A trolling motor is used to slowly and quietly hold position, troll along weed beds, or slow the drift against wind and currents. They come in bow and transom mount.

There are several things to consider when shopping for a trolling motor. Do you want bow or stern mount? Generally speaking, a boat is easier to pull than push through the water. It is also easier to move the bow than the stern due to the difference in size and weight. These factors make a bow mounted trolling motor the most popular type. A bow mounted unit gives greater control, faster response, and easier positioning.

The next item to research is the type of controller you would like to use. You can select a hand tiller, foot switch, or laser wireless. The foot switch controller is the most popular. It connects through an electrical cord and leaves both hands free for fishing

A trolling motor is rated by the amount of thrust it exerts. Thrust is what counts the most. While motor output in terms of horsepower will have an impact on trust, propeller shape, pitch and dimensions, and the motor speed in RPM work together to create the thrust rating. The propeller is especially important and is designed to achieve maximum acceleration and immediate response.

Next up for consideration is the battery. You don’t want to skimp in this area. It’s very frustrating to have a trolling motor stop due to a dead battery. For example, a trolling motor that takes 40 amps is purchased. You will be using the motor for an average of six hours at about half load, so that would be 20 amps continuous drain over the six hour period. This motor will need a battery pack of 120 Ah just to keep operating over the full six hour period.

To keep the above trolling motor operating without damaging the batteries, a battery pack rated at 240 Ah should be used. This keeps deep cycling at about 50%. Ideally, you should select a battery pack for this scenario that is rated at 20 amps for 10 hours. This would cover you in case the motor is used at greater than 50% power for an extended period.

Shaft length must be correct to ensure optimum control. If the shaft is too short, the prop will not stay in the water during rough conditions. A shaft that’s too long will cause problems in shallow water due to prop strikes and also will kick up material from the bottom.

Keep your trolling motor clean and dry when it is not being used. Never leave it outside on a boat that’s not covered. Be sure to disconnect the batteries. If the trolling motor has been heavily used, have it checked and cleaned of excess carbon dust. This dust will wreck motor brushes.

Camping can be a fun and rewarding activity for the entire family. Getting away from stress and setting your own schedule brings a feeling of relaxation and accomplishment. But you can’t just jump into an RV and take off. A successful camping trip requires a lot of planning.

First you have to purchase or rent camping gear. You need shelter such as a tent, cabin, or RV, and you need something to sleep on. This could be a bed, sleeping bag, pad, cot, air mattress, etc. Next up would be food, cooking appliances, and utensils. You also need emergency first aid supplies.

First time campers should take a trip with someone that’s experienced and knows the type of camping gear you will need. This is the fastest way to learn. People that camp a lot already have all the necessary camping gear and can show you how to use it.

There is no need to buy the most expensive camping equipment on the market. Mid-priced camping gear will work just fine for most trips. One area that must be addressed is the type of sleeping equipment you will use. If going to cold areas and using sleeping bags, make sure the ones you purchase are rated for the expected temperature range where you will be staying.

Your first tent should provide adequate weather protection. It needs to be large enough to hold all occupants with gear and still be comfortable. A lot of people use popup campers instead of tents. These work very well and also get you up off the ground. The only issue is setup and takedown time, but this is not really much of a problem if you are going to be staying for a week or more.

Making a bed at the campground is not difficult. You need padding to cushion you from the ground or hard surface in an RV or trailer. Inflatable and closed-cell pads work well. Your sleeping bag goes on top of the pad. Again, make sure your bag is rated for the temperature range. If it gets too warm, you can sleep on top of the bag with a sheet or blanket. Don’t forget to bring a pillow!

Cooking can be one of the more pleasant activities when camping. There are a lot of recipes on the Internet that you can try. If you are good at backyard grilling, you most likely have a lot of different ideas to use. Don’t forget to pack everything you need. Most campgrounds have grills available for use. You can also purchase a propane stove and cook anywhere you like. And there is always campfire cooking. Just be sure to use good safety precautions with a campfire.

Camping gear can be purchased new or used from a lot of resources. There is nothing wrong with buying used equipment and you can save a lot of money this way. Check the gear closely and make sure it works as expected before you buy. If you are looking at something that uses propane or other gas, be sure to check for leaks and worn parts (like hoses) that could be dangerous.

Global positioning system - GPS - is a huge advance in navigation. Highly accurate map capable units can be purchased at reasonable prices and are readily available just about everywhere.

The Global Positioning System is a network of satellites in different orbital paths. A GPS unit establishes contact with at least three of these satellites and uses the information received to determine altitude, longitude, and latitude. The unit takes measurements constantly and plots your path on a map (for mapping enabled GPS units), and also provides a digital display of relevant information. In order to calculate altitude, the unit must have access to at least four satellites. There are no fees or setup charges to use GPS.

