How Do You Wax?

Wax on, wax off. Wax on, wax off. No, we are not in a Karate Kid movie, even though that would be pretty cool. I am talking about waxing your boat. Waxing your boat is not something that you should just forget about. It is one of the easiest ways to keep you boat looking like it just left the showroom floor. It might be a little time consuming, but the payoff is worth it.


Why Wax


When we pick up our boat off the showroom floor, it has a bright mirror like shine that we can look into and see our smiling face looking back. That’s a great feeling right? Now, how do we keep our boat looking like that? Waxing! A boat that is used, which it hopefully yours is, is exposed to the elements, water from the ocean, and other people. The Sun is one of the biggest reasons that our gel coat begins to fade. Waxing helps to restore the luster and shine of the boat surface, as well as making future cleaning easier. Waxing also helps to protect your boat from the damaging UV rays that can fade your paint job.


How To Wax


Waxing your boat is not as simple as just walking out to the dock and rubbing wax on the boat. There are a few steps to follow in order to be successful. The first one, clean your boat. Go out, rinse it off and get all the really dirty spots cleaned off. If you wax without cleaning, you will seal in all the dirt under the wax making it very difficult to get clean. After you finish giving your boat a bath, wipe off all the water spots for the same reason.


Now that she is clean, let’s get her sparkling clean. It is time to break out that wax. Specific directions vary by brand but generally, you will use a sponge or cloth to apply a layer of wax in a circular motion.  You will want to let the wax sit until it “hardens.” Once it has that hazy look to it, (about 10-30 mins) you can wipe off the excess wax using a bath towel.


Once all the wax has been buffered off (What you did using the bath towel), make sure to go back and clean up any of the wax that might have gotten on any stainless steel or wood finishes on your boat. That’s it, you have just done your part to extend the life of your boat and keep her looking at her best. In order to get the full benefits of waxing, it is best to do the job 2-3 times during your boating season. 

Riding Out The Storm

Living on the coast of Florida we know that there are certain risks. One of those risks is hurricanes. Hurricanes can bring rapidly rising waters, heavy winds, and damaging hail. We have heard how to protect ourselves and our homes, but what about our boats?


We have learned a lot though past hurricanes, sadly learned mostly from our mistakes. Here are a few things to remember when you are preparing your boat for a hurricane.


One of the most important things to do before there is even a threat of a storm is to make sure that your boat is insured. Also make sure to read over your insurance to make sure that it covers for events such as hurricanes and the debris from the winds.  Also before the storm, you will want to make a storm plan, which is just where and how your boat will be secured during the storm. Most also include a designated person who is responsible if you are out of town.


The threat of a storm has just come across the news. You will need to go down to the marina and check to make sure it will be ok for your boat to remain there. Once you get the ok, go onboard and make an inventory of everything you have on the boat. It is easiest just to take a quick video. Then you will want to make sure your boat is centered in its slip and tied down tight. Next you will deflate any dinghy’s you have onboard and disconnect the battery of the boat.


It is important to remember that you do not want to stay with your boat. Head home and keep an eye on your local weather. Using these tips will help you to get through the storm and be able to get back on the water in no time once the storm is passed. 

Best Stadium For Boatgating

So, what's "Boatgating"? Only the latest trend. Boatgating is a unique way for boaters & sports fans to experience the tradition of tailgating w/ an extra element of fun. Here's the best stadium for Boatgating.

EverBank Field (Jacksonville, FL)

With its relatively warm weather year round, many football fans skip the highway and take to the waterway on game day. Stadium cheers can be heard throughout Metropolitan Park Marina on the St. Johns River, which is walking distance to EverBank Field. The marina offers nearly 80 slips that can accommodate boats up to 80 feet.  The annual Gator Bowl and Florida-Georgia game held at EverBank Field offer college football fans the chance to get in on the boatgating fun.

For the Captain: Metropolitan Park Marina’s boat slips are open to the public, but on a first-come, first-served basis.  Visit JaxParks.com, at least a month before game day, to reserve a slip. For daily dockage rates, contact the Jacksonville’s dockmaster  at 904-630-0839.

How To Take A Great Picture of Your Boat

Gorgeous shimmering water, a clean sleek boat, sun rising over the horizon – every boat lover wants that perfect picture of their boat. But capturing that ‘perfect picture’ is easier said than done.

