Keeping Your Gear in Like New Condition

We love our watersports and hate this time of year when we can no longer spend every weekend enjoying our time on the water. How can we keep our gear looking and acting like new year round? How you store your gear when not in use has a big impact on its lifespan. 

It really doesn't take much to keep your gear performing like new. Your Wakeboard's edge is critical not only to how it performs, but how it ages. You don't want to stand it up in a corner on a hard surface. That is an easy way to crack the joint where the top and bottom of the board come together. If that happens, you board will come apart. Always place your board binding side down.  You could even go one step further and entirely remove your bindings to dry them separately from your board. 

If you are anything like me, your rope gets pulled into the boat and laid on the floor in a heap after each use. Make sure to take the time to coil the rope after each use being careful to loop it in 1-3 foot long sections. To make coiling easier, give your wrist a little half twist as you are coiling. It will make the rope want to wrap around itself. 

After your adventure on the water, your wetsuit needs drying before it is stored. The proper way to do this is to lay it inside out on a flat surface out of direct sunlight. doing this will maintain the seams and material. Once it is dry, you can hand it up on a hanger like a normal suit. Better yet, find an actual suit hanger with broader shoulders to help hold the shape of the suite better.

The last piece of gear is your life vest. Did you know that drying your life vest in direct sunlight can actually break down the fibers in the vest drastically reducing its life span? You also do not want to just stick in a storage compartment to dry. Doing so will create some not so pleasant smells and mildew problems. The best way to dry your vest is letting it drip dry in a cool dry well ventilated area making sure it is vertical to allow the water to drain from the bottom. 

With these tips your gear will continue looking and acting like it did the day you bought it. Do you have any tips or tricks to making your gear last? Leave us a comment sharing with us your tips & tricks to keeping your gear like new.

The Right Plug

With today's modern fuel injection engines, changing your spark plugs is few and far between. there still is a possibility that the day will come that you will need to know how to properly change a spark plug on your boat. That is where we come in. Here are some tips and tricks for changing your spark plugs.

The Right Plug

A tad short or not the right heat range won't fly. Close enough will not work when installing spark plugs. The best way to figure out the right spark plug is to contact the manufacturer. 

The Right Wrench

Spark plugs have a porcelain tip on them that is protected by a foam cover. Using a standard socket wrench could crack the porcelain. You will need a steady hand, socket extension and tight griping socket.

The Right Torque

Over tightening is one of the biggest mistakes. If you overtighten the spark plug when reinstalling it, your could strip the cylinder which would be costly to remove and have it re-threaded. The average torque wrench setting should be between 18-20 pounds per square inch. Make sure to check with the manufacturer before use.

The Right Gap

The gap is the distance the spark has to jump. If you have a gapless engine, then this is one step that you do not have to worry with. If your sparks need to be gapped, I would suggest investing in feeler gages. The gap setting can be found on the emissions plate of the engine or in the owner’s manual

Quick Tip: As you are changing your plug, check the others. Look for water droplets, aluminum bits, or a white substance on them. If you find any, take it to your dealer before you head out again.

Now that you know how to change your spark plugs, don't let the fear of what might go wrong stop you from enjoy a day relaxing on the water. If you are looking for some more tips on the subject, check these out. 

Don't Forget About Your Battery

It is the time of year when boat winterization is on everyone's minds. Most people bring their boats into the shop and have then winterized and stored for the winter. There are also some people who prefer to do their boats winterization on their own. If you opt to perform your own winterization, make sure that you do not forget about your boats battery. Batteries too need care and maintenance to provide you with long term and reliable service.

During your boating season, the battery care includes checking to make sure that all the connections are tight, clean and greased. It is also ensuring that the acid isn't boiling away. Now that the end of the boating season is in sight, what should you do with your battery for winter storage?

