What's A Bimini Top & Should I Have One?

If you enjoy boating and the boating lifestyle, and are a proud boat owner or are considering becoming a boat owner, then you'll definitely want to also consider becoming the proud owner of a bimini top. But first, just what is a bimini top and why should you have one? Well, a bimini top is a canvas top that attaches to your boat’s cockpit area to offer you and your family protection from the sun.

A bimini top is typically attached to the boat and supported with a metal frame. The top of this canvas is open-front, which means that while it will protect you from the sun's harmful rays it does not offer protection from rain or wind. However, it can protect you from the rain if the boat is at a standstill. The bimini top is an ingenious creation that was created for both avid fisherman and families alike that enjoy the boating lifestyle.

Your bimini top can be used on any boat; even sports boats, deck boats and pontoons to provide and offer shade for you and your family. If you've ever heard of a "dodger" for boats, then you should know that a bimini top is different than a dodger. A dodger attaches to a boat's cockpit area and offers protection from the elements on all sides, whereas a bimini mainly offers sun protection.

Boating Safety and The Bimini

You might be wondering what a bimini top has to do with boating safety for you and your family, but it actually has quite a bit to do with safety and not the type of safety you may be thinking of. The safety that the bimini is great for is sun protection. With skin cancer on the rise, it is important to protect one's skin from the sun's harmful rays at all times when out in the sun. So, with the bimini, you can sit back and enjoy the shade, while also knowing that your skin is protected from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Does your boat have a bimini top installed?

The Hedderich Family's Pursuit of Happiness

Conrad and Linda Hedderich have waited a long time to pursue their interest in boating and find their true calling, out on the water.

In their search for the perfect boat they found Lynnhaven Marine and Lynnhaven's pre-owned and brokerage inventory. This then followed by the discovery of a staff that valued their needs and what they absolutely wanted in their first cruiser.



The “like new” 2009 Regal 280 Cruiser listed with our brokerage department was love at first sight.

Conrad and Linda quickly found there were resources around every corner to assist them with learning how to drive and feel comfortable behind the helm at Lynnhaven Marine.

They are now making small excursions and having family and friends join in the fun and relaxation. They plan to explore the lower Bay and beyond.

All of us at Lynnhaven Marine thank you for your trust and your business, Conrad and Linda! Welcome to our family and we will see you on the water.

What experiences have you discovered at Lynnhaven Marine?

Boat Storage: What's A Boatel

Lynnhaven Marine Boatel

Are you looking for a dry, secure place to store your boat, away from vandals and inclement weather? You need to consider a boatel.

What is a boatel?

A boatel is a waterside "hotel" for boats, not just during the off-season, but also during boating season. Such facilities are dockside warehouses where boats are stored on racks, usually three to four boats high. With a boatel, you don't have to worry about your boat being unattended in an open dock nor do you have the hassles of trailering your boat back and forth to the water every time you want to use it. Plus, your boat isn't taking up room in your garage or driveway.

Boatel amenities

In addition to keeping your boat safe and dry, most boatels offer extra amenities. Just a few of these may include:

• On-demand service -- You just have to call ahead to have your boat launched in the water and waiting for you.
• Full service fueling -- You don't have to find a fueling station after you get your boat in the water. It's all right there.
• Freshwater washdown -- Salt water can eat away at your boat's finish. Many boatels offer fresh water washdowns to get rid of that salt water residue.
• Off-season dry storage -- When boating season is over, you don't have to find another storage facility. The boatel staff can winterize your boat and it’s already in a secure place for the winter.
• Waste pump station -- Most boatels offer waste pump stations to clean your boat's head.

Things to consider at a boatel

Although a boatel offers a number of advantages over traditional outdoor docks, these facilities are not right for every boat owner. Generally, there is a size limit for boats to be stored in a boatel. In addition, not all boatels offer 24/7 access, which could be a problem if you're an early morning fisherman or if you tend to return from a day's excursion after midnight.

Stop worrying about your boat when you're not in the water. Using a boatel can maximize the hours you spend out on the water enjoying your investment and minimize the hassle.

Planning For The Perfect Day On The Water

You and the rest of your family are up early. It's a beautiful Saturday morning, and you are preparing for a day on the water. Going out boating, even for people experienced with watercraft, requires a bit of preparation before beginning the day.

The boating lifestyle looks – and feels – luxurious, but that's more a myth than reality and that doesn't mean there is no work involved. Before heading out for a day on the water, you need to take care of ensuring that the boat is property tuned, including checking fluids, inspecting various parts of the craft, and getting the safety gear in order.

Filling the tank with fuel is the first step in preparing for a day of cruising on the water. In general, boaters should take the same precautions they would before going on a long car trip, including verifying that the battery fluid and oil are at the appropriate levels.

If a boat has been sitting idle for a period of time, you should inspect any hoses and fasteners to make sure all are in good condition and tightened. A quick peek at the propellers and hull for dings or other damage also can help your party to avoid any problems.

People who go cruising in their boats are not typically planning to be out in bad weather, but storms can crop up quickly. So you need to check that life jackets are onboard. They should be in good condition and should fit each of the passengers headed out for the day. A fire extinguisher and a basic first aid kit also can help make sure that everyone still enjoys the day, even if there are minor mishaps.

The boating lifestyle is a fun one, but it does require some work. Just a few minutes of inspection time before setting off can make a day of boating a fulfilling experience! Do you have a pre-trip routine before heading out for a day on the water?

Three Things for the Beginning Wakeboarder to Remember

Wakeboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports around. More maneuverable than a Slalom Ski, Wakeboarding is considered more akin to Snowboarding than water skiing. In fact both are recommended as crossover practice for the other sport. If you haven't given Wakeboarding a try there are a few things that you should know before you start. These few tips will help you begin as a Wakeboarder and progress much faster, into the sport.

Regular or Goofy Foot

The first thing you need to figure out is your riding stance. Which foot should you put forward? If you have experience skateboarding or snowboarding, you already know this. If you don't use this simple test to find out, kick a ball, a can, or anything handy. The leg you swing will be your back leg when wakeboarding. If it is your right leg you are a regular rider. If you kick with your left foot you ride goofy, left foot in back.

Shorter Ropes, Better Control

One of the biggest mistakes many beginning riders make is using too long a rope. Longer ropes leave more lag between the boat and boarder. This causes the rope have more of a torquing effect on the rider, creating control problems from the outset. The best rope lengths for beginners are in the 30 to 50 foot length range. Begin short and stretch out as you gain experience.

Center Your Back Foot

The key to learning control as a Wakeboarder is centering your back foot. When adjusting your bindings, be sure to have your back foot centered directly over the boards fin. This will give you maximum leverage and maximum control. From getting up on the board to learning to turn this setup will help you stay balanced.

If you haven't tried wakeboarding, give it a shot. You will find it an exhilarating sport.