Dusky BlogCustom fishing boats since 1966

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding fiberglass boat construction revolve around the techniques used to secure the fishing boat deck to the boat liner and the corresponding attributes of the end product.  This article will shed some light on the types of fiberglass boat construction and give you some insight into often overlooked aspects of boat ownership.

How exactly is the boat deck secured to the boat liner?

1. In two piece fiberglass boat construction, the boat deck is secured to the boat liner with screws, rivets and/or adhesive.  This typically allows for potential issues in the future as the screws and rivets work loose.  Additionally, the negative impacts on the overall “ride” of the vessel are noticeable due to the jarring impact of having two separate pieces distributing the shock of the waves when running.
2. In three piece fiberglass boat construction, the boat deck is bonded to the boat liner by glassing the two pieces together.  This provides a stronger, more secure bond between the two pieces, disallowing for any shifting.  The overall effect is a more comfortable ride and stronger side walls.

Benefits of three piece construction:

• Increased deck space.
  In three piece construction, the liner is pushed directly against the hull.  This can equate to as much as 6-8” of additional boat deck space.Two piece construction has a different cap and mold design in which it is impossible to get the hull and boat liner flush together when building a fishing boat.
• Toe kick.
  Three piece construction allows a “toe kick” area in which your feet (and knees) can slip under the gunnel.  This allows for increased stability when fighting a fish or any other activity which requires you to lean against the sidewall, as well as less instances of stubbed toes.In two piece construction, there is either no toe kick or just enough room cut out for your toes which leaves your knees to take the abuse.
• Rod holders, rod holders, rod holders.
  Rod holders are an important part of any fishing boatand the differences in installation in two piece and three piece fishing boat construction are pretty big.  In three piece construction, rod holders can be installed virtually anywhere.  Since you can easily access underneath the gunnels, you can bolt down any rod holders installed after the boat leaves the factory, and it doesn’t involve hours of tedious work to do so.  Additionally, the rod holders are able to drain directly onto the boat deck.In two piece construction, you can only screw down rod holders from the top and you either have to run hoses for drainage or risk them draining directly into the hull.
• No coaming pads needed.
  Remember that toe kick we discussed earlier?  In two piece construction, many times coaming pads are used to give you that little bit of extra room.  This further decreases your available deck area and adds cost and extra maintenance.  In three piece construction they are solely an option and less of a necessity.
• Ease of installing under lighting and DC outlets under the gunnel
  This follows the same concept as the rod holders.  In three piece construction you’re able to easily install lighting or outlets (shore power, DC outlets for electric reels, etc.).  Additionally, the outlets won’t stick out and catch on legs as you’re rushing across the boat deck get to that screaming reel.In two piece construction, there’s nowhere to hide the lighting and outlets, making it unsightly and bruise worthy.

All things considered; three piece fiberglass boat construction clearly has the advantage over two piece construction.  While the overall cost of the three piece constructed boat may be slightly higher than that of a two piece boat, the long term benefits and conveniences will negate the additional investment.

For more information or to find the right boat for you, please visit www.dusky.com.

Buying a new or used fishing boat isn’t as painful as it’s made out to be, provided you know what to keep an eye out for.

First, determine what type of boat is right for you. Choices can include: aluminum boats, bay boats, cuddy cabins, center console boats and inshore fishing boats to name a few. Each one is capable of providing you with hours of fun and enjoyment. After all, there is nothing like spending time on the water, fishing, skiing or just cruising around, to bring a family together. One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a boat is to buy the wrong kind of boat for their needs. Make note of the primary use of the boat, average number of people on board and climate considerations. The best boat to buy is going to be the one that is suited to YOUR needs.

Next, thoroughly inspect the boat.  Make sure to do an in-water inspection as well as out-of-water. Be sure to include the following in your in-depth boat inspection: 

• Engine (outboard motor, diesel engine, etc.)
• Bilge pump area
• Electronics
• Steering and throttle controls
• Batteries
• Boat fuel tank
• Floor and hull condition
• Upholstery (boat seats, cushions, cuddy cabin area, etc.)
• Rigging (hardware)
• Propeller and shaft

If you are purchasing a used boat, be sure to also check the maintenance history, storage history, hours logged and ensure everything is in working order.  This includes lights, batteries, hatches, horns, etc.

