Jerry Cahalan

Boating is one of the best experiences in life, but finding a place to store your boat can be a hassle.

If you keep it at home, you need to haul it to the water and launch it every time you go out. You also have to load it up and find a place to store it until the next trip.

One option that many boat owners choose is a marina, a place where your boat sits at the dock and patiently waits for you to return. Marinas offer more than storage; you can also get repairs, maintenance, and even boating equipment, all in one location.

Using a marina makes boating very convenient, but there are some things you should remember.

Keep Docks Free of Clutter

Maintaining a clear, walkable dock is an important habit for any location, but if you are using a marina, there will be people of all ages walking along the docks. Always keep the walkways clear of ropes, equipment, and other debris that could present a safety hazard to other boaters.

Don’t Swim in the Marina Water

For two good reasons, the water around a marina is NEVER the place to be swimming. First of all, the marina is a high-traffic area, and boats coming to and from the docks may not see swimmers. Also, docks, boats, and other machinery use electricity, and there is a chance that a loose wire or damaged cords could cause the water to become electrified.

Make Sure Guests are With You at All Times

Your guests are always welcome to join you, but they must be with you at all times and must understand and respect the rules of your marina. Depending on the marina, guests may not even be allowed access unless they are with you when they arrive.

Keep an Eye on Children and Pets

Most marinas will be happy to see your kids, but you need to be aware of their activity and make sure they stay with you, especially smaller children like toddlers. Don’t let them walk the docks unattended, and make sure they stay off of other people’s boats. For pets, keep them on a leash at all times so they don’t bother other boaters. (Remember, not everyone loves dogs as much as you do!)

There Are Rule for Maintenance and Repairs

To protect the docks and the water, as well as the relaxed, quiet atmosphere of the marina, most locations will have specific rules on repairs and maintenance. Many will prohibit activities like sanding rotary disks or spray-painting your boat. There will also be rules requiring service contractors to be licensed, bonded, and insured, and any repair technician you hire will have to check in at the marina office.

“For Sale” Signs Not Permitted

Almost all marinas will have a clause in their rules and regulations that specifically prohibits posting “for sale” signs or other forms or advertising on the boats or on the docks. This is to keep the marina from being part of a financial transaction, which can have legal and tax implications for the business. You can always talk with your fellow boaters about selling your boat, but marinas keep the right to remove any signs that you post.

A Great Fishing Boat for Any Location

Contact Scout Boats today to learn more about our superior designs and top-quality materials. When you want a boat that is comfortable, reliable, and luxurious, you need a Scout!

Note: Every Marina has different regulations. This article contains general tips for keeping your boat at a marina and maintaining a good relationship with the marina staff and your fellow boaters. You should always understand the specific rules for the marina you choose.

For many anglers, fishing without a fishfinder is like driving without a steering wheel.

Okay…maybe that example is a little extreme, but fishfinders are still important tools for anglers all over the country. From commercial fishermen who depend them to make a living to professional anglers who compete and win with their help, a fishfinder can make a big difference for a lot of people on the water.

Every Scout comes with advanced technology and fishing features, including a fishfinder. So how can you get the most from this tool?

Keep Things Simple

Depending on the fishfinder you have on your boat, there could be dozens, even hundreds of different setting combinations, tools, applications, and uses. These tools are very effective for a wide variety of purposes, but when you’re just getting started, keep it simple. Stick to basic settings that you understand and use them consistently. Once you have mastered the basic fishfinder tools, you can move on to more-advanced settings and applications.

Learn to Tune the Sensitivity

Sure, we just got done telling you to lay off all the fancy switches and dials, but one setting is very important to understand: sensitivity. The sensitivity basically determines how much information you receive, but if it’s too high, you won’t be able to interpret the fishfinder properly.

On most fishfinders, you’ll need to start by turning off automatic mode. You can then manually adjust the sensitivity. Crank it all the way up to 100%, then dial it down slowly until you get distinct arches from fish and detailed information on the bottom.

Learn to Recognize Fish and Schools

Using your fishfinder you find fish! What a concept! Start by learning to recognize signs of fish, including schools, large fish, and predators near pods of baitfish. By learning the basic signs, you have given yourself the fundamental tools for success with your finder.

Use the Finder to Locate Structure and Drop-Offs

Once you understand how to spot and differentiate fish in the water, should know how to identify structure at the bottom. Obviously this will be effective in shallower areas where fishing near the bottom is actually an option. Use this new skill to spot reefs, wrecks, and other structure where baitfish and predators are hiding.

Use Ever-Increasing Circles to Find Structure

Using fishfinders to locate structure is a highly effective way to locate fish, but incorporating maps that show depth as well as wrecks and reefs can also be effective. However, what if you come to a location that, according to the map, should have a wreck, but you can’t seem to spot it with the fishfinder?

Make slow, ever-increasing circles around the spot until your structure is located. By spiraling out from the center, you cover all the water and give yourself the best chance of spotting the structure.

