Saturday, December 28, 2013

Boat Shopping Tips for the Atlanta Boat Show

Are you making plans to see us at the Atlanta Boat Show, January 9-12, 2014? We sure hope you are. And in order to make your boat show experience not only educational but fun, we have some tips to help make finding and buying the boat of your dreams easy.


Choose Your Day Wisely
Thursday and Friday will have lighter crowds and shorter waits for boat displays. Saturday and Sunday typically have “bumper to bumper traffic”. It’s best to arrive at opening time. Pick your favorite few boats to inspect before the rush and then wait until the middle of the afternoon to check out some of the other popular models.


Do Your Homework
There are different styles and sizes of boats to choose from. It’s hard to make a decision if you haven’t already narrowed down your choices. Before attending the boat show, visit our website and start looking at the different models we sell. While browsing, think about what you’ll use your boat for and how many people you’ll take out at a time. That way, when you visit us at the show, you’ll be able to spend more time on the boat or boats that interest you the most.


Come Prepared
When you come to the boat show, bring these with you.

  1. Questions - Bring all your questions. We'll have an expert team on hand to help you understand everything there is to know about the boating lifestyle and the different boats.
  2. Notebook - You may want to take notes about and/or compare different boat models, sizes, how many people can fit or how much fuel the boat can hold. Record your observations about each boat that you are interested in. Write down what you liked or didn't like about each model.
  3. Camera - Bring your camera to take lots of pictures. Yes, we have brochures but they sometimes leave out images of features you may consider important.


Climb Aboard
Don't be shy! Have a seat at the helm, open doors and check for storage room or take a peek at the head. Remember to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off since shoes are not allowed on boats. We want you to feel comfortable spending time on the boats that will fit your lifestyle.


As always, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We can’t wait to see you at the Atlanta Boat Show! Which day do you plan on visiting us?


Come See Us at the Atlanta Boat Show!

Sinclair Marina will be at the Atlanta Boat Show, January 9-12, 2014 at Georgia World Congress Center. Georgia’s premier boat show is celebrating its 52nd year as the best place to see and buy boats, gear and accessories.

New boats, engines, marine gear, electronics and accessories fill the Georgia World Congress Center. And there’s no better time to buy! The 4-day event is your once-a-year chance to compare makes and models, secure insurance and financing and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time!

Show Hours

Thursday–Friday, January 9 and 10 - 11am to 9pm
Saturday, January 11 - 10am to 9pm
Sunday, January 12 - 10am to 6pm

Make sure to stop by and say hello. Which boat or pontoon are you looking forward to seeing at the show?


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Why Should I Buy a Boat?

Are you thinking about getting on the water for the 2014 boating season? Like many first-time boat buyers, you’re probably wondering if the boating lifestyle is right for you and your family.

Here are a few reasons why you should buy a boat:


Improve Your Quality of Life
In case you did not know, it’s a proven fact that recreational boating improves your quality of life. Leave your troubles and stress at the docks.

Affordable
Think owning a boat is out of your budget? Boats can be financed for as little as $200 per month. Boating lenders are willing to work with you to make your dream of boat ownership a reality.

Close Water Access
Almost 90% of Americans live less than an hour away from a navigable body of water. Water access is closer than you think.

Bond with Friends and Family
Almost 54% of households listed fishing as their favorite boating activity? Close behind was cruising and relaxing with family and friends. Boating is quality time away from the hectic day-to-day routine of life.

Convenience
We already mentioned that over 90% of Americans live less than an hour away from a navigable body of water. Enjoy fresh air and water in no time.

Engaging and Rewarding
Recreational boating provides for opportunities of personal growth. You can learn to water ski, teach your child to fish and then enjoy eating fresh fish you caught yourself.

Good Exercise
Boating provides sporting enthusiasts many options to choose from water skiing to wake surfing.

Easy to Learn
Are you new to boating? There are many boating classes and courses available to choose from so you will be out on the water in no time.

Boating is FUN
What can we say? There are many activities you can enjoy while boating. Or simply, just spending a relaxing day on the water is reason enough.



Saturday, December 7, 2013

Fish With Jolly Old Saint Nick

Have you ever thought about fishing with Jolly Old Saint Nick? It’s possible. Make plans to visit the Go Fish Education Center in Perry on Saturday, December 14 from 10am to 1pm or Sunday, December 15 from 2pm to 5pm. You must RSVP to attend. Simply call (478) 988-8000 by 5pm on December 10.

