Boats & Watercraft Features

How To: Tie a cleat hitch

Need help with your knots? Ann and Matt from BoatUS teach new boaters how to tie a cleat hitch at the dock. Know your knots and practice tying a cleat hitch knot by watching this instructional knot tying video. Improve your skills and tie knots like a pro.

How To: Tie the no name fishing knot

Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the No Name knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie a No Name fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!

How To: Tie a Bowline Knot for boaters

The boaters at BoatUS know that the bowline knot can be one of the hardest knots for new boat owners to learn. In this instructional knot tying video, Matt and Ann demonstrate how to tie a bowline and talk about its common uses. Know your knots and learn how to tie a bowline knot with this boating tutorial video.

How To: Tie the palomar fishing knot

Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie a Palomar knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Palomar fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!

How To: Easily install a CE Smith t-top storage bag on a boat

Nothing is more frustrating that finding yourself out on the open sea and having to manuever around a bunch of stuff lying around in your boat. Not only can it be hazerdous, but also very annoying. So what do you do? Install a storage bag or course! In this tutorial, you;ll find out how to easily install a CE Smith t-top storage bag on your boat in little to no time. Now all your stuff can be easily put away and easily accessible. Enjoy!

How To: Power wash your boat

This video is led by Eddie from Long Island Boaters Club. As the boating season ends, Eddie explains, it is very important to clean and prepare your boat for storage for the winter. An important part of this process is to power wash the algae growth and barnacle debris that can cover the hull very quickly. After taking the boat out of the water and placing on blocks, he lets it sit for one day. Then using a pressure washer, he removes the algae growth. A scraper is used to remove the actual b...

How To: Stopper Knot

Learn how to tie a Stopper Knot - A quick way to form a stopper at the end of a line to prevent it from pulling through a block or other object. This is a good knot for sailing, boating, rock climbing, general outdoors and even bondage.

How To: Pump out the waste on your boat for winter

In this Outdoor Recreation video tutorial you will learn how to pump out the waste on your boat for winter. This video is from LIBoatersClub. Take your boat to the waste disposal area and secure it. Remove the cap from the waste tank. Be careful not to drop the cap. Operating the waste disposal unit ashore is very easy. Just switch on the pump, take in some water in to the hose and then attach the hose to the out let on your boat. Hold it tight and open the valve. It will suck out all the was...

How To: Maintain a mechanical steering system on your boat

It seems that maintaining the steering system on your boat is a pretty important task. Not only does it make sure your boat is running smoothly and effeciently, but will also make sure that you don't face certain doom. So in this tutorial, find out exactly how to maintain your mechanical steering system on your boat. You'll thank yourself and so will your boat. Enjoy!

How To: Do a handcuff knot

ITS tactical is going to show you how to make a handcuff knot, which is usually used to restrain things. To make this loop you want to make 2 loops, the first being an overhand loop, while the second is an underhand loop. Once you make the loops you want to stack them and then reach inside and grab one side of each loop with the opposite hand and pull the loop through, which if done correctly should create a loop on the right and left. By creating that type of knot it can be used on game if y...

How To: Tie the anchor bend knot for boating

The Anchor Bend is the boating knot generally used to fasten a line to an anchor. The free end should be secured with seizing to the standing line for a permanent, secure knot. One side of a Double Fisherman’s also makes a good backup knot to this and any knot. Make two turns around the shackle, leaving turns open. Talk a half turn around the standing line and feed the free end through the turns and pull tight. Now tie a half hitch around the standing part and pull tight. Seize the free end o...

How To: Switch a fluorescent t-top light with an led light

This video tutorial will show you how easy it can be to switch your old fluorescent lights with an led light. This video focuses on the t-top of your boat or watercraft and shows you how to save energy even on a boat. It's a definite upgrade over what standard boats have and gives you a much sharper color than those other boring dull lights. So sit back and enjoy this easy to do tutorial.

How To: Install a t-top navigational light on your boat

Navigational lights on a boat can be extremely important. They not only can be used in cases of emergency, but also let other boaters know that you're there and to either keep away or watch out. It can be a little bit difficult to install, but after watching this tutorial may seem simple. So find out how to install a navigational light on your t-top tower on your boat. Enjoy!

How To: Winterize your boat

In this tutorial, we learn how to winterize your boat with Bill Sisson. First, you need to make sure everything that moves stays moving. You can help this by adding some oil and cream to the parts that need to stay moving. Anything that is related to the fuel system should be treated as well. The fuel system needs to be treated or else it won't work properly when you start your boat up again in the summer. Make sure you have a good fuel stabilizer in the fuel and treat the filter as well. Jus...

How To: Jet ski safely

Check out this tutorial jet ski video that provides several safety tips on riding your personal water craft with caution. Personal Water Craft (PWC), also called Jet Skis and Wave Runners, are the fastest growing watercraft on the waterways. Along with their popularity has come increasing numbers of injuries and deaths. Commander Tom Martin of the U.S. Coast guard says riders need to follow the rules of the road, as well as wear life jackets and have other safety equipment on board. John Birk...

How To: Save fuel while boating

Want to get the most from a tank of gas in your boat? This how-to video from Boat U.S. offers some tips for boaters on how to save fuel. Make sure not to carry around extra weight and to keep your boat in top condition. Watch this video boating tutorial and learn how to save some gas.

How To: Tie a Prusik Hitch knot

Learn how to tie a Prusik Knot - sometimes misspeled "Prussik" - A bi-directional gripping knot that strongly resists sliding when the pull is parallel to the object to which it is tied. It can be used as an aid to ascend or climb another rope. This is a fine knot for camping, climbing, sailing or Boy Scout training.

How To: Tie the albright fishing knot

Check out this instructional fishing video that demonstrates how to tie the Albright knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this boating tutorial and learn how to tie an Albright fishing knot. Knot tying is a breeze with this video. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!

How To: Tie the clove hitch knot for boating

Watch this instructional video on tying boat knots, specifically the clove hitch boating knot. This is a simple all purpose hitch. Easy to tie and untie, it holds firmly but is not totally secure. Make a turn around a post with the free end running underneath the standing part. Take a second turn around in the same direction and feed the free end through the eye of the second turn. Pull the clove hitch knot tight. Voila! Now you know how to tie the boating knot known as the clove hitch knot. ...

How To: Tie the round turn 2 half hitches knot

Check out this instructional knot tying video that demonstrates how to tie the Round Turn Two Half Hitches knot. This video also illustrates how easy it is to remove this knot. Just follow the simple instructions outlined in this fishing tutorial and learn how to tie a Round Turn 2 Half Hitches knot. Start practicing and reel in the big fish!

How To: Winterize your boat and prepare it for Winter

In this tutorial, we learn how to winterize your boat and prepare it for winter. First, you will remove the drain plug from the boat and let the water out. After this, remove the oil drain and drain the oil out of the motor while it's warm. Exhaust fumes while the engine is turned on as well. Now, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes staying idle. After doing these steps, your boat will be ready to be stored for the winter. So when you turn it on when it's ready, it won't stall o...