OutlanderDirect.com is one the largest dealers of Marine Accessories and Outdoor Gear. Their warehouse is FULL of clean,tested parts ready to meet your boating needs! From Marine Stereos to Marine communication equipment, brand name outdoor gear like Bushnell, Garmin and Icom. OutlanderDirect.com has everything you need for boating and outdoor adventures. OutlanderDirect.com ships all orders over $150.00 free of charge and this can save hundreds of dollars in shipping as some parts weigh up to 80 - 90 lbs.
OutlanderDirect.com also has a selection of Zodiac Bombard inflatable boats that are great for fishing and easy to transport, while being strong and durable.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Use Marine Rated Boat Parts
It is a story that is repeated too frequently. A boater jumps aboard their craft, immediately cranks the starter and then boom, the vessel explodes in a ball of fire. Transport Canada has documented the explosion of a gasoline powered boat in Halifax harbor during the summer of 2004 in an informational video. Investigators were able to determine that old automotive ignition parts had been used on the boat. Their video clip titled, “Boom! Up She Went” is available from Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety.
There are many safety systems built into place on a government approved vessel. Improper substitution of the components within these systems can cause trouble. Boat engine parts are designed to survive and function in the harsh marine environment. While similar in appearance to their automotive cousins, marine parts must be designed and approved for use on boats. There are important differences between them.
A fire or explosion requires three components, called the fire triangle by firefighters. They are fuel, oxygen and a heat or ignition source. Explosions on gasoline powered boats can occur when fuel is spilled or leaked in the engine compartment. The gasoline vaporizes into the available air space and is primed for an explosion. This is the reason power boats use ventilation systems with blowers to pump fresh air into the engine compartment. The spark from a non-ignition protected electrical part can become the third component of the fire triangle.
Automotive electrical components do not need to be ignition protected. Transport Canada and the United States Coast Guard require small craft be built using ignition protected components. These items include blower motors, starters, distributors, alternators and ignition wires. There should be approval labels affixed to your boat that certifies it meets alls required construction standards.
Boat Parts Wish List
Whether your boat is old or new, it's always fun to make improvements, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to boat parts. Boat parts and accessories can range from a new propeller to a spiffy boat cover and everything in between.
Boat parts can be broken down into categories so that wish list will be easier to create. Many boat owners start from the bottom of their boat and work their way up. For example, many start with anchor and docking needs. Is your anchor big enough, or too big? Do you have adequate rope for your docking needs? Moving right along, the cabin is usually the next part of the boat to be addressed. What kind of condition is it in?
Do you need a new coat of paint or varnish? Perhaps new seats, bunks or carpeting are in order, or perhaps a window treatment or two. Pillows, bedding and curtains add a splash of color to cabin interiors, as do carpeting or hardwood floors. The bathroom in the cabin is also a necessary item, but functional can also be attractive, to those with an eye to color and design.
Many boat owners don't like to leave their boat uncovered for long periods of time, as sunshine and harsher weather can cause damage to your boat upholstery. One of the most popular items on any boat parts wish list is a boat cover that will protect boat finishes and wood against inclement weather while dry-docked or floating in a marine slip.
Boat parts wish lists almost always contain engine parts or electronics. How about that new navigating system that's just become the hottest gadget on the market, or that GPS system that you've been eyeballing for so long? Seats, cushions, even a new steering wheel are boat parts that are always available in local boating parts supply stores. So is safety equipment, an absolute must on any boat, whether it's an aluminum dingy or a sixty-foot yacht.
Life vests, flotation devices and ropes should always be on board when you set out, and within visible and handy reach. Flares are also on the list of necessary boat parts that most captain's have handy, as well as spare engine parts like spark plugs, filters, gaskets, water pumps, alternators and screens. Boat parts can be anything from the starter to the trim and tilt system, and it's the boat owner's responsibility to make sure that all boat parts are maintained in good working order.
The Top 5 Essential Boat Parts
It's tempting for a new boat owner to want to get their new baby afloat and hit the open waters. Turning that key for the first time does come with some responsibility. It's a good idea for the beginning boater and even the old pro to remember the importance of checking out boat parts before they set sail.
