Little Vince
Little Vince
Advice in this article is based on authors personal experience plus his discussions with many yacht buyers who are experience in google_ad_client="pub-1598305614662683"; google_ad_width = 180; google_ad_height = 150; google_ad_format = "180x150_as"; google_ad_type = "text_image"; google_ad_channel =""; google_color_border = "FFFFFF"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "000000"; google_color_url = "000000"; google_color_text = "000000";
net” target=”_blank”>yacht trade.
This article will focus on the buying process and vessel characteristics. The process described applies to both new and used sailboat purchases. Subsequent articles will apply the suggestions presented here to specific sailing areas and boat types.
The Buying Process Buying a sailboat is a multi-step process that involves answering three questions. Successfully answering these questions will lead you to the vessel that can provide years of joy, while failure to accurately or honestly answer the questions may steer you to the wrong boat, little usage and no fun.
The three questions are:
1. How will I use this sailboat?
2. What characteristics of a sailboat are best for this type of use?
3. What sailboats have those characteristics?
The most important question is “How will I use this sailboat?” and getting this question right goes a long way toward buying the right boat. The answer to this question, however, must be detailed. It can’t be a general answer like “to race” or “daysail” or “to cruise.” If you only answer the use question generally, you are not yet ready to buy a boat and run a high probability of making a large and expensive mistake.
Answering properly means knowing the details of where you will sail, the weather conditions in those areas, the length of the trip you will take, number on board and how far you will be from assistance. Table one provides some examples of the detail you should know BEFORE you consider buying a sailboat:
TABLE ONE — DETAILED USAGE EXAMPLES
Primary Sailing Desired Normal Trip Length Cruising Grounds Expected Wave Conditions Expected Wind Conditions No. on Board Distance From Help
Example One Daysail 2-4 Hrs. Local Bay 1-3 ft 5-15 Knts 2 1-3 Mi.
Example Two Extended Cruising Months Ocean Any 5-50+ Knts. 4 100+
Example Three Weekend Racer 8 Hrs Lake and River 1-6 ft. 5-30 Knts. 8 1-6 Mi
Vessel Characteristics
Once we know on how we will use our new boat, we can determine the vessel characteristics best for our use. Vessel characteristics can be divided into three categories: sailing, safety, living. Sailing characteristics include speed, stability (tendency to heel), ability to point, ease of steering (tendency to sail straight), balance. A racer, for example, will want a fast boat that can point close to the wind and may be willing to sacrifice some stability and ease to get it. A long distance cruiser on the other hand may be willing sail a little further off the wind to get more stability and balance. Sailing characteristics will be determined by the boat design, specifically: sail plan, keel type and depth, sail area to weight ratio, and displacement (Table Two).
TABLE TWO — BOAT CHARACTERISTICS AND BOAT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Vessel Characteristic Impact
Keel Design Fin Keel - Easier to maneuver, more difficult to steer straight
Full Keel - More difficult to turn and wider relative turning radius, easier to steer straight
Keel Depth Deep Keel More stable (more resistance to heel), greater ability to point (sail close to the wind) but less access to shallow water
Shoal Draft Keel - Less stable with access to more shallow water, less ability to point upwind
Sail Plan Sloop Rig - Bigger sails, better upwind ability
Cutter Rig- More flexibility in sail options, smaller sails (easier to handle), reduced ability to point Multiple Masts (Ketch, Yawl) - More flexibility in sail plan and good reaching performance with even less ability to point
Sail Area High (SA/D) - More speed with less stability
Displacement Increased displacement delivers more stability while sacrificing speed.
Our next consideration is safety equipment. The need for safety equipment is primarily dictated by the conditions we will face and how far away help might be. If we will carry life rafts, EPIRBs, offshore first aid gear and emergency water and rations, we will need places to securely store these items when not in use. In addition, other safety gear may include advanced communications devices (SSB radio, satellite phone, email or fax) power generation (wind generator, genset, and/or solar panels) and items like sea anchors and drogues, radar and navigational gear. Again, the safety equipment list can be generated based on distance away from help and likely weather conditions we will face. The key vessel consideration is to assure any boat purchased will have a place to safely store everything.
Next, we must consider living space. Again, based on our usage we should know the number of people and length of time of our voyages. This information is then used to determine the required living conditions and space. For example, a boat cruised away from shore for weeks would need to have a much different energy management system, provisioning ability, and cooking equipment than a boat sailed for weeks, but doing short hops between ports. This seemingly small change in sailing usage can mean large differences in vessel necessities. Consider power generation for example. Extended cruising means high output alternators, larger battery banks, external voltage regulation, and potentially alternative energy generating — all things avoided when short hops between marinas are the plan.
