During the summer, as folks are more frequently going for dips in the waters they play in, we frequently get questions similar to this: "I have a 1997 XYZ 27' Bowrider Boat, I'm trying to replace my boat ladder. Help!!!"
The Answer
Most often, these boaters are trying to exactly duplicate the ladder they had on their boat to begin with; essentially they're trying to avoid drilling new holes. Unfortunately, this is sort of a bad news/bad news proposition.
First bad news: if your boat is more than 10 years old or so, it may be tough to find an exact duplicate of that ladder. Second bad news, if your boat is newer the boat manufacturer may be able to connect you with a new replacement ladder but expect to pay through the nose for it. $400-600 is a fair estimate.
Your other option is to purchase a replacement ladder from a company like ours. You'll pay something more reasonable, say in the range of $100-$150. The drawback with this option is that the ladder will not be an identical match to your current ladder, although it may be a close match. Ultimately, expect to be drilling a couple of new holes, but you'll have peace of mind knowing you've got a new, reliable ladder in place!
Oh no! You go to crank your outboard only to realize it won't start. Don't fret - by following these common outboard problems and fixes you'll be able to identify and resolve the issue in no time.
Dirty fenders aren't just hard on the eyes, they can also leave ugly streaks and scratches down the hull of your boat that are hard to remove. Dirt, mildew, and sediment can build up on a fender's surface from years of use and abuse. Here are some tried and true methods for keeping your fenders looking good and operating properly for years to come.
Dogs can make great first mates whether you're setting sail for the long voyage or taking the boat out for some quick fun in the sun on your favorite lake. Dogs and boats can be a fun combo, but there are extra precautions you should take to ensure Fido remains safe and secure.
How often do you change your anchor rode? This is a question we seldom hear, but in reality, is a question that boat owners should ask themselves more often. If your anchor rode components operate smoothly and look good at a glance, this is probably a question you wouldn't even think to ask. However, failing to keep a close eye on your current anchor rode setup could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Equipping your boat with adequate ground tackle is an essential part of owning a boat. Before anchoring, or even before shopping for ground tackle, it's important to determine what type of load will be on the ground tackle. Understanding your holding needs as well as your equipment's working load limits play a vital role in keeping you safe on the water.
All anchor rode is not created equally. If you've shopped for anchor rode before, chances are that you have seen a variety of different anchor line types and wondered what the difference is. In this article, we will discuss the differences and similarities between the most popular styles of anchor line.
In today's modern world, there are a plethora of apps available to help us navigate our everyday lives. In recent years the boating world has benefited greatly from a variety of helpful apps that can help take your boating experience to the next level. Boaters today can download apps to help them log their trips, download nautical charts, reserve a slip, and even learn to tie essential boating knots. We have reviewed many of the apps on the market today and are sharing our best boating and fishing apps.
Anchor drag can send your boat unexpectedly veering out to sea, or worse, the rocks. Today there are a variety of tools boaters can use to alert themselves of unexpected drag and avoid the costly repercussions of drifting into the unknown.
If you use a windlass to help lower and retrieve the anchor on your boat, chances are that you've experienced the occasional snag, jam, or bind as your rode passes through the windlass. In this article, we will be covering the most common hang-ups that people experience and tips and tricks on how to avoid these mishaps in the future.
The windlass is a wonderful back-saving device that retrieves your anchor with just the push of a button. A properly maintained windlass is the key component of a well-functioning anchoring system. Do yourself a favor by following these tips and tricks to keep your windlass (and your back) operating smoothly for years to come.