The Go Fish Education center will also be open for special holiday hours on December 23, December 30 and January 2 from 9am to 5pm in addition to their regular hours.

Plus, the center is offering another holiday fishing treat. Trout from the Go Fish hatchery have been stocked in their fishing pond - hybrid bass, catfish and bluegill are also available.

All fishing is catch and release, and anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online by clicking here or by phone at (800) 266-3661 or at the Go Fish Education Center. Best of all, rods, tackle and bait are provided.

Regular admission applies for all special events. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older, $3 for children and FREE for ages 2 and younger.

For more information on the Go Fish Education Center, visit www.gofisheducationcenter.com.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Model Year End Clearance Sale

All our 2013 in stock inventory has been reduced! We will not be undersold! We guarantee the absolute lowest prices on any of our in stock 2013 boats.

We are ready to deal. This is your best opportunity to purchase the new boat you have been thinking about at a price that no other dealer can beat

We invite you to stop by our showroom and explore our in stock inventory.




Thursday, November 21, 2013

Tips for Winterizing Your Boat and Engine

Winterizing your boat and motor is more than just pulling it out of the water. Winterizing your boat and motor is the most important maintenance you can perform to help ensure safe boating in the spring.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or have Sinclair Marina do it for you, winterizing is the best way to prepare your boat for the season to come. Whether you decide to store your boat inside or outside; much care is needed to protect your boat’s engine.
Here are some basic steps to winterize your marine engine and equipment:
  • Fill the fuel tanks and add the appropriate amount of stabilizer. Run the engine long enough to get treated gas into the fuel line and engine. Left untreated over the winter, gasoline deteriorates into varnish and gum, making starting difficult.
  • Flush the cooling system. (Flushing kits are available from boat dealers.) Also remove block plugs and drain all the water from inboard and inboard outdrive engines. This cleans out accumulated sediment and rust flakes. Pump in anti-freeze to avoid trapped ice pockets. Use an environmentally safe product to avoid contaminating the marine environment.
  • Fog the engine with oil to prevent rust. Available in bulk or aerosol cans, fogging oil is formulated to stick to the cylinders and not slide down the walls. Follow the instructions that come with the product making sure to spray some of the oil into the cylinders through the sparkplug holes once the engine has cooled down. Check the spark plugs and replace them as necessary.
  • Replace the oil and oil filter on inboard and inboard outdrive engines. Be sure to dispose of the used oil at an authorized recycling center.
  • Change the lower unit gearcase lubricant on outboards and inboard/outdrive engines. Even a little water trapped in the gearcase can cause damage, especially if allowed to freeze.
  • Check the props for nicks. Even slight damage can hinder performance. Worse yet, blade damage can cause vibration, damaging other engine parts and the drive system. Some damaged props can be repaired by marine dealers for a fraction of the cost of a new one.
  • Store outboards in an upright position. Consider having the water pump impeller replaced every two or three years. The rubber legs can get stiff, reducing water circulation, or they may break off, eliminating coolant flow completely.
  • Spray a moisture displacing lubricant such as a silicone product onto electrical terminals and the fuse panel. Read the label to make sure the spray is safe for use on electrical components.
  • Inspect steering systems, including tiller steering friction fittings on outboards. Tighten them if they're loose.
  • Clean the backfire flame arrester on inboard engines with carburetor cleaner.
  • Clean boats inside and out and cover when stored, even indoors. Allow for air circulation under the cover to prevent mildew.
  • Drain water from the bilges and leave the transom drain plug out. It's a good idea to place a reminder note in a conspicuous place to avoid embarrassment at the boat ramp next spring.
  • Hang life jackets up where they can air out.
  • Examine trailer tires and grease the wheel bearings, replacing them as necessary. Check bulbs and electrical contacts on the plugs as well as sockets where the bulbs screw in. Spray contacts with a moisture displacing lubricant and wrap electrical tape around the plugs to keep them dry.
  • Put the trailer on blocks and remove the tires to prolong rubber life and hinder boat thieves.
  • Check the owners manual for tips that are particular to your own brand of boat, engine and trailer.

    If you are not comfortable winterizing your boat’s engine, please contact us and schedule your boat’s winterization with one of our qualified marine technicians. Taking time now to get your boat and motor ready for winter means that you can be one of the first boaters out on the water in the spring.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Fall Fishing and Boating Tips

With Autumn weather comes cooler water temperatures. You may want to take the boat out one last time before putting it away until next boating season. Our friends at BoatUS Foundation has some great fall fishing and boating tips to keep you safe while out on the water.


