After driving all over the state of Massachusetts looking at bowriders between 18 and 20 feet, I was able to point out to my friend the importance of keeping your boat covered.  The powerboats that had been left uncovered practically screamed of neglect as we noted ripped stitching, faded and discolored vinyl, and a level of wear and tear that made the boats look far older than their documents revealed.

Many people make several poor assumptions when it comes to covering their boat.  One common one it that is only necessary if they know sever weather is coming. Simply put, this is false.  The sun can be your worst enemy when it comes to vinyl fade and wear.

Untreated vinyl has no ability to prevent the damage caused by prolonged sun and heat.  Not only can the vinyl be affected, but so too can the threads that hold everything together.

Most small boats today come with a snap on canvas cover designed to protect your interior.  If your cover is lost or damaged, we recommend you purchase a simple cover to protect from rain and sun.

In addition, you should keep your vinyl clean and protected at all times.  I have tried most on the market, and    I highly recommend the 303 Products line of Aerospace Protecants It will not damage your stitching, and leaves a beautiful, but not slippery protective sheen on your vinyl.

Maybe your speedometer is fogged up from a dried up or defective seal, or your fuel gauge has not worked in a few years.

Your gauges are a window into your engines health and should not be ignored.  That bouncing water temperature or pressure gauge could be malfunctioning to the point where you wind up with a major overheat and thousands of dollars in marina bills.

What is surprising to many of our customers, is just how inexpensive and simple  it is to replace most gauges.  Unlike cars, on boats, access to the gauge mounts and wiring behind the helm is usually fairly convenient.  The gauges are often mounted using only on or two fasteners, and the wiring is generally "plug and play"

Oftentimes, purchasing a whole gauge set is the way to go.  For a short amount of money, you get stylish new indicators which dress up the cockpit and will give you years of accurate readings.

Whatever your needs, now is the time to address them, visit Mass Marine or call us at 1-877-443-4882 for assistance

One of the most important, but often overlooked part of your spring launch should be your pre-launch inspection.  Now is the time to check your batteries, circuits, appliances and the general overall condition of your boat.  The time to identify problems is before you hit the water.

Did your navigation lights work properly last year, how does your stainless hardware look?  And lets not forget the hull itself.  Was it beginning to oxidize last year, and you kept telling yourself you would get to it eventually?  Now is the time.

I like to start at the hull, while my boat is in it's trailer or stands.  Take a good slow walk around looking for nicks, scratches and other damage.  Now is the time for below waterline gelcoat repair.  This is the best time and place to try some DIY gelcoat.  If it's not perfect, it will be hidden under water.  In the meantime, you will improve your technique, and surely leave the damage better than when you started.

Next is a thorough hull cleaning and wax.  Nothing starts the season off on the right foot like boat that shimmers under the first rays of sunlight.  Don't forget the topsides, as this is the area that takes a beating from direct sunlight.

Next, I inspect the  hardware for pitting, damage or rust (yes, stainless can rust).  Get this replaced now to avoid season long irritation due to sticky latches, banging doors, and slamming gas springs.

Now onto the electrical system.  Hook up your batteries (you did have them on a trickle charger - right?) and go through all systems to ensure they work. Try your horn, lights, pumps ( be careful not to run pumps for extended periods of time without water).

Now go through your head and plumbing to be sure all is ok.  Replace hoses, rebuild your head if it has not been done recently, and verify drains are going overboard or into bilge as designed.

Finally, verify your engine or engines are in tip top shape.  Fire them up, ensuring proper cooling via a flushing kit, check your coolant and drive oil levels as applicable, and verify your belts, hoses and clamps are all in working order.

This procedure should give you a great idea of the condition of your boat, and will allow you to identify and repair issues before you wind up in the middle of the lake or waterway flagging down help.

As a starting point personal floatation devices should not just be kept on your boat, you should ware them at all times.  While it is law that you only need to have them on your boat, they are of little use if a problem occurs. As you can imagine a boat flipping at 60 miles an hour will make it a difficult swim for even the fittest and most advanced swimmer.  Hitting the water at speed also has the potential to wind a person which further compromises their swimming ability.  So make sure that all people on-board have a personal flotation device.

Thirty years ago, there really wasn't any choice when it came to wearing a PFD.  They were orange, bulky and had to be tied up by hand.  How times have changed since them.  Now there are a range of light weight options that make your PFD a lot more wearable and even a fashion statement.  You have a choice of colours, designs, and accessibilities.  All of this has helped to revolutionize the industry as well as promoting safety on the water.  PFDs have also been developed for specific sports or activities (such as water skiing or wakeboarding) and allow full body movement for these activities.  So you can choose one that matches in with your specific needs or activities that you undertake on the water.

When it comes to children a PFD is even more important.  There should never be an occasion when a child is on a boat or in the water without a life jacket.  Not only does it keep them afloat it also increases their visibility if there are other boats in the area.  PFDs for children need to be specific and matched to the child's body size.  You can't just throw on an adult PFD and tighten it.  There are a range of options for kids now, and you will be sure to find one that fits.  Make sure that the PFD also connects around the legs and waist if the child is young.  This way, if they are in the water it will ensure they are facing in the right direction...up!  It will also ensure that there is no chance of the PFD slipping off over their heads.

