Thursday, December 12, 2013
Nautique Nation VIP Access Program
Nautique and its award winning dealer, Tobler Marina, announce the Nautique Nation VIP Access program. This program will allow prospective Nautique customers to experience the Nautique difference firsthand at Nautique's world-class headquarters in beautiful sunny Orlando, Florida.
From December 15th through February 28th prospective Nautique buyers can schedule one week ahead, through Tobler Marina, to have the unique opportunity to receive celebrity treatment at Nautique’s state-of-the-art facilities. Prospective customers will test drive 2014 model year Nautique boats on one of the Nautique private lakes, receive an exclusive interactive plant tour, meet members of our executive team, and much more.
“We would like to invite prospective Nautique buyers down to experience what sets Nautique apart from our competitors,” stated Nautique President/CEO Bill Yeargin. “Our team is fortunate to enjoy boating year around while other parts of the world are experiencing cold weather; this is a perfect opportunity to get a jump start on a 2014 Nautique demo,” Yeargin added.
For more information about the exclusive Nautique Nation VIP Access program or to schedule your visit, contact Tobler Marina.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
NAUTIQUE AND PICKOS SKI SCHOOL JOIN FORCES
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Time for Digital Charts as NOAA Stops Printing Traditional Charts
With the recent announcement that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will cease offering paper nautical charts as of April 13, 2014, boat owners and mariners may be in a quandary on how to remain current on these critical charts for safe marine navigation. Printed nautical maps have been the traditional navigational method for boaters, both commercial and pleasure, for centuries, with the US government printing these charts dating back to 1862.
Like other industries and fields, nautical navigation is going digital. It's time to get aboard with the nautical technology changes announced. GPS nautical charts and other electronic formats and apps will become the standard for many mariners. Now is the time to move your critical charts to a digital format, whether a mobile application or online service. Raster Navigational Chart (RNC) DVDs are available currently, and it is expected that newer, user-friendly applications and online services will quickly fill the gap which will be left when the NOAA ceases printing nautical charts. MyNOAACharts from the NOAA was in late beta-testing for Android tablets in the summer of 2013, and offered built-in GPS capabilities, could be used from land or water, and other features. Depending on user feedback during this beta period, the NOAA may move forward with additional O/S platforms in the future.
As with any other technological leap, there are numerous vendors, programs, and applications available to help mariners remain abreast of the announced changes from the NOAA. When looking for an application or other online chart option, be sure to carefully review the features and any feedback provided by other customers to determine the best alternative for your needs. Conferring with a reliable boat dealer is another terrific option to help you decide which program or application conforms to your particular needs and boating concerns.
What is your favorite chart app?
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Putting Your Boat Back on Its Trailer Safely
2006 Stingray 195 LR Runabout at Tobler Marina |
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Which Boat Is Right For You?
At the end of the day, your boating experience will be of your own making, so make sure that the boat you select will serve the nautical fun you are anticipating.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
3 Safety Tips To Remember While Boating
To ensure everyone has a great time and gets home safely however, you also need to develop a comprehensive boating safety plan. Regardless if you are a seasoned old nautical salt, or you have just started to look at boats for sale, once out on the water the safety of everyone on board must always be the most important consideration for the vessel’s Captain. Towards that end, you should always stock and maintain life jackets on your vessel, establish a float plan, and ensure that your First Mate is fully capable of taking on the responsibility of the helm in the event you are somehow disabled.
Personal Flotation Devices
When it comes to boating safety, the United States Coast Guard is the lead agency in enforcing regulations designed to maintaining that safety. Recognizing that a personal floatation device is the first line of defense in warding off tragedy, the U.S. Coast Guard mandates that a vessel must have an approved Type I, II, IIl, or V life jacket for each person on board. Additionally, if children comprise part of your passenger roster, you need to secure special life jackets specifically made for them. The most important consideration is that for a life jacket to function it has to be worn, so the Coast Guard highly recommends that everyone onboard suit up.
Float Plan
In the exact same way that a pilot will file a flight plan to alert others to their intended voyage, so too will a float plan provide crucial life saving information in the event of a mishap on the water. Simply stated, a float plan is a detailed set of data that is written down to convey critical information in case of an emergency. Such information can include: names of crew and passengers, information on the vessel, the intended cruising grounds, and an estimated time of returning. Once completed, the float plan should be given to a land-based friend or neighbor. Should any changes be anticipated in the plan, the person safeguarding the plan needs to be informed. Get a template float plan from the U.S. Coast Guard if you do not have one already.
First Mate
The First Mate plays an important role in the boat’s safe return to shore in case the Captain is disabled out on the water. As such, they must be able to demonstrate competency in vessel handling, man-overboard procedures, and docking. Should a voyage include only passengers, the Captain should acquaint one of the passengers on the boat’s essential systems.
Fun on the Water Means Staying Safe on the Water
Enjoying the boating lifestyle is a great way to spend the summer and an even better way to spend times with friends and loved ones. Make sure that tragedy doesn't ruin those fun times by always practicing prudent safety measures.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Fishing: Quality Time For A Father And Son
Imagine this scene. A young boy and his father rise early before the sun is completely above the horizon. They grab their fishing poles and tackle boxes and then head out together. Many of the men on these trips were once those sons getting ready to head out with Dad. If you were one of those boys who now wants to share that tradition your own sons, you’re not alone. A father-son day on the lake fishing can become a wonderful tradition that builds beautiful memories and strong relationships.
When you are planning a father-son fishing trip, it’s important to remember that the important part of the trip is to spend time together. Bringing home a good catch is a nice bonus, but it should not be the main purpose of going on a father-son fishing trip. In fact, the whole adventure brings plenty of opportunities to learn about caring for a boat (or pontoon) and being responsible while still having a good time.
When Dad and Son head out for a day on the water, they will need to spend some time together checking the boat. For a smaller boat, this process should be quick and consist of checking for damage to the hull that might be dangerous and verifying that the motor is working and has oil and fuel. A larger vessel will take more time but is the same process. This part of the trip, while “work,” can become an important part of the father-son fishing trip because a young boy entrusted with checking on the boat will feel great getting more responsibility.
Once out in the water, the father-son fishing trip provides a wonderful time to relax and enjoy the sun. You can chat or just take in the silence around you together, remembering that you are using this day to spend time together.