Sunshine isn’t your friend: Don’t let the sunny day deceive you - while it may be T-shirt weather in the morning at the launch ramp or dock, the weather can change quickly during this time of year. Bring extra clothing to dress in layers and always bring foul weather gear.


Float your plan: The fishing hole of raft-up spot crowds may be gone, but that also means your closest potential rescuers are long gone too. A simple sharing of your float plan with family or friends letting them know where you’re going and when you’ll be back could save valuable time in locating you if something happens.


Murphy likes you: Does your boat have any lingering maintenance issues? This isn’t the time of year to find out. Ensure any problems - engine, fuel, charging systems, or safety issues such as navigation lights - are fixed before you go.


I’ve fallen and I can’t get up: A simple fall overboard can kill this time of year. Hypothermia is a real threat. By wearing your life jacket, if you do find yourself accidentally over the side you will float and have time to get back aboard, preferably with a knotted or looped rope attached to the gunnel or ladder that be reached from the water. If you’d like to see just how hard it is to get back in a boat, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation/boardingladders.

Don’t leave without me: If you are alone and fall out, will the boat keep going? It won’t run away if you had your engine cutoff lanyard attached to you or use another type of shutdown device.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

8 Fall Boating Tips

Are you planning on taking in the change of colors from your boat

Fall boating can be a relaxing and family fun experience on the water. But it can also be dangerous if you do not make your safety and those of your passengers, your number one priority.

Here are eight fall boating safety tips:

Update Charts
Keep in mind the helpful landmarks that you relied on during the summer to help point out shallow sections of the water that may look different due to the fall weather changes. You may be cruising home in the dark more often, making those landmarks hard to spot. Also, keep in mind that local and private aids to navigation such as channel markers and buoys may be pulled early in some areas, so make sure your charts, either electronic or paper, are up-to-date.

Check Lights and Flares
Always ensure your boat’s navigation lights are in working order and that your emergency flares are not expired. Waterproof flashlights are also great to have and some spare batteries as well. In case of an emergency, a flashlight can be used to signal for help.

Carry a VHF Radio
During the fall, the waterways will be less crowded. This can be peaceful, but in case you run into trouble, chances are you may not see another boater. A VHF radio can be used to call for help in areas where your cell phone may have no signal.

Dress in Layers
Remember to dress for the water, not the weather. The sun may be shining but water temperatures are cooler. The days are becoming shorter and with that comes rapid changes in air temperature from day to night. Dressing comfortably in layers that can be easily removed or added. Bring along some rain gear. Fast moving storms can come on suddenly and bring sudden temperature drops. Also, make sure your lifejacket (PFD), can fit over your layers. You want to make sure you’re comfortable and not tempted to take it off. It’s also a good idea to check the weather so you know what to expect.

Wear a Life Jacket
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Data, your chance of drowning in a boating accident while wearing a lifejacket is 1 in 66; not wearing a lifejacket is 1 in 11. Even though, only children under 13 are required to wear them, it’s always a good idea for everyone aboard to wear a life jacket, regardless of age. There are even some life jackets that come with lights so in case of an emergency, rescuers can locate you in the water. Also, as water temperatures start to drop, boaters that may accidentally fall overboard run into an increased risk of hypothermia, and for those who want to enjoy the water but don’t know how to swim, a life jacket can save their life.

Boater’s Float Plan
Always inform a family member or friend of your float plan. Protect yourself and your passengers because you never know what may happen while out on the water. A float plan includes a description of your boat, who is onboard, any medical conditions they may have, a description of the safety equipment you are carrying, your itinerary, and your emergency contacts. It’s just not enough to tell, text or post a note on the refrigerator letting someone know that you’ll be back before dark. A float plan is vital in an event of an emergency because it provides rescuers the information needed to locate and assist you.

Check Your Boat
Do an inspection of your boat’s engine, communications, and safety gear to make sure everything is in working order. Keep up with your boat’s maintenance so you don’t run into any unexpected mechanical problems while out on the water.

Leave Alcohol at Home
Remember that alcoholic drinks drain your body of heat, bringing on hypothermia much sooner than during the warmer summer months. So leave the alcoholic beverages at home to enjoy when you get back.


What other fall boating safety precautions do you take?

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Do You Need To Register Your Boat?

If you've been holding off registering your boat - we suggest you don't hold off any longer. If you have an expired or expiring registration; make sure you renew your boat decals before October 24, 2013 when a new state law will add a $10 late fee for registration renewal after expiration.

