With the way the economy has turned in the past year, finding used boat financing can be difficult. Lenders are becoming extremely strict about qualification standards. Repossessions are on the rise, as well, since more and more people are not able to make their monthly payments.
No matter what kind of "sale" is proclaimed on a sign, the dealers are in business to make money. This also includes their stock of used boats. Many times, these boats are taken as a trade-in. The value given for the boat is sometimes more than it is actually worth. The dealers make their money back by selling the used boat at a higher markup.
This is actually a much easier way to get a used boat. Many of the boats sold at a government auction start out with a bid of $100. Since these auctions are not advertised much, many people aren't even aware of them. This means there are fewer people bidding on the units and, ultimately, lower winning bids. You can find these auctions online. There are sites that provide all the necessary information, such as dates, times, locations, and even what will be sold. Some will even notify you when new auction information becomes available. It's a very simply way to save money on a boat, without having to go through all the qualifying for used boat financing.
While many people are hesitant to buy from family or friends, this can really end up saving you money. Most won't charge interest, so you end up paying a lot less than through a bank or other financial institution. If you must use a bank, shop around and find the lowest interest rate. Even just a half a percentage point can really save you a lot in the long run.
The approximate value of the boat can be determined through a thorough appraisal, because of the fact that the boat under consideration is used its worth is very difficult to estimate. With the aid of the lender, the appropriate value of the boat can be discerned. Most of the boats have a loan secured to them, so the amount of loan that is needed will be sanctioned based on the size of the boat.
The right price for a used boat can be obtained by comparison of the various lenders. Most lenders offer credit to people to people seeking boat loans. They are also offered to people with zero credit or bad credit. Relative comparison is the key to getting the best deal. To do the above a no obligation quote must be obtained before making the purchase of the loan. Used boat loans should have all the necessary factors that are found in all loans. The factors include right terms, the lowest possible fees and low interest rates. The ultimate aim of the individual applying for a loan is to seek an affordable solution. Again the importance of comparison between various lenders cannot be overly stressed. Choose the lender who offers the best overall package.
The good news when it comes to applying for loans for used boats is that it is easily available. Also never underestimate the importance of an appraisal, this may be expensive but it is well worth the money as the actual cost of the boat can be found out. Consider the whole range of products on offer and do not limit your choices. Boat financing options are very similar to choices available for financing a car or any other type of vehicle. You do not need to have cash on hand to sail home in your new pontoon, sailboat, motorboat or yacht. To determine which loan options would work best for your financial situation, you need to consider all of your financing opportunities. Just like automobile dealerships, some of the larger boat dealerships will finance the boat for you. If your credit is good, you can sometimes receive a better deal from the boat dealership than from the bank. The dealer does not want to lose the boat sale. If you hold good credit, he may drop the interest rate half a percent to get the boat off the lot. If your credit is not good, it will not take the dealer long to figure that out. In a case of poor credit, the dealership may not be your best option because it will want to either raise the interest rate or receive a larger down payment to cover its potential loss should you not repay the loan.
Used boat loan providers have become increasingly competitive over the years and they realize they have to keep in touch with the times. I would suggest asking your bank for their used boat loan rates first. If they have a long and solid relationship with you they may beat anyone finance company. Barring that - as more and more online finance outfits trim their rates we the consumer win and save. One of my favorite internet pages for online used boat loans is www.auto-loan-4u.com/boat-loans.htm You can see their current rates for yourself. Thank you for taking the time to read this brief article on new and used boat loans.
Used boat loans will cost more in interest rates but they are sometimes a winner in the long run. If you search long and hard you may find an exceptional deal on a used boat. If you know you can turn around and resell the boat for a large profit it doesn't matter really what the interest rate is on the loan. You could pay off the used boat loan right away and pocket the profit. Just make sure the financing is setup for a no penalty option. Many companies make their main income in this way. The banks don't gain as much but they still make some money in the process. It is a fact that today's life is full of troubles. Today nobody is having the time to feel relaxed and that is the reason most of the people want to have the best recreation. Among several options available, boating is an option that is preferred by most of the people. Now, it is possible for every one to have any sort of boating pleasure and in addition even if you want to know about how to purchase or sell accessories related to boating, that is even possible. In this article you would know all about used boat value and several other aspects related to it.