Master Fishing with a Scout Boat

You can be the master of the sea by fishing with a Scout Boat. Our boats are equipped with quality fishing features, including fishfinders, aerated live wells, and convenient rod holders. Contact Scout Boats today to learn more about our luxury fishing boats.

Boaters need to consider many factors, including wind, current, and water depths. They also need to be knowledgeable about the tides.

Anyone who wants to own a boat in a coastal region should have a strong understanding of the tidal changes. They can effect how you boat, how you fish, and where you can go, so make sure you are informed on this important topic.

Let’s take a quick look at the tides and see what you should know.

Tides are Caused by the Moon and the Sun

Everyone knows that the moon has a strong effect on the tidal conditions, but did you know that the sun also has a pull on the ocean’s waters? The sun actually pulls pretty hard on the tides, although the moon’s effect is over twice the force, due to its proximity to earth.

Spring Tides are More Extreme

There are a two terms that every saltwater boater should know: spring tides and neap tides. We’ll start with spring tides, which have nothing to do with the spring season. When the moon and the sun are pulling together, we get what’s known as a spring tide. Spring tides can occur any time of the year, and they are when you will see the highest highs and the lowest lows. Spring tides occur during full moons and new moons, when the two celestial bodies are pulling in parallel directions.

Neap Tides Mean Lower Tides

About a week after spring tide, you will see neap tides, which bring a much smaller change in the tidal levels. Neap tides occur around quarter moon, when the sun is pulling at a perpendicular direction than the moon.

Understand the Tidal Currents

Now that you understand spring and neap tides, you should know about tidal currents. There are two types of currents that result from the tidal changes: flooding and ebbing. Flooding occurs when the tide is rising, and ebbing currents occur when the tide is falling. You can consult tide and current tables to get an idea of what to expect.

Tides Have a Major Effect on Fishing

If you are fishing in intertidal areas like the Florida Keys or the Carolina coast, you need to be well aware of how the tides will affect your fishing. When the tide is low, fish are usually holed up in structural areas like reefs and wrecks. These locations provide shelter and food, and it’s often the most common place to find quality fish during the low tide.

During high tide, however, you’ll want to consider fishing in areas that were previously dry. Sandy beaches and flats that are now covered in water will be buffet tables for many popular game fish, including redfish and permit.

The Perfect Boat for High or Low Tide

Give yourself the advantage of a reliable, luxurious boat by owning a Scout. These boats are built to a higher standard, with superior materials and made with top-quality designs. You can drive the boat of your dreams, and Scout would love to help make it happen.

Boating is an exciting way to enhance your lifestyle. It should be about fun, friends, and family, but sometimes you have to talk about the serious stuff.

Boat insurance, for example, is one of those topics that might not be very exciting, but it’s something every boat owner should understand. With the right coverage, you can boat with confidence knowing you are properly insured.

Boat Insurance is a Requirement in Many Area

Some areas of the country have a minimum requirement for boat insurance, so you may be legally required to have a certain amount, depending on where you live and where you boat. Insurance protects against loss by fire, theft, and other causes, and we strongly recommend you have at least the minimum requirements. One thing is certain, insurance is a smart choice for responsible boating.

Wooden Boats Can Be Hard to Insure

Wooden boats are prone to rotting and damage, so finding quality insurance on these vessels can be challenging. Because of wood’s short lifespan on a boat, Scout has eliminated all wood products. This makes them last longer and can help you find more affordable insurance options.

Many Marinas Require Boat Insurance

If you plan on keeping your boat in a marina, there is a good chance you will be required to carry insurance. Large boats can cause a lot of damage, and marinas are constantly dealing with collisions and wrecks, so you can expect to get insurance if you plan on using a marina.

Uninsured Boaters Can Cause Major Problems

You may be the safest boater on the water, but other boaters can cause serious harm. Protecting yourself against damage caused by uninsured boaters may be more important than protection from liability damage. Look at your insurance program and give serious consideration to uninsured-boater protection.

Check Your Policy for Tow Coverage

Every boat insurance policy is different, so make sure you understand the details for your specific plan. Tow insurance is often sold as a separate package, but it may not be required if towing is already covered in your existing insurance.

Know Where You are Covered

Your insurance may not cover you in international waters or even up and down the coast, so make sure you know your limits. For example, many boat owners in Florida will travel down to the Bahamas. However, some insurance policies may not cover accidents in these waters, so you may need to contact your provider to get temporary coverage.

You May Be Able to Bundle Boat Insurance

One of the most convenient ways to pay for your boat insurance is bundling it with your current auto or home insurance. Many of the major insurance providers will offer discounts if you bring everything together, so talk with your insurance agent to see if you can save.

Find the Perfect Boat for Your Needs

Scout Boats is more than just a boat-building company; we’re a team dedicated to helping you find the right boat for your needs. We’d be happy to provide more information on insuring your Scout, so contact us today. With superior designs and outstanding materials, Scout Boats are the right choice for you!

At Scout Boats, we love fishing. It’s part of our culture and one of the biggest reasons we started building boats in the first place. Offshore fishing is one of our favorite activities. When done right, it can be an addictive sport that brings the most impressive fish in the water.

