The Marinalo Logbook

Types of Boats: 25 Common Boats Explained October 17, 2026 A plain-English guide to 25 types of boats, from jon boats and skiffs to cruisers, sailboats, PWCs and kayaks, with what each is used for and where to read more. Surf Fishing for Beginners: Tides, Rigs and Timing October 17, 2026 Learn surf fishing: how to read the beach, time the tide, pick basic rigs and gear, understand Florida and Texas license rules and stay safe from rip currents. Skiff, Bay Boat or Flats Boat? Choosing an Inshore Boat October 17, 2026 Skiff, bay boat and flats boat compared: draft, ride in chop, deck layout and best uses for shallow Florida and Texas waters, plus why the tide matters. Sit-on-Top vs Sit-In Kayak: Which One Should You Choose? October 17, 2026 Sit-on-top or sit-in kayak? Compare stability, re-entry, warm vs cold water, storage, fishing and scupper holes to pick the right kayak for Florida and Texas waters. Miami International Boat Show 2027: Dates, Tickets, Venues October 17, 2026 The Miami International Boat Show 2027 runs February 10 to 14. See hours, ticket prices, the four venues, shuttles, boat access and smart buying tips. Marine Batteries: Types, Charging and Lifespan October 17, 2026 Marine battery basics: starting vs deep-cycle vs dual-purpose, flooded, AGM and lithium, CCA, MCA and amp-hour ratings, charging, winter storage and safety. Lake Ray Hubbard Boating Guide: Ramps, Marinas, Level October 17, 2026 Lake Ray Hubbard near Dallas has 7 public ramps and a current level of 84.9% full. See ramp locations, marinas, Texas boating rules and lake facts. Lake Livingston Boating Guide: Ramps, Marinas, Level October 17, 2026 Lake Livingston, Texas has 22 public boat ramps and is 93.4% full as of Oct. 17, 2026. See ramps, marinas, the state park, hazards and Texas boating rules. Key West Boating Guide: Marinas, Ramps, Tides and Rules October 17, 2026 Key West boating guide with marinas, boat ramps, fuel docks, tide ranges, sanctuary rules, mooring buoys and hurricane-season planning, using Marinalo data from October 2026. Inflatable Boats and Dinghies: A Buyer's Guide October 17, 2026 How to choose an inflatable boat or dinghy: PVC vs Hypalon/CSM, floor types, RIBs, outboard sizing, Florida and Texas registration when motorized, and tender use. How Much Is My Boat Worth? Boat Values Explained October 17, 2026 How to find your boat's value: valuation guides, comparable listings, marine surveys and appraisals, what changes the price, and how to sell. Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2026: Dates, Tickets, Boat Access October 17, 2026 The 2026 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. Dates, hours, ticket prices, venues, water taxi and where to dock your own boat. Florida Christmas Boat Parades 2026: Dates by City October 17, 2026 Dates for the 2026 Florida Christmas boat parades, including Winterfest in Fort Lauderdale, plus tips for watching by boat: anchoring, lights and no-wake rules. Ebb, Flood and Slack Tide Explained October 17, 2026 What is ebb tide, flood tide and slack tide? Learn how tidal current differs from tide height, why slack water is not always at high or low tide, and how to plan around it. Deck Boat vs Pontoon Boat: Which One Fits You? October 17, 2026 Deck boat vs pontoon: hull, ride in chop, capacity, uses, trailering and salt vs fresh water compared, with a link to our cost calculator before you decide. Center Console Boats: The Complete Guide October 17, 2026 Center console boats explained: sizes, inshore vs offshore hulls, single vs twin outboards, fuel range planning and what slip size to budget for in Florida and Texas. Canoe vs Kayak: Differences and Which Is Right for You October 17, 2026 Canoe vs kayak compared: paddles, seating, capacity, gear hauling, rivers vs open water, transport, and Florida and Texas registration rules for paddlecraft. Essential Boating Knots: Cleat Hitch, Clove Hitch, Bowline October 17, 2026 Learn the boating knots every skipper needs: how to tie a cleat hitch, clove hitch and bowline, plus when to use each one to tie a boat to a dock. Boat Tubing: Safety Rules, Gear and Hand Signals October 17, 2026 Boat tubing safety for Florida and Texas: observer or mirror, life jackets, daylight hours, hand signals, tow rope and tube choice, and keeping riders clear of the prop. Boat Storage Options: Wet Slip, Dry Stack, Trailer or Lift October 17, 2026 Compare boat storage options: wet slip, dry stack, trailer and boat lift. Protection, access, upkeep, hurricane risk, and Florida monthly slip prices by boat length. What Is a Bilge? Bilge Pumps Explained October 17, 2026 The bilge is the lowest part of a boat's hull, where water collects. Learn how bilge pumps and blowers work, what the law says about oily water, and how to maintain it. Special Marine Warning vs Small Craft Advisory: NWS Alerts October 17, 2026 What a special marine warning and a small craft advisory mean, how they differ, and a table of NWS marine alerts with the wind and wave triggers for each. Port vs Starboard: What They Mean and How to Remember October 17, 2026 Port is the left side of a boat and starboard is the right, when you face the bow. Learn where the words come from, light colors, and simple ways to remember. Parts of a Boat: Bow, Stern, Hull, Keel, Transom and More October 17, 2026 Learn the main parts of a boat: bow, stern, hull, keel, transom, gunwale, deck and more, with plain definitions and a quick reference table for new boaters. Jon Boats: Uses, Sizes and What to Know Before You Buy October 17, 2026 Jon boat basics: flat-bottom hull, sizes, motors, shallow-water use, pros and cons, plus Florida and Texas registration and safety rules before you buy. Inflatable Kayaks: Pros, Cons and Where to Launch October 17, 2026 Are inflatable kayaks any good? Compare construction types, pros and cons vs hardshell kayaks, wind and puncture risks, inflation tips and safety basics. How Deep Is a Fathom? Depth Units Every Boater Should Know October 17, 2026 How deep is a fathom? One fathom is exactly 6 feet or 1.8288 meters. Get a conversion table, learn where fathoms show up on NOAA charts and more. Fishing Kayaks: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing and Launching October 17, 2026 How to choose a fishing kayak: paddle or pedal, stability, length and width, rigging, life jackets, and Florida and Texas registration and license basics. Ethanol-Free Gas for Boats: Why It Matters and Where to Find It October 17, 2026 Ethanol-free gas for boats explained: E10 vs E15, why E15 is not for marine engines, phase separation, storage tips and how to find ethanol free gas near you. Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets: Types, Labels and the Rules October 17, 2026 Coast Guard approved life jackets explained: Type I to V, the new performance level labels, federal carriage rules, Florida and Texas child rules, fit and care.