Friday, July 26, 2013

Boardwalk Decking Material

The most famous trademark of Atlantic City is its boardwalk. This is the world s first Board walk. It was built in the year 1890 and named after Alexander Boardman, The main person who behind the work of the Boardwalk, and it happened to be a coincidence that it's made out of boards. Board walk is packed with numerous innovative entertainments and fun. So; it s called as back bone and spirit of the city.

Numerous activities and hotels are offered in the boardwalk make the people to enjoy in spite of its hot summer. It is surprised to know that the "main street" of Atlantic City was initially put down to keep the sand off of the hotel carpets. In early period of 1870 Boardwalk was only temporary; the permanent structure of about 24 feet wide, 10 feet high and about 4 miles long-and with railings on both sides was constructed in 1890. Later it got damaged because of its weather, sand and other natural calamities, the structure is replaced with a seat of concrete and steel pilings and constructed of thousands of two-by-fours. The Boardwalk seems to be getting better by the day.

The most admired style of century old transport on the boardwalk is rolling chairs which debuted in 1881. At first they were imported from Philadelphia Centennial and rented for the physically challenged, and in a while it became as popular as everyone wanted a ride, later rolling chair in boardwalk was itself a moving activity for the visitors. An additional well-liked vehicle on boardwalk is bicycle. During summer, particularly in morning hours a huge number of bicycle rides can be seen enjoying ride on this board walk though its time is restricted between 6am to 10 am.

A wealthy and dazzling experience in the boardwalk entertains and brings in people with all kinds of interests. It is even called a board walking tour at times. This walking tour begins at the north end of the Boardwalk at New Jersey and it s approximately 2 miles in length. This tour offers the Showboat Casino and the House of Blues, trolley tours, an air show, casinos, resort suite and a whole bunch of fun for Board walkers which will be a delightful experience till the end. For site seeing a fully guided Trolley tour is provided covering an entire eye - catching spots of boardwalk. Such spots of boardwalk are Absecon lighthouse, Atlantic City Aquarium, the Historic Towne of Smithville, Cape May and more. Customized tours are available as well. The most lively spot of the board walk is Beach bar; this is an ideal place for great foods and cocktails along with joy and fun over night.

Atlantic air show is another thrilling and breath taking experience in the broad walk. Military and civilian pilots will fly over the beach, doing aerobatic maneuvers, formation flying, parachute jumping and other aerial stunts, bringing full of enjoyment for the visitors. Many highly luxurious suites and hotels are available with easy affordable package. Seasonal packages are available as well. Stay in these suites is an ideal place to experience and enjoy the lives best, all under one roof. Waterfront tower, Trump Taj Mahal are the AC spots with 1800 rooms of Accommodation along with the luxury amenities like star restaurants, casinos, spa, golf court, gaming, shopping and so on. Numbers of new Luxury hotels are budding in this exiting city to make the stay more comfortable and enjoyable.









    question:

    what type of roofing material should i use to lay flag stone in the low slope porch?
    i want to install flag stone in my deck
    right now the deck is with torch roofing material but i want to lay stone. please somebody recommend is there any material i can use so does not leak





    answer:

    There are two problems with this idea. First of all is the weight. Flagstones are heavy and this presents a dead load, (it is there all the time) that may stress the capacity of the roof. Any material of weight will add to the load.

    The second issue to consider is that this kind of approach is also going to press into the torch down material. You won't necessarily notice when the edge of a flagstone when stepped on presses into the material.

    Flagstones can also get very hot and on a roof where there is no heat sink below them they will probably get very very hot. There is a reason why boardwalks are made of wood.

    For these reasons the best approach is usually to put down some kind of wood deck that doesn't sit directly on the roofing material and is easily removable for re-roofing. But I have also seen boardwalk like sections made to sit directly on the roof.

    Flagstones are typically set in dirt, sand or concrete. All of these materials will tend to be hard on the roof and difficult when faced with re roofing.








    question:

    Is South Africa a nice place to live?
    my boyfriend wants me and my 17 year old autistic daughter to move to Port Elizabeth South Africa with him. What's it like? do they have nice shopping malls there? restaurants? fast food? do they have 4 seasons? is it safe? what's the racial diversity like? lots of white people live in my town





    answer:

    It is a fantastic place I will be honest amd tell you that im speaking from experience in that I went volunteering there three years ago now for three months and honestly was so sad to leave
    yes it does have its problems and the crime and rape are horrendous reputation for africa but if you dont go off the beaten track and start wandering into the less populated areas especially the nigerian areas and stay on in the main places like down on the beach front where there is mcdonalds and the hotel and a little sea life center with dolphins in it I remeber
    there is a shopping center in called greenacres but in comparison to the shops in cape town they arent as diverse though still good the whole vibe of port elizabeth is to be relaxed and enjoy life
    the market on a sunday is brilliant and there is a great guy there I remeber called chris who sells the best hand painted artwork youve ever seen all done by hand and all done on any bit of material he can get his hands on

    forgot to add though the hospitals are dreadful the state ones if you move get private health care
    all the people are friendly I cant honestly say I ever met a horrible person in all my time there
    they have a surfing festival where people can come watch for free which is down by the boardwalk area on marine drive
    speaking of the boardwalk although the main building there is the casino it does have an awesome bar inside it that show live sports on the best and biggest screen ive ever seen and twice a week they do karaoke and the whole vibe is to party and chill and no worries basically
    on the boardwalk there is steers which do the best burgers in the world once you have one of them youll never think a mcdonalds is good again along with that there are some more shops on there which are more boutique type and have more surfer stuff too
    theres also a little pond slash lake in the middle of the boardwalk which you can walk in a ball and walk on water its so cool theres also a great thai restaurant and a brilliant cafe that does live jazz on a midweek on a wednesday I remeber as well as an internet cafe and just across from the boardwalk is the best bar in the world called barneys its where all the locals go to if you want to meet people
    on the boardwalk at the back of it theres a bowling alley which is cheap and looks very north american totally decked out in varnished wood floors having relatives in canada it reminded me of there houses inside if that makes any sense
    when it rains there it really rains a lot and the area has flooded before the diversity from my experience is about 60 to 40 in favour of black people but that doesnt mean you should be put off you shouldnt they are lovely people you have to remeber that theres bad people everywhere but so long as you stay in the areas where there are more people and more things going on then you will be fine
    its a great place that will always put a smile on your face just dont ever flash your wealth around as you will stick out like a sore thumb if you blend in and dont draw attention to yourself especially in a less popluated area youll be fine
    look at the boardwalk on google earth on maine drive and work your way east to brookshill street and marine drive turns into beach drive and youll see mcdonalds and the beach front where the market takes place








    question:

    Mildew on composite decking?
    We built a deck (2 1/2 years ago) primarily out of "Choice Deck" composite decking (spindles are wood). Last year we noticed black mildew on the floor and pressure washed it w/a soap specifically for pressure washing decks, mildew, etc. This year, it looks real bad, with mildew spots all over the floor decking. we love having composite, but thougt it would fairly maintenence free, aside form regular cleaning. It gets full sun, so never has standing water on it.

    What is the best way to clean it AND how can we prevent this from continuing to happen? I'm afraid bleach will ruin the color.
    The retailer didn't talk us into it. We have built wood decks before and chose composite this time because many of our friends and family memebers have had compostie decks for years and love them. None of them have this problem, or we would have reconsidered.

    We don't mind hard work and do maintain our home. That's why we want it to look nice and CLEAN. I know decks need to be cleaned, we don't mind doing that. I know that some mildewing is normal, but this mildewing is excessive, so we want to make sure we are cleaning it properly to avoid additional staining.

    Honestly, it gets full sun all day from the back...there are no trees near our house.

    Maybe we got a bad batch...





    answer:

    To help prevent mold and mildew, sweep the deck regularly to keep

    gaps between planks free from debris.

    Keep your gutters clean. Overflow from a leaf-clogged gutter above a

    deck is a potential source of food for mold and mildew growth.

    Keep the underdeck area well ventilated and free of materials that

    retain moisture.

    Particularly for decks near ground level, a high-quality landscape fabric

    should be placed under the deck and covered with washed stone or

    pea gravel, to prevent weed growth.

    To help prevent cooking stains, we suggest that grills be placed on a

    large mat to reduce the deck s exposure to staining.

    Plants should be placed in large flower pots or planters and swept beneath

    periodically to prevent mold or mildew from soil runoff and trapped moisture.

    When using any deck cleaner, household plastic or rubber gloves

    are recommended. Be sure to follow the manufacturer s instructions

    regarding safety, proper use and disposal



    General Stains and Cleaning Remedies

    All exterior building materials require some degree of maintenance and

    cleaning. Composite Decking and Railing is no exception.

    Most stains are caused naturally or environmentally and do not constitute

    a manufacturing defect. Just like wood, composite decking is not

    impervious to grease, mud or stains resulting from normal use and

    environmental conditions. The best preventive maintenance for any deck

    is to sweep it often. Power-washing is also effective in removing surface

    blemishes. Sanding with a very fine grit sandpaper is also effective. For

    general cleaning, we have found these products to be effective:

    Olympic Deck Wash

    Thompson s Water SealTM Deck Wash

    Pittsburgh Paints Ultra Deck Cleaner

    If just a portion of the deck is cleaned, there may be a slight difference in

    surface appearance between treated and untreated parts of the deck. This

    difference will fade over time.

    Tannin Stains

    Extractive bleeding, also called tannin staining, may cause stains on

    a deck surface. It frequently happens when objects such as wrought iron

    furniture, flowerpots, grills and other items are placed directly on the deck

    surface. These stains may also be the result of becoming wet

    during storage. Tannin stains occur with decking products made with

    wood fibers. contains oak and/or maple, and certain woods,

    including oak, contain natural tannins that will bleed for a short time

    after installation. These stains are temporary and should disappear after

    several rain and sun cycles and not reappear. Use the general cleaners

    recommended above to remove the stains immediately.

    Mold and Mildew

    Mold and mildew are part of the environment. They form on virtually any

    horizontal surface, and on virtually any material, such as wood, stone,

    steel, brass, and composite

    decking and railing products.

    Mold and mildew will not

    damage Composite

    Decking and Railing.

    Maintaining proper gap

    widths, seeing that gaps are

    not clogged, and regular

    cleaning of the

    deck should inhibit the

    growth of mold and mildew.

    Removing Mold and Mildew

    from your Deck

    Regular cleaning of Boardwalk Composite Lumber will remove most

    mold and mildew growth. The general cleaners recommended below

    are effective in removing mold and mildew:

    Olympic Deck Wash

    Thompson s Water Seal Deck Wash

    Pittsburgh Paints Ultra Deck Cleaner

    First, sweep the deck thoroughly, cleaning out any clogged gaps between

    planks. Be sure to follow all manufacturer s instructions regarding safety,

    proper use and disposal. For best results, apply cleaner to dry deck with a

    broom. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with a garden hose or powerwasher

    set to low pressure. Should an additional cleaning be necessary, let

    the deck dry completely and repeat these steps. The following prepared

    solution is also effective:

    - 1/3 cup laundry detergent (e.g. Tide )

    - 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (e.g. TSP or Soilax )

    - 1 quart 5% sodium hypochlorite

    (e.g. Clorox or other liquid chlorine laundry bleach)

    - 3 quarts water

    Use of household plastic or rubber gloves with any deck cleaner is

    recommended. As with other commercial cleaners, be sure to take

    precautions to protect plants, surroundings, clothing and exposed skin.