If you’re getting started in offshore fishing, take a look at these tips and tricks. You’ll be catching more fish and having more fun when you head offshore.

Have a Clear, Uncluttered Boat

While offshore fishing, you are going to catch some strong, energetic fish, and being able to move around the boat will be essential. You’ll have to maneuver to keep the line from going under the boat or to get the best position for leverage, but if you’re boat is cluttered with tackle boxes, lifejackets, coolers, and equipment, you’re making it harder than it has to be.

Target Reefs, Wrecks, and Structures

You want to cast a line where the fish are most congregated, and in saltwater fishing, that means reefs, wrecks, and other structures. These areas are havens for fish, places where they can breed, feed, and live with a roof over their heads. Predators know this too, so they will often target these locations for dinner. There are numerous species hanging out near structure, including tarpon, goliath grouper, and barracuda.

Look for Schools of Fish

Out in the deep open waters, it can be hard to locate reefs and structures, so look for schools of baitfish. These swimming buffet tables will attract billfish like marlin, swordfish, and sailfish, which are basically built for picking apart dense schools. You can spot schools of fish by looking for dark coloring in the water, but the best technique is to keep your eye to the sky, as birds will often hover above schools that have been pushed to the top by sailfish.

Ledges Bring Excellent Fishing

Drop offs also hold populations of fish. Many species will use ledges as highways during the transitional seasons so target these areas during the fall and spring and you should be able to catch your trophy.

Hire a Guide to Get Started

It might be hard for a proud boater to hire a guide, but if you are just starting in offshore fishing, you can learn a lot by hiring a professional. These are the experts that fish everyday for a living, and they don’t stay in business for long if they don’t know how to catch a trophy. Even if you are an experienced offshore angler, learning how the professionals do things, and seeing it first hand, can greatly enhance your fishing success.

Have a Safe, Reliable Fishing Boat

The right fishing boat can make a big difference in your offshore experience. Having rod holders, live wells, and other fishing features will help you spend more time casting a line. Because you’re heading miles away from shore, your boat should also be reliable, with a strong engine and a superior design.

Understand No-Wake Zones

No wake zones are critical areas on the water where boaters are required to operate their vessels at a reduced speed, creating minimal to no wake. These zones serve as designated areas to prioritize safety, protect sensitive shorelines, and ensure a peaceful boating experience for all. See our guide to Why are “No Wake” Zones Important for Boaters to Understand? here.

Go Offshore Fishing with Scout Boats

If you have a passion for offshore fishing, make sure you have the right boat for the job. Check out the complete lineup of fishing boats from Scout to find the perfect vessel for your needs!

Let’s face it: boats are not a necessity. The fast majority of people don’t need a boat; they buy one because it makes them happy. It helps them bond with their family, escape the hustle-and-bustle of work, and relax for at least a few hours every time you want to take it out.

Unless you’re a commercial fishing captain, you buy a boat because you want to, not because you need to. Boating should be an enjoyable departure from your everyday life, and with these little tips, you’ll have more fun every time you go out.

Remember Your Safety Procedures

Yes, this post is about enjoyment, but before we start into the fun stuff, let’s get safety out of the way. Make sure you are following all boating safety regulations and practices, including life jacket count, passenger capacity, and speed restrictions. It might sound preachy, but by ensuring all safety measures are followed, you can relax and enjoy boating with no worry.

Keep the Boat Clean and Organized

Think about how great it feels to have a clean, uncluttered office. This same principle applies to your boat. When it is clear, clean, and uncluttered, it’s easier to use and more enjoyable for everyone on board. You won’t have to step over lifejackets or spend a half hour searching for the right fishing equipment when everything is organized.

Take Time for Different Activities

Variety is the spice of life, so the saying goes. Going from the yacht club for lunch to the marina and back again gets old fast, so take time for a wide variety of activities, and try something new as often as possible. At Scout, we believe fishing should be part of every outing, but you can also try skiing, swimming, scuba diving, stopping at the beach, or simply cruising up the shoreline to a find a new restaurant.

Listen to Your Passengers

Your passengers should be a part of the experience, not just ride-along spectators. Listen to what they’re telling you. Is the water too choppy for some people? Would your group like to go fishing or get something to eat? Is it time to head in? A good boater will always take their passenger’s feedback to heart.

Choose the Right Boat

If you’re still in the market for a boat, take your time and choose the right one. Having the perfect boat for you and your family will make a big difference in your long-term enjoyment. What do you want to do with your boat? How much boating experience do you have? How many people do you want to bring along? Asking these questions before buying will help you have more fun for years and years.

Invite Different People

Boating has always been a social activity, so share it with people. No, you don’t have to invite everyone, but taking friends, family, or anyone else who might enjoy it will help you appreciate the experience.

Enjoy More Boating Adventures with the Best Fishing Boat

Having a safe, reliable, and comfortable fishing boat is part of the experience. Make sure you have a boat that makes you happy by choosing a Scout. Visit our website to check out all of our top-quality options, including bay boats, dual console, and center console boats.