Whether it's for an hour-long fishing trip in the morning or a weekend on an island camping, using a boat can be more of a risk than even driving a car. So, it's just plain smart to check out boat parts before heading out. A quick function and safety check can mean the difference between a good day fishing and a bad night being stuck.
Here's what to look for when inspecting boat parts:
Navigational equipment: Do a quick check of these vital boat parts before pulling away from the docks each and every time. Whether you're using a simple compass or more advanced GPS, having the navigational equipment working right is very important for a smooth journey.
Engines: Make sure the boat motor is operating as it should. All that's really necessary here is to fire it up and listen for any irregularities. Most boat owners become acutely aware of what their engine should sound like. Many even become old pros at fixing minor problems, such as engine flooding.
Lights: Even a daytime trip can turn into a nighttime excursion when something goes wrong, so checking out these boat parts doesn't hurt. Do a careful check of every light from the running lights down to the spot.
Communication devices: It's not a good idea to plan on heading out into open waters without having a good communication system onboard. Check the system before each outing to make sure it's working.
Safety equipment: It's never a bad idea to check these out in advance of a trip, too. From the boat seats to the life vests, these should be considered a standard part of any boat part function check.
In addition to making sure boat parts are functioning as they should, there will be some times boat owners will need to buy parts. To get the best deals on any necessary replacements, from seats to engines, it's a good idea to shop around and be certain what's needed.
Sometimes generic boat parts will do the trick and even used ones, but in some instances, getting the name brand replacement will be in order. In either case, shopping around and looking for the best prices is a smart idea.
Many boat owners keep spare boat parts on hand to have in the event of an emergency. From back up batteries to small tools and parts to fix the engine, a good supply stowed under a seat or in a compartment isn't a bad idea. An extra set of light bulbs for the lights, tape to repair seats and floatation devices and so on are also smart to have on hand.
Visit www.outlanderdirect.com for all your boat and marine parts. With brand name equipment and fast delivery you will find everything you need on one place and take advantage of their free shipping to save even more!
The 16 Most Important Boat Parts
Boat parts can be divided into the following categories:
* Anchor and Docking
* Boat Covers and Bimini Tops
* Cabin, Galley and Interior
* Clothing and Outwear
* Deck and Cockpit/Cabinet
* Electrical
* Electronics
* Engine Parts
* Paint and Maintenance
* Navigation
* Hardware
* Plumbing
* Propellers, Thrusters and Drive Parts
* Steering Systems
* Safety
* Fasteners
In considering each category, boaters can always choose whether to purchase their parts new or used. Also each category has many different options to choose from. For example, depending on where you are boating, determines what type of anchor is best to purchase.
Mushroom anchors are best where there are lots of rocks and ledges where you desire to anchor as opposed to hooker or flute anchors that can get caught on the rocks while trying to pull up the anchor.
In addition, boat parts can be purchased through numerous websites or at marine parts store locations. The best teacher for knowing about all parts, in our opinion is experience and talking with other experienced boaters.
The most important boat parts are considered your steering system, electrical system and batteries, however without a prop to propel the boat, everything else may be working but your boat is going nowhere.
It truly is best to carry any extra prop and to have dual batteries if you plan on going a great distance out, or you boat out in the cold, or if you own a boat longer than 20 feet.
Clothing is also vitally important. Getting wet in the wrong type of clothing is no fun. There are companies that specialize in boating clothing that is worth the expense.
Navigation aids for boats are a part of safety and assistance in knowing direction and location of where you are or where you want to go. It is very easy to get out onto a body of water and get a bit disoriented or confused on where you are. Navigation aids are tremendously important in assisting you for location and direction.
Paint and maintenance are most important if you moor your boat in saltwater. The bottom of the boat must be painted to help prevent corrosion and fouling organisms found in the water. It is best for the environment to have the paint be a non-toxic (no copper) paint. Also, monthly bottom hull cleaning of the boat (the part of the boat that is in the water) is essential to keep the boat running to its top level. There are many bottom boat cleaning diving companies that offer this monthly service.
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