    CAUTION: Greater concentration may cause discoloration. Do not mix

    other cleaners with the deck wash solution Good Luck !








    question:

    Can toothbrushes be recycled ?
    Maxfresh





    answer:

    The handle of a Recycline Preserve toothbrush, designed by dentists, is made out of polypropylene plastic that has been recycled from used Stonyfield Yogurt cups. And when a Preserve toothbrush reaches the end of its effective life, consumers can either put it out on the curb in the blue bin with other recyclables (if your community offers #5 plastics recycling), or send it back to Recycline in a postage-paid envelope supplied to you with your purchase. It will then likely be reborn again as raw material for a picnic table, deck, boardwalk or other durable long-lasting product.

    Toothbrushes with Replaceable Heads
    Another wise eco-choice is the Terradent line of toothbrushes from Eco-Dent. These innovative toothbrushes have replaceable heads, so that once the bristles have worn out, consumers can retain the toothbrush handle and just snap on a new head, thus minimizing waste.

    Sustainable Toothbrushes
    Meanwhile, Radius offers stylish recyclable toothbrushes that are made not from plastic at all but from naturally occurring cellulose derived from sustainable yield forests. Beyond its standard toothbrush line, the company also sells a battery-powered electric Intelligent Toothbrush that uses replaceable heads to reduce environmental impact. And the company will take back the handle for recycling once the battery has worn out, usually after about 18 months.

    Toothbrush Subscriptions
    For those stuck on their favorite mass-market toothbrush brands, the online retail website Toothbrush Express offers a toothbrush recycling program similar to Recycline's. Consumers can sign up to receive new toothbrushes from Toothbrush Express at predefined intervals ranging from monthly to semi-annually. And for only a few dollars extra, the company will include a postage-paid mailer inside each shipment for consumers to use to send their old toothbrushes back for recycling.

    Toothbrushes Reborn
    Don't want to bother sending your toothbrushes back? HGTV's crafts guru Carol Duvall recommends making kids bracelets out of old toothbrushes instead of sending them to the landfill. After about a minute in boiling water, a toothbrush with its bristles removed can be re-shaped accordingly by wrapping it around a small jar and then allowing it to cool. Full instructions are available on the HGTV website.








    question:

    Using wood for an outdoor walkway? (or a source for stones)?
    Hi,

    In our home remodel I've incorporated some threshing floor from a barn in the midwest in selected interior and exterior parts of our home. I'm considering building a walkway to our front door with the same material. I know that most decks and walkways are built with pressure-treated wood and I've read that it will last only 10 years or so. Is this true? Does it mean that even if I treat this wood it will likely last far less than 10 years as it wasn't manufactured with this purpose in mind? Does anyone have any experience here?

    Here's a picture of the wood: http://www.blacksfarmwood.com/products/images/prod_floor_threshing_floor_inst.jpg

    The other option I have in mind is to mix large and small rustic stones with a mossy look in between them. If anyone has sources for very cheap stone materials within 200 miles of San Jose, CA then I'd appreciate hearing about that too.

    Thanks!
    Darren





    answer:

    If you place it over let's say steel runners or even treated lanscape timbers it should last as long as you apply water seal once a year. I would go for it. I have a "boardwalk" that's been in for 15 years.








    question:

    What type of patio furniture?
    So we have a large deck and would like to have 2 seating areas. 1 with a large table and seating for at least 10 and then an outdoor family room set (couch. loveseat, coffee-table, etc). I am trying to choose a material. For the table and chairs I am in between Ipe and cast aluminum. And for the other seating area I'm thinking resin wicker, Ipe, or cast aluminum.

    The 2 most important traits I am looking for are #1 What will it look like in 5-10 years if I do little more than cover it in the winter. and #2 I would like to do as little as possible and have it stay looking nice.
    Cost is not an issue. I want it to look very nice for a long time and am willing to pay for that.

    I want the Ipe as it looks amazing but it doesn't take oil well, I hear, and after a few years in the sun will just look grey I'm afraid, so what's the point? I've seen what Atlantic City boardwalk looks like after 25 years, it's Ipe, and I don't really care for that look. But I bet they never oil it and it's in the sun 100% of time. My deck is in shade about 50% of time and we will have umbrellas too and will cover in winter.





    answer:

    Aluminium is the way to go a long lasting frame. Next you will want to get a good quality fabric. I also recommend that you get covers for it. This will make the furniture last longer and if it does rain or gets dew on it you can remove the covers and you can sit in the furniture right away.

    Take your time looking around and make sure you sit in the furniture and it is comfortable. We got new patio furniture last year and it took awhile to find a set we both found comfortable and attractive.













boardwalk decking material

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Plastic Boat Decking Material

Introduction

Plastic surgery is a procedure which if adopted will enable you to look better, smart and attractive. May it be men or women both have the desire and wish to develop their personality to impress others. However, women have been found to be more inclined towards this side. It does not mean that men do not go for plastic surgeries. Plastic surgeries are carried out to put in order the personalities of both males and females. People spent large amount to look beautiful, attractive and smart. They travel long distances to get the surgery done from the surgeon of their choice.

The facility of plastic surgery is now very much available in your town. You do not have to travel out of town in search of a good surgeon as you can find them right in your town. Competent and experienced surgeons are present in your town. Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills can take care of all your complaints and worries.

Types of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeries are of following types:

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck

Blepharoplasty to reshape the upper or lower eyelid

Breast expansion

Breast reduction

Breast lift

Buttock expansion by inserting implants to either lift or enlarge buttocks.

Facial skin surgery for removal of bad skin, scratch marks or creases

Liposuction to eliminate the fat from various parts of the body, classically from the tummy, buttock and thighs

Rhinoplasty to redesign the nose

Otoplasty to redesign the ear, mostly to bring the ears closer to the head

Chin augmentation to reshape the chin using an implant

Cheek augmentation to reshape the cheekbones using an implant

Qualities of a Good Surgeon

Following qualities are the prime characteristics of Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills

Qualification

Experience

Economical expenses

Expertise in sub surgeries

Positive feedback from the patients who have undergone surgeries from the Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills.

Benefits of Plastic Surgery

Some of the benefits of plastic surgery are as under:

Reinstallation of all asymmetrical parts.

Self-confidence is gained

Defective marks or acne are removed

Aging signs are expunged

Skin cancers van best be cured through cosmetic surgery

Complete aesthetic feelings are restored

Weight loss or weight gain problems are resolved

Medical intricacies like vision injury or eyelid drooping are cured

Breast augmentation and tummy tucks

Potential treatment of facial modification, skin treatment and eye appearance prescription

Summary

Plastic surgery treatments started in India in 800 BC and gained popularity since then passing through the periods of Abbasid Caliphate, Egyptians and Romans. Modern surgeries were developed with invention of anesthesia. During World War I the surgery got more popular to treat the soldiers for maxillofacial injuries. Today the surgeons are confident of doing much better than their ancestors and have already done much. Have faith and improve your personality but remember natural beauty always has a lead.









    question:

    How do I make a boat out of recycled materials?
    The goal of the boat is to hold the most weight out of the whole class. Therefore this is a competition.
    The requirements of the boat are:
    1) It must be 15 x 15 x 15 cm. maximum in dimension.
    2) It must be made out of recycled materials.
    3) It must be able to hold at least more than 100 grams of cargo.
    4) I am not able to use power tools on this boat.

    Thanks for your help!





    answer:

    Use PET soda [or water] bottles to make the pontoons of a pontoon boat or raft. Use waxed cardboard or extruded poster board or http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-foamboard/ or wood or best of all http://www.dickblick.com/products/corrugated-plastic-panels/#photos for the deck.

    100 grams of water is about 100 ml.
    You could probably get a liter or more [1 kg] of displacement, and it should not use much weight to make the deck.
    For max payload use the raft, not the catamaran or trimaran layout. the raft need not have a deck, you can just use [sparingly] hot melt glue to stick the bottles together.

    Or for absolute maximum payload, you need absolute maximum volume to get absolute maximum displacement. Get some scrap blueboard [or other styrofoam]. Glue it up to make a 14.9 cm cube [3.1 liters] [3 having a hole down the middle that only connects to one side [but goes pretty close to the other side].
    It depends on what the weights used to load the boat to sinking are; if steel [7.75 times as dense as water], you only need 7.5 cm cube to mass the same as the displacement. While you could use a rectangular prism 15 cm by 5.3 cm x 5.3 cm, that would not be as stable as the cube, as the cube could be below the waterline.








    question:

    What is the difference Between an Open and Closed Kayak?
    I know the obvious differences, but does one preform better? Please tell me why? Which is more expensive? Which one should I buy?





    answer:

    There are actually many different types of kayaks, not just "open" and "closed" decks. Open decks run from cheap (0 to 0) short and wide "recreational" plastic boats with oversized cockpits (almost like a canoe) to long narrow "sit-on-top" boats that can be taken out in the ocean and can run up to several 00 (like the Feathercraft Java). Open boats are made for fair weather and warm water.

    Despite what the previous writer says, sinking is not the biggest problem with kayaks -- most will float even full of water because the materials they are made of are buoyant. The problem is getting back into them when you fall out and then getting the water out so you can paddle them safely. Many good sit--on-tops are self-bailing (they have channels that drain out water that gets in the boat. Many hardshell (plastic and fiberglass) kayaks have closed bulkheads that keep out the water and aid buoyancy. You can also stuff shaped inflatable float bags under the decks so the kayak won't fill with water. Most anyone who uses a closed boat carries a hand-operated plastic bilge pump (about the size of the old-time tire pumps) that can quickly clear several gallons of water from inside the kayak.

    The most versatile boats, and the most common types, are closed deck boats with a cockpit, usually an oval around 20" wide and 36" long that you sit in with your legs under the deck. The advantage of this is you have better control of the boat since you sit down inside of it (you essentially "wear" the boat) and can use your hips and knees to affect the way the boat performs. You are more protected from the water and if you use a spray skirt (a necessity in white water, surf and any time the water is cold or you might get swamped or flip) you will stay warmer and dryer. You can also learn to roll a closed boat back up and stay in it if you flip, something you really can't do in an open cockpit. This does require training and practice, though.

    The price has more to do with the function, design and quality of the boat than whether it is open or closed cockpit. Your choice should be based first on what you intend to use the boat for (white water rapids? fishing? ocean surfing? calm lake paddling? long distance river or ocean touring?), second would be your budget. You can get a better boat for less money if you buy a used one. See if your local outfitter has a "demo day" in a nearby waterway where you can test paddle different models and talk to a boat salesperson about what you want to do on the water.

