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General Boating

Boating Courses, Education & Training

Education is the key to becoming a better, more knowledgeable boater. Learning the basics of boat operation and safety is best done before your first trip to the marina or launch ramp. In most states, boaters need to take a basic boating safety or education course to get a boating license. But these courses (often given by Boat-Ed or BoaterExam), which are usually offered online, are just that – basic. If you’re new to boating you’ll almost certainly want to go above and beyond this minimal requirement so you’ll feel comfortable and confident in your boat handling skills.

The Ultimate Watersports Safety Guide

Participating in watersports is one of the most enjoyable aspects of boating. Whether you prefer to waterski, ride an inflatable tube, or wakeboard, these activities are a great way to bond with family and friends and make the most of your boating investment. As with all activities, however, safety should always come first.

Boating Safely With Your Dog

Check out the essential tips like the importance of pet life jackets, paw protection, hydration, boarding techniques, and marina pet policies. By the end of this video, you and your pup will be ready to embark on unforgettable boating adventures together

How Much Will It Cost to Winterize My Boat?

We'll be honest: boat maintenance isn't always exciting. However, it is ALWAYS important. And winterizing your boat is essential to keeping your boat in tip-top shape. Most boaters will need to winterize their boats before the first big frost. However, how does one go about that? And how much does it cost to winterize a boat?

Boat Propellers: Repairs and Replacement Guide

Your boat's propeller connects the engine to the water, just as tires connect your car to the road. Unlike tires, your propeller will not wear with use. However, it is prone to damage, ranging from a few nicks in the blade edges to catastrophic damage from a severe bottom strike.

Fogging an Engine: How Does It Work?

If you live in a climate where you have to winterize your boat, you've likely heard of the term "fogging." And while it might seem daunting, fogging an engine is one of the most critical steps in the winterization process.

Automated Welding Process

Michael Boyle walks us through the process of our robotic welded pontoons.

Rotomold Durability Test

Testing the strength of the rotomolded corners.

Your Outboard Isn't Peeing? Here's What To Do

When you start your outboard engine, you should see a stream of water, called a telltale, coming from it. This tell tale lets you know that the engine is cooling properly. If your outboard isn't peeing, it's usually a sign of a problem, which could be a blocked outlet or your outboard water pump needs replacing.

REVO Ladder from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Walk through of the benefits of the optional REVO ladder from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Walkthrough of the Optional 1500 Power Bimini Top from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Benefits of the new 1500 Power Bimini Top from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Walkthrough of the Bar layout from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Walk through on the deployment of the Bar from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Demonstration of Smoker Craft Inc. Vibration Damping System

Watch out Smoker Craft, Inc. pontoons eliminate vibration on the water.

How Tos

How to Safely Trailer Your Boat

When it comes to the adventure of boating, the journey begins well before you hit the water. Knowing how to trailer a boat safely might seem like a chore, but it's the key to safely getting from the driveway to the dock. With these boat trailer safety tips, you can make trailering easy and stress-free.

How To Launch A Boat

Successfully launching a boat for the first time is an exciting experience for any new boat owner. After you learn how to properly launch a boat, you'll be able to trailer that boat and explore any body of water serviced by a ramp.

How to Clean a Pontoon Boat: 7 Tips for Cleaning Pontoons

A well-maintained pontoon isn't just about appearances; it's also the best way to maximize its performance and longevity. Unlike other boats, pontoons sit directly on the water's surface, making them more prone to oxidation, staining, and marine buildup. The good news is that cleaning pontoons doesn't have to be difficult.

How to Get Up On Waterskis

A quick guide on how to start on waterskis and get up.

How To Get Up On A Wakeboard

Whether you've been wakeboarding for a long time or a first timer, these are the same tips I give even to experienced riders. When you feel the difference of using these 3 tips, it not only saves energy for you, but it helps you teach other riders who want to learn to get up for the first time.

Driving for Wakeboarding

Some tips and tricks for driving for wakeboarding.

3 Essential Boat Knots | How-to Tie Knots Needed for Boating + Docking

In this video, you will learn how to tie three essential knots needed while boating: -The Cleat Hitch Knot -The Clove Hitch Knot -The Bowline Knot

How To Dock a Pontoon Boat in a Tight Area

Sometimes the dock area is tight. Learn how to control your boat as you pull into a tight dock area.

Bimini Canvas Installation

How-to video to install the bimini canvas on your power bimini top.

Pontoon C Zone Digital Wiring System

Enjoy the convenience of our pontoon's C-zone digital wiring system.

Playpen Cover Installation with New PlayPen Clip Application

Tips for installing your Smoker Craft, Inc. pontoon playpen cover with the new clip application.

PlayPen Cover Boot design

Playpen boot design on your Smoker Craft, Inc. pontoon

How to tie a Cleat Hitch

How to tie a Cleat Hitch (3 different methods)

How to Prepare Your Boat for Boating Season

In this video, you'll learn essential steps to get your boat water-ready, including engine preparation, fueling system checks, plumbing maintenance, battery care, and general upkeep. By following these essential tips, you'll ensure your boat is safe, reliable, and ready to make lasting memories on the water.

How to Refuel a Boat

Discover essential practices such as employing the sniff method to detect fuel leaks or spills, ensuring there are no open flames or smoking, disembarking passengers during refueling, selecting the appropriate fuel for your vessel, and more.

Docking a Boat: 6 Steps for Beginners

How to dock a boat for beginners.

Bimini Top Canvas Installation on a Power Bimini Top

Best practice to install your Smoker Craft, Inc. bimini top canvas.

Bimini Top Deployment with Sport Arch

Best practice to install your Smoker Craft, Inc. bimini top with Sport Arch.

Playpen Cover Installation with Clip System from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Trips for installing the playpen cover with updated clip system.

C-Zone System Tips and Tricks

Basic Understanding of the on board C-Zone Digital System.

Deployment of Trailerable Ratchet Cover

How to deploy your Smoker Craft, Inc. ratchet cover.

How to Paint or Spot Repair Your Aluminum Fishing Boat

Tips and techniques to spot repair your paint on an aluminum fishing boat from Smoker Craft, Inc.

Safety Tips

Life Jacket Safety Essentials

Wearing a life jacket is one of the easiest ways to make every boating trip safer and more enjoyable—for you and everyone on board.

Understanding Boat Capacity and Carriage Requirements

Learn about essential capacity and carriage guidelines, ensuring a safe and enjoyable voyage.

Boat Checklist: 8 Things to Bring Onboard

Here are eight things to bring on board your boat.

How to Safely Use Your Boat Navigation Lights

Crucial safety tips, including understanding and following navigation light rules and regulations, the proper use of different navigation lights, the importance of regular maintenance, and how to learn more about your boat’s navigation lights.

How to Sit and Swim Safely While Boating

Essential tips for boating safety, including refraining from jumping off moving boats, swimming safely, including avoiding boats in motion or running motors, and being mindful of carbon monoxide exposure while boating.

How to Participate in Watersports Safely

Crucial watersport safety guidelines that will keep you safe when participating in watersports such as tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.