News — tips

World of Watersports - Shop - Towable Tubes Big Bubba HI-VIS 2P

By: Wowwatersports.com

The Bubba couch style towables are some of the most popular tubes on the market.  They make for a perfect starter tube for the family just getting into towables but also they are a tube that just about anybody can have fun on.  The Bubbas come with a flat base for a smooth ride over the water and minimal drag on the boat.  The SECURE DECK SEATING on the Bubbas come with a super high backrest with sidewalls which is great for keeping young kids safe and for giving them a secure feeling if they are just getting started on towables.  But don’t get us wrong, these aren’t just for little kids.  The high backrest just means it’s more difficult to fly off on the more wild rides.  The smooth, flat base will get this baby going fast on the water if that’s what you’re in to.  The Bubbas also come with front and back tow points so you can ride sitting, laying down, or kneeling chariot style.  And after your ride is over the Bubbas make a perfect floating couch on the water.  Great for relaxing with your friends at your favorite body of water.

•  1-2 Rider Towable 340lbs or 154kg maximum capacity
• SECURE DECK SEATING comes with extra high backrest and sidewalls. Great for helping young kids feel secure on the water
• The extra high backrest keeps the ride going on the extra fast and bouncy rides
• Reinforced front and back tow points with 1 EZ tow connector on front tow point for fast connection
• Ride sitting, laying down, or kneeling chariot style
• EVA foam seat and knee pads
• 8 double webbing foam handles & 4 flat handles
• Great floating couch for relaxing after your ride
• Heavy-duty PVC bladder and nylon cover
• Speed valve for fast inflation and deflation
• Zippered valve cover
• Backed by 1 year warranty
• Deflated dimensions: 66 in x 60 in x 42 in

The Best Outboard Motor Security Tips to Keep Pontoon Thieves at Bay

By: Better Boat

A new crime wave is sweeping docks and marinas across the country.

Boat thefts.

We’re not just talking about the actual vessels being stolen—we’re talking about valuable items being swiped from the vessels. And there’s one valuable item in particular worth worrying about if you’re a pontoon owner: Your outboard motor.

This is the type of the motor that graces every tooner’s vessel (except for the odd tooner with a sterndrive motor).

Still, outboard motor security is an important precaution that’s being somewhat overlooked by unsuspecting pontoon boat owners.

When the boating season draws to a close, pontoon owners will generally swap water for dry land. As boat owners change their environment, so do preying criminals.

Think about it—you’re moving indoors and your prized possession (the pontoon) remains outdoors, whether this is at a local dock, in your driveway or in your yard. Since you won’t be focusing your attention on the vessel when it’s out of the water, this presents thieves with a prime opportunity to swoop in and take what isn’t theirs!

The Best Outboard Motor Security Tips to Keep Pontoon Thieves at Bay

Things to Know About Outboard Motor Theft

Sure, the boat itself might seem like an easy steal, what with it being easily portable on wheels, but unmanned outboard motors are becoming just as desirable for thieves.

Regardless of their weight, outboard motors are highly valuable and the main appeal for thieves is that they’re much less traceable than an actual pontoon boat.

Outboard motors are detachable and can be unmounted from outboard racks swiftly, allowing a thief to make a speedy escape before you’re even aware of their presence.

Before I divulge some valuable seasonal outboard motor security tips with you, let me answer some common questions that every pontoon boat owner ought to know the answer to:

• What are the main targets for thieves? — You have to remember that thieves are smart in their ways. Many will be on the prowl for days, weeks or even months before they make a move. A few things will entice them, such as unlocked gates, unguarded premises and, of course, an unmanned boat. Aim to keep your boat’s location as obscure as possible in an attempt to keep thieves at bay.

• What’s the most likely time for a thief to strike? — Late at night or early in the morning are the times when a thief might attack your outboard motor security. For this reason, your grounds should be well-lit and preferably monitored by some kind of surveillance system, such as a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). When a CCTV system is connected to an alarm system, the relevant authorities will be alerted, and action can be taken. One excellent option for your pontoon is the AquaAlarm wireless boat alarm system (check price on Amazon).

