Folding Bikes are Ideal Boat Gear for Transient Boaters

With ease of storage and quality construction, folding bicycles on board boats give you the freedom to travel by land at boating destinations

Folding bikes are easy to carry and stow on board boats. Photo courtesy of Montague Bikes.

One of the best parts about taking a boat trip is exploring new ports and waterside towns. But after you dock your boat at a marina its not always easy to get around town on land.

Having a bike on board gives you easy access to everything that waterside towns can offer transient boaters - and folding bikes make it even easier to carry and stow a bike on board.

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Waterproof and Floating iPhone or iPad Cases for Boating

Keep your iPhone, iPad or Galaxy S3 devices safe on your boat or around water with waterproof and floating device cases from LifeProof or Otterbox

Most boaters don't go out on their boat without their iPhones, iPads or other smartphone devices on board. We use them to take pictures, we use them for navigation apps, we use them to text, we post updates to Facebook and Twitter and sometimes we even use them to actually make phone calls.

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Low Voltage LED Replacement Light Bulbs for Boats Save Energy

Replacing cockpit or cabin lighting with new, low voltage, super bright LED light bulbs is an easy and cost-effective way to save battery power on a boat

The latest trend of replacing ordinary halogen or incandescent tungsten light bulbs with energy saving LED lights is also a great solution for boats. When underway or anchored out for long hours, boaters want to draw as little power as possible from batteries. Small, inexpensive updates like low voltage LED light bulbs can make a big difference on a battery’s life.

With stylish new colors and super bright illumination capabilities, there are many advantages to using replacement LED light bulbs on a boat.

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Compare Fish Finder Screen Sizes for Your Boat

Review popular fish finder brands and models to see which size unit may be best for your boat and fishing needs [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you are a boater that likes to fish, then having a fish finder on board is one essential marine electronic that you'll want to install on your boat. Fish finders and multi-function displays such as the HDS series by Lowrance make a great (and shiny!) addition to any boat's dash or stern.

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Comparing Sterndrive IO vs. Inboard Engines for Power Boats

Compare the performance, reliability, maintenance, convenience and efficiency when choosing between sterndrive IO and inboard engines for power boats.

Many express cruiser style power boats offer both sterndrive inboard outboard (IO) and inboard (direct drive or V-drive) engine propulsion system options. Choosing between these engine drive types should be given careful thought for a new or used boat.

Both sterndrive and inboard boat engine types have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to evaluating the overall engine performance, maintenance, reliability, convenience and efficiency in power boat.

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All You Need to Know About Lifeboat Safety

Proper use and maintenance of lifeboats to prevent accidents and ensure your life saving boat is ready when your crew needs it

Lifeboat Safety photo courtesy of US Navy

Although lifeboats are of course, by design, meant to be used to get you out of trouble and potentially save you from a spot of trouble, they can sometimes be involved in accidents themselves. This is to be expected – accidents can happen to anything at any time – but it can’t help but feel a little ironic.

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How to Inflate Boats the Easy Way

Step-by-step instructions and tips for inflating a boat quickly and easily

Basking in the sun while riding on an inflatable boat can be an enjoyable experience for your family. Inflatable boats are practical boat equipment because they don't need a huge backyard or a big space to store them during winter. Unlike aluminum, wood or fiberglass boats, these boats are convenient to use and even their outboard motors are light and easily detachable for repair and safekeeping.

But you don’t want to wait until a hot summer day to learn how to properly inflate a boat because it is your first time using it. You need to know how to inflate a boat without damaging it, and how to do it quickly and efficiently.

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Kids Sun and UV Protection Products on Boats

Recommended products to protect your baby or kids from harmful UV rays of the hot summer sun while boating

My kids love being on the boat and we spend a lot of time out in the sun. When we are not up at our marina’s pool swimming, you can usually find us anchored out on a nearby cove for the afternoon.

