’t have a wall outlet to plug your electronics into, such as a GPS or fishfinder. So, being able to charge it anywhere – like out on a toon – is invaluable. That is why I recommend a portable power bank. The one I recommend has two USB outlets, a DC power outlet, an LED light, and it can also jump car batteries. Click Here to see what it is selling for on Amazon.

However, seeing as some toons do not have an outlet to charge your phone, you may be simply wanting to charge your phone while you are spending the day on the lake. In this case, you may not a battery so powerful or big, you can also get smaller portable chargers that just charge via USB. These are almost always just used to charge cell phones or small devices, but the small size and much cheaper price makes them very versatile and easy to keep with you. Click Here to see our recommended single USB portable charger on Amazon, or Click Here for a double USB port charger on Amazon.

#2 – An Extra Prop and Prop Wrench

You never know what could happen when you are out boating, this includes damaging a prop. It can be extremely difficult if a prop gives out mid-trip. So it could be very handy to have an extra prop stowed away for such situations. It is also helpful as you will always have your spare right with your boat. You won’t need to store it in the garage and have to find it again later. When dealing with a malfunctioning prop, you are definitely going to want to be able to be able to get something done. You may have to readjust, tighten, or remove the prop. In a crunch, you aren’t going to want to have to cancel your day due to a lack of tools. A Prop Wrench can also help you untangle grass, reeds, or other plants that tangle up on your boat.

#3 – Toiletries

It is always a good idea to be ready for personal emergencies. Guys and ladies alike. While you should always be personalizing your preparations, it is good to have items such as bandages, a good first aid kit, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and other such items.

#4 – Duct Tape or Electrical Tape

If you can’t fix something with duct tape, you aren’t using enough duct tape. Duct tape can be extremely helpful when in a pinch. Duct Tape was originally invented by Johnson & Johnson’s Permacel division during WWII. The US Military wanted a strong, WATERPROOF tape that could keep moisture out of ammunition boxes. This is exactly the kind of resource you are going to want at your disposal on a pontoon. Such a versatile and effective tool can be more helpful than most realize. If an item breaks, duct tape can usually keep it working long enough that you can have time to get it repaired. It is also helpful for repairing wear and tear on life jackets or your vinyl seats, a small rip can be disastrous if no taken care of.

#5 – Assorted Tools

Aside from a prop wrench, you may need a few more tools every now and then. Such tools might include a few screwdrivers or a wrench. While these obviously won’t fix major boat repairs, they could fix a few small tune-ups needed on board. If you find a loose screw or bolt somewhere, you will want to tighten it quickly. If it falls out, it can be a pain to find or replace.

#6 – Power Snacks

Despite assuming that you will bring snacks with you when you go boating each time, we are still human, and we still forget. Having a few granola bars or nonperishable snacks stowed away might come in handy if you don’t bring enough food or end up staying longer than you planned. Just remember that sugary snacks will give you energy for a while, but you will also have an energy crash soon after that can leave you sleepy, hungry, cranky, and unable to concentrate. Healthier snacks will give you more energy throughout the day.

#7 – Water, Water, Water

Even if you are out of the sun, dehydration can be a serious danger. Also, if you are swimming around and playing in the water, your body is exerting energy and is perspiring. You won’t feel it as easily because most water you go boating on is much colder than our body temperature. This means that while you are cooling off in the water, your body is trying to keep up the internal body temperature so that you don’t get hypothermia. Because you feel cool in the water, you are tricked into thinking that you don’t need to drink. The wind will also evaporate sweat off of your body, which also dulls your sense of water loss. In all actuality, you need water more than usual. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are thirsty, you actually are already dehydrated. Bring water with you when you go boating. Just in case you finish of that water, keep a few gallons of fresh water on board. Try to cycle the water out for fresh water every few weeks though.

#8 – A Blanket and/or An Extra Jacket

This one isn’t so much a necessity as it is convenient. If you are out fishing early, it could get brisk. You may want to toss on that extra layer to keep warm. Remember to check what the blanket is made of. Cotton will soak through quickly and will just be cold. Wool will still soak, but will keep you warm even if wet. A fleece blanket would do fine, but can get heavy when wet. If you get a lot of spray while boating, you may want to use a waterproofing spray like Scotchgard on your jacket, blanket, or even your shoes. Click Here to see what Scotchgard is going for on Amazon.

