Those of us who work in the yachting industry have been involved in such discussions many times. What is better; What should I choose? Many times, friends will hear some nice words, inspired by friends' "wrong" choices. "Where are you going with your umbrella?" etc. But how can we draw conclusions? It is very difficult, it is impossible! Each type of boat has advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will try to compare as many objective criteria as possible...
These criteria are:
Purpose of Use
First, we should see what its main purpose is. For example, if we like to fish, it would be good to prefer a polyester boat, without the danger of hooks. In addition, we can easily adapt rod boxes, trolling or trolling motors and much more.
Purchase cost
Another key criterion is the price. In general, inflatable boats are more expensive than polyester boats, of course comparing equal measures in each category. The cost of the balloon raises the price of the craft as it is more difficult to build and obviously more expensive.
Spaces on board
Inflatable boats generally have less space than their polyester inflatable counterparts. Balloons steal spaces, especially in the width of the boat. The same applies to the storage space on each boat. In general, polyesters are more comfortable in terms of space.
Port or Parking
Another criterion is whether we want the boat to be in the water all the time or to put it in and out every time. Polyester boats are more durable if we want them to stay in the water, with a special anti-osmosis pre-treatment before throwing it into the sea.
Inflatable boats, on the other hand, can quickly break down if left in the water. Balloons are more sensitive to the weather, so we prefer to keep them in a boat park, trailer and covered.
Navigation
A big topic of discussion was and will be the sailing of each boat. The length and depth of the hull determine how good or bad the sailing will be. In an inflatable boat, it is easier to have a deeper hull because the stability of the boat is supported by balloons.
Therefore, in the polyester boat, the hull design should ensure the stability of the boat. This means that a high handrail should also be designed at the same time to prevent water ingress.
In recent years, the Greek public has been very fond of inflatable boats with long narrow and deep hulls, as they provide fast sailing without particular vibrations.
Security
Big advantage of inflatable boats. Consider that all vessels for the Coast Guard, Special Forces, rescue vessels, etc. they are inflatable. This is because inflatable boats have a low center of gravity, generally deep hulls, as well as air chambers that make them safer in adverse weather conditions.
The inflatable boat is ideal if you want to go around the Aegean, face the weather and be willing to put your boat in a slip every time.
You will prefer a polyester boat if you like the closest trips with family and friends, your budget is limited, you like spaces, you like fishing and water sports and you want to have it permanently on the water.
All of the above are always valid as generalities. If we looked at specific boats, we could find many that deviate from the above general rules. So in conclusion, we see that everything is so relative and there is no absolute best or worst. The choice is mainly about the use of the boat.
Without a doubt, regular boat care is the most important thing to do if you want to look after your investment and maximize your days on the water. The most important part of boat maintenance is engine maintenance especially in winter season after summer.
If you do winter maintenance in time, fall can guarantee you some of your most enjoyable rides on the water. As you well know, regular maintenance of your engine extends its life and reduces the chances of a breakdown occurring.
But how often should you maintain your engine to ensure that you enjoy your boat ride to the maximum, without technical breakdowns and corrosion?
How often you service your boat depends on how often you use your boat at sea. Therefore the maintenance frequency is not the same for all boats as it depends on the frequency used. The rule of thumb is that it is beneficial to service your engine after every 100 hours of use or about once a year.
It should be emphasized that using your boat more often, ie a few hours each week, keeps the engine in better condition than using it two or three full days each month. The more often it is used, the better it will work. If it sits idle at the marina or in a garage for the majority of the time, the parts tend to break down faster.
As a Marine Center, we recommend that you have your engine and boat professionally serviced at least once a year, regardless of how much you use it, to ensure that the engine is running smoothly and without issues.
How do I know if I need engine maintenance for my boat?
There are a few signs that tell you that you need immediate engine maintenance, and it's helpful not to ignore them.
1) Unusual noises
Unusual noises coming from the boat engine may indicate that there is a problem and timely engine maintenance is needed. More often after the summer and after extended use, you may notice a gravel-like sound that may indicate that the engine bearings are worn. If you hear noises coming from the engine's Power Trim, there is likely air in the fluid. When you start hearing any strange noises coming from the engine, it is important to have your winter service done as soon as possible.
2) Big Vibrations
Small vibrations are quite normal when cruising your boat in open water. However, deep vibrations or excessive shaking may indicate an engine problem. Usually, vibrations in a marine engine are the result of worn engine mounts.
Motor mounts are designed to hold the motor in place and prevent contact between the motor and other metal contacts. Engine mounts are often neglected, which can lead to the rubber separating from the metal. If the vibrations are more severe than normal, then you should avoid using your boat in the water until you have the engine checked to avoid more catastrophic damage. Immediately proceed to engine maintenance with the help of the Marine Center experts
3) Electrolysis
Electroplating the engine and especially the outboard may not ruin a day of boating, but if you leave it too long, the component is more likely to fail or cause serious damage that will affect the functionality of the engine
4) Heat rise
Excessive heat in your boat engine can be another sign that there is a serious problem and engine maintenance is needed immediately. If you have excessive heat in your boat engine, you can try to pinpoint exactly where it's coming from. Be sure to be careful when inspecting your engine.
