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Free App From Boat U.S. Boating Services | Pontoon-Depot

Take a tour of the latest smartphone app from Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). The latest version for iPhone and Android devices is available from http://www.BoatUS.com/App features tides, weather, photos and more!

A great app for all boaters, but especially useful to BoatUS Members when calling for a tow, as just one push of a button connects you to the nation's largest network of on-water towers with over 300 ports nationwide.

Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the oldest and largest association of boaters, for boaters. BoatUS focuses on providing boaters the highest quality boating services, significant savings, and a strong voice.

http://www.BoatUS.com/

10 Question to Ask When Calling About a Used Boat | Pontoon-Depot

Are you calling a boat owner to inquire about a boat you seen posted for sale? Here's a handy checklist of perspective questions.

1. What year is the motor, and is there a trailer? You'll need to check this out later but never assume they are the same.

2. How long have you had or owned the boat? A warning, people who are selling after just a brief ownership may be trying to dump a problem.

3. Are you the original owner? The value here is if you are dealing with the first owner you can inquire about its entire mechanical history.

4. Is the boat equipped with an hour meter? If the answer is no then forget about all assurances of low hours, for without a meter there's no way to verify hours.

5. Why are you selling the boat? If the owner is wanting to buy, or buying a larger boat why isn't he trading it in? Often it's because they have an inflated opinion of the true value of the boat and are unwilling to deal for its real true value.

6. Will there be a water source accessible if I come to look at your boat? You'll need at least a hose to properly evaluate the motor.

7. Will there be an opportunity to test the boat? If you can't drive it, you don't really want to buy it.

8. Would you make sure the batteries are charged when I arrive to look at the boat? Never assume batteries in boat are charged.

9. Has there ever been any major engine work and when? You'll want to know the history of the motor. If the answer is yes ask when, by whom, and ask about seeing the receipts.

10. Has the boat ever been wrecked or had any major structural work?Just like autos a rebuilt or re-constructed wreck has a lower resale value than one without a history.

This excerpt was taken from a longer blog post at - http://www.pontoonhouseboatodyssey.com/

DIY Make Your Own Pontoon Boat Cover | Pontoon-Depot

How to Make a Pontoon Boat Cover Video provides step-by-step instructions for sewing a custom cover for your pontoon boat. You can learn how to create your own great fitting cover for trailing, storage or mooring in this comprehensive video.

This video will show you how to determine the amount material needed, pattern right on the boat, create darts, add chafe protection, create boat vents, and install snaps and support poles.
Find all of the materials needed for this project at http://www.sailrite.com.

How to Make a Pontoon Boat Cover Chapter List:
• Measuring & Sewing Fabric Panels -- 0:33 min
• Installing Boat Vents -- 6:22 min
• Patterning with Darts -- 11:43 min
• Creating Slit Openings & Marking Fabric -- 21:05 min
• Patterning Fabric on a Flat Surface -- 27:48 min
• Adding Stern Facing -- 34:53 min
• Sewing Darts, Chafe Patches & Hems -- 39:07 min
• Adding Triangular Panels -- 49:09 min
• Finishing Slit Openings -- 54:40 min
• Installing Snaps -- 59:10 min
• Materials List -- 1:03:00 min

"Pontoon Boat," from A Prairie Home Companion | Pontoon-Depot