There's a lot to learn when it comes to boating and fishing, and we're here to help! Over our 40+ years in the marine industry, we have collected a wealth of knowledge that can help with your next adventure or project. Here are some helpful resources to help make the most of your time on the water!
It’s hard to beat King StarBoard for durable components and boat customizations. However, as versatile as StarBoard is, there is a lot of confusion about when to use it versus other plastic materials.
Looking to add or replace an access door on your boat? Our team discusses the differences between an aluminum framed access door and a King Starboard access door - find out which style works best for your needs!
Compared to foam decking & carpeting, sheet vinyl is extremely durable and easy to maintain. Determine if Lonseal flooring is right for your boat with this article.
If you're tired of using a simple trash bag tied to your boat's rail, you must check out this video! Our team discusses a variety of trash can storage options, from Yeti 5-gallon bucket toppers to custom solutions like tilt-out boxes and more.
If there was one thing Joe Capalbo missed about his previous boat, it was the recessed tackle storage units in both sides of the leaning post, readily accessible from the cockpit. He needed more room to store jigs, weights, hooks, leader, knives, pliers, and more within arm’s reach of the cockpit while fishing his Chesapeake Bay home waters.
Looking for high-quality storage solutions for your conversion van or off-road vehicle? Watch this video to learn how Boat Outfitters brings our innovative storage solutions to the van market. Our team discusses the similarities between the marine and van spaces, and how Boat Outfitters is taking van life to the next level.
Wiring a boat can be a daunting task. Even the simplest skiffs seem to have miles of wires that all run in different directions and only converge into the console to create a rat’s nest of confusion. Whether you’re fixing old faulty wiring, reorganizing a switch panel or running a new accessory, it’s important to know a few basics.
It’s one of the first questions you’re likely to consider while shopping for a boat: Aluminum or fiberglass? Fiberglass has a couple of clear advantages. But aluminum has come a long way in aesthetics and performance.
Are you looking for a way to add more function and entertainment to your pontoon? Check out our folding table and entertainment center perfect for enjoying a day on the water!
Calling all pontoon owners! Looking for convenient cooler storage on your boat? In this video, our team discusses the different storage options. From drawer units, to tilt-out units, we have the solution you've been looking for.
The first-time purchase of a new — or new-to-you — boat opens the door to a whole new world of experiences and adventures, a world many people never get to experience.
Safety is paramount on the water, and our fire extinguisher holders provide the security and reliability boat owners need. With these holders, you can trust that your fire extinguisher is readily accessible yet firmly held in place.
When they first hit the recreational marine market, friction hinges were widely hailed as a development that would completely replace gas shocks and support springs on hatches.
There’s a lot that can go wrong when you leave your boat in the water overnight, especially if you don’t do it often. A little advance preparation can ensure that you and your boat have a good, stress-free night, even when the weather and tide are working against you.
Obviously, boats operate in moist environments, and moist environments are prone to mold and mildew. Combating that tendency requires a battle on both fronts — increasing ventilation and reducing moisture — and there are a wide range of products that can aid in either or both.
Boat Outfitters offers off-the-shelf solutions that meet many boat owners’ needs, but when you need to maximize space or adjust the dimensions, the customizable doors, hatches, glove boxes, fillet tables, helm risers, drawer units and more in our “Build Your Own” section can ensure you get exactly the right solution for your specific application.
Potter’s visibility over the bow was fine, but for his captains and crew, visibility from the helm could be challenging. The obvious solution was to give the captain a higher platform to stand on. “I wanted something that looked like it came with the boat. The fact that Boat Outfitters allowed me to customize exactly what I wanted made it perfect for my needs.”
Tilt-out units are a great way to add storage in tight spots like transoms, gunwales, and consoles. Check out things to consider when shopping for a tilt-out storage unit on your boat.
Adding a swim platform and ladder to an outboard or I/O-powered boat is well within the abilities of the average do-it-yourselfer, but it does require some careful forethought and planning. Here we go over the mounting location, ways to use your platform, and some additional considerations to keep in mind when shopping for swim platforms.
