Safe boating in Winter!
Most of us like boating year round if conditions are favorable. So here a few tips to help you keep safe and you boat in top condition.
1. Prepare your boat winter - If you are not going to be using you boat it's best to have it winterized. This involves a few precautionary measures to protect your boat from extended periods of non-use and colder temperatures.
2. Keep it covered - Don't let your boat be destroyed by the environment. When leaves collect on the floor of your boat, they hold in moisture. The water will then speed up the process of deterioration. A cover will maximize the life of your boat and reduce the risk of damage to your interior.
3. Underwater obstructions - Most lakes water levels are lowered in the winter. Extreme caution should be used every time you take your boat out. Rocks, sandbars, stumps, etc can cause major damage to your lower unit and/or prop. A depth finder is priceless in the winter and some units can be purchased for around $120.00. (Most props cost 2-3 times as much.)
4. Cold weather - Dress properly for the outing. I normally take a jacket of a pullover just incase the weather changes. It can be really cold when traveling across the water.
5. Safety First - Make sure you have all the necessary safety gear on board. Being prepared heads off most problems.
6. Communication - Let someone know where you're going & when you'll be back. Take a cell phone & a spare battery or a way to charge it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Buyers Market for Used Boats
The typical boat owner is the one that can benefit from this buyers market it gives him a chance to get his dream boat at a good price
Finding the right boat: Many people when they purchase there first boat think they know what they want but after a year or two on the water they relies they wanted a wakeboarding or water ski boat instead of an inboard outboard boat. They might not have had a tower or hot water shower or some of the features they soon learn about after they have owned there boat for a short time. Many wished they would have been more educated when they got there first boat or just didn’t have the finances at the time to support the boat they really wanted. This could be the time for you to get that dream boat. This time you’re primed and ready to go with your list of features, wakeboard tower, ballast tanks, stereo, heater or hot water shower, storage compartments. For tips on buying your dream boat you may visit want to visit http://www.tkwatersports.com/
USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST
TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:
Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.
Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planning
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.
HOURS
Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.
CHECK FOR FLOOR ROT
Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.
MAINTENANCE
Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them. A big factor in how well it was taken care of is if it had regular detailing and cleaning after daily usage. For tips on maintenance and cleaning see http://www.finaltouchent.com/
MARINE SURVEY
It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.
HULL CONDITION
Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.
PROPELLER
Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.
STORAGE
How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage?
UPHOLSTERY
Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one.
EXTRAS
It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device.
TRAILER
If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace.
N.A.D.A. BOAT APPRAISAL GUIDE
Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.
Finding the right boat: Many people when they purchase there first boat think they know what they want but after a year or two on the water they relies they wanted a wakeboarding or water ski boat instead of an inboard outboard boat. They might not have had a tower or hot water shower or some of the features they soon learn about after they have owned there boat for a short time. Many wished they would have been more educated when they got there first boat or just didn’t have the finances at the time to support the boat they really wanted. This could be the time for you to get that dream boat. This time you’re primed and ready to go with your list of features, wakeboard tower, ballast tanks, stereo, heater or hot water shower, storage compartments. For tips on buying your dream boat you may visit want to visit http://www.tkwatersports.com/
USED BOAT BUYING CHECKLIST
TEST DRIVE - You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first, would you? Same holds true with a boat, even more so than a car. Boats are finicky animals. They tend to require more attention and maintenance than cars. When you test drive the boat pay close attention to the following things while underway:
Vibration
If it vibrates it could mean a variety of things like a bent propeller. A vibrating boat makes a noisy boat.
Functioning Trim
If you're looking at an inboard/outboard boat check to make sure the trim works, which allows the motor to move from the down position to the angled position.
Response Rapidly, but carefully, test the steering from one direction to another to see how long it takes the boat to respond.
Planning
Check to see how long it takes the boat to plane after take off.
Shifting
Does the boat slip smoothly into gear, or does it jump?
Reverse
Make sure the boat works in reverse. You never know how important this is until you have to dock.
Gauges and Instruments
Check the temperature, RPM, and speedometer for proper function.
Bilge
Make sure it is doing it's job. If your test ride is not long enough to tell, when you get back to the dock run some water in the engine hole with a water hose until the bilge kicks in.
It's a good idea to take along several people on the test drive. Added weight in a boat can affect it's performance and quickness.
HOURS
Check to see how many hours are on a boat. You measure a car's use by miles and a boat's use by hours. If a boat has more than 500 hours you can expect to pay some money in upgrades and maintenance.
CHECK FOR FLOOR ROT
Wood and water don't mix, especially in the floor of a boat. Carefully inspect the floor for soft spots, which indicate rot. Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees and smell for floor for mildew.
