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!