Boating: One Of Life’s Great Pleasures

There is a lot to be said about getting out on the water for some well deserved recreation. The interesting thing about boating is there is some ancient gene that we all carry that dates back to a time when folks thought the earth was flat. And just like Columbus exploring the boundaries of the known world people today are still drawn to the water by some magical unexplained pull. And why not - in this fast paced world of office towers and pavement there is certainly something soothing about stepping on to a gently rocking boat at the dock and firing it up to venture out on the open waters.

The other great thing about boating is that this form of recreation offers so much versatility. Think about it. You can fish, water ski, tube, tour around, swim off the boat, sunbath, entertain friends, visit friends on the lake – not mention that boats can be utilized for work type activities as well, and they are a valid form of general waterway transportation for many.

The other interesting thing is that boating isn’t as expensive as you might think. As a first step you might consider renting before you purchase and many marinas offer reasonably priced boat rental packages right from their docks. Recently a recreation cost comparison was done by www.discoverboating.ca and you might be surprised at how inexpensive boating can be in when you compare costs against theme parks, hockey games, live concerts, golf or even an evening at the theatre. The bottom line is there is a boat for every family budget and a selection of boat types and models that is even more far ranging than cars. Generally speaking, the bigger the boat, the larger the horsepower and the more options that you choose will determine the overall cost and the best value match for the individual or family. Some boats are built for versatility and some boats are built primarily for one use e.g. fishing or wake boarding. The point is, if you look around you can find the right boat at the right price to suit your needs. Many boat manufacturers offer financing terms that are attractive and financial institutions are certainly willing to spread payments over 5 years with the longer terms translating to lower monthly payments.

But some would say there are more important considerations than the cost aspect of owning and operating at boat. It can be summed up in one word “lifestyle”. If you seek freedom and relaxation there is nothing like a day on the water that comes close. It means leaving a lot of the daily stress that we all experience behind at the dock. In a 2003 Impulse Research study, nearly 2/3rds of boat owners made their boat purchase and found it brought their family closer together. Another portion claimed it allowed them to lead a more romantic personal life. That has to be reason enough to want to own a boat right?

There are almost, 3 million watercraft in Canada and one in six households owns at least one boat. Boating contributes over $7 billion into the Canadian economy every year. You might expect this in Canada. After all - we are surrounded by oceans and Great Lakes and most of our provinces are dotted with lakes and rivers throughout the interior.

Robert and Colleen Vassos own a waterfront marina called Wedgewood Marine & Recreation (www.wedgewoodmarina.com) in the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario about two hours north of Toronto. They sell a wide variety of boats including the full line up of Starcraft boats (bowriders, pontoons, deck boats and fishing boats), Svfara performance ski boats, Legend, Thundercraft and Doral boats as well as Yamaha PWC’s. They also rent Yamaha Waverunners and various other boats ranging from runabouts and ski boats to pontoons and fishing boats right from their waterfront facility on Twelve Mile Lake. “We are seeing a big move to deck boats” says Colleen Vassos. “Families are looking for the versatility so they have both the entertainment space of a pontoon boat and the ability of a sport boat to plane so that water skiing, fishing or just hanging out can be accomplished in one watercraft” adds Colleen. “We often rent boats to customers before they buy” says Robert Vassos. If you are new to boating, renting is a wise option. It gives the newbee boater an opportunity to ensure that they get the right fit and the right product to suit their individual or family needs. Seems like an ideal lifestyle to be selling and renting boats from a waterfront facility but those visions were shattered when Colleen & Robert mentioned that they are so busy putting clients in boats that they rarely have time to do what they would really like to be doing – going out for a boat ride!

Boating Safety - It's For Everyone

Boating, when a few simple rules are followed, is one of the safest family activities there is. U.S. statistics show boating is twice as safe as biking, five times as safe as driving a car, and 24 times as safe as scuba diving. By practicing safe boating, you will provide a wonderful pastime for yourselves and give your children a love of the water that will last them a lifetime.

So What Goes Wrong?

