It really doesn’t matter what your politics are.  Anyone with any understanding of the world and country we live in can tell you that things have changed.  And boy, do I mean changed.  We have gone from living a relatively comfortable lifestyle complete with boating and fishing to a financial wasteland…. In just a couple of short years.  We now live in a country where unnecessary expenditures (aka hobbies) just might well be a thing of the past, as eating regularly moves up the priority list.
So, how do you survive it if you are a boater/fisherman who wants to continue without completely going under ?  The purpose of this article is to investigate that question and attempt to offer a few answers.
•    I have an in-the-water boat and I can no longer afford gas and dockage …. What to do ?
The answer is kinda complicated but there is one …..   First is the obvious … your usage will be cut down and your gas buying reduced.  Now for the dockage situation….. move to a cheaper dock, or pull the boat out and store it on land.  But what if there are no haul-out facilities available?  If you have a boat ramp nearby there are boat movers that have in-the-water trailers that can actually back down the ramp and load your big boat just as if it was a small trailerable one.  Yep, we are talking about semi-trailers that are submersible.  Now with the boat loaded up, you can move your boat to a cheaper on land storage location.  Not a permanent answer, but perhaps it is helpful at least until the next election.
•     I have to sell ….. I cannot afford to keep my boat any longer.
This is a bit tougher, but there are answers.  There are always people available that will “steal” your boat for a price that might be quick but painful to swallow.  And there is still some success out there for the heavily advertised boat being offered for sale.  You can always donate your boat as a tax deduction to some worthwhile charity, or simply give it to a friend.  The choices are not real attractive right now as we all know, but the more popular the brand name and the better the condition it is in will always help in moving it.
So what does the future hold for boaters/fishermen?  It is indeed rather unsure to simply state the obvious.  The 2012 election will probably have a great deal of impact on all areas of our e economy and boating/fishing will be in the mix.  If your boating is recreational in nature, it doesn’t look real good for the near future.  For those who earn their living from boats and the fishing industry, it will be tough but necessary.  For the rest of us…….. down-sizing …. Infrequent use …. a change in hobbies ….  All of these things may in fact be in our near if not long term future.  We will continue to monitor and report on this situation as time passes and we will all hope for the return of “a better boating day”.
This article is being written for publishing on the blog www.deepwaterbill.com, and as such your comments and suggestions about this subject are welcomed and encouraged.  Vendors with products and services that have something to do with this subject may email for inclusion in our blog.
As a lifetime boater, a Licensed Coast Guard Captain-100 ton Master, and the owner of several boats myself, I welcome your ideas, comments, and suggestions.     Thanks for your time and attention,
Capn Bill

So, how do you survive it if you are a boater/fisherman who wants to continue without completely going under ? The purpose of this article is to investigate that question and attempt to offer a few answers.

• I have an in-the-water boat and I can no longer afford gas and dockage …. What to do ?
The answer is kinda complicated but there is one ….. First is the obvious … your usage will be cut down and your gas buying reduced. Now for the dockage situation….. move to a cheaper dock, or pull the boat out and store it on land. But what if there are no haul-out facilities available? If you have a boat ramp nearby there are boat movers that have in-the-water trailers that can actually back down the ramp and load your big boat just as if it was a small trailerable one. Yep, we are talking about semi-trailers that are submersible. Now with the boat loaded up, you can move your boat to a cheaper on land storage location. Not a permanent answer, but perhaps it is helpful at least until the next election.

• I have to sell ….. I cannot afford to keep my boat any longer.

This is a bit tougher, but there are answers. There are always people available that will “steal” your boat for a price that might be quick but painful to swallow. And there is still some success out there for the heavily advertised boat being offered for sale. You can always donate your boat as a tax deduction to some worthwhile charity, or simply give it to a friend. The choices are not real attractive right now as we all know, but the more popular the brand name and the better the condition it is in will always help in moving it.

