Boating Tips – Page 2 – Riviera Dunes Marina

Boating Tips & Tricks You May Not Know

05/13/202205/13/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

If you’ve been boating for many years, you probably know your share of tips and tricks to make your boating experience go as smoothly as possible, but who couldn’t use a few more? Below is a list of boating tips and tricks that you may not know that could result in a much easier and happier boating experience: Morning dew is just distilled water. Try wiping your boat off with it and it will be spot free! If you’re looking for a mirror-like shine, remove the wax from last season with a dewaxing solvent before applying new wax. Instead of using harmful or toxic chemicals like bleach to kill mold, use a green-alternative, white vinegar, using a spray bottle. If you have a scratched windshield or sunglasses, a polish like 3M Finesse or countertop polishes works well.Oven cleaner spray, such as Easy-Off, will remove adhesive residue and paint from gelcoat without damage.To fix any clogged aerosol paint can nozzles, try removing it and soaking it...

Crucial Equipment Each Boater Should Have

05/06/202205/06/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Boating is a joyous activity and sport that can be done in various places and for various reasons. It is a great weekend adventure that promotes relaxation and helps you to unwind after a long week, but a boating trip can go quite wrong if you don’t have the proper equipment. The following are some essentials that you should have on hand when out on your boat: Navigation Systems Navigation systems are used to help guide the boat from your starting destination point to the desired end point. Since there aren’t any signs on the water that can tell you where you are headed, a navigation system is essential so you don’t get lost. There are many different types of navigation systems and techniques to choose from and one might fit your needs better than another might. It is best to do some research and learn the different functions of each. Gyro Compass A gyro compass helps you navigate the sea and is used to...

Best Boating in Florida

04/22/202204/22/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Florida, also known as “the sunshine state,” is often thought of as the boating capital of the world. This makes perfect sense because of the sunshine and plenty of access to water. There are many amazing and beautiful spots for boating in Florida, but these are some of the most gorgeous and highly-rated locations: Florida Keys The Florida Keys offers variety and a sense of paradise for boaters. It consists of several beautiful islands with off-shore and in-shore fishing, sandbars, warm, clear water, and multiple reefs for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the Florida Keys has many dining options to choose from and great diversity within communities. Charlotte Harbor Charlotte Harbor is almost like a smaller version of the Florida Keys. It boasts tons of islands, beautiful, uncrowded beaches, and is a dream come true for boaters! You’ll also find some iconic places here such as Sanibel Island, Boca Grande, Cabbage Key, North Captiva Island, and Useppa Island. Jupiter/Palm Beach Jupiter/Palm Beach is one of the nicest areas...

Tips For Naming Your Boat

02/23/202202/23/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Choosing your boat’s name is a right of passage. According to boating folklore, it’s bad luck to change a boat’s name, so it’s important to take your time in choosing the right moniker. The name should be classic, memorable, and show your personality. Here are some tips for naming your vessel. Keep it simple When naming your boat, we recommend keeping it short and simple. One to three words works best, in our opinion. The name should be short enough to fit on the transom and easy to understand if said over the VHF radio. We also recommend avoiding choosing a name that’s so obscure that not many people would understand it, like a private joke. Be Traditional Traditionally, many people have chosen to name their boats after important women in their lives, but you can consider naming yours after anyone you love. If you want to be less obvious, consider using the middle name of your spouse or children. Try a pun There’s nothing better...

Life Jacket Best Practices

01/12/202201/12/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Much like wearing a seatbelt when driving a car, properly wearing a life jacket while boating can save your life in an accident. Florida has some of the best boating in the country and it’s important to enjoy our clear blue waters safely. Here is some information about life jackets and requirements in Florida. Vessels 16 to 26 feet According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the vessel must have one approved type I, II, or III personal floatation device (PFD) provided for every person on board and anyone skiing must wear a type I, II, or III PFD. For vessels 16-26 feet, anyone under the age of 6 must wear an approved Type I, II, or III personal floatation device while the vessel is underway. You can read more about the requirements here. Life Jacket Fit To be sure your life jacket performs in a time of need, a proper fit is imperative. A life jacket that is too small may not...

