All eyes of the marina will be on you when you come in to dock your powerboat – so the question is – will you look like a Gilligan or a competent captain? It all depends on whether you […]
boating in houston
2013 Boating Industry Recap by the Numbers
Five years ago the boating industry was in serious trouble with low sales and all-time-low participation. Fast forward to today and the industry is valued at $121.5 billion, employing more than 338,000 Americans. Here is a closer look at […]
Shore Shots: Best Lakes in the Lone Star State
The weather’s warming up and the lakes are calling your name. Texas is home to dozens of beautiful lakes sure to fit your boating lifestyle. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or prefer to take in the views, there’s a […]
You Bought an ATV – Now What?
Operating an ATV is definitely a big responsibility and can be an intimidating process for the rookie driver. We all want to believe that we are natural at teaching others how to drive; the fact is there are many […]
Errors the Novice Hiker Makes
Hiking trails that are strenuous and unsuitable for beginners or those with a fear of heights are just one of the mistakes that novice hikers make. They are generally out of shape and even though they are exhausted, cranky […]
Double Check Your Gear and Safety Tips – It’s Deer Season!
Are you sitting there reading this article in your bright orange hunting clothing and accessories just waiting for deer hunting season to start? Well, it’s literally just around the corner so we thought it would be a good time […]
10 Pieces of Outdoor Gear You Shouldn’t Leave the City Without
The many upgrades to camping equipment over the past 5 years have made “roughing it” a little less rough! Keeping it simple seems to be the key when it comes to camping so here are 10 of the top […]
Good-Bye Summer
The end of summer is upon us. “Back to School” ads are pervasive. Sadly, it is time to start thinking about boat winterizing. The only thing that could be worse than the end of summer is returning next spring […]
Row Row Row Your Boat
Canoeing is a great outdoor activity. Picture yourself slicing through the water in sync with your paddle strokes. You float on a peaceful lake with the wind at your back. There is no motor to interfere with the serene […]
Changing Your Angle
Many anglers are claiming that it is getting harder to catch bass – not just in summer – but all year long. Have the bass learned how to outsmart fishermen? Some experts claim the warmer winters and dry weather […]
Green Makes Blue
With each new generation you are seeing a more environmentally conscious population of people. This is also true for those in the boating world. There are things that boat owners can do to keep our rivers, lakes, and waterways […]
Boater Education Course Set
For Immediate Release BOATER EDUCATION COURSE SET Houston, TX…. A course in boater education has been scheduled for Saturday, January 12, 2013 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the 2013 Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, according to Kevin […]
Keeping Waterways Environmentally Friendly
With over 22 million registered recreational boaters, simple day-to-day changes in how we operate and maintain our vessels will go a long way in protecting our valuable water resources. Take the first step, and learn more about easy things […]
Spooky Night on the Water
Halloween on your boat can be tons of fun. In Texas, it could possibly still be quite warm. However, in many areas of Texas and other more northern parts of the country, the weather will most likely be cool, […]
Closer Than They Appear
It goes without saying; small boats should steer clear of large merchant ships. On the waterfront, it is called the law of gross tonnage, and the bigger ship will undoubtedly always win. Viewed from a smaller ship, larger ships […]
The Name Game
Many speculate that the tradition of naming your boat originated centuries ago during the time of the ancient Egyptians on the Nile River. It has been said that boat owners spend more time searching for the perfect name for […]
Preparing Your Boat for Winter
Why should I invest time and money into a boat that I won’t use during the winter? This is a common question that arises when it comes to taking the time to winterize your boat. Boat chores are never […]
The Simple Act of Wearing a Hat
Every head needs sun protection. In fact, the simple act of wearing a hat can dramatically reduce the chances of skin cancer and premature aging by shading the face, scalp, ears and neck. These areas are also a common […]
Lazy Summer Afternoon Picnics
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the last of those lazy summer afternoons in the sunshine and can be a cost effective family day out. Emma Bridgewater, the handmade kitchen and dinnerware company, has created top five tips […]
Sunscreen Buying Guide – Top Picks
It’s hard to pick a sunscreen. You approach the shelf and are tasked with choosing between at least 20 different tubes. Not only that, each has a different level of protection, a special scent, an application method, and the […]
Risky Drinking Can Put a Chill on Your Summer Fun
Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor activities with family and friends. For many people, a day at the beach, on the boat, or at a backyard barbecue will include drinking alcoholic beverages. But excessive drinking and summer activities […]
Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer
Now that summer is in full swing, it is time for children to enjoy some “fun in the sun.” Hiking, playing in the park, swimming in lakes, bicycling, tubing, eating at barbeques, skateboarding and watching fireworks are just a […]
Man’s Best Friend
Many boat owners are also pet owners. And as valued members of the family, pets are often included in boating outings. A vital recommendation for safety of your pet onboard is the inclusion of life jackets. Many think all […]
Lights and Launches
Specific lighting configurations are required for boats operating between sunset and sunrise or in times of restricted visibility. Do not assume that your boat came from the factory or showroom with all the proper equipment. It’s your responsibility to […]
Props to You
You have a boat. You are learning the ropes and beginning to appreciate the performance aspect of your boat. As a new or experienced boat owner, there may come a time when there is a need to improve the […]
Yes You Can – Own a Boat!
Imagine yourself packing up the family or close friends for an adventure packed day on your boat. No matter if you love the open sea, enjoy the whine of a reel or just like the whip of the wind […]
Everything is Bigger in Texas!
Texas is BIG. Texas is the second largest state in the US. Everything about Texas is big, from the population of 24.3 million to the sheer landmass of the state—all 268,820 square miles of it. The top cities: Dallas, […]
Naming Your Boat
Boat names are inspired in many different ways. Boat names should be unique and reflect something about the nature of the boat owner’s life, family, or business. What makes a boat name truly unique? A boat name should be […]