So what does the future hold for boaters/fishermen? It is indeed rather unsure to simply state the obvious. The 2012 election will probably have a great deal of impact on all areas of our e economy and boating/fishing will be in the mix. If your boating is recreational in nature, it doesn’t look real good for the near future. For those who earn their living from boats and the fishing industry, it will be tough but necessary. For the rest of us…….. down-sizing …. Infrequent use …. a change in hobbies …. All of these things may in fact be in our near if not long term future. We will continue to monitor and report on this situation as time passes and we will all hope for the return of “a better boating day”.

This article is being written for publishing on the blog www.deepwaterbill.com, and as such your comments and suggestions about this subject are welcomed and encouraged. Vendors with products and services that have something to do with this subject may email for inclusion in our blog.
As a lifetime boater, a Licensed Coast Guard Captain-100 ton Master, and the owner of several boats myself, I welcome your ideas, comments, and suggestions.

Thanks for your time and attention,

Capn Bill

Sport fishing or recreational fishing can involve fishing for the mere pleasure of it or for competition. If you lead a pretty urbanized life that mainly revolves around home, a career and a family, then you can easily ease in sport fishing into your routine. This is because one can easily organize a fishing weekend or trip, or even enjoy a fishing charter once in a while. Here are some of the things that recreational fishing can offer the typical urban yuppie:

1. Recreational fishing can help a person relax and unwind.
An urbanized yuppie’s life can be full of stress and pressure. If one takes on sport fishing as a regular activity, one can easily relax and unwind while fishing. This can easily be achieved since the sport will allow one to be surrounded by calm waters, the cool breeze and more that nature can offer.

2. Recreational fishing can help a person have a different sense of fulfillment.
Whether one catches fish for competition or simple for the pleasure it offers, the person involved can have a deep sense of fulfillment as each catch can be a product of hard work and patience.

3. Recreational fishing can be a lone or group activity.
Depending on what a person craves for, recreational fishing can give a person peaceful solitude in the form of a sport, or it can be an effective bonding activity for families, friends and even colleagues. In other words, sport fishing can offer you the kind of unique enjoyment you seek for, whether alone or with a group of people.

These are just some of the many reasons why it is quite interesting to try out sport fishing; or better yet, make it a part of one’s lifestyle.

You can always find boat dealers who are not simply after high profits. There are reputable dealers who also care for the name they make in the market, giving you the best chances to purchase the boat you want and need at a reasonable price.

If you are not ready for a brand new boat purchase, then you only have to open your doors to used boat dealers and what they have to offer. Keep in mind that what you are after is a used or second-hand boat that is right for your needs, the sport you have in mind, at the best price.

Look out for used boat dealers who offer great-priced boats that are sold by previous owners. Some dealers are satisfied with a little markup, and are primarily after selling the boat fast rather than letting its value go down over time. Of course, you can also have much use for boat dealers who are not simply after the sale, but also after leading you to the right boat you can use to its full potential.

Aside from boats that are offered by dealers for their owners, you can also look into salvaged or repossessed boat auctions. Local government agencies or even the federal state can offer such auctions, and you can even close a boat sale for a dirt-low price. In the end, having the right contacts can lead you to the best and fairest boat dealers who can tip you on the latest used and repossessed boat sales or auctions, so you can end up with the best-priced boat.

If you have never tried salt water fishing, it is high time to do so now. Of course, doing so is not as simple as having the determination to have fun and explore what nature has to offer.

First off, you will need the right equipment. Some of the most basic ones you need to invest in include fishing lines, hooks, casting rods and lures. Keep in mind that the fish you can catch in open seas are much bigger that those you can get in fresh water, thus, choosing the right equipment for a satisfying fishing day is necessary.

Now, do not think that you need to immediately buy your own fishing boat when you want to try out salt water fishing for the first time. While having your own boat is certainly an add-on, you can always start off with a rented fishing boat that is more practical for first-timers. When you decide to pursue salt water fishing, then you can consider buying your own fishing boat. Be sure to consider not just brand new boats but also used ones that are still in good condition. For big groups, renting charter boats can also be a swell idea.

Salt water fishing can indeed be a very pleasurable activity not just to individuals but also for groups of friends or even entire families. Spending time in the open seas, on good weather, through salt water fishing can be a great way to bond with each other as well as to unwind from the stress of everyday life.