Thus, if you want to have the pleasure of boating, then instead of going for a new one, you can go for the used one. Like several other things, here too you need to consider several factors before buying it. There are several masterpieces available that were having remarkable performance potential in the past and are on sale now. Such old vessels are the real ones you can buy. Such deals are not only economical but are considered to be beneficial as well. While preparing for buying any old vessel or any boating accessory, it is important to set some priorities in advance. First of all, the person should try to gather all the essential information related to the vessel. Such information relates to when it was built and what was its price at that time etc. In addition, it is also very important to know if it worked fine throughout its life or there were any problems and if so what was the extent of such problems.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Introduction to Panga Boats
Definition of a Panga: boat of shallow draft, having a pointed bow and a square stern ... The Central American version of a skiff.
The pangas offer you endless flexibility, as opposed to a normal live aboard scuba boat. The Andrea Lynn piggybacks 10 of these 21 foot skiffs with 75 horse outboards to the dive locations. You can move at your own pace – you can fish, hike, snorkel or scuba dive whenever and wherever you want between sunrise and sunset. The term "Panga" was used historically for any small boat other than dugout canoes. Today it usually refers to an open "semi-dory" type skiff, with strongly rising sheer and of comparatively narrow beam.
Pangas form the backbone of the small-scale fishing effort in Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean. Panga-design boats have become popular fishing and workboats in many parts of the developing world. Pangas are usually between 19 and 28 feet in length, with capacities ranging from 1 to 5 tons and powered by outboard motors of between 45hp and 200hp. Their planning hulls are capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots. The hulls are made of Fiberglass or FRP, heavily reinforced by numerous bulkheads and usually have bow and stern enclosed flotation compartments. In the hands of an experienced operator they are considered extremely seaworthy. Most pangas are expected to have a working life of between 5 to 10 years if properly maintained.
In Mexico, the two words “panga” and “fishing” are synonymous. In all of history, there probably has never been a style of boat, of similar size, that has been as versatile and has caught as many fish as the Mexican panga. That statement may raise a few eyebrows, because the panga has only been around the last 50 years or so. However, when you consider that Mexico has some of the richest waters in the world for fishing, the worldwide demand for fish, the advent of the outboard engine, and the thousands of pangas fishing these waters, it is not a statement to be taken lightly.
What is a panga? A panga is a style and size of a boat that is usually 24 to 26 feet in length. It features a bow that rakes down sharply, creating a deep vee at the water line. With a squared off stern for an outboard motor, the floor is honeycombed with cross bracing, and is rarely over 7 feet in width. The rails are curved upward to help lift the bow up out of the water for a dry ride, even when running at higher speeds. Simple in design, inexpensive in it’s fiberglass construction, bulletproof in durability, the panga has become the boat of choice for fisherman on every Mexican coastline.
The panga is so popular and versatile that a new breed of fishermen was created: the pangeros. The pangeros use their boat for just about anything you could imagine. Included among the things a panga is used for on a regular basis is: setting nets, commercial fishing offshore for tuna, night fishing with a gas lantern for red snapper on an inshore reef, or taking tourists out for a day of fishing. The panga is also used as a taxi for people to get to an island or remote beach, snorkel or skin-dive for octopus and lobsters, or as a work boat to load and haul construction materials.
For a first time fisherman going to Mexico, it would probably be best to book through a reputable outfitter. He knows the boats, your needs, and the best captains. After you have been here a few times, feel free to contact the pangeros direct. You will be dialed in and will have comfort level for what you want. The only thing to remember is to book in advance during the “high season”. The really good captains are usually booked out, and are fishing every day.
The panga boats are here to stay and future generations of pangeros will learn from their Fathers. The cycle will repeat itself, because your sons will be fishing with them and enjoying the same experiences you had. And, the basic design of the panga will remain unchanged. The simplicity and versatility of the panga assures it of a place in history.
