Monthly Archives: April 2011

Boats & Other Watercraft

Checklist for Boating Necessities

Posted on by Larry Lewis

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally considered the opening of the boating season, with many areas of the country starting as early as May 1st. Are you ready for boating season to kick off? Below is a handy check list of what you will need to start boating season. Get ready now and you can hit the water at the first sign of summer!

  • Clean your boat, including waxing, windows, and all surfaces.
  • Make sure your registration is up to date and on board. Make sure that your numbering is visible and legible.
  • Check battery, motor, and all electrical systems for problems prior to getting on the water.
  • Make sure that you have a sound signaling device, heaving line, waterproof flashlight, and other emergency devices. You can purchase a marine safety kit to stow on board for convenience.
  • Make sure that distress signals, life vests, fire extinguishers, compass, and first aid kits are aboard and ready to use. Replace any of these items that are expired, used, or damaged.
  • Inspect and make sure that you have a bailer, hand pump, oar, and other items for distress.
  • Check your head system, water system, trailer system, and sails (in applicable).
  • Inspect your anchor and anchor line for damage or wear.

Marine Safety Kit

Recreational Vehicles

Considering RV Travel? Think Small!

Posted on by Larry Lewis

Recreational Vehicles

Toying with the idea of RV travel?  When it comes to recreational vehicles, the best approach may be to start small.  Class A monster-size motorhomes are certainly tempting, offering enough amenities and space to serve as a second home.  But, when first venturing into the vast and varied world of RVs, starting small is a safe and affordable way to get a taste of RV living.

Among the variety of towable recreational vehicles, the teardrop trailer is the smallest and, arguably, the cutest.  Dating all the way back to the 1930s, the teardrop trailer has a charming retro look and plenty of cozy comfort for two travelers.  Teardrop trailers are ideal for weekend get-aways.

If towing an RV doesn’t sound inviting, then try a class B motorhome instead.  Class B RVs are the smallest motorhomes available.  Essentially, class B RVs are conversion vans equipped with all of the basic conveniences found in larger motorhomes.  Small families can comfortably sleep, cook, eat, and relax on board.  Most class B motorhomes have toilets and showers, too.  Class B RVs are easy to maneuver and park, and they require less fuel than larger RVs.  As motorhomes go, the class B is an ideal place to get started with RV travel.

No matter what type of RV you decide to purchase, take care of it properly by protecting it when you’re not out on the road.  Covering your recreational vehicle with proper RV covers protects your new “home away from home” from damages caused by environmental exposure.

Teardrop Trailer Covers     Class B RV Covers

Shade Ideas

A Sexy and Energy-Saving Home Improvement Project – Shade Sails

Posted on by Larry Lewis

 

Shade Sails

While new windows, tankless water heaters, and energy-efficient appliances can be exciting improvements for any homeowner, they aren’t what many would describe as “sexy.”  One home improvement project that offers “sexy” visual appeal as well as the benefits of  energy efficiency is shade sails.

Shade sails are a stylish solution for outdoor shade where traditional awnings and umbrellas won’t work or simply won’t do.  They provide artistic and architectural flair while blocking up to 98% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and allow homeowners to create cool and comfortable outdoor living areas, and they prevent the sun from penetrating nearby windows and heating up the home’s interior.  Cooler inside temperatures mean less time running the air conditioning on warm summer days.

Shade Sails are made with durable and breathable Sunbrella fabric that helps to keep you cool and comfortable even in the hottest weather. These sails are covered with a limited 10 year warranty and provide you with a UV protection factor of up to 98%. Sunbrella’s state-of-the-art solution-dyed acrylic fabric is fade and water resistant. The fabric also resists stains, mildew, and rot. The perimeter of each sail is surrounded with a seatbelt type webbing for increased strength and durability. Each corner has a welded solid marine grade stainless steel attachment ring to aid in attaching the sail to a structurally sound fixing point.

With shade sails, combining “sexy” good looks with energy-saving efficiency is possible.  They are a colorful and fresh home improvement project that provide real results in comfort and energy-savings.

Sunbrella Shade Sails