If you are thinking of buying your own boat, then it would not hurt to learn more about sail boats in general. Doing so can give you a deeper understanding of what they are, what they can give you and also of what you need.

One of the most important things you will need to decide on when looking for boats is the amount of money you are willing to spend. There are boats that can withstand long ocean sports while there are smaller ones which are best used only for smaller water bodies like lakes and coasts. Decide the price range you can shell out, so you can find the best valued boat for the budget you have set.

Aside from money matters, it is also practical to decide a purchase on the boat size you need. There are smaller sail boats that can be more practical to sailors or sports people who want easier control. The size of sail boats can also influence other possible expenses in the future like maintenance, insurance policy and even dock rentals.

When looking around for sail boats, you can also weigh whether a brand new one or used one is more practical. Going for a brand new boat does not necessarily mean getting better value, so be sure to open your mind to purchasing a used but well-maintained one.

Lastly, there are experts who can help you look among available sail boats in the market, so do not hesitate to call for expert opinion before finally deciding on a purchase.

Power boats insurance offers, of course, differ from each other. Do not be easily fooled into signing up for a cheap one without really looking into the inclusions and coverage. Keep in mind that understanding the different boat insurance offers can mean not only saved money but also better safety for you, your family or your boating pals.

The kind of boat you will buy can certainly influence the type of insurance offer. Power boats insurance packages can depend on factors such as boat size, boat materials, racing power, and the like. Look into the market first before signing up for an insurance policy, so you can have a pretty good idea of the going rates and inclusions.

It is also essential that you do not just consider how power boats insurance offers look on paper. Be sure to also check the credibility and track record of the insurance company you are dealing with. Check with local agencies and ask around if the company is fair and easy to deal with after the insurance agreement is signed off by a boat owner.

If you are a serious boat owner, then a power boats insurance is necessary especially if you plan to really use your boat for various water sports like sailing, fishing, or diving. If you are a new boat owner, the right power boats insurance can also mean being able to have the peace of mind so you can fully maximize your purchase, not just for yourself but also for those who will use your new baby.

Of course, not all of us have the means to buy a brand new boat on the first purchase. Also, not everyone finds a brand new sail boat a practical buy. There are many reasons why it is wise to start off with a used sail boat, and not having the money to purchase a brand new one is just one of them.

One good reason to first go for a used boat is practicality. If you are new to open water sports and activities and still not sure if you have much use for your own boat, then it would not be wise to immediately jump to a brand new sail boat purchase. With second-hand sail boat, you would not have to regret the expense much if and when you decide to give up the boat.

Another reason why going for a used boat is wise is because you can actually get one at great value. There are many owners who decide to upgrade their boats to better or newer ones, and usually sell their current ones at prices lower than real value. Also, there are dealers who can indeed lead you to great boat finds without padding the sales with too much interest.

Finally, buying a used boat might be the answer to a long-yearned dream. If investing some money for a well-maintained, good condition, fair-priced second-hand sail boat can mean realizing your plans for water sports or recreation, then the money you will shell out will certainly be worth it.

One big advantage offered by inflatable fishing boats is versatility. In the modern times, it is not unusual for a person to only engage in one sport. It can be quite common for a man to enjoy fishing, sailing, canoeing and even hiking all at the same time. Having an inflatable fishing boat can simply mean being able to pack your boat in a small cabin or even in your car trunk, ready to be used anytime and anywhere. These boats are light and versatile enough. Most of them can be used for a number of water sports like fishing, cruising or even diving. These fishing boats are easy to row and maneuver, and can carry even a small group of people. These boats can often handle even rugged outdoor conditions.

Another advantage offered by inflatable fishing boats is low price. They are generally more affordable that the non-inflatable ones, without the user sacrificing safety or functionality. Imagine, one can even purchase small inflatable boats for less than $50. Of course, the bigger and sturdier ones can cost up to around $500.

If you want to pursue water sports like fishing or diving, do not be held back with the concerns like dock rentals or high purchase prices. With the existence of inflatable fishing boats, your plans to owning a good boat that you can use for years can be easily realized, even without flinching at the price you have to pay.