Is there any boat accessory more useful and versatile than the good ol’ 5-gallon bucket? Nothing is perfect, though, and there’s always room for improvement — even with a 5-gallon bucket. Here are a few ways to make yours even better!
The ideal bottom for fishing and diving usually isn’t nice hard sand. Instead, it tends to be rocks, reefs, or wrecks, all of which make it difficult to get your anchor to set and retrieved! Here we go over everything you need to know for anchoring in these settings.
Here are some tools, tips, spots, and do’s and don’ts for baggin’ your bugs! This crash course is the perfect guide for going lobstering in the Florida Keys.
LED lighting for boating applications has advanced rapidly and LEDs are now the superior choice for just about every lighting need you have on your boat and boat trailer.
Can you use King Starboard for a boat casting platform? In this video, we answer this common question and discuss some other important project considerations.
A livewell is more than just a cooler full of bait or bass instead of beer. Livewells keep fish alive for anglers for a range of purposes: the fish are bait and preferably live bait; the fish are dinner; the fish comprise the winning bag in this week’s tournament as long as they show up at weigh-in still flippin’.
Garbage in, garbage out. The phrase was coined in the early days of computer programming to convey the idea that, since computers couldn’t think for themselves, no machine could produce good output based on bad input.
Despite your best intentions to remain a fly/light tackle purist, chances are you’ll eventually run into a situation where you need a decent rod holder or two on your flats skiff. One interesting option for adding rod holders to a flats skiff is a relatively new product that combines a flush-mount rod holder with a cleat
Tune in to learn about the different cell phone accessories available for your boat. We discuss the benefits of upgrading your boat with phone holders and chargers!
When it comes to boat trailer repairs, one thing is certain — eventually, you are going to have to do them. The question for the owner is simply when — and where — those repairs will get done.
We get a common question for somebody looking to modify their boat. They want to add something where they have fiberglass in an area, and the first thing they need to do is make sure something's not behind it before they cut into it.
For better or worse, upgrading your home dock just isn’t as much fun as upgrading your boat. Boats are sexy; docks are utilitarian. The impact, though, in terms of added convenience, function and safety, can be even greater.
When Louis And Megan Caruso purchased their 2005 Silverton 42 Convertible, Sweptaway, from the original owner last year, they inherited a minor dilemma along with her: a small, non-functioning icemaker in the cockpit.
Over the past eight years, Luke Taylor had replaced the lights on his bass boat trailer twice, with the same inexpensive incandescent lights it was originally equipped with. This spring, he decided to take a different approach dropping a bit more money on a set of LED lights in higher-quality housings.
There’s something at once thrilling and intimidating about venturing out of sight of land in your own boat for the first time. With some planning and preparation, though, your first trip offshore can be safe and fun. This third part concerns ways to make your boat safer.
Download an app, connect your phone to your trolling motor, and now your phone is a $1,000 trolling motor remote that’s not clipped to a belt loop and can slide off the gunnel in 200 feet of water with your digital wallet and every picture ever of your kids growing up, all at the same time. Your trolling motor remote backs up to the cloud every night, of course — right? Progress. What a time to be alive.
Are you considering Lexan or Plexiglass for a marine application? Listen to our team discuss the benefits of Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate for different marine projects.
As new boat sales cool across the nation in the wake of the pandemic boom, dealers are again looking for innovative ways to differentiate themselves and to boost and diversify revenue. Offering unique, custom-quality upgrades at the time of purchase ticks all those boxes, providing dealers a valuable upsell opportunity and an easy way to make their boats stand out from the competition.
Get the answers you need to choose the best access door for your boat. Our team discussed the pros & cons of different styles of lift-out removable doors.
It’s a bass tournament angler’s nightmare: open the livewell lid to find the precious cargo inside belly up. Tune in to how we solved this problem with our new Livewell Viewport for Bass Boats.
This article discusses the case for aluminum vs. zinc anodes for boats. Any metal exposed to the corrosive effects of saltwater will eventually succumb without some sort of maintenance and protection.