First, consider what exactly you’re looking to take a picture of. Your boat, obviously. But do you want to take a picture of it while docked or do you prefer a friend on another boat take a photo of you driving offshore? Maybe you want both. Either way, once you’ve established a plan, there are some other very important things you need to consider.

Lighting is everything

The best time to take photos of anything, especially a boat in glistening water, is in the early morning or late evening. In the summertime this is usually around 7-7:30am and 6:30-7:30pm. You can take semi-decent photos at anytime if there is overcast. If you think you’re going to defy the laws of the sun high in the sky at lunch time though, you are sadly mistaken, my friend. Once the sun has risen it creates harsh light and shadows. It also reflects off of the surface of the water which creates many unwanted shadows across your boat. 

When taking a photo of your boat, make sure the sun is always positioned behind it or at an angle from the boat. This illuminates your boat and also guarantee’s that it isn’t in a direct sunlight position (again, harsh light is the worst when taking photos). This is also true for when you’re taking photos of people on board – always make sure the sun is behind them. Avoid using a flash if possible as it can cause a glare on the side of your boat.

If you’re shooting with a DSLR camera (not a point and shoot), make sure your photo isn’t overexposed by checking the histogram. It’s better to make your photo darker than lighter – you can fix underexposed photos easier than you can fix extremely overexposed photos.  Also, make sure you know how to use your camera. Learning how to shoot in manual mode before you try to take amazing photos of your boat will be quite helpful.

The Best Angle and Position

Don’t be scared to get creative and wild with the angle in which you’re taking a photo. Standing on a dock taking a photo of your boat head level isn’t going to cut it – you won’t be able to catch the details and the curves in the body. Try standing on a chair or ladder, or even squatting or lying down to get a few low photos of your boat by positioning the camera in a low position and pointing the camera upward (capturing the bottom to the top of your boat). Standing beside the boat at an angle (front to back) also creates a nice feel to the photo.

Don’t forget that there’s more to a photo than just your boat. Offsetting your boat to one side or the other in the viewfinder creates a dramatic effect and adds layers to the photo. You can also use this time to capture a beautiful sunset or other boats in the distance. There is beauty in depth.

Capturing Details

Don’t forget about the details on your boat such as the reel on your favorite fishing pole, the gauges on your dash, or even something as simple as an old rope lying in the corner. All of these things are part of your boat and your love for it. Detailed and abstract photos not only make unique hangings for your wall, they also help you capture memories. You’ll be able to look back and smell that salt water air, feel mist against your face, and remember the exact sunset on that evening….all by looking at the photo hanging in your den. 

You can take perfect photos of your boat, whether you’re using a point-and-shoot camera or a more complicated DSLR camera. When in doubt, you can always hire a professional to do it (and they might even consider bartering a session for a boat ride). In any case, remember to get out of the ‘norm’ and shoot at different angles. Don’t shoot in harsh sunlight. Have a friend take photos of you in the middle of the lake while you’re cruising around with your family. Or capture the essence of that gorgeous memorable sunset in the background. Remember, you’re not just taking a cool picture of your boat, you’re taking a cool picture of your boat while making memories that will last a lifetime.

Do you have any pictures of your boat that you just love? Share them with us on our Facebook page or Google+ page.

The Effects of Current While Boating

It’s easy to lose track of currents while you’re fishing, swimming, or just having fun on your boat with your friends and family – but watching the current is a very important part of boating, for multiple different reasons.

First, let’s better understand what a current is. Most boaters already understand currents, but it’s good to refresh your memory every once and awhile. Currents are the horizontal flow of water in a downstream direction. Ocean, lake and river currents respond to the push of prevailing winds. Ocean currents are also affected by variations in water density, resulting from the different levels of salinity and temperatures. Currents that are intermittent and respond to the movement of the sun and moon are called ‘tidal currents’. Tidal currents are the actual rise and fall in the water level as they force mass amounts of water alternately against and away from shore.  How’s that for a brief science lesson?

Now that you’re up to speed, let’s talk about the safety aspect of paying attention to the water’s currents. Currents are much stronger during high and low tide, which means they can easily pull a swimmer away from the boat, or even under water, with little to no warning. Always make sure you keep track of the high and low tides for this very reason. Don’t allow your passengers off of your boat and into the water unless you know for sure that you’ve been following the current and can observe when the tides are high or low.

