3 Ways to Sharpen Your Boating Skills

At Motor Boatin’, we have a lot of first-time boaters use our rentals – which we love! We are always dedicated to ensuring that all our customers feel completely confident out on the water and satisfied with their rental experience. We believe that this all starts with learning the boating basics. Because of this, this blog post shares some of our favorite ways for boating beginners to sharpen their skills.

Here are 3 ways to sharpen your boating skills as a beginner:

  1. Take an online safety course: Online, you can find hundreds of resources to learn more about boating. There are tons of courses, many of them being free, that you can take to master your time spent out on the lake. We recommend this free course on North Carolina Boating Safety from BoatUS Foundation.
  2. Get familiar with the area: One of the most important aspects of steering a boat is navigation. For first timers, it is often intimidating trying to learn where to go in a lake full of open water. It is much like visiting a new country for the first time. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead of time. There are many different boat navigation apps available which are important to download; however, unfamiliar waters with no cellular service usually don’t end well. This means you should always also feel comfortable with a compass and map when there’s no other option.
  3. Practice makes perfect: Everyone knows this old saying, and it’s true! No boater has ever improved without thorough practice. To really feel comfortable out on the water, it takes time. Our affordable and flexible rental options can assist you in your boating journey. We are always here every step of the way.

The easiest way to sharpen your boating skills is to get out on the lake and test the waters. Motor Boatin’ provides you with rental options for all kinds of boats. Call 919-800-9716 today to see which boat is the best for your plans and check our availability by clicking here.

Cold-Weather Boating: What to Wear

At Motor Boatin’, we believe that Triangle residents should be able to enjoy boating all year long even during the wintertime. To do this, it is important to wear the right gear for the winter weather so that boaters stay comfortable throughout their trip – thinking ahead is key. This blog post is dedicated to sharing our five favorite clothing items for cold-weather boating.

Before we begin, we should note that it is ideal to have all your clothing items be waterproof from your headwear to your shoes. This ensures that you stay dry which ultimately affects your warmth.

Here are five clothing items you’ll need for your next winter boating adventure:

  1. Fishing hat: You should pack a hat that covers both your head and your ears from the wind and cold air. Extremities of the body are especially vulnerable to the winter weather.
  2. Neck gaiter: A neck gaiter can keep both your neck and face warm and protect your skin against the harsh weather conditions. These can also be used in the summer to fight sunburn, making them an all-year boating accessory.
  3. Layered jackets: While jackets are an obvious essential, it is also important to grab lots of layers. For example, one might wear a Gore-Tex materialled jacket on top with a wool or fleece sweatshirt underneath. Layers allow for the most flexibility when out on the boat. It is also a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing for safety purposes. If one were to go overboard, it is much easier to spot bright yellows and oranges.
  4. Dry suit: For those who frequently go out on winter fishing trips, you might consider purchasing a dry suit. These items not only provide warmth but also cold-water protection. These suits are known to have saved lives in the coldest of temperatures for both boaters and divers which makes these items a worthwhile investment.
  5. Thick boots: Not only should fishing boots keep you warm, but they should also be slip resistant. Having a heavy-duty pair of boots paired with thermal socks can keep those fishing feeling comfortable all day long.

Just because temperatures are dropping around the Triangle doesn’t mean you have to cancel all your boating trips! At Motor Boatin’, we offer watercraft rentals all year long – including January and December. For more winter weather boating questions or to book with us, call 919-800-9716 today.

5 Health Benefits of Fishing

Many people see fishing as a fun pastime, but did you know that fishing actually has many physical and mental health benefits as well? From increasing vitamin D intake to reducing stress levels, fishing provides a large range of benefits for personal health which makes it good for the body and mind.