Need additional accessories for your fillet table? Our team discusses the different options for upgrading your dock and boat fillet table including drawers, shelves, tool holders, and more!
Whether you need a sign to tell guests to take their shoes off before getting aboard, which way the bathroom is, what dock they’re on, or when happy hour starts, you’ll find you’ve got lots of choices. The best-known is King ColorCore, widely used in the marine industry.
As with most things, the many material options all have their own advantages and disadvantages, but there is still a good deal of “overlap.” In other words, for a given project, there are likely several choices of coring material that will work.
Do I need a clear, acrylic livewell lid? How do I replace my livewell lid? Our team discusses the pros and cons of having an acrylic livewell lid compared to opaque baitwell lids.
Looking for a simple and cost-effective way to accessorize your boat? Listen to our team discuss some options for boating & fishing accessories that require no installation. From fillet tables to entertainment stations, there are plenty of options for those looking to make the most of their next trip on the water.
Do you need to replace boat sliding door hardware? If so, here are some pro tips to help you choose the right hardware and replace it quickly and easily.
Looking to give your pontoon an upgrade? Boat Outfitters Pontoon Folding Table With Dog Bowl Drawer is perfect for enjoying the day out on the water with your fur babies, or a man's best friend!
There are a few boat upgrades out there that are simply no-brainers — universally beneficial, inexpensive, easy to do, and with virtually no downsides. Trading the carpeting on your trailer’s bunks for King Starboard bunk slides falls into that category.
What is the best countertop material for boats? In this video, our team explains why solid surfaces like Corian & LG Hi-Mac materials are the best choice for boat countertops compared to granite and laminate materials.
Installing a Boat Outfitters inset, face-mount storage unit is well within the abilities of most DIYers, but it does require a bit of forethought and careful measurement.
When most of us think of upgrading our boats, we tend to think of the big-ticket stuff. The small upgrades often have the biggest impact, since they tend to address the minor issues that inconvenience or annoy you every day. Here are 8 of our favorite easy, low-cost, high-impact quality-of-life upgrades.
If you’ve been boating long enough, you’ve probably experienced the nightmare boating scenario. It’s 5:30 a.m. and there’s an unusually long line of boats at the ramp waiting to drop in. When it comes to boating, there are some easy ways to ensure that every trip goes smoothly.
If there’s one thing you can count on when refitting a boat with updated electronics, it’s that the new units won’t fit in the same cutouts as the old ones. That means marine electronics shops like NautiNav, often have to figure out how to cover old cutouts before installing new units.
There’s never enough storage on a boat, goes the old saying. And there usually isn’t. Whether it’s for skis or boards, fishing tackle, towels and clothes, food and drinks, or small items like wallets and phones, we’re always looking for convenient places to stow our stuff.
Although the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is first and foremost a trade show for the fishing industry, it’s also a great place to see new innovations in boats and boating.
It’s no secret that the pontoon market is hot these days. One important driver of the trend is the growing popularity of pontoons as fishing platforms. To address that need, Boat Outfitters designed the new Pontoon Tackle Storage Unit, which was recently named the best tackle management solution in the New Product Showcase at the ICAST international sportfishing tradeshow.
Tracking down some of the fastest fish in the ocean can be a feat. The key is to find, approach and follow the birds. They're the ones that will lead you to the tuna!
Thinking about adding new electronics or repowering? Make the transition seamless with a perfectly matched custom dash panel. Here we go over the three considerations to make when upgrading or replacing the dash panel on your boat.
There is no real estate more prime for tackle storage than the aft side of the leaning post. Unfortunately, many boat builders don’t really maximize leaning post space. We have a variety of solutions to make the most of this often unused space!
Good old aluminum jon boats have a lot going for them as fishing boats. They’re tough, roomy, inexpensive and easy to transport. Jon boats are blank canvases, ready to be built out to meet your specific needs. Adding a casting deck, rod holders, and tackle storage are all easy upgrades for the DIY'er!
If you have a father in your life who owns a boat, it’s a pretty safe bet that for Father’s Day he’d like something boat-related! You’ll need to look for a gift that can work with almost any boat and requires little or no effort to install.