GPS receivers are extremely accurate due to their parallel multi-channel operation. This type of unit is quick to lock onto satellites and will hold the lock in dense foliage or city streets with tall buildings and other obstructions. Most portable GPS receivers are accurate to within 10 feet.

Twelve channel GPS devices are fairly standard. These receivers can lock onto more than one satellite at the same time. They hold the lock and are very accurate. This is important if you plan to use the unit while hiking or camping.

Most handheld receivers weigh about 10 ounces. This is an important consideration if you want to carry the GPS device in your pocket. If you plan to use your GPS device outdoors or in a boat, you must get a waterproof model. Salt water can ruin an ordinary GPS receiver, so look for a marine rated unit if it will be operated in a boat.

Battery life is almost always shorter than the manufacturer’s advertised time. You might want to purchase a spare set of batteries and use the power adapter in your RV or boat whenever possible.

Make sure the GPS map can be updated with a simple download procedure. Roads and highways change all the time and the installed map will eventually become obsolete. Check the price of the download. It can be surprisingly expensive in some models.

You should keep paper maps and navigation guides such as a compass to backup your GPS. Batteries can run down, or the unit might lose contact with the satellites. Having paper maps available (and knowing your current location on them) will give you peace of mind when traveling or hiking.

RV portable generators are very dependable as long as routine maintenance is followed. People have problems when the generator is stored for a period of time without use. This can cause the unit to be difficult to start. In some cases, it will not start at all until serviced. Depending on weather and storage conditions, starting and surging problems can develop in as little as one month.

Running the generator occasionally will keep it in good working order. You need to check the oil and change it at the correct intervals. It’s a bad idea to leave fuel in the tank during storage. Instead, pour a very small amount into the tank and run the generator until it is completely out of fuel.

 Always keep in mind that a fuel powered portable generator will produce carbon monoxide. The exhaust system should be inspected for any cracks or other leaks before use. Portable generators can be positioned so exhaust is blown away from the camping area. Install a good carbon monoxide detector in your RV and test it regularly.

Generators will either have an automatic transfer switch to sense if you are using line voltage, or you will have to plug the RV power cord into a receptacle to use it. Be careful and observe all safety precautions that come with the unit. Don’t handle cords or anything else that’s electrical while standing on a wet surface or when barefoot.

A gasoline generator should be operated with a 50% load for at least two hours every month. It is extremely important that you run your generator with this load. Running it with nothing attached can cause overheating of the windings and damage to the unit. Check your generator owner’s manual for load ratings.

Other maintenance intervals for generators are based on usage and are usually expressed in operating hours. Some units have an hour meter so you can monitor the time. Keep an eye on this and plan for required maintenance before taking off on a trip.

Following a basic preventative maintenance plan will keep your portable generator operating efficiently for many years.

Fishing boats are a lot of fun! It’s great to get out on the water in the morning. I like to wake up early and have a good breakfast before starting out. To me, if the sun is already bright, then I’ve slept too late.

Purchasing a used fishing boat is a good way to save money provided you pay attention to details. You also have to know a lot about boats and motors. Take a mechanic along if you need the extra help. Promise to take him fishing as payment! That works a lot of the time and you gain another fishing buddy in the process.

Choosing the right fishing boat can be a challenge. You have to know what’s important to you. If you tend to fish alone or with one or two friends, size can be on the low end of the range. Remember that shallow water fishing is a lot different from deep sea. The distance you have to travel on the water in order to reach the fishing areas is also important. Obviously you need to carry enough fuel for a round trip with a reserve for emergencies. Speed also comes into play. You don’t want to spend half your day just getting to your location. And don’t forget to include storage for gear and items such as food.

Fishing boat designs vary a lot and depend on intended use. Boats used in shallow waters will not work for deep seas. Shallow water boats have storage and holders for fishing poles, bait, tackle, and tanks designed to hold live fish. They also feature a large, open platform that allows an angler to work the rod on all sides of the boat.

All purpose fishing boats are for those that fish primarily on lakes and streams. They come with space for fishing gear, several bench seats or a few pedestal chair-back seats, and a simple steering station. They can be aluminum, wood or fiberglass and are almost always outboard powered. Most are outfitted with a foot-operated electric trolling motor. Sizes range from about 15 to low 20’s and will carry up to 4 anglers with gear. This type is very popular and can be purchased both new and used at reasonable prices.

