Best Bilge Heater For Boats In Winter

Most boat owners know that cold weather can cause a lot of damage to your boat. However, when in-between seasons, when the temperature can go from 60+ during the day to below freezing at night, you can prolong your boating season and minimize the risk of damage to your engine by using the best bilge heater for boats. The best bilge heater can help to protect your vessel from a cracked engine block during the cold night while also allowing you to go boating during the day.

best bilge heater for boats

How To Use Bilge Heater For Boats

Engine compartment or bilge heaters, such as those from Twin Hornet, offer an effective and safe alternative to needing to winterize your boat engine. Bilge heaters cycle on and off when the temperature ranges between about 40°F and 55°F. They are also safer than a 60W light bulb and home space heaters. Many “quick and easy solutions” have caused far too many problems, including fires and sunken boats.

To get the best performance from your boat engine heater, you should place covers over the bilge blower vents of the boat. Perhaps the best method to accomplish this is to have a local upholstery shop or canvas shop make a set of custom, cheap “snap-on” style covers to place over the vents. Whenever you wish to utilize the boat, you simply need to remove the bilge vent covers. When finished, simply snap the bilge covers back into place. This solution allows you to keep the damp, cold winter wind and moisture out of the boat engine compartment, while also keeping the heat in.

Keep in mind that a boat that is stored out of the water will lose heat significantly faster than if the boat were in the slip. For those who store their boat on it’s trailer or suspended on a lift, they should also cover the outdrive unit. You can use a heavy plastic bag or a similar cover on the outdrive. Just be sure to tie it at the top in order to prevent the heat in the engine compartment from escaping through the exposed metal.

If the forecast calls for a freeze, you should also consider putting put your boat back in the water, as water offers greater insulation than air.

Cons Of Bilge Heaters For Boats

The biggest downside with electric bilge heaters for boats is their relatively high power demand. Electric bilge heaters require serious amps to operate properly. It is advised not to run the heater off of the boat battery. Instead, make sure that you have access to a reliable source of shore power.

The potential hazard of causing a fire from an electric boat bilge heater is extremely low if you install and use the heater properly. If the heater falls over, or is placed near combustible fluids, then naturally your chances of causes a fire increase significantly. Be sure to take all necessary precautions before leaving your boat bilge heater running unattended.

Conclusion

Using the best bilge heater for boats in the winter is a great alternative to needing to winterize the boat. Of course, there are certain things to take into consideration, such as your location, temperature, and boat size, which you should examine prior to deciding whether winterizing or using a heater is the best option for you.

For more information on bilge heaters and all things related to watersports, check out ATXwatersports.com.

Polar Bear Coolers: Are They The Best Cooler For Hunting?

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:10 pm

When it comes to using soft coolers, outdoor enthusiasts are usually wary of these types of ice chests because the durability and ice retention of soft coolers have been known to not be the greatest. Soft coolers are normally reserved for quick outings, such as a day at the beach or a park, but most hunters and fishermen do not use them. However, outdoorsmen who have dismissed soft coolers, have not been introduced to the reliable Polar Bear Coolers brand.

polar bear cooelrs

As a dedicated hunter and occasional fisherman, I wasn’t too keen on getting a soft cooler, but I really needed something that was very easy to carry and increased portability of all of my perishables. After doing some searching, I came across Polar Bear Coolers and ended up purchasing a Polar Bear Mossy Oak cooler because I had heard so many good things about it from those who have used it. And I also read solid reviews at DiscountCoolerSales.com.

Finding a cooler that features realistic camouflage and not cartoon-ish camouflage can make a big difference in the stealth-factor when hunting. The Mossy Oak model of Polar Bear Coolers features a realistic woodsy design that will blend in well to the background when hunting. If you want to add a personal touch to one of your Polar Bear Coolers they also offer the option of custom monogramming and logo embossment if your purchase a cooler directly from the Polar Bears Coolers website.