An independent marine surveyor can be a valuable asset when purchasing a used boat.  The National Association of Marine Surveyors and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors both offer licensed professionals to help you evaluate the condition of the vessel and make an educated decision.

Boat shows offer a great opportunity to get specials, rebates and other incentives when purchasing a new boat. They serve as a terrific resource to compare models and brands as well as affording you the chance to speak directly to the boat dealers and manufacturers. Another ideal time to consider is winter and spring. Most boat dealers and manufacturers are clearing out the previous year’s inventory to make room for the new year’s models.

Now that you know what model of boat you’re looking for and how to inspect it, it’s time to start narrowing down the search. You’ll no doubt realize that there are a variety of outlets available to you that have boats for sale;  including auctions, third party (internet, newspaper, etc), dealer networks and factory direct.

My preferred course is factory direct for a number of reasons:

1. Factory Direct: This means you get to deal directly with the manufacturer. No middle-man and no dealer to contend with. Eliminating the boat dealer also means a HUGE savings for you. Without all those hidden charges to worry about, it’s entirely possible to get into a new boat for the same price that a dealer is asking for a used boat.
2. Customization: Rather than accepting whatever boat the dealer happens to have in inventory (or paying delivery fees for them to order a model with the specific features you require), a factory direct, custom sport fishing boat manufacturer will typically build to order. This gives you the opportunity to work with them to design your dream boat exactly the way you want it. Some manufacturers will even allow you to see your boat going through the boat construction process.
3. Warranty: If you have any warranty issues that need to be addressed the dealer will have to research the issue then consult with the manufacturer to get an approval to perform the work. This leaves you out of a boat until they get all their paperwork together. If you’re buying from the manufacturer, this step is eliminated and turn-around time will be much quicker.
4. Experience: Most factory direct, custom sport fishing boat manufacturers have seen just about every feature available on the market. Some of these will work and some of them will cause more issues than they are worth. Their experience can help guide you along the purchase process and prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you down the road.
5. Relationship: Building a trusting relationship with the manufacturer is much easier than someone you found listing a for sale ad in the newspaper. They’ll be able to provide you knowledgeable and accurate answers to any questions you may have. Additionally, their follow-up is above and beyond that of any third-party individual.

For more information or to find the right boat for you, please visit www.dusky.com.

OUR BOOTH:
Dusky Marine will be in booth number 2011A

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the “Yachting Capital of the World” will host the 53rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 25-29, 2012. Show exhibits range from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will be on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary superyachts.

Covering six locations and over 3 million square feet of space, the show’s transportation network of bus shuttles, water taxis, and riverboats ensures attendees can easily navigate the boat show and its expansive waterways system.Added attractions include The Blue Wild Dive Show, IGFA’s School of Sportfishing and Hook the Future’s Kids Fishing Clinics.

SCHEDULE
October 25, 2012 Prime Time Preview
Thursday 10:00am – 7:00pm

October 26 – October 29, 2012 General Admission
Friday – Sunday 10:00am – 7:00pm
Monday 10:00am – 5:00pm

ADMISSION

Adults                       $36.00
(Prime Time Preview)

Adults                       $20.00
(General Admission)

Children 6-15                $ 5.00

Children under 6             Free

We look foward to seeing you there!

Professor Stephen M. Kajiura of FAU Biological Sciences Department has been studying sharks for over a decade.  You can follow his research and various publications at http://www.science.fau.edu/sharklab/index.html.

Prof. Kajiura was recently featured on National Geographic regarding hammerhead sharks and their ability to use electroreception to locate prey.

As any boat owner who regularly fishes in salt water can testify, corrosion is their worst enemy.  Below are some regular maintenance tips to help you get the most life out of your trailer.

Trailers use ball bearings, which require grease. We recommend marine grease that won’t dissolve when exposed to salt water. If you want to really protect those bearings, you can prevent water intrusion by using bearing protectors.  These typically stay sealed for up to six months, but still require new grease added regularly.

