Small Outboard Engines

If you can accept that electric outboards will limit your range and speed, and you want to troll quietly, then it might well be the option for you. If you rely on your engine to stem the tide, you should stick to your petrol engine for a while longer.What to look for - Twist-grip tiller throttle - look out for good labelling and robust construction. Friction control - should be tight enough to leave the engine to steer itself. Stop button and kill cord - it’s possible for the lanyard to get tangled up when you spin the engine. Mounting bracket - must have a nut or nut wing, or a captive pin. Screw clamps - look for loops in the end of the screw clamp handles. These can be padlocked to deter... [Read more of this post]

Marine Audio - Instant Lake Party

Now it is easier than ever to equip you boat with the latest in marine audio and video. These products can enhance a day on the water and turn an ordinary outing into a lake party. But there is one thing to keep in mind. Not everyone shares your taste in music, so please keep the volume reasonable around other boaters; especially fisherman. It comes down to basic courtesy, I love to fish and I love loud music; just not at the same time. With this little cautionary statement out of the way, lets look at how we can make our boat bound for sound. The basic components needed to make your boat rock (or country, or jazz) are a stereo receiver and a set of speakers. Wiring a boat for marine audio is... [Read more of this post]

Marine GPS Mapping Software – Buying Tips

Marine GPS Mapping Software is the heart and soul of your GPS or GPS/Fishfinder Combo. Many gps and combination units come preloaded with simple maps of major lakes and bodies of water. While preloaded maps are getting better all the time, many people opt to buy additional mapping software and “upload” it to their gps. Not only can you mark waypoints and track your course, some of these more expensive map versions offer detailed information on water depth, contour and even fishing hot spots. The first thing to be aware of is the design of your gps or fishfinder. While some come with preloaded maps as mentioned above, some of the cheaper models do not offer a way to add additional... [Read more of this post]