With countless hours in the sun during the summer boating season and it is really hard to avoid it. We’re always worried about our young girls’ fair skin and we try very hard to avoid sunburn at all costs. Our canvas is always extended and we try to take advantage of sun and UV protection products to keep the kids protected from the sun on the boat.

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Using the Right Anchor Gear for Anchoring Out Overnight

How to choose an anchor for your boat and your anchorage conditions for a secure and safe night out on the water

Taking your boat out for a cruise can take boaters on wonderful adventures, with virtually thousands of magnificent destinations to choose from. Most areas also offer boaters a number of anchorages where you can secure your boat and anchor out for the night to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you on the water.

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Pocket Hose for Boats - Video Demo Review

Boaters demonstrate how to use the Pocket Hose on a boat, showing how it offers quick and easy wash-downs in a lightweight, compact size ideal for transient boaters [VIDEO DEMO]

When we heard our boater friends rave about how much they love their "pocket hose", we knew that it was something worth sharing.

Recently our friends embarked on a two week Intracoastal Waterway Cruise and began talking about how great their new Pocket Hose has been for them on their cruise.

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Choosing Boating iPhone Apps for GPS Marine Navigation on Boats

New downloadable iPhone applications for boating enable portable GPS marine navigation that is convenient, cost-saving technology ideal for small boats

Apple iPhones have grown in popularity because of their ease of use and wide availability of applications that enable special features. The boating industry has recognized this trend and is introducing new boating iPhone apps, such as GPS marine navigation, that offer boaters conveniences on the water. Apps are also available to work on iPod touch and iPads.

More and more boaters are choosing downloadable GPS applications for Apple iPhones as a cost-effective and convenient portable navigation option on the water. Ideal for smaller boats, an iPhone app for GPS navigation can eliminate the need for more expensive hand held GPS devices.

Boaters should consider all of the conveniences and functionality when choosing to download a new GPS navigation application for an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad.

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Best Pontoon Boat Accessories for Updating Deck Comfort and Fun

New or used pontoon boats can be easily updated with the latest boat accessories for boat seating, bimini tops, deck carpet, covers, boat tables, and more

One of the most affordable boat styles on the market, a pontoon boat offers both comfort and fun for boaters. A variety of after-market upgrades and boat accessories enable both customization and longevity for a pontoon boat owner.

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Boating Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Boaters

Cool boat gear and nautical gift ideas for smaller or inexpensive stocking stuffer presents for the boater on your Christmas gift list

Looking for some gift ideas for a boater? This collection of Christmas stocking stuffers features a variety of boating gift ideas that are perfect extra present for your favorite boater.

Whether you are looking for a useful boat gear idea to make boating easier or more convenient, or you just want to get a fun nautical themed gift, these are great add-on stocking stuffer ideas you can buy for a boater.

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Suction Handle for Boat Hull Cleaning or Boarding a Boat

Get a firm grip on the side of your boat while cleaning your fiberglass boat hull in the water or boarding safely with a Seateak Quick Grip boat suction handle

It's always a bit tricky to try to scrub the hull of your boat while in the water. Usually you are struggling to stay afloat while cleaning the water line.

We discovered this handy boat suction handle last season when we saw a boater using it as he scrubbed his boat hull while anchored out. Although I am sure it takes a bit of practice, this guy was practically sliding around the hull of his boat scrubbing the water line with one hand and using this boat suction grip to hold himself steady next to the boat and keep his head above the water (all while dealing with some wakes and anchored in fairly deep water).

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The Perfect Watch for Boating

How to find the perfect water resistant watch that is stylish and functional for water sport activities like boating, diving, fishing or swimming

If you are looking to find the ideal watch that is both stylish and functional for your life on the water, then it may be worthwhile to give dive watches another look.

Dive watches are a category of men’s watches that are designed specifically for diving, boating, fishing and other water sports. They have many special features and functions that are specific only to dive watches; two of the most well known being a water resistance of at least 100 meters (330 feet) and a moveable outside bezel with minute markings on it.