Here are five health benefits of fishing:

  1. Increase in vitamin D intake: Whether it’s a sunny or cloudy day, one can get vitamin D while fishing. Vitamin D plays a vital role in boosting our immune systems and keeping our bones healthy. It also helps regulate moods and can make people happier overall.
  2. Provides exercise: Fishing is surprisingly a great, low-impact exercise. It engages a person’s shoulders, back, arms, core, and legs. Research shows that just being outdoors also encourages a healthier lifestyle.
  3. Improves blood pressure: Spending time fishing has been shown to decrease a person’s blood pressure. Being surrounded by nature for even just 30 minutes lowers blood pressure and improves overall health by reducing the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
  4. Boosts concentration: Over time, studies have shown that adults have far shorter attention spans than in previous decades. By unplugging and directing their attention toward fishing, individuals can boost their short-term concentration. Throughout many fishing sessions, people can improve their long-term concentration over time.
  5. Reduces stress: Many people are aware of the relaxation that fishing brings. Fishing relieves pressure and stress that one might feel. Similar to meditation, fishing takes a person’s mind off of any internal thoughts or stress.

Fishing is an activity everyone can enjoy and provides health benefits for all ages. If you and your family are looking to rent a fishing boat, consider Motor Boatin’. We also provide packed tackle boxes, rods, and fresh bait. Reserve a spot today!

How to Know When the Weather is Right to Head Back Out on the Lake

Lakes are of the places whose natural beauty is not overly dependent on decent weather. It is often said, that the best time to visit a lake is in spring or summer.Raleigh lakes in North Carolina

With warmer weather and summertime on the way, many families will head to the lake to beat the heat and cool off.  But even if it is a nice 65 degrees out, the water in the lake may still be too cool to swim in.

At Motor Boatin’ we recommend these guidelines to make sure there is plenty of fun to be had while out on the lake:

  • Weather forecast:  Check the local weather and the forecast, most sites forecast weather conditions as much as 14 days prior.
  • Water conditions:  The temperature and wind can affect the water drastically.  Make sure to check these condition to ensure safety on the lake.

Weather and water conditions also play a big part in activities at the lake as well.  For instance, swimming can be limited, but hiking can be done at any time.  Decide what activity piqued your interest and then plan your trip.  Contact Motor Boatin’ to take care of other little details.

3 Ways That Motor Boatin’ Maintains Our Boats

When renting a boat in Raleigh, many Raleigh families are nervous about what has happened to the boat before they rented it. Because of this concern, many families ask how we maintain our boats before they determine if they will rent a boat on Falls Lake.Fishing Boat Rental in North Carolina

At Motor Boatin’ we offer a variety of rental boats for our customers and we make sure that our rentals are maintained and cared for. Take a moment and learn just a few of the high level ways that we are maintaining our boats.

3 crucial aspects of boat maintenance that we handle regularly on the Motor Boatin’ boats for rent are:

  1. Cleaning the Exterior: Cleaning the boat’s exterior regularly keeps the boat shiny and good as new. We use long-handled, soft-bristled boat brushes and high-quality wash to keep the boats clean and pristine.
  2. Oil Changing: Just like an automobile, boats need to have an oil change. An oil change can vary by model but the Motor Boatin’ staff believes that a boat should have an oil checkup every 100 hour of operation to keep boat rentals running smooth.
  3. Cleaning the Propeller: The propeller works like a fan, the tool transfers power by converting rotational motion into momentum. Just like a regular fan, the propeller needs to be cleaned for the boat to work properly. If customers are renting an outboard or stern drive boat, our staff checks the propeller before take-off. Deep well sockets are used to remove the propeller several times to make sure no debris has been trapped in the propeller shaft.

Did this information bring up more specific questions? Our team at Motor Boatin’ loves to answer questions and concerns! We are proud to remove the hassle of boat maintenance for our customers with our high-quality, fully inspected boats for rent. Contact us and rent a boat with us today!

 

3 Lakes in the Triangle Serviced by Motor Boatin’

We’re known for our exceptional service of Falls Lake in Raleigh. We take pride in sharing our watercrafts with everyone in the Triangle and hearing their fun stories!

Certainly, Falls Lake is a popular go-to spot for our locals, but did you know we also service other lakes in the area? That’s right! With a reservation and proper planning, we’re happy to deliver one of our beautiful vessels to another location. Just be aware, there is a $200 delivery fee to locations outside of Falls Lake.Raleigh lakes in North Carolina

We are proud to service the following lakes around the Triangle, and here are some highlights of each location!