    If you are mostly just going to fish and have leisurely paddles on calm lakes and small rivers, or if you live in somewhere like Florida and plan to play in mild surf near shore in warm water, an open cockpit might suit you fine. Otherwise, for either whitewater or for offshore touring, those choices will mostly be closed deck boats.








    question:

    How do you make a homemade hover craft?
    I am really interested in making something that hovers.





    answer:

    Start with a piece of plywood, 1/2". Cut it out into more or less a boat shape. cut a second piece that will fit within the outline of the first piece, with 8" to 12" margin all round. Cut a pair of holes 2"-4" in diameter (depending on your inflation fan) 3 inches in from the edge, at about the middle (front to back).
    Take a sheet of heavy, tough waterproof fabric, inflatable boat fabric works well, or some kinds of construction or agricultural fabric. The most important quality is toughness. Plastic sheeting won't work at all.

    Lay the fabric out on a flat surface. lay the larger piece of plywood on top of it. If the fabric is not stretchable, tuck a couple of inches of fabric under the plywood all the way round. (this is unnecessary if the fabric streches). Fold the edges of the fabric over the top of the plywood . Lay out plywood scrap cut to strips about 2" wide or dimensional lumber 1"x2" around the edge of the plywood on top of the plastic. Screw it down about every 4-6 inches. It's important to get a seal all the way around. Trim the excess fabric.

    Flip the workpiece. Center the fabric, and lay the smaller piece of plywood on top. Center the piece of plywood so you have an even margin all the way around. Screw it down, with a screw about every 4 inches around the outside.

    Now, carefully slit the fabric perpendicular to the edges of the smaller piece of plywood. make slits that don't go quite halfway to the edge. if the fabric tends to run, putting a piece of tape down before slitting can help. put one slit every 8" or so.

    Flip it back over. There's your hovercraft. To inflate it and drive it, you will need an engine and a couple of large fans One will be a centrifugal (squirrel cage) fan to inflate the plastic through the two holes in the top deck. The other will be a bladed fan mounted on the back to push air out behind. I have done this with an automotive engine fan, geared up through a pair of pulleys to increase the speed. The centrifugal fan I used I ran from a twelve-volt motor powered by an automotive alternator. others have used leaf blowers. For steering, it's usual to use large louvers behind the pusher fan to deflect the air flow, although other arrangements, such as bow thrusters, have been used.
    It's important to keep the weight down as far as possible. An automotive engine (except the very smallest) is probably too large to work effectively.

    This will be a very inefficient, slow and unstable craft. A real hovercraft takes real plans from a real engineer. It will however give you a start, will be a real blast to drive and could be built by a teenager and his father in a weekend. After some experience, you will be able build you next with improvements in construction and materials that will improve performance, efficiency and speed.

    for real plans look at http://www.discoverhover.org/ and http://www.hovercraftcentral.com/webcopy/hc-111copy.html?hop=magooo








    question:

    What about the flooring material on a pontoon boat?
    We just sold our last one in April because the wooden deck caused the carpet to always be mildewed no matter what we put on it to inhibit it. We had it covered and it was still horrible.We spent most of our time cleaning it.The man that sold it for me said there are other kinds of flooring. Does anyone know about that? thanks





    answer:

    The solution for this is to use synthetic deck material. This is available at home depot or lowes in the lumber department. It looks and functions just like wood, but is made of a high strength plastic composite that is weather and mold and mildew resistant. Than just cover it with marine carpet, Which will have to be replaced every few years no matter what.








    question:

    what is a good kayak for rapids and long traveling?
    i am planning on kayaking the whole mississippi river in about 3 years. I was wondering what the best kayak would be for that and also to go down rapids. I have already decided that i would need a folding kayak and also i am very tall so i would need one about 17 feet.





    answer:

    It's apparent that you have a lot to learn about kayaks. You are looking at two entirely different sports.

    First off, kayaks that are good for whitewater are NOT good for long distance touring and vis versa. A whitewater (rapids) kayak will be short, somewhat wide and have a rounded or flat bottom. It is made to turn quickly and "surf" in waves and hydraulics. Most whitewater kayaks are 9' long or less, even for tall people. Meanwhile, kayaks for distance travel are called sea kayaks or touring kayaks. These are longer and narrower than whitewater kayaks and have a modified vee shaped hull. They run from 14' to over 18' long. If you are over 6' 2" you would likely need at least a 16' touring kayak. Boats this type are useless for whitewater because they are too long to turn quickly and would get stuck sideways in narrow rock gardens and tight channels.

    For a trip down the Mississippi you would need below deck storage -- whitewater kayaks also have little or none of that.

    People who do both rapids and touring have different boats for each activity which is what you will need to do if you are serious about these activities.

    A folding kayak would be a good choice for the Mississippi trip and for more moderate touring. One I could strongly recommend is the Pakboat XT-17. It has a removable deck which makes packing gear inside very easy. These are well built and strong boats -- we own the slightly smaller XT-15 model (which might also work for you if you are not too heavy). They are comfortable and track well, easy to paddle at a pretty good speed. We have taken the XT-15 on mild whitewater on some wider rivers, no more than Class I and mild Class II. The problem with a folding boat in rapids is that you scrape the rubberized skin up a lot and the softer sides of the boat tend to get hung up on rocks. You can also bend the frame in a collision. Hard shell plastic or completely inflatable kayaks are the boats of choice for whitewater.

    You could also build your own folding or inflatable kayak from the free directions on this site:

    http://www.yostwerks.com

    That would cost a few hundred dollars for materials. Hundreds of ordinary people with no special skills have made them. You can see their photos in the "gallery" on the site.

    Folding kayaks, bought new, cost from 00 to over 00. The major brands are Feathercraft (top of the line), Folbot, Klepper, Trak and Pakboat. The best of those for a Mississippi Expedition would be the Feathercraft K-1 Expedition with a rudder. But this boat would cost you close to 00 unless you could find a good used one in good shape. Meanwhile, a used hard plastic 16' or 17' kayak could cost 0 or less.

    For paddling rapids, you should first learn how to do that with a professional guide service. Use their rental boats and see which ones fit you. Fit has to be tight and very precise with these smaller whitewater boats. It is almost like trying on shoes. Once you know what fits you, you can buyt the right model of whitewater boat too. But, as I said, these whitewater boats are completely unsuitable for long distance touring,. They don't track straight and can be hard to keep upright in slow moving water.

    There are some "hybrid" boats like the plastic Dagger Axis 12, that can supposedly be used in both moderate white water (up to class III) and also for touring, but in my opinion they do both activities only partially well. And a 12' boat is certainly not big enough for the Mississippi.








    question:

    What's the difference between canoeing and kayaking?






    answer:

    Both canoeing and kayaking are considered paddling. The boats differ in that traditional kayaks are decked - meaning there is a cockpit to sit in, and decks over the ends. The decked areas are sealed shut so that they are air tight to provide floatation. Kayaks, for that reason, are highly seaworthy and will not sink when capsized. There are solo as well as tandem kayaks, and they are paddled with a double bladed paddle.

    Traditional canoes typically have very little floatation in them, and if capsized can fill with water and sink. Modern materials have made them much more bouyant, but in general, they are difficult to empty and re-enter if you capsize in deep water. Canoes can be solo or tandem, and there are models which are for 3 or more people. Canoes are paddled with a single blade, typically using a "sit and switch" method - where you paddle on the left side for a while, then switch to the right side. Some canoeists like to use a kayak paddle to avoid having to switch the blade back and forth.

    Rowing and oars are used for row boats, dories, dinghies, etc. Oars are attached to the boat by oar locks - so you wouldn't use an oar and you would never row a canoe or kayak.

    In the past decade or so, sit on top (SOT) kayaks have become very popular - they are not typically decked, but are sealed plastic hulls that are very bouyant and user friendly. They are still paddled with a double bladed paddle.








    question:

    How are sponges made?
    They're so squishie and wonderful. And I'm wondering how people make them. :P Those sponges that you use to wash dishes.





    answer:

    To gather natural sponges, specially trained divers descend into sponge-growing waters with a large two-pronged hook and a string bag. Traditional sponge divers in Greece used no special breathing equipment. The men of seaside villages were trained from childhood and were expert deep water divers. The sponge industry in the United States centers around Tarpon Springs, Florida, a community that was founded by Greek immigrant divers. Today's sponge divers use modern diving equipment such as wet suits and oxygen tanks. The divers pry sponges off the rocks or reefs where they grow, and bring them up in their string bags. The divers pile the sponges on the deck of their boat and cover them with wet cloths. The animals die on the boat, and their skins rot off. After the skins have decayed, the harvesters wash the sponges and string them on a long, thin rope to dry in the sun. After they have dried completely, the harvesters wash the sponges several more times. This is all the preparation the sponges need to be ready for sale.

    The steps necessary in the manufacture of synthetic sponge is discussed below.

    1. The cellulose used for sponges arrives at the sponge factory in large, stiff sheets. Workers take the sheets and soak them in a vat of water mixed with certain chemical softeners. The cellulose becomes soft and jelly-like. Then workers load the cellulose into a revolving mixer, which is a large rotating metal drum. Workers add the sodium sulphate crystals, cut hemp fibers, and dye, and close the mixer. The mixer is set to rotate, and it churns the ingredients so that they are thoroughly amalgamated.
    2. From the mixer, workers pour the material into a large rectangular mold that may be 2 ft (61 cm) high, 2 ft (61 cm) wide, and 6 ft (1.8 m) long. The mold is heated, and the cellulose mixture cooks. As it cooks, the sodium sulphate crystals melt, and drain away through openings in the bottom of the mold. It is their melting that leaves the characteristic pores in the finished sponge. The size of the pores is determined by the size of the sodium sulphate crystals. A rough sponge used for washing a car, for instance, is made with coarse crystals, while a fine sponge of the type used for applying makeup is made with very fine crystals. As the celluolose mix cooks, then cools, it becomes a hard, porous block.
    3. The sponge block is then soaked in a vat of bleach. This removes dirt and impurities, and also brightens the color. Next the sponge is cleaned in water. Additional washings alter the texture, making the sponge more pliable. The sponge is left to dry, to prepare it for cutting.
    4. Some manufacturers make the sponge and cut and package it themselves. Others produce the raw blocks of sponge, and then sell them to a company known as a converter. The converter cuts the sponges according to its customers needs, and takes care of the packaging and distribution. Whether at the first manufacturing facility or at the converter, workers cut the sponges on an automatic cutter. They load each big rectangle of sponge into a machine that slices it into the desired size. Because the sponge block is rectangular, it can be cut into many smaller rectangles with little or no waste.
    5. Many household sponges have a textured plastic scouring pad attached to one side. This is attached in a process called laminating, after the sponge is cut. The scouring pad, which is cut to the same size as the sponge, is affixed to the sponge in a laminating machine that uses a specialized sponge glue made of moisture-cured polyurethane. Next, the sponges move to a packaging area where they are sealed in plastic. The packaged sponges are boxed, and the boxes sent to a warehouse for further distribution.








    question:

    Do you think I'd have any luck selling FIBERGLASS KAYAKS on craigslist?
    I wan't to make some fiberglass kayaks, and sell them on craigslist for around 250 bucks.
    Do people buy kayaks all the time.





    answer:

    Depends on the boat models and how good your finishing skills are. What mold are you using? Kind of hard to imagine you would make much profit considering the cost of materials and the amount of time required for layup. My best friend made a fiberglass whitewater boat 20 some years ago, a 12' Olympic slalom style on an Augsburger mold, and it cost her over 0 in materials back then and around 40 hours of work. FG yaks have to be pretty well reinforced if they are going to be used for whitewater. You might get more for making a good FG flatwater kayak since the cheaper rotomold plastic longboats are so freaking heavy, but, again, you're talking a lot of detail (bulkheads, hatches, deck rigging.)

