Monthly Archives: September 2022

It's seldom easy to find a great present for anyone. That goes double when it comes to boat gifts for Dad. Boating gifts for Dad can be hard to judge if you're not a boater yourself. Even if you've got blue water running through your veins, gifts for boat lovers can seem expensive.

Affordable Dad Gifts

But you really don't have to break the bank to find a great gift for Dad on Father's Day. True, he might really appreciate a brand new Malibu boat parked on a spiffy new trailer in the driveway on the big day. But there are lots of far more affordable options that will show your pops you care, appreciate all the watery adventures he has shared with you and hope to accompany him on many more. Bakes Marine has a few suggestions for ideal Father's Day gifts for boaters.

Apparel: Many a father has groaned inwardly as he has received the obligatory tie as a Father's Day present. Fortunately, you'll seldom see folks wearing ties on the water, so you can dodge this issue in the marine clothing category. The great thing about nautical apparel is that everyone can always use some new boating clothing. And because of the wide assortment of dads' duds available, you can be as generous or as thrifty as you want. Choose anything from a captain's cap or a pair of socks to a set of premium rain gear.

Sunglasses: Because of the glare and reflection of the water, every boater needs a good pair of shades. Not only will these help your father see better when he is peering into the distance trying to see where you are bobbing in the water on your water skis or wakeboard. They can also protect your pappy's aging eyes from long-term problems like cataracts.

Marine stereos and speakers: Just because your

Boats can look very spacious when you see them at a boat show or a dealer's lot. But once you get out on the water, a boat's holding capacity seems to magically shrink. Most things expand when you add water, but boats seem to shrink. Whether you are on the Queen Mary 2 or your own performance boat, space suddenly comes at a premium. And just as it is at home on land, so it is on a boat on water: you can never have too much storage and space.

Never fear. No matter what size your boat is, Bakes Marine is happy to offer you some outstanding boat organization and storage ideas.

Staying Alive

Life vests are a safety must for any boat trip. They can present a challenge in that you want to have them handy in case of emergency but out of the way when you don't need them. To help preserve your life preservers and keep them in the best shape for when you need to use them, you should keep your life vests out of the sun and as dry as possible. That's not an easy task out on the water.

Sometimes the simplest solution is best, and that includes life jacket storage ideas on boat outings. A life vest storage bag offers a simple, sensible and affordable solution. One of these will keep all your vests out of the way but accessible when you need them. Most come with handles, so you can carry them off your boat when you're through playing on the water for the day.

Keeping Warm

Blankets and beach towels may not seem as important as life vests, but you and your crew will be happy you have plenty of dry ones to keep comfortable on board or to take a break on the beach. A day in the water can quickly suck the heat out of a body. Keep these in a waterproof canvas bag for easy transport and to ensure everyone keeps nice

You've probably heard the old saw that the word boat stands for "break out another thousand." As with most sayings, there's a bit of truth in this hoary adage. Fortunately, by being proactive with your boat, you can tackle small problems before they get bigger and avoid a king-sized dent in your wallet. After all, a good boat represents a sizable investment for most folks.

Bakes Marine is happy to share with you some tips for dealing with common boat issues and maintenance. In fact, boat problems and maintenance are closely related. The more maintenance you do, the fewer problems you and your boat will likely encounter.

Boat Maintenance 101

Let's start with engine maintenance. Just as with your car and truck, regularly changing the motor oil in your boat will help extend the engine's life. Typically boat owners change the oil and oil filter annually or every 100 hours, whichever comes first. But check your owner's manual and don't be afraid to change the oil more often. It will be much cheaper than repairing or replacing the engine.

When you pop the hatch on your motor, visually inspect the engine closely. Pay special attention to parts that degrade over time, like hoses and belts. If your boat is taking on more water than normal, the bilge pump hose could be the problem.

Non-Starters and Rough Running

Boat won't start? You need to stay on top of battery issues to make sure your battery is in good condition and properly charged. The problem might also lie with boat parts like the starter. If you are handy, you can fix most starting issues yourself. If not, make sure to have a good mechanic give your boat a thorough going-over.

If your boat runs rough, the problem could be with the fuel supply, the spark plugs or a variety of other engine parts. Again, if you're mechanically inclined, you can tackle many of these problems yourself.

It's called pleasure boating for a reason. After all, the purpose of recreational boating is to have fun. You may not think of boating rules and regs as having anything to do with fun. But actually, most of the common lake boating rules in force around the country are based on common sense. Just as speed limits, traffic codes and driving rules are meant to ensure safety on land, boating laws are designed to ensure safety and good times for everyone on the water.

Licensed to Drive

Although some states have no requirements for a license to run a boat, many have been moving toward that practice in recent decades. Many requiring licenses "grandfather" in older boaters as safe but require younger boaters born after a certain date to have a license or pass a boating safety course. In addition, many states have minimum age limits for who can run a boat, generally running from 12 to 16 years of age. Be familiar with your own state's rules before you hand the wheel over to a younger person.

Just as on land, alcohol and drugs can cause collisions and fatalities on the water. That's why state and local authorities take a dim view of excessive alcohol intake and drug use. On some lakes, enforcement of driving under the influence is just as rigorous as it is on some highways and roads.

Also just as with land-bound motor vehicles, many states require boaters to carry insurance for their watercraft. Check with state boating authorities and your insurer to see what you need.

All states reqire personal flotation devices, aka PFDs or life vests, be carried in the proper number and sizes to accommodate everyone on your boat. Many states also require children under a certain age to wear a PFD while they are on a boat.

Boats over a certain length must be registered with the state. Many states require boat trailers to be registered too, although some states waive the requirement for

From the old sea dogs who centuries ago kept cats aboard their wooden ships to control rat populations in the hold, pets have long been as popular with their people on the water as they are on land. If you want to take your pet or pets on your boat, that's a great way for everyone to have even more fun on the water. But a few special considerations are in order before you head out. To ensure everyone has the best time possible, Bakes Marine offers a few easy tips for boating with pets.

Water Dogs

Most dogs just seem to be made for the water. A dog in a speedy boat with his ears flapping in the breeze can be a picture of pure joy. But if your dog or other pet has never been in a boat before, it's best to introduce this new experience to him gradually. After all, even just sitting in a boat with the waves and water lapping against its gunwales will be a new experience for sensitive pets. Before you get underway, let your pets hang out in the boat while it's docked for a while. Encourage them to explore the boat and get comfortable.

Boarding a boat from a dock can be tricky for humans. It can be even harder for pets. If your pet is small, it's a good idea to carry it on and off your boat so it doesn't drop into the drink between dock and boat. For bigger pets, a ramp or dog boat ladder will make the transition easier.

Outfit your critters with suitable life vests before leaving the dock. Create a plan for a "dog overboard" or "cat overboard" situation so you will be able to rescue any pets that fall out of your boat. You don't want to end up doing the doggy paddle with your pooch. It's a good idea to practice using a boat hook to retrieve your dog so he won't be scared of the situation in an emergency session. On a hot day, most dogs will really enjoy the practice.