Summary
Sailboats are the stuff dreams are made of, but buying the wrong boat can be a nightmare — expensive, unpleasant and dangerous. The most important way to avoid making a mistake is to know exactly how you will use the boat in great detail before you begin shopping for your dream boat
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When looking to buy a pocket bike (miniature motorcycle) be sure
to do your research. You need to find reliable sales
professionals, dealers, or Internet connections to make this
purchase.
There are many ‘knock-offs’ or imitations out there
and to purchase them would be a waste of your money and time.
The parts for these imitations are not typically found and in
the rare event that you can find them they will be extremely
costly and are typically not guaranteed. To assist you in making
the best buy, talk to others that have already have a pocket
bike such as a trusted friend or co-worker, your local pocket
bike league, local dealers, etc. You can use the Internet to
assist in you in your research as well. This will allow you a
more time efficient method of comparing prices as well as
obtaining information for various bikes. You will be able to
compare the price of the actual bike as well as any amenities
offered, allowing you to see which has the best offer. Also note
that when you buy a pocket bike, the laws vary from state to
state and country to country. Speak with your local law
enforcement agencies and local pocket bike league so that you
understand all local rules, regulations, and laws. You are
making an investment and it would be a waste of money as well as
your time to lose such an extraordinary machine because you
failed to get all the correct information. Once you have done
your research and have decided to make your purchase, make sure
of any safety equipment and/or gear you made need. You are
making this purchase to have fun and fulfill some dreams, so
your safety should be a priority so that you may continue to do
so. And now that you have done everything you need to make your
purchase wisely and ensure your laws and safety, go out there
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.
About the author:
b>Bad Credit Auto Loans
You can improve your credit by availing bad credit auto loans.
The Internet offers various bad credit auto loans for those with
bad credit, yet on the lookout for loans to rebuild their credit
history.
Auto loans for people with bad credit
You can receive bad credit auto loans even if your credit
position is good. However, rules governing such credit are very
different. You need to pay more down payment and higher interest
rates too. Rather, you may have to pay almost half of total cost
of the vehicle as down payment. Repayment period of loan could
range between two to five years.
How can such loans help my credit position?
Normally, creditors increase cost of vehicles under bad credit
auto loans intentionally. This of course does not provide much
help to your financial position. You can overcome this situation
by checking actual value of car. Thereafter, you can accept an
increase of $200 to $500 on total cost of vehicle. If your
creditors quote similar value for your vehicle, you can accept
such auto loans to improve your credits.
If your credit situation is grim, it is difficult receiving any
form of credit. Your bad credit auto loans can affect your
interest rates ion credit cards, mortgages, etc. These improve
your overall credit position and help you come out of bad credit
slowly.
Where to look for such loans
The Internet is the main source for obtaining such bad credit
auto loans. There are various websites of car dealers on the
Internet. You can answer few questions on their website and send
your application for purchasing cars to concerned dealer.
Dealers dealing in such loans do not charge fees and after
careful consideration of all factors, they decide whether to
issue you loan or not. You can only take loan offered to you, as
you cannot check about company.
Sometimes, you can obtain bad credit auto loans by applying
directly for auto loan. Although most auto companies do not
favor people with bad credit, yet few are ready to take risk.
You can therefore receive loans through them.
.
About the author:
Basic Wheel Concepts
Author:
Wheels are among the most vital parts in the car. They are the
ones that keep it moving and thus, they are indispensable in a
vehicle. The size and the quality of the wheels significantly
affect your ride quality and handling so always make sure they
are in perfect shape and condition.
Taking care of them is a
must so as not to sacrifice your vehicle’s performance. They
also need special attention since they are closest to the road;
hence, they are exposed to a lot corrosion-causing elements.
Aside from contributing to ride quality and handling abilities,
the wheels can also make the car look better and a lot sportier.
People have always been concerned with how their vehicles should
look and thus they replace or customize some of the parts to
make it different from the rest on the road. The wheels are
among those that are often replaced to achieve their desired
appearance. Accessories are also added to the wheels, such as
the hub caps and wheels covers. These auto accessories are
designed to match the user’s various driving needs and moods.
In buying replacement
important things you need to know, especially if you are new to
driving. You cannot just choose any kind of wheel in lieu of the
original wheel of your car. There are different wheel
specifications for every kind of vehicle and car model since
suspension design varies from one vehicle to another. Take note
that the wheels work hand in hand with the suspension system
whose job is to keep the tires in tight contact with the road as
the vehicle turns, brakes or is driven down the road without
sacrificing comfort of the passengers.