Almost any trailerable boat can be launched solo with the right gear and preparations. Launching solo can be a little tricky, so here are some tips and tricks to make it easy and stay safe. These tips also make your launching process quicker, something you and your fellow boaters will appreciate!
We've all seen the videos of the unknowingly annoying "boat ramp champ", save yourself from being "that guy"! That's why we put together a collection of the things to keep in mind so you can be the one laughing, not the one being laughed at.
It’s tough to imagine a better low-key, family-and-friends boating activity than scalloping on Florida’s west coast. Harvesting scallops is challenging enough to be fun but easy enough for kids and adults. Make sure you have all the right gear for your next adventure!
Marine grade butt hinges are one of the most common pieces of hardware founds on boats! When it comes to replacing or upgrading your boat hinges there are a few considerations you need to make including, hinge pin position, mounting hole location, size, shape and style.
Considering gas prices these days, it’s worth trying to make the best of a bad situation by taking some simple steps to improve your boat’s fuel efficiency. Over the course of a season, even a few tenths of a mile per gallon can add up!
Outriggers are an essential piece of gear on any offshore fishing boat, allowing anglers to increase the amount of water covered while trolling. Here we have a look at what to consider for picking the best setup based on your boat, your fishing style, and your budget!
The fact is that very few recreational boaters know much of anything about the maritime “rules of the road,” described in the official Coast Guard publication, but there are a few basic right of way concepts any responsible boaters should know by heart!
One of the most popular questions about king starboard is, "can it be glued?". Watch to learn all the pros and cons of gluing starboard as well as common applications, alternatives, and what adhesives to use.
Watch as we answer the question, “Why is it so difficult to find replacement boat parts for my boat?”. We also provide some insight on how to find exact replacement boat parts.
Boat stands are ubiquitous at boatyards and marinas, where they are commonly used to support boats and yachts that have been hauled out for maintenance or repairs that can’t be performed in the water. But they can also be very useful for owners of trailered boats — or even lift-stored or wet-slipped boats that have trailers for occasional use.
We call it winterization, but it doesn’t exactly matter how cold it’s going to get, or even if it will snow at all. If your boat is going to sit unused for a prolonged time, you need to prepare it for storage.
The final design, arrived at after several iterations, features a deep center bin for towels, jackets, and other bulky items. A vented front makes it easy to see the contents and allows plenty of airflow to let wet items dry out and keep mildew and mold at bay.
Cored composite construction, in the simplest sense, is a sheet of some kind of coring material sandwiched between layers of fiber-reinforced plastic — usually fiberglass but sometimes carbon fiber or Kevlar.
If you love boating and fishing, winter can be a tough time to try to enjoy a day on the water. The right equipment and clothing can help, but no matter how high quality your gear is, being bundled up just makes everything tougher.
The only real downside to lithium batteries for marine use is their much higher initial cost. Still, there are a few things you should know about lithium batteries before you jump in with both feet — not disadvantages, necessarily, just considerations.
Join our team as they discuss tips on how to prepare your boat and dock for a hurricane. Whether your boat is on land or in the water, learn how to keep your boat safe.
As a focal point of activity on your boat, the helm is a natural spot for customizations and upgrades. Let’s take a look at the main categories of console/helm customizations and the products available to meet your needs.
In the first part of this three-part series, we discussed boat requirements, trip planning, and preparation. This section addresses safety gear that can save your boat or your life in the event something goes wrong.
A clean boat is a beautiful thing, but the multitude of cleaning products available today can be daunting. The almost dizzying array of boat cleaning products on the market today may have you reaching for the dish soap, but you’ll get better results from your effort by using appropriate cleaners, waxes and protectants.
Are your boat scuppers worn out and need to be replaced? Listen to our team discuss what you need to know about replacing the scupper flaps on your boat!
Trying to maximize the storage space on your boat? Listen to our team discuss tips on how you can make the most of your shallow storage spaces with rod boxes and tilt-out units.