MAINTENANCE
Ask for a maintenance history on the boat. Find out what major repairs have been made to the boat. If a lot of work has been done to the boat, chances are there will be lots to come, which translates into dollars. Ask if the boat is still under warranty. Also, ask who the boat owner used for repairs and make a point to talk to them. A big factor in how well it was taken care of is if it had regular detailing and cleaning after daily usage. For tips on maintenance and cleaning see http://www.finaltouchent.com/
MARINE SURVEY
It's a good idea to have a qualified marine mechanic thoroughly inspect the boat before purchasing it. To find a marine surveyor call either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS. If you are going to do it yourself check the spark arrestors and plugs, alternator, belts, hoses, strainer, blower, shift cables, engine alignment, etc. Analyze the oil and make sure it is not cloudy or gritty Cloudy oil can mean the engine block is cracked.
HULL CONDITION
Take a walk around the boat and inspect the hull and make sure it is in good condition. Feel free to tap on the hull all the way around and make sure the hull is consistently solid. Mismatched paint is a sign the boat has been in an accident. Also check for gel-coat blisters and dry rot.
PROPELLER
Check the prop for warping, cracks, or nicks. Any of these things can throw off the performance of the boat.
STORAGE
How has the boat been stored while not in use? Was is stored outside and exposed to the sun and weather? Or was it kept in protected dry storage?
UPHOLSTERY
Depending on how the boat was stored can affect how the upholstery has held up over the years. Check for ripped seams and color fading. Also check the boat cover if there is one.
EXTRAS
It's nice if the owner will sell the boat with a few extras which are probably already on the boat. In my opinion, a depth finder is crucial. You don't want the boat to run aground, much less let your skier run aground. In most states a marine radio is required by law. A stereo is a nice thing to have so you can listen to tunes. Also see if the boat owner will throw in some life jackets and an anchor. And if you are a lucky slalom skier they may throw in a speed control device.
TRAILER
If a trailer comes with the boat you want to buy check the trailer thoroughly. They are not cheap to replace.
N.A.D.A. BOAT APPRAISAL GUIDE
Locate the boat in the N.A.D.A. Guide to find out the price value range for the model and year. Remember, if the boat is priced at the low end or lower than the low end it's likely the boat's had a history of problems and there is a reason the owner wants to get rid of the boat.
Babies, Kids and Family Boating Trips
Kids and boating
When we purchased our first boat we my wife was pregnant with our second to the last child. She was excited for the boat but only had a few weeks of fun wakeboarding and water skiing before the doctor told her she would have to through in the towel for the season. She was able to enjoy the 2nd season but it was some what challenging with a little one. The following year she was pregnant with our last child now we had two little ones, the challenge was to find ways on the boat that would make things easier on my wife and I and the kids. Here are just a few tips
1.) Don’t forget the diaper bag, bring extra cloths, and lots of wipes
2.) Sun Screen, Sun Screen, Sun Screen, Sun Screen, Sun Screen, it is never a good time if one of the kids gets to much sun. We spend a lot of time on the water and I am glad to say kids don’t have darkened skin from exposure to the sun. Keep that sunscreen on.
3.) Even though we are an outfitter by trade we insistent about all the kids under 14 putting on there life jackets before they even reach the dock. If all the kids do it the younger ones struggle less. Most fatalities are because of no life jackets. Take the worry away and stay safe.
4.) Most small kids and babies after a little struggle with the feeling of being confined in a life vest will settle down because of the activity and the hum of motor and the rocking of the water in many cases puts them to sleep.
5.) It is always a good idea to have a covering or shade. Most boats now days have bimmi tops to provide a little protection from the sun’s rays.
6.) Try to make it fun even for those that aren’t water skiing, wakeboarding or doing some of the water sports. After every few riders we stop the boat and let everyone in the boat jump in and swim around, in life vests of course. Remember stay safe, even adults can get into trouble in deep water. Our rule is that anyone on our boat the gets into that water has to be wearing a life vest. The kids sometime will have more fun with this than any activity.
7.) Take turns with the little ones so everyone has a good time.
8.) Don’t push kids or adults for that matter to do anything that they are not comfortable with. It’s not fun if they are scared, most people have to work up to it in there own way. It’s not uncommon for parents to push there kids to wakeboarding, water ski or other water sports before they are ready and sometimes can create more fear of the waters.
9.) Can’t stress enough sun screen and life vests
Parents, little kids can be apprehensive or dare devils some will even try to hang over the edge. Many of our rescues in our outfitting happen while little ones are sitting next to there parent.