Three aspects of the wheels are relevant to the suspension
design: wheel offset, aspect ratio, and tire width. All these
should be considered in choosing the best replacement wheels for
your vehicle.
Offset refers to the distance from the very center of the wheel
to the mounting surface of the wheel disc at the hub. Wheel
offset can be positive, negative or zero. A “0″ offset means
that the mounting surface of the wheel is in the center of the
wheel. This measurement is very important in positioning the
tire. This also provides for adequate dual spacing.
Aspect ratio is the ratio between the width of the tire and the
height of its side wall. A tire specified as “205/60/15″ for
example, has a width of 205mm and 60% aspect ratio. The “15″
refers to the size of the wheel to which it is fitted. You
shouldn’t buy wheels or tires with lower aspect ratio than what
is required because this will wear them out easily as ride
quality will deteriorate. However, this could also result to
more precision in turning.
You might be thinking of getting wider wheels to give your car a
racing car look. Better think about this again. While is it true
that wider wheels and tires can give your car a chunk of gutsy
looks, they can also ruin your driving satisfaction. This is
because the weight of the vehicle would not be evenly spread
over the wheel and tire width. Resistance is also increased,
thus you wheels and tires could wear out fast.
If you want to know more about car wheels, you can search for
car enthusiasts’ sites that feature different kinds of wheels or
go to the car manufacturer’s site and check out your car model’s
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About the author:
Many collectors of classic cars base their prices of the cars they have on a price guide. The antique car price guide gives approximations of how much a certain model of automobile may cist these days.
The prices found in the antique car price guide are somewhat loosely approximated because not all cars of the same make and model are restored professionally or even restored properly.
Factors That Affect the Car Value
There are several factors that may affect the car value. One of these is the auction price. In an auction, the price is usually set at the lowest possible bid and then people are asked to bid. The highest bidder gets the item up for auction. An antique car price guide may state the lowest possible price for a certain car. Of course the price of the car in the antique car price guide could differ vastly from a specific car due to other factors. The antique car price guide is just a guide not a direct price list for specific cars.
Another factor that can affect the value of an antique automobile is its asking price. Asking prices are based on the amount of money and effort spent on the restoration of the car. This does not necessarily mean that this is the selling price. The antique car price guide can guide you on the range of a specific car’s prices. The range allows for shoddy restoration and professional restoration, which can be the minimum and maximum prices.
Celebrity ownership may also alter the actual price of the car from the antique car price guide. If a certain car was previously owned by a well known celebrity or a well known royalty, tendency is, its price is higher than other cars of the same make and model. Celebrity owned cars tend to belong to the higher price bracket indicated in the antique car price guide. Of course, if the car is in bad shape, no matter which celebrity owned it the price will belong to the lower price range indicate in the antique car price guide.
The originality of the car can also boost prices up. The antique car price guide may set a maximum price for a specific car model and make but this usually is base on restored cars. Antique cars that have little restoration done to them or have most of its original parts intact an functional tend to have higher prices than other restored cars of the same make and model..About the Author
Imagine getting paid to drive some of the world’s greatest cars
– Mercedes, Corvette, Porsche, Viper, and others. Sounds great?
Now picture doing that on luxurious all-expense-paid trips to
exotic locations, where you hang out with some of the biggest
names in the auto industry.
That’s everyday life for car-magazine test drivers.
Hard to believe? You’re not the only person who thinks so. I’ve
worked as a car-magazine test driver since 1999 and I still get
looks of astonishment when I tell people what I do for a living.
Getting a job like this seems like it would be as hard as
winning the lottery. But the truth is, you don’t have to be
working for big, glossy sports-car magazines to enjoy a great
job as a test driver. There are countless other publications
that use test drivers. And you don’t need extraordinary luck or
rare talent to get into this profession.
Granted, it’s not as easy as applying to get a part-time job at
the mall, or even like going after a typical office job. But
it’s also not a frustrating, one-in-a-million chance like trying
to become a rock star or a Hollywood actor either. Far from it.
There isn’t a pre-specified way to become a car-magazine test
driver as there is for, say, becoming a doctor or lawyer. So you
have to pretty much find your own path into the field. That may
sound intimidating, but it’s actually another one of the
profession’s upsides — people can work their way into
test-driver jobs from widely varying experience and education.
For example, one of my colleagues was working in a retail
bookstore before becoming a test driver. He got into an
automotive publication by taking a relatively easy job in a
publisher’s photo library. The photo library worked with the
company’s automotive division a lot, so he was in a prime
position when a job opened up there.
Now he hangs out at racetracks, drives Jaguars and Corvettes,
and goes on press trips to Hawaii and Palm Springs.
