A trolling motor is used to slowly and quietly hold position, troll along weed beds, or slow the drift against wind and currents. They come in bow and transom mount.

There are several things to consider when shopping for a trolling motor. Do you want bow or stern mount? Generally speaking, a boat is easier to pull than push through the water. It is also easier to move the bow than the stern due to the difference in size and weight. These factors make a bow mounted trolling motor the most popular type. A bow mounted unit gives greater control, faster response, and easier positioning.

The next item to research is the type of controller you would like to use. You can select a hand tiller, foot switch, or laser wireless. The foot switch controller is the most popular. It connects through an electrical cord and leaves both hands free for fishing

Camping can be a fun and rewarding activity for the entire family. Getting away from stress and setting your own schedule brings a feeling of relaxation and accomplishment. But you can’t just jump into an RV and take off. A successful camping trip requires a lot of planning.

First you have to purchase or rent camping gear. You need shelter such as a tent, cabin, or RV, and you need something to sleep on. This could be a bed, sleeping bag, pad, cot, air mattress, etc. Next up would be food, cooking appliances, and utensils. You also need emergency first aid supplies.

First time campers should take a trip with someone that’s experienced and knows the type of camping gear you will need. This is the fastest way to learn. People that camp a lot already have all the necessary camping gear and can show you how to use it.

Global positioning system - GPS - is a huge advance in navigation. Highly accurate map capable units can be purchased at reasonable prices and are readily available just about everywhere.

The Global Positioning System is a network of satellites in different orbital paths. A GPS unit establishes contact with at least three of these satellites and uses the information received to determine altitude, longitude, and latitude. The unit takes measurements constantly and plots your path on a map (for mapping enabled GPS units), and also provides a digital display of relevant information. In order to calculate altitude, the unit must have access to at least four satellites. There are no fees or setup charges to use GPS.

GPS receivers are extremely accurate due to their parallel multi-channel operation. This type of unit is quick to lock onto satellites and will hold the lock in dense foliage or city streets with tall buildings and other obstructions. Most portable GPS receivers are accurate to within 10 feet.

RV portable generators are very dependable as long as routine maintenance is followed. People have problems when the generator is stored for a period of time without use. This can cause the unit to be difficult to start. In some cases, it will not start at all until serviced. Depending on weather and storage conditions, starting and surging problems can develop in as little as one month.

Running the generator occasionally will keep it in good working order. You need to check the oil and change it at the correct intervals. It’s a bad idea to leave fuel in the tank during storage. Instead, pour a very small amount into the tank and run the generator until it is completely out of fuel.

Fishing boats are a lot of fun! It’s great to get out on the water in the morning. I like to wake up early and have a good breakfast before starting out. To me, if the sun is already bright, then I’ve slept too late.

Purchasing a used fishing boat is a good way to save money provided you pay attention to details. You also have to know a lot about boats and motors. Take a mechanic along if you need the extra help. Promise to take him fishing as payment! That works a lot of the time and you gain another fishing buddy in the process.

Boat covers help to protect against damage from snow, rain, wind, and sun. But you don’t want to use just any type of cover. The material and fit are vital to protect your boat as well as the cover itself.

Weather takes a heavy toll on a boat. Wood can become dry and this causes shrinking that leads to open seams and cracking. Paint will also “craze” - develop small cracks - that make the surface look dull.

The opposite problem is water penetration of the boat material. Wood can absorb water in areas where the finish is worn. Fiberglass that has cracks or other entry points will become water logged and heavy. If this happens in the winter, the water will freeze and split the wood or fiberglass. That leads to further damage when exposed areas allow even more water to enter.

Choosing the correct fly fishing rod means the difference between an enjoyable trip and a lousy one. Pick the wrong type and you will work yourself to exhaustion.

Graphite rods are a good choice. They are light, durable, and provide a smooth cast. While a little pricey, they are well worth the small additional cost. The light weight will be appreciated after casting for an extended period of time.

The action of the rod is the next thing to consider. This is the bending resistance and comes in fast, medium, and slow designations. Fast action fly fishing rods are stiff and will set a hook with little effort. They will also lose a fish if you are too aggressive. Beginning anglers usually do better with medium actions. Check the bend of the rod to be sure it’s smooth and even with no soft spots.

Buying a used boat motor is a lot like buying a used car. You can save quite a bit of money and enjoy reasonable service if you know what to look for. The opposite is also true. You can have a ton of problems and find yourself stranded in the water. Believe me, this is no fun at all. It can also be dangerous if the motor decides to fail when you are a long way from shore or trying to outrun rapidly changing weather.

When buying a used boat motor, there are several important items to pay attention to. If it is currently mounted on a boat, take it for a test ride. Run the motor through all ranges of power. Make sure it idles smooth and comes up to full speed without hesitation. Look at the water pump discharge to see if the pump is working properly to keep things running cool. Watch for any type of fluid leak.

RV rentals are quite popular. People rent for a variety of reasons, from “try before you buy” to “I just want to rent an RV for one vacation.” Whatever the reason, RV rentals provide a good way to enjoy a vacation without the hassle of outright ownership. For additional fees, some rental companies will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load your personal items and go.

The most common rentals are motor homes. They are easier to drive because they operate similar to an automobile. Of course, you have to take the overall size into consideration. Be careful about height requirements when pulling into camping areas. It’s pretty easy to damage the roof from a low hanging tree limb or some other object. There can also be several blind spots that mirrors don’t show. Watch yourself when changing lanes.

Popup trailer campers are designed for people that want to spend some time outdoors without the expense and maintenance of an RV. Most are reasonably priced and can be stored without taking up a lot of room. They are a good choice for first time campers and families on a budget.

Popup campers are not quite as easy to set up as some might think. This is especially true if weather is not cooperating at the campsite. Wind, rain, and cold make the task a bit frustrating due to the time involved. Basically, a hand crank or hydraulic lift is used to open and lift up the top portion of the camper. Beds and other items are then slid out. The reverse is performed when it’s time to leave. While not excessively difficult, it’s not a fast process and you need to plan for this.