The pangas offer you endless flexibility, as opposed to a normal live aboard scuba boat. The Andrea Lynn piggybacks 10 of these 21 foot skiffs with 75 horse outboards to the dive locations. You can move at your own pace – you can fish, hike, snorkel or scuba dive whenever and wherever you want between sunrise and sunset. The term "Panga" was used historically for any small boat other than dugout canoes. Today it usually refers to an open "semi-dory" type skiff, with strongly rising sheer and of comparatively narrow beam.
Pangas form the backbone of the small-scale fishing effort in Mexico, Central America and much of the Caribbean. Panga-design boats have become popular fishing and workboats in many parts of the developing world. Pangas are usually between 19 and 28 feet in length, with capacities ranging from 1 to 5 tons and powered by outboard motors of between 45hp and 200hp. Their planning hulls are capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots. The hulls are made of Fiberglass or FRP, heavily reinforced by numerous bulkheads and usually have bow and stern enclosed flotation compartments. In the hands of an experienced operator they are considered extremely seaworthy. Most pangas are expected to have a working life of between 5 to 10 years if properly maintained.
In Mexico, the two words “panga” and “fishing” are synonymous. In all of history, there probably has never been a style of boat, of similar size, that has been as versatile and has caught as many fish as the Mexican panga. That statement may raise a few eyebrows, because the panga has only been around the last 50 years or so. However, when you consider that Mexico has some of the richest waters in the world for fishing, the worldwide demand for fish, the advent of the outboard engine, and the thousands of pangas fishing these waters, it is not a statement to be taken lightly.
What is a panga? A panga is a style and size of a boat that is usually 24 to 26 feet in length. It features a bow that rakes down sharply, creating a deep vee at the water line. With a squared off stern for an outboard motor, the floor is honeycombed with cross bracing, and is rarely over 7 feet in width. The rails are curved upward to help lift the bow up out of the water for a dry ride, even when running at higher speeds. Simple in design, inexpensive in it’s fiberglass construction, bulletproof in durability, the panga has become the boat of choice for fisherman on every Mexican coastline.
The panga is so popular and versatile that a new breed of fishermen was created: the pangeros. The pangeros use their boat for just about anything you could imagine. Included among the things a panga is used for on a regular basis is: setting nets, commercial fishing offshore for tuna, night fishing with a gas lantern for red snapper on an inshore reef, or taking tourists out for a day of fishing. The panga is also used as a taxi for people to get to an island or remote beach, snorkel or skin-dive for octopus and lobsters, or as a work boat to load and haul construction materials.
For a first time fisherman going to Mexico, it would probably be best to book through a reputable outfitter. He knows the boats, your needs, and the best captains. After you have been here a few times, feel free to contact the pangeros direct. You will be dialed in and will have comfort level for what you want. The only thing to remember is to book in advance during the “high season”. The really good captains are usually booked out, and are fishing every day.
The panga boats are here to stay and future generations of pangeros will learn from their Fathers. The cycle will repeat itself, because your sons will be fishing with them and enjoying the same experiences you had. And, the basic design of the panga will remain unchanged. The simplicity and versatility of the panga assures it of a place in history.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Inflatable Boat Console
According to the Guinness Book of Motor boating, the history of the inflatable goes back as far as 880 BC, when the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II ordered troops to cross a river using greased animal skins, which they inflated continuously to keep the vessels afloat. In ancient China, during the Sung and Ming dyna Inflatable boat as the name speaks is a boat made of a kind of quality polymer that is inflatable and deflectable whenever you need it. Inflatable boats are not any newly invented stuffs recent years but they have long been used in the military and emergency rescue team. Inflatable boats have only started to be introduced to the public uses a few years ago. This article will tell you how they perform and why are they recommended. If you are aware enough, you will realize that inflatable boats are getting popular and popular among fisherman and family man nowadays. sties, inflated, airtight skins were used for crossing rivers.