#9 – A Trash Bag

If you are eating granola bars or other packaged snacks, you don’t want to drop them on the ground in your boat. They could fly out and end up polluting the wonderful environment you are enjoying. Keep a bag on the boat to put trash in. Remember to have no trace left behind when you leave – this keeps nature clean for everyone else and for you when you go next. Trash Bags are also helpful for putting items in that you would like to keep dry. Extra changes of clothes, or an extra jacket could easily be stored in one.

#10 – A Map

No matter how much of a man you are, you may still need a map. Being able to see and know where you are at is a good way to be safe. Maps of the water you are boating on also help you know where there may be no wake zones or speed limit zones. Not to mention that looking at a map could help you know where the fish might be if you are fishing. While a paper map can always be helpful, there are many other options. You can also use other methods such as a GPS you put on your dash or even something as simple as your phone.

#11 – A Spotlight

Were you to find yourself still out on the water when it begins to get dark, you can find yourself blinded and lost. In the event that you do end up getting caught in that situation, you will want to have a good spotlight to get you back to the shore safely. While there are some spotlights you can attach to your boat, you can also get a large handheld one that can also work well.

Now obviously, there are more things that could be added to this list, based on where you live, what kind of boat you have, what you are boating for, and when you are out. You will have to modify this list. Feel free to add, remove, or change things on the list to suit what you need. If I missed something major, or if you have another helpful suggestion, comment about it. Everyone can benefit from more ideas.

HOW TO PLAN A FAMILY FUN DAY ON A PONTOON BOAT

by Manitou Pontoon Boats

There is nothing better than spending a day on your pontoon boat. But as you may know, it can be very stressful if you don’t properly plan your excursion. Imagine a day on a pontoon boat where you visit the same area and do the same activities as the time before, more for lack of imagination than because of the fun quotient. Not to mention the chaos that can ensue if there isn’t enough food, water, or sunscreen for everyone in the party.

Aside from the “dos” and “do nots” for planning a day on the pontoon, there are numerous fun ideas you and your family should try:

• Explore: Instead of visiting the same place every time, mix it up and boldly go where you haven’t been before.
• BBQ: If your pontoon boat has a BBQ on it, why not enjoy a beach BBQ?
• Scavenger Hunt: Invent a scavenger hunt where you stop at various places and solve clues. Will there be buried treasure at the end?
• Mega Raft: If your friends all have pontoon boats and families, tie up all the boats together and make a mega raft.
• Waterproof Camera: There is no better way to capture the day and take some memorable underwater photos.

Remember proper and creative planning, and you are sure to have an exciting day on the water.

Download our infographic for more tips for family fun on the water.

9 Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways in Arkansas

It’s time to shake off the winter cold and welcome the unofficial start of summer with a  Memorial Day weekend getaway. From major cities to scenic lakes, Arkansas has something exciting for everyone. Head to downtown Fort Smith to try fantastic local eateries, or visit the zoo in Little Rock. From lakefront family homes to trendy lofts, there are plenty of Arkansas vacation rentals to choose from. Take a look at Memorial Day weekend getaway spots in Arkansas.

1. Little Rock

Source: Flickr/Dustin Holmes

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2. Hot Springs

Source: Facebook/HotSpringsNPS

Thrills and chills await you in the town of Hot Springs. Spend your weekend riding the roller coasters at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls. This amusement park offers all your favorite rides along with a water park with slides and a wave pool. Take a tour of the old bathhouses in the Hot Springs National Park and feel the heat of these natural springs on a guided hike. Learn more about local and notorious bad guys at the Gangster Museum of America.

