The Leisure & Fun of the Sailor
~ by James Moore
Sailing is most certainly a career. Whether it be within the realm of the military, or the hardworking fisherman who works every day to not only feed the family, but make sure that your market is stocked with the foods you love. However, boating is also the largest leisure activity that people are choosing to be a part of in the 21st Century.
There are lists to purchase and enjoy. And even though you may not believe this, there are boats that ARE economically viable and no longer just for the wealthy. Powerboats, sailboats, rowing and paddle boats, all focus on fun – and the sporting events that come from the boating world are beyond numerous.
Pleasure craft is the perfect term for the boats available in the U.S. and around the globe. And the actual categories of boats go from small to mid-size to large. Dinghies that are under sixteen-feet and powered by sail, small engines, or pure muscle strength; canoes and kayaks for races; all the way up to the day-sailers and cruisers that offer cabins to enjoy the best vacation possible.
The real sailor and lover of the ocean makes sure to choose a boat from a manufacturer that completely understands and abides by all standards set by The National Marine Manufacturers Association.
Even though yacht clubs and marinas are at the core of leisure boating activities, the range of sailing goes far wider than a day at the ‘club.’
Canoes are at the top of the ‘popularity’ list, with more and more people choosing to hit the lake or river in order to not only have fun, but to also have a fitness regimen that includes what they love the most. Riding the rapids or just canoeing and kayaking along the coasts is a massive sport and activity that brings about relaxation in an extremely anxiety-ridden world.
The oars have it! Rowboats or dinghies that are oar powered, are a great deal of fun and are usually the craft to choose in protected waters. And when it comes to the image of sailing, competitive events, as well as standing on a deck and watching the world go by both come to mind.
Although wood, aluminum, and other metals are used to manufacture the perfect boat, fiberglass is what most people pick for their craft. Lighter, easier to race and simplistic to use when looking at a day of fishing, fiberglass has become the top choice for many. And the realm of skiffs is most definitely coming to the forefront of the industry.
Watersport boats that are high-powered allow the owner to waterski and parasail at a moment’s notice. Built to hold a precise course at an accurate speed, with a flat wake for slalom skiing, these boats are at the top when it comes to competition.
Saltwater fishing boats vary in length and are specialized for various species of fish. Flat boats are usually used in protected, shallow waters; whereas sport fishing boats can be powered by large outboard engines and do well in colder climates. (The cabins are warm and the views are amazing).
Cruising into a dealer is a hard thing to do – but not because of money. The categories and subcategories, the beauty and design, the varied boats to choose from, all make it difficult to bring home the boat you want most.
And 2014 makes it no easier. Just to take one name, Carolina Skiff first began in a garage, building dinghy’s for sailors. The hard work and dedication that was built from the ground up in that garage has expanded over the decades to make Carolina Skiff the only manufacturer to turn to when owners want to get the most for their money.
Ushering in their newest line – the JV Series - fisherman, sailor and boat lover get even more to choose from. With a new tunnel hull design, the series allows the tide flow to enhance the fishing experience due to the shallow draft of 3-to-6 inches. Available in 13-, 15- and 17-foot models, the series boasts excellent carrying capacities, and the list of additions when it comes to these fiberglass dreams are too numerous to list.
And that’s just one line of this company that you will want to bring home immediately.
It’s time for leisure…It’s time to set sail!
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