Storing Your Boat 

 If you are storing your boat in the water for the winter months, you will have a whole different list of tips. Keeping the battery and area dry is the first one. You will need to switch off all breakers except the one for the bilge pump. A lot can happen to a boat that is stored in the water when not in use. Because of that you will need to regularly check on your boat at least once a week, and even more in bad weather. Keeping your battery charged is an important priority. You can do so by plugging into shore power and using an installed charger or a regulated battery maintainer. Performing an acid test should also be done. Do this by checking the electrolyte level of flooded batteries and top off with distilled water just enough to cover the plates. 

Hauling Your Boat

If you are hauling your boat out for the winter, there are a few tips to help preserve its life. The first being charge it up. Once you have the battery charged, remove the negative cable and let it sit for a few hours before checking its status. When you do check on it using a hydrometer, verify that each cell has a specific gravity of between 1.21 and 1.28. If you do not have a hydrometer, you can use a voltmeter. A fully charged battery will read 12.5 volts. Throughout the winter, make sure to check the battery power once a month to ensure that it is keeping its charge. 

Using these helpful tips will ensure that your battery will last through the off season making it easier and faster for you to hit the water in the spring. For further information on battery storage, click here. 

Fire Safety On Board Your Boat

When you are a boat owner there are a lot of fears enter into your mind when you go out on the boat. One that crosses our minds at one point during our time on the water is the threat of a fire on board. Do you know what you can do to help prevent an on board fire?


There are two main types of boat fires that can happen, the first is a fuel fire. Fuel fires out number other types of fires 2 to 1. These types of fires are also the easiest to avoid. Make sure to follow these guidelines from the U.S. Coast Guard when fueling your tank.

·         Close all hatches and other openings before fueling

·         Put out anything that produces smoke

·         Turn everything off, engine, appliances, radios, etc.

·         Make sure everyone is on land

·         Keep the fill nozzle in contact with the tank and wipe up any spilled fuel

·         When finished, open up all hatches to ventilate

·         Run your blower for a minimum of 4 minutes

·         Use your nose to check for fuel vapors before starting the engine


If you follow these simple steps will help to drastically cut down on the probability of you having to deal with a fuel related fire.


The second most common type of fire is an electrical fire. Sadly many result from those boaters who decide to be a do it yourself boater. If you are going to install or fix things yourself, make sure you do it right. Electrical tape should not be found anywhere on your boat. Make sure to use waterproof materials.

Another way to prevent this type of fire is to regularly check your electrical system for signs of corrosion.

Keeping a regular maintenance schedule will help you to keep any potential problems in check. Also, a good idea would be to keep double the amount of recommended fire extinguishers on board your boat.

Fires can be a scary nightmare but as long as you are prepared and are doing everything you can to help prevent an onboard fire, that nightmare will hopefully never become a reality.

The Importance Of Knowing The Weather

The weather is one of those things that can either make or break a great boating trip.  If it is bright and sunny with calm winds outside, then that sounds like the makings of a great boating or fishing trip. The sudden onset of dark clouds and high winds can make a good day go bad.


Keeping up with the weather can be a daunting task that seems to never end. You’re right, it never does. The weather is constantly changing and keeping up with it can sometimes feel like a full time job. It starts days before your planned boating trip. Start watching the weather about a week out. It will not be 100% accurate, but it will give you a rough estimate of what to expect weather wise out of your day.


It is finally the day of your boating adventure you walk outside and it is a gorgeous day. You still need to check the weather forecast for the day before you leave. Even if the weather is perfect now, they could be calling for some not so perfect weather later in the day.


Once you are on your boat, your job is still not over. The entire time you are on the water you should continuously check the weather forecast on your boats radio, or on your smart phone. The weather could change in an instant. If you keep tabs on what is happening in the sky, you can be sure that the weather will not be the cause of your bad boating experience. 

