Buy or Rent a Boat that is the question??

The real question is, how much will you use the boat??? Many people love the water and boating but their commitments, families, or jobs limit the time that can be spent on the water. If you are like our family (we live for the water) you try get to the lake at least two to three times a week, even if its only for a few hours. People who will get that much use out of a boat need to buy one. Most people however don't have that opportunity and are lucky to get out on the water 2 weekends a month, 3-5 months of the year. In this case it may be better to rent or charter a boat rather than buy one.

Boating, as much as I love it, can be a very expensive hobby.  Many new boat owners are surprised at all the costs attached to owning a boat. We joke all the time that Boat = Break out another thousand.  It sounds funny but can be very true. When you first buy your boat there are always the costs of not only the boat but equipment as well. One can easily spend $2,000 to $3,500 minimum in life vests, ropes, anchors, wakeboards, water skis, tubes, trailer locks, travel boat covers, knee boards, wake surf boards and of course the list can go on and on. Pricing for a boat can be anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 but if you are in the market for a boat right now, we are enjoying a great buyers market. If you are ready and determined to buy a boat now is the time.

Cost of Boat Ownership

Loan interest, depreciation, maintenance, insurance, winter storage or shrink wrap; these are a few items to keep in mind.

On a $60,000 dollar boat you can expect to pay $7800 in payments based on a 15 year note at around 7.50%.  If you are financing the boat for less time, your monthly payments may be even more. You will spend $900 - $1500 for winter storage or $400 for Shrink Wrap (you need to protect your investment with proper storage). Insurance for the year will be up to $1,500 and of course maintenance on the boat, of which there will be plenty, can average around $1200 - $1500 per year at marine prices of over $100 dollars an hour. In this scenario we haven’t even figured in the depreciation on the boat. If this doesn't scare you away then let’s go shopping and find your dream boat.

Renting or charters - an Alternative to Boat Ownership

The Alternative to buying a boat is to rent or charter from a reputable service. TK Watersports has created  a pretty good business trying to solve this issue for those who don't have the time, or sometimes the funds, for full boat ownership. For that same $60,000 dollar boat, you can rent 10 times for $5,500 or do full service water sports charters for around $7,500 including all equipment, water sports instruction, and all work done for you. Your savings in a three year period, not counting your depreciation cost, could be as much as $14,529-$20,529 depending on regular rental vs. VIP Watersports rentals.

Again the real question is how much will you use the boat? If you run a boat like we do, you may be a great candidate for boat ownership.  If you only will use it 15 times or less a year, you are better off renting or chartering without all the hassles of boat ownership.

Used boats
Boat Rentals
VIP Full Service Watersports Charters

Whats New 2010 Centurion Tow Boats - Great For Wake Surfing

See the following link: 2010 Centurion Tow Boats

Ther are a lot of great boats out there but when it comes to wake surfing you seriously have to take a look at the Centurion Enzo, we even get a great wake out of the Avalanche C4.

http://www.4shared.com/dir/31714217/8372e215/sharing.html 2010 Centurion Tow Boat Link (Download)

TK Waterplay, Watersports Equipment, Wakeboards Water Skis,Tubes,Life Vests

Introducing New Online Store featuring many of the top brand names in the boating industry
TK Waterplay will be your source for water sports equipment, wakeboards, wakeboard packages, water skis,wake surf boards, boating supplies, pull tubes, wakeskates, Liquid force wakeboards, O'neill wet suits, CWB wakeboards, Hyperlite wakeboards, wet suits, dry Suits, Island Surfer, Skylon, Rip Curl, Rave, Proline, Orbit, Nixon, water wear, water sports apperal and much more.

Tempory site New Online store to be Launched End of March: http://www.tkwaterplay.com/

Keep Your Boat Clean

Boat Cleaning Tips


Many boat owners, wanting to keep their investment in tip-top Shape, and often ask “what is the best way to maintain my boat?” The answer is so simple it’s almost a no brainer, clean your boat after every use you will save your self alot of head aches. Part of the boating experience is putting the equipment away properlly and can be a team building experience for groups & families as they work together. We even get the little ones involved each armed with a towel and some spray. Getting the troops involved can be a fun way to wind down the day at the lake so.... crank up the toons, have fun make it part of the boating experience.

Clean Your Boat

1. After every trip, give your boat a good rub down avoid harsh
Cleaners and agents that could remove any protection that you have
On the boat.