For a soft cooler, Polar Bear Coolers rival the durability provided by many hard-sided coolers. Even though my Polar Bear Mossy Oak cooler is constantly getting snagged by sticks and twigs that I encounter in the woods while hunting. However, the 1000 denier Cordura nylon and high-density open cell foam that the Polar Bear Cooler is composed of makes the Polar Bear Cooler tear and snag proof. This added armor, makes the Polar Bear Cooler the best soft cooler in the market to bring out into the wilderness during a hunt.

Polar Bear Coolers Ice Retention

The biggest argument when it comes to the reason why outdoor enthusiasts have a great disdain for soft coolers, is usually the bad reputation that they have when it comes to ice retention. Most soft coolers do not keep things refrigerated for very long, which is something you definitely do not want while hunting or fishing in the hot sun. As unbelievable as it may seem, Polar Bear Coolers have ice retention capabilities that are actually better than a lot of hard-sided ice chests that I have used. My Mossy Oak Polar Bear Cooler has been used in piping hot weather during some of my fishing trips before and have managed to retain ice for over 24 hours! The 1 inch thick high density foam is to thank for the premium insulation Polar Bear Coolers use to allow it to perform so well among the competition.

The bottom line is that as a hunter and a part-time angler, I have finally found a portable soft cooler that meets my high expectations for ice chests as a zealous outdoorsman. After introducing my fellow hunters to Polar Bear Coolers, they have went out and gotten themselves a few Mossy Oak Polar Bear Coolers. I feel Polar Bear Coolers are indeed the best cooler for hunting. I recommend that you get yours today.

303 Fabric Guard: Protecting Your Outdoor Gear

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:10 pm

If Paul Bunyan used a protector for his outdoor gear, then 303 Fabric Guard would definitely be his go-to choice. 303 Fabric Guard can do wonders for even the most advanced outdoorsman, protecting even the most weather-prone fabric surfaces from suffering damage. Being an outdoor enthusiast can often end up costing a vast amount of money on repairing damaged materials and gear, but with a 303 Fabric Guard gallon you no longer have to worry about suffering from damaged or worn-out gear.

303 Fabric Guard Protector

Imagine being a professional rock-climber and having to endure insane weather patterns and direct contact into the blistering sun. Your rock climbing gear could become weathered in a short amount of time if the proper measures aren’t taken to protect your investments. The use of 303 Fabric Guard would ensure that their rock climbing gear and rock climbing apparel would not only be protected from the intense weather, but would also have the water repellency restored to be even more of a weather shield. 303 Fabric Guard’s versatility is an outdoorsman’s dream, with the product being able to be sprayed from head to toe, protecting everything from your shoes to your backpack. Check out MeanJoeClean.com to see more of 303’s versatility.

303 Fabric Guard

303 Fabric Guard Offers Affordable Protection For All Of Your Outdoor Gear

Although 303 products are at an extremely affordable price, it is hard to believe that such a low-priced product could ultimately save you thousands of dollars in repair fees on an outdoorsman’s most prized possessions. The fabric on the seating of boats are often susceptible to weather damage, but with one application of 303 Fabric Guard a boat owner could save thousands on repairs and have a boat that looks like brand new. In addition to protecting from weather damage, 303 Fabric Guard maintains colorfastness, meaning you could have boat seats that look as bright as when the boat was first purchased.

When it comes to long-term outdoor activities, camping is probably the most popular. 303 Fabric Guard should be the first thing on a camper’s list of essentials because a camper will never know what the wilderness has in store for them. Apply an even coat of 303 Fabric Guard on a tent and it will remain protected from rain to snow storms and everything in between. 303 Fabric Guard can be used on a variety of fibers including synthetic and natural fibers. 303 Fabric Protector is also silicone-free, which means it prevents mildew, rather than promotes it.

303 Fabric Guard is just one of many 303 Products that is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. 303 Aerospace Protectant is also a necessity for anyone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors and needs to keep their outdoor surfaces protected from UV-rays and any other intense weather patterns. Not only is 303 Aerospace Protectant the ultimate shield for weather, but it also keeps your surfaces sparkling and clean, as if you hired a professional cleaning company to clean all of your outdoor surfaces.