TK Watersports
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Deer Creek,Boat Rentals,Charters
Deer Creek, Wakeboarding, Waterski, Wake Surf, Watersports charters, Off Site Boat Rentals.Com join us for a day or multible days at Deer Creek for a great time full of all kinds of watersports. We supply the professional wakeboarding, waterski boat equipped with a surf package for the ultimate wakesurf wave. All watersports toys and equipment will be supplied for the ultimate watersports vacation
Deer Creek is a great place for a quick get away from Utah County or Salt Lake. Let TK Water sports outfit you for the ultimate dream Watersports vacation. Rent an RV, Travel Trailer, Motor Home add a boat or wave runner package and receive a discount on one of our popular package combinations.
Deer Creek Reservoir is located just minutes up Provo Canyon and/or just southwest of Heber UT. The reservoir lies in the southwest corner of beautiful Heber Valley provides some of Utah's finest year-round fishing Facilities include a concrete boat launching ramp, 35-unit campground with modern rest rooms and showers, two group-use areas, sewage disposal and fish cleaning stations For those who love Skiing and wakeboarding early morning or early evening are your best bets for good water. Deer Creek is infamous for its afternoon winds; you could almost set a clock to them. They usually start around one and last through about four. This is a great time to break out those tubes, water wienies, and jet ski’s, TK Watersports can set you up in a RV boat combo package that can include the water toys need for that perfect weekend at Deer creek.
Reservations call 801-367-0668 or e-mail info@tkwatersports.com
Bear Lake Boat Rentals,Charters,Watersports,Wakeboarding
Bear Lake, Gardon City Utah, Logan Utah
Bear Lake is one of TK Watersports most frequented vacation spots for the ultimate dream Watersports vacation. Rent a Condo or book an RV, Travel Trailer, Motor Home add a boat or wave runner package and receive a discount on one of our popular package combinations.
Stay at Garden city or Logan Utah and hit Bear Lake Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, Wake Surfing, Tubing,or knee boarding, on one of our VIP rentals or full service water sports charters. TK Watersports will tow the boat launch and retrieve, do all the clean up, provide all the Watersports equipment you just come and have fun. Charter your rental boat and let one of our professional drivers handle all the work. Avoid the stress and liability of caring for this expensive boat and spend more time enjoying yourself. Our drivers are all very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Certified in Wilderness First Responder and CPR first aid.
Have a great day on the lake with friends, family and or business and leave when its all over and leave the boat and equipment clean up to us. Let our drivers/Instructors help you get to the next level. Choose your actives.
TK Watersports also offers wakeboarding boat rentals, water ski boat rentals, Wave runners, water trampolines and other Watersports equipment. TK Watersports offer free launch and retrieve at Utah Lake.
Bear Lake Boating is a popular activity at Bear Lake. The lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, providing space for many different types of watercraft. There is plenty of sandy beach to play on and the lake is big enough not to be to crowded. Bear Lake is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies for its intense turquoise-blue water. As visitors catch their first glimpse of the lake, they marvel at its color and wonder what makes the lake so blue. The unique color is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake. Garden City is famous for the Raspberry Days celebration and there fantastic Raspberry Shakes.
Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at info@tkwaterspors.com
Boat Rentals, Watersports Charters, Wakeboarding, Waterski, Wake Surf
Come join on us at Bear Lake for a day or week of watersports, we bring the professioanl wakeboarding ski boat equipped with surf package for the ultimate surf wave. We will have all the equipment needed for the ultimate watersports vacation.
Waterski, wakeboard, Wake surf, Wake skate, tubing, what ever you favorite activity is on the water we are equiped to help you have fun. We take all the work out of the fun, you show up we deliver and opperate the boat do all the clean up you and your group just have fun. We pride ourself in our service.
TK Watersports will have the boat already there saving on cost. This is a great value even for boat owners you can get an early trip with out the hastles of towing your boat.
Bear Lake is one of TK Watersports most frequented vacation spots for the ultimate dream Watersports vacation. Rent a Condo or book an RV, Travel Trailer, Motor Home add a boat or wave runner package and receive a discount on one of our popular package combinations.
Stay at Garden city or Logan Utah and hit Bear Lake Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, Wake Surfing, Tubing,or knee boarding, on one of our VIP rentals or full service water sports charters. TK Watersports will tow the boat launch and retrieve, do all the clean up, provide all the Watersports equipment you just come and have fun. Charter your rental boat and let one of our professional drivers handle all the work. Avoid the stress and liability of caring for this expensive boat and spend more time enjoying yourself. Our drivers are all very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Certified in Wilderness First Responder and CPR first aid.
Have a great day on the lake with friends, family and or business and leave when its all over and leave the boat and equipment clean up to us. Let our drivers/Instructors help you get to the next level. Choose your actives.
TK Watersports also offers wakeboarding boat rentals, water ski boat rentals, Wave runners, water trampolines and other Watersports equipment. TK Watersports offer free launch and retrieve at Utah Lake.