2. Scrub in small portions rinse the deck, fitting ,hull and outboard motor using a biodegradable, PH marine soap and a deck brush with medium stiffness bristles. If you use a brush with bristles that are too stiff, it can harm the boats finish.
3. With a soft sponge and marine soap, wash in small areas, rinse,
The exterior and superstructure including vinyl seats, deck ,boxes,
Windshield, etc.

4. Thoroughly dry the boat with a soft ,dry cloth
5. Clean windows using a commercial solution or vinegar and water.
Caution about vinegar and water if you like use this to take water spots off  on the main body of the boat it can take off any wax or protectant you may have on the gel coat. Vinegar and water is a cheap way to take off waterspots but make sure you put a wax on your get coat often. There are many products you can get commerically that help with water spots

6. Treat all vinyl with a commercial vinyl treatment to protect
And preserve your boats upholstery.

7. If you trailer your boat, don’t forget to scrub and rinse the trailer to.

8. Have a place for all equipment, everyone will get to know where it goes and will try to get gear in its assigned spot cutting down on some of the work for the captain of the boat. Ropes, wakeboards, water skis life vests, tubes etc can have there asigned spot.

Marine Cleaning Products

Get Your Boat Ready for 2010 Season

Boat Detailing, Marine Detailing,

Specializing in Boat detailing: We are your connection for your spring preparation we will help you get your vessel spruced up and ready for the start of the new 2010 boating season. We are also a Watersports outfitter and know boats, make sure you come to the boat professionals and take care of your recreational investment. Many of the processes and chemicals we use are specific for marine applications.

Many boats may have different degrees of oxidation that may require different processes call for your estimate.

Basic Boat detail: Wipe and touch up outside, wipe down UV protection interior, vacuum interior, clean windows, wash tires and wheels, apply tire protection, vacuum and clean storage areas, carpet wash, and wax and UV protection

Boat Restoration Buffing and Waxing: We do a three to four stage buffing process to bring out the luster of the paint and to eliminate nasty oxidation

1.) Removal of industrial fall out

2.) Buffing compound used for minor abrasions and oxidation

3.) Polishing and wax used for UV protection

Call for you free estimate at 801-367-0668 or e-mail your request at detail@finaltouchent.com

Marine Cleaning Products

A Case For Life Jackets

In 2009 TK Watersports performed a number of rescues, I am proud to say with no fatalities because we insist on people warring life vests. When the boat is moving and anyone jumps in the water they are required to ware a vest. Anyone 14 and younger is required to have a life vest on at all times.

Most of the parents that we work with on family reunion water sports charters, lessons, instruction are relieved when we share with them our policies on warring life vests. It makes it so they don't have to constantly fight there kids; it’s the captain’s rule.

No matter how you look at it, almost any boating accident imaginable has a predictable outcome – if you are in the water fighting for your life. Unless you are wearing a life jacket, your survival chances are marginal. Why take the chance make sure you outing is a save one.

The best case scenario would be falling overboard without sustaining an injury, and being quickly recovered by a person remaining in the boat, or by a nearby boater. In almost every other scenario I can think, surviving a boating accident that resulted in being ejected from the boat without a life jacket would depend upon a quick rescue.

I hate to be a predictor of doom and gloom, but in my experience as a professional water sports outfitter quick rescues don’t always happen. They happen but not often enough – as proven by the latest boating safety statistics:

• In 2006 there were 4,967 boating accidents
• 3,474 of the boaters required medical attention beyond first aid

• 710 recreational boaters died

• 476 of the 710 boaters drowned

• 29 children under the age of 12 died

If those statistics don’t convince you to wear a life jacket, then consider these reasons to wear a life jacket while boating:

Capsizing and falls overboard are the most reported types of fatal accidents, comprising 59 percent of all boating fatalities.Nine of ten drowning victims may have survived a capsizing or fall overboard if they had been wearing a life jacket. By wearing a life jacket while boating, you increase the chances of surviving by leaps and bounds. Think of it another way: without a lifejacket, how long can you tread water while waiting for rescue? What if you were injured?

You cannot prevent an accident by your boating skill or experience alone. Boaters with more than 100 hours boating experience, who are 36 years or older and don’t have formal boating safety education are responsible for most of the boating accidents and fatalities. Even if you have confidence in your boating skills, consider the many boaters who are less experienced and educated who share the waterways with you.

Comfort is no longer an issue. The major reason boaters forgo wearing life jackets is they value comfort over safety. Thankfully, boating supply manufacturers have responded by producing lightweight life jackets that can be worn without discomfort for an entire day of boating.

As I said, no matter how you slice it – there really is no reason not to wear a life jacket, and require all your passengers to wear one as well.

Safe boating in Winter!

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.

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.

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