Having made such a sweeping endorsement of the relative safety of boating, how do we explain the glaring headlines which we find in the press on an all to regular basis?

Fortunately, for you and me, there are numerous public agencies which spend a lot of time and money doing the research and compiling data. After researching their findings it becomes obvious that a little preparation and planning can all but eliminate therisks.

Some Pertinent Facts:

The most common accident to passengers and crew is falling overboard. According to the statistics over 40% of all fatal boating accidents start this way. It can be avoided if boaters make sure they have good footing and a good hand-hold at all times. An, age-old, seafaring reminder, which I first heard in the Coast Guard, goes like this. "One hand for the ship, one hand for the sailor."

Children should never be allowed to move about on an underway boat. If you need to move around on the boat, for any reason, reduce speed and make sure to get and keep a grip with at least one hand.

Alcohol and water don't mix. In a Red Cross study, two-thirds of boating injury victims had consumed alcohol. Almost 40% had an alcohol level above the legal limit. Besides being illegal, it's dangerous to operate any kind of machinery while drinking. A boat is no exception.

35% of boating accidents were directly attributable to alcohol use and the overwhelming primary cause of fatalities was alcohol-related. If you drink and boat, you are more likely to be involved in an accident, and once involved, more likely to die.

53% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, while 39% suffered trauma and 9% died of other causes.

What About All Those Drownings?

A recent Red Cross study noted 92% of boating-related drowning victims were either not wearing a PFD or life jacket or were wearing one incorrectly.

The US Coast Guard is even more to the point, stating that of the 519 boaters who drowned in the year 2000, life jackets could have saved the lives of approximately 445 of those boaters who drowned. In 2000, approximately eight out of every ten victims in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Always carry enough Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for each person on board, and make sure that each of them knows where they are and how to use them. It's your responsability, Captain. No one, least of all yourself, wants to hear that you thought they knew how to put on a PFD. If anyone won't prove their knowledge of the devise, or buddy up with someone to teach them, leave them ashore. You'll both be better off.

Children and non-swimmers should wear one at all times that the boat is underway. For water-skiing, fishing, or simply cruising, PFDs are absolutely essential. It's now even easier to find the ideal PFD because they're available in a wide array of sizes, colors and patterns. You can now choose one in your favorite color, or to match your swimsuit or boat. Just make sure it fits properly!

Does boating education help in preventing accidents?

I can't stress this point enough.

A recent Florida study brought out these interesting facts.

72% of operators involved in boating accidents had no formal instruction in the operation of a boat.

2.5 times as many accidents involve boaters who have had no boating safety instruction.

Boating is a wonderful pastime, and lots of fun but, there are a few things, that one needs to know, in order for it to be a safe pastime. And don't worry about looking silly, I've been around boats all my life, (53 years) and hardly a day goes by that I don't learn something new or discover a new and better way of doing something.

Two years ago I took a boating safety course with the idea that, with all my experience, I might be of help to some of the new people. Fact is, there were so many things I didn't know, or had forgotten, that I spent a good deal of time just asking questions. When the class was over, several of the students came up and thanked me for asking all the questions they weren't sure how to ask. Guess I was a help to the new people, after all, just not in the way I figured.

Weather you are an old "salt", with years of boating experience, or a "lubber", who gets lost in the bathtub, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and take an approved boating safety course. The time to think through, and plan for a journey in a strange environment, is before you make the trip.

Safety Tips

To prevent ending up in the emergency department as a result of carelessness during your next boating trip, the American College of Emergency Physicians recommends the following safety tips:

• Tell someone when you're going, who is with you and how long you'll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.
• Before starting your engine, open hatches, run blower, and most importantly, carefully sniff for gasoline fumes in the fuel and engine areas.
• When changing seats, stay low and near center line of a small boat.
• Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment.
• Watch the weather. Sudden wind shifts, light flashes and choppy water can mean a storm is brewing.
• If you will be fishing, keep fishing and hunting gear clean and well packed. A loose fish hook can cause a lot of pain and ruin a great outing. Bring an extra length of line to secure boat and equipment.
• Never drink alcoholic beverages on a boat. Being "tipsy" can result in falling overboard. Your ability to swim to safety or call for help is greatly reduced as alcohol slows reactions.