Biggest Party Of The Year

Are you ready for the biggest party of the year? What do you mean “what party?” We are talking about AquaPalooza! You don't know what that is? Let me introduce you to it. AquaPalooza was started in 2006 by Sea Ray Boats. Since then it has taken on a life of its own. Sea Ray dealers across North America have their choice to participate in AquaPalooza, and with the name becoming more and more recognized, most Sea Ray dealers do participate.

The Dealers might have to be a Sea Ray dealer to throw a party, but lucky for us, absolutely everyone is invited. It doesn't matter if you drive a Premier Pontoon, Bayliner sport boat, Polar Kraft fishing boat, or even if you don’t have a boat and just want to swim up and enjoy the party. All are welcome, any boat, any brand.

AquaPalooza events vary by location and dealership. They can choose to celebrate a bunch of different ways. It could be a raft-up, weekend cruise, beach barbeque, music performance, scavenger hunt, anything you could think of and more.

Now you know what it is, and how to celebrate. Let me tell you what we are doing. Here at Power Boats Inc. we have decided that we are going to start the day with a Poker Run and finish it up with a BBQ. Pre-registration starts tonight for the party. If you would like to participate in the Poker Run or join the fun at the BBQ come and join us tonight at the Former Dockers Bar & Grill from 6PM-8PM.

On a side note, If you were curious as to what a Poker Run is, the quick definition is, you take your boat through about 5-7 check points drawing a card at each stop. The person with the best poker hand at the end of the run is the winner.

The party starts tomorrow morning, July 20. If you missed pre-registration, then you can still register the morning of. 10:30AM is when the registration will begin and at 11:30 there will be a mandatory driver meeting for anyone who will be driving in the run. At high noon, the Poker Run takes off. You will have until 3PM to get to all your stops and pick up the best hand.

Starting at three, we will start our BBQ which will go on throughout the afternoon. Get your friends together, hop on someones boat, and join the tens of thousands who have taken part of the biggest party on the water celebrating the boating life style. Oh and, don't forget the sunscreen.

Taking the Dog Boating

Does your pooch wanna be a boater? Some people might assume that only retrievers are good boating dogs, but we've seen a large variety of pooches out on boats over the years (like this pup on a Sea Ray!). Bringing your dog can be a fun addition to the day, but they do need a few more accommodations than some of your human guests. So here are our tips for bringing your dog with you on the boat.

• Set your pup up with a life jacket. If your dog knows how to swim, you might find this silly. But remember: humans can swim but still need to wear life jackets! High seas or fatigue can negatively impact your pup's ability to swim, so a life jacket ensures he wont have any issues. In addition, most dog life jackets come with a handle on top, which makes them a great tool for helping to heave your dog back aboard when he is through with swimming. Many pro shops sell life jackets, or you can easily order them online.
• Provide drinking water. Obviously, if you're out on salt water, your pooch won't be able to drink out of the water. But even freshwater can have less than desirable organisms that make drinking from a lake not a super idea either. Bring bottled or tap water and a bowl for your dog so he doesn't get dehydrated - or sick from drinking the wrong kind of water.
• Don't forget a pit stop. You might be able to train your dog to pee in the back of the boat so you can wash it down (if you have an appropriate boat). But really, it's just easier if you stop off somewhere to let your dog do his thing and stretch his legs. Don't forget to pick up after him!
• Watch the fishing lines. Some dogs might not be able to handle watching you fish - the drop of a lure into the water might prove to be too irresistable. So play it by ear. But keep your tackle box out of his reach, and watch the lines around him.

Do you bring your dog out on the boat? What part do they like the best? 

Why Wear Life Jackets?

We talk all of the time about life jackets, about how they are very important, about how they are like the boating equivalent of the seatbelt.

Yet often, as adults, we don't feel that we need to wear life jackets. Maybe we think we can swim well enough. Well, we found this video that we wanted to share with you all, because it shows that not wearing a life jacket can easily cause death, not only in kids, but also in adults. 



