Using Your Phone as a Boating Tool

Are you the type of smartphone user that downloads a new app every day? Perhaps you're the opposite and you've only downloaded the few you need to get by. (Though you should make sure to have Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to keep up with us on the go!) But now, turn your attention to your nautical side and consider a few apps that can enhance your favorite hobby: boating.





New and experienced boaters alike can learn from the Boater’s Pocket Reference, an app chock full of information like U.S. and Canadian navigation rules, tips on boat handling, how to tie marine knots and much more. When your boat is out of the water, you can refer to Boater’s Pocket Reference for information on trailering and regular maintenance. Visual learners will appreciate the variety of charts, graphs and illustrations throughout the app that makes the content extremely easy to understand. While the app isn’t free – in fact, it’s $4.99 – it is highly ranked by iPhone users and includes a search function so you can quickly and easily find the information you need, right when you need it.





Keep your finger on the pulse of current weather and tide forecasts with the NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app, which accesses data from NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. You can search for buoys by name or location and view a range of weather data, including wind speed, gusts and pressure. Tide predictions are also included, as are moon phases. The app is very reasonably priced at $1.99.







If, heaven forbid, something goes wrong on your next voyage, the free Sea Tow app can come to your rescue. You can contact their 24 hour dispatch center through the app, a handy feature if your VHF radio is on the fritz. In addition, the app contains tide and forecast information, and you can save up to seven locations for continued weather monitoring. Finally, the app features a compass and speedometer so you can always pinpoint your location on a map.







But before you can use any of these apps, you need to get your boat into the water. That’s where Boat Ramps comes in. This (free!) app allows you to search for ramps near your location, by zip code or by city. Once you’ve chosen a ramp, the app will provide you with directions. Reviews for the app, however, lament that it doesn’t provide more information about ramps, like fees (or lack thereof), restroom facilities or bait shops.





What are your favorite boating apps? How has your smart phone enhanced your boating experience, on and/or off the water?

The Revolutionary Convex VX

We brought Tigé Boats to our dealership because we knew they would bring new and different things to the table. And boy, they sure have! We know we’re not the first to write about the Convex VX, but we think you’ll enjoy it all the same.


According to Tigé, the Convex VX is the only device ever created for surf wave ENHANCEMENT. But what is the Convex VX, you ask? It’s a fiberglass hull extension device “ designed to enhance the running surface of your Tigé at wakesurf speeds.” It connects to the swim platform and can be removed whenever you don’t want it on the boat.



How does it work? Well, this is what the Tigé website says: “The center tunnel of the Convex VX effectively channels water from the propulsion system downward under and into the wave. Utilizing the power generated by the prop to increase the size, volume, and density of the Convex VX surf wave.”

What we like about it is that it makes your 20 ft boat a 22 ft-er. So in this sense, less is more! That smaller boat that’s easier to trailer is now the perfect water sports boat.

When will you try out the Convex VX? Give us a call today or visit our site at LighthouseHarbor.com!

Choosing the Best Life Jacket

You might not like to wear them, but life jackets (also known as life vests or PFDs) are an essential part of staying safe on the water. Sure, you might be an excellent swimmer on a normal day, but what happens if you hit a wave wrong, get tossed off your boat and knocked unconscious on the way in the water? Now, we don’t want to be all doom and gloom. But we do think it’s important to know how to choose the best life jacket for you.



Requirements
In Pennsylvania, all recreational vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device on board for each person. Additionally, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one Type IV (throwable) USCG-approved personal flotation device on board (and it needs to be easily accessible). Any person younger than 12-years-old, in a boat less than 20 feet long, must wear a PFD. All life jackets must be in good and serviceable condition and legibly marked showing the USCG approval number. This means the life jacket must be fully functional, free of tears or defects in the material. All buckles, straps, zippers and other closures must be operable.

Finally, remember: boaters are required, by law, to wear life jackets on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak during the cold weather months from November 1 through April 30.