Let’s face it, you’re eventually going to face some sort of trial when it comes to your boat, but the one thing most boater’s fear the most is running aground. Observing the current and maneuvering accordingly can help you prevent your boat from doing just that. Should you lose an engine, a strong current can cause your boat to run aground, leaving you in a desperate and possibly life threatening situation. Keeping track of the current is a definite safety precaution that all boaters need to take.

Currents aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, they can help you conserve fuel, whether you’re running low or just trying to save some extra bucks. Running with the current will help you conserve fuel. There’s nothing better than saving a little money while doing the thing you love the most!

Current can have a major impact on your boating adventure (be it good or bad), so make sure you watch tide charts or listen to the reports in your area before you head onto the water. Always be safe, especially when you’re in doubt. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And it’s especially nice if you can take advantage of nature’s currents and help yourself out in the process!

It's Time To Grill

Boating and grilling – they seem to go hand and hand. It all goes together with that ‘summertime’ feel.  And of course, grilled food is healthier for you. But besides all that, grilling on a boat is all part of the adventure of boating.

I’m sure most of us can use common sense and know that you’re not going to lug a huge stainless steel gas grill on a boat. In fact, there are special grills that are specifically made for boaters. You’ll want to make sure you have one that is best suited for your boat and space limits. Keep in mind that grilling on land is dangerous, so grilling on a boat is even more of a hazard – not necessarily always because of the grill, but because of the limited space on a boat and the constant movement of being on the water.

Plan ahead

First of all, plan ahead. Before you step foot on your boat, make sure you have planned out everything that you’ll need – be it food items, pots and pans, drinks, etc. Remember, you have a small space to work with, so try to only bring one of everything that you need (unless, of course, it’s eating utensils, etc). This won’t only make it easier for you to grill, it will also be easier for clean up.  You should take some time to pre-plan your meals and stick with those meals that you already have the cooking items for onboard. Never count on catching fish, if that is indeed what you want to fix. Fish should always be considered a ‘bonus’ meal or something to eat in place of a non-perishable meal. Also, check your propane tank for leaks or damage before setting off. Nothing could be more frustrating than trying to start your meal without gas for your grill -- or worse, having a leak and lighting a match nearby.

Grill at the dock or at anchor

It’s safer to cook when the boat is docked. You won’t lose your food or have to worry about someone falling on the grill should a random wave come along. Speaking of which, make sure all of your cooking utensils and pans are in a zippered bag/back pack or secure cabinet, whether you’re docked or not.  Your boats movements are unpredictable and loose items can be a potential hazard! If you must find that adventure out in the open water, make sure you're anchor is set to help keep you from moving about.

No glass allowed

Don’t bring glass on board! Many bowls, cups, and drink or cooking bottles (such as olive oil) are glass and should not be brought onboard. Should you find that you need a bowl or container, always use something that is plastic – put condiments such as ketchup or cooking oils in portable plastic containers. This would go along with the ‘planning ahead’ point above. When making sure you have all of the proper cooking equipment or extras, if you find that you have something glass, run to your nearest store to find a plastic alternative. It’s not worth the risk of having that glass break or having someone step on a loose glass bottle – especially if you’re hours away from land.

You'll have a limited supply of water

Conserve water as much as possible while cooking and cleaning. Remember, there are a lot of different uses for water on your boat. Bring hand sanitizer to wash your hands with periodically, and sanitizing wipes to wipe down surfaces. Don’t run the faucet while cleaning up after your meal. Reuse water where possible, and bring bottled water to drink and use when needed.

What are you going to grill?

You might wonder what types of things to cook when on a boat – again, keeping in mind that you have very limited space. Some things that you might consider grilling are ka-bobs. Pre-make your ka-bobs and put them in large 1gallon plastic storage bags. Or, consider doing the same with chicken or anything that needs to be marinated – put your pieces of meat in large plastic containers or storage bags (which are more flexible) along with your marinade. By the time dinner comes, they’ll be perfectly marinated and you can toss the plastic bags out. Easy clean up! Fish is an easy meal as well. Seasoning your fish with simple salt and pepper or old bay seasoning, then putting it on the grill, makes for a delicious and memorable dinner for the entire group. Simple, but oh so delish!  Tacos and single dish meals are also easy when on a boat. Put all of your toppings or condiments in separate containers before getting on your boat or leaving dock -- it makes your life much easier, especially if your toppings need to be sliced and diced. Always make sure your meat is cold and on ice – never cook meat that has been allowed to come to room temperature (who knows how long it’s been warm!)  And remember that leftovers aren’t any good either unless placed on ice after your meal.