Benefits of Winter Boating

01/06/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

While most of the country packs their boats away for the winter, we are lucky to not have an off-season here in West Central Florida. The temperature may be slightly cooler than the peak summer heat, but you may be surprised by the wonderful benefits of taking your boat out in the “off” months. Here are three perks of winter boating. Calmer and Cooler Weather In warmer climates, the weather tends to be more stable in the winter months. Boating during these times means calmer water and gorgeous views unobstructed by crowds or storms. For days with cooler temperatures, hanging out on deck cozied up in sweats and enjoying the view is as great way to spend your day on board. Fewer Boats on the Water While we don’t have a true off-season, boating does tend to slow down in the winter here in Florida, without the crowds of tourists and vacationers. Smaller crowds can also mean shorter lines for fuel and docking. Winter...

Winter Boat Maintenance Tips

12/21/202112/21/2021 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

In most parts of the country, boat-owners have to take extensive precautions to protect their vessels through the cold weather months. Winter is officially here and even though boating is a year-round activity in Florida, there are some steps you can take to protect your boat this season. Here are some tips to keep your boat in tip-top shape: Engine Maintenance While Florida’s winter temps are warm enough to be on the water, your boat still may be sitting for an extending period of time if you are traveling or just busy with holiday activities. Any time your boat is going to sit for longer than 6 weeks, it’s a good idea to fog the engine to prevent corrosion. If you are going to use your boat more frequently and choose to skip this step, be sure to start up your boat on a regular basis. Prop Performance Winter is a great time to make sure your propellers are in good shape. Use this...

Boaters Gift Guide 2021

12/17/202112/17/2021 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

With the holiday season in full-swing, now is the time to finish your shopping for the boat-lover in your life. It can seem like boaters have a never-ending list of gadget needs and you may not know where to start. Here are some ideas that are sure to be a hit! Boat Scuff Erasers by Better Boat In boating, dings and scuffs are bound to happen. What could be better than a magical eraser for your boat? These boat scuff erasers will gently remove marks and dirt without harsh chemicals. Better Boat Boat Erasers Docktail Boat Table This incredible table attaches to your boat via an adjustable rod holder mount and securely holds all your bar needs. It has perfectly-sized spots for cups and bottles and includes a cutting board and snack bowls. Whether you’re at a dockside party or on the sandbar, this is the perfect way to get your party started. The Docktail Boat Table Caddy with All Angle Adjustable Rod Holder Mount Squid Cup...

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your First Boat

10/29/202110/29/2021 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Purchasing your first boat is a big decision. It’s a commitment, both in terms of maintenance and finances. You have to consider many aspects such as storing it, maintaining it and operating it. Here are 5 common sense questions to help you as you think about buying a boat. How do you plan to use your boat? First of all, you want to consider how you will be using a boat. What kind of activities are you interested in? What’s pulling you to make this purchase? If you’re an avid angler, this might be a no brainer. But if you want to get out on the water more for leisure boating or low-key fishing, you’ll have to really think about the best option. And depending on what you want to use a boat for, you’ll also need to think about how big it should be. You’ll also need to think about how you’re going to tow the boat and where you’ll store...

Seashell Season in Sarasota: Part 1

09/24/2019 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Seashell Season in Sarasota: Part 1 There’s no end of amazing discoveries to be made in Sunny Sarasota! Are you looking for some of the best shelling spots in Sarasota? Keep reading to find your unique vacation souvenir! One of my most treasured memories as a child was diving for sand dollars in Sarasota! Every evening, my siblings and I would run down to the beach and scatter everywhere, searching for the best shell to bring in. The crowning jewel of these shells was the sand dollar. I had many unforgettable memories, diving under the tropical waters for hours, all for the famed sand dollar. I never did find one of my own! My older sister had a knack for it - everytime she dove under, she would come up with another pristine sand dollar. Of all my childhood memories, shell searching in Sarasota was my favorite pastime. Seashells are some of the oldest inhabitants of the earth, and a prized treasure! While...