    So it's kind of hard to answer your question without more detail. BTW, that kayak I told you my friend made -- I sold it last year on Craigslist for 0.








    question:

    What are the properties of wood that make it so useful for everything it is used in?
    The question says it all. Thanks for answering :)





    answer:

    First of all wood is a tremendously varied material. From super hard woods like Lignum Vitae and Ironwood to very soft ones like Balsa and Basswood and everything in between. There is a type of lumber for almost every application and some are quite specific. The cellular structure and chemical composition can be quite varied between species and allow for thousands of different uses.

    Wooden cutting boards are less likely to develop bacterial growth than plastic ones. Certain woods like Hickory are ideal for striking implements like axe and hammer handles and drumsticks.

    Redwood, Cedar, Ipe, and Teak are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage and are used for fencing, decks, outdoor furniture, and boats.

    Some species are light in weight and ideal for a lot of things like sporting equipment, aircraft, boats, and anything that has to be carried. Others are very dense and used for things that require strength, such as bowling alleys, basketball courts, butcher blocks, and even as street pavers in the old days.

    It's an ideal building material because it is a renewable resource, has the ability to flex under strain without breaking, is plentiful in a large portion of the earth, and is inexpensive. It is stable when dry and there is some evidence that wood framed buildings may even be more fire resistant than steel framed structures. There are temples in Japan that are over 1000 years old that were made without glue or metal fasteners. And that's in an area of frequent earthquake activity.

    All of the byproducts can be recycled for many purposes. I used to work in a Redwood sawmill in Northern California that sold their scrap to a power plant for use as fuel. Some places form sawdust into other building materials like particle board and molding.

    It's easy to work with and you don't need the amount of special tools you do with metalworking. It can be bent into shapes as varied as a bent back chair, a hockey stick, or a Stradivarius violin. Before the industrial revolution people ate off wooden dinnerware and used wooden utensils.

    Most wood floats and has been used to make boats for millennia. It has the ability to swell and contract with changes in humidity and some species like Teak, in addition to being rot resistant, also have natural oils that repel water. Today there are still boat builders crafting highly prized vessels from solid wood. It has a feel and resonance that man made materials do not.

    The best musical instruments are made from wood because of the warmth of their tone. Clarinets, flutes, and obviously stringed instruments still use wood even though there are modern replacements that simply don't sound as good.

    It's a good question because it made me think and I apologize for the manifesto-length answer.








    question:

    How can I build an inexpensive houseboat?
    One using 55gallon plastic or metal drums, and plywood and wood, So pretty much basic materials that can be put together easily and trailer, ANY PLANS WOULD BE GOOD
    I DO NOT LIVE IN AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!






    answer:

    Interesting question, but in reality no you can't build a boat like that, and in fact use it. Believe it or not, there are Federal standards for building a boat. Even ones built in your backyard. So, when you launch your boat, you need to register it with the state, or local marine agency, and they would inspect it for safety. What I'd do is look for something you like on Craigslist. There are boats for sale for less than the material would cost to build your "house boat".

    Edit: You missed the point, Boat building standards are intended to make sure your craft is safe and can fulfill it's intended purpose. In your case used plastic drums are difficult to attach to the structure (hull and deck) and to make the entire boat trailer able presents many structural issues. Some of the standards are international.








    question:

    I am going to the Galapagos Islands last week of August, do I need to worry about mosquitos and other bugs?
    Or can I walk around in shorts? What should I bring to wear?





    answer:

    In Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, from December until july is warmer, after july is windy and cloudy, but there is also good days. For that it s necesary to take some long ligth pants. When i was there in that time, i have no problems with bugs and mosquitos, but if you have a sensitive skin, it would be better to bring some repelent.

    I find the following information, maybe can help you:

    Outerwear
    Lightweight fleece sweater
    Rain/wind shell
    Clothing
    A few lightweight easily washable items for city wear
    Walking or hiking shorts
    T-shirts
    Long-sleeve shirt for cool evenings and sun protection
    Walking or hiking pants
    Underwear
    Socks
    Clothing Accessories
    Swimsuit(s) and cover-up
    Long underwear top for swimming and/or a lightweight neoprene wetsuit for occasional cold-water swimming
    Sun hat
    Bandanna
    Lightweight wetsuit (depending on boat, wetsuits may not be available)
    Footwear
    Comfortable walking shoes
    Watersport sandals or booties
    Travel Accessories
    Snorkel gear mask and snorkel, net bag to carry gear (if you prefer your own)
    Water bottle - this is essential!
    First-aid kit
    Toiletry kit
    Sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 15+)
    Sunglasses and strap
    Headlamp or flashlight
    Plastic bags to keep your gear dry inside your daypack, and to separate wet/dirty items from dry/clean items
    Optional Accessories
    Camera, lenses and film (bring enough film for the entire trip)
    Disposable waterproof camera
    Binoculars
    Small dry bag to carry camera gear in while on panga rides
    Reading and writing material
    Stuff sacks, various sizes for organizing clothing and gear inside duffel
    Insect repellent
    Watch with alarm or travel alarm
    Guide books for the Galapagos Islands (to use for identification of species)
    Things to Consider
    A sweater and wind shell are often needed as evenings are usually cool, both from temperatures and the breeze as the boat moves from one island sight to another. Also, it's not uncommon to sleep on deck under very bright, star-studded cool nights.
    Light cotton or poplin material is ideal for the hot equatorial climate. Drip-dry or wash-and-wear items are advisable, since laundry facilities are not available. Clothes should be casual and loose-fitting. Long and short-sleeve shirts are recommended. Nights can be cool in Quito, so bring a light jacket or sweater. A windbreaker is needed for while at sea. Mosquito netting or head nets are not needed.








    question:

    What are the PRO's & CON's of a walk-thru transom?
    I have been looking at Hunter's split transom and like the easy access in and out of the cockpit area, but wonder how under sea conditions it fars with those without.





    answer:

    The pro is pretty obvious, accessibility. The con is the structural integrity of the vessel, any time you mold sharp corners between the stringers of the vessel you minimize the strength of the structure. without the bow molded over the hull the boat tends too flex up to twice as much with out the support across the helm. also when the top deck is molded with tight corners the frame at the walk through over time as the fiberglass cures to 100 % after about 7 years, is where you will most likely begin to see spider cracking, which can eventually turn to structural cracking. It is a good idea to search for boats that don't use completely molded top decks, anywhere you see load bearing fiberglass that molds directly up into the wall section as one piece of the boat you should inspect closely. look for boats that use alot of composite materials to build lounge features ie. honeycomb aluminum, and hardened plastic. (NOT WOOD) but do be advised That alot of large speed boat manufacturers still use treated wood beam stringers that are encapsulated in fiberglass, this is not bad, wood stringers dampen vibrations and are what creates a smooth ride.








    question:

    I need to make a boat out of scrap and waste materials.?
    waste materials may consists of straws,glue, icecream sticks etc. And the boat should be able to withstand a certain weight for a given period.





    answer:

    Meh...I'd just build a pontoon boat.

    Seal the ends of a bunch of straws. Tape them all together into two big "tubes". Make a deck out of several popsicle sticks and glue the tubes underneath. Done.

    Heck, the pontoons could simply be pop bottles instead of straws and the deck could be a hunk of cardboard.

    Of course, any plastic bowl shaped thing such as a -plastic bowl- will float. So will a big piece of styrofoam. In fact, you could carve a block of styrofoam into the basic dingy shape and then cover it with popsicle sticks for an "authentic" look.








    question:

    Any advice for a first time kayaker?
    Recreational kayaking on a lake to start out.





    answer:

    Hard to give you a good answer without more details. I presume you are renting a kayak and gear? Rental concessions range wildly, from crappy plastic "bathtub" kayaks with too-short, stiff and heavy aluminum shaft paddle where they just give you the gear and you are on your own, to good outfitters who will provide quality sit-in touring kayaks with good Werner fiberglass paddles and will give you an introductory lesson in how to use the kayak and paddle properly.

    If you are renting short fat sit on top or sit inside kayaks with huge cockpit openings and have aluminum paddles, there is not much I can tell you to improve the experience. That sort of boat is stable but extremely slow, they don't turn easily and are kind of tiring to paddle. Most newbies paddle wrong -- you are supposed to paddle by rotating your torso, not windmilling your arms. Torso rotation is hard to explain, easier to see. So look for some Youtube videos of "kayak paddling torso rotation" and you will see good technique. it will allow you to go faster with less fatigue and less chance of straining your shoulders and wrists. Also, you control the kayak with your body, so if you have a choice of boats at the rental, pick a narrower one that fits you snugly. The problem with a lot of cheap and rental "rec" kayaks is they are too wide and tall for most women and you have no good contact with the boat. It is like paddling a barge.

    It's really better if you can find a good outfitter and take a lesson or two with good equipment. That will give you a real feel for the sport and be more enjoyable in the end. If you have that option, take it.

    Other than that, I would advise you to dress assuming you may be fully immersed in the water. Kayaking is wet even if you don't fall in due to water that runs off the paddle. I usually wear a tank swimsuit, under nylon cargo capris or long pants (I don't like shorts because you can scuff your legs on the sides of the boat and you get sunburned on the tops of your thighs). For shoes, an old pair of nylon sneakers or waterprrof sport sandals works best. No flip-flops or Crocs -- they slip around too easily. For a top, a nylon stretch knit athletic top or a nylon or polyester blend cargo shirt with long sleeves you can push up or roll down to protect against sunburn and wind. DON'T wear anything cotton -- no teeshirts, no jeans, no sweatshirt material. They just get soaked and can chill you if the wind blows -- miserable to paddle in. And be sure to bring sunglasses and a hat with a brim -- it gets really bright from refelction of sun on the water and a baseball or wide brimmed sun hat is a necessity. Leave your cell phone in the car. If you take a camera, seal it in TWO ziplock baggies and be very careful taking it out to use it. Probably better to leave it in the car too your first few times out. A small nylon stuff sack or fanny pack with snacks in ziplocks and a bottle of water is good to have. Be sure and tie or buckle it to something on the boat deck or inside so if the kayak flips you won't lose it. I usually carry a travel sized bottle of hand cleaner or handwipes too. You don't want to eat your snack with mucky lake water on your hands.