Bear Lake Boating is a popular activity at Bear Lake. The lake is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide, providing space for many different types of watercraft. There is plenty of sandy beach to play on and the lake is big enough not to be to crowded. Bear Lake is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies for its intense turquoise-blue water. As visitors catch their first glimpse of the lake, they marvel at its color and wonder what makes the lake so blue. The unique color is due to the reflection of the limestone deposits suspended in the lake. Garden City is famous for the Raspberry Days celebration and there fantastic Raspberry Shakes.
Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at info@tkwaterspors.com
Utah Lake Wake Surfing,Wakeboarding,Waterski
Utah Lake, Wake Surfing, WaterskiingWakeboarding, Wake Skating, Boating
Come join on us on Utah Lakefor a day or week of watersports, we bring the professioanl wakeboarding ski boat equipped with surf package for the ultimate surf wave. We will have all the equipment needed for the ultimate watersports vacation. Waterski, wakeboard, Wake surf, Wake skate, tubing, what ever you favorite activity is on the water we are equiped to help you have fun. We take all the work out of the fun, you show up we deliver and opperate the boat do all the clean up you and your group just have fun. We pride ourself in our service.
TK Watersports will have the boat already there saving on cost. This is a great value even for boat owners you can get an early trip with out the hastles of towing your boat.
Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at or visit our website at http://www.tkwatersports.com/
Salt Lake City Boat Rentals, Watersports Charters
Salt Lake City, Utah County,Waterports VIP Rentals and Charters, Boat RentalsCome join on us one of these lakes for a day or week of watersports, we bring the professioanl wakeboarding ski boat equipped with surf package for the ultimate surf wave. We will have all the equipment needed for the ultimate watersports vacation. Waterski, wakeboard, Wake surf, Wake skate, tubing, what ever you favorite activity is on the water we are equiped to help you have fun. We take all the work out of the fun, you show up we deliver and opperate the boat do all the clean up you and your group just have fun. We pride ourself in our service.
TK Watersports will have the boat already there saving on cost. This is a great value even for boat owners you can get an early trip with out the hastles of towing your boat.
Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at or visit our website at http://www.tkwatersports.com/
Lake Powell Watersports Vacation, April 7-14
Lake Powell Watersports Vacation in May, Wakeboard,Waterski, Wake Surf Lake Powell Apirl 7th - Apirl 14th at Wahweap Marina, Page Arizona. Watersports, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Wake Surfing reserve your spot today.
Come join on us on Lake Powelll for a week of watersports, we bring the professioanl wakeboarding ski boat equipped with surf package for the ultimate surf wave. We will have all the equipment needed for the ultimate watersports vacation. TK Watersports will have the boat already there saving on cost. This is a great value even for boat owners you can get an early trip with out the hastles of towing your boat.
Apirl water temperatures at Lake Powell will be chilly but not to bad 55 - 65 degrees Surface waters temps.
Air Temperatures at Lake Powell 70-80 degressCome yourself or bring a group, there are plenty of places to stay at Wahweap Marina also nice campgrounds right at the lake. Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at or visit our website at http://www.tkwatersports.com/
Lake Havasu Watersports Charter May 28 - June 4
Lake Havasu: May 28 - June 4 2010 at Havasu Lake, Havasu City, Arizona Waterski, Wakeboarding, Wake Skating, Wake Surfing. Watersports Vacation
Come join on us on Lake Havasu for a week of watersports, we bring the professioanl wakeboarding ski boat equipped with surf package for the ultimate surf wave. We will have all the equipment needed for the ultimate watersports vacation. We will have the boat already there saving on cost. This is a great value even for boat owners you can get an early trip with out the hastles of towing your boat
May water temperatures at Lake Havasu will warm up to 75 -80 degrees surface waters temp. (average)
Air Temperatures at Lake Havasu 75-99 degrees (average)Come yourself or bring a group, there are plenty of places to stay at Havasu also nice campgrounds near the lake.
Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at or visit our website at www.tkwatersports.com
Come join on us on Lake Havasu for a week of watersports, we bring the professioanl wakeboarding ski boat equipped with surf package for the ultimate surf wave. We will have all the equipment needed for the ultimate watersports vacation. We will have the boat already there saving on cost. This is a great value even for boat owners you can get an early trip with out the hastles of towing your boat
May water temperatures at Lake Havasu will warm up to 75 -80 degrees surface waters temp. (average)
Air Temperatures at Lake Havasu 75-99 degrees (average)Come yourself or bring a group, there are plenty of places to stay at Havasu also nice campgrounds near the lake.
Call now to make your reservation at 801-367-0668 or e-mail at or visit our website at www.tkwatersports.com
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