So There You Have It

To learn more about safe boating, I'd like to suggest these Online sources of information. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Our sister-site, Ask-BoatCat.com offers more tips on boating safety and a complete page of links to Boating Safety related websites on the Internet.

May all of your boating adventures be joyous and happy ones, unblemished by the blight of accident or injury.

Travel By rail/train and boat

A Detailed Instructions for travel by Rail, Air, boat in Europe


• While traveling on a boat or a ferry in the Europe you don’t have to consider too many things.

• Boat travel is not only cheap but one of the best experiences in the most beautiful rivers of European cities

• Always keep away from the edges and putting out the hand in the water that is reckless and risky.

• There are attendants on board so please be sure to ask them of any problem you are facing. Also, take a motion sickness tablet before traveling on a boat if you are allergic or uncomfortable to certain things.

• There are boat instructions manuals available at the offices and reception while buying a ticket so never forget to ask for a copy.

• Traveling by train can be quite exiting in Europe. Some of them are extremely fast and cover distances in a snap.

• Traveling by train could be quite soothing, relaxing, economical alternative to an air flight and you can enjoy scenic view of countryside and time you can spend together

• If the trip includes elders and family then always opt for the direct route available because it will reduce stress and chances of missing a train at some other train due to delays.

• Most train offer reduced prices for children under 16 and children under 4 can travel free, so always check with you’re the booking office.

• If the train travel is longer than 6 hours consider the night hours for traveling and always book a sleeper car.

• Ask for a window seat while booking a ticket most of the countries in Europe gives priority to tourists ask for face-to-face seats if traveling with family.

• Reach early for booking if aspire for priority boarding.

• Always prefer wearing loose fitting clothes if planning for a long journey on the train

• Although Europeans are easy-going always remind children to behave if easy going and make sure you tell them to respect fellow passengers especially when they are sleeping.

• Also tell children to stay away from emergency braking systems if located within their reach.

• Also carry along a camera so that you can capture the beautiful and scenic sights while traveling.

Travel by Air.

• Always read the ticket and baggage instruction manual inside the ticket booklet and strict follow the do’s and don’ts

• One of the most important aspects is get your luggage weighed before boarding a flight, not to pay heavy charges on extra luggage and always pack the essential things.

• In some of the countries like U.K. France, Germany and others flights may be cheaper option to train, on top of that flights are best and the fastest ways to get around different locations.

• At high altitudes, the flight tends to get very cold so it’s advisable to carry along a jacket if you are not sure of being provided with a blanket.

• Some flights can be noisy and pain in the ears so ask for an ear plug or look in one of the pockets near your seat.

• If you are allergic or a patient of motion sickness never forget to take medicines before you board a flight because prevention is better than cure.

• Please mention beforehand if you are a vegetarian so that you don’t have to ask around later for the food you have been provided with.

• Pets can also be carried in the flights but they have to be in special containers and a small fee is payable for their shipping.

• Jet lag is a syndrome when your body wants to sleep as per normal even though its any hour of the day at the place where you heading off, so don’t worry you are absolutely perfect.

• That might solve most of the queries an air traveler has. Wish you a happy and a safe journey

Residential Mooring For The Liveaboard Boater

If you are going to live on a boat you can be sure that you will need somewhere to moor your vessel.

In this article we will talk about the different types of moorings and how you can find one that will suit your chosen lifestyle.

There are many different types of moorings available in the UK. Below is a list of some of the different types:

* Marina
* Boatyard
* Canal side
* River side
* Swinging

I am sure you are thinking I have missed out Residential? Well, any one of these types of moorings could also be residential.

All moorings used for residential purposes will normally be registered by the local council, there is no special type so any mooring could be residential.

Not all liveaboards are moored on proper designated residential moorings. This is generally because there never seems to be enough residential moorings available in many areas.

There are many people that move around the waterways, known as continually cruising. These liveaboards will not need a permanent mooring and are happy to have a life of ever changing scenery.