• Why do thieves steal outboard motors? — Not only is a pontoon outboard motor a very valuable piece of equipment but it’s also very hard to trace. What’s more, it can be detached in a few minutes, making the outboard motor a tempting option for a quick getaway. If you own a motor that churns out a lot of horsepower, you can bet that your motor will be sought after in the world of boat thieves. However, the higher the horsepower the heavier the motor, which means that a thief would require a great deal of skill to pull off the task.

• Where is this happening? According to statistics gathered by the BoatUS Marine Insurance Claims Files, Florida sees the highest number of boat thefts, with 47% of claims being made in the Sunshine State. This may just be due to the sheer number of boats around or the fact that many locals know the value of an outboard motor. Either way, if you’re in Florida or another year-round boating locale, outboard motor security isn’t something to skimp on.

Outboard Motor Security Solutions to Deter Thieves

The level of outboard motor security you maintain for your pontoon depends on what you’re willing to do in order to protect your vessel.

A broad spectrum of security devices can be purchased, from the low-cost options to the more expensive, high-tech systems.

Although you can expect to make an initial investment, you can’t really put a price on boat security.

I’ve got a few solutions to combat motor theft:

• Steering Lock — A steering lock, like the TH Marin Steer Stop Hydraulic Steering Lock, can be fixed onto your outboard motor’s hydraulic steering cylinder rods with ease.

Aside from protecting your pontoon’s outboard motor, it will also protect the boat steering system.

• Outboard Lock with Transom Bolts — A tamper-resistant lock is a necessity for anyone who wants to increase their pontoon outboard motor security. 

When bolted through the transom, a bolt lock will act as a deterrent against thieves. Strong metal, such as stainless steel, will be resistant to corrosion and tampering.

For added security, combine the outboard lock with a clamp lock. Unauthorized removal can be prevented with the Marinetech 75-8000 Marine Outboard Motor Lock.

• Security Identification System — One of the most advanced types of technology for outboard motors is an electronic security identification system. As the owner of an outboard motor, you can create a unique identity that the police can establish. 

Unlike typical tagging systems, the Datatag Pro Stealth Security ID System is equipped with scanners. It enables you to give the motor a special fingerprint which can’t be interfered with by a criminal. 

How to Reduce the Risk of Outboard Motor Theft

In addition to taking a proactive approach to improving outboard motor security, you should also think about minimizing the overall risks of a theft occurring in the first place.

Preventative measures can make the world of difference and make your boat less of a target for pesky pontoon criminals.

Consider doing at least one (if not all) of the following things to reduce risks and ease your mind when the boat is ashore:

• Start a “Marina Watch” organization — A strategic approach to reducing the risks of outboard motor theft is to organize a “Marina Watch” organization involving members of your community. By connecting with members of your local community, safety can be improved, and new measures put into place for the prevention of boat-related crimes.

• Install security cameras — In most cases, intruders will avoid areas that are monitored by cameras. As previously mentioned, a boat CCTV system won’t set you back a lot and, when installed properly, you can keep track of what’s happening around your property by setting it up to deliver real-time images to an internet-enabled device.

• Install proper lighting — When a thief feels as though they’re at risk of being caught, they’re less likely to commit the crime. Ensure the area around your boat is illuminated at all hours and the chances of a theft occurring in the off-season will reduce.

• Mark the engine — Making visual markings on your outboard motor, such as a zip code or club marks, is a wise anti-theft tip. You’ll likely get an insurance discount if you do this, should the worst happen. Furthermore, it will give your pontoon a unique identity that can be added to an international database.

Back Up Your Outboard Motor Security with Insurance

In the unfortunate event of your outboard motor being stolen, you can soften the blow by taking out boat insurance coverage.

I can’t stress the importance of getting insurance for your pontoon boat enough, not only during the busy boating season but also during the off-season.

With the right kind of coverage in place, an insurance company can cover the costs (how much depends on the plan you select), should you find yourself in a spot of bother.

But which plans cover theft, you ask? Well, only the comprehensive boat insurance plans will protect you in the worst-case scenario, whereas more basic plans will only cover personal injury, underwater machinery damage.

Make sure you read the terms and conditions of any such plan thoroughly and be prepared to pay for add-ons if you want extra coverage for valuables, such as fishing equipment.

Don’t let yourself become the one out of 100 boat owners who fall victim to boat theft.

Think about stowing your craft in a manned location or in an area that’s in clear view of your property and whereabouts.

With an abundance of outboard motor security options being introduced to the market all of the time, there really is no reason why your motor should be stolen during the off-season—or any season, for that matter!