What checks you need to do during the maintenance of your engine
Before you go winterizing your boat engine, you need to know what kind of engine you have. Different types of engines require different maintenance. After assessing the type of engine and its needs, our experienced technical team will carry out the necessary checks required for effective engine maintenance.
When you take your boat engine in for service, there is a list of items that are going to be checked to ensure that every part of your engine is serviced. Therefore, the following checks are required during engine maintenance:
1) Compression test
The compression test measures the pressure the pistons create as they move along the cylinder. The right pressure is required for it to be able to.
2) Thermostat control
The thermostat is often underestimated. It is vital to adjust the temperature and pressure of the water in the cooling system. The cooling system is what helps to keep the engine at the required temperature. If the water temperature is not right, your engine will not run properly.
3) Replace the fuel filter
Replacing the fuel filter is a vital part of your boat engine maintenance list. The attachment will remove debris and water from the fuel before it reaches the inner workings of your engine.
4) Oil control
Just like fuel filters clean the fuel that goes into your engine, the oil filter is meant to remove debris from the engine oil. How often you change the filter depends on how many hours you use your engine.
5) Diagnostic test
Diagnostic testing requires a specific diagnostic tool that is compatible with your boat's engine. At the Marine Center, our engineers have the appropriate tools and diagnostic equipment for the engine maintenance of any boat.
6) Lubrication of Parts
Lubricate the components, support shaft, drive shaft and steering column. Lubrication of the components, support shaft, drive shaft and steering column protects these components from corrosion.
Engines should be serviced by a qualified technician as soon as possible after a technical issue is presented so that it can be dealt with quickly.
The Sea Center provides an authorized workshop for the maintenance of your boat engine for some of the biggest brands in the outboard motor field such as Honda Marine, Mercury, Yamaha Marine and Suzuki, Tohatsu, etc.
If after the summer you are faced with sorting out the nagging problems that appear in your boat's engine, then we would like to inform you that the Marine Center offers comprehensive maintenance, repair and diagnostic services from technically qualified and reliable engineers. Our specialized staff undertakes the winter maintenance of your engine, performing thorough checks and working with precision and efficiency!
If you want more information about the winter service of your marine engines, your boat whether it is an inflatable or a polyester boat, contact us!
Summer is one of the most popular times of the year. For many people a boat vacation means "GETTING AWAY". Whether it's sailing around the Greek Islands, or exploring the waterways by Motorboat, you're given plenty of options if you choose to spend your summer vacation on the water. There are many reasons why a boat vacation is a great option. You can travel to places that would otherwise be inaccessible by other means, you can save money on food, accommodation and entertainment, hanging out with friends and/or family. For newbies, it can be a little daunting not knowing where to start when planning their first boating holiday. Therefore, here are some tips to help you along the way:
1) Select your destination
First of all, you need to decide the destination you will visit. There are endless options of destinations to choose from among many islands, so do your research and find somewhere that meets all your goals.
2) Select the type of boat you want to buy
The Sea Center company is by your side, giving you the opportunity to acquire the Boat of your Dreams, through its Financing program. For more information, see the link below:
https://www.kentrothalassis.gr/xrimatodotisi
You also need to decide what type of boat best suits your needs. Also keep in mind that if you have children or want to travel with friends, then it is good to buy a boat that will be spacious and comfortable. If you have difficulty with the choice, do not hesitate to contact our Company about which boat meets your requirements at 210-400 49 94.
3) Review the amenities available on board
Think about what kind of amenities you want to have on your boat. Do you want a toilet and shower? Do you want something simple or something more luxurious?
At the Marine Center, you will find all the Marine Equipment & Supplies for a fully equipped Pleasure Boat.
Boat holidays give you the opportunity to discover impressive areas from the sea, traveling comfortably and freely, at your own pace, without having to follow fixed schedules or be bound by programs. This is where the charm of boat holidays comes from: "at any moment you can decide to anchor in the first cove that inspires you or in front of a village more exciting than the last." Discovering hidden corners of nature while on board your boat can be an unforgettable experience, even more so if you share it with your family or friends, who will accompany you on this adventure.
ΠΟΛΥΕΣΤΕΡΙΚΟ Η ΦΟΥΣΚΩΤΟ ΣΚΑΦΟΣ;
Τί να επιλέξεις & με ποιά κριτήρια!
Αρχικά, θα πρέπει να δούμε ποιος είναι ο κύριος σκοπός του. Για παράδειγμα, αν μας αρέσει να ψαρεύουμε, καλό θα ήταν να προτιμήσουμε ένα πολυεστερικό σκάφος, χωρίς τον κίνδυνο των αγκίστρων. Επιπλέον, μπορούμεεύκολα να προσαρμόσουμε κουτιά καλαμιών, μηχανάκια για συρτή ή καθετή και πολλά άλλα.
