Boating Lessons - Sterndrive Boats

Manouvering around the docks, ramps, and marinas in your boat can be a bit stressful. Make your life a bit easier and learn with us how to shift a boat into gear properly. With patience and skill you will be a master in no time. In this video we cover:

0:00 – Intro
0:33 – Two different types of shifters, mechanical and digital
0:50 – How is the shifting actually happening
1:20 – Shifting too slowly
1:48 – Shifting too fast
2:10 – Other tips around the dock while shifting
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For more info check out these resources:

*Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*Get checklists and other boating resources here:
https://blog.lenscove.com/boatingresources

*Check out other boat maintenance/care videos at this playlist here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze&si=aakmMTcrxjWr38bX

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/

This video is private.

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Dead batteries are the worst! Whether you are stuck at a ramp or a dock, or even stranded in the middle of the water, you want to avoid no start conditions in your boat. Having and properly using a boat battery switch can drastically reduce this scenario. In this video the battery boat switch is explianed and we will cover:

0:00 Intro
1:07 Battery switch types
1:30 Basic on/off battery switch
2:99 Intelligent battery switch
4:25 Traditional on/off/1/1+2 (both) battery switch
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For more info check out these resources:

*Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*Check out the boat care and maintenance playlist here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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There are several reasons why your boat may not start. let's start with the basics first. They include making sure that you have fuel, that the gear shifter is in nuetral, that your battery is fully charged and well connected, and that the engine kill switch is on. In this video we will cover:

0:00 Intro
1:18 What is a boat engine safety kill switch for?
2:25 How to make sure the cord is installed correctly.
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For more info check out these resources:

Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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Do you wonder how your boat engine trim works and how to use it properly. We get asked this all the time when we are giving boating lessons. We also see lots of boaters who are not using thier boat power trim incorrectly. In this video we will cover:

0:00 Intro
1:22 Boat design and trim
1:40 How to get a boat on plane
2:09 How a boat hull works on the water
2:50 Best trim settings for boating
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For more info check out these resources:

Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*How to dock your boat properly:
https://youtu.be/I_mLfbUCQlM

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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Almost every boat that has a hull (aluminum or fiberglass) has a bilge pump. What does it do and how should you operate it? Good question. In this video we will cover all about boat bilge pumps:

0:00 Intro
0:34 How does a boat bilge pump work?
1:40 How do I use the bilge pump?
3:05 Boat bilge pump tips.
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For more info check out these resources:

Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*What is a boat bilge blower?
https://youtu.be/zMJkb05SHuA

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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Boating at night is completely different from driving your car at night and it can be a bit nervewracking for many. Unlike car lights, boat navigation lights are meant to show others where you are, not help you find your way. In this video we will cover:

0:00 Intro
0:40 How do navigation lights work
1:52 How to use your boat navigation lights
2:30 Boat navigation light best practises
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For more info check out these resources:

Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*Boat Care/Boat Maintenance Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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Although newer boats are getting more sophisticated and safer, there is still a potential threat onboard. If you own a sterndrive (I/O, inboard outboard) or an inboard powered boat, there is a risk of fire or exposion. How ca you negate that risk? Use your bilge blower properly and every time. In this video we will cover:

0:00 Intro
0:46 Bilge blower basics and chemistry
1:50 How a bilge blower works
2:45 Bilge blower best practises
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For more info check out these resources:

Subscribe to our channel! https://www.youtube.com/lenscove

*Outboard vs Sterndrive Power on Boats:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4yWdv0wUaw

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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We see lots of strange knots on cleats, and to be honest – we have been doing it wrong for years. See the link below for our original "how to tie a boat to a dock" video. In it, we messed up the all important cleat hitch knot. MANY viewers pointed out that we did it wrong and we owe hem a honest thank you for correcting us The cleat hitch knot is very important for you boating. In this video we will cover:

Intro 0:00
Link to original boat tying video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGfCKxv5t70 0:12
Side of the cleat to start your knot from 0:55
Go around the base and start a figure eight 1:43
Secure the line with a twisted locking knot or "hitch" 1:52
Two lines should be parallel on the cleat and "locked" under the tope line 2:03
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For more info check out these resources:

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions: https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*How to tie a boat to a dock video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGfCKxv5t70

*Boating Lifestyle Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp67JC5qDbT3OOR_cO8BJTi8

*Len's Cove Learning Center: https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/

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Stress free boating is the best boating. Your grip on the bottom can be better by following some simple steps. When you first get a boat, you often wonder how to anchor a small boat effectively. What technique do I use to set it, and unhook it? What equipment do I need? In this video we will cover:

Intro 0:00
Choosing the proper anchor 0:50
What length of line should I use 2:16
Setting the anchor tips 3:15
How do I retrieve it from the bottom? 7:01

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For more info check out these resources:

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Boating Lifestyle Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp67JC5qDbT3OOR_cO8BJTi8

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/

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We love boating and keeping you on the water with the least hassle and lowest cost is our goal. Fuel is expensive, so there is a temptation to buy the least expensive grade possible. That exposes you to some risks that can cost you significantly more than you are saving and rob you of your boating time. We do not talk about diesel at this time. In this video we will cover:

Intro 0:00
Types of fuel 0:45
What is ethanol on your fuel 1:25
Ethanol is "hygroscopic" 1:40
What happens with ethanol fuels over time 2:10
What unleaded fuel is best? 2:40
What is the worst case scenario for bad fuel? 4:00
Final fuel thoughts 4:50
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For more info check out these resources:

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Boat Care / Maintenance Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/

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Find launching your boat stressful? You aren't alone as many people feel that a boat launch as not a fun place to visit. Truth is, a little prep work in advance can make it easy sailing. Check out these boat ramp tips to make your next visit less like the Qualified Captain insta stories. In this video we will cover:

0:00 Intro
0:30 Unhook your back straps
1:05 Check your oil level
1:20 Make sure your drain plug(s) are in
1:30 Launch part way and unhook your front strap
1:43 Have someone in the boat if you can
1:51 Start the engine while it is in the water but still on the trailer and check for water leaks
2:02 Check your gauges
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For more info check out these resources:

*One on one boat chat to ask me questions:
https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715

*Boat Boat Buying Playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp4QaGI_lo5ys2YL5YOxgeGM

*Len's Cove Learning Center:
https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/

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How do I safely dock my boat is a question we get daily. One of the most stressful parts of boat ownership is the process of docking at a marina or even your own dock. Boats are predictably unpredictable at low speeds. They are often influenced by winds and current. You as the boat driver need to learn how the way that you build momentum (and how much) is critical.

We see many people pick up the skill very naturally, only taking days or weeks to get proficient enough to be comfortable and then eventually master it over many years of practice. We also have seen boaters who have been doing it for 30, 40, or more years who continue to struggle.

Whether you already own a boat or are thinking about buying one, this video could be for you. We want to help you brush up on your boat docking skills so you can be safer and more confident.

In this video we will cover:

0:00 Intro
1:03 How to prepare for docking your boat.
1:32 Why neutral is your friend when docking.
2:23 Momentum is the name of the game in boat docking.
2:53 A boat is a solid in a liquid…never forget that.
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Boat Docking Tips Article:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/blog/boat-docking-tips-think-curling-and-not-ice-skating

Boat Ownership/Care and Maintenance Playlist:
▶https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze

Boating Learning Center:
▶https://www.lenscove.com