For All Your Accessories and/or Vinyl Flooring Visit Pontoon- Depot's Shop Site. 

See What’s New In The Harbor - KSK Marine | 2019 MISTY TOUR

There is nothing better than an epic road trip, and we are starting the ULTIMATE trek this year across the USA! We’ll be checking out local waters and seeing what our Misty’s can do! Join our host Mekayla Eppers (Mrs. America, 2018) as she shows what it means to truly live the #MistyLife!

Our second stop on the Misty Tour is to Clearwater, Florida to our dealer KSK Marine. We’ll be doing some SCUBA diving off a Misty along with some fishing!.

#MistyTour #ClearwaterFlorida @MrsAmerica18 @KSKMarina #RoadTrip #PontoonBoat #Pontoons #MistyLife #MistyMOVEMENT

Find your closest Misty Dealer today to build YOUR dream boat! #CountOnMisty

BUILD YOURS

Baby On Board - Which Means We Need to Baby Proof the Houseboat.

 By: Heather Magda Serrano

Baby-proofing a houseboat is no small matter, as Forrest and Kayleigh Packebush can tell you. There are a lot of precautions and modifications to make, but it’s all absolutely worth it if it means a safer environment for your child. As proud parents of their baby girl, Emerson, who’s only 11 months old, both parents continue to be enchanted by their daughter and their houseboat lifestyle on LakePleasant in Peoria, Ariz.

The Packebushes purchased their 80-foot Sumerset houseboat about three-and-a-half years ago, but before that, they had lived on a 1978 Drifter that Forrest had renovated. Prior to that, Forrest lived on a 30-foot Cruiser. Altogether Forrest has lived on the water for 12 years and Kayleigh’s lived on it for about five, so it’s safe to say they’re no strangers to houseboat living.

Of course, now that little Emerson is a part of the picture, living on the water has become a whole new ball game and they’ve worked hard to make sure she is as safe and comfortable as possible on their houseboat.

From the typical modifications you’d find on land-locked homes to houseboat-specific ones, Forrest and Kayleigh have made sure to cover all the basics and more. And it’s a good thing too because now that Emerson is almost a year old, Forrest mentioned she’s become considerably more mobile.

“She’s full on sprinting, running, getting into everything, and smashing things,” laughed Forrest playfully. “I’ve lovingly nicknamed her the ‘Kraken,’ the eight-legged sea monster that grabs ahold of everything and destroys it.”

With Emerson running around and getting into all kinds of mischief, the Packebushes are happy to have their watchful dog Sully as another set of eyes. Sully isn’t usually a barker, but he always starts barking whenever he sees kids jumping and splashing in the water.

“I don’t curb him doing it because it lets me know there are kids around and he’s barking for a reason,” explained Forrest. “It’s nice having that third set of eyes watching the baby anytime she’s doing anything, especially if she were to jump in the water.”

Forrest and Kayleigh are both firefighters, and Forrest rescued Sully on a call. Ever since living with Forrest he’s become a part of both the fire station and boat life. “The first day I had him he was swimming,” chuckled Forrest, “and the second day I had him he was riding on a fire truck.”

The Packebushes also have 12-year-old goddaughter named Lexi who hangs out with them on the houseboat quite frequently, and they have always been grateful to have their loyal dog around to keep an eye out for her too.

Typical Baby-Proofing

The first thing Forrest and Kayleigh did to get ready for Emerson to live on board were the typical things that most homeowners would do like putting locks on doors, cabinets, drawers, and toilets. They made anything potentially harmful inaccessible to curious, grabby little hands.

They also put outlet protectors on all electrical outlets to keep the baby from sticking her little fingers or objects into the outlets. Additionally, the Packebushes have alarms on the sliding glass doors that go off anytime the doors open. A chime goes off during the day and at night they switch to a loud, obnoxious alarm.

They actually installed the chimes when they first bought the boat for their goddaughter Lexi who was only eight at the time, and they have always been helpful for keeping track of everybody’s comings and goings.

Baby-Proofing The Houseboat

After all the typical baby-proofing, Forrest and Kayleigh got to work on baby-proofing specifics for their houseboat. The first on this list was the railing of the houseboat. When they bought the houseboat, the railing on the upper deck only had canvas on its upper portion, leaving the lower wide open. A ball or anything could roll over the edge of the houseboat and the baby could go after it. So the Packebushes had custom screens made that close the lower portion of the railing so that nothing can get through. Secured neatly, these screens keep Emerson from being able to crawl off the edge.