    Other than that, just relax and enjoy yourself. Kayaks are fun. The chances of flipping one are about zero with rental recreational boats unless you stand up in the boat or are goofing around too much. Even if you do flip and it is a sit inside type, you can't be "trapped" in the boat as some newbies fear. In fact you fall out into the water right away. Don't go out alone until you are sure you can self-rescue (pull yourself back into the boat if it capsizes.) And never go out in water that is less than 70 degrees without protective cold water immersion clothing. You have to dress for the water temp, not the air. It can be 80 degrees outside in the Spring and the water can still be a deadly 40 or 50 degrees. Cold water isn't just uncomfortable, it causes thermal shock so you can't breathe or use your muscles. People can and do drown within a few minutes in cold water even in the calmest looking lakes and close to shore.

    Last of all ALWAYS wear your PFD (life vest). In many states it is required, and it is always the safest thing to do.








    question:

    Installation of boat pedestal seats?
    I'm putting decks on my boat and i was wondering how i can put pedestal seats in my boat (what tools do i need) thanks.





    answer:

    My friend, I have found something you might want to take a look at that could give you a very good design for modifying your aluminum boats floor plan.
    http://www.hopliteboats.com/index.html
    Of course you don't have to have a steering console if your boat is a tiller steer.

    As far as mounting pedestal bases make sure you have adequate support to mount your bases to. An extra thickness of deck material (marine plywood or whatever you are using) beneath you floor, large over sized fender washers and stainless mounting hardware will last much longer than galvanized bolt and nuts. As mentioned a jigsaw or 1" hole saw (or whatever size your base requires), and an electric drill can be used for below deck pedestal bases or a drill and bits for a surface mount base. If you haven't bought your bases yet, you might want to get ones with brass or bronze insert bushing. They last forever and don't crack like the plastic ones. Good luck with your project and I hope it comes out as well as you want it to.








    question:

    I need help making this raft?
    I am planning on making a raft out of wood there is a link to the picture
    all i just need some advice on how to make this raft float with 2-5 people on it
    i have 4 pool noodles and i have a limited source for wood
    i have chalk and other sealing material, and nail and stuff i just need to improve it, make it be able to float with 2-5 people thats it

    Thank ya'll in advance

    please help i really want to build this

    here are two picture of what it looks like so far: http://www.flickr.com/photos/87582357@N06/8583486199/in/photostream





    answer:

    Ok, what you have might make a good deck - but what you need is something to float your deck. . .
    So, want something to float? Just remember this: "8 Pints, 8 Pounds - the world around."
    (this is an old boat builders saying) to remember what it takes to float your boat. . .

    There are 8 pints in a pound, 8 pounds in a gallon and 8 gallons in a cubic foot. So, (rounded off - you don't need to worry about fractions here) 1 pint of floatataion foam or air - will float 1 pound.
    a one gallon container of air or foam, will float 8 pounds, and 8 gallon containers (or 1 cubic foot) will float 64 pounds.

    So, if you want your raft to float 4 people (your self & 3 friends) you need to know their total weight, plus the total weight of your raft, plus and carry-on gear. . .

    For example:
    Lets say your raft materials & gear weighs a total of 192 lbs.
    Lets say you & your 3 friends weigh an average of 128 lbs each, for a total of 512 lbs.
    Then, you need to add your weights (192 + 512 = 704 lbs.
    So, to float your raft + your gear + you and your friends, you need:
    704 divided by 8 = 88 gallon jugs or
    704 divided by 64 = 11 cubic feet of air or floation foam

    So, that is what you need to float your boat (raft) at water level. If you want to stay high & dry, so not to get your feet or butt wet whe you sit down, since you have no sides or freeboard, you need to add about 1/3 more floation - another 30 gallon jugs or another 4 cubic feet of floation.

    Hint: if you google "gallon plastic drums" you will find places on the internet that sell plastic drums in any size from 10 to 55 gallons - however, if you look around town - or visit a soft drink beverage distributor - they have 30 gallon plastic barrels (that will suit your needs just great) and you can probably get them free, or for a piece. (They get their beverage coke, pepsi, rootbeer, etc. "syrup" in these barrels and they don't reuse them.) 4 or 6 of these 30 gallon barrels will work nicely on your raft - you can use heavy wire or light cable to wire & tie the barrels in place to the flooring on your raft.

    Here are some "How to" links with examples:
    http://www.captainfletch.com/projects/boats/barellraft/barrelraft.asp
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kea4kRckBVk








    question:

    facts about the ocean,plastic,and recycling ?
    as a combined subject.=]





    answer:

    There is a "puddle" of plastic debris several miles in diameter traveling the Pacific Ocean that has had reasonable press over the past 5 years or so. It has actually been growing for more years than the past 5 or 10 years. There is at least one guy/organization that is doing some on-going monitoring of it but, more than that have come and gone. Some of the materials surely come from beach litter. Some of the materials pretty much trace themselves to assorted boats and cruise ships. But, a number of the materials have come from what is suspected to be cargo containers lost overboard in storms from the top decks of cargo ships. There are little hints that some of the materials are in actuality plastics collected, gathered, and being transported over-seas for recycling from the ships themselves. And, I seem to remember seeing a report on TV some years ago showing mounds of plastic bottles in some forgien country along side a water way down which many were flowing toward the sea. The existing plastic debris puddle is growing at an increasing rate and seems to lock in the plastic that attaches to it. Many of the plastics themselves are breaking down resulting in what is claimed to be resulting chemical contamination and pieces falling to the ocean bottom. It is estimated that there are an astounding number of tons of plastic in the debris pile which is now of unknown/questionable chemical content. There is a guy who removes a couple of tons per year but, that at this point it would take a concerted effort to eliminate the existing pile.

    While this is the general story, I have few direct facts. You can certainly pick up facts by doing a periodical lit search at the library. You could probably pick up a number by searching the internet as well as the major news reporting agencies both in this country and others.

    In terms of recycling, there are a number of different angles. One is the prevention of the plastic contributed from beach side, boats, and cruise ships; many of these contributions are recyclable. One is the prevention of the loss of plastic from the decks of cargo ships. Another is the irony of plastic bound for recycling over-seas ending up in the debris heap. Another is the whole issue of exporting recyclables over-seas only to have them handled with less environmental care than we would use in our landfills; this issue has several different aspects, each with a story of its own. Lastly, there are the issues revolving around the concept of removal of the existing debris float/pile/ puddle/reef. There is the cost involved in gathering it onto ships, who would do so, and who would/should be financially responsible. Once "captured" there is so much plastic it is hard to say if there is enough facility capable of handling the retrieved plastic. And, then there are the issues surrounding the chemical composition of the plastic that remains in the pile and whether or not it could actually be recycled. Of course cost and responsibility becomes a part of the equation.








    question:

    I love Kayaking! What boat is best for me?
    I am female. 5'8, 130 lbs. Looking to do mostly flat, calm water in a sit in style kayak. Going to be searching craigslist and the likes.as I'm new to kayaking and only want to spend about 0.
    Sorry forgot to mention. Not an inflatable and not a sit on top. I'd prefer a sit in, something with a little storage area..





    answer:

    In the price range of 0 you won't really be able to be picky about what make and model you prefer. Kayaks are wildly popular everywhere and anything used but decent for sale at less than 0 gets snapped up quickly on craigslist (I should know -- I snagged 3 of my 4 boats on there.) You can do it but you have to look every day and then act fast. When you see a used boat for sale, go to the "reviews" section of http://www.paddling,net and you'll be able to find out all about that model of kayak before you decide if it might be one you want. I did find a Dagger Magellan plastic sea kayak on CL with a rudder for 0 (a 00 boat originally) but it was a little rough. Around here, anything under 0 tends to be those chunky little whitewater boats (you don't want those) or clunky and heavy discount store specials.

    Also, remember that you need a PFD and a paddle. A decent PFD is at least new, but you might find one cheaper used (though they show up for sale less often.) One mistake I find that new paddlers make is being stingy about buying their paddle. Having a crummy cheap paddle will have a more negative effect on your kayaking experience than any shortcomings of the boat. Cheap paddles are heavy and stiff and will quickly make you tired and frustrated -- look for one with a fiberglass handle (not metal) and narrow blades (not fat and spoon-shaped). You don't have to spend a fortune -- though my best paddles cost almost 0, I found one on sale for half off last year that only cost with a fiberglass handle. And be sure to get one the right length -- new paddlers tend to go too short, For flatwater you would want one at least 220 cm, even 230 or 240 if the boat you get is wider than 24" at the cockpit (otherwise you bang your knuckles on the gunwales.)

    I would say, look for a plastic flatwater boat at least 10' long with a keyhole cockpit (one where your legs are under the deck, not exposed.) Longer will be faster and will track straighter, so longer is good. Don't worry if it's a funky color or beat up (remember that you don't see much of the boat when it is in the water anyway.) Be sure it isn't "oilcanned" on the bottom (sort of caved in because it was stored on a flat surface.) Also try for something as light as possible -- if a boat is a hassle for you to load on your car you won't get much use out of it.

    You might want to try posting a "kayak wanted" ad yourself. Say you want a paddle and PFD with it for 0. Sometimes people try hobbies like kayaking and then lose interest -- suddenly a few hundred cash in hand sounds a lot better than tripping over that boat you never use in the garage......

    Another option If you really want a fabulous boat for very little money and don't mind doing a little work (or have a boyfriend that loves to build things) check out
    http://www.yostwerks.com
    This guy's site has FREE plans for making your own skin-on-frame kayak (just like the traditional Eskimo boats) -- takes most people a couple months of weekends and less than 0 in material. There are dozens of photos ordinary people have sent in of boats they made in their garages and living rooms -- one woman even made the frame out of the aluminum tubing from old crutches! These boats are super cool, very light (half the weight of plastic boats) and quite fast and fun to paddle. One of our local high school shop teachers has kids making boats like this in class now.

    You can even make your own "Greenland style" paddle out of a wooden board for less than .

    Even if you decide that is too much work, it is still a fun site to look at with a lot of pictures of people around the world enjoying their boats.








    question:

    Why should we use chlorine?
    I have a debate coming up in class and I need reasons why we should use chlorine in water treatment over not using it. Websites would be helpful!





    answer:

    Because chlorine is used in the following things.......

    Medicine More than 93 percent of
    pharmaceuticals contain chlorine or are made
    with chlorine chemistry, from over-the-counter
    medicines that treat minor aches and pains to
    prescriptions that treat heart disease, cancer,
    AIDS and malaria.

    Affordable housing Chlorine technology is used
    to make polyvinyl chloride and vinyl for affordable
    and energy-efficient building materials: siding,
    windows, flooring, decking, piping and more.
    Vinyl is used in so many products, it ranks second
    among all of the most widely used plastics in the
    world.

