Boat Tips

Basics of the Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: What You Need to Know

By zelliott | May 2, 2025

The Minn Kota Ultrex is a trolling motor designed for anglers who seek the precision of cable steering combined with advanced GPS capabilities. It offers a hybrid system that provides the tactile feedback of traditional cable steer with the added benefits of electronic assist and GPS-based features.​ One of the standout features of the Ultrex is…

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Understanding Garmin’s Chart Types: Navigation, Fishing, 3D, and More

By zelliott | April 30, 2025

Garmin chartplotters and fish finders don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to on-screen mapping. Instead, they offer a range of chart views—each tailored for specific tasks like safe navigation, detailed structure scanning, or visualizing terrain in three dimensions. The different chart types aren’t just visual options—they’re built with distinct data layers and…

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Getting Started with the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2

By zelliott | April 26, 2025

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 chartplotter and fishfinder combo aimed at serious anglers and boaters who want a high-end unit without stepping all the way into the commercial realm. Available in 10-inch and 12-inch display sizes, the Ultra 2 delivers crisp touchscreen clarity with the kind of features you’d expect from a modern, high-performance marine…

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2025 Best Center Consoles Under $50,000

By zelliott | April 22, 2025

In an era where boat prices continue their relentless climb and manufacturers seem fixated on producing massive, head-turning center consoles with eye-watering price tags in the high six to seven figures, finding an affordable option has become increasingly challenging for the average boating enthusiast. The market’s obsession with bigger, flashier, and more luxurious vessels has…

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Fleet-Based vs. Fractional Boat Clubs: What’s the Difference?

By zelliott | April 20, 2025

Joining a boat club has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy life on the water—without the hassle of boat ownership. But as the industry grows, so do the options, and not all boat clubs follow the same model. For many prospective members, the choice often comes down to two distinct approaches: fleet-based clubs that…

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Top 10 Beginner Center Consoles

By zelliott | April 7, 2025

Stepping into the world of center consoles can be exciting, but with so many options, it’s tough to know where to start. Whether you’re looking for a boat to fish coastal waters, cruise with friends, or just enjoy time on the water, picking the right model makes all the difference. The best beginner-friendly center consoles offer manageable…

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Top 10 Aluminum Boats of 2025

By zelliott | April 4, 2025

Aluminum boats have long been a favorite for anglers, hunters, and recreational boaters alike—and for good reason. They’re lightweight, durable, easy to trailer, and built to handle a wide range of conditions without the high maintenance demands of fiberglass models. Whether you’re cruising a quiet lake or pushing through skinny backwaters, aluminum boats offer a…

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The Impact of Engine Hours on Boat Value

By zelliott | April 2, 2025

You’ve found it—the perfect boat. The hull is spotless, the price fits your budget, but then you see the engine hours: 400. Is that a steal or a red flag? Engine hours are like a boat’s odometer, ticking away its life story, and they can make or break your buy. Too many, and you’re eyeing…

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Planning for a Boat Purchase

By zelliott | March 30, 2025

Buying a boat can feel like jumping overboard without a life jacket—exciting, but overwhelming if you’re not ready. Timing’s everything: rush it, and you might overpay or miss red flags; drag it out, and your dream ride could slip away. Whether you’re eyeing a fishing rig, a family cruiser, or a sleek speedster, a smart…

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Spring Boating Prep: Your Complete Checklist for 2025

By zelliott | March 28, 2025

Spring is calling, and the water’s waiting. After months of winter storage, your boat’s ready to shake off the cobwebs and dive into the 2025 season—but only if you prep it right. A little effort now can mean the difference between a flawless first trip and a frustrating breakdown. Whether you’re chasing fish, cruising with…

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Top 10 Beginner Bass Boats

By zelliott | February 23, 2025

Buying your first bass boat can feel overwhelming—there are countless options, each packed with different features, price points, and performance levels. As a beginner, you want a boat that’s easy to operate, stable on the water, and equipped with the right balance of storage, power, and fishability. Whether you’re planning to hit small local lakes…

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How Boat Prices Work: Base Price, MSRP, and What You’ll Really Pay

By zelliott | January 28, 2025

Making Sense of Boat Prices Shopping for a boat can feel overwhelming, especially when you start seeing terms like “base price,” “MSRP,” and “out-the-door price” thrown around. If you’re new to the world of boats, you might wonder what all these different prices mean and how they fit into your budget. Understanding boat prices is…

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Boat Club Membership vs. Buying a Boat: Which is Right for You?

By zelliott | January 7, 2025

Join a Boat Club or Buy Your Own Boat? Picture this: the sun is shining, the water is calm, and you’re ready to hit the open waves. But before you can fully embrace the boating lifestyle, there’s one big decision to make—should you join a boat club or invest in buying your own boat? It’s…

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Top 10 Boat Shows in 2025

By zelliott | December 30, 2024

Boat shows are more than just a chance to browse new boats—they’re an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just dipping your toes into the boating world, the top boat shows are must-see events. They offer a unique opportunity to explore the latest boats, compare models side by side, and even score exclusive boat…

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Boat Loan Basics: Financing Your Dream Boat

By zelliott | December 28, 2024

Dreaming of owning a boat but not sure how to make it happen? You’re not alone. For most people, buying a boat outright isn’t an option, and that’s where boat loans come in. Financing a boat can make your dream a reality by breaking the cost into manageable monthly payments. But before you dive into…

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When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?

By zelliott | December 21, 2024

If you’ve ever wondered, “When is the best time to buy a boat?” you’re not alone. For many boaters, the timing of their purchase can make a big difference in cost, selection, and overall experience. While boating is a year-round passion for some, the market itself ebbs and flows with the seasons, and knowing how to navigate…

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The True Cost of Boat Ownership: Beyond the Purchase Price

By zelliott | December 19, 2024

Owning a boat is one of life’s great joys—picture it: sun on your face, wind in your hair, and endless adventures on the water. But let’s be real for a second: there’s a lot more to boat ownership than just paying the sticker price. Sure, the initial cost of buying a boat is a big…

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New vs. Used Boats: Which is Right for You?

By zelliott | December 15, 2024

Buying a boat is an exciting journey, but let’s face it—it’s also a big decision. One of the first questions every buyer faces is, “Should I go for a shiny new boat or save some money and buy used?” It’s a choice that feels a little like buying a car but with even more to…

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Boat Prices at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

By zelliott | November 27, 2024

The 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has come and gone, leaving behind a wake of sun-soaked memories, dazzling vessels, and, of course, plenty of conversations about boat prices. If you’ve ever attended this iconic event, you know it’s more than just a boat show—it’s a celebration of all things nautical, from sleek center consoles…

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Top 10 Center Console Brands for Beginners

By zelliott | November 16, 2024

Choosing your first boat is an exciting journey, but it can also feel a bit daunting. With so many options, it’s important to find a brand that offers a combination of ease of use, quality construction, and features that make your time on the water enjoyable. These 10 center console boat brands cater to first-time…

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