So be a good role model for your kids and for others, and always wear your life jacket while out on the water. If you don't want a big bulky one, an inflatable jacket is a great option. But never put your life at risk because you don't feel like wearing a life jacket.

How to Raft Up

Do you like to gather with a bunch of friends on Lake Hamilton during the summer? A fun way to stick together, boat-hop and swim can be to raft up together. But if not done correctly, rafting up can be dangerous and unsecure for your group of boats. So check out these tips for safely rafting up so you can spend some worry-free hours with your buds on the lake.

1. The heaviest boat goes first. Remember, longer does not necessarily equal heavier. A good indicator: the heaviest boat will have the biggest, heaviest anchor (or at least should!). When tying up to other boats, use dock lines rated for the biggest boat in the gathering. 
2. Ease in. Once the host vessel is in position, put out fenders and come abeam (from the stern or rear) of it. Heave the bow and stern lines to the other crew. If you can’t do this, approach the bow at a 45-degree angle and toss the bowline, and allow your boat to settle gently  back and beside the host by using the wind or current.
3. Alternate sides. Subsequent boats tie up alternating from the left and the right sides of the big boat. Attempt to keep the same number of boats on each side of the big boat. Every third boat should anchor and back down the raft. 
4. Line up the sterns. That way, you can tie lines in a manner that allows people to pass from vessel to vessel on the swim platforms. This is safer and more practical than climbing across gunwales or over bow rails. Use spring lines to adjust.
5. Use fenders. The more, the better - protect all boats involved! This is made easier when boats of a similar height are next to one another, so consider this when organizing your raft.
6. Vizualize a big circle. Be aware of the swinging room your raft would need should the wind or current change.

Once your raft is tied up, enjoy! Remember that raft etiquette dictates you bring your own food and drinks, have snacks to share with others in the raft, keep your own music level down so only those on your boat can hear it and have a general willingness to help other boats raft or leave. We definitely recommend coordinating who brings what so one boat is the grapes boat, one is the cheese and crackers boat, one is the chips and dip boat... Like a progressive dinner, only on boats!

See more tips on the rafting up process here.

How often do you raft up on the lake? Who are your favorite people to raft up with?

Image from: http://www.examiner.com/article/aquapalooza-events-near-st-louis-missouricr

Tips for Docking Your Pontoon

After a fun day out on Lake Hamilton, it will be time to bring your family (and your pontoon) home. Because of its shape and size, pontoons catch wind more easily and are therefore more difficult to dock than most mono-hull boats. So here are a few tips we've picked up over the years on how to successfully dock your pontoon.




Minimize damage with fenders. Especially if you're still getting the feel for docking your pontoon, there's no harm in tying on 2 or 3 fenders to, well, fend off the dock. We'd rather have fenders hanging out than scratches from the dock, wouldn't you?

Come in at an angle. Even just knowing this is preferred will make your docking life easier. More often than not, it will be impossible to line up straight to the dock. So don't put that pressure on yourself! Once you get closer, straighten up and aim for a particular spot on the dock. 

Slow and steady wins the race. Don't race into the dock. That's a recipe for disaster. Go as slow as possible, preferably spending most of your time in neutral and bumping it into gear for seconds every so often. The best way to turn is with power, but the best way to execute a sharp turn is with the lowest amount of power possible to minimize skidding.

Use reverse. Don't be afraid to knock the engine into reverse! That's actually the best way to slide up next to the dock. Once your front end is close, turn the wheel all of the way and slide into reverse for a moment (give it a little oomph) so that the rear will slide into place.

Practice makes perfect. Every boat handles differently, so it will take awhile to learn exactly how to handle your boat in order to dock it gracefully. (Remember how long it took to learn how to back the trailer down the ramp?) Just remember: don't use excessive speed. That can cause a little mistake to turn into a big problem.

How often do you practice docking? Are you comfortable with your pontoon yet? 

Two Shows in One - This Weekend Only!

This weekend, we'll have two awesome shows happening at the same time here at Power Boats Inc!

