Let's talk about boat design and construction safety. This is an important topic and not one to gloss over on the way to building your boat. First off consider the fact you, as the builder of your boat, are solely responsible for building it in a safe and functioning manner.

This is the reason that you don't want to cut corners. However, that said, considering liability issues, don't let fear of being sued stop you from building that boat!

I have purchased and reviewed many boating products, See what I have found out

Here's why...

As you are the builder, you are in complete control of the quality of the construction. I am sure you also want to build a boat that your family will enjoy for years to come. To do this you must keep quality as the number one priority.

To get you going there are three things you can do now that will ensure quality.

1) Use only the best design software available.

Good boat design software is foundation that is needed to build a strong and lasting boat. There are many software or CAD packages available and they vary in price hugely. However it should be noted that just because it is more expensive, this does not automatically mean it is better. It may simply have extra 'bells and whistles' that you simply will never need...

2) Use the proper building materials

Choosing the proper building materials to match the body of water your boat will be used on. I have already gone over this in more depth in one of my other articles, however to recap some of the materials that are available are: plywood, aluminum, fiberglass, wooden planks and even steel. Think of it this way, you wouldn't build a 17' fiberglass boat to be used solely on the open Ocean waters... that would be suicide. Be sure your method of choice is strong enough to withstand the waters the boat is going to be used on.

3) Keep in mind who will be using your boat.

For most of you that main people that will be with you in your boat are loved ones family or friends. You don't want anything to happen to your loved ones while they enjoy an evening on the water in your custom made boat. Keep this in mind and you won't take short cuts.

Common sense goes a long way in building a safe boat. You want to be proud of the final product, it's one thing if the boat sinks the very moment it hits water and altogether different if it sinks an hour out with you in it.

Finally, you want confidence in your creation when inviting others to join you onboard. A poorly built boat will offer no confidence at all. Definitely think safety at all times while building your custom boat and you will be fine. Not to mention, your time and money is going into this venture, so make sure it counts.

To see more information about the latest 3D/CAD Boat Design systems available, visit the review page here: Boat Design Software

Boat for hire on the Thames in London are like people - they come in a variety of shapes and sizes each more suited to a different situation! You can choose a more modern vessel with contemporary finishes and smooth lines, or alternatively you can opt for a completely different style such as a replica Mississippi paddle steamer, or a traditional wooden panelled boat. There are speed boats, jet boats, party boats, disco cruise boats, Sailing barges, slipper launches and power boats all available to charter.

The amount of people that you are planning to include on your trip is something that affects the vessel you choose fairly considerably. You can't fit 60 people in a small London speed boat although you can charter a fleet of identical Thames speed boats and cater for over 100 people in this way. If you are after a dinner cruise or disco cruise style charter in London and have low numbers there are scheduled Thames dinner cruises and disco cruises you can buy tickets to join. If you have higher numbers then it would be cost effective to look at a private charter of a Thames party boat.

Common sense prevails here, there is no point chartering a boat that can hold 350 if you only have 20 people. However depending on the type of function you may need to allow extra space so a bigger boat may be required. For example if you are having bigger entertainment options such as casino tables or a live band, then you may want to opt for a slightly bigger vessel.

As always in England, the weather is a factor that is advisable to take into account! For example, if you wish to use a boat with an open upper deck such as the M.V. Erasmus Thames party boat for a sight seeing trip, then it is best to book in the summer months to avoid disappointment! Alternatively, if you do not wish to go outside, you may prefer a London party boat with less open space such as the M.V. Golden Salamander. During the winter months, the boats are heated so there is no need to worry about being cold, particularly once the dancing is underway!

Another factor that you should consider when chartering a boat on the Thames in London is the sort of catering options required. For example, whilst menu options are generally vast across the board, some vessels are not appropriate for every menu. For example, on the M.V. Edwardian, whilst she is suitable for up to 100 people, if it is a silver service dinner you are looking for, she can only hold up to 60 people.

If you are after a static charter where the boat remains alongside the pier and doesn't cruise on the Thames, the Havengore is a perfect option. She is a very British boat that was viewed by 350 million people world wide when carrying Winston Churchill on his funeral - needless to say, there is a lot of history attached to her! The Havengore's base outside the new Hilton Hotel in the docks by Canary Wharf places her in a stunning location, particularly if you are lucky enough to catch the sun setting over the vast glass buildings of the city.

For a thrilling, adrenaline filled trip along the Thames, why not chose a RIB or Jet boat? These are fast manoeuvrable boats, capable of doing exciting tricks. They are an innovative way to impress business clients that shows flare and style, or alternatively, they can be used for transfer purposes to get to gigs at the O2 Dome, or just to play on the river!

People have many reasons for wanting to use self storage for things like boats, 4-wheelers, RVs, cars, motorcycles and small recreational vehicles like ATVs, and jet skis. Some people lack the space at their homes or apartment buildings to store these vehicles or they're using available space for other items. Others choose to store things like an extra car in self storage, where it's available should they need it, while securely stored and protected from the elements.

