Cover Your Gear

Benefits of drawstring covers

Size is a big issue when it comes to covering things like a bike or a car. You will find that most car covers are one size fits all or a little bit bigger then you need it to be. If you get something with the drawstrings you will be able to give the car or the bike a customer, snug fit that you need from a good cover.

 

You will find that it is very important that you see the benefits of having that custom fit, but also you will find that it will allow you to keep the material a little loose. Mold is a big factor in fit. If it is too snug then you will have an issue with mold and moisture and no one wants to deal with that!

What to look for in a bike cover

You will want to pay close attention to what the cover is made of. It is very important that you get a cover that is water proof, but also something that is going to hold up against the dust, sun, and wind.

 

You will want to make sure that you don’t get a cover that blocks air circulation. This is because mold will begin to set in, and it will ruin your bike seat. This is very important and you’ll want to read closely when you buying online. You will also want to look at the size. If you don’t need a big bike cover, then don’t get a big bike cover, because the wind will take it off the bike. If you don’t catch it in time your bike will be exposed to the climate elements.

Importance of boat covers

You will want to keep in mind that rather the boat is in the drive way or the garage, you will want to place a cover over the boat. You will also want to have a cover on the boat when you are placing it in storage. This is because you don’t want to have all that rain and snow and everything else building up in your boat.

 

You will find that boats are fun to have, but you don’t get to take it out on the lake every day. You want to make sure that you cover the boat, so that you can be ready and prepared to take the boat out on the lake. When you cover the boat you will end up having less maintenance work to do with the boat.

Custom covers

A lot of people like to purchase covers for their car or patio furniture and get that custom fit. Keep in mind that if you are going to purchase or make custom covers you are going to pay a lot. You will want to consider purchasing one of the cheaper covers, but you will want to make sure that you get things like a drawstring enclosure.

 

This way you can have that custom fit without having to fork out a lot of money. If you have the money for the custom covers, that’s great! Most people do not have hundreds of dollars to purchase a cover. This is why you can easily purchase an inexpensive cover (the cover will do the same job as an expensive one) and still get the custom fit from the drawstrings.

1. Importance of car covers

People use car covers for many different reasons. Sometimes it is used because you want to place a car into storage or sometimes it is just used to protect the car while outside or inside the garage. Often, people use car covers because they want to preserve the integrity of the paint job.

 

A lot of times when you use a car cover for storage you simply just don’t want the car to rust. When you are using a car cover it is very important that the cover goes underneath the side of the car. This is so that you don’t get rust building up under the side panels of the car because of snow. It is very important to use a car cover if you really care for your car.

Traveling with your pup

Traveling with your dog may sound like an easy load-up and go, but there are things to keep in mind in order to safely and happily travel with your dog. Before hitting the road, consider going to the vet for a routine check-up to make sure your dog is healthy and able for a road trip. Like children, remember that your dog needs to be in a safe and comfortable environment. Try not to keep your dog in the back with boxes or furniture that can easily slide or injure your dog. Consider a barrier along the back that will your dog safe and off your seats at the same time. Seat protectors are also available so if you don’t have a barrier, you can still keep your car seats in mint-condition. Like humans, some dogs can get car sick. Feed them a light meal before the trip and try to feed them minimally during the ride but feed them water as necessary. Take frequent stops along the way to avoid accidents and allow them, and yourself, to stretch out and re-fuel. Before you head out, check for anything that can choke or poison your pup. Dogs love the likes of antifreeze and chocolate for example but both are deadly to them so be safe and do a once over before hitting the road. 

Choosing a wakeboarding boat

When it comes to choosing a boat specifically for wakeboarding, and hopefully entertaining on the side, it’s important to know the difference between a boat made for wakeboarding and one that isn’t. Wakeboard boats are specially made for the purpose of creating wakes.  Then of course, wakeboarders can perform their tricks on these wakes. Like ski boats, wakeboard boats have ballasts but their ballasts generally have much more weight, thus making bigger wakes when the boat is moving. The wedge on a wakeboarding boat also helps shape the wake that the ballast makes.

Shopping for a wakeboarding boat, new or used, can prove to be stressful.  Most have the same basic features such as upholstered seating, carpeted floors and sides, a wakeboard tower, ballast, wedge and steering mechanisms. Wakeboard boats start to vary when it comes to engine types, fuel capacity, and accessories. Some wakeboard boats come equipped with a special button that lets you adjust the shape of the wake you desire with one push. Some boats have bigger ballasts that can create bigger wakes for more experienced riders. If you feel like going green, some boats have exhaust systems that reduce the amount of carbon monoxide emitted into the air. For your personal comfort, some have seats designed with lumbar support for those long days on the water. Special additions include diving platforms and even mufflers to keep the noise to a low roar.

