boating
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- June 25, 2021
Accomplished angler Dustin Wilks fishes’ various bass fishing locations and teaches how to find and catch more fish on the wildly popular TV series Catching Bass with Dustin Wilks found on The Sportsman Channel.
An often-overlooked component to an angler’s success and subsequent enjoyment is having a reliable power source. Yes, the battery.
32471f7b34.nxcli.io/media/wysiwyg/Bass-fish-Impact-logo-on-boat-ii_520x395.png" alt="Dustin of Catching Bass Holding a Large Mouth Bass" title="Impact Battery Sponsors Catching Bass">Impact Battery Sponsors Catching BassBut, how do you know what battery is the best option for your boating situation? There are many variables including how and where you fish, selecting the correct battery type, a battery brands track-record and the upfront vs. long-term costs associated with your purchase.
We don’t think there is a one size fits all approach so we have asked Dustin to install and test various battery brands and chemistries throughout the seasons to help you determine what will be the best marine battery for your fishing setup.
Catching Bass Says Goodbye to NorthStar Battery & Hello to Odyssey
Dustin, along with fellow Bassmaster
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- November 07, 2018
Make the Most Out of a Forced [Bad] Battery Decision
Let’s face it, no matter how many times we preach proper battery usage, life gets in the way! We’ve all been there! Like the time when you just arrived at your favorite fishing hole only to discover the trolling motor won’t work. After some fiddling you determine one of the batteries has crapped out.
32471f7b34.nxcli.io/media/magefan_blog/2018/11/Boat-Tow-300x233.jpg" title="Family Towing Boat with Dead Marine Battery" alt="Dead Batteries Ruin Trips" width="300" height="233">Under duress, you are suddenly forced to decide whether to save-your-long-overdue-fishing-weekend-extravaganza or to surrender defeat, head home angry and potentially explode on the first person you meet when you walk through the back door. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?
There is so much to unwrap in that scenario including your overall life attitude, planning and preparation as well as cost / reward analysis. But rather than turning this into a psychology paper on your mental fitness or impulsiveness, let’s focus on one thing: you decide to stay.
Can an Improper Marine Battery Pairing be Salvaged?
So, you’ve decided to stay,
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- October 30, 2018
Bassmaster Elite is the highest level of bass fishing in the world. Rick Morris is a 20-year veteran on the circuit. Over such a distinguished carrier he has blown through countless batteries. However, after NorthStar approached him to be a sponsor, things changed. He has come to rely on and trust NorthStar batteries steadfast performance.
Choosing the Right Battery is Not Just for Bassmaster Elites
32471f7b34.nxcli.io/media/magefan_blog/2018/10/Loon-in-Water_Michelle-Valberg-300x188.jpg" alt="Michelle Valberg image for BassMaster Elite Rick Morris" width="300" height="188">We have all been out on the water at the crack of dawn where the water is like glass, the fog looks like steam rising off the surface and that distinct loon call echoes across the inlet. It is on days like these we find peace in the northern back-woods.
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- August 29, 2018
32471f7b34.nxcli.io/media/magefan_blog/2018/08/Bass-Boat-Fishing-300x179.jpg" alt="Selecting A Marine Charger" width="300" height="179">How can you tell what's going to be the best marine battery charger for your situation? Not every charger designated ‘safe’ for the maritime environment will be waterproof.
Some are simply designed to withstand the harsh high moisture environment up to certain limits while others will still operate while completely submersed in water. This is where selecting the best charger can weigh heavy on knowing the meaning behind the IP rating.
Understanding the IP Rating
The Ingress Protection Rating or IP rating refers to the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of dust and water. The first number classifies solids like dust and dirt. The second number refers to water intrusion. Generally speaking the highest number for solids is six (6), while the second digit goes as high as eight (8) i.e. IP68.