Have a great cookout

Be safe on your boat and take all precautionary measures, including an up to date fire extinguisher. Anything can go wrong in under a second on a boat, whether you’re playing with heat or not! Check at you have a small first aid kit with burn cream. This will come in handy for sunburn or an accidental burn from the grill. Always be prepared and always plan ahead – and don’t forget the food!

The Benefits of Boating

Its common knowledge that being on the water in a boat, whether a small fishing boat or a luxurious yacht, can be one of the most relaxing things you’ll ever experience. However, there are so many more benefits to boating that you may not know about.

In 2007, Discover Boating and Russell Research conducted a survey that polled more than 1,000 boaters and non-boaters. The results were outstanding and proved that the benefits of boating are worth considering owning a boat, if you don’t already. One of the things that the study showed is that because boating stimulates relaxation in most boaters, this also acts as a stress reliever in and out of the water. This causes the boater to respond to stress or stressful situations better in the non-boating world than those who do not own a boat. The study also showed that it wasn’t just the boaters who benefitted from boating, but also their spouses, children, and those that interact with them while boating.

Believe it or not, boating is a perfect low impact exercise routine, all while having fun and easing those cares away. Granted, you can do other higher impact activities while boating, such as wakeboarding, tubing, and fishing.  But boating itself has proven to help many people stay fit and in shape (or even lose a few pounds) without much effort at all. And of course, staying fit while doing something we enjoy always makes us happy!  Boaters express greater satisfaction than non-boaters in their overall physical health, mentality, and lifestyle.

With the fast paced lives we live, it’s often hard to bond with your family. Boating does just that. In the 2007 study, boating proved to build lasting relationships with families and spouses. Children learn leadership skills from seeing their parent(s) take control of the boat, charting new routes, and teaching them the roll of captain. This allows not only your children, but yourself, to show better leadership skills at school, work, and in the real world. Being on your boat will give you quality time with your family, away from the hustle and bustle of work, school, sports, and the other weekly activities that consume your lives.

Tax breaks. That’s right, tax breaks are another major benefit to boating. If you haven’t been taking advantage of the tax breaks that are available for some boaters, you’ll definitely want to book mark this article for specific details.  Many boaters don’t realize that their boats can be deducted from their taxes as a second home, as long as you aren’t already deducting a second mortgage and your boat is livable. Do you entertain clients or potential clients on your boat? This can also be a deduction for your business under the entertainment expense category. And when it comes time to upgrade or purchase a new boat, instead of selling or trading it in, there are amazing tax breaks for people who donate their boats to charity. In most cases, you will receive more in tax deductions for your donated boat than you would by trading it in or selling it.

Most people still have the conception that boating wouldn’t fit into their budget, but that’s just not true. In today’s world, there are so many boating options for you – whether you’re single or have a family; whether you’re a millionaire or a middle class laborer – there’s something for everyone’s budget and style. The benefits to boating also include the options that boaters now have when making their investment and owning a boat has never been easier. Contact our sales team for details. Everyone can enjoy stress free lives, relaxation, quality time with their spouse or family, and overall satisfaction when boating – not just the rich and famous.

Giving Thanks, St. Pete Boat Show & Holiday Gift Certificates

It's that time of year again. The time of year for friends and family to get together and to give thanks for all of the wonderful blessings we have. It's the time of year for us to refocus on the things that really matter - like spending the day on your boat and making memories that last a lifetime.