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Green and Eco-Friendly Boat Cleaners and Soap Products

These boat cleaning supplies are less harmful for the environment and are good choices for responsible boaters that want greener boating products

As boaters it is important for us to protect our most valuable resources – the environment and the water sources we enjoy. Choosing green and environmentally friendly cleaning products for our boat is one easy step we can take to keep our waters clean.

So what are green boat cleaning products and why are they important? Green or eco-friendly boat cleaning products are made of organic, phosphate-free and biodegradable soaps that will have the least negative impact on water, land and animal life. Boaters should try to avoid cleaners and soaps that contain toxins and chemicals because as you wash your boat (particularly in the water) the run-off goes right into the water. In addition to the negative impact on fish, birds and other wildlife, you also don’t want to fish or swim in water that is not clean.

The good news is that you do not need to compromise your desire to have a clean boat for your desire to boat in clean water. Many of today’s green boat cleaners and soaps are just as powerful as traditional chemical based cleaners. An increased awareness of green boating issues has made more eco-friendly product choices available for boaters.

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Boat Cooking and Galley Gear Ideas for Convenient Storage and Less Power Usage

Make dining while boating more convenient by stocking up on cookware, tableware and food storage gear for your boat that saves storage space, requires less power to operate and functions well in a marine environment

Everyone works up an appetite while boating, but having meals on a boat can sometimes be challenging. Space is limited for cooking... and even more limited for stowing a variety of cooking equipment. If you are out on the hook for a meal you want to conserve power - or you may not have power at all - which also limits your cookware options.

Boaters tend to keep things simple for food on the water... and some may not like to cook at all on a boat. But after awhile, cold sandwiches from the cooler can become a bit boring and it’s nice to have a little variety in your menu by cooking a meal.

With a bit of pre-planning for meals and the right gear for your boat galley, cooking or dining on a boat can be much easier than you’d think. From bow riders to motor yachts, there’s no reason why you can’t keep your boat stocked with some basic cooking essentials to serve your crew a meal on the water.

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Bed Options for a Newborn Infant or Baby Sleeping on Board a Boat

When boating with a baby, here are choices for safe and space-saving compact bed solutions for having a newborn infant or baby sleep inside a boat cabin

Infants and babies tend to sleep very well on board a boat. The gentle water movement and rocking of a boat is very soothing and calming for a baby. Both of our babies slept their longest hours through the night for the first time on the boat.

We have had two babies sleep on-board our boat since they were only a few weeks old, and we have experience with a variety of sleeping arrangements while boating. If you have a boat with a cabin there is no reason why you can’t have your baby sleep on the boat with you for daytime naps, weekend overnights or live-aboard boating.

Having a baby sleep on a boat can be both safe and easy with the right baby gear. The biggest challenge is often finding the right bed option for the tight space quarters of a boat cabin that is safe and appropriate for the age of your baby.

Here are some of my recommendations for good compact infant bed options for a newborn or baby sleeping on board your boat.

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Boating Electronics Gift Ideas for Boaters

Upgrade boat electronics with these
boating electronic gift ideas

From navigation systems to marine stereos or fish finders, here are some marine electronic gifts that your favorite captain or first mate would love to have on their boat

Boaters love to have the latest technology gadgets on their boat... so buying boating electronics as a gift is sure to please your favorite boater.

Today's marine electronics range from full color handheld GPS navigation devices to high-tech fish finders that locate the catch of the day, or high performance marine-grade stereo systems that easily play the best boating music from your iPod. There are always new electronic gadgets to upgrade to on a boat.

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Improving WiFi and Internet Access Options on Boats at Marinas

Boaters can improve their Internet access while docked at marinas using wireless antennas, wireless hotspots or mobile 3G/4G Internet options that boost WiFi signals on boats

These days many full service marinas are now offering free WiFi access to slip holders and transient boaters. Internet access has become a welcomed amenity for boaters that need to occasionally work remotely (at their “office” on the water) or simply want the ability to get online while on their boat.