Bass boats are faster than the all purpose type and can reach speeds of 60+ mph. They can handle larger outboards with lots of storage space for gear. There is usually a full complement of electronics. Most bass boats are made of fiberglass or aluminum. Sizes range from about 16 to mid 20’s and will hold up to 4 anglers with gear.

Center console fishing boats allow angling from any place on deck because the control console is mounted in the center of the boat. These models are generally outboard powered and a few have small cabins. Sizes range from about 15 - mid 30’s and will accommodate up to 6 people with gear.

Offshore boats are for fishing in big water. They have durable deep vee-hulls made of fiberglass and aluminum. They often come with twin inboards, large fuel capacities for long range and sophisticated electronics. There is a cabin that’s large enough for crew and guests. Sizes are from mid 30’s to 60’s and can carry 6 or more guests with equipment.

Boat covers help to protect against damage from snow, rain, wind, and sun. But you don’t want to use just any type of cover. The material and fit are vital to protect your boat as well as the cover itself.

Weather takes a heavy toll on a boat. Wood can become dry and this causes shrinking that leads to open seams and cracking. Paint will also “craze” - develop small cracks - that make the surface look dull.

The opposite problem is water penetration of the boat material. Wood can absorb water in areas where the finish is worn. Fiberglass that has cracks or other entry points will become water logged and heavy. If this happens in the winter, the water will freeze and split the wood or fiberglass. That leads to further damage when exposed areas allow even more water to enter.

An important feature of high quality boat covers is the ability to “breathe”. Without this feature, trapped moisture cannot escape. This leads to all kinds of moisture related problems such as mold and mildew. That’s why most boat covers are made of cotton.

Cotton is made waterproof by using a very tight weave. This allows the material to swell when exposed to moisture and this swelling causes pores to close and prevent water from entering. When dry, the material shrinks and opens the pores to allow trapped moisture to escape.

Uncoated cotton is also nonabrasive and this allows the boat cover to be installed down to the waterline without scuffing and damaging the surface. Extending the cover down to the waterline is better for securing it because wind can’t get under the fabric and pull the cover loose.

You also need a frame to support the cover so it can shed snow and ice. These frames (and usually the covers) can be custom built for each boat. You can also find ready-made systems for popular boat designs and these do a good job of protecting your boat. Make sure you purchase a system that’s easy to install and remove. Storage is also a consideration and the system you purchase should be designed to take up very little space when not being used.

Boat covers, especially custom built units, cost a lot of money. But the price is worth it when compared to fixing damage caused by weather. Ordering custom covers in the offseason will usually get you a good discount.

Choosing the correct fly fishing rod means the difference between an enjoyable trip and a lousy one. Pick the wrong type and you will work yourself to exhaustion.

Graphite rods are a good choice. They are light, durable, and provide a smooth cast. While a little pricey, they are well worth the small additional cost. The light weight will be appreciated after casting for an extended period of time.

The action of the rod is the next thing to consider. This is the bending resistance and comes in fast, medium, and slow designations. Fast action fly fishing rods are stiff and will set a hook with little effort. They will also lose a fish if you are too aggressive. Beginning anglers usually do better with medium actions. Check the bend of the rod to be sure it’s smooth and even with no soft spots.

Fly fishing rods come in lengths of 4 to 18 feet. Longer rods will cast farther with less effort. For tight spaces, use shorter rods because they won’t get hung-up when you cast. An 8 to 9 foot fly rod will satisfy the needs of most situations. Go with an 8 foot rod if you primarily fish small to mid-sized rivers. A 9 foot rod is a good choice for float fishing, large rivers, and casting in windy conditions. You can also get an 8 1/2 foot rod, which is very popular.

Try different grip shapes and sizes for comfort and control. Remember that you will be casting the rod a lot and comfort is critical. Control is also related to rod action and determines how you set the hook.

Check your fly shop for complete packages that include a rod, reel, and line. These are good choices for beginners. More experienced anglers will likely prefer to purchase everything separately.

Buying a used boat motor is a lot like buying a used car. You can save quite a bit of money and enjoy reasonable service if you know what to look for. The opposite is also true. You can have a ton of problems and find yourself stranded in the water. Believe me, this is no fun at all. It can also be dangerous if the motor decides to fail when you are a long way from shore or trying to outrun rapidly changing weather.

When buying a used boat motor, there are several important items to pay attention to. If it is currently mounted on a boat, take it for a test ride. Run the motor through all ranges of power. Make sure it idles smooth and comes up to full speed without hesitation. Look at the water pump discharge to see if the pump is working properly to keep things running cool. Watch for any type of fluid leak.

Things get a lot harder if the motor is sitting on a stand. Ask the owner about the age of the motor and if there is a record of maintenance and repairs. Also inquire about actual run hours. Remove the cover (outboard motor) and look for signs of leaks and cracks. Also look for welds that were not made at the factory. Check the prop for any signs of damage and wobble. Don’t forget to ask for the owner’s manual.