Kids also love wearing PFDs now because they are made in a variety of designs such as Spiderman or Dora the Explorer.  This is a great selling point.  It is important to stress that PFDs are not the same thing as floaties (arm bands).  No matter what the environment or location, children should wear PFDs rather than floaties.  They are much safer.

While PFDs are not cheap, the important role that they serve definitely justifies the cost.  There are some great places to buy top quality PFDs online at a greatly reduced price.  One of the best places is at massmarine.com check out the link here  Mass Mairine Life Jackets You will find a range of PFDs for all body shapes and for adults and children alike.  What's more you will also find them at very good prices.  If you are planning on pursuing water activities, or are looking to upgrade your existing PFDs, then check out the site.  Wishing you success on the water.

Let start with some basic descriptions of GPS and Auto-pilot:

•   GPS:  As most people known GPS stands for Global Positioning System.  The system is based satellite navigation system that provides location information anywhere in the world. It is managed by the US Government and anyone can freely use it.  For a boat owner portable GPS systems are a great friend.  They can tell the boat owner exactly where they are, and if they need help also provide rescuers with your exact location.

•   Auto-pilot:  As its name suggests an auto-pilot is a way of controlling a vehicle without a human being.  It can either be a mechanical, electrical or hydraulic system.  For boats, it is often electrical and also uses a radar system to ensure a collision with other boats or objects does not occur.  They can also use GPS.  While these systems are not cheap, it is of course best to go with a reputable quality product that has been well tested.  A 20 dollar auto-pilot system on e-bay probably isn't going to cut it!  You have most likely spent a lot of money on your boat you want to make sure you protect your investment.  You may also be wondering just how good auto-pilot is these days?  Well, on several new aircraft (in particular the Boeing 777), it is now possible to land the plane fully on automatic pilot.  In fact, the automatic pilot system is tested around once a month.

There are a range of different GPS products on the market.  For boating the most popular brands are either Garmin or Raymarine.  These are not the cheapest, but they are reliable and well tested.  On the ocean you definitely want a well-tested and reliable product.  GPS systems also just don't provide your location; they can be used for weather patterns and radar.  All of which are very important to a boat owner.  GPS systems are not a luxury on your boat, they are a necessity.  Especially if you are planning to go more than several kilometres away from the shoreline.

Auto-pilot systems also come in a variety of shapes and forms.  The most common – and the most popular – is the Garmin GHP 10 Marine Autopilot System.  This systems allows easy moving of the boat, and shares data with other equipment on board.  It is easy to use, well tested and considered one of the most reliable products on the market.  If you are looking for an auto-pilot then you really can't go past this product.

For the boat enthusiast, especially those who boat in the ocean, GPS and Auto-pilot systems are a necessary luxury.  They serve to give you geographical data, provide your exact location, show you weather patterns, and can even be linked to fish finders.  Auto-pilot systems allow you to enjoy your boating without being at the helm the whole time.  While there are a range of places where you can buy GPS and auto-pilot systems, the cheapest is definitely online.  However, you need to make sure you buy from a reputable site, and that the products are well known brand names.  One of the most popular sites is Mass Marine. Visit their site today to see their full range of navigational equipment.  Wishing you enjoyable boating.

While it is all good and well bringing your dog with you on your boat, there are certain precautions that you need to take. Yes most dogs can swim, and swim very well. However falling of the back of a speed boat at 40 miles an hour while you take in the serenity, will test even the most advanced swimming breads of dogs. What’s more your dog will be very hard to find if you are going fast. Even worse you will never here the end of it from your wife and kids if you lost their favorite family pet. Best to avoid this situation at all costs!

Luckily there are a range of products on the market made just for your pet. Fido can be kept safe and sound while enjoying all of your marine activities. One such product on the market is a pet life jacket. As with life jackets for humans, they come in a variety of sizes to fit either your tea cup chihuahua or your Saint Bernard.    These life jackets provide piece of mind when you have your dog on the boat or are letting them swim in the water. Often dogs get excited when they get into the ocean, and before they know it they may have swum further than they planned. With a life jacket they will stay afloat until you come and get them.

In addition to the floatation devices there are also some other great products that your dog can enjoy on the water. If your animal is sporty there is a water ski leech (yes dogs can water ski too). If your dog is in need of more help in the water there a toy bones that float and toy balls. These will keep your pooch entertained and safe at the same time. To check out all of the products visit http://www.massmarine.com/pets you are sure to find yourself a bargain, and something that your dog will like.

Another thing to mention is that sharks are attracted to dogs. While a lot of this is a bit of a wives tail, and you won’t see swarms of sharks as soon as Fido jumps into the water, their strong smell can lure the odd shark in for a closer look. While the shark would already have to be very close, it does pay to be a bit more cautious. For example, don’t let your kids ride the dog in the water, and if you do see a fin, instead of casting a line, get all of your kids and the dog out of the water first…then you can fish away to your heart’s content!

