Ten Interesting Facts about Boating

Boating is an absolute thrill whether for taking leisurely trips or engaging in a sporting event. There is something so tranquil and exciting about being out on the water, soaking up the warmth from the sun and feeling the waves crash beneath the boat. Most people love being on the boat while others are fascinated by the complex motoring system that operates the water vehicle. 

Here are 10 facts you might not have known about boating that could pique your interest:

1. The difference between a boat and ship is that a boat is ideal for rivers and inland waterways while a ship travels on seas and oceans. 

2. The "scuttlebutt" refers to the cask on the boat that holds drinking water.

3. Boaters are generally happier with their marriages, relationships, friendships and are closer to their children.

4. Boaters are more likely to recycle, carpool and donate to environmental causes.

5. Approximately 18 million Americans own recreational boats.

6. The world's oldest surviving boat dates back to 7400 B.C. and it's only 10 feet long.

7. The most common injuries to anglers are sticking the hand with the hook or they occur when exiting the boat.

8. Steamboat Willie was the first Disney character with sound and released on November 18, 1928.

9. The Phoenicians were the first to use Boat sails around 2000 B.C.

10. The difference in the center of gravity makes a boat lean when turning, while a ship leans outward.   

Looking for more unique facts about boating? Check out some of the cool links below!

·         http://www.express.co.uk/fun/top10facts/370790/Top-10-facts-about-boats

·         http://interesting-amazing-facts.blogspot.com/2011/10/interesting-facts-on-ships-and-boats.html

·         http://houstonboatshows.com/2012/07/16/fun-facts-about-boats/

Common Steering Complications

Meteorologists agree with the groundhog, at least this time! Groundhogs and weather stations all over the U.S. have been predicting an early spring for weeks now. With this great news, it is time to think about spring cleaning and de-winterizing your boat.

This is the perfect time to take your boat out of storage, because if you find problems, you have time to repair before the spring and summer events take place.

Sometimes, people notice steering problems when taking the boats out of storage. This all depends on the quality of the boat and the method of storage, but steering problems are quite common.

Starting at one end of the steering wheel, inspect the entire system to determine the problem. When you isolate the problem, it is easier to determine the cause. Usually, the problem calls for small maintenance instead of a huge repair. So, you might have to lubricate the steering wheel, or maybe adjust the settings. However, if you have a complex situation- like a broken pulley or a screwy hydraulic system- that is what you want to fix immediately.

Inspecting your steering wheel visually is not enough though, you should take it for a test. As soon as you can get the boat into water, have yourself and another qualified driver test the wheel for any resistance or grinding. You don't want to be in the middle of a fishing trip when you realize you need a repair, so check the steering routinely.