Choosing

We like this graphic from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission that explains the different types of PFDs:



For adults, chest size will determine what size PFD is necessary. For children, this is determined by weight. Once you’ve selected the right size, follow these steps:

• Loosen all the straps, put PFD on and zip up.
• Starting at the waist, tighten all the straps. The PFD should feel snug but not uncomfortable.
• Have someone pull up on the shoulders. If it moves up past your nose, tighten the straps. If you can’t and/or it still moves, you need a smaller size.
• If possible, test your PFD in a pool or shallow water. It should not ride up or slip over your chin while floating.

To fit a child, follow basically the same steps. Pick them up by the shoulders of the life jacket, and make sure the vest is snug overall.

We recommend:Once you’ve adjusted your life jacket to the perfect fit, leave it that way! Keep extra jackets on board for your guests. That way, your favorite jacket is always the right size.



Do not alter a PFD to make it fit - choose one that works for you. There are many different styles, and many companies make separate men’s and women’s fits. Further, automatic inflatable vests have become increasingly popular, which allow you to wear a slimmer, more minimal vest that automatically inflates if you hit the water. Choose whatever vest you will be the most comfortable in.



What suggestions do you have for anyone looking to purchase a PFD? Any tips or tricks you’ve learned over the years?

How to Survive the Paupack Plunge

You’ve signed up for our 2nd annual Paupack Plunge. You’re ready to raise money for and awareness of two important local organizations: the Tafton Water Rescue Team and the Ledgedale Dive Team. But are you ready for the plunge itself?

Here are a few tips on how to survive the Paupack Plunge:

1. Eat a hearty breakfast. It’s a great excuse to eat a calorie-laden meal! Breakfast meats, carbohydrates and sugars are all necessary to energize your body so that it can handle the shock of frigid water. Extra sugar may be beneficial. Drink water, juice or decaffinated tea - avoid caffeine until after the plunge.

2. Strip down to your plunge gear (you can make it in just a swimsuit!) about two minutes before you jump. This will give your body a chance to adjust to the cold so the shock of the water won’t be as significant. Just make sure you don’t start to shiver!

3. Jump! Don’t hesitate! In cold water, the rib cage contracts, which leads many swimmers to feeling like they can’t breath. Exhale as you jump in and the next breath will come more easily. Once you’re in, swim to shore calmly to avoid expending extra energy.

4. Have blankets/towels and warm (dry) shoes waiting for you when you get out. Wrap yourself up and top yourself off with a hat. Drinking a warm beverage will help kick start the re-heating process. 

Plunge veterans: how did you survive the plunge last year?

What To Know When Buying a Wakeboard

You’ve seen those awesomely colorful Tige Boats rolling into our marina. You’ve looked at our new website, OnlineWakeboards.com. You read our last post about those wacky terms wakeboarders use. So are you feeling the urge to become a wakeboarder?

Well, before you go back online to purchase one, here are some things you need to know:

1. Match your skill level. You can always upgrade later, so don’t go and buy a board that is way beyond you! Beginners should look for a board with squared edges, which allows for more control and stability. Most wakeboards are labeled with their skill level to help you out. 

2. Get the right size. If your board is too small, it will sink, which won’t do you any good! Most manufacturers have sizing charts for the proper weight-to-length and/or height-to-length ratios. If you’re not sure, choose the longer board, because the shorter the board, the less stability in starts and turns. Plus, you can grow into a longer board as you get better.

3. Check your bindings. Getting bindings that fit correctly is really important for increasing your learning success and deacreasing your chance of injury. You want the bindings to be snug, but not so tight you’re in pain. (Also, bindings that are too tight might not release your foot in the event of a fall - which you’ll have plenty of as you learn - and that’s never good.) So try several kinds out and pick the one that’s the most comfortable for you.

4. Find the best fin. Fins are on the bottom of a wakeboard and are used for steering and turning. In smooth water conditions smaller and thinner fins work well. In rougher water conditions a larger, wider fin helps steer the board when it bounces on the water. As a beginner, you probably want a deeper fin. You can try removeable fins to find the best, or just trust the built-in fin on your beginner board.

And last, but not least: try before you buy! You can do all of the research in the world, but at the end of the day, you’ve gotta try a board out to know if it’s comfortable for you. 

Are you a wakeboarder with tips for someone looking to purchase their first board?