Others may liveaboard their boats in marinas and boatyards where the moorings operators turn a blind eye as long as you keep a low profile. Of course this does not give you the security of a permanent mooring but if your boat has an engine then you can easily move on if you have to.

So, what about the types of moorings then. We will start with marinas.

Marinas are generally the high end of moorings. These have the most facilities such as showers and toilets, chandlery and maybe even a clubhouse/cafe. Security is normally better but these facilities do come at a price though.

Some marinas have residential moorings available but you may have some restrictions placed on you if you want to do some major refitting or a conversation. Marinas cater more for the recreational boaters and sailors so may not want your mooring and vessel looking like a building site.

Many marinas have good security such as electronic access gates and CCTV surveillance. This can provide some peace of mind for some liveaboards.

Boatyards

Moorings within boatyards are general more friendly towards refitting and conversations by the owners. Many will have their own workshops and will carry out repairs for you if you require.

Facilities an generally not as good as marinas but if residential boats are allowed then there is normally a good community spirit between liveaboards with everyone helping each other when they can. It is not uncommon to be having a drink with a neighbor and end up tinkering with the engine trying to locate a problem!

You may find a larger proportion of residential moorings at boatyards as opposed to marinas.

Canal side moorings

If on the canals you will find many places you can moor on the canal side. Some of these moorings will be operated by the relevant waterways authority and have a maximum length of stay. This is to ensure that boaters do not use these as personal moorings and they can be used by many recreational boaters for short stays.

Other canal side moorings many be privately owned such as moorings at the bottom of privately owned houses.

Some canal side moorings may be dedicated residential moorings operated by the waterways authority.

If moored on the canal side you will not have a great deal of security as anyone may pass your boat walking down the tow path. Take your normal security precautions and you should be fine.

Riverside moorings

On most rivers you many not find it as easy to moor on the river bank as canal boats moor on the canal side. This is largely because rivers are tidal.

You may find public piers that you can use for a short period but mostly you will be looking at finding a boatyard or marina.

On tidal moorings such as rivers you will come across terms such as mud berth, half tidal and + - 2 hours HW.

We will explain some of these terms for those who do not know.

1. Mud berth - This is a mooring that dry's out when the tide is out and your boat will sit in the mud until the tide comes in again. Obviously, you will not be able to move your boat until the tide is in so these types of moorings are cheaper than other types. Some moorings operators will quote you the typical time the tide is in at there moorings that you can safely leave and return. This is normally quoted as + - 2 hours HW which means you can safely move your boat 2 hours before high water (HW) and 2 hours after high water so giving you a 4 hour window before the moorings will dry out.

2. Half tide - This means that the tide will be in at your mooring for approximately half the duration of a full tide.

3. All states of tide - This means your boat will be afloat permanently. Moorings that offer all states of tide are generally the most expensive as they give you the option to move your boat at any time.

So, with tidal moorings you need to be a little more aware compared to a canal were there is no tide to worry about so your boat is always afloat.

Swinging Moorings

These type of moorings are usually the cheapest and found on rivers and coastal harbours.

You moor your boat to a mooring buoy in the river or harbour and would then use a dingy or tender to get back to the shore.

The mooring buoy consists of a heavy weight (sinker) on the river bed with a chain attached that runs up and attaches to a floating mooring buoy. You then attach your boats mooring rope to the mooring buoy.

These are called swinging moorings as your boat with swing around with the changing direction of the tide.

A swinging mooring may be permanently afloat or may dry out so your boat will sit on the river bed.

Not many residential boats use swinging moorings unless they are very self sufficient as you will not have access to mains electricity or water and moving to and from your boat by dingy or tender can get tedious especially in the winter.

Swinging moorings are mostly used by recreational boats.

As you can see all the different types of moorings explained can be used for residential use or recreational use. You will find that there are more recreational moorings than there is residential ones so you should think about finding your mooring quite early on.

The costs of your mooring will depend on the type, location, whether or not it is residential and the size of your boat.

Prices vary so it is impossible to quote prices here. Call and get prices in your chosen area.