His story is fairly typical. Plenty of people — men and women
alike — get into the profession in similar sorts of ways. And
you might be surprised at how quickly things can move along
toward getting such a job if you put your mind to it. Although
every person’s career progresses at a different pace, three to
five years is a pretty normal time for breaking into becoming a
test driver. Not bad for a job that routinely puts you behind
the wheel of $60,000 cars for a week at a time.
For anyone who loves cars, being a test driver is like a fairy
tale mixed with a weekend in Vegas — you can’t help but be
amazed by some of the things you get to do. It takes more effort
to get these jobs than it does to break into other, more mundane
fields. But it’s well worth it.
For more information on how to become a test driver, go to:
http://www.autiv.com/
.
About the author:
Bad Credit? Can you still get a bad credit car loan?
Are you one of the many people who have loan problems? No need
to worry, for you are not alone.
Bad credit is not something to be ashamed of. Anyone can end up
having it,just like the common cold. After some time and some
effort on your part, you can turn a bad credit rating to a
better one.
The good news is, even people with bad credit can be financed on
bad credit car loans. Once you get there, you need to remember a
few things, though, in order to turn your bad credit to the
advantage of your bad credit car loan. Remember not to take on a
car payment that you truly know in your heart that you can’t
afford. Know what you can and cannot afford before talking to a
car salesman.
There are many ways by which you can get a bad credit car loan
even when you have a bad credit. You need to have sufficient
income that can pay up all your bills including additional
payment for your bad credit car loan, insurance, accessories,
repairs and maintenance costs. A steady and sufficient income
could get you that bad credit car loan even if you have a bad
credit. Your lender would like to see that you’ve had your
current job for at least a year and this could make them
overlook your bad credit hence increase chances in approving
your bad credit car loan. Try to maintain your address for a
while, as well, for this can keep your bad credit at bay and
help in the approval of your bad credit car loan.
Having a large down payment will also help in getting your new
bad credit car loan. Your down payment will depend on the car
model you wish to buy. It could range from hundreds to thousands
of dollars.
If you want to have a better chance at having your bad credit
car loan approved, you can be a member of a credit union. Even
if you have bad credit, you can apply to them for a bad credit
car loan. Their credit criteria is often more relaxed compared
to banks and finance companies. The longer you have been a
member in a credit union, the more positive the response is for
your bad credit car loan despite a bad credit rating.
The same thing works for a local bank. Should you have had a
previous loan with them, they could still want to take a chance
with you on your bad credit car loan. If by any chance you have
paid off a previous loan, they could consider your bad credit
car loan application even if you have bad credit history in
other banks of finance companies.
You could also get a bad credit car loan by having a co-signer.
Your co-signer must have good credit rating himself and meet all
the necessary requirement.
Bad credit will indeed affect your bad credit car loan
application, but you can still explore other possibilities. A
large volume new car dealer can give you deals you can bank on.
Choose your vehicle and come up with a deal. Afterwards, talk
with a finance manager who will work with you to get a bad
credit car loan despite your bad credit. The trick is to see an
aggressive finance manager who will see you through choosing
your vehicle, overlooking your bad credit and getting a bad
credit car loan soon.
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About the author:
Basic auto tune up
Author:
A tune up is a simple task that almost anyone can do. This will
make your vehicle more fuel efficient. This applies for any
motorized vehicle. The filters are a good place to start.
Depending how often you do a tune up will affect how much of an
improvement that you will see. Most mechanics suggest a tune up
by 60,000 miles. The engine air filter can be your first tune up
item. The air filter is located over a carburetor on older cars.
The air filter is in the airbox on fuel injected motors. The
fuel filter can be located anywhere between your engine and the
fuel tank and should also be replaced. If the fuel filter is
clogged it can make your engine run lean. Many times if your
check engine light has been on it is due to the o2 sensor not
working correctly. This is normally only replaced when it fails
but usually will not last long anyways. Now is also a good time
to have your transmission filter replaced. If the transmission
filter has alot of miles on it the transmission could be
slipping.Replacing this may need to be done by a mechanic,
unless you feel comfortable enough to it. The filter is usually
found under the transmission pan. The transmission filter will
usually pull straight down and out. Unless you have the scarce,
screw on filter like saturns. The ignition system is also very
important and requires attention. The spark plug wires will
usually wear out even faster than the 60,000 mile tune up. Try
half that mileage and it will save you money and troubles. Spark
plug wires wear out and lose resistance, making the car run
rough and use more fuel. While replacing the spark plug wires it
is also a good idea to replace the distributor cap and rotor.
