Product Focus: Bimini Top

When referring to canvas tops, there are two basic styles. The first is typically called a “convertible top”. This attaches directly to the top of the windshield, and then stretches aft covering about half of the cockpit. More often than not, one cannot stand under this type.

The second type – and by far the most popular – is the bimini top. This style offers more protection from the sun (since it is larger than the convertible top) and is usually high enough to allow people to stand under it.

A bimini top can make a great addition to any boat. It gives you, your friends, and family a quick and easy way to get out of the hot sun, yet still enjoy being on the boat. A popular option for bimini’s are rear legs. The use of these will allow the bimini to stay in a vertical position (as pictured) when not being used, as opposed to having to lay it down into the boat where it would get in the way.

Bimini tops are available in sizes to fit just about any boat, as well as a selection of fabric materials and hardware. Installation is also very easy. A professional shop, like us, will typically charge about 1 hour of labor for this, although it can certainly be done by a DIY’er.

Field Testing a Torqeedo Powered 713 Gillgetter Pontoon on Beltzville Lake

Working for a land locked marine store in Allentown, Pennsylvania is not as glamorous as maybe working at a marina in beautiful South Florida. However, we do have our moments when we can get out on the water and have a little fun. Here is an example of one of those times.

It was a beautiful pre-spring day on March 18th with the air temperature hitting close to 70 degrees. Bobby and I decided to take a new electrically equipped 2010 Gillgetter 713 Fish n Cruise Pontoon for a test run at Beltzville Lake in the Pocono Mountains. We arrived early. Without a hint of a breeze the lake was like a sheet of glass.

The lake water was very high and the docks were not yet put in so we had to get a little creative putting the boat in the water. Although the air was warm I knew that the lake still had ice the previous week. Getting my feet wet was not an option. As we discovered launching this boat was so very easy - easier than I could have imagined. And we didn't get wet either.

As we backed away from the ramp we received a few odd stares from the few fisherman who were hanging around the ramp area. I am sure I could read their minds, "I see that boat moving, but I don't hear anything. What is that?"

Our boat is powered with a Torqueed 4.0R Cruise 48volt Electric Outboard. This motor is super efficient and produces the equivilant power of a 9.9hp gas engine! Perfect for small boats like ours or for use on power restricted lakes. The motor produces a distinctive hum but it was nevertheless quiet and we could hold a conversation easily while at full throttle.

We tooled around for about 3 hours that morning putting this boat and motor combo through it's paces and here is what we discovered:

1) Very easy to launch and load
2) Handles effortlessly and turns easily - Anyone can operate this boat like a pro.
3) We only used 13% of the available battery life so a full days use is a reality.
4) Super stable ride.
and
5) It was a heck of a lot of FUN!

Bobby and I had a blast that day testing this and another boat the Infinyte i3 Utility Boat.

Yes, it is true that a marine store in Allentown, PA is not the same as one in a more exotic location. But I can say that we probably enjoy the times we do get to go out far better.

Check out our experience for yourself!

Compact Pontoons at Peters Marine Service!

Check out our new line of 13'-20' Gillgetter and Qwest Compact Pontoon Boats by Apex Marine. Some models are now in stock and available to be seen! Call us today at 610-433-1606 for details.

Why Consider A Compact Pontoon?
While there are many reasons to consider a COMPACT pontoon boat from Apex Marine, there are particular situations where they truly shine:

1. Electric Only Lakes: Compact pontoon boats are ideally suited for lakes that only allow electric propulsion. Electric outboards are limited in horsepower and will perform better on the smaller size and weight of a compact pontoon.

2. First Time Buyers & Small Families: Compact pontoons are a safe and affordable way to get into boating. Easy to manage and maintain. They are perfectly sized for small groups or families.

3. Lakes with Horsepower Restrictions: Because of their smaller size and weight, compact pontoons perform better with less horsepower than larger boats.

4. Easier to Handle: It’s easy to become intimidated or aggravated with larger boats that can be hard to dock or put on a trailer, especially in windy conditions. A smaller pontoon is more nimble, lighter and easier to maneuver. In particular, this can be a benefit to inexperienced boaters.

5. In Lieu of Aluminum V-Bottoms: A compact pontoon boat can be just as versatile and affordable as an aluminum v-bottom boat, but much more comfortable to be on. In addition, a pontoon’s flat deck allows you to get up and move around, has more room for coolers and gear, and sits higher making it easier to get in and out from a dock.

6. Easy to Trailer: A compact pontoon is the perfect take-along boat. Its narrow width and light weight makes them easy to trailer. Many models can be pulled with mini vans and small SUV’s. They also work perfectly for pulling with motor homes. Anyone who has ever trailered a full size pontoon boat will certainly appreciate this feature.

7. Fits in Garage: A compact pontoon boat can be stored where other larger pontoons cannot. Many garage doors are too small for full size pontoons.

8. Rescue Boat/Law Enforcement /Parks Department: A small pontoon offers a completely stable and open platform for people and gear. Its smaller profile is perfect for accessing small, hard to reach areas, and makes it easy to transport, load and unload quickly. We offer custom layouts for a variety of applications including a center console style.

Torqueedo Electric Motors

As some of you might know, we have enthusiastically taken on a new line of boats here at Peters Marine. Pontoons!!! No, we are not getting rid of Sea Ray - they are as strong as ever. But, with the addition of Quest and Gill Getter Pontoons -- it enables us to venture into "Green" propulsion. 5 years ago, a new company stepped into the field of electric motors... Torqueedo. While we are still learning about them, it truly appears they are re-writing the book on electric propulsion. Their motors, drive systems and propellers are leaps and bounds above the "normal" electric motor. They offer not only more power, but better efficiency at the same time. That efficiency translates into more run time... in other words, more time on the water!

Check out the future of electric motors and let us know what you think. Do you have any experience with them? Torqueedo Electric Motors

The 2009 Checkmates are here!

We have recently received our 2009 Checkmates here at Peters Marine Service. There are very sharp, classic, speed boats. Check them out and let us know what your think!

Check out a video here...