You’ll need a compression test to check the cylinders. Compression between cylinders should not vary by more than 10%. Any more than that indicates excessive cylinder and ring wear or possible valve leaks on four stroke engines.

Hire a mechanic to perform the inspection if you are not experienced with used boat motors. A good mechanic could prevent you from making a very costly mistake. The money spent is well worth the price and will make the purchasing decision a little smoother.

RV rentals are quite popular. People rent for a variety of reasons, from “try before you buy” to “I just want to rent an RV for one vacation.” Whatever the reason, RV rentals provide a good way to enjoy a vacation without the hassle of outright ownership. For additional fees, some rental companies will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load your personal items and go.

The most common rentals are motor homes. They are easier to drive because they operate similar to an automobile. Of course, you have to take the overall size into consideration. Be careful about height requirements when pulling into camping areas. It’s pretty easy to damage the roof from a low hanging tree limb or some other object. There can also be several blind spots that mirrors don’t show. Watch yourself when changing lanes.

Rental cost depends on the size and age of the RV, the season, length of rental time, additional services like delivery if requested, outfitting with linens, dishes, and food if you don’t want to do this yourself. Look for companies that are running specials. These discounts can be quite large in the offseason.

A valid driver’s license and proof of age are required by all rental companies. You can also ask for basic driving instructions if you are not familiar with the model. Most RVs are not difficult to drive. As stated earlier, getting used to the overall size is the biggest concern.

Be sure to ask about insurance. Some companies require you to purchase protection, while others do not. Either way, you want to be covered for physical damages and liability. Your auto insurance might already provide this. Call your agent to find out.

Another consideration is mileage costs. Sometimes there will be a limit on the miles driven in a day. Going over that limit will incur additional charges. Ask about these before signing the rental form. There might also be a charge if the primary driver is under 25 years old. And some will charge extra if any driver is under the age limit. Check into this to be sure you know the true cost.

You will be required to make a deposit against damage. This charge will be refunded if you return the RV in good condition. The amount varies with different companies, but is usually around $500. You need to account for this when planning your trip.

Popup trailer campers are designed for people that want to spend some time outdoors without the expense and maintenance of an RV. Most are reasonably priced and can be stored without taking up a lot of room. They are a good choice for first time campers and families on a budget.

Popup campers are not quite as easy to set up as some might think. This is especially true if weather is not cooperating at the campsite. Wind, rain, and cold make the task a bit frustrating due to the time involved. Basically, a hand crank or hydraulic lift is used to open and lift up the top portion of the camper. Beds and other items are then slid out. The reverse is performed when it’s time to leave. While not excessively difficult, it’s not a fast process and you need to plan for this.

Most popup campers have canvas or soft sides. They weigh less than any other category of camper and that means you don’t need a truck with a large towing capacity. Many vehicles are capable of towing a popup camper. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for towing capacity and requirements.

Something to look out for is mountains. Besides the obvious hills that have to be climbed, air is thinner and that reduces engine power. Your vehicle will lose about 3% horsepower for every 1000 feet of elevation. Turbocharged and supercharged vehicles will not experience this type of loss. Just make sure the tow vehicle can handle the load if you plan to drive in high elevation areas.

Popup trailer campers have a low towing profile and that helps with both handling and fuel mileage. You shouldn’t need special side mirrors because the camper is folded and the rear window of the tow vehicle is not obstructed. You just have to account for the additional length of the camper when parking and turning sharp corners.

Backing up with an attached camper can take a lot of practice. You have to steer in the opposite direction that you want the trailer to go. Unless you have a lot of experience with this, have someone stand outside and guide you to prevent accidents or over-steering the trailer.

Popups usually have limited amenities because they are soft sided. This means that there is not much in the way of security regarding theft. Don’t leave items in the camper that a thief would want to take. Be careful where you camp. Most people I have encountered while camping are honest, but there is always someone that thinks he/she is entitled to take what they want.

Windy and cold rainy weather can make things difficult. Wind will rock the camper due to its light weight. Heavy rain will beat down on the top and can be noisy. Cold will come through the fabric and give everything a chill. Take good quality sleeping bags if you are going to camp where cold could be an issue.

Make sure everyone that will be using the camper really likes each other because there isn’t much privacy. Bathrooms (if equipped) are usually covered by a thin material and are not soundproof.

Overall, popup campers can be a lot of fun if you are the adventurous type. If you like going camping with a tent then you should be just fine in a camper. On the other hand, if you want more security and amenities, an RV would be a better choice.