    Fresh produce Chlorine chemistry is used in
    86 percent of crop protection chemicals, including
    those that combat post-harvest disease. That
    allows farmers to raise, harvest and sell more
    fresh produce to consumers year-round.

    TV Whether you have an older television set or
    one of the latest plasma screens, all TVs have parts that are
    made using chlorine technology.

    Paper Most kinds of paper toilet paper,
    phone books, coffee filters and many others are
    processed with chlorine products.

    Sports Chlorine is needed to make all kinds of
    sports equipment like balls, rackets, surfboards,
    helmets and basketball shoes, just to name a few.

    Computers From memory chips to
    microprocessors, computers rely on chlorine
    technology.

    CDs and DVDs Whether it s video games, music,
    data or movies, discs are made with polycarbonate, which is
    manufactured with chlorine.

    Cars, trains, boats and airplanes All of these inventions
    have parts that are manufactured using chlorine, from airbags
    and safety belts to instrument panels and armrests.

    Public Safety Chlorine is used in the production of
    bulletproof vests, face shields, helmets and fire-resistant
    clothing.








    question:

    Sponges are made of what kind substances? ?
    Sponges are made of what kind substances? Can you please be simple in your answers, as I'm not too good with scientific terms.





    answer:

    Sponges are made of ... er... natural substances (cellulose)

    To gather natural sponges, specially trained divers descend into sponge-growing waters with a large two-pronged hook and a string bag. Traditional sponge divers in Greece used no special breathing equipment. The men of seaside villages were trained from childhood and were expert deep water divers. The sponge industry in the United States centers around Tarpon Springs, Florida, a community that was founded by Greek immigrant divers. Today's sponge divers use modern diving equipment such as wet suits and oxygen tanks. The divers pry sponges off the rocks or reefs where they grow, and bring them up in their string bags. The divers pile the sponges on the deck of their boat and cover them with wet cloths. The animals die on the boat, and their skins rot off. After the skins have decayed, the harvesters wash the sponges and string them on a long, thin rope to dry in the sun. After they have dried completely, the harvesters wash the sponges several more times. This is all the preparation the sponges need to be ready for sale.

    The steps necessary in the manufacture of synthetic sponge is discussed below.

    1. The cellulose used for sponges arrives at the sponge factory in large, stiff sheets. Workers take the sheets and soak them in a vat of water mixed with certain chemical softeners. The cellulose becomes soft and jelly-like. Then workers load the cellulose into a revolving mixer, which is a large rotating metal drum. Workers add the sodium sulphate crystals, cut hemp fibers, and dye, and close the mixer. The mixer is set to rotate, and it churns the ingredients so that they are thoroughly amalgamated.
    2. From the mixer, workers pour the material into a large rectangular mold that may be 2 ft (61 cm) high, 2 ft (61 cm) wide, and 6 ft (1.8 m) long. The mold is heated, and the cellulose mixture cooks. As it cooks, the sodium sulphate crystals melt, and drain away through openings in the bottom of the mold. It is their melting that leaves the characteristic pores in the finished sponge. The size of the pores is determined by the size of the sodium sulphate crystals. A rough sponge used for washing a car, for instance, is made with coarse crystals, while a fine sponge of the type used for applying makeup is made with very fine crystals. As the celluolose mix cooks, then cools, it becomes a hard, porous block.
    3. The sponge block is then soaked in a vat of bleach. This removes dirt and impurities, and also brightens the color. Next the sponge is cleaned in water. Additional washings alter the texture, making the sponge more pliable. The sponge is left to dry, to prepare it for cutting.
    4. Some manufacturers make the sponge and cut and package it themselves. Others produce the raw blocks of sponge, and then sell them to a company known as a converter. The converter cuts the sponges according to its customers needs, and takes care of the packaging and distribution. Whether at the first manufacturing facility or at the converter, workers cut the sponges on an automatic cutter. They load each big rectangle of sponge into a machine that slices it into the desired size. Because the sponge block is rectangular, it can be cut into many smaller rectangles with little or no waste.
    5. Many household sponges have a textured plastic scouring pad attached to one side. This is attached in a process called laminating, after the sponge is cut. The scouring pad, which is cut to the same size as the sponge, is affixed to the sponge in a laminating machine that uses a specialized sponge glue made of moisture-cured polyurethane. Next, the sponges move to a packaging area where they are sealed in plastic. The packaged sponges are boxed, and the boxes sent to a warehouse for further distribution.








    question:

    Minimum Order Quantity?
    what is the excat meaning of "Minimum Order Quantity" cause i am getting a whole lot of confusing answers





    answer:

    It is the minimum size of an order specified by a supplier. For example, if you are manufacturing calculators and are placing orders for memory chips, the chip supplier requires that you order at least 100 chips at a time. In other words, they are not interested in you as a customer if you are ordering 20 or 30 chips.

    Minimum order quantity is often specified for custom goods. I built boats and needed a plastic extrusion of a custom shape to fit around the rim where the deck and the hull are joined. A boat required 35 feet, but I had to order a minimum of 300 feet. It was not worth the supplier setting up the equipment and mixing the materials for a smaller quantity.








    question:

    HELP. i cant find a list of new building materials. 10 pts.?
    LIST OF NEW BUILDING MATERIALS





    answer:

    *Porous concrete and asphalt, modular blocks, and crushed granite. These materials, especially modular paving blocks, are widely available and a well established method to reduce storm water runoff.

    -Cement-fiber siding is a masonry product made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose and will not burn, cup, swell, or
    shrink.

    -Coated metal products are available for both roofing and gutter applications. These products eliminate contact of bare metal with rainfall, eliminating one source of metals in runoff. There
    are also roofing materials made of recycled rubber and plastic that resemble traditional materials.
    -New pressure treated wood uses a much safer recipe, ACQ, which stands for ammoniacal copper quartenary.

    -Plastic-wood composites are a combination of plastic and
    wood fibers or sawdust. These materials are a long lasting exterior weather, insect, and chemical resistant wood lumber replacement for non structural applications. Use it for decks, docks, raised garden beds and planter boxes, pallets, hand railings, outdoor furniture, animal pens, boat decks.








    question:

    Building a boat with buoyancy.?
    I have a science project due on MONDAY!!!
    I need to build a boat that successfully floats on water.
    The only problem is i dont know how...!

    It would really help if in your answer you provide:
    1. Strong materials to build with
    2. Why these materials...
    3. And how to build it

    All answers are greatly appreciated :)
    THANK U!!





    answer:

    not asking for much are you - wood, marine ply, plastic - fibreglass - GRP - Foam, steel.
    natural strength, traditional, mp - lighter more versatile, plastic low maintenance, steel - strong
    lay keel, and build up framework and clad. plastic moulds often separate hull and deck/cabin. steel either








    question:

    Is The Bayliner 197 A Good Boat For Fishing/Watersports?
    Ok just wanted to get some opinions here, Is the 2008 Bayliner 197 deck boat with a fishing pack (Trolling Motor, Depthfinder, and Livewell) a good boat for fishing/watersports? It will be used on Wheeler Lake in Rogersville, Alabama put in from First Creek near Wheeler Dam. Mostly used for catfish and bass fishing probably about 60% fishing/40% tubing and skiing. When we are fishing it will mostly be just my dad and I. When we are tubing/skiing/riding it will be 4 or 5 of us. We currently have a Alumacraft Lunker 165 but find it small for when we bring the whole family instead of just my dad and I. The boat has a 190 horsepower engine and it's max speed is 45 mph with a 16 inch draft. Does this sound good? The water we're usually in is at least 10 feet deep when we're bass fishing about 40-50 catfishing but it is more than 100 ft. deep in some spots where we would catfish and troll in mid summer





    answer:

    Your intended use for such a boat sounds great - I am glad to hear you are enjoying your current boat with your Dad - (there is way too little of that going on these days).

    My only problem would be that it is a Bayliner. I would rather go for something good, sound, solid, safe, and proven... (and even possibly pay less then you will for the 2008 Bayliner... )

    Sorry, but I hate to see people waste their good hard earned money.
    I am a long (40 years) living a-board boater and I have seen the history of these boats. Most recently a guy a few slips down from me in the Marina bought a really beautiful 40' Bayliner "Yacht". (I use that term losely - but that's what Bayliner calls it) And it really was a beautiful boat. He has only had it 3 years and it already looks like the oldest most derelic vessel in the Marina... (All that vinyl and plastic just don't do well when it comes to SUV rays) I am in Texas - so we get about the same kind and amount of sun.

    So please... I recommend you don't think so much about how the vessel looks now - as honestly - no one but you cares anyway... Think about how is it going to look 5 or even 10 years from now. (You will want to be proud of it then too.)

    Remember, Bayliner is owned by Brunswick... and they (Brunswick) have been in business for over 100 years now... But do you really want to buy a boat from someone that speciallizes in making bowling balls?

    Suggestion: look around - visit Marinas in your area - visit boatyards and boneyards for boats - take a good look at the boats - notice how old they look vs how old they really are... Bayliners usually look 20 years old when they are only 4 or 5 - it's because they are about the most inexpensive bang for the buck you can buy - and there is good reason for it - cheap materials and cheap labor.

    If you plan on keeping the boat for some time - you might look for a much better built boat on the used market (and now is a very good time for doing so) but whatever you do - what ever you buy...
    BE SURE TO GET A CERTIFIED BOAT SURVEY and AN ON THE WATER TEST DRIVE before you buy ANY BOAT.

    I know... it is hard to take someone's advise when you already have your heart set on something. But you should really think about this one... buying a boat can be a great and wonderful investment - if you buy smart and buy the right one - then use it - lots - lots.
    Ask ANY experienced boater - and (if they really are experienced) you will be hard pressed to find even one that would recommend a Bayliner.

    Happy & Safe Boating,
    Capt. John
    http://www.boatwrights.org/
    PS.
    Sounds to me like you & your Dad might want to look into building your own... What a great father & son project that would be! And since you both enjoy fishing, etc. WOW!
    So, you might want to check it out... I have sent you a couple of links.








    question:

    Going camping need help planing?
    Hey guys im going camping with some friends on a beach about ten all up we have 2 tents one for chick and one for guys is there anything we need to bring or just some ideas on how to plan this so it goes smoothly

    the only plan we have right now is to bring up a boat and go fishing





    answer:

    Car camping means that everything and the kitchen sink could make the list after all, it's the perfect synch between comfort and the outdoors. That said, the trick is to bring enough items that stand in for traditional home-bound amenities while still reinforcing the pleasures of being outdoors. To assure that, bring enough outdoor toys (soccer balls, footballs, Frisbees the list is endless), never let anyone retreat to the mini-van DVD player, and, most important, take a page from the backpacker's philosophy: Leave No Trace; pack out what you pack in, keep the trash far away from the fires, and leave the place the way you found it. Not only is that the environmentally savvy thing to do, but it also bestows the right message to your friends.

    And when it comes to food plan by meal based on your schedule, then aim for one- or two-pot meals like pancakes or stew, and be sure to pack enough fruit and other snack items to stave off hunger between meals.