The benefits of these boats are quickly seen in increased performance and handling, coupled with versatility, stability and passenger comfort. The smaller rigid-hulled inflatable make excellent yacht tenders for larger yachts, while the larger inflatable make perfect water sports or fishing boats, particularly because of their flotation, stability and safety. Many rescue and military agencies have recognized the seaworthiness, safety and stability of RIBs and use them in many applications. Also, many of the RIBs offer removable collars making storage, maintenance and repairs much easier and convenient.
Load Carrying Capacity
A key feature about all inflatable boat is their incredible stability. Conventional dinghies and small sport boats rock almost uncontrollably whenever anyone moves about. Inflatable, with their buoyancy tubes, sit flat in the water and are almost impossible to flip over. This offers a feeling of security to even the most nervous boaters and allows swimmers or divers to slide back on board without upsetting the boat.
More buoyancy means bigger load-carrying capacity. Inflatable boats are designed with built-in buoyancy. The inflatable collar, or tube set, is the key that allows inflatable boats to carry very heavy payloads in a safe and stable manner. An added benefit is that they are virtually unsinkable, and can generally operate even with one or more chambers of the collar deflated.
High performance
Most of today's modern inflatable easily match conventional runabouts for speed and handling, while some of the more sophisticated rigid-hulled inflatable are clearly superior to ordinary fiberglass or aluminum boats.
Non-marking features
Inflatable boats are the ideal yacht tender because of all their basic advantages including: lightness, stability and buoyancy. Unlike regular dinghies, they're easy to lift on board. With special rub strake glued or thermo bonded to their sides, inflatable won't damage or mark your yacht's hull or deck. Purchasing an inflatable tender almost guarantees the elimination of scuff marks and scratches on your yacht forever.
Stow ability
Inflatable tenders are much easier to store than conventional dinghies. When deflated and folded into its carry bag a typical 8 foot inflatable measures about 3 feet x 2 feet and weighs about 80 lbs. At this size, you can see that an inflatable tender is easily stowed in a locker on board, below decks or in a closet or shed at home. They're also very convenient to take on picnics or on vacation, even in a small car.
Collar (buoyancy tube) design
A unique feature incorporated into many inflatable is the removable collar. The collar is securely attached to the fiberglass hull using a tongue-and-grove method and can be easily slid off whenever necessary. This system allows for convenient storage, maintenance and repairs.
Lightweight air-floors
Some of the more advanced inflatables, like Zodiac's Fastroller, feature a special High-Pressure inflatable air floor. Made of two layers of fabric, connected by thousands of tiny "drop stitches", this floor can be inflated to a high pressure, creating a floor with rigidity equal to sheet of plywood a fraction of the weight. Best of all, they can be completely deflated and stowed in only minutes without removing any parts. This high pressure air floor is softer on knees and backsides too.
Transoms
Given the size, weight and power of outboard engines today, the transoms of inflatable boats must be strong enough to withstand enormous vibration and stress. Many inflatable use multi-layer wood transoms that are glued or "thermo bonded" to the collars. The result is a high degree of structural strength that reliably absorbs stresses exerted by outboards.
A major component of an inflatable is obviously the fabric. Fabric technology has evolved greatly over the last 20 to 30 years, and now includes plastomers, polyurethanes and other fabrics, which can sometimes be stronger, lighter, thinner and less expensive to assemble than the original rubber fabrics. Of course it costs a great deal of money to develop new fabrics or even to switch manufacturing processes to use them. Many manufacturers, big and small, don't have the will or the resources to do this, and that's why they generally hide that fact by resorting to condemning new technological advances in fabrics.
Most fabrics consist of a strong, close-weave mesh of polyester or nylon material which is sandwiched between 2 coatings to provide extreme flexibility, superior air and water tightness, as well as resistance to abrasion and the sun's UV rays. Zodiac uses a polyurethane fabric called "Strong an" and assembles their inflatable boats by thermo bonding the fabric.
Heavy Duty Fabrics
Some inflatable boats are still made from a rubber-based fabric called Hypalon. While this is still a very good material, its major downfall is that it can only be joined by gluing, done manually. Problems including poor bonds, delimitation of seams or fabric can still affect these glued fabrics. Today, many inflatables are manufactured from polyurethane fabrics, although larger inflatables use hypalon because thicker hypalon fabrics are still considered to be stronger and more durable than polyurethane.