Whether you are simply replacing an old door on your boat or improving accessibility with a new or larger opening, a new boat door can enhance not only the functionality but also the look of your boat.
As is often the case, the owner found that the changing room just wasn’t very practical. Family and friends simply wore swimsuits under their street clothes if they thought they might want to get in the water.
There are many brands of marine foam decking in the market. You might assume, given the obvious similarities between not only the products themselves but even their names, that they’re all fundamentally the same stuff — But you’d be wrong. In fact, there are two distinct kinds of foam decking: ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), & various blends of the two materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
One of the best things about a boat is its versatility. Often, what makes a boat good at what it does has less to do with the boat’s intrinsic design, and more to do with accessories. There are a wide variety of mounts that allow you to quickly transform your boat with ease.
Are you looking for a material for your boat project that won't discolor in sunlight? Watch this video to learn why King Starboard might be the perfect solution.
After completely de-rigging the Whaler 13, painting the hull and painting the decks with Tuff Coat nonskid, Porter started working with the Boat Outfitters engineering team on the new Super Sport-style interior, methodically recreating each part in Starboard while also making several strategic improvements along the way.
At the start of the 2023 season, Greico, who fishes all over the country on Major League Fishing’s Tackle Warehouse Invitational circuit, agreed to try an innovative solution he hoped would mean more time casting and less time checking his wells.
To understand how we’re different, you need to know how Boat Outfitters grew out of a larger company called Teak Isle, whose primary business is supplying boat builders with OEM parts like inset tackle box and drawer units, hatches and doors, dash and switch panels, swim platforms and ladders, cabinetry, and fishing rod and tool holders.
Sorting out wire gauge, fuse/circuit breaker rating, and switch function and rating for marine electrical accessories can be downright daunting, often involving more math than you’ve done since high school. That being said, the fact is that you don’t have to work out all the specifics for every single installation.
Even though major storms are a relatively predictable reality, many boaters get a nasty surprise when they find themselves on the wrong side of the impact zone. You can avoid a great deal of frustration — and cost — by recognizing the common myths that many boat owners fall into.
Summer can be a brutal time to be out on the water, particularly in southern regions, where the “dog days” of July and August offer little breeze and blazing heat. An entirely different world exists on the water when the sun goes down — cooler temperatures, glassy water and the peaceful serenity that many boaters crave.
Is your non-skid worn slick or hopelessly stained from years of use? Are you replacing your fuel tank, repairing soft spots, removing accessories, or doing other repairs that require patching your deck?
If you are considering a DIY boat project, chances are you will face a critical question: What material is best for your project? This article states when to use Acrylic over Starboard.
There are many different king starboard color options. It is important to match the gel coat on your boat! Listen to our team discuss the different starboard colors available and how to find the ideal color match.
Looking for a custom boat door? Need to gain access to a certain area of your boat? Our team discusses the pros and cons of a starboard double open out door and the applications where this style door works best. Find out if a double-open boat door is the best fit for your needs!
When John Mahoney bought his 1998 Regulator 26 back in the fall of 2013, he knew it needed a little help. Structurally and mechanically, the boat was in great shape, but after a decade and a half of use, it needed a cosmetic and functional refresh.
There are few things more undignified and frustrating than holding a hatch open with your head while rummaging through wet beach towels and potato chip bags and snorkel gear for that tube of sunscreen at large in the bottom of the compartment. Hatch support devices for storage and access hatches fall into three basic categories — each of which has its strengths and weaknesses.
Apart from being a convenient way to look at a lot of new boats at once, boat shows are a great way to look at everything to do with boating — from dock lines to insurance. Let’s take a look at some notable boat shows around the country.
Looking for a storage unit that fits your specific needs? Learn about the difference between free-standing and inset storage units in this informative video! Our experts explain the engineering process of converting an inset storage unit to a free-standing one.
If you’ve ever opened up a baitwell lid and found your hard-earned baitfish lethargic or dying, then you know the awful feeling of watching a great fishing adventure turn into a mediocre-at-best struggle. The heart of your live bait system is the pump, and picking the right pump, positioning it, and directing its flow can have an enormous effect on how healthy your bait will remain throughout a trip.