2)Κόστος αγοράς
Βασικό επίσης κριτήριο, είναι η τιμή. Γενικά, τα φουσκωτά σκάφη είναι πιο ακριβά από τα πολυεστερικά σκάφη, συγκρίνοντας φυσικά ίδια μέτρα σε κάθε κατηγορία.
Το κόστος του μπαλονιού ανεβάζει την τιμή του σκάφους καθώς είναι πιο δύσκολο να κατασκευαστεί και προφανώς πιο ακριβό.
Τα φουσκωτά σκάφη έχουν γενικά μικρότερο χώρο από τα αντίστοιχα πολυεστερικά φουσκωτά σκάφη.
Τα μπαλόνια κλέβουν χώρους, ειδικά στο πλάτος του σκάφους. Το ίδιο ισχύει και για τον αποθηκευτικό χώρο στο κάθε σκάφος. Γενικά, τα πολυεστερικά είναι πιο άνετα από άποψη χώρου.
4)Λιμάνι ή Parking
Ένα άλλο κριτήριο είναι αν θέλουμε το σκάφος να είναι συνέχεια μέσα στο νερό ή να το βάζουμε και να το βγάζουμε κάθε φορά. Τα πολυεστερικά σκάφη είναι πιο ανθεκτικά αν θέλουμε να μένουν στο νερό, με ειδική προεργασία αντιόσμοσης πριν το ρίξουμε στην θάλασσα. Τα φουσκωτά σκάφη, από την άλλη, μπορούν γρήγορα να χαλάσουν αν μείνουν στο νερό. Τα μπαλόνια είναι πιο ευαίσθητα στις καιρικές συνθήκες, επομένως προτιμούμε να τα κρατάμε σε πάρκινγκ σκαφών, στο τρέιλερ και καλυμμένα.
5)Πλοήγηση
Μεγάλο θέμα συζήτησης ήταν και θα είναι η πλεύση του κάθε σκάφους. Το μήκος και το βάθος της γάστρας εξασφαλίζουν το πόσο καλή ή κακή θα είναι η πλεύση. Σε ένα φουσκωτό σκάφος, είναι πιο εύκολο να έχετε μια πιο βαθιά γάστρα γιατί η σταθερότητα του σκάφους υποστηρίζεται από μπαλόνια.
Επομένως, στο πολυεστερικό σκάφος, ο σχεδιασμός της γάστρας θα πρέπει να εξασφαλίζει τη σταθερότητα του σκάφους. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι μια ψηλή κουπαστή θα πρέπει επίσης να σχεδιαστεί ταυτόχρονα για να αποτρέπει την είσοδο νερού.
Τα τελευταία χρόνια, το ελληνικό κοινό, έχει αγαπήσει πολύ τα φουσκωτά σκάφη με μακρόστενη και βαθιά γάστρα, καθώς παρέχουν γρήγορη πλεύση χωρίς ιδιαίτερους κραδασμούς.
6)Ασφάλεια
Μεγάλο πλεονέκτημα των φουσκωτών σκαφών. Σκεφτείτε ότι όλα τα σκάφη για το Λιμενικό, τις Ειδικές Δυνάμεις, τα σκάφη διάσωσης κ.λπ. είναι φουσκωτά. Αυτό συμβαίνει επειδή τα φουσκωτά σκάφη έχουν χαμηλό κέντρο βάρους, γενικά βαθιές γάστρες, όπως επίσης τους αεροθαλάμους που τα κάνουν πιο ασφαλή σε δυσμενείς καιρικές συνθήκες.
Το σκάφος είναι ιδανικό αν θέλεις να γυρίζεις το Αιγαίο, να αντιμετωπίζεις καιρούς και να είσαι πρόθυμος να ρίχνεις κάθε φορά το σκάφος σου σε γλίστρα.
Πολυεστερικό σκάφος θα προτιμήσεις, αν σου αρέσουν οι πιο κοντινές βόλτες με οικογένεια και φίλους, το budget που διαθέτεις είναι περιορισμένο, σου αρέσουν οι χώροι, σου αρέσει το ψάρεμα και τα θαλάσσια σπορ και θες να το έχεις μόνιμα στο νερό.
Όλα τα παραπάνω, ισχύουν πάντα ως γενικότητες. Αν εξετάζαμε συγκεκριμένα σκάφη, θα μπορούσαμε να βρούμε πολλά που αποκλίνουν από τους παραπάνω γενικούς κανόνες.
Κλείνοντας λοιπόν, βλέπουμε ότι όλα είναι τόσο σχετικά και δεν υπάρχει απόλυτο καλύτερο ή χειρότερο. Η επιλογή έχει να κάνει κυρίως με τη χρήση του σκάφους.
Jet Ski care tips during the season.
When you get a jet ski you may be wondering what maintenance it needs and how often. Every Jet Ski owner needs to know how to ensure that his Jet Ski works well. It needs a lot of care in order to continue to perform to its full potential, and if you start ignoring jet ski’s maintenance and care, you will surely notice the difference.
The decision to buy a boat cannot be considered as a financial decision, but as a lifestyle choice. Having a boat and spending time on it should be something you really want to do.
