The Right Plug

With today's modern fuel injection changing your spark plugs is few and far between, that 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.

Using 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 gripping socket.

Choose 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. 

Using 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

Using The Right Torque

Over tightening is one of the biggest mistakes. If you overtighten the spark plug when reinstalling it, you 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.

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.

New Georgia Boating Laws In Effect

New boating laws have taken effect in Georgia, and they apply to everyone boating in the state - whether or not you are a resident.

The biggest change is this: anyone in Georgia born in 1998 or later must take an approved boating safety course before taking the wheel of a boat or personal watercraft. (This new education requirement, however, will not be enforced until July 1, 2014.) While taking a boating safety course has always been a good practice, especially for younger boaters, such a course is now required by law.

The following persons, however, are exempt:

• a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel;
• a person operating on a private lake or pond; or
• a non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA approved boater education course or equivalency examination from another state.

Where can you find state-approved boating safety courses? There are actually several options to choose from. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources website lists several resources for finding courses near you. Courses are often run by local Coast Guard Auxiluary units, DNR law enforcement or sail and power squadrons. There are several online options as well, including Boat-Ed, Boater Exam or the Boat US Foundation. Information for these online courses (including pricing) is on the GADNR website.

Other provisions of Senate Bill 136, which went into effect on May 15, 2013, include lowering the maximum blood alcohol level from .10 to .08 for anyone operating a boat. This now makes the legal blood acohol limit the same for boating and driving. The new law also increases penalties for those caught boating while intoxicated. In addition, the new legislation tightens life jacket laws, requiring anyone on a moving boat who is 13 years old or younger to wear a life jacket (previously, it was recommended for kids under 13 and required for kids under 10).

These changes stem from the three boating-related deaths of children in Georgia last summer. We think they are good changes, ones that should make our children safer and keep everyone a bit more responsible for safety on the water.

What do you think of these new boating laws?

The Most Popular of Them All

Over the past several weeks, we have sold lots of Lowe 175 Stingers. A whole heck of a lot of them. You might have seen the pictures on Facebook. But just in case you haven't, here are a few of them again:



Now you might be wondering why all of these people went with the same boat. We'll tell you why. And we'll also tell you that you should get down here before the rest of them are gone.

These alumninum boats are unlike any other in their class. They were designed by bass, crappie and multi-species anglers, and are more stable and run better with lesser HP outboards and heavier 4-stroke engines. They also have the widest decks - up to 50% wider than other boats - which make them great for fishing and super roomy (why do you think all of these couples are buying this boat?). In fact, the cockpit will sit 3 people - and comfortably at that. And there are 36 square feet of bow deck space. The boat has dual aerated livewells, a Lowrance fish finder and a rod locker. And there's other storage compartments for your other gear. 

Right now, if you buy this Lowe 175 Stinger, you'll get a $1,000 rebate and a free cover, which is pretty sweet. 

So, what else could you want in a fishing boat this size? Come on down to check them out before everyone else has one and you're left out!

Finding the Life Jacket for You

You might not like to wear them, but life jackets (also known as life vests or PFDs) are an essential part of staying safe on the water. Sure, you might be an excellent swimmer, but what happens if you get tossed off your boat and are knocked unconscious on the way in the water? Or, if you fall into chilly waters, how will you conserve energy and stay afloat? Now, we don't want to be all Debbie Downer. But we do think it's important to know how to choose the best life jacket for you.

Requirements
All recreational vessels must have at least one Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (life jacket) that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved, the proper size for each person on board, in good condition and readily accessible. Additionally, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one Type IV (throwable) USCG-approved personal flotation device on board (and it needs to be easily accessible). Any person younger than 10 years old must wear a PFD in Georgia. The only exception to this is when the child is in a fully enclosed cabin.

Choosing
We like this graphic from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission that explains the different types of PFDs:

For adults, chest size will determine what size PFD is necessary. For children, this is determined by weight. Once you've selected the right size, follow these steps:

• Loosen all the straps, put PFD on and zip up.
• Starting at the waist, tighten all the straps. The PFD should feel snug but not uncomfortable.
• Have someone pull up on the shoulders. If it moves up past your nose, tighten the straps. If you can't and/or it still moves, you need a smaller size.
• If possible, test your PFD in a pool or shallow water. It should not ride up or slip over your chin while floating.

To fit a child, follow basically the same steps. Pick them up by the shoulders of the life jacket, and make sure the vest is snug overall.

We recommend: Once you've adjusted your life jacket to the perfect fit, leave it that way! Keep extra jackets on board for your guests. That way, your favorite jacket is always the right size.

Do not alter a PFD to make it fit - choose one that works for you. There are many different styles, and many companies make separate men's and women's fits. Further, automatic inflatable vests have become increasingly popular, which allow you to wear a slimmer, more minimal vest that automatically inflates if you hit the water. Choose whatever vest you will be the most comfortable in.