Let’s look at a good, old-fashioned family fun day at the sandbar, island or boat-in beach. Yes, you need sunscreen. But here are a few more things you might not have thought of that will make your day easier, safer and more fun.
Like many pieces of safety equipment, bilge pumps simply don’t get the attention they deserve. Having the right bilge pump with the right features, and knowing how to properly use it, is critical to protecting your boat, equipment and passengers.
Looking to pimp out your Yeti Cooler? Our team discusses the different accessories available you can add to your cooler. From rod holders and drink holders to cutting boards and foam pads, we have what you've been looking for.
You’ve got a boat. Will you ever need to book a fishing guide or charter a boat again? There will be occasions when it’s just nice to put the whole shebang in someone else’s hands.
Anthony’s beautiful custom Dorado 25 meets his needs perfectly, but after several years of use, he identified several upgrades he wanted, including a new helm box. As Anthony and Jason worked together, they began to design a helm box based on a box Anthony had seen on a SeaVee, then modified it to meet Anthony’s needs.
If you have ever broken a nice rod or damaged your favorite reel, then you know the sick-to-your-stomach feeling that ensues afterwards. Like any investment, quality fishing equipment requires protection against damage and loss, and the best “insurance” policy is forethought and care.
When Central Florida inshore angler Stephen Foster made the move from a 17-foot Ranger poling skiff to a 23-foot Skeeter SX230, he was surprised to find that the bay boat actually had less usable tackle storage, not more.
There is nothing more exciting than purchasing your first boat. Whether that boat is “showroom new” or just new to you, the anticipation of your maiden voyage as “captain” is hard to beat.
Most of today’s bass boats come from the factory with some kind of tackle organization system in one or more of their lockers — generally the center forward locker. There’s always room for improvement, though, and Boat Outfitters engineers believed they could build a better tackle organizer.
Marina owners or operators have turned to Boat Outfitters for wide-ranging support in outfitting or upgrading their facilities. Those partnerships have yielded a number of innovative ideas that are applicable not only to commercial marinas but also to public launching facilities and residential docks.
Over the years, the carpeted plywood ski locker lid gradually deteriorated on a 2001 Wellcraft 200SS. Smith was already familiar with Starboard as a fabrication material so he knew he could cut and shape it with the common woodworking tools in his garage.
In most of the U.S., boating season is winding down, which means it’s time to start thinking about winterizing. And, unless your boat spends the winter indoors, one of the most important aspects of winterizing is covering it tightly to keep out rain, snow, ice, fall leaves, and other undesirables.
We get it, winter is over and you're itching to get back on the water! Here are some tips on what you should be doing this spring to put more fish in the boat. We'll go over some fish to target and ways to catch them this spring.
Fishing pontoons are made, not born. All of those basic fishing boat features — rod and tackle storage, bait and live wells, trolling motor rigging, and so on — have to be added. Among your first priorities should be a convenient, secure place to stow rods where they’re easily accessible.
Docking a boat in rough conditions isn't as hard as you may think. Here, we go over a few simple rules and concepts that govern tight-quarters maneuvering in the wind and/or current. Learn those, and you can then use them to adapt to each unique situation!
There aren’t many absolutes when it comes to boat rigging. But here’s one thing that’s certain: if your electrical system doesn’t include a battery disconnect or selector switch, you need to add one. And yes, it is worth the modest cost!
Tell the truth — how many different knots do you use boating? For most boaters, the answer is two or maybe three, counting a cleat hitch. Still, knots are fun to learn, and knowing just a handful of simple ones can come in very handy when something unexpected happens!
With little or no mechanical know-how, you can perform a few simple checks that will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine(s). Here we look at five key things to check on used outboard engines before making a purchase.
The arrival of the rotomolded cooler about 15 years ago has turned the portable icebox into durable, multi-purpose gear as an expanding range of functionality-extending accessories hits the market. Here are some ideas for putting your cooler to work!
