Presenting The Tige PSA - Public Surfing Announcement

Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack presents Tige Boats PSA...Public Surfing Announcement.  We combine our in-stock Tige boats and Water Sports store to provide Wakeboarders, Wake Surfers and lake enthusiasts with everything they need to conquer Lake Wallenpaupack.  Visit our online store at OnlineWakeboards.com and our main website at LighthouseHarbor.com.

Tige Boats PSA - Lighthouse Harbor Marina

Shop Tips: Sacrificial Anodes

Do you know the importance of replacing your outdrive anodes? 

It's very important and often overlooked service needed to prevent corrosion. Why do we need to change anodes and what is the importance of doing so? Plain and simple...corrosion. When dissimilar metals are in contact with one another and immersed in water, this destructive process begins. The type of water in which they operate can accelerate this process. That white, crusty build-up you may see developing on your outdrive, gimbal housing or prop is galvanic corrosion eating your outdrive. Changing anodes when needed can drastically slow this process.

Anodes come in different types of metal such as magnesium for freshwater or aluminum and zinc for salt water. They "sacrifice" themselves because they are more active, or easily consumed by this type of corrosion. In some more severe cases, sanding, priming, and repainting becomes necessary to prevent the eventual replacement of damaged areas. If an issue is present during the summerizing process of your boat, we will call you with an estimate.

Monterey Boats Summer Spectacular

Monterey Boat's Summer Spectacular Sales event is going on now at Lighthouse Harbor Marina.  This Summer Sale began on May 24th 2013 and runs for a Limited time.  Visit us at Lighthouse Harbor Marina on Lake Wallenpaupack for additional information or call us at (570) 857-0220.

While you are visiting our website, be sure to check out our new line of Tige Wakeboard and Wake Surfing boats and America's #1 Selling Pontoon Boats...Bennington!

Tips for Docking Your Bennington

After a fun day out on Lake Wallenpaupack, the sad part always comes: bringing everyone in. And to do this, you must dock your pontoon. Because of its shape and size, pontoons catch wind more easily and can therefore be more difficult to dock than most mono-hull boats. So here are a few tips we've picked up over the years on how to successfully dock your Bennington.







Minimize damage with fenders. Especially if you're still getting the feel for docking your pontoon, there's no harm in tying on 2 or 3 fenders to, well, fend off the dock. We'd rather have fenders hanging out than scratches from the dock, wouldn't you?



Come in at an angle. Even just knowing this is preferred will make your docking life easier. More often than not, it will be impossible to line up straight to the dock. So don't put that pressure on yourself! Once you get closer, straighten up and aim for a particular spot on the dock. 



Slow and steady wins the race. Don't race into the dock. That's a recipe for disaster. Go as slow as possible, preferably spending most of your time in neutral and bumping it into gear for seconds every so often. The best way to turn is with power, but the best way to execute a sharp turn is with the lowest amount of power possible to minimize skidding.

Use reverse. Don't be afraid to knock the engine into reverse! That's actually the best way to slide up next to the dock. Once your front end is close, turn the wheel all of the way and slide into reverse for a moment (give it a little oomph) so that the rear will slide into place.

Practice makes perfect. Every boat handles differently, so it will take awhile to learn exactly how to handle your boat in order to dock it gracefully. (Remember how long it took to learn how to back the trailer down the ramp?) Just remember: don't use excessive speed. That can cause a little mistake to turn into a big problem.

How often do you practice docking? Are you comfortable with your pontoon yet? 

How to Wake Surf

You've seen our sick Tige boats. Have you seen this video of our guys wake surfing behind one?



If you've always wanted to surf but don't have access to great waves, then perhaps wake surfing is for you. How does surfing one endless wave sound? Sounds like a lot more time surfing and a lot less time paddling or waiting to us! Wake surfing is a cool water sport, though not as accessible as water skiing or wake boarding or tubing because you can only wake surf off an inboard boat. But more on that in a bit. If this looks like something you'd like to try, check out these tips.

WARNING: ONLY USE AN INBOARD TO WAKE SURF. Stern drive or outboard engines are not appropriate for wake surfing. If you can see the propeller, do not wake surf off the boat. Exposed props can cause severe injury or even death. Only wake surf off a boat with an inboard engine set up where the propeller is tucked under the hull or rudder.

Get a wake surf board and rope. "Surf style" boards are recommended for beginniners because they are larger and thicker, and therefore stay on the wake a bit better. An old surfboard probably won't get you the results you want. A wake surf rope is a bit different than the ones you are used to - they have knots along them in case you need to pull yourself up or over to a great spot in the wave. It's also thicker than your typical wakeboard rope for this reason. Rest assured - we have all of the eqipment you need, so stop by to check it out.

Prepping the boat. Most boats will need additional weight on the side of the boat the person is surfing off of. This is most often the port (left) side of the boat. Perhaps your spotter can sit in the back and be that weight, but know you might need to play around with it for a bit to see what helps you create a larger and better wake.

Accelerate slowly and stand up slowly. The driver of the boat needs to accelerate and move slowly - 10-11 mph is preferred. The speed will depend on your boat. Find the sweet spot that gives you a crisp wake. When wake surfing, don't stand up too quickly! You'll lose your balance. Instead, stand with knees bent at first to get your balance, and then slowly straighten up.

But how do you get up, you ask? Check out this video:



When will you try wake surfing?