But the signal strength with WiFi access at marinas can vary depending on where your boat is situated at a dock – especially at larger marinas. Luckily there are several options for improving WiFi and Internet access points at marinas that can boost low signal strength at on your boat or give you better mobile Internet access.

Boosting WiFi Network and Wireless Signals to Boat Docks at Marinas

The WiFi signal at our marina always seems to be low – with one or 2 bars at best. This was mainly due to the fact that our boat dock is located pretty far from the WiFi access point at the marina office. It simply couldn’t deliver a strong WiFi signal to our boat so we could have basic Internet access that was reliable or fast.

The Alfa Wireless Network Adapter
with a high-gain antenna boosts
Wi-Fi signals on boats at marinas.

So after trying a few different options, we found that we got the best result so far using a USB WiFi Wireless Adapter with a high-gain antenna for our computer. It boosts the signal from our marina office so we can actually get online with our marina’s WiFi.

With the Alfa Wireless Network Adapter we simply plug it into our laptop and extend the antenna to capture the low wireless signal from our marina WiFi. It boosts the signal from one or two bars to five bars so we get full WiFi signal strength at our boat. It also comes with a suction cup mount that we place on our radar arch to position the adapter toward our marina office (where the WiFi signal originates).

WiFi Mobile Hotspot and 3G Internet Device Options for Boats at Marinas

Another problem with WiFi access at marinas is the availability of open IP addresses. Even if the wireless signal strength is good, your marina may have a limited number of IP addresses available. In other words, you’ll see the WiFi signal but won’t be able to connect your smartphone or laptop. This is particularly a problem in busy marinas with a large number of people using smartphones and laptops to access the Internet on their boat.

So to solve the problem of Internet availability on your boat at your marina, you may have to invest in a WiFi hotspot or other 3G/4G Internet device.

Here are some more options for improving Internet access while on a boat docked at a marina:

Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 3G Mobile WiFi Hotspot Modem (Verizon Wireless)
If you have good Verizon Wireless coverage at your marina, you can use this device to create a mobile WiFi Hotspot and allow several WiFi enabled devices on your boat – smartphone, laptop, iPad, iPhone, etc. - to use the same data plan.

Novatel MiFi 2372 ATandT Mobile Hotspot 3G WiFi HSPA
Similar to the Novatel MiFi for Verizon, this one works with ATandT Wireless plans and lets you create a mobile hotspot for multiple Wi-Fi devices on your boat.

Sprint Sierra Wireless Overdrive 3G 4G Mobile Hotspot
The Sprint Wireless Overdrive creates a 3G or 4G mobile hotspot – or a 4G mobile hotspot if 4G is available at your marina.



CradlePoint PHS300 Personal Hotspot - Wireless access point - 802.11b/g (Version 2.0/2.5.3)
The CradlePoint is unique because it creates a mobile hotspot for multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices, can provide 3G or 4G coverage and can be used with any mobile service provider that you may currently have for your Internet data plan (Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, ATandT, etc.)

Kindle DX with Free 3G Internet Access
The Kindle by Amazon is a great ebook reader for boaters because of its anti-glare screen that makes reading easy in even the brightest sunlight. But with the Kindle 3G boaters can also have access to the Internet for basic website surfing... like updating your Facebook status or looking up boating supplies.

The Internet browsing experience on a Kindle is much different than a laptop computer or even a smartphone. Internet usability of the Kindle 3G may seem somewhat limited because of the size of the screen and everything being in black and white... but it can be a good way to access basic sites on a boat.

The biggest advantage of using a Kindle DX 3G on a boat is that it comes with FREE 3G Internet access (no extra data plan required) and built-in WiFi too. The fact that it is a mobile Internet device that can double as an e-reader makes it a good inexpensive option for boaters that need Internet access while at a marina or out on the hook.

Special thanks to our resident technology expert/boat captain (author of ITAdminTools.com) for input on this article!

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