Friday, April 30, 2010

How to Choose an RC Boat For Beginners

Both young children and adults can agree that remote-controlled toys are the most fun toys that they can have. Because these toys are radio-powered, they can be navigated without being held or guided. Even the boat hobbyists appreciate the fact that an RC boat can be purchased right from a toy store.

Remote-controlled boats are loved by boat collectors; some of them do not even give a thought for spending hundreds of dollars for boat purchases and accessories. To boat enthusiasts, no amount of money can replace the pleasure they get from a RC boat.

If you have gained interest in remote-controlled boats yourself, but do not know where to start, you may get important information from the following tips on how to pick an RC boat:

1.Do your research. This is particularly important for beginners. There are so many different models and styles available and the options can be overwhelming. Start off your research by determining the power source that you are going to use with your RC boat. Boats powered by nitro engines have the fastest speed, but they also consume fuel quickly. The popular alternatives are electric engines. The boats that run on these use batteries that you can recharge whenever they drain. The issue you will face with these is their speed; they aren't as fast as boats that run on gas.

2.Note that electric motor boats are believed to be the best radio-controlled models because they require low maintenance and have relatively smaller risks of breakdowns.

3.Choose the scale of your watercraft. The scale of your remote-controlled boat is its proportion to the actual size of the real craft. If you choose a 1:20 scale, this should mean that your boat is smaller by twenty times than its actual counterpart. Remember that bigger boats require more fuel and power source.

4.Select the design of your boat. Do you like older boats? If you do, you may choose from pirate ships, schooners, tug boats, and ships used in wars. Speed boats, amphibious vehicles, and many other new models can also be chosen over older ones.

5.Decide the type of RC boat you are going to purchase. Do you want a ready-to-run type or do you want to take pleasure in assembling the parts just before you make it cruise down the waters? Keep in mind that the more complex radio-controlled boats require skills and expertise. If you are new to the craft, it is best to stick to ready-to-run models.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Andrew


Thursday, April 29, 2010

Electric RC Boat - The Flying Fish Speed Racing Boat

One of the great things about the RC hobby is the terrain diversity. For example, you can romp around in the dirt, or you can speed around on the street. You can own the air with a plane or chopper, or you can take to the seas with a boat. In this article, I am going to cover taking to the seas with the electric RC boat called the Flying Fish Speed Racing boat. Now, the optimal type of water to run an RC boat on would be a nice smooth lake. I would not recommend trying to race around on choppy waters which makes it harder to keep control and might result in flipping the boat. Another thing to mention is that if you do happen to flip the boat or crash in some way, be prepared to get a little wet. Besides, whats the fun of playing at a lake if you don't do a little swimming?

The Flying Fish is a good sized boat measuring 41 inches in length, 14 inches in width, 10 inches in height, and weighs in around 35 pounds. It is a full function RC boat powered by twin SC550 type racing motors. The propellers are professionally designed and the high-capacity rechargeable battery and quick battery charger make this a long running and high speed boat. Top speed is around 30 miles per hour. It has a Vector-Push design, and it easy to be controlled. The actuating mechanism is 100 percent metal which is very durable and long lasting. The Flying Fish comes 100 percent pre-assembled with glossy exterior paint and is ready to run.

What comes with it? The Flying Fish comes in a full package. The package includes the remote controller, 8AA batteries for the remote, a 12 volt RC2300 rechargeable battery and a 110 volt battery charger adapter.

Who is it for? This a bigger electric RC boat which is more powerful, faster, and more expensive. I would recommend this for intermediate to expert drivers, ages 12 and up. If you have not driven an RC boat before, i would start with something cheaper to get the hang of it and work your way up.

I hope this has been an informative article for you and I wish you luck with your RC boating hobby. Feel free to come check out some pictures of the Flying Fish or view our other Electric RC Boats.

Ryan Kramer is a Co-Owner and the CMO of Full Finger Throttle, L.L.C., a new website designed to inform and engage people in the wonderful world and hobby of Remote Controlled vehicles, Gas or Electric. Come visit us at Full Finger Throttle today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Kramer

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Pontoon Boat Insurance - Protect Your Investment, Family and Friends

Do you enjoy inviting a group of friends out for a floating party in your new or used pontoon boat? Do you entertain clients with your business? Do you invite friends to a weekend of fishing your favorite lake or river?

Then you really need to purchase pontoon boat insurance. And here is why; Even though new and used pontoon boats are simply floating rafts with motors, it's still important to have proper insurance coverage for your new or used boat.

Boat Insurance can be a large expense, but you can easily reduce the cost by choosing a high deductible, making sure you have all the necessary safety equipment and that you have a clean insurance record.

Even when your boat is not in the water it is a good idea to get your insurance started right away. You may even be able to add your new or used boat onto your house insurance policy so be sure to mention that to your insurance representative.