Find vacation rentals in Hot Springs

3. Jacksonville

Source: Flickr/janeLLoyd Nichols

Spend your weekend splashing in the water in Jacksonville. The Splash Zone water park offers slides, a wave pool, and kiddie area with water fountains and dew drop showers. Dry off and put on your hiking boots for a day at the Holland Bottoms State Wildlife Management Area. Remember America’s fallen military members with a tour of the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. This small museum offers some nice exhibits and artifacts. Dupree Park is a great place to let the kids play on the playground while you relax and read your book on a bench.

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4. Fort Smith

Source: Flickr/aquiamigo

Excitement awaits your family in Fort Smith over this holiday weekend. Attend the Old Fort Days Rodeo and Parade. Find good seats to watch the parade go by and then cheer as cowboys rope cows and ride bulls. On Monday, honor Arkansas’s fallen at the Memorial Day Service at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Take advantage of the sunshine at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. It’s an outdoor museum with trolleys to see and even one to catch a ride on. Cool off at the Parrot Island Water Park with its slides, kiddie pool, wave pool, and lazy river.

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5. Fayetteville

Enjoy some time in the outdoors with a vacation rental in Fayetteville. Make the most of the weekend by hiking the Mount Sequoyah Woods Trails. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features native and non-native plants, flowers, and shrubs in full bloom at this time of year. Before leaving, stop by the butterfly house and sit still to get a butterfly to land on you. Learn more about military aviation and history at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum.

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6. Eureka Springs

Source: Flickr/janeLLoyd Nichols

Unwind and enjoy small-town life in Eureka Springs. Cool off in the oldest show cave in the state, Onyx Cave. Your tour guide takes you around the cave and points out all the interesting geology. Visit the Blue Spring Heritage Center to see the towering hardwood trees and native plants. Walk past the Bluff Shelter and the Blue Springs. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a local rescue organization that cares for neglected and abandoned large cats. See these fierce creatures and sign up for an up-close visit with a cub.

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7. Bella Vista 

Source: Flickr/Shawn Taylor

Founded as a summer resort town, Bella Vista is a great place to kick off the summer season. One of the most popular places for hiking in the area is the Tanyard Creek Trail. When you need to cool off, simply take off your shoes and splash around in the water. Bring your boat and put in the water from one of the public launches at Lake Windsor. Invert Sports offers boat rentals and jet ski rentals to play on the lake or spend a day fishing.

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8. Mammoth Spring

Source: Flickr/Roland Klose

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Mammoth Spring is a town that’s home to the largest hot springs in the state. Mammoth Spring State Park is the protected area of the hot springs just outside of town. More than nine million gallons of water flow each hour and form a lake. You can enjoy the hiking paths in the park or just enjoy walking by the springs. Learn more about how trains and rail service shaped the state at the Depot Museum.

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9. Ozarks

Source: Flickr/twi$tbarbie

Ozarks shares its name with a large lake that Arkansas shares with Missouri. Mike Fink’s Marina Boat and Wave Runner Rentals Lake of the Ozarks can set your family up with a pontoon boat for a lazy day of fishing and soaking up the sun, or a powerboat for a day of water skiing. Learn more about the history of the lake and surrounding towns at the Ozark Area Museum. After a long day on the water, grab some ribs or sandwiches from Rivertowne BBQ to enjoy back at your vacation rental.

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Ready to go?  Check out these amazing Arkansas vacation rentals on Tripping.com.

Memorial Day from Stem to Stern | Pontoon Depot

By: Home is Where The Boat is 

Memorial Day kicks off Boating Season at the Lake! A reprise of our Memorial Day Fun from last year’s celebration!! I hope you don’t mind weighing anchor with me again :-)

In anticipation of boating over the course of the long holiday weekend, I decorated the pontoon for fun. . .. . .from Stem to Stern. . .including a few stems in a mason jar!

A few pillows. . .

Some Red,White & Blue to dine with. . .

A beverage tub filled with drinks to keep us hydrated. . .

 A breezy day as you can see, with the wind whipping the flags~

Of course Memorial Day has a much more important significance than boating & picnics. . . it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in military service.

First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

A day to recognize, reflect, and remember, how fortunate we are to live in freedom.

We’re celebrating with a flag formation of Watermelon, Feta, and a side of Blueberries~The creamy, salty cheese is the perfect partner to the sweet, juicy melon.