Sometimes the security offered at a self storage facility is much better than the security available when parking on the street in certain areas. And some people even use self storage as a convenient place to park when they work in cities, or areas where parking is limited and more expensive than the monthly fee at the self storage facility.

Regardless of the reason for using self storage for vehicles and boats, there are some good things to do before storing them to ensure that when you're ready to use them again, they'll be in tip-top condition.

The type of vehicle storage you choose will depend mostly on your budget, how protected you want the vehicle to be from the elements, and how much security you want. An outdoor storage unit is the least expensive, but also the least protected from both the weather and would-be thieves. As long as the storage facility has excellent security and good lighting for its outdoor units, security may not be an issue. But the vehicle will be exposed to the outdoor elements, even if the unit has a roof or a carport over the top, or is an open, garage-type structure.

These outdoor units are best for vehicles that are large, like RV storage, vehicles that aren't very valuable (you wouldn't want to store that classic show car in outdoor storage, for instance) or that aren't going to be put in long term storage. Many facilities even have hook ups for RVs in each unit.

You can also find vehicle storage in a drive-up garage space that offers a garage-type door over each unit, rather than being open. Drive-up storage costs more than outdoor storage but offers protection from the elements (though probably not the temperature, unless it's a climate control storage unit) and more security.

A drive up indoor storage unit will cost the most, as it's most likely a climate control unit that won't go below 50 or 60 degrees, or above 80 degrees. This offers the most protection for your vehicle or boat.

When you're storing a vehicle that's not going to be used frequently, such as long term storage of a classic car during the winter months, you'll want to follow good storage preparation practices to make sure that your vehicle comes out of storage in the same condition it went in.

For most vehicles, a thorough cleaning is the first step. You want to clean both the inside and the outside of the vehicle thoroughly. Make sure that the engine is tuned up and that you've applied lubricant anywhere rust could possibly form. Make sure engine parts and moving parts are thoroughly dry when they should be, and lubricated otherwise. Any water left in the engine area can cause problems.

Also, don't just dust and vacuum the interior, but do a detailed cleaning. Even the smallest crumbs left in the vehicle can attract vermin, even in indoor storage. Make sure the tires are properly inflated, and in some cases you'll even want to put wooden planks or other material on the floor to drive the vehicle onto to protect it further, as well as to protect the floor. All vehicles should be cleaned and prepared in this manner, and boats should be dried especially well before storage to avoid damage.

Be aware that vehicle self storage, whether indoors or outdoors, is for running vehicles only. Your self storage facility will likely not allow you to store a vehicle that must be towed in, as they don't allow you to work on a vehicle while in self storage. Because of the fluids, fuels and chemicals used when working on engines and other parts of vehicles, this is prohibited.

Also, you'll want to check your vehicle storage often to make sure that the tires remain inflated at all times. Also, for boat storage, RV storage and vehicle storage, you'll probably need to show proof of ownerships and insurance, and make sure that the vehicles display valid license plates the entire time they're stored.

With the continual advancement of society, there are now many different material options that are available for building your boat.

I have already talked about plywood as one method, however you can also use aluminum, fiberglass, wooden planks and even steel as an option to when building your boat. Obviously the lighter the material you use the lighter your boat will be.

Many people choose to use plywood in the construction. It is best to use a marine grade plywood as this type has more water resistant qualities. From there one can cover the boat with epoxy to seal the wood. It is recommended to do this both inside and outside of the boat. Many boat builders use plywood so don't believe for a moment you shouldn't either. And another reason to use plywood is because it's economical. Marine grade will cost more but the glues are waterproof. Which is an obvious benefit when building a boat.

Did you also know that plywood is actually stronger than steel......

Don't you believe me? Plywood is actually stronger than steel when your are considering it by weight. And since plywood is lighter, and the strength greater, plywood really is the choice for amateur boat building.

Another method that many use for boat construction is fiberglass over rigid foam. This method is lighter than plywood construction and the strength comes from the fiberglass coating. Many people have used fiberglass coatings over a plywood base rather than a resin finish. Either way works fine and is up to you to decide how you desire to finish the exterior of your boat. In the end, it is your decision on how you want to build your boat.

The problem is that there is no one method that is hands down the best. The reason for this is that it depends upon how you want to actually use the boat. The main impact is what is the type the body of water you will most often use your boat. Rougher waters require a stronger design and build method, while on a calm surface, like a lake, a lighter body and material could easily be used.

Obviously you might not want a boat constructed with a foam shell on large open water. And you wouldn't need a boat constructed out of steel on smaller lakes. Yes there are many decisions you need to make when building a boat.

When you start out by designing your boat using any of the 3D boat design software that is on the market you should receive some hints and tips and maybe even already created plans. This will help you immensely with the building process, especially if you are a novice.

To see more information about the latest 3D/CAD Boat Design systems available, visit the review page here: Boat Design Software

So you love fishing, and you want to get your own fishing boat. You've got a lot of choices to make, including choosing a boat. Why should you buy an aluminum boat instead of, say, a fiberglass boat?