303 Products and 303 Fabric Guard are perfect for anyone who wants to tap into their inner Paul Bunyan and find the true outdoorsman within, without sacrificing time and money.

A Look At Hydraulic Boat Steering Systems

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:10 pm

I have been a boating enthusiast for many years now. If I did not have to work for a living, I would find a way to live on the water in a boat. I do not have the biggest boat in the world, nor do I have the best. However, a good hydraulic boat steering system is a must for a boat, whether it is new or old, large or small. I thought I would write this little article to pass on some of the knowledge I have accumulated over the years in terms of how these hydraulic boat steering systems work, what you need in a kit and what brand of steering cable and system that I believe has worked best for me over the years and may work for you as well. Maintaining your steering cables in good working order is very important in keeping your boat in good working condition.

How Do Hydraulic Boat Steering Systems Work

The hydraulic boat steering system is a fairly basic process. When you turn the steering wheel of your boat, oil is sent into one of the two hydraulic lines, and then into the chamber of the hydraulic cylinder. Then the fluid out of the other side of the cylinder gets returned to the steering wheel.

hydraulic boat steering systems

There are 2 pieces to a hydraulic steering system. They are the helm (made of a pump and valve), and the cylinder. The valve does not allow the fluid to go on the same hydraulic line. Depending on the system, the number of turns of the wheel has an inverse relationship to effort required. This means the more turns of the wheel, the less effort, and the fewer turns the more effort required to steer your vessel.

Hydraulic Boat Steering Kits provide Everything You Need

So, the next questions are what kind of a hydraulic boat steering kits do you need? What should be included in a hydraulic boat steering kit? What brand of kit should you buy? Let me do my best to answer some of these items for you.

What should be included in a hydraulic boat steering system kit? It should consist of a helm kit, cylinder, steering fluid, and a tubing kit (these are the hoses for the system).

What brand of kit? In my opinion, there is only one kind of kit I buy. The Seastar (Baystar) steering kit. This brand is synonymous with quality and has been in business for 50 years. I also recommend that you check out www.seaknights.com for their complete boat steering guide.

Hydraulic Boat Steering Repair Jobs are Simple

Doing a hydraulic boat steering repair job is a much easier process than it used to be. Many of the kits (including the Seastar kit) include instruction manuals on installation. If this information is not readily available, you have Youtube to go to if you are a visual person as I am. You can watch someone actually doing the hydraulic boat steering repair job.

Finally, you always have the manufacturer’s website to go to for reference as well if you are still needing more information or clarification about your hydraulic boat steering repair job. With all of these tools at your fingertips, this makes a hydraulic steering repair job much easier than in the past. So hopefully these tips I have given you enough information to make this process a little easier for you.

Are St. Croix Musky Rods Still The Best?

Last updated on August 1st, 2019 at 10:18 am

I have been fishing in the back country of Vilas, Price, Oneida, and Iron counties in Wisconsin for many years. “Why?”, you may ask. Because I enjoy the thrill of landing large Muskies. This majestic fish is one of the most prized catches in the state of Wisconsin. I have been using the St. Croix musky rods for many years now for many reasons. In my opinion, St. Croix Musky rods are the best.

Reasons I Love St. Croix Musky Rods

1. St. Croix is a Wisconsin company and these people know fishing and have been in the business of manufacturing quality graphite muskie fishing rods that are built to last.

2. The poles are strong and durable and are designed to last. The last thing I want is a muskie rod that I cannot depend on.

3. These musky rods are designed by engineers with reinforced material which is ideal for catching Musky.

Craftmanship of St. Croix Musky Rods

1. St. Croix fishing rods are quality crafted by a company that knows fishing in and out.

2. Their products are designed for true fisherman and the feel of the rod when reeling in a Musky is something that is easily not replicated.

3. In today’s age of cheaply made rods, this product is a gem and in my opinion the best musky rods available for musky fishing.

St. Croix Musky Rods Are Still The Best

I have reeled in many a large muskie over the last several summers in Wisconsin, and I can tell you that you will not be disappointed using the St. Croix rods. Whether casting long distances, or out for a lazy afternoon on the lake, these fishing rods do the job. For my money, St. Croix rods are the top musky rods for sale online.