The first, of course, is our on in-water open house boat show. The show runs from April 19-21, 9-5 each day. 2013 Sea Rays, Premier pontoons and Harris Flotebotes will be in the water and on display for test driving and viewing. Enjoy something hot off the grill and a cool beverage as you take in the performance and beauty of our boating lines. Special incentives and huge discounts on all inventory items with financing available.

The second show is the Hot Springs Antique and Classic Boat Show, which runs from April 18 through the 20th. That show will also be at our marina from 10 to 4 each day. For more information in that show, please contact show chairman Mike Langhorne 501-318-7666 or mikelanghorne@yahoo.com or Patty Thompson atpoolspacenter@yahoo.com. 

We hope to see lots of you here in Hot Springs this weekend for two different (but very cool) boat shows!

Dust Off Your Boat - It's Time for Spring!

Now that we've finished with the Hot Springs boat show, we have fully turned our attention to summer! Finally... it seems like it's taken forever to get here. So get on the same page as us and get your boat de-winterized - you don't want to be the last one on the lake!

Our service department is currently scheduling de-winterizations, as the lake will be all the way up by March 13th. Not sure what needs to be done? Look at your service manuals to see if there is any yearly scheduled maintenance that your engine requires. Remember that all warranties issued on a motor may not be active if you havent properly serviced your boat. You want to do annual checks to see how many hours are on your engine and do any corresponding required maintenance. But, if you don't know what that might be, our friendly service department will do a courtesy inspection free of charge to evaluate it for you.

So what are you waiting for? Call us to make an appointment today. Make the most of your boat and the boating season by being one of the first, not the last, out on the lake!

It's Boat Show Time

Later this month, we'll be at the 27th Annual Hot Springs Boat, Tackle & RV Show right in our own backyard. This show is the largest in Arkansas and will feature hundreds of the latest boats to view and board including bass boats, pontoon boats, deck boats, ski boats, wakeboard boats and personal watercraft. The show will also feature the latest in recreational vehicles. Exhibitors will show the newest in marine accessories, fishing tackle, RV accessories, boating equipment, docks and more.

We'll be bringing our new Sea Ray, Premier Pontoons and Harris FloteBote models.

Are you planning on coming to the show? We recommend you prepare ahead of time to ensure you have the most meaningful, educational and fun experience possible!

1. Do your homework. If you're planning on using the boat show as a place to examine a boat you're seriously considering purchasing, great! This can be a good place to do that. But check out our inventory online first so you can make the most of your time on board. Feel free to contact us if you want to check on exactly what we're bringing to the show. Finally, we recommend you check out the manufacturers websites as well. We will have Sea Ray, Premier Pontoons and Harris FloteBote models with us, so take a peek at those sites too!

2. Don't rely on the brochures. We're not kidding. The brochures are only going to tout certain aspects of each boat and show flattering pictures. So if you want other documentation, bring that camera and pen and paper. We think this is really important, because when you're looking at lots of boats, you probably won't be able to remember which boat has which features later. Write down everything you think you might need to come to a decision later that's not mentioned in the brochures. And if you want a visual of a feature that's left off a brochure, then that camera will come in handy.

3. Bring the family! Boat shows are a great place to have fun with your family. And for this show, kids under 12 get in free! There is no schedule posted ahead of  time for this show, so it's hard to say what events and activities will be going on. But we can assure you that your kids will have a blast no matter what happens at the show!

Now last, but certainly not least, make sure you visit us! See you there!

Spring is comming

Check out the new sea ray..Tell us what you think..we will but all comments in a hat and draw the winner for a 10 percent off coupon in our assesories store!!




http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10134/articleId/257120/sectionId/3441/view/read/Sea-Ray-News.aspx

Boat show season

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check out the all new line up of Sea Ray's here..Tell me which one is your favorite

Boat show Season

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 Who's going to the Boat Show in Little Rock, AR