    Shelter and Sleeping
    Ground cloth
    Tent(s)
    Sleeping pads for everyone
    Portable chairs and stools
    Sleeping bag (rated to 20 to 50F)
    Pillows
    The Camp Kitchen
    Stove (be sure to test it each time before you go)
    Stove fuel
    Charcoal and lighter fuel (if grilling)
    Firewood and kindling (if allowed)
    Matches/lighter
    Cooking pots and pans
    Extra water (to keep at your site)
    Utensil set (including spoons, knives, forks, plus cooking utensils, such as serving spoons, knives, spatulas)
    Can opener
    Mess kits for everyone (plates, cups, bowls)
    Cooler and ice
    Dish detergent
    Dish towels
    Sponge/scraper
    Plastic basin (for washing dishes)
    Paper towels
    Tablecloth
    Trash bags
    Foil
    Ziploc bags
    Hot pads
    Citronella candle
    Food Items
    Snacks
    Fruit
    Peanut butter and bread (very quick and handy if your kids like it)
    Butter/cooking oil
    Condiments (salt, pepper, multi-spice, and mustard/catsup when applicable)
    Beverages (juice boxes, milk)
    Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate
    Milk, sugar (if needed)
    Desserts
    Makings for s'mores (marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate)
    Handy Campsite Tools
    Rope
    Clothes pins
    Duct tape
    Multi-tool/utility knife
    Small handheld broom (for sweeping out the tent)
    Light Sources
    Lantern (at least one per tent makes camping much more enjoyable)
    Headlamps for all
    Toiletries
    Bath towels and washcloths
    Soap
    Hand sanitizer
    Shampoo
    Quarters for pay showers
    Toothbrushes/toothpaste
    Deodorant
    Razor
    Toilet paper and trowel
    Sunscreen
    Lip balm
    Baby wipes (very handy for campsite cleanup)
    Family Medical Kit
    Bandages
    Benadryl
    Poison ivy treatment such as CORTAID Treatment Kit
    Antibiotic ointment/wipes
    Burn ointment
    Thermometer
    Bug repellent
    Aspirin
    Tweezers (good for removing splinters and ticks)
    Moleskin
    Clothing for All
    Trail-running shoes or hiking boots (broken in and waterproofed)
    Sandals/flip-flops (for public showers)
    Wool socks
    Synthetic long-underwear bottoms and tops
    Synthetic shorts or convertible pants
    Underwear
    Synthetic/wicking t-shirt
    Rain/wind jacket and pants
    Wool or fleece sweater or jacket (vest, if warmer)
    Pajamas
    Bathing suits
    Sunglasses
    Wool or fleece hat*
    Wool/fleece gloves or mittens*
    Play Equipment
    Swim towels
    Water shoes (if needed)
    Daypacks
    Water bottles
    Camera and film
    Video camera
    Reading material for all
    Guidebooks and maps
    Camping reservation info
    Kid Stuff
    Outdoor toys (Frisbee, kites, soccer ball, football, Wiffle Ball, etc.)
    Whistle
    Toys, board games, or deck of cards
    Water toys or floats

    *Indicates optional/depending on climate and geography








    question:

    Need help fixing up 1971 14' jon boat (lights, building compartments, trolling motor, etc) ?
    i just bought a 14' jon boat (the boat that is used as my picture) it was made in 1971 along with the motor ( a johnson 9.5 hp) I want to fix the boat up real nice but I am extremely inexperienced with boats so please take note when answering this I am inexperienced with most terms as well.
    First of all, i want to put lights on the boat so i can take it out at night. how could i put some good running lights or a spotlight on it, and what lights do i need to have for it to be legal (in texas)
    . i also want to put a 30lb thrust trolilng motor on the bow. what kind of battery should i use to power the trolling motor, also, can i power the lights from that same battery or do i need a seperate power source?
    i am also trying to paint the boat, probably a dark green color, what are the steps in painting this?
    lastly, i want to build a support frame in the front to cover with a piece of plywood and cover than in carpet, so i can use it as storage compartment underneath but also attach a chair on it, and i would also like to attach a second chair in the back. please take in mind I am a college student and looking for the very most inexpensive ways to do all of this. any other tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you all!





    answer:

    If you're doing fishing at night, It's Green/Red in arrangement of right/left in the front of the boat. The back of the boat should be White.

    Most important is what lake or pond will you be using at. Certain body of water will restrict you into certain type of HP motor. A lot of reservoir don't allow gas motor. If you put a Trolling Motor it will be fine.

    For Trolling Motor, go with Marine Battery. You can get that at Walmart or go to Autozone etc.. I think Walmart carries a 900+ amp hour now. It's last pretty long, but it's pretty heavy. Make sure your boat can handle the weight.

    Talking about weight, you were going to add something to the front. Make sure it's not too heavy too.

    Homedepot has some plastic wood material that would not rot. Their color are white and they come in all sort of shape. You can try that, but it's a bit more expensive. If your in a budget, just go with wood deck and paint it with water seal.








    question:

    A question About wooden Boats, Any boating knowledge would help?
    I am seriously considering attending wooden boat building school... I have a real passion for boats even bought my first 30ft sailboat when i was 20 with my savings... Best day ever...
    Anyway If i decided to do this do people still buy these sort of boats? I feel because of my passion and with ability i can create great things, but after all will i be able to make a living?
    The school is in ME and it isnt cheap but i have the cash I just dont know if it is a good investment.

    Thank you for any information





    answer:

    I say that you have a great idea! Here's some of my reasoning:

    1. While you may never be called upon to build a large wooden yacht, you will be a conservator of the skills to do so, and they will not be lost.

    2. There is a pretty good market for wooden boats -- there are enough enthusiasts to support a number of magazines (check out a year or two of WOODENBOAT, or PROFESSIONAL BOATBUILDER, you'll get a pretty good idea of the market). (1)

    3. Even the ugliest of floating plastic palaces needs interior and deck carpentry. Some examples (2)

    4. Speaking of floating plastic palaces -- the raw material for them comes from oil, and when oil prices get up over 0 per barrel fiberglass boats will be priced out of the market. Wooden boat builders will be turned to to produce the (sailing) watercraft which will be in demand. (3)

    5. The restoration and conservation of wooden craft is also very important. This is being done all over by both public and private enterprises. For instance: places like Mystic Seaport, South Street Seaport, etc., always have projects running; restorations on Hacker and Cris-Craft can cost thousands PER FOOT; one particular niche which needs help right now is for someone who can restore wooded racing shells...

    6. Educational and community programs dealing with wooden boat building are very popular now. I've seen the need for wooden boat builders at community colleges, summer camps, community centers, etc.

    Good luck, build good boats.








    question:

    What is a strong, lightweight material?
    Ok, so i am making a pontoon boat out of plastic water bottles and the deck is going to hav a 2x4 red cedar frame. but for the deck i want to use something more lightweight and cheaper then treated plywood. it has to be strong enough to hold 2-3 average sized people plus some cargo. it also has to survive water for quite some time as i hope this raft will survive hours of float time
    thats a good idea another thing is i want something i can buy at Menards
    great ideas i think im gonna do aluminum but do you think i could take like 5 or so sheets of sheet metal and screw them to the frame





    answer:

    carbon fiber appears to be the best choice. But it is very expensive to make.
    if you can go metal titanium alloys are the best, but they are also pretty expensive.








    question:

    Does anyone own a canvas kayak? Do you like it? Does it hold up and last? Any info appreciated!?






    answer:

    I believe you are referring to what are called "skin-on-frame" kayaks, made of a flexible skin stretched over a metal or wooden frame. The original kayaks, made by Eskimo and Pacific coast natives were made of sealskin over wood and whalebone-- today synthetic fabrics are used, usually some form of nylon, over wooden or aluminum frames.

    They come in both fixed and folding varieties (the folders can be taken apart for travel or storage, the fixed can not.) I have both types, 2 folding kayaks made by Feathercraft (check their website for photos and descriptions) and 1 fixed boat, a handmade wooden frame Greenland Eskimo style with a skin made of ballistic nylon coated with special polyurethane. I also have a "regular" plastic kayak like most people who kayak own so I can give a pretty good opinion, I think. I love my skin-on-frame (SOF) boats. Unlike rigid plastic or fiberglass boats, in SOF kayaks you can sort of feel the pressure of the water around you. The folding boats are great because they pack down into a duffel bag or backpack that you can throw in a trunk or even take on a plane. My Feathercraft Kahuna, with a nylon shell, rubberized bottom and shock-corded aluminum frame, weighs 35 lbs, about the same as a bicycle. They are very tough -- I have had the Kahuna for 10 years and have dragged it over concrete launch ramps and hit plenty of rocks in rivers and lakes. The US Army special forces actually use a version of the same boat for special ops -- they can parachute in with the boat in a bag, set it up in 30 minutes and paddle to a target site. Unlike hard boats, which can dent or crack, a SOF boat just bounces off objects. Even if something punctured it, I always carry a patch kit but have never had to use it. The boats are costly, though. Feathercrafts run from ,000 to ,000 but will last you forever if you care for them. Sometimes you can find used ones for under ,000. There are a few other folding boat companies including Folbot and Klepper, Nautiraid and SeaVivor.

    My fixed SOF boat was built by Monkcraft kayaks in Oregon. Even though it is not as portable since it does not fold, it is my lightest boat (32 lbs) even though it is 18 feet long. It is my favorite to paddle because it is so light and fast. It's really pretty, too, jade green with graceful lines -- I call it Willow Leaf. The nylon skin is so strong on can stand on the deck or hit it with a hammer.

    If you check out the websites for SOF boats, including Monkcraft (you can see a photo of my boat -- the guy paddling it is wearing a hat and posing in the water in front of a rock wall), Cape Falcon Kayaks and Yostwerks, you will see many varieties of SOF boats. The Yostwerks site is really cool because it has free instuctions for building your own "canvas" boat and hundreds of photos people have sent in showing the boats they made. One of the shop teachers here in my city just had a class last year where students built their own kayak based on what the teacher had learned at a class by Cape Falcon kayaks. Some of the folks who built their own spend only a couple of hundred dollars on material. One woman used the aluminum tubes of old crutches for her frame!!

    Another company, Black Dog Kayaks, sells kits for around 0 to build your own SOF boat.

    The last link below is of a guy TRYING to destroy a skin on frame kayak like my Monkcraft. You can see how tough they are.

    This might be more information than you were looking for but I hope it gives you a little background and some sites to check out to learn more.