  • Jordan Lake. For water lovers close to Apex, Jordan Lake has much to offer! This 14,000-acre reservoir boasts more than 1,000 campsites, seven swimming beaches, and a handful of boating ramps. This is a nice place to spend the day on a boat watching for bald eagles, osprey, and other wildlife scattered around.
  • Kerr Lake. Located near Henderson, this lake hosts many events that are great to build relationships with the community. Whether you’re interested in a BBQ chicken dinner or live music, there’s something to enjoy at Kerr Lake! Plenty of boating ramps, beaches, and fishing areas of course.
  • Harris Lake. Ideal for our residents in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina, this lake in New Hill is bustling with activity. There are play areas with volleyball courts and playgrounds, mountain biking trails, and even a disc golf course! It’s also a perfect location to take one of our fishing boats to spend the day reeling in the fish.

If Falls Lake is out of the way or you’re simply just eager to explore other areas, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Motor Boatin’ to learn more about your boat rental options and our services. We are happy to help create memories that will last a lifetime!

4 Items To Bring When Renting a Boat in the Triangle

Our watercraft and boat lovers in the Triangle enjoy spending their weekends at Falls Lake while relaxing on one of our top of the line vessels from Motor Boatin’! It’s pretty expensive to own a boat and keep up with all the maintenance, so we gladly do the dirty work.Rent a Boat in North Carolina

So, even though we do provide the boat and some other basics, there are a few things that people renting a boat for the first time might not know to bring along.

4 things to bring along on the boat rental adventure at Falls Lake are:

  • Life Jackets. This should be a no-brainer, but there are always people who try to go without proper safety jackets even though they’re necessary for responsible boat use. We may have a few on hand, but we cannot guarantee their availability or fit. So, it’s best to come prepared with life jackets and other safety equipment for the boat.
  • Extra Clothing. It’s surprising how chilly it can get on the water as the sun sets or the wind picks up. Bring some light layers to keep warm for times like this so no one becomes uncomfortable on the open water.
  • Food and Beverage Containers. Coolers are great for storing a lot in a small space. Spending an entire day on the water will definitely work up an appetite, so come prepared with snacks and drinks that can be kept ice cold in a cooler.
  • Boating Toys. We do allow toys and accessories to be enjoyed along with the boat, such as skis, ropes, and wakeboards. Unfortunately, we don’t provide them, but they are absolutely allowed.

Renting a pontoon or a fishing boat will ensure great memories are made. Interested and hearing more and reserving a boat for a day on the lake? Contact us at Motor Boatin’ today!

Why To Rent a Boat Instead of Buying One

There’s nothing better than spending a sunny day boating on the open waters of Falls Lake in the Triangle area. Here at Motor Boatin’, we supply jet skis, fishing boats, and pontoon boats to the local water lovers at affordable prices and with flexible rental options.Buy a Boat in North Carolina

Some may think renting a boat for a few hours or days at a time is inefficient. Why not just purchase a boat outright and keep it docked and ready for use at any time? Well, owning a boat requires more than a one-time payment. There’s a lot of upkeep and maintenance that people may not consider right away.

Owning a boat is tough work, and the following examples will help emphasize that renting a boat is the better option overall:

  • Total Financial Expenses. To begin with, boats are already expensive, especially if they’re new. In addition, there are many other expenses that come along with the purchase, including insurance, taxes, and docking fees. For used boats, it’s also advised to have a comprehensive survey conducted to ensure the boat is in good condition. The prices for surveying vary, usually priced per-foot of the boat’s length. These may seem like basic expenses for boat ownership, but they do add up and it can take a toll if buyers aren’t prepared.
  • Constant Upkeep. Unless buyers have the space to store the boat on land in a garage or storage unit, they’ll likely be kept at a marina. If so, there’s a lot to consider including which type of water the boat will rest in, fresh or salt, as each type has its own guidelines for proper maintenance. Much like cars, boats need routine maintenance conducted to ensure they’re good for sailing, so factor in regular engine tune-ups, oil changes, flushing the motor, etc. For busy individuals and families, the general upkeep of the boat may not be worth the time and money it will require.