Rack storage.& Safety & PFD Use

Rack storage.

The smallest boats and kayaks may simply be carried by hand or by lashing them to the top of an automobile. Most smaller boats are stored at home and carried to the water on boat trailers, where they are floated from launch ramps leading down into the water. Some marinas will also offer electric hoists that can lift a boat from a trailer and swing it into the water (generally less than 6,000#). Larger boats are kept at marinas, which offer a mooring protected from the weather and a variety of support services, such as fuel, equipment and so forth.

A more recent form of storage is rack storage where runabouts are stored in large steel racks, sometimes four or five boats high, and perhaps 25 boats across. These racks are housed in sheds, and large specialized fork trucks are used to lift the boats from the racks and place them in the water. This reduces the amount of space needed for boat storage, and also provides a clean environment in which the boats are housed.

Some marinas will offer dry storage yards, where boats on trailers or dollies are stored on a hard surface. Many yacht clubs will offer a fenced area where boats are conveniently stored near the water, but without the maintenance associated with continual water storage (bottom growth, etc.) Boats in dry storage areas are either ramp-launched or hoisted into the water. The method of boat houses and ramps for them to slide down are not comonly employed in this day and age.


Safety

Since it is a recreational activity, most boating is done in calm protected waters and during good weather. Even so, conditions can change rapidly, and a small vessel can get into life-threatening difficulties. It is important to keep an inventory of safety gear onboard every boat, which is prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard as well as state boating law administrators in the U.S. Depending on the size of the boat and how it's powered, required equipment may include:

* personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) for everyone on board
* a throwable flotation device (in the U.S., a Type IV PFD)
* navigation lights suitable for the type of boat operation
* visual distress signals (VSDs) which are effective both day and night
* sound making devices including horns and bells
* fire extinguisher(s)
* a copy of the Inland Rules of the Road

Other items might seem obvious but are not actually required by law. They include a flashlight, first aid kit, paddles, whistles, anchor and rope, engine spare parts, bilge pumps, a VHF radio or mobile phone, etc.

In addition to these safety items listed above, the Code of Federal Regulations lists some additional required items that may not fall into the common definition of "safety" items:

* backfire arresters on gasoline powered vessels
* ventilation systems on gasoline powered vessels
* plaques which list the penalties associated with pollution due to oil discharge, or dumping trash overboard.
* a marine sanitation system (MSD) which prevents water pollution from sewage

State laws may add to this list of requirements. Most of the differences fall into a few categories:

* laws requiring life jackets to be worn in specific activities or by children
* upgraded life jackets for specific activities or by children
* restrictions on the types of MSDs that are allowed within state borders


PFD Use

Recreational boating deaths could be dramatically reduced with increased use of PFDs or Life Vests. Wear rates in 2003 were around 22.4% [4], although state and Federal laws requiring children to wear flotation were more common, and therefore children's wear rates were much higher than those for adults. Relatively few children die in boating accidents; the more likely victim is an adult male in the mid-afternoon in a boat (under 20 feet (6.1 m) length over all) who is not wearing a PFD.

Not surprisingly, that also describes a typical boater under normal conditions.

While various strategies have been devised in the last few decades to increase PFD wear rates, the observed rate has been relatively constant. This has led to the possibility of legislation requiring PFD usage on boats under a specified length when underway.

Interestingly, the percentage of deaths due to drowning have declined (from 80% to 70%) in the last decade for a peculiar reason. Personal Watercraft, or PWCs [5], have increased in popularity for the last 15 years, and account for about 70 fatalities per year (2002). However, PWC operators commonly wear PFDs, and therefore have a relatively low incidence of drowning. Trauma, largely due to collisions with other vessels and the shoreline, accounts for 70% of PWC fatalies while drowning accounts for about 30%.