This project boat, an older Andros Backwater 18, was purchased from the previous owner with no hatch supports of any kind. here we go over how we added gas shock supports to the single large hatch in the forward deck, three hatches across the back deck, and the Livewell lid.
Floatation, propulsion, sunscreen, drink holders. That’s as close as you can get to a list of universal concerns for boaters, though the order varies according to how long it has been since the last canned beverage slid off the gunwale and into the drink.
There’s something at once thrilling and intimidating about venturing out of sight of land in your own boat for the first time. With some planning and preparation, though, your first trip offshore can be safe and fun. In this first of three parts, we’ll discuss boat concerns and pre-planning.
Need help choosing the perfect cleat for your dock or boat? Here we give an in-depth explanation of all the options available when it comes to boat cleats.
If you’re planning to keep your boat on the water as far into the season as you can, you want to start thinking ahead. Cold, like pain, can be difficult to remember accurately.
Replacing electronics, and helm components can make a 20-year boat feel brand new! Here we go over Julie's helm upgrade project for her 2001 Silverton Motoryacht 453.
We live in the Golden Age of Pontoons, at no previous time in human history has man had access to cooler pontoons, or more comfortable pontoons, or better beverage storage options on pontoons.
You’ve got some wood trim on your boat that’s just shot, and can’t be refinished? Learn how Boat Outfitters makes sourcing custom-fabricated replacement parts easier to find than ever!
Boat accessories can be tough to choose and buy. Fortunately, there are still plenty of boat-related goodies that are virtually universal and require little or no installation work, making them easy to choose and buy, even for non-boaters.
We’ve all faced it — the dreaded “holey moley” moment. It’s that moment that you stand over your boat with a drill in your hand, contemplating the damage you are about to intentionally inflict on your vessel.
Here’s a secret: you’re not the only boater who bumps the dock on occasion. All of us do — even the pros. In fact, skilled boaters sometimes deliberately use the dock for leverage in challenging situations in a technique called “springing” which involves keeping one or more lines tied to the dock while using forward or reverse power to maneuver the boat.
Renowned Florida Keys guide Capt. Greg Poland runs mainly inshore charters but has done his share of offshore fishing, too — particularly kite fishing for sailfish. So he knows how a dedicated rocket launcher can streamline the game by positioning multiple rods in one location.
At the end of the day, Starboard is a near-perfect replacement for teak and marine plywood in applications like swim platforms, tackle cabinets, access doors, and hatches, drink and tool holders, grab rails and handles, tables and cutting boards, and much more.
Most of what goes wrong on the water can be prevented by either attentive maintenance or attentive piloting. But things do go sideways now and then. Screws get loose.
Problem: Your hand slowly going numb while you dig blindly through the ice in a partially opened cooler under your leaning post for that last decent beer mixed in with your brother-in-law’s Natty Lights.
Curious about the best material for a transom reinforcement? We discuss the pros and cons of using Starboard vs Coosa Board for transoms and kicker motor brackets.
From the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys and East Coast sounds to Western reservoirs, boaters gravitate to places they can anchor or beach together. For boaters in Central Florida, there are lots of fun options in both saltwater and freshwater, ranging from famous party spots to closely guarded secrets. Here are a few worth checking out.
Is there any boat accessory more useful and versatile than the good ol’ 5-gallon bucket? Nothing is perfect, though, and there’s always room for improvement — even with a 5-gallon bucket. Here are a few ways to make yours even better!
Did you know that custom shower and pool benches can add luxury and convenience to your home?
When it comes to material, Starboard is the top choice! Starboard is a unique and reliable material that is lightweight, waterproof, and incredibly durable. It's incredibly easy to work with, making it the perfect material for custom benches. So why choose Starboard for your next custom shower or pool benches? Watch this video to find out!
Dock bumpers come in so many different shapes, materials, and sizes. Dock bumpers and edging can be made out of anything from old tires to UV-stabilized, marine-grade PVC. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Working on a boat improvement project? We discuss the best plastic materials to use for your DIY project, including tips and tricks when working with King Starboard, Acrylic, and PVC plastic sheets.