Also talk to your boat insurance representative to create your own policy by selecting from a broad collection of boat insurance options for your boat. You really want to make sure your insurance needs are fully met.

It is always a good thing to be pro-active by arming yourself with the knowledge to get the best quotes you need for the best rates among the different policies made available to you.

Then you can enjoy all what boating has to offer knowing you are fully insured and protected.

Safe Boating Everyone

For more information on pontoon boat insurance please visit Pontoon Boat Insurance. Get expert advice along with a free quote on insurance for your boat here; http://north-american-waterway.com/articles/boat%20insurance/boat_insurance.htm

35 years self employed in the boating industry. Specializing in Bayliner Boats and Pontoon Boats. I grew my business over 300% when I went online. Now very involved in internet and social marketing, joint ventures and helping people do the same. I am volunteering my knowledge in a mentor program working with young entrepreneurs who are still in high school or college.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_P._Ostler

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Propeller Calculator Tools For Your Boat

Propeller calculators are online software tools that help you determine the ideal diameter and pitch for a specific boating application. By entering your boat's engine information, desired performance outcome, and total wieght a prop will be recommended to you. There are also calculators that calculate the power that each rotation of the propeller will give the boat.

The software available to calculate pitch or diameters of props come with a preset integrated database. They calculate the speed, slip, pitch, rpm and drive gear ratios after the required information is entered into a query section. The software has useful, 'Help' options and the reports given by the calculator are printable.

Calculators calculate percentages or requirements for all types of propellers. Calculations can be obtained for outboard and inboard motors, gasoline and diesel motors, 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines, 3 blade, 4 blade and five blade props, stainless steel and aluminum props and for different types of boats like aluminum. flat bottomed boats, cruisers, speed boats, skiers, fishing boats and pontoon boats.

The various measurements provided by these calculators include propeller sizing, pitch adjustment, shaft tapering, slip and speed calculations, the gear ratio and rpm of the propeller. Calculators are useful modern methods of calculation with near perfect accuracy. Since calculators are computer software, calculation is automated and easy to use. The digital reading on calculators has made calculators even more user friendly. They help to give precise information on propeller sizing and performance.

Another useful propeller tool is the Propeller scan. This is a computer based propeller inspection system. The scan reduces the time spent in diagnosing the performance problems of a propeller. The problems are quickly detected and the prop can be modified or repaired accurately. The scan gives an accurate reading of the problem and this helps to correct vibrations and slippage when repairing the prop.

The tools required for removing and repairing props are screwdrivers, ratchets, hammers and many other automotive tools. It is important to keep a spare prop for possible collisions with underwater obstacles and to learn the basics of prop replacement as a safety measure. A pair of rubber gloves is necessary when handling a boat propeller because the blades can be very sharp.

The digital age has impacted the boat prop industry and many digital calculators and automated tools are available to help boaters choose the right propeller for their unique needs, diagnose problems and repair propellers with great accuracy. For repairing and replacing propellers the traditional automotive tools are the most effective. However, experts believe that props should not be repaired by the boater. Expert technicians will have the expertise and experience in repairing the propeller to precise specifications. Boaters should carry a spare emergency propeller with the same configuration as the propeller in use and replace the propeller rather than try to repair the propeller.

A propeller having precise computer calculated specifications and fitted carefully with traditional tools to the specifications in the engine manual will give hours of excellent propulsion for the boat.

Additional Resources: BoatProps123
Pontoon Boat Propellers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Wright


Monday, April 26, 2010

Boat Propeller Selection Guide

The two main factors that affect the selection of a good boat propeller are the size of the propellers and the horsepower of the engine. These two factors are important to ensure optimum boat performance and the fuel efficiency of the engine. There are other important considerations for selecting a good boat prop including, size, pitch, the number of blades and the material from which the propeller is made.

The diameter and pitch are important when selecting a boat propeller. The diameter is the circle made by the rotating blades and the pitch is the distance to which the boat is pushed forward at each rotation of the blades. The pitch should enable the boat to have maximum momentum. The best guide for the ideal diameter and pitch are the specifications given by the manufacturer of the engine of the boat. If there are no specifications, dealers of boat motors will be able to give the diameter pitch specifications for the ideal propeller for a boat engine.

The next factor to consider when selecting a propeller is the number of blades. Commonly available props come with three and four blades. The four blade propeller is faster, enables quick acceleration, faster planing, higher transom height, less slippage and better holding power. The three blade propeller gives better top end speed and is ideal for racing or speed boating. Three blade propellers can be changed to four blade propellers by reducing an inch of the pitch. The cupping of the blade is a factor to be considered. Cupping is the curve at the edge of the blade. The more the cupping the better the grip the prop will have on the water. The thickness of the blade is also a consideration. The blades should be thin enough to reduce drag and have the necessary thickness for additional strength.