My biggest challenge is finding enough time to get away from the rat race of my current job. If I had my way I would be fishing for Musky every week possible that it is warm enough to do so. I can tell you this, the back woods and lakes of Wisconsin are heaven and I love spending my time away from work with a clear mind and free of the daily problems of my everyday life.

Using My St. Croix Musky Rod In Wisconsin

One day I will be away from my work, and free to retire and enjoy my time doing what I want to do. And when I get to that point in my life, be assured that I will have my St. Croix musky rods and an ice cold beer in my hand, and some good eats nearby as well.

st croix musky rods are best

There is nothing better than taking a picture of a huge Musky, but better still is the chase and thrill of reeling it in. I invite you to explore the back country of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region and to experience the joy that is Musky fishing. TigerMuskie.net has much more information about muskie fishing and I find them to be a great resource for all things related to musky fishing.

The beauty of Wisconsin is that there are hundreds of lakes virtually untouched and undisturbed by humans. This is nature as it was intended to be. These are ideal places to bring your fishing rod along and disappear into the wilderness and to breathe in the fresh air and relax. And if you are lucky, you may catch a few tiger Muskies while you are out there.

Choosing The Best LED Light Bar For Your ATV

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:10 pm

As you are probably already aware, OPT7 LED headlight bulbs are some of the best in the business and do a solid job of illuminating the road. But what about when you are off road? When you are ATV’ing, for example. We recommend that you get the best led light bar for your ATV that you can afford.

LED light bar ATV

Off Road LED Light Bar

Being able to see your surroundings while off road and also making sure that you are seen by others are the two primary reasons that you need a good off road LED light bar on your ATV. LED light bars are the best option for meeting those needs.

Off road LED light bars have several key properties which make them a great choice for ATV use. They feature low power consumption, they are lightweight, they tend to last a very long time, generate very little heat, come in a variety of colors and beam widths, and they are resistant to vibrations.

ATV LED Light Bar: What To Look For

When searching for the perfect ATV LED light bar for your needs, you need to look for the following features.

  • Size – ATV LED light bars are sold in various sizes. They are typically offered in 6″-50″ sizes, with 20 inch LED light bars being among the most popular.
  • Shape – Off road LED light bars come in a variety of shapes, ranging from square, round, or rectangular. Your particular application will determine which form factor is best for you.
  • LED Color – LED light bars are offered in an array of colors. Available are red, amber, white, blue, and a few others. White is generally the brightest, but which color you choose is simply personal preference.
  • Beam Pattern – Whether you go with spot beams or flood beams will also be determined by your application.
  • Brightness – Light intensity is measured in lumens. The higher the lumen, the brighter the LED light.
  • Water Resistance – Clearly, having an LED bar on your ATV that is water resistant is important.

As you can see, there are a lot of features and options to look out for when selecting the best ATV LED light bar for sale. It’s best to do your homework before purchasing any off road LED lighting. We found http://lightheadz.com/ to be a great source of information for LED headlight information. We recommend that you pay them a visit before making a decision on which off road LED light bar to purchase.

CREE LED Light Bar For Your ATV

CREE symbolizes the bleeding-edge among today’s best LED lighting technology. CREE itself does not manufacture LED light bars, however, the LED light bulbs which they do make are used to produce some of the best quality LED light bars available on today’s market.

CREE has grown into perhaps the most popular name in the LED light industry.

CREE’s top goal is to consistently produce LEDs which can out shine the competition while using less energy consumption, and many feel that they have achieved their goal.

Sure, the quality or brand name of the light bulbs is not the sole factor to give thought to when buying an LED light bar for sale, choosing a LED light bar that is made with CREE LEDs will help to ensure that you are getting the best LED light bar for your ATV.

PENN Fishing Reels

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:12 pm

Fishing is one of the most popular hobbies or activities worldwide, because it is fun and relaxing. However, fishing is not so simple and therefore requires the proper skills, technique, gear and equipment. That includes using quality equipment like PENN fishing reels.

