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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

Tips for Pontoon Boating with Dogs | Pontoon-Depot

1. Get a good fitting life jacket and have the dog wear it a few times around the home before they get on a boat. Any pet life jacket should have a handle to easily lift the animal out of the water.
2. Familiarize the dog with the boat slowly - don’t just get on the boat and leave the dock right away. Ideally, bring the dog to the boat for the first time without leaving the dock, and give them a chance to sniff around and get their sea legs. It may help to start the engine so they are used the sound.
3. Plan for falls overboard, either from the boat or dock. If the dog falls overboard underway – or jumps in – you may be able to circle back and retrieve Fido just like a fallen water skier, pulling up slowly, cutting the engine and luring the dog to the swim platform with a treat. If you don’t have swim platform, smaller dogs may be lifted over the side by their life jacket handle, but bigger dogs may require a different solution.
4. Get a Dog Boat ladder. It is easy enough to go overboard but quite a different story to haul in your 50 pound baby. Once your dog is accustom to the boat, the water ladder will be an easier transition in and out of the water for your pooch.
5. Bring plenty of water and make sure there’s some place the dog can get out of the sun and stay as cool as possible. Know the symptoms of dog stroke heat. While seasick dogs may vomit, that’s also one sign of heat stroke. Rapid, loud or difficulty breathing, extreme thirst, thick saliva, disorientation and a bright red tongue and pale gums are a few of the others.
6. If you’re going to be out on the boat for more than a few hours, plan on how your dog will relieve themselves, and pick up after your dog, no matter where they go. If you see where someone else didn’t pick up after their dog, pick it up for them. You don’t want to give any opportunity to show why dogs shouldn’t be allowed in your marina, and your boating friends will love you for it

Find out more about your pets and the outdoors at the outdoorchannel.com