Trailers typically use galvanized parts which are prone to corrosion, especially with excess salt build up present.  The best way to combat the elements is to rinse your  trailer with fresh water after each use. For each saltwater fishing trip you go on, you’re giving your trailer a double dip in the drink.  After a long day in the sun, one of the last things anyone wants to do is spend time thoroughly washing off a trailer.  You can eliminate the hassle by installing Starbrite’s Trailer Spa. This system can be customized to specifically target any area of your trailer which is prone to corrosion build up.

And last, but not least; here is a basic checklist to cover prior to heading out to your favorite ramp.

• Cross your trailer’s safety chains when connecting to the vehicle.
• Ensure your trailer tongue jack is all the way up, or folded and locked.
• Ensure all lug nuts are properly tightened.
• Have a secure tie-down strap for the back of the boat.
• Trailer tires carry bigger loads than cars. Regularly check for wear.
• Test your trailer brakes, if applicable.
• Make sure your trailer lights are working, including turn signals.
• Make sure your trailer ball fits the trailer, seats snugly and is free of debris, and the fastener pin is secure to the truck hitch.

We hope these tips and suggestions will assist you in prolonging the life of your trailer. Should you find yourself in need of additional information or parts, please contact us at 954-922-8890.

Recently, a new bi-partisan bill was presented to Congress to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006. The Bill, known as the “Fishery Science Improvement Act of 2011″ aims to require new stock assessments for stocks that haven’t been tested in more than six years. It would require that all annual catch limits be based off recent scientific data.

Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) responded by saying “Fishery management decisions should be based on sound science. This legislation will ensure that science is a priority.

“It’s a simple formula,” said Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). “Regulatory decisions, if necessary, should always be based on sound science. This legislation provides a simple answer to fisherman and to fishery managers.”

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane stated that, ”The legislation is critical to sportsmen from coast to coast to coast. NOAA Fisheries needs this discrete legislative fix to ensure that recreational and commercial fishermen are not left at the dock because of the agency’s lack of science.”

Read more about the Bill here:

The National Safe Boating Council has launched their newly redesigned website. “The National Safe Boating Council is excited to introduce the ‘new’ website, offering educators, the media, marine professionals and recreational boaters the ease to explore all that our organization has to offer,” executive director Virgil Chambers said in a statement. “Now they can quickly identify different education and outreach efforts, as well as training opportunities and so much more with the simple click of a mouse.”

Remember: Safety on the water is a MUST!

http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

SOUTHOLD, N.Y. – Marine assistance provider Sea Tow is reminding active armed service members about its Military Freeze Program, which allows members of the armed forces to freeze their Sea Tow membership while they are deployed.

The Sea Tow Military Freeze Program allows members of the armed services who are about to be deployed to temporarily suspend their Sea Tow membership without penalty for the duration of their deployment.

“To apply for this program, all you need is to send a copy of your deployment papers to Sea Tow, and we will freeze your membership until your return,” Capt. Joseph Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow founder and CEO, said in a press release. “Upon your arrival back home, just let us know and your Sea Tow membership will be activated again for any remaining time, which means you will have access to all o the benefits we provide our members.”

-originally posted in BoatingIndustry

The City of St. Augustine, Fla., has submitted a proposal for a new city ordinance that would limit anchoring within city limits to ten consecutive days. The ordinance would require that after 10 consecutive days, a vessel would have to move to an approved mooring field or marina or outside of city boundaries for at least one full day before being allowed to return.

In response, BoatUS is encouraging boaters from the area and those who travel to speak up about how the proposed ordinance could affect them.

“The state is now asking for feedback from boaters on this draft local ordinance for St. Augustine,” said BoatUS Executive Vice President Margaret Podlich in a press release. “However, since it’s a pilot program, it’s really important for anyone who wants to anchor in Florida to give the City feedback.”

-Originally posted in Boating Industry

Written complaints can be filed online by going to www.myfwc.com/boating/anchoring-mooring/public-comment. The deadline to submit is Nov. 6.