A fishing reel is one of the most important tools for anglers. There are mainly two types of reels; spinning and fly reels. With so many fishing reels manufacturers available on the market, it sometimes becomes very perplexing to choose the right one for an inexperienced angler.

To simplify the decision-making process, those fishermen looking to buy a new reel must be aware of the basic components and features that make one fishing reel different or better than the other. These days, fishing reels are made with some advanced materials and engineered in such a way to make your fishing experience uncomplicated.

Why Choose PENN Fishing Reels

Many professional fishermen believe in choosing PENN fishing reels. PENN reels are one of the most trusted fishing reels manufacturers available today, due to the fact that they have been producing quality fishing reels since 1932.

PENN fishing reels

If you want to get the most out of the money spent on fishing reels, you must choose PENN reels since they are the leader in modern reel designing and manufacturing. It doesn’t matter where you go fishing, these fishing reels will always perform without any flaws.

Top Rated PENN Reels

Before you buy PENN reels, you need to take a closer look at the pros and cons of their different offerings. You must choose the PENN reel which is suitable and meets all the requirements you want in a fishing reel. Below is a comparison of top 3 PENN International reels available on the market.

PENN Battle BLT 4000 Spinning Reel

The PENN Battle BLT 4000 Spinning Reel is the perfect choice for those fishermen who want to take their fishing to the next level. Highly durable design, Smooth dragging system, and attractive body are some of the reasons why this spinning reel is very popular among fishermen.

Below are some of the coolest features about the PENN Battle BLT 4000 Spinning Reel:
It offers greater support under heavy load.
The reel cast is quite long.
The reel is super strong, fast and smooth.
Instant anti-reverse feature.

PENN Spinfisher SSV4500 Spinning Reel

This PENN reel is one of the best and most high-tech fresh water fishing reels available in the market, thus making it a great addition to your fishing gear collection. Spinfisher SSV4500 comes with enhanced features to make the fishing experience effortless and more convenient.

Below are some of the coolest features of the PENN Spinfisher SSV4500 Spinning Reel:
Improved rubber gasket prevents the superline spool slipping.
Due to water tight design and sealed construction there is no saltwater seeping inside.
Durable design with impressive look.
Loaded with techno-balanced rotor for smooth drag.

PENN Fishing FRC6000 Fierce Spinning Reel

This PENN spinning reel lives up to its name with heavy-duty side plate and a full metal body to keep prefect gear alignment while handling heavy loads. The steel bearing system offers protection even in the toughest saltwater conditions.

Below are some of the coolest features of the PENN FRC6000 Spinning Reel:
Anodized aluminum spool.
Stainless steel shaft, 4 steel ball bearings.
Equipped with techno-balanced rotor for effortless retrieves.
Aluminum handle with simple touch knob.

These PENN reels truly work like they claim, and there is no denying the fact that thousands of anglers are using them for various fishing activities.

How about you? Have you made your choices about PENN reels? If “Yes, then get it right away!

Green Underwater Fishing Lights

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:12 pm

This weekend, while shopping for some OPT7 LED headlight bulbs for our towing truck, we stumbled across some green underwater fishing lights. As avid fishermen, we were fascinated with the idea of using a green fishing light to help attract fish at night. We felt it our duty to share this nifty concept with our readers.

underwater led lights

Green Underwater Fishing Lights – How Do They Work?

If you’re using green underwater fishing lights on your dock, the system will plug into the GFI outlet on your pier. The circuitry and photocell are mounted nearby inside of a box. A power wire is ran from the box to the water. The green underwater fishing lights are weighted to the bottom of the waterway. Finally, when the sun begins to go down, the photocell turns on the system and the green underwater fishing light turns on.

Night Fishing Lights Attract Fish

Within only a couple of minutes, zooplankton, which are microscopic creatures, will begin to home in on the green underwater light source, similar to the way pesky insects are attracted to outdoor lighting. Soon, small bait fish follow, drawn in by the zooplankton. The smaller bait fish naturally attract the larger fish next, over minutes or hours.

green underwater fishing lightThe water surrounding the green night fishing lights will usually become foggy from the swirling masses of small shrimp (if ocean water), copepods, and other various microorganisms in the water. Depending on your location, schools of large baitfish may even learn the location of the green underwater LED light and show up every night to feed.