PFD Types as defined by the U.S. Coast Guard such as Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, Type V can be found at the U.S. Coast Guard In the U.S. one PFD's MUST be available for everyone on board. Life Jacket definitions for Great Britain's Coast Guard can be found here

Drowning

In the U.S., approximately 700 people die per year as a result of recreational boating accidents. These accidents are tabulated in the B.A.R.D., or Boating Accident Reporting Database , which is published each year by the U.S. Coast Guard based on the cumulative records of the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) . Since 1970, when recreational boating deaths peaked at about 1700 per year, the annual rate of fatalities has been declining at a rate of about 2% per year. The majority of these deaths (70%) occur due to drowning, and are frequently associated with small powerboat accidents. Other causes of death include trauma (especially with small powerboats), fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and hypothermia.

The cause of the reduction of deaths is subject to some debate, but the Federal Boat Safety Act [8] in the 1970s required that boats under 20' be equipped with level flotation. This change in boat construction meant that boaters who found themselves in the water next to a swamped boat could climb back into the boat and both reduce their likelihood of drowning, while increasing the size of a search target and reducing hypothermia. Other frequently named causes include improved boater safety education, increased use of life jackets, and improved boating safety gear.

Another potential cause for drowning is the presence of stray electrical power from a boat leaking into the water. This is known as electric shock drowning. Metal surfaces of a boat leaking power into the water can create zones of high-energy potential. Stray current entering salt water is less of a problem than the same situation in fresh water. Salt water is a good conductor and it carries current away to ground quickly. Fresh water is a poor conductor and when alternating current form an electrical potential near a boat, the current can paralyze a swimmer. Stray electrical current has caused many drowning, but post-mortem examinations will not link this problem to the death. The problem can be reduced by prohibiting swimming near boats connected to shore power and ensuring marinas comply with National Fire Protection Association Standard 303 for marinas.


Carbon Monoxide

In the early 2000s, several high-profile deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning (CO) led to increased scrutiny of boating habits (especially the practice of towing participants immediately behind a boat, known as "teak surfing" or "platform towing") and the implementation of various warning placards to educate boaters of the hazards arising from these activities. Other CO-related deaths were attributed to high concentrations of CO gas from houseboat generator exhaust, where swimmers were able to access an area near the stern of the boats that collected the exhaust. This has led to improved pollution controls on modern generator sets, and changes in the designs of houseboats so that they discharge exhaust gasses in a way that they can dissipate. The increased use of CO detectors, especially in boats with enclosed accommodation spaces, would help reduce the risk of CO poisoning.

Boating activities

Boating activities are as varied as the boats and boaters who participate, and new ways of enjoying the water are constantly being discovered. Broad categories include the following:

* Paddlesports include both flatwater (lakes), swiftwater (rivers), and ocean going types, usually covered-cockpit kayaks.
o Canoes are popular on lakes and rivers due to their carrying capacity and efficiency on the water. They are also easy to portage,

or carry overland around obstructions like rapids, or just down to the water from a car or cabin.

*
o Kayaks can be found on calm inland waters, whitewater rivers, and along the coasts in the oceans. Known for their maneuverability and seaworthiness, kayaks take many shapes depending on their desired use. Rowing craft are also popular for fishing, as a tender to a larger vessel, or as a competitive sport.
o Rowing shells are extremely long and narrow, and are intended to convert as much of the rower's muscle power as possible into speed. The ratio of length of waterline to beam has much importance in marine mechanics and design.
o Row boats or dinghies are oar powered, and generally restricted to protected waters. Rowboats are generally heavy craft compared to other has
* Sailing can be either competitive, as in collegiate dinghy racing, or purely recreational as when sailing on a lake with family or friends.
o Small sailboats are commonly made from fiberglass, and will have wood or aluminum spars, and generally a sloop rig (two sails: a mainsail and a jib). Racing dinghies tend to be lighter, have more sail area, and may use a trapeze to allow one or both crewmembers to suspend themselves over the water for additional stability.
o Daysailers tend to be wider across the beam and have greater accommodation space at the expense of speed.
o Cruising sailboats have more width, but performance climbs as they tend to be much longer starting Length Over All of at least 25 feet (six metres) re-balancing the dynamic ratio between length of waterline (aiding speed) and beam width (adding cargo and people space).
* Freshwater Fishing Boats account for approximately 1/3 of all registered boats in the U.S., and most all other types of boats end up being used for fishing on occasion. The boating industry has evolved and developed Freshwater Fishing Boat designs that are species-specific to allow anglers the greatest advantage when fishing for walleye, salmon, trout, bass, etcetera, as well as generic fishing craft.