The Packebushes also have some custom gates for the spiral staircase in the back and the main stairway in the front, which they were able to make and install with the help of their neighbor who blacksmiths as a hobby. Once Forrest and Kayleigh latch these gates shut, Emerson can’t get through without the help of mom or dad.

Baby-Proofing The Slip

The Packebushes have two slips at Pleasant Harbor Marina: they have their houseboat in the one and their speedboat in the other. With the help of the same blacksmithing neighbor, Forrest was able to fabricate some black iron pipe for fencing and put safety screens along the fence lines. This makes it so that even when she’s out on the slip, Emerson can’t get into the water.

The screen material Forrest used is the same used to contain cattle, so she can’t rip it, tear it, or poke things through it. It’s secure and long-lasting while still allowing her to see the water through it. Forrest added that one of her favorite pastimes is to sit and look at the water, so that’s a definite plus.

Inside the slip, the Packebushes decked in a 30- by 20-foot area in front of the speed boat. Forrest put some artificial grass down there so she has a little play area. He also put a gym in there for himself and his wife so that they can exercise while they watch Emerson. It’s quite the perfect set up for the whole family.

“So far so good, but it’s always a work in progress,” smiled Forrest.

Of course, Forrest stressed that all the safety precautions they’ve made don’t replace proper parenting and vigilance, but they do make it a lot easier to avoid accidents. Another precaution the family has taken is to give Emerson a Safety Turtle 2.0 bracelet which sets off an alarm when submerged in water. She has also been through Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) classes and is currently in swim lessons.

Other Challenges

Naturally, there are some other challenges that come with living aboard a houseboat with a baby. Forrest mentioned that one of the biggest challenges is grocery shopping, since the parking spots are a half-mile walk from the boat.

“Walking with a stroller and a cart full of groceries can get quite cumbersome because the garage is no longer 20 feet away from the kitchen,” admitted Forrest.

Some of the other challenges include people going to the lake to recreate and have a good time. It’s completely understandable to the Packebushes, but some weekends can get a little loud, especially when you just put a baby down to sleep. For this reason, they’ve come up with some inventive ways to keep the noise down so Emerson doesn’t get disturbed.

The solution to the noise problem that’s worked the best is white noise. “We’ve gotten a white noise machine for her,” described Forrest. “During the monsoon seasons we also put a dehumidifier with her because the humidity gets very high with the monsoons. Not only does it help her sleep more comfortably, but it also provides some extra white noise.”

All Worth It

One of Forrest’s absolute favorite things about living on the houseboat with Kayleigh and Emerson is coming home after a stressful day at work. “The minute we crest the hill and are coming down the ramp looking at the water, all of the stressors go away,” attested Forrest.

Life is good and tranquil living on the houseboat and being able to raise Emerson on board is a special adventure. From her frequent habit of gazing at the shimmering water with delight, it’s quite clear she loves living on the water too.

“Her new favorite thing to do is sit on the floor by one of the longer windows that goes down all the way to the water and watch the boats go by and say, ‘Daddy,’” beamed Forrest. “I scuba dive a lot so she’s used to me coming in and out of the water.”

Kayleigh enjoys scuba diving as well, and if all goes according to plan, Emerson will also have a scuba diving certification in hand when she turns 10 years old so she can go diving with Mom and Dad.

Lately, the Packebushes have had some really nice weather and they’ve been taking the houseboat out of its slip as often as they can. When they took it out for their first ride of the season, it was the first time they’d taken the houseboat out since Emerson had been able to walk.

“It was wonderful to be able to watch her run around and play on the deck of the houseboat while we’re out driving,” shared Forrest. “Of course, Mom’s about 2 feet behind her chasing her and making sure she’s not falling down with the waves or throwing toys over the railings.”

In moments like these when the Packebushes get to see their little girl frolicking and playing, they can’t help but reflect on how happy they are that they chose to raise their daughter out on the water. Baby-proofing the houseboat turned out to be a small price to pay for all the precious moments they are experiencing together as a family.

For all your accessories and/or vinyl flooring visit Pontoon Depot's shop site.