As earlier stated, accessories can make a huge difference between one wakeboard boat to the next. While most boats come with a stereo system, some come with tower cans that will protect your speakers from the elements as well as amplifiers and satellite antennas. The compartments and lockers onboard will vary with the size and price of a boat but one plus to buying a used boat is often time you’ll score used boards, ski hangles, ropes, life jackets etc…

Other wakeboard boats come not only with boat covers, but also with cockpit covers. While most wakeboard boats have heaters and a bar, others even have hot water showers. Some even have clamp down board racks, pop-up bow and stern cleats, and batteries with a battery switch. A few even come with a lounge remote control and halogen docking lights.

If you’re in fact looking to buy used, going online is a good place to start. Wakeboard boats can be found on online auctions or classified websites. If you buy used online, but through a manufacturer, you may even score free shipping. Approach shopping for your wakeboarding boat as if you would when shopping for a house. Go to various dealers and write down the ones you like. Then, do your own research on each model until you decide on the one that fits your needs and price range. Most importantly, get a boat that fits your individual style.

Pontoon Boats

A good pontoon boat makes an excellent fishing tackle. Some say a pontoon boat will virtually catch the fish for you. Larger pontoon boats on the other hand make great party boats. Pontoon boats come in all sizes from singe-person paddlers to large party pontoons. Some even come complete with furniture, a barbeque, mood lighting and much more. If you haven’t yet decided to by a pontoon boat, consider renting one this coming summer. If you’re already an owner of a pontoon boat and are looking for covers and accessories, then you’re in the right place. If you do decide to purchase a pontoon boat, consider getting boat insurance for your big purchase. Whether you get a party boat or a fishing pontoon, accidents still happen and it’s better safe than sorry.

Tips for a well running vehicle

It’s enough trouble to shop and buy a car. Once you sign on the dotted line you can relax, but not just yet. You want to keep your car in the best shape possible and with the gas prices increasing like crazy; you want to get the best bang for your buck.  But how do you do that? Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your car running at its best.

Always keep the fluids filled. Make sure that at any given time your car’s oil, coolant, brake, transmission and windshield wiper fluids are where they should be. Most Lube services will do this for free in between oil changes. You can also request they double check that all hoses are in tact and leak free.

Check your windshield and windows for chips and cracks. Being unaware of any glass damage can give you a headache later. What looked like a small crack can turn into a spider crack all the way across your windshield before you know it. Getting a professional to repair and damages can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you park on the street, consider a car cover to protect from scratches and weather damage.

It’s always a good idea to check online, in the newspaper, or on the radio where construction is taking place and where you can expect a slow commute. Not only do you need to slow down to avoid injuring any workers, there are often uncomfortable dips and holes that can wreak havoc on your shocks and possibly more importantly, fines are often higher in construction zones so save some money and slow down.

Know what kind of weather to expect. Check you tires, lights and wipers before heading out. Wipers that don’t work properly or insufficiently can put you in a compromising and dangerous position and can turn a normally safe drive to a dangerous endeavor.

 

Always buckle up. If not for safety, do it to save a buck or two. In most states, buckling up is the law now.

Keep cool, and I don’t mean turn on the A/C. Keeping a check on your temper is always a good idea. It’s no secret that holiday shopping, screaming kids and hot summer weather can cause stress and frustration. Driving when feeling any extreme emotion (anger, sadness, extreme happiness) can cause you to be distracted and may lead to a fender bender or worse. Always try to avoid sending off rude gestures to the jerk that cut you off and receive rude gestures at an “adult” level. 

Don’t drink and drive. Period. Also, don’t drive when you are extremely tired. Nodding off at the wheel can be deadly. Pull over if you have to.

Don't just take your car's gauges as an opinion, but as a rule.  If your temperature gauge is climbing or higher than normal, your car could be on its way to overheating.  Try switching on your heater and slowing down to cool down the engine.  Never try to solve the issue yourself if you don't know what you're doing.  Never open the radiator's cap when the engine is warm.  A roadside assistance service comes in handy in these situations.

Proper boat maintenance

Before putting your boat away for the winter, it is important to prep it for the long sleep. The first place to start is with the engine. This will be the messiest part of this endeavor but the engine is usually the most expensive and least expendable item of your boat. Clean the engine and change the oil and the filter. Having dirty oil sitting in a dirty engine will be an even bigger mess in the spring.

Drain the cooling system. If it’s like a car and has a closed system, refill it with the recommended antifreeze and water solution. If it’s an open system, flush it out with water. If your boat has a carburetor, drain the gas out of the tank. Use the drain screw found at the bottom of the bowl. Fill the tank with a fuel stabilizer after putting the screw back.

If you have a bathroom, pump out the holding tank until as dry as possible. Treat the tank with a deodorizer that can be found at supply stores. Try to get in the habit of removing as much of your boating gear as possible and putting them in their designated spots. It may be a hassle but you don’t want your life jackets, cushions or sails to collect moisture.

 

Open up all the hatches and lockers if you’re going to keep your boat in a garage. On the flip side, keep all hatches and lockers closed if your boat will be kept outside. Spray the bilge, head and lockers with a light mist of anti-mildew spray. Consider putting a dehumidifier in the boat if you’re going to be storing it outside. Lastly, get a boat cover to act as an extra helping hand during the winter months to ward off harsh weather, animals and small accidents.