Marine activities represent a great day out for you and your family. The family doesn't have to be just limited to your wife and kids. Your pets, such as your dog, are able to come along and enjoy the day as well. Your pets safety should always come first, and you must ensure that your pet has a flotation device and is never anywhere near the engine when it is running. We are sure you will have a fantastic time.

The calmer water of a lake also means that you can undertake a lot more water sports and use a lot more fun toys.  Listed below are some of the most popular marine toys for a lake that are currently available on the market. 

•   Kwik Tek Fiesta Island:  This Island holds eight people and lets you float around in the water with just your feet dipped in.  This is definitely fun for the whole family.  It even has some funky drink holders.  Connect it up to your boat and let the fun begin.

• Sevylor Inflatable Deluxe Lake Mattress:  Don't settle for the run of the mill blow up mattresses that everyone else on the lake has.  Upgrade to a deluxe mattress with a head rest that is shaped to your body.  This mattress is a great way to relax in comfort and style on the lake.

•  Inflatable Rive Tube:  Nothing is better than floating down a river in a tube, or being towed in a tube behind a boat.  Most lakes have rivers that run into them so you can enjoy both the lake and the river on one of these tubes.  By the way, you can get up a fair bit of speed down some rapids, so remember, safety first!

•   Kwik Tek Airhead Aruba Lounge:  If you don't have one of these on the lake, you are really missing out.  This is a comfortable lounge with mesh bottom and pillows.  It can also be tied to a boat.  Very relaxing, until the boat driver decides to tow you around the lake at 60 miles an hour!  Remember life jackets must be warn if you are going at any speed on the water!  Our favourite part is the drink holders.  Your beer is never far away!

•  Sevylor Inflatable Pool Party Platform:  While this is made for the pool it also does well at lakes.  Basically, it is a floating platform where you can store foods and drinks as well as people.  It is a great way to ensure you have access to your food and drinks no matter where you are in the water.  The platform has an Air Tight Guarantee so it will never leak.  What could be better than this?

•   Kwik Tek Aqua Zooka Barrel:  If you can tell me anyone how doesn't want a water bazooka, I would love to meet them.  Water Bazookas are awesome.  The Kwik Tek one has a range of up to 60 feet (that's right 60 feet).  It’s perfect for those people who don't want to get into the water or get wet!  Can't guarantee they won't be angry at you!

A day out on a lake is a lot of fun.  To make the day even more enjoyable there are a range of toys you can bring on your trip.  Most of the toys above are inflatable meaning you can easily transport them to and from a lake or river.  These are also just the tip of the ice burg.  If you want to see more great products then visit  Mass Marine Boating Superstore.

Water sports have increased in popularity in recent years.  This in part has to do to a reduction in the price of products, and also more people looking for ways to have fun and relax on the water.  While it is still mainly a summer sport, there are many hard-core water sport enthusiasts out there that go out on the water even during the cold months.  Hats off to them!

•   Water skiing:  This fun and fast speed sport was invented in 1922 by Ralph Samuelson. Firstly, we should congratulate Samuelson for his visionary concept.  With nothing more than two pieces of wood and a clothesline (this served as a tow rope) he got behind a boat to see if it would work.  He was also the first person to speed ski and to jump.  Obviously the sport has come a long way, and now there are a choice of custom skis (or you can slalom) and a range of tow ropes to choose from.  Almost anyone can learn to water ski, and when you have the right floatation devices it is very safe.  Fun for the whole family!  For the more extreme, you can even try barefoot water skiing – not for the faint hearted!

•   Wakeboarding:  You may or may not know, but wakeboarding was originally called skurfing in the late 1980s, it followed on from the beginning of snowboarding.  While its origins are unclean it is said to be created in Australia and New Zealand (ask any Aussie or Kiwi and they will tell you it was there country...similar to pavlova!).  While the speed of wakeboarding is generally less than water skiing, because of the shape of the board the rider is able to perform a range of large tricks that would not be possible on normal skis.  It has become an extreme sport with many riders continuing to test the boundaries.  Generally, it is not perfect for beginners, but after you learn to ski, it is a great change if you are looking for bigger jumps.

•   Kneeboarding:  This sport has been around for around 40 years and hasn't always been considered as a mainstay in the skiing industry.  The speed of kneeboarding is generally slower than skiing; however there are a range of tricks that a rider can perform.  Being on your knees also means there is less chance of injury...that's what they say anyway.  It is a good start for kids, and can help people learn to balance before they become skiers or wakeboards. 

•   Sit-down Hydrofoil:  Even the name of this sport sounds cool.  While this sport first started in the 1980s it was really only popularised in the 1990s.  The board itself sits above the water, so the rider is generally not affected by the wake and enjoys a smooth ride.  However, most riders like to perform tricks, so there is a risk of injury, especially because of the shape of the board.  Again, this is not for beginners but if you have a lot of experience it can be a lot of fun.