A marine battery charger will be assigned an Ingress Protection Rating between 61 and 68. In most boating or damp environment scenarios you need consider no less than a weatherproof or
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- January 12, 2017
Back in the summer of 2013, we sang the praises of the Drakon labeled Pure Lead Acid AGM battery. It was indeed among the best AGM batteries in the world and went head-to-head with the undisputed king-of-the-hill EnerSys and their Odyssey Extreme battery. However, after some mergers and acquisitions, the brand owner, Universal Power Group, restructured and decided to consolidate labels creating greater continuity for their organization. The Drakon name no longer exists and has been transported into the very popular Kinetik battery family. Incidentally, Kinetik Power now has a full line of batteries for powersports, car audio, backup systems and even consumer alkaline and button cell batteries. Their HC-PRO series still utilizes the thin plate pure lead AGM technology first introduced under the Drakon label.
I say all this because there is a very distinguished battery factory in the heart of this great nation that produced the inner workings of the Drakon battery and very few consumers
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- September 09, 2016
32471f7b34.nxcli.io/media/magefan_blog/2016/09/GPL-4CT-300x300.jpg" alt="A GPL-4CT LifeLine Battery" width="300" height="300">What a great question! What is it about the Lifeline AGM battery that makes them so popular and dependable? RV and boat owners seem to ask for this brand more than any other despite it costing more than other private labels. If it were just a fad, strong marketing or another ‘me-too’ battery this trend would have subsided years ago, but it hasn’t. This type of loyalty can only draw one conclusion…Yes they are that good! Read on as we review the success behind Lifeline batteries.
Concorde: The Driving Force Behind the LifeLine Battery
Concorde Battery Corporation has been manufacturing batteries just outside Los Angeles, California since 1979. Recently, Concorde opened a second manufacturing facility just outside Atlanta, Georgia. They operate under four application specific brands: Concorde, Lifeline, Chairman and Sun Xtender. The Concorde label designs aircraft batteries and batteries for shipboard use utilized by militaries the world over inclusive of the U.S. Military and several Commonwealth
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- May 19, 2013
If you own a boat, it’s a good idea to assemble a first-aid kit so that you will be prepared for potential emergencies. You should fill your boating emergency kit with everything you may need to handle various types of crises or injuries. First-aid kits come in an assortment of sizes, but you can put together your own as well. Your kit should be portable, and you should store it in a place that’s easily accessible.
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Basic Elements to Put in a Boating Emergency Kit
A first-aid boating kit is similar to an ordinary emergency kit, but there are several additional items you may want to stock for a boating excursion. Numerous hazards can occur if you are exposed to the water, wind and sun. In order to ensure you and your passengers are safe, stock your first-aid kit with all the basics as well as any water-related emergency supplies.
Basic elements to any emergency kit include first-aid ointments such as antibiotic, anti-itch and antiseptic lotions or creams. You should also stock a large supply
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- May 15, 2013
Bodies of water like oceans or lakes can coat the hull of a vessel with algae, mussels and other debris.To keep a boat in top condition, be sure to clean it regularly. With proper cleaning, a vessel will retain its attractive appearance, and boaters can prevent the watercraft from deteriorating.
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Waxing
Owners should wax their boat before unloading it into a waterway. By adding a solid wax coat to the hull, boaters can avoid the buildup that water causes. When debris accumulates, it may become embedded in the watercraft’s finish. Furthermore, entrenched debris will not come off with a simple scrubbing.
Cleaning Recommendations
If boaters own a small vessel, they should clean it in their driveway; scrubbing a boat at the marina can be complicated since owners are usually sharing the space with other recreationalists. While washing the vessel at home, use a hose that includes a spray nozzle. The nozzle will add pressure, save water, and make the job easier.
Owners should not use strong
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- May 09, 2013
At the end of the boating season, you must prepare your watercraft for winter storage. This guide will help you winterize a boat and protect your investment from the elements so it will be ready the next time that you are on the water.. While winterization instructions can differ based upon a vessel’s engine, these tips apply to most watercraft. Prepare a checklist and mark off each item as you complete each step.
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- April 21, 2013
The best marine batteries are those that do what you need, work dependably, and require the least maintenance. Here are six of the top brands to consider: