Looking for a place to dock your boat? Well then, look no farther my friend. Having a boat slip to dock your boat is a must. Having a slip at a marina offers convenience, security, services, amenities and a social atmosphere to enjoy. Renting a marina boat slip can be a very effective solution for many boat owners. Lets expand on the reasons to dock your boat at a marina slip shall we.

If your a busy boater or just live around the corner the convenience of having your own slip at a marina is a necessity. The ability to get everything in one place is priceless — boat, gas, food, drinks — no need to run all over the place and it's easy to meet friends and family at a huge landmark like a marina.

Now when it comes to security renting a slip at a marina is the only way to go. You can sleep soundly knowing your boat is safe and secure. Marinas tend to be gated and have security cameras. Security guards can be found patrolling the grounds at some marinas and keeping an eye on the boats in their slips.

Having your boat close to basic boating supplies is another reason to look into docking your boat at a marina. Ever get to your boat only find you need a minor repair? We all have … and it sucks. However if your boat was docked at a marina you could just grab what you need and be on your way.

Ever get off the lake and feel the need for a shower? If you rented a slip at a marina most have bathrooms, showers, fresh water, telephones, TV, internet connection, game room, just about anything you need to make your day at the lake more comfortable.

Marinas can provide opportunities for entertainment and socializing with friends too. Slip holders tend to gather for happy hours, BBQ, and just hang out and wind down after a day on the lake. Waterpoint Marina on Lake Conroe has a shopping center right next door. Offering many different restaurants, shopping a boardwalk, and more. There is also a Friday night concert during the summer.

Boat slip rental rates will vary but there are many options depending on the size of the slip you will need and the length of your stay. Marinas usually offer a daily, weekly or monthly slip rental payment schedule. Will so many significant advantages to docking your boat in a marina slip and many different payment options there is no reason to delay putting your boat in a marina boat slip.

Alright all you scallywags and wanna be boaters we're going to start your knot tying education today. Just follow along with these simple knots and you will be able to secure your boat like a pro.

Two Half Hitches
Reliable knot is easy to tie for mooring, or docking.
You can also use this knot for tying the bumpers to your pontoon railing.


How to pull it off:
1. Pass the end of a rope around a post or other object.
2. Wrap the short end of rope under and over the long part of rope, pushing the end down through the loop. This is a half hitch.
3. Repeat on the long rope, below first half hitch, and draw tight.

Sheet Bend

Reliable knot for joining two ropes of any size.

Widely used knot for boating.

• Sheet Bend is for joining two ropes
• Use it when towing another boat, to tie your rope to theirs.

• Use it to make a quick repair of a broken or cut ski rope.

• Use it to tie extra rope to the anchor when a longer rope is needed.



Bowline

Does not jam or slip when tied properly.

Widely used by fire and rescue teams.




How to pull it off:
1. Make the overhand loop with the end held toward you, then pass the end through the loop. 
2. Now, pass the end up behind the standing part, then down through the loop again. 
3. Draw tight. 

Cleat Hitch
es
Two ways to tie a rope to a cleat.





Anchor Bend

This knot is used to secure a rope or a line to an anchor.




How to pull it off:
1. Pass two loops through a ring.
2. Place the free end around the long rope.
3. Pass the free end through loops.
4. Complete by making a half hitch.

Clove Hitch

An easy way to tie a rope around a post.
This knot can work loose, so it is best to finish off with 1 or 2 Half Hitches.




How to pull it off: 
1. Make a turn with the rope around the object and over itself.
 2. Take a second turn with the rope around the object.
3. Pull the end up under the second turn so it is between the rope and the object; tighten by pulling on both ends.

Figure Eight

This knot is for the end of a rope, so you can hold on.



How to pull it off:
1. Make an underhand loop, bringing the end around and over the standing part.
2. Pass the rope end under, then up through the loop.
3. Draw tight.

Whipping the End of a Rope

This will Bind the end of a rope.



How to pull it off:
1. Make a small long loop along the rope. 
2. Wind the line around the rope, close and tight.
3. Feed the end through the long loop that is exsposed.
4. Pull both ends of the line tight and also pull the two lines under the wrapped line.

Braiding a Loop with Twisted Rope

Now you can make your own docking lines
This does not have to be perfect.
Just weave each 
of the three rope ends one after the other till you get about 6" of braid.



For more knot tying advice you can check out this animated knot tying website it's easy to follow along and learn how to tie number of knots.

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexboating.php

Check out our boat rentals and jet ski rentals. We always have the best equipment on Lake Conroe.

Looking for some deep water to put your boat in this summer we have plenty boat slips rentals too. 