* Watersport Boats or skiboats are high-powered Go-Fast boats (specialized towboats in fact) is designed for activities where a participant is towed behind the boat such as waterskiing and parasailing.
o Variations on the ubiqutous waterski include wakeboards, water-skiing, kneeboarding, inflatable towables, and wake surfing. To some degree, the nature of these boating activities has an impact on boat design. Waterski boats are intended to hold a precise course at an accurate speed with a flat wake for slalom skiing runs. Wakeboard boats run at slower speeds, and have various methods including ballast and negative lift foils to force the stern in the water, thereby creating a large and "jumpable" wake.
o Saltwater fishing boats vary widely in length and are once again specialized for various species of fish. Flats boats, for example, are used in protected, shallow waters, and have shallow draft. Sportfishing boats range from 25' to 80' or more, and can be powered by large outboard engines or inboard diesels. Fishing boats in colder climates may have more space dedicated to cuddy cabins and wheelhouses, while boats in warmer climates are likely to be entirely open.
o Cruising boats applies to both power and sailboats, and refers to trips from local weekend passages to lengthy voyages, and is a lifestyle. While faster "express cruisers" can be used for multiple day trips, long voyages generally require a slower displacement boat (trawler) with diesel power and greater stability and efficiency. Cruising sailboats range from 20' to 70' and more, and have easily managed sailplans to allow relatively small crews to sail them long distances. Some cruising sailboats will have two masts (ketch, yawl, or schooner rigs) to further reduce the size of individual sails and make it possible for a couple to handle larger boats. Diesel- (now sometimes electric-) powered Narrowboats are a very popular mode of travel (and accommodation) on the inland waterways of England.
* Racing and Regatta's are common group activities in the sub-culture of boaters owning larger (twenty-five foot plus) small boats and larger Yachts, and are frequently organized around a Yacht club or Marina organization
o Sailboat racing can be done on conventional family sailboats racing under one of the simpler handicap formulas (PHRF, or Performance Handicap Rating Formula is one such rule), or can be done on specialized boats with virtually no accommodation or compromises for comfort. Racing is generally either one design, where the boats are close to identical, or handicapped where the boats' finishing times are adjusted based on their predicted speed potential. Racing is further broken down into ocean racing, where boats start at one port and race in the ocean and back to the same port or a new destination, or buoy racing where boats race around prescribed courses and return to port at night. Several famous races cross oceans, like the biennial Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu, or the Newport-Bermuda Race from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda. Other races actually circumnavigate the globe, like the Volvo Ocean Race or Vendee Globe race.

Big boats, small boats, large boats. long boats && short boats

Boating

Boating, the leisurely activity of traveling by boat typically refers to the recreational use of boats whether power boats, sail boats, or yachts (large vessels), focused on the travel itself, as well as sports activities, such as fishing or waterskiing. Boating is an extremely popular activity, and there are millions of boaters worldwide.

Types of boats

Recreational boats (sometimes called pleasure craft, especially for less sporting activities) fall into several broad categories, and additional subcategories. Broad categories include dinghies (generally under 16' powered by sail, small engines, or muscle power), paddlesports boats (kayaks, rowing shells, canoes), runabouts (15-25' powerboats with either outboard, sterndrive, or inboard engines), daysailers (14–25' sailboats, frequently with a small auxiliary engine), cruisers (25–65' powerboats with cabins), and cruising and racing sailboats (25–65' sailboats with auxiliary engines). A very common type of boat in England is the canal Narrowboat, usually fitted out with sleeping accommodation, though it is not clear which of the above categories it fits in (some are 72 feet (22 m) long).

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, the organization that establishes several of the standards that are commonly used in the marine industry in the United States, defines 32 types of boats demonstrating the diversity of boat types and their specialization. In addition to those standards all boats employ the same basic principals of hydrodynamics.