Thinking about adding a fillet table to your dock? We discuss the different mounting styles and install tips for overhang and dock fillet tables - the perfect addition to any dock!
If you’ve ever tried removing a part or accessory that was needlessly installed with 3M 5200, you understand the importance of carefully choosing the right marine sealant for the job. Sure, there are some applications where 5200 is ideal. But there are many, many others where it’s complete overkill.
Sure, your leaning post does everything that’s listed in the job description — it provides you with a spot to lean at the helm and a little bit of bulk storage under the cushion. With a bit of innovative thinking and a few carefully selected accessories, you can turn your aluminum frame leaning post into a multi-function fishing and driving station.
A fiberglass leaning post on a center console fishing boat serves two distinct purposes. On the forward side, it’s part of the helm station. On the aft side, it’s part of the cockpit and serves, as a rod rack, tackle/rigging center, and/or livewell. Here are six DIY upgrades to optimize this primmest of prime real estate.
Is it better to repair or replace your boat seats? Our team explains why in some cases it’s better to just replace the seats. Tune in for advice about replacing your boat seats!
Many people feel they can never have enough rod holders on their boats. The question comes up, "what angle do I use and why do I pick a 0-degree versus a 15 versus a 30-degree rod holder?"
If you’ve ever stalked redfish, bonefish, permit or other skinny water predators, you know how spooky they are. Because of that, designers of poling skiffs work hard to make their boats quiet by eliminating so-called “hull slap.”
Replacing an old deck hatch on your boat? Learn about the different options available when replacing or adding an aluminum framed boat deck hatch. We discuss the pros and cons of replacing deck hatches on your boat.
The capacity to charge portable electronics is a convenience bordering on a practical necessity on a boat these days. Everyone who comes aboard your boat will have a phone along. The gizmos will need juice!
Need to replace a deck or transom but don’t know what thickness of Coosa Board to use? Tune in for expert advice when using Coosa Board for your project from our team!
Part of what makes King Starboard such a versatile material for fabrication is the fact that it is impervious to UV, moisture, & salt. Unlike gelcoated fiberglass, and other materials, Starboard will never fade, rot, corrode, or delaminate.
No matter what size boat you have, you have probably experienced the “incredible shrinking boat syndrome.” No matter how organized you try to be at the beginning of a trip, it doesn’t take long for a boat to get cluttered. Eighteen feet of fiberglass doesn’t do you much good if you only have five feet of usable space!
Discover how Lonseal can be a great alternative to other decking materials such as EVA foam and faux teak. We discuss the pros and cons of using this material for different flooring applications.
It’s a bass tournament angler’s nightmare: open the livewell lid to find the precious cargo inside belly up. That’s the problem that Donnie Ewers, a Sales Engineer at Boat Outfitters and an amateur tournament bass angler, thought he might be able to solve with a small, transparent window that could be retrofitted to a livewell lid.
United States Coast Guard documentation is just for yachts and commercial vessels, right? Well, although it’s true that most documented vessels are large and/or commercial boats, there’s nothing that prevents documenting smaller recreational boats.
As is often the case with center console fishing boats, his 2021 Sea Fox 248 Commander had plenty of storage in and forward of the console but not much in the cockpit, where fishing tackle and tools are most commonly needed. The obvious solution was to add tackle storage under the aluminum-framed leaning post.
With the advent of powerful LED lights, many boaters have upgraded their boats with additional lighting systems to improve both aesthetics and functionality. These lights are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and simple to wire, making them increasingly popular, but there are a few things to know if you are considering adding these to your boat.
Most of Boat Outfitters’ Starboard storage units fall into one of two basic types: recessed units and freestanding units, which are designed to be mounted to decks, bulkheads, leaning post legs, etc. Every installation is different, but here are some guidelines and recommendations for freestanding tackle centers and other storage units:
This article discusses the two most popular questions regarding pontoon boats in saltwater: can pontoons stand up to the saltwater environment, and second, can they stand up to the rougher conditions associated with saltwater boating?