The engine’s distributor cap will come off easy, usually with
two screws. It may be easiest to remove the distributor cap
first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug. When
the cap is removed, the rotor will be located under it and
usually has a push in tab to release it. Reinstall the new
distributer cap and proceed to remove one spark plug wire only.
Now it is time to replace the spark plugs. The spark plugs will
usually come out with a 5/8″ or 13/16″ socket. Replace the spark
plug with a new compatible plug. Check the gap with a feeler
gauge and tap on or pry the electrode back in until you have the
gap the size it needs to be. Most engines run the spark plug gap
between .030″ and .045″ depending on the vehicle. Now refer to
the wire set up on the old distributor cap. Trace the one wire
back to where it needs to be on the new cap. Do this to all the
wire and plugs so that they can’t be mixed up. The ignition
timing should also be checked by connecting a timing light to #1
spark plug wire. The timing setting should be around 8 to 12
degrees advanced or zero on newer cars. The actual timing spec,
along with the spark plug gap, will be displayed under the hood
on a tag. Also if excessive oil was found in the air filter, you
should replace the PCV (positive crankcase valve) which will be
usually be found in the head, valve cover or air cleaner/box. If
there is no oil in the air filter then the PCV valve is o.k.
This will return your car to the factory oem specs and will
probably improve the power, smoothness and fuel economy.
.
About the author:
Bad Credit Auto Loans
Author:
For anyone that has a low credit score, or has encountered
serious credit problems in the past, a bad credit auto loan is
of one the few options available.
A bad credit auto loan will
allow the borrower a chance to obtain a car. However, because of
the high credit risk of the borrower, the loan will usually have
to be repaid in a shorter time frame and at a higher interest
rate than a conventional auto loan.
Bad credit auto loans typically only apply to used cars and
require the loan to be repaid within 48 months. These terms make
for a less risky loan for the lender. Because used cars are
typically cheaper than new cars, a shorter loan term will give
the borrower a better chance at fully repaying the loan, and
reestablishing their credit history.
If you are thinking of applying for a bad credit auto loan,
there are a few things you should take into consideration:
1. You should have an idea of what prices used cars sell for in
your area, and how much you should borrow. There are some
unscrupulous car dealers out there that will take advantage of
car buyers financing through bad credit auto loans. They will
charge unknowing consumers higher prices based on their credit
situation, and corresponding lack of options.
2. You should definitely shop around for the best terms and
conditions available. Not all lenders are created equal. By
shopping around, you can ensure you get the best deal possible.
3. You need to know the specific requirements stipulated for the
bad credit auto loan you are applying for. There are some banks
and financial institutions that will only write auto loans for
vehicles that are no more than 4 or 5 years old. Make sure you
know all these stipulations before you go shopping.
Even though a bad credit auto loan may not be the ideal way to
finance a used car, for many there are few other options. Do
yourself a favor and shop around for the best deal possible. And
remember that this loan may be the start to obtaining a better
credit history.
.
About the author:
Bad Credit Car Loan
Author:
Do you need a car loan, but are afraid to try because of your credit rating. Those with bad credit tend to be turned down for loans, but you can find many ways around the technicalities and finance the car that you would like.
First, you need to be honest with your dealer. See how much clout they really do have by telling them that you are worried about your credit rating. If they say no worries, then you can believe that they will do anything possible to get you the loan to sell the car. You should also know that there are other things that you can do to help yourself get the loan, but you may first want to search for a dealer willing to do practically anything.
If you find that you really want a certain car, but then the dealer doesn’t sound more than willing to help, then you should consider having a co-signer. The only thing is that sometimes it’s hard to find someone willing to take a risk for you. You will find that some places will ask for a co-signer regardless. If you have a bad credit rating because of a lack of credit, you will still need a co-signer.
Even though they are more likely to approve someone with low, rather than bad credit, you still should go to the dealer with a willing co-signer. Co-signers basically state someone sticking up for you and claiming that you’re a responsible person, however, it does put their rating in jeopardy if you don’t pay the bill on time. You should always thank your co-signer by acting responsible with the loan.
If you don’t have a co-signer, you may just want to ask your Credit Card Company or bank for a personal loan. If you take out a personal loan with a credit card company you will find that your rates are higher, but you usually get approved and with out a co-signer if you have a good relationship with them.
If you pay your credit card on time, they will more likely take the risk on you, however, if you are a new member, they may not want to. You shouldn’t try to get a personal loan through a credit card until you have been with the company for about a year and you have showed them that you can be a responsible person.
When it comes to anyone getting a loan they are a liability for the creditor, however, with bad credit, you’re worse than just a liability, you’re unworthy. You should expect to be turned down for at least one loan; however, if you look in the right places you’ll get approved by someone..About the Author