The way the boat is used impacts propeller choice. .No propeller fits all types of usage. The propeller should suit the purpose of using the boat. Slow boats, speed boats, tow boats and fishing boats all require different types of propeller. It is important to keep the purpose of using the boat in mind when selecting a propeller. If the use of the boat is to be changed, the propeller should be replaced with a more suitable propeller.

The propeller should be made of durable and non corrosive material. Aluminum props are ideal for freshwater lakes and could corrode in high seas. Stainless steel is a good option for all waters because it is corrosion resistant. Stainless steel lasts longer and costs more. Composite props can be used in all types of waters and is an inexpensive alternative to stainless steel.

The brand of the propeller is an important factor. The brand should fit all types of engines. Well known propeller brands will give better performance. They will come with warranties. Some of them have lifetime blade and hub warranties. They are manufactured after strict performance tests and will work better and last longer.

Find discount props on BoatProps123. You'll get a great deal on outboard, stern drive and pontoon boat props.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Wright

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Boat Motor - Make Sure Your Boat Runs Right

A boat motor is the component of a motor boat that makes it run. It is used to propel motor boats across the water.

What's a motorboat?

A motorboat is a typically medium to large vessel that is propelled by a combustion engine. This engine has either jet propulsion (where air is forced out one end) or propeller motion that cuts through the water and spins. There are also speedboats that are smaller motorboats that are specifically designed to move quickly whether for use in races or pulling water skiers. Water patrol even uses these speed boats as does the military. The military uses them for their speed in high attack situations.

What Is a Motor?

It makes sure that the boat moves quickly as opposed to depending on wind or paddles alone. Many different companies have been in the motorboat industry for a long time and each company specializes in a different type of motor.

It is typically installed at the rear of the boat and it is a sealed unit. In this unit, there is an engine, a propeller, or jet propulsion system and other important systems. It is designed to turn over the mounting which makes the motor able to steer the boat. The rudder that sits below the boat and it is used as a transmission and a steering device. A great option is that you can pull it up when going through shallow waters. This insures that the boat will not get tangled in seaweed and other low lying debris in the water.

Types

It is available in different levels of power. They can be two stroke, three stroke, or four stroke. The lighter the unit, the higher the stroke. For example, a two stroke boat motor is high performing and high powered. These are not fuel efficient, but are used for more intense situations.

If you want something more fuel efficient and you are just doing a one man job or even just some sightseeing you might be better off using a four stroke engine. They use less fuel and you can enjoy a nice day out with maybe one other person because these types of boat motor are used to carry, push and pull lighter loads.

There are so many different types of boat motor that you can find out there. Whether you are looking online or you are looking in nearby stores there are many options. Doing the proper research will save your money and still allow you to seek the quality that you deserve.

Do you want to know more about the different boat motor types? Boat motors are very important for motor boats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evan_Dayvies

Saturday, April 24, 2010

How to Find Cheap Boat Insurance

If you can get things easily, you might do so. If you can get cheap boat insurance easily, there's no harm in heading that route. Whether you own a boat that is tied to a dock or you have it stored in your trailer, you need to get your hands on cheap boat insurance as soon as possible.

Your boat is an investment and you want to make sure that it is covered. It is like a house or a car. It is an asset and it definitely needs insurance. You want to be covered just in case something happens to it.

You can easily secure cheap boat insurance by going online. Because of the demand for insurance right now, you will realize that you are just one in a million of investors who are thinking of investing their hard-earned cash in insuring their boat.

So if you head out to the open water altogether, you are all covered. It's true what they say about insurance. It is better that you have it and not need it, than need it but not have it.

There are a number of cheap boat insurance quotes to choose from. These sites contribute a lot to the public who wants to insure their boat because they pretty much get an idea of how much this move will cost them.

They also get a preview of the plans out there. The best insurance providers are those that have no qualms in stating the costs of the plans they provide their clients and their potential clients.

Another sign that the insurance provider is one of the best in the business is when the reviews on their plans are positive. Words of their clients also play an important factor.

If you look at cheap boat insurance quotes, chances are you will see links to the webpage of these insurance providers. Seize your chance and click on the link so you can see the testimonials from the clients.

If you are wondering about the discounts that come with the cheap boat insurance, you shouldn't wonder anymore because the quotes that you check out will easily give you the answers that you are looking for.

You can also compare these with the other plans that you are considering. If you can get insurance at a cheaper rate, why should you invest in insurance that are available to you at the general price?

The money that you save for getting cheap boat insurance can be used on other things. You can use this to get something for your boat.

Discover where to buy cheap boat insurance online. Learn where to get cheap boat insurance quotes online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Lim