It's also the time of year for the St. Pete Boat Show. It starts on Thursday, December 4th and runs through Sunday the 7th.
We are very excited to offer the first ever Factory backed "Boater's Stimulus Package". That's right, a stimulus package that pays you direct. Our manufacturers are stepping up and helping you, "Joe the Boater", purchase a new boat by offering you direct financial aid.
Are you looking to purchase a new boat? Use the Stimulus cashas an additional discount over and above the already reduced Boat Show sale price.
Do you owe more on your boat than it's worth? Use the Stimulus cash to help reduce your negative equity. Then you can trade it in on that new boat you've been wanting.
This one time "Boater's Stimulus Package" begins Friday November 28th and runs through December 7th. Do not hesitate. If you have been waiting for the perfect time to buy, it is NOW.
Please contact us to set an appointment to see the boat of your choice and take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Can't decide on that perfect gift for that special someone? How about a gift certificate from Thunder Marine Parts and Accessories? Choose from hats, shirts, dock lines, fenders, cup holders and much much more. Click on the link below for more information on our gift certificate special and avoid the crowded malls.
http://www.thundermarine.com/specials_service.asp?indid=1&disid=179950&

Everyone here at Thunder Marine would like to thank our thousands of customers for their loyalty and friendship and wish them and their family the very happiest of Holidays.

Want to get away?

With all the negative news in the media, woudn't you like to have a day or two where you didn't have to hear about the market or political campaigns? Well, picture this - a beautiful sunset, temperatures in the low to mid 70's, the gentle sound of waves crashing and the crisp smell of the salty autumn air. Where is this you ask? Anywhere Tampa Bay. You can find it in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton - you name it.

We are so blessed with the area we live in because there are so many places to go to get away on a boat. Sure, you can take long trips to places you haven't been but the joy of boating is just getting away. Many times that can just mean an overnight stay at the marina where you keep your boat or anchoring up for the weekend at a favorite local island. Shoot, even the Intercoastal Waterway has plenty of spots outside the channel that you can anchor at and feel secluded. It's just like when you were a kid and you pitched a tent in your backyard. You weren't that far from home, but at least you were away!

These short vacations or "staycations" as they are sometimes called can be rather inexpensive no matter the company.
-If it's just you and the better half, it can be a romantic way to spend some "alone time". Pack a lite dinner, some wine and your favorite music. A Gulf sunset and a quiet night away can do wonders for a relationship.
-If you've been spending to much time at work and you are starting to forget what your spouse and kids look like, a weekend away with the family on the boat can make you a hero. Pull out a couple of those dusty board games you have, make some sandwiches and you've got a start to your weekend. Find an island that you're familiar with and the kids will be able to run off some energy. Bring a small grill and you'll not only be able to cook up some hamburgers & hot dogs, but you'll be able to make smores later on!
-If the day to day grind is starting to get to you and you are ready to blow off some steam, invite some of your friends to join you for a docktail party or raft-up. Grab your favorite livation, some good Jimmy Buffet tunes and start changing your latitude and attitude.

So if any of these fits your current state of mind, let your boat be the escape you intended it to be. And if you don't currently have a boat or are in the market for another one, Four Winns should be on your list. The Four Winns Vista cruisers are the perfect boats for these "staycations". From 25 feet to 50 feet, Four Winns has models to fit everyones needs. Enjoy all the comforts of home in the serenity of your tropical cove. If you'd like to look at the beautiful Four Winns line-up, just click on the link below:

http://www.thundermarine.com/brochure_search.asp?bsCID=1027&bsYear=2008&bsProdCat=807978&indid=1&

And if for some reason you still have to have contact with civilization, most cell phones and wireless cards work in the surrounding waterways - just don't let anyone else know because you might spoil their fun & relaxation!

IPS Demonstration

Boating is such a relaxing lifestyle. Anyone can get on a boat, no matter what kind it is, and their worries will drift away. Whether it's fishing, skiing or cruising, it takes your mind off the daily grind and the normal hustle & bustle everyone deals with. What a stress reliever - that is until you have to dock in front of a bunch of people.

Docking might be the one time their is a little anxiety when boating. Fortunately, Volvo has designed the IPS drive with Joystick control. This feature makes for worry free docking. They have made it so simple that your children or grandchildren that play video games might be able to dock the boat better than you!

Below is a link to a demonstration we did on a Four Winns 378 Vista Express Cruiser in our harbor in St. Petersburg. This boat is almost 42 feet in length and is being easily manuevered in an area a little over 50 feet. Check it out for yourself.

http://www.thundermarine.com/content.asp?nav=117713&cpid=10271&