You'll find that you have a wealth of choices for buying boats. You can get, primarily, wooden or timber fishing boats, fiberglass boats and aluminum boats. All make fine boats, and for looks my choice is a timber fishing boat. Timber boats look great. They're often varnished so you can see the color and grain of the timber, and are hand made usually, so they have style. A timber fishing boat is a fine looking item.

But when you're thinking of buying a boat for fishing, it isn't really looks that count. Of course great looks are nice, but you need a boat that's tough, hard wearing, and long lasting, and doesn't take up lots of your precious fishing time on maintenance.

A timber boat is high maintenance. Trust me, I've had quite a few. You're always sanding timber, varnishing timber, repairing timber and lots more. Now if you're happy to be doing that then that's great, but recognize that's the price you pay for a great looking timber fishing boat. And a timber boat is often heavy, and will not last well, particularly if you aren't as diligent with your maintenance as you could be. And they puncture easily when you hit something, as I did last week.

But if you're not an enthusiast for working on boats then timber isn't your best choice.

What you want in a fishing boat is this. It needs to be tough. It needs to be low maintenance. It needs to be puncture resistant. It needs to last forever without spending hours working on it. It needs to be easily repairable. And it needs to be cost effective.

For me the best choice fishing boat is an aluminum fishing boat. Aluminum has properties which make it the perfect material for building fishing boats. It is very light and strong for it's weight, and can be easily welded, so is ideal for both building and repairing. It is extremely long lasting, and is very resistant to puncture. Now of course that doesn't mean it can't be damaged, as it can. But you need to hit it pretty hard to do some serious damage. And if you did that to a timber or fiberglass boat it will be very seriously damaged. And an aluminum boat may just dent, rather than fracture, so you can head right back home with nothing more to show than a dent, instead of possibly be the subject of a rescue from a sinking boat.

And it lasts forever if treated right. If you get a great aluminum fishing boat and treat it well you may well find yourself leaving it to your kids.

Because aluminum boats are light for their strength they often need a smaller engine, and the engine is probably the highest cost item. A smaller engine costs less, and uses less fuel.

And with a smaller engine they are also lighter and easier to handle.

And they require little maintenance. Make sure you hose your boat down after a day out, especially in saltwater, and if you drop a lead sinker make sure you pick it up, as it's not great to leave any other metal in contact with aluminum, otherwise you don't need to do too much maintenance at all. More fishing time.

And because aluminum boats last so well they also retain their resale value well. I bought a used aluminum fishing boat 2 years ago and it is currently worth a little more than I paid for it.

So there's plenty of good reasons to buy an aluminum fishing boat. Unfortunately they aren't cheap if you want to buy a new boat, but for the same reasons I've mentioned above, it's way better to buy a used aluminum boat, as a used boat is usually much cheaper than a new one, and retains it value well. I would never buy a new aluminum boat.

So grab yourself a great used aluminum fishing boat and get fishing this summer, it's the best way to get on the water.

For a boating lover, every aspect related to boating is very important. It would be very exciting for any boating lover to know about the best plywood boat plans, as then it is possible for him or her to build a unique masterpiece at home themselves. There are several methods available, by which you can prepare several boating accessories at home. Boating was not considered very popular previously, but now the trend is changing and more and more people are opting for boating, as a leisure time activity. The popularity of boating can be seen from the fact that there are large numbers of events organized in order to promote it.

There are several techniques available by which you can prepare your own plywood boat like with the help of some useful reference guides that would enable you to make your own accessories and are sufficient to provide the best boating pleasure. There are 2 techniques, by which you can make the masterpiece by your own. Out of the two methods, we are just going to take the first method here that would assist you in making the best possible masterpiece and that too on your own. As for everything, for this work also there is need of some special attributes like skill, intelligence, creativity etc. In addition, you must have the will to convert your dream into reality as well.

Among the two methods, we are considering the traditional method where first of all you need to make the plywood plans of all the things you require for making the project. In this method ply on the frame is used. Among other things, it is also very important that you should have the best tools to complete the project. Boating is really a pleasurable activity, but it is not just a measure for fun, rather it is also associated with the lives of several people. For this reason, it is very important not to make any mistakes in constructing the boat. Proper tools as well as materials should be used in order to ensure full safety. After considering the above aspects only, you can think of proceeding with the next step.

Starting with the first method of preparing the ply boat, the first and the foremost thing that is required is best quality wood. Quality of wood is very important because it is with the help of wood only, that you can make the best quality wooden frame that is a must for the whole construction. This wooden frame is popularly known as the ribs. The ribs are positioned in such a way that the hull can be built on the upside down direction with the help of the jig.

After the first phase is over, the next thing is to attach the longitudinal members of the wooden frame with the notch slots that are available in the ribs. The first element used is quite heavy and is known as keelson and it runs to the center down to the ribs. It is on the forward end point of this element only, that the vertical timber is attached. This vertical timber is known as stem and is used in forming the prow for the plywood boat.