Well it’s officially Winter. Time put away all the fun summer stuff and prepare for some cold weather. This blog post covers the process of shrink-wrapping your boat. It’s not all that hard to do and you can store your boat right in the backyard safe and sound from any elements. Below is a list of what you need to do.

1. Go our and purchase a shrink-wrap kit and any accessories you might need such as a heat gun. You can buy kits from online retailers or at any boating supply store.

2. Remove the boat from the water and transport it to a storage site

3. Pad any sharp corners that may rip the shrink-wrap.

4. Build a structure made of support poles and strapping lines over the boat to give the shrink wrap something to adhere to. Secure the structure by tying off to the stern, bow and sides of the boat.

5. Unroll the shrink-rap over the boat. Keep it from hitting the ground, as static electricity can draw dirt to the shrink-wrap. Drape the shrink-wrap down to just above the waterline on the boat.

6. Use the heat gun to heat the shrink-wrap, causing it to tighten over the support structure and to the sides of the boat. Start at the bow and work from the bottom of the shrink-wrap up, moving the gun in a wide sweeping motion. Then use a ladder repeat process on top of the boat.

7. Check over the entire boat when finished for any holes in the shrink-wrap. Patch holes with tape included in the installation kit, if necessary. Install self-adhesive vents to keep out mold and mildew that might form under the shrink wrap.

THE SHRINKING PROCESS
Once the film is on the boat (after you have heat-welded around the perimeter band) there are a few steps that can help in achieving a wrinkle-free, tight cover. You must install the belly-bands immediately after heat welding around the perimeter band on the boat. These taut straps pull the slack from the wrap allowing it to become tighter when heated. The shrinking order is as follows: Seal all pleats in cover, including the bow and stern. Begin applying heat at the bottom of the cover near one end (never in the middle). Guide the shrinking with the heat gun to the other end of the boat, up to the rub rail. Starting at the bottom of the cover allows the heat to rise and helps you shrink more quickly. Now you can shrink the top; be careful not to put excess heat on the corners or sharp protruding objects. Avoiding these areas allows the shrink-wrap to maintain its full thickness at these points.

HOLE PATROL
When the over is completely done make sure to check for any holes. The most effective way of repairing a hole is to use shrink-wrap tape which should be included in your kit. When the tape is applied it MUST be rubbed to remove air bubbles and activate the adhesives in the tape. The tape should also be lightly warmed using the gun so that the tape will adhere better.

VENTS AND DOORS
Vents and doors are installed after the cover is completely shrunk. They are not heated onto the cover at all. Vents are self-adhesive and the adhesive on them must be hand warmed and rubbed to have a complete seal. Doors are taped to the cover using either 2” or 4” shrink-wrap tape. The door is then unzipped and a hole cut underneath the zippered area.

That’s it! Your boat is all safe and sound for the winter.

Boating safety is important anytime you are on a boat and should never be overlooked. Accidents happen when boating but most can be prevented. Here are few tips to keep your next boating outing as safe as possible. Whether you are renting a boat or have your own follow these tips.

The first thing you should avoid while boating but many don’t think about it is to avoid drinking alcohol. The impaired judgement and slowed reaction times may just be the cause of your next accident. The best think to do is be responsible and don’t mess around with alcohol while driving a boat.

One of the most common safety tips that people choose to ignore while out boating on the lake is not wearing their life jacket. This could be the difference between life and death. What would you do if you where to be knocked out or something? You can’t swim when your unconscious. Make sure you don’t forget about the little ones, make sure they have their life vest on at all times when out on the water or on jet skis or boats.

If the weather is bad or is forecast to be questionable don’t go out on a boat or jet ski. Make sure to pay attention to the weather. Watch out for wind, rain clouds, fronts moving in, dark skies, lightning or any other sign that bad weather could be moving in. If you see any signs it’s time to take the boat or jet ski back to the marina. The last thing you need is to be stuck out in bad weather and in uncomfortable conditions especially if you are not a seasoned boater.

Make sure your boat is in good condition before heading out from the dock. If you rent a boat or jet ski they should be in good working order but make sure you ask the attendant to go over the boat or jet ski you rented for any flaws or repairs that may be needed. Make sure you have a first aid kit on board and you are well stocked on food and beverages as well. When you get dehydrated or hungry bad decisions can be made.

Make sure someone knows where you are heading before heading out on the water. Someone should know when you headed out and when you returned. This could make all the difference if someone is looking for you. The last tip we will leave you with today is is  B E S A F E -

KNOW YOUR...

Boat

Equipment

Safety devices and PFDs

Alcohol limits

First aid and emergency procedures

Environment (area and weather)