This learned behavior is copied by predator fish who will also soon learn that easy meals are to be found in the shadows near the green glow. Within just a couple short weeks, your pier will become a popular feeding station for the areas fish populations.

All this unfolds right before your eyes, and from the comfort of your own home. Watch as predatory fish slash their way through schools of baitfish, or suck shrimp from the surface right in front of you.

night fishing lights
Underwater LED Lights Expectations

It could take a couple of nights, or you might see fish immediately, but it really depends on the waterway where you live. Most of the green underwater LED lights manufacturers claim that their lights are guaranteed to attract fish. The water location is the primary indicator of what species of fish you can expect, but nearly all waters contain much more aquatic life than you probably imagine.

Homemade Green LED Fishing Light

If you are so inclined, you could try to make your own homemade green LED fishing light. Check out this video on Youtube for instructions.

However, we recommend leaving such a project to the pros. What and electricity tend not to mix too well, so we see this as an accident waiting to happen. We recommend checking out some of the green underwater fishing lights available on Amazon. They are reasonable priced and most have pretty good reviews. We especially like this model made by Amarine-made, as it can be attached to your boat.

Have you tried one of these green underwater fishing lights yet? If so, let’s us know how it’s working out for you. We love hearing the experiences of our readers.

Best Ice Fishing Shelter For Sale

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:12 pm

If you are a fisherman your fishing equipment is very important to you. Whether you are open water fishing or ice fishing, you need protection from the elements. So if you are someone who loves the thrill of ice fishing, you need to make sure you have what you need to protect you from the cold. Especially if you plan to be spending hours getting your fish on. So that is where the best ice fishing shelter for sale come in.

There are many types of ice shanties available today, but you need to find the best ice fishing shelter for sale online. One of the best on the market is the Eskimo line, as well as a couple of others. There are some great ice fishing huts on the market, you just have to find best ice fishing shelter for sale that meets your needs.

Best Ice Fishing Shelter for Sale Considerations

best ice fishing shelter for sale

So when you are in the market for an ice shanty, there are plenty of things to consider. The good folks over at http://opus-net.org/ make shopping for an ice fishing shelter easy. Basically, there are two types of ice shelters: hard sided structures and collapsible portable types. Both are portable, but the hard sided ice fishing shelters are typically used by those who want to stay in the same spot for a while. If you are someone who likes to move around while ice fishing, the soft sided portable ice shanty is a better idea for you. They are also great if you just don’t like to risk leaving your ice shelter out on the ice.

There are different size ice fishing shelters for you to choose from, but always choose your size ice shanty based upon what your needs are. Also make sure you take into consideration how you will be transporting the ice fishing hut from place to place.  Some of the best portable ice fishing shelters, such as the Clam 9714 Nanook offer some excellent clam design structures. These models are easy to erect and collapse, making it easier for the solo fisherman.

Best Ice Fishing Shelter for Sale – Features To Look For

Other things to consider when you are looking for the best ice fishing shelter for sale are it’s added features. You can choose many different basic options for your ice fishing shelter, such as how many windows, doors, thickness, colors, shapes, storage, seats, benches and more. There are even models which feature a sled bottom, like the Clam 9714 Nanook, which are great for if you are accessing the ice by foot.

You can select and ice shanty just big enough for one, or for a large fishing crew, like the Eskimo Fatfish 9416 Insulated Ice Shelter. Clam ice shelters are another great option because they also reliable, roomy, portable and warm. They are also another great option for when you are looking for a pop-up ice shelter that is easy to erect and take down. They also offer some great wide access doors. This is important when you are wearing bulky outdoor clothing or carrying fishing gear in and out.

Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, you will want to make sure you pick an ice fishing shelter with adequate thickness of it’s lining to keep you warm. If being able to stand up is important to you, you will want to make sure when looking for the best ice fishing shelter for sale that it has the head room you are looking for.