The benefits of these boats are quickly seen in increased performance and handling, coupled with versatility, stability and passenger comfort. The smaller rigid-hulled inflatable make excellent yacht tenders for larger yachts, while the larger inflatable make perfect water sports or fishing boats, particularly because of their flotation, stability and safety. Many rescue and military agencies have recognized the seaworthiness, safety and stability of RIBs and use them in many applications. Also, many of the RIBs offer removable collars making storage, maintenance and repairs much easier and convenient.
Load Carrying Capacity
A key feature about all inflatable boat is their incredible stability. Conventional dinghies and small sport boats rock almost uncontrollably whenever anyone moves about. Inflatable, with their buoyancy tubes, sit flat in the water and are almost impossible to flip over. This offers a feeling of security to even the most nervous boaters and allows swimmers or divers to slide back on board without upsetting the boat.
More buoyancy means bigger load-carrying capacity. Inflatable boats are designed with built-in buoyancy. The inflatable collar, or tube set, is the key that allows inflatable boats to carry very heavy payloads in a safe and stable manner. An added benefit is that they are virtually unsinkable, and can generally operate even with one or more chambers of the collar deflated.
High performance
Most of today's modern inflatable easily match conventional runabouts for speed and handling, while some of the more sophisticated rigid-hulled inflatable are clearly superior to ordinary fiberglass or aluminum boats.
Non-marking features
Inflatable boats are the ideal yacht tender because of all their basic advantages including: lightness, stability and buoyancy. Unlike regular dinghies, they're easy to lift on board. With special rub strake glued or thermo bonded to their sides, inflatable won't damage or mark your yacht's hull or deck. Purchasing an inflatable tender almost guarantees the elimination of scuff marks and scratches on your yacht forever.
Stow ability
Inflatable tenders are much easier to store than conventional dinghies. When deflated and folded into its carry bag a typical 8 foot inflatable measures about 3 feet x 2 feet and weighs about 80 lbs. At this size, you can see that an inflatable tender is easily stowed in a locker on board, below decks or in a closet or shed at home. They're also very convenient to take on picnics or on vacation, even in a small car.
Collar (buoyancy tube) design
A unique feature incorporated into many inflatable is the removable collar. The collar is securely attached to the fiberglass hull using a tongue-and-grove method and can be easily slid off whenever necessary. This system allows for convenient storage, maintenance and repairs.
Lightweight air-floors
Some of the more advanced inflatables, like Zodiac's Fastroller, feature a special High-Pressure inflatable air floor. Made of two layers of fabric, connected by thousands of tiny "drop stitches", this floor can be inflated to a high pressure, creating a floor with rigidity equal to sheet of plywood a fraction of the weight. Best of all, they can be completely deflated and stowed in only minutes without removing any parts. This high pressure air floor is softer on knees and backsides too.
Transoms
Given the size, weight and power of outboard engines today, the transoms of inflatable boats must be strong enough to withstand enormous vibration and stress. Many inflatable use multi-layer wood transoms that are glued or "thermo bonded" to the collars. The result is a high degree of structural strength that reliably absorbs stresses exerted by outboards.
A major component of an inflatable is obviously the fabric. Fabric technology has evolved greatly over the last 20 to 30 years, and now includes plastomers, polyurethanes and other fabrics, which can sometimes be stronger, lighter, thinner and less expensive to assemble than the original rubber fabrics. Of course it costs a great deal of money to develop new fabrics or even to switch manufacturing processes to use them. Many manufacturers, big and small, don't have the will or the resources to do this, and that's why they generally hide that fact by resorting to condemning new technological advances in fabrics.
Most fabrics consist of a strong, close-weave mesh of polyester or nylon material which is sandwiched between 2 coatings to provide extreme flexibility, superior air and water tightness, as well as resistance to abrasion and the sun's UV rays. Zodiac uses a polyurethane fabric called "Strong an" and assembles their inflatable boats by thermo bonding the fabric.