    M








    question:

    redoing a bass boat. creative minds needed!?
    Hello,
    I am redoing my deep v hull 17ft fisher bass boat. I have everything figured out except for one part... I do not know what its called but I guess the center console? Not the steering wheel or gauges but that big piece that kinda holds everything. It's really cracked and the paint or what ever type of material it's made of is chipped. Heres a picture of what I am talking about.
    http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/po/110310/027r5/7312be1_27.jpeg
    But mine is alot more chipped up and ugly looking. I and redoing the carpet, new seats, new decals and leaving this will make the whole boat look bad. I do not know what to do it to make it look good. Any ideas? I have thought about paint but its not really a solid smooth plastic.
    I was not so much looking to replace the whole thing. I also did not find one that matches my boat. I am not on such a tight budget.





    answer:

    Why not replace it? New replacements are available. The other thing is get a gallon of Bondo automotive body filler and apply, sand and paint. The third choice is to use spray glue 3M Super 77 then carpet over the whole thing to match the deck. Those are the three choices that come to mind, but I don't know your situation and budget.








    question:

    What covering to put on a swim step?
    Its a 22' seaswirl, the swim step is fiberglass & now has 3 very thin fingernail thickness sheets of plastic type stuff on it. Each sheet is about 16"x14" and glued down. They are lightly textured and a little non slipery. I need to replace this stuff but can't find it anywhere, not sure if its even a marine product.
    Any ideas what it is or where I can get it?
    Its not seadeck or stair liners.
    Thanks.

    * 1 day ago
    * - 3 days left to answer.

    Additional Details
    These are 3 sheets side by side with a few inches between, maybe a little more like 20"x14" each sheet & very thin.
    They are not on individual stairs but on the swim platform.
    Thanks for the ideas so far but tape or skateboard stuff won't do & I don't want to paint on fiberglass. Any other ideas?





    answer:

    truck box-liner. you have probably seen or may even have a pick-up with a spray in box-liner and you can get the same material from your local auto parts stores in a can that can be rolled on or applied with a brush. it is non-skid, weather resistant, won't crack or peel if applied properly, and is easy to work with. another bonus is you don't have to play around with cutting it to fit plus the price is right and it comes in a ton of colors to match your boat. i know you said you don't want to paint it but with a little masking tape it will look like it is original and you won't have to do it again.
    i have found a ton of uses for the stuff including coating my deck and around the hot-tub.








    question:

    The love of money is the root of all evil. Your thoughts?
    By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN, Associated Press Writer Mohamed Olad Hassan, Associated Press Writer Sun Jan 11, 10:14 am ET

    MOGADISHU, Somalia The body of a Somali pirate who drowned just after receiving a huge ransom washed onshore with 3,000 in cash, a resident said Sunday, as the spokesman for another group of pirates promised to soon free a Ukrainian arms ship.

    Five pirates drowned Friday when their small boat capsized after they received a reported million ransom for releasing a Saudi oil tanker. Local resident Omar Abdi Hassan said one of the bodies had been found on a beach near the coastal town of Haradhere and relatives were searching for the other four.

    "One of them was discovered and they are still looking for the other ones. He had 3,000 in a plastic bag in his pocket," he said Sunday.

    The U.S. navy released photos of a parachute dropping a package onto the deck of the Sirius Star, and said the package was likely to be the ransom delivery.

    But five of the dozens of pirates who had hijacked the tanker drowned when their small boat capsized as they returned to shore in rough weather. Three other pirates survived but also lost their share of the ransom. Here's the link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090111/ap_on_bi_ge/piracy
    Was 3,000.00 via means of extortion and violence really worth it?





    answer:

    For the affluent there is an intellectual sense of wealth management. There is no reason for risky ventures or criminal activity.

    People with limited access to money have a far different perception of wealth. Scarcity of money or the material for which money can be exchanged can trigger avarice and conspicuous consumption.

    Education and intellectual development facilitates a value structure beyond simple material greed. Integrity of self worth can be a constructive influence that encourages complex values beyond material desires.

    No the 3,000 or any monetary amount is not worth risking human life.








    question:

    Is this a good beginner kayak?
    I want to start kayaking. I live next to a shallow, flat and still river. Would this be a good choice? If not, what would?

    http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=420282&pdesc=Pelican_Pursuit_80_Deluxe_Kayak&aID=505P1A&merchID=4006





    answer:

    No. It's too short and too wide and you will quickly become frustrated with it. It will be very hard to paddle in a straight line and also hard to steer. With such a flat bottom it will not perform well in wind or any waves -- you could be flipped in a strong power boat wake. The product description is basically a lie. The material it is made out of (RamX plastic) is flimsy and does not hold up well. About all this is good for is bobbing around in a pool or fishing in a small pond.

    If 0 is all you have to spend you need to remember that you will need to buy a good paddle and a PFD (live preserver) is required in all states. Those will run you from 0 to 0 in addition. A cheap paddle will make for a miserable experience so don't even think about getting one of those aluminum things -- you will hate it. You will get a better deal if you look on Craigslist for a used boat. Look for one at least 10 or 12 feet long and narrower than 25" . make sure it is a touring boat and not one made for whitewater. At 8' long and 28" that boat at Gander mountain is barely what I would even consider a kayak, more of a rowboat with a deck.

    Before you waste your money, I would recommend renting kayaks a couple of times and getting the feel for what they are like. Then go to a kayak outfitter shop, NOT a general sporting goods store or big box retailer, and talk to an experienced salesperson who will fit you with the right kind of boat so you will hae a safe and enjoyable paddling experience. For the kind of water you are talking about paddling in, you might even be happier in a small canoe than a kayak.








    question:

    Anyone know what the Best types of Canoes or Kayaks are?
    Me and my family are currently looking for a 2 or 3 seater canoes or kayaks (inflatable or not) we are currently unsure of the best type to get. Does anyone have any idea what sort to get, where to get it from and how much it will cost.
    Thanks
    There are 4 in our family. The people on the canoe would be at one time would be two adults, either two small adults or a small adult and one average height adult, (if there is room then possibly with a small child ) or a average height adult and a child.
    Budget is not to bad. Highest is probably about 500. We will probably use it in calm lake waters. My dad used to do a lot of kayaking in his younger days and we are going to the Lake District in August and will use the canoe then. We might use it in the calm waters in the sea as we live on the coast.





    answer:

    UPDATE: If you do plan to use the boats offshore in the coastal UK you probably should stay away from the 100% inflatables -- they are tough to control in wind and surf. Venture (a division of P & H kayaks in the UK) makes excellent boats in that price range but they currently do not have a tandem (i have one of their Easky 15LV models).

    I still think, based on your information, that a hybrid folding/inflatable Pakboat would be a good versatile choice but I was not able to determine who the UK stockists are for them now. it use to be EB Adventures in Kent. You might contact the factory through their US website http://www.pakboats.com . Being as they are lighter than similar "hard" kayaks and pack down into a carton, they can be shipped overseas if need be.

    The Puffin Saranac model runs around 00USD ( plus a little more to buy the single or double decks) or around 600 for you at today's rates (that may change soon and your price would be lower). As you can see from their site and this one:

    http://www.foldingboatco.com/pakboats.html

    the Saranac can be used as an open boat (with 2 adults and a child) or with two people with the spray deck or even one with a single deck with the seat moved to the middle. These are tougher boats than they look. We have been very happy with ours (the XT-15 kayak model) and find it performs near to what our "hard" plastic boats do even in rivers with rapids and on windy lakes. Very stable yet paddles straight with little effort. I know an outfitter who uses them in wild Alaska and down in Patagonia as a fishing guide who reports that they hold up well. They assemble easily, have very comfortable seats which are inflatable, so you could boost the children up higher in the boat by adding more air. Best of all they break down into a duffel bag so you can carrry them in the car boot (or on the rooftop, assembled, as well) and they can be stored in a closet.

    If someone in your family is handy with shop tools, there is also a site

    http://www.yostwerks.com

    that has patterns and instructions for building your own kayaks (including folding and inflatables) with basic materials and shop tools. Their gallery shows examples of people all over the world who have done this, many with no experience.








    question:

    How can I put a 13 foot kayak on my pickup?
    It's the ocean angler 160 kayak, the guy said it was 12-13ft. I have a Toyota tacoma (lame I know) and its a small pickup so how can i put it in? I can lean it against the roof and the tailgate and tie it down but the guy at Dick's said he doesnt recommend that. He said to buy a tailgate hitch extender? that costs like 0 I was like haha fuck you! I cant put it on the roof because there are no railings. do you think it would be safe to just lean it against the roof and the tailgate tied down?
    I didnt really say "Fuck you" im not that mean .





    answer:

    Hauling it like that is a bad idea for two reasons. One is that it is hard to secure the boat at that angle. You should never haul a kayak without securing both the front (bow) and back (stern) securely to your front and back bumpers. A boat that heavy (60 lbs or more) will catch wind and shift dangerously. You could cause an accident easily if it slid off the truck. If you are going to be driving more than 25 or 30 miles per hour this would be really hazardous. You might even get a ticket. By the way, that boat is 160 inches long (13' 4"). Future Beach is the only company that names their model by inches instead of feet. Any other company a 160 model would be 16' long. Future Beach is kind of jive to do that, but they are not a highly regarded manufacturer.

    Second, it;s a cheaply made boat which means fairly thin polyethylene. Poly is a soft material vulnerable to softening under heat and/or distorttion. if you leave it propped up like that for more than half an hour, especially in warm weather, it will start to deform or "oil can" (which is when the hull develops flat spots or caves in.

    Bottom line, there is no point in owning a kayak unless you are willing to invest in a proper arrangement to transport it conveniently and without damaging the boat or risking other drivers' safety. Your attitude towards the salesman was out of line -- he's right that you need a way to haul it. And unless you live right on the water you are going to be hauling it every time you go out paddling.

    The cheapest way for you to set up to haul it would be to buy a used cap for the truck. We did that for our Toyota SR5 and for a Ranger -- you can usually find one on Craigslist for under 0. We got one for in fact -- a little rough but it works. Then you can lay the kayak flat on the length of the cab and cap, using foam pool noodles to cushion it under the front and rear decks (carrying it upside down is best), wide nylon straps to lash it to the roof or truck bed hooks and with sturdy nylon ropes tying the ends to your front and rear bumpers. that's better for the boat than the tailgate extender. Mounting a plastic kayak to a hitch rack with the other end on the cab puts too much stress on the plastic in between where it is not supported and will ruin the boat. Hitch racks are for canoes or rigid kayaks like wooden or fiberglass ones.

    Actually my advice would be to NOT get that kayak. It's kind of a dog and you can usually get a much better boat for the same money on Craigslist ads. Dick's doesn't sell quality kayaks or canoes. Even the ones they stock from better manufacturers like Mad River or Old Town are cheapened versions of the company's usual stock. Like the canoes they have called the "Passage" models from Mad River. They are cheesier versions of their "Adventure" canoe that they only make for Dick's. Kinda like Walmart -- it has the brand name but it is not as well made because the store demands a cheaper version. There are better sources for good kayaks, like EMS, REI or LL Bean, or a good independent paddling outfitter. That kayak you are looking at has poor resale value and will have problems with gadgets falling off it . The boats are made in China -- don't expect much in the way of customer service either. You'd be better off investing your money in a Wilderness Systems or Liguid Logic if you want a quality sit on top for fishing.

    http://www.rei.com/search?cat=4500271&cat=4501489&hist=cat%2C4500271%3AKayaks%5Ecat%2C4501489%3ASit-On-Top+Kayaks













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