Our Triangle residents can enjoy all the benefits of boating without the hassle and demands of ownership by renting from us at Motor Boatin’! We service the Falls Lake and surrounding areas and have plenty of options to choose from. Contact us today to learn more about our jet ski, fishing and pontoon boat rentals!

What to do in Raleigh on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a great appreciation day for moms to show them extra love. Some moms will love a day on Falls Lake fishing and other would prefer a day on the jet skis. Plan something special for mom by going to Falls Lake. Enjoy a day filled with adventure and family bonding. People in Raleigh enjoy Falls Lake for its nature walks, boating, fishing, and picnic possibilities. Motor Boatin’ has some activity ideas for those who want to plan a memorable Mother’s Day in Raleigh.

3 activities to do in Raleigh for Mother’s Day include:

  1. EWhat to do in Raleigh on Mother’s Day in North Carolinanjoy nature: Raleigh has many parks to enjoy, but Falls Lake is a local favorite. Take a walk through the trails and sit by the lakeside. Give mom the gift of a relaxing day while being outdoors. Don’t forget to take fun family photos to remember the day! Mom will love spending time with the family and the family will love a new adventure.
  2. Rent a boat: With pontoon and fishing boats, Motor Boatin’ has many boats for rental. Take a boat out and explore what the lake has to offer. Boat rental is a fun Mother’s Day activity for the whole family. Enjoy nature while on the lake and feel the calmness of the waters. Make a day of it by bringing food while on a sunset cruise.
  3. Plan a picnic: After taking part in a nature walk or boat ride, have a picnic by the lake. Catch up with the family over carry out food from mom’s favorite restaurant. Mothers will love the together time as well as the thoughtfulness of remembering her favorite things.

Motor Boatin’ loves providing fishing boat rentals so that Raleigh residents can enjoy Falls Lake. Consider planning a day at the lake for Mother’s Day with a fun boat ride. Contact Motor Boatin’ today to schedule a boat rental for Mother’s Day.

5 Reasons Why to Rent a Boat in the Spring

Spring is a great time to rent a boat in the Raleigh area. Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures make the time on the water great for everyone. Motor Boatin’ has boat rentals for those who want to enjoy Falls Lake and all the activities it has to offer.

5 reasons why renting a boat is great idea during the springtime:

  1. Weather and nature: There is evidence that5 Reasons Why to Rent a Boat in the Spring in North Carolina spending time in the sunshine and in a nature setting improves peoples’ moods. Rent a boat with friends or with family and spend some time in Raleigh’s outdoors on Falls Lake. Check out the nature around the lake with its flowers and colors during the springtime. Also, designating a fun activity such as a boat rental gives people something to look forward to throughout the week.
  2. Relaxation: Many of us do not get the relaxation time we need throughout the work week. Take a break from thinking about work and business by spending time on Falls Lake. Water is known to give people a calming effect. Enjoy spending time with friends and catching up on their lives while also relieving stress.
  3. Lunch or dinner date: Bring a picnic lunch or carryout dinner from a local Triangle eatery to share with others while floating along the lake. Grabbing lunch/dinner is always fun, but why not change it up and have lunch/dinner on a boat.
  4. Spontaneous activity: Is the same old pastimes getting boring? Try renting a boat and exploring Falls Lake with family and friends. With scenic views, there is always good photo opportunities. Motor Boatin’ believes that renting a boat will become a new reoccurring activity for family and friends.
  5. Birthday or anniversary party: Rent a boat for a family or friend’s birthday or to celebrate an anniversary. Bring all the party favors and have fun on Falls Lake. Enjoy a sunset cruise for an anniversary dinner and spend time with a significant other.

Renting a boat is a wonderful, fun activity to do during the springtime in the Raleigh area. For more information on boat rentals on Falls Lake, NC, contact Motor Boatin’.