In observation of Earth Day this week, here are some tips on how you can help the environment by going “green” during your boating activities:

Prevent oil and fuel leaks. By keeping your engine well tuned and in good condition, you can ensure that you are preventing any current or potential oil or fuel leaks from occurring. One good practice is to place an oil absorbent pad under your engine in case of drips. Be sure to check these frequently, disposing of them as hazardous waste.
 
Prevent oil spills. When changing your boat’s oil, it is always best to use an oil pump to transfer your oil. Be sure to use a spill-proof container for the oil you are transferring, as well as wrap a plastic bag around the oil filter. This will prevent any oil from spilling into the bilge.
 
Prevent fuel spills. By slowly, as well as avoiding doing any topping off of your gas tank while refueling, you can eliminate any chances of potential fuel spills.
 
Never use soap for cleanups. When cleaning an oil or fuel spill, using soap is not only harmful to the environment, but it is also against the law.
 
Save your maintenance projects for the boatyard. By performing boat maintenance projects and repairs in the water, you are increasing the risk of potential waste being deposited into the water. Using things like tarps and vacuum sanders will help to contain the waste, and will allow for proper disposal.
 
Properly dispose of your waste. It is highly imperative that things such as batteries, oil and oil filters, antifreeze, and cleaning products be disposed of in a proper manner, and at a hazardous waste facility.
 
By ensuring that we are doing our part for the environment, we can prevent the deterioration and allow for the conservation of recreational lakes and waterways, allowing for the continued enjoyment that boating bring us.
 
OnlyInboards is a proud supporter of the boating world, and recreational watersports. Visit us to view the Internet’s largest inboard specific marketplace, or to check out our boating accessories.

Over the past few years, water sports have gained in its popularity. A good example of these popular and newer evolved water sports is wakesurfing, which is the use of a unique combination of wakeboarding and surfing in which the surfer rides the waves created by a wakeboard boat, all the while attached to the boat.

Since wakesurfing is considered an easier water sport for the rider than wakeboarding, people of all ages are picking up this recreational sport. Like with any new recreational activity you try, it is always best to understand the tips for a safe wakesurfing experience before hitting the waves:
 
Have the appropriate equipment. In order to enjoy the full wakesurfing experience, it is best to ensure you have all the right equipment on hand. This requires things such as a wakesurf board, a towrope, and an inboard specific boat.
 
Decide which way you want to surf. By understanding which way you wish to surf, you will have a much better experience and will most likely not fall off your board right away. If you are unsure of which way you should stand on the board, then take a moment to notice which way feels more comfortable and will have more control for you before getting on the water.
 
Let the boat do all the work. Just like in wakeboarding, let the boat do the work for you when it comes to getting up and going.
 
Use the rope. Since wakesurfing is meant to be enjoyed just like you are surfing the ocean, it is best to only use the rope as your guide, or when in the event that you going to fall or lose a wave.
 
Ride big waves. By ensuring that all the people, objects, as well as the ballast are all located on the same side of the boat that your are surfing on. This will work to create those big waves for your ride.
 
It is imperative to always remember to only wakesurf while on an inboard boat. Other types of boats are not designed for this particular water sport and can cause major safety issues.
 
OnlyInboards is the Internet’s largest inboard specific used boat and boating accessories marketplace. Whether you are in the market for a used inboard boat, or are simply looking to enhance your boating experience, visit us today.

When deciding to purchase an inboard boat, it is always best to fully understand if this is the right type of boat for your needs. While inboard boats are usually the top choice when looking for a boat for water sports, here are some things to consider when deciding if an inboard boat is right for you.

What Is An Inboard Boat?
 
Inboard boat’s engines are inside the boat, usually located in the middle or near the rear. Inboard motors are powered by a transmission that is connected to a driveshaft, which runs through the bottom of the boat, connecting to the propeller on the outside of the boat. With this type of engine, the horsepower for the inboard boat can range from 90 to over 1,000 HP, allowing for ideal speeds for performing water sports.
 
Benefits Of An Inboard Boat
 
Inboard boats are typically the best choice for water sports and recreational use for several reasons. Not only are they designed for taking those sharp turns, but are easier to accelerate than outboard boats. In addition to these features, inboard boats are ideal for water-skiers and wake boarders because of the ability for the propeller to be moved, allowing for safer access on the boat. Inboard boats are also easy and ideal for your passengers to get on and off the boat as well. Inboard boats do perform best when used in freshwater versus saltwater due to the difficulty steering and navigating at low speeds or in reverse.
 
Whether you are looking to simply relax or perform recreational water sports on your boat, inboard boats are one of the best decisions and investments you can make. It is important to consider your needs, as well as the locations in which you will use your boat in order to make the most educated decision for you.
 
Visit OnlyInboards to view our large selection of used inboard boats on the Internet’s largest inboard boat specific marketplace.

Today's blog post on Onlyinboards is a brief instruction on how to install LED Speaker rings in your boat with a step by step process.

Step 1 -  Disconnect Battery/Batteries

Step 2 - Remove all speaker mounting hardware

Step 3 - Disconnect all wires from speaker.  Label all speaker wires for easy reinstallation.

Step 4 - Choose which method of powering the LED rings is right for you.  Examples: Tapping into an existing circuit, adding a new circuit, or wiring the LED rings to a key fob.  Whichever method you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended instructions.  Protect the circuit by installing the proper size fuse for your application.

Step 5 - Run your wires from the power source to each LED ring.  (make sure to use proper gauge wire.  We recommend no smaller than 24 gauge).

Step 6 - Connect the LED rings to the wire you ran in step 5.  The LED rings come color coded for ease of installation.  Red for positive and black for negative.  (The rings will NOT work if connected backwards).

Step 7 - Reconnect your speakers to pre-existing wires that you disconnected in step 3

Step 8 - Reinstall speakers and all mounting hardware.  Make sure you have sufficient clearance to allow for wires between the speaker and the factory speaker hole.  In some cases, it may be necessary to slightly notch out a groove in the side of teh pre-existing speaker hole for the wires.

Step 9 -  Reconnect the battery

Step 10 - Turn on and enjoy!


OnlyInboards has a huge selection of LED Speaker Rings and LED Cupholder Rings for your boat