Your boat registration is good for three years. It expires on the last day of your birth month in the third year of registration. Avoid having to pay the extra $10 by renewing your boat's registration before it expires.

Do you need more information on Boat Registration? Click here.




 


Monday, October 7, 2013

2013 Clearance - Guaranteed Lowest Prices



We have clearance priced ALL of our 2013 in stock inventory of boats

We are ready to deal. This is your best opportunity to purchase the new boat you have been thinking about at a price that no other dealer can beat

We will not be undersold. We guarantee the absolute lowest prices on any of our 2013 in stock inventory.  

Don't miss out on this opportunity! The boat of your dreams is waiting. 

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Winter Storage Special



Want to get your boat out of the elements for the winter and into a secured environment? 

At Sinclair Marina, your boat will be winterized to protect it from freezing temperatures, washed and stored inside for up to 6 months in our secured facility

Don't delay! Only a limited number of slip sizes are available. 

Call Tim at 478-451-0167 extension 5 for details and to schedule a drop off.


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

It's Time To Winterize

As Autumn begins and the end of another great boating season approaches, it pays to take care of any potential issues and dealer maintenance in the fall, before your boat is clutched by winter's icy grip. "This winter is shaping up to be a rough one," says Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer's Almanac. According to the newest edition, a decline in solar activity combined with ocean-atmosphere patterns in the Pacific and Atlantic will result in below-normal temperatures during most of the winter across much of the United States.


Why Winterize?


Winter weather can wreak havoc on a boat that's not properly prepared for freezing temperatures and harsh conditions. Comprehensive winterization is critical to maintaining the life, performance and value of your boat.


Why Now?


Just one hard freeze can cause irreparable harm. Don't get caught off guard by the quick Autumn cold snap! Any damage may not show itself until Spring, our service department's busiest time.


Call our Service Team at 478-451-0167 extension 4 to schedule your winterization before October 15th to receive 10% off.  Good on all makes and models of boats and personal watercraft. Offer not valid with any other discounts or coupons.  Excludes service call fee.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Meet The Team - Matt Henry

Matt Henry has been bass fishing competitively since 1999, when he was just 11 years old. Fishing has been a part of his life since he was a young boy learning techniques used by his father. Matt joined the Junior Bass Busters, the first youth bass club established in Georgia, based out of Conyers in 1999. He fished with the youth club until he graduated high school in 2006. In that time frame he won (3) Georgia Junior State Championships, and fished in (3) Junior World Championships where he represented the State of Georgia.

After high school, Matt went on to college at Georgia College & State University where he founded the Georgia College Bass Fishing Team. He served as team president for multiple years and had many great tournament finishes throughout his college career. Matt's childhood dream was to become a full time pro fisherman one day and he is currently making those dreams come true. He is now fishing the pro side of the FLW Outdoors BFL (Bass Fishing League) and many other local and regional tournaments. When Matt is not fishing a tournament or out on the lake guiding, he likes to volunteer his time by giving back to youth fishing programs.

Tournament Highlights:
1st Place HD Marine Trail; March 2009, Lake Sinclair, GA
1st Place Georgia Southern Collegiate Trail; March 2010, Lake Sinclair, GA
8th Place Boat U.S. Collegiate Nationals; May 2010, Lake Lewisville, TX
1st Place BFL Bulldog Super Tournament; August 2010, Lake Oconee, GA
1st Place BFL Bulldog Division; May 2011, Lake Eufaula, AL
1st Place Berry's Trail; December 2011, Lake Sinclair, GA
1st Place Georgia Southern Collegiate Trail; April 2012, West Point Lake, GA
1st Place Berry's Trail; May 2012, Lake Oconee, GA
1st Place Berry's Trail Angler of the Year; (2011-2012 Season) Points Champion

Safety

Free Online Georgia Boating Safety Course


The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The course consists of six lessons and a final exam. Each lesson has a 10-question quiz at the end to test your knowledge. The final exam is 75 questions and you must pass with a score of 80% or better in order to print your certificate of completion.

Georgia residents who are 12 to 15 years of age are required to pass a Georgia DNR approved boating safety course in order to operate a PWC or motorboat. Click here for more details on exactly who is required to take a course and what they are permitted to operate.

Are you ready to take the online boating safety course? Click here to get started.



Sunday, September 22, 2013

Tips for Properly Transporting and Trailering Your Boat

With summer officially ending yesterday, you may be wanting to enjoy some early fall boating before it starts to get too cold out. The majority of boaters transport their boat to and from the water by trailer. So it’s important for you to ensure the safety of your boat while properly transporting and trailering it by following these helpful tips.

Safe Towing Preparation
First of all, make sure that the trailer is the correct size and type for the boat that you want to transport. The trailer needs to be able to support the weight of the boat as well as the motor, fuel and any gear that you will be using. Secondly, you want to make sure that the vehicle that you are using to pull the trailer has been rated to haul the size and combined weight of the trailer and boat. Before you leave with your boat on the trailer, double-check that the supports and tie down straps are secure and that nothing is loose or could come loose in the boat while it is being transported. Also, inspect the trailer tires and make sure the tire pressure is correct and double check that you have a spare tire. Finally, make sure that the safety chains between the vehicle and the trailer are crossed under the trailer tongue with enough slack to allow for tight turns, if needed and that any tail lights are plugged in and working properly.

Driving with a Trailer
When driving a vehicle that is pulling a trailer, you want to make sure that your side mirrors are large enough to provide you with a view of the area behind your trailer. You’ll notice that your vehicle’s acceleration is a lot slower than you are used to and you’ll also need to give yourself plenty of room for stopping, changing lanes and turning. It might be a good idea to practice your driving skills in an empty parking lot, especially the task of backing a trailer into a boat ramp. To do this, you will want to line up the trailer as much as possible with the ramp and know that the trailer will move in the opposite direction of the steering wheel. Some drivers keep their hand at the very bottom of the steering wheel and turn the wheel in the direction they want the trailer to go.

Launching and Retrieving Your Boat
Before getting to the boat ramp, get your boat prepared. Remove the straps, put in the drain plug, disconnect the trailer lights and attach the bow and stern lines. This way, you won’t hold up others waiting to launch their boats from the boat ramp. Once your trailer is positioned on the boat ramp, back up the tow vehicle so that rear rollers of the trailer are immersed in the water. Set the vehicle’s parking brake and use the winch to lower the boat into the water while holding on to the bow line. To retrieve your boat from the water, follow these steps in the opposite order.

What other tips could you recommend?

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Free Vessel Safety Check

In case you didn't know, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks to help you stay safe on the water. Their number one priority is safety. They'll inspect your boat and if it passes, you'll be given a decal that notifies law enforcement that your boat has been inspected and complies with state and federal laws. If for some reason your boat doesn't pass, they'll provide you with a list of what needs to be fixed along with tips to help you fix them. Wondering what a vessel safety check is all about?
Here is a list of items that are checked:
  • Proper display of registration numbers. US Coast Guard documented boats do not have to display state registration numbers.
  • Registration and Documentation papers. Registration or Documentation papers must be on board and available. Documentation numbers must be permanently marked on a visible part of the interior structure. The documented boat's name and hailing port must be displayed on the exterior hull in letters not less than 4 inches in height. To be documented a boat must be 5 net tons or greater.
  • Appropriate PFDs. PFDs must be accessible there must be one suitable PFD available for each person aboard. Vessels over 16 feet must have one throwable on board.
  • Visual Distress Signals. Recreational boats 16 feet and over must carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2).
  • Fire extinguishers. The specific requirements vary depending on boat size and whether or not a fixed system is installed. See the USCG Auxiliary website for details.
  • Ventilation. Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments, built after 1 August 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered ventilation. Boats with closed fuel tank compartments built after 1 August 1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance." Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment.
  • Backfire Flame Control. Inboard and inboard/outboard boats powered by gas engines must have a backfire flame control device installed.
  • Sound producing device. All vessels must carry a sound producing device capable of a 4 second blast audible for ½ mile.
  • Navigation lights. All boats (including dinghies) must be able to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility. Boats 16 feet or more in length must have properly installed, working navigation lights and an all-around anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white "running" lights.
  • Pollution placard. Boats 26 feet and over with a machinery compartment must display an oily waste "pollution" placard.
  • MARPOL Trash Placard. Boats 26 feet and over in length must display a "MARPOL" trash placard. Boats 40 feet and over must also display a written trash disposal plan.
  • Marine sanitation devices. Any installed toilet must be a Coast Guard approved device. Overboard discharge outlets must be capable of being sealed.
  • Navigation rules. Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.
  • State and Local Requirements.
  • Boater education card
  • CO warning sticker
  • Overall vessel condition
  • Clean bilge
  • Deck free of hazards
  • Safe galley and heating systems