Heavy Duty Fabrics
Some inflatable boats are still made from a rubber-based fabric called Hypalon. While this is still a very good material, its major downfall is that it can only be joined by gluing, done manually. Problems including poor bonds, delimitation of seams or fabric can still affect these glued fabrics. Today, many inflatables are manufactured from polyurethane fabrics, although larger inflatables use hypalon because thicker hypalon fabrics are still considered to be stronger and more durable than polyurethane.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Brief introduction to inflatable boats and its various types
Many inflatable boats accept standard steering and console units that fit most inflatable boats while others take custom parts made specifically for that inflatable boat brand. Take advantage of our universal inflatable boat steering and console products, many with free shipping. These products offer high quality marine components. These products provide you many options for configuring your boat to meet your exact steering needs and your budget, while providing you flexibility to add your own helm, wheel and cable choices in some cases.
Types of Inflatable Boats
Yacht Tenders
This category is ideal for first-time boat buyers, or for anyone seeking a practical all-purpose boat offering maximum safety and stability at an affordable price. The size of boats in this category range from about 6 feet to 20 feet. There are four distinctly different hull (or bottom) configurations available in a modern yacht tender inflatable:
The floors of these inflatables consist of a layer of fabric and slats (usually wood) running across the beam. They're usually painted or stained and are about 4 inches in width. The slatted floor system is generally found in inflatable from about 6 to 8 feet in length only, where there is no need for performance. Consequently, these inflatable don't tow, motor or row as well as inflatable with an inflatable keel and v-hull.
V-hull (wood or inflatable keel):
This consists of a separate longitudinal inflation tube or wood keel located beneath the floorboards. Once inflated, it provides a moderate V-keel at the bow of the boats by pushing the fabric floor down and away from the floorboards. Handling and performance is greatly improved as the keel cuts through the water cleanly. An added benefit is the extra buoyancy and flotation it provides.
High-performance hulls:
Here is where you go from conventional inflatable to inflatable offering high speed coupled with excellent handling. However, this added performance can often create a false sense of security and may lead to boating accidents. These boats are recommended for more experienced boaters. An example of a performance hull would be Zodiac's Futura model. The patented Futura hull has smaller "speed tubes" attached below the regular collar. Upon reaching plane the boat lifts up onto these speed tubes, trapping air underneath and exerting positive lift (hydrodynamic lift), leaving the boat riding on these two "speed tubes" like a racing catamaran.
Types of Inflatable Boats
Yacht Tenders
This category is ideal for first-time boat buyers, or for anyone seeking a practical all-purpose boat offering maximum safety and stability at an affordable price. The size of boats in this category range from about 6 feet to 20 feet. There are four distinctly different hull (or bottom) configurations available in a modern yacht tender inflatable:
The floors of these inflatables consist of a layer of fabric and slats (usually wood) running across the beam. They're usually painted or stained and are about 4 inches in width. The slatted floor system is generally found in inflatable from about 6 to 8 feet in length only, where there is no need for performance. Consequently, these inflatable don't tow, motor or row as well as inflatable with an inflatable keel and v-hull.
V-hull (wood or inflatable keel):
This consists of a separate longitudinal inflation tube or wood keel located beneath the floorboards. Once inflated, it provides a moderate V-keel at the bow of the boats by pushing the fabric floor down and away from the floorboards. Handling and performance is greatly improved as the keel cuts through the water cleanly. An added benefit is the extra buoyancy and flotation it provides.
High-performance hulls:
Here is where you go from conventional inflatable to inflatable offering high speed coupled with excellent handling. However, this added performance can often create a false sense of security and may lead to boating accidents. These boats are recommended for more experienced boaters. An example of a performance hull would be Zodiac's Futura model. The patented Futura hull has smaller "speed tubes" attached below the regular collar. Upon reaching plane the boat lifts up onto these speed tubes, trapping air underneath and exerting positive lift (hydrodynamic lift), leaving the boat riding on these two "speed tubes" like a racing catamaran.
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