Caring
Like with many things, if you treat your PFD with care, it will have a long life. Don't use it as a cushion or boat bumper, which can decrease its buoyancy. Don't leave your PFD laying in the hot sun for extended periods of time - this will cause the fabric and inner components to wear and crack. Upon your return from a salt water adventure, give your vest a rinse with fresh water before allowing it to drip dry (not in the direct sun!). Store in a cool, dry place with good ventilation to prevent moisture from building or sitting.

What suggestions do you have for anyone looking to purchase or care for a PFD? Any tips or tricks you've learned over the years?

Win a Jon Boat!

Yes, it's pretty much as simple as it sounds: Lowe Boats is giving away a free Jon boat in one of six colors.



What are they giving away? One lucky winner will receive a Lowe 1436 Jon boat in their choice of 6 available colors. The boat has all-aluminum construction which makes it a rugged and durable workhorse for a variety of uses. According to their website, "every Lowe boat delivers premium quality and versatility at an unbeatable value, including high-performance bass and deep-V fishing boats, innovative new pontoons, professional-grade jons and more."

Interested? Just go to their website and register to win! 

If you're looking for something a bit more upgraded from a Jon boat, check out our inventory of Lowe boats - it's the largest in the South!

Packing for a Fishing Trip

Are you planning on leaving our fairly mild weather in Georgia to go fishing in much warmer climates? Or maybe you seek ice fishing? If you're driving, you can bring whatever gear you'd like. But if you are flying to your fishing destination, then you know you need to think a bit harder about what you bring. So here are some tips and tricks on packing your fishing gear for that plane trip:

Packing your rods: If you're bringing along rods, pack them in a sturdy rod tube you can check or pack 4 and 5 piece rods that can be packed in your main checked duffel. It's easy enough to use PVC pipes and plastic caps to make your own tubes. Just make sure they are clearly marked with your contact information and the ends are securely fastened if you are checking them.

Use a soft tackle bag: Hard tackle boxes can crack when tossed about by baggage handlers, so make use of a soft-sided tackel organizer instead. You can sometimes fit more in these bags than in your traditional box anyways! Consider taking apart your lures to fit more in. This creates a little more work upon arriving at your destination, but it may be worth it if you need a variety of sizes for fishing success.

Practice: Do a packing trial a few days before you need to do it for real. That way, you can experiment with how everything fits and alter your packing list as needed. Nothing like a little preparation to make the night before you leave a little less stressful!

Go incognito: If you don't have the latest in fishing travel gear, not to worry. It may be better to use bags that are not branded from a fishing company. That way, no one knows what's inside, and your gear is much less likely to be meddled with - or stolen.

Check out FishAbout for more packing tips (some of which are not specific to fishing).

Where are you taking your gear this year for a great fishing trip?

Your Phone, A Boat Tool

Are you the type of smartphone user that downloads a new app every day? Perhaps you're the opposite and you've only downloaded the few you need to get by. (Though you should make sure to have Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to keep up with us on the go!) But now, turn your attention to your nautical side and consider a few apps that can enhance your favorite hobby: boating.


New and experienced boaters alike can learn from the Boater’s Pocket Reference, an app chock full of information like U.S. and Canadian navigation rules, tips on boat handling, how to tie marine knots and much more. When your boat is out of the water, you can refer to Boater’s Pocket Reference for information on trailering and regular maintenance. Visual learners will appreciate the variety of charts, graphs and illustrations throughout the app that makes the content extremely easy to understand. While the app isn’t free – in fact, it’s $4.99 – it is highly ranked by iPhone users and includes a search function so you can quickly and easily find the information you need, right when you need it.


Keep your finger on the pulse of current weather and tide forecasts with the NOAA Buoy and Tide Data app, which accesses data from NOAA’s National Data Buoy Center. You can search for buoys by name or location and view a range of weather data, including wind speed, gusts and pressure. Tide predictions are also included, as are moon phases. The app is very reasonably priced at $1.99.


If, heaven forbid, something goes wrong on your next voyage, the free Sea Tow app can come to your rescue. You can contact their 24 hour dispatch center through the app, a handy feature if your VHF radio is on the fritz. In addition, the app contains tide and forecast information, and you can save up to seven locations for continued weather monitoring. Finally, the app features a compass and speedometer so you can always pinpoint your location on a map.


But before you can use any of these apps, you need to get your boat into the water. That’s where Boat Ramps comes in. This (free!) app allows you to search for ramps near your location, by zip code or by city. Once you’ve chosen a ramp, the app will provide you with directions. Reviews for the app, however, lament that it doesn’t provide more information about ramps, like fees (or lack thereof), restroom facilities or bait shops.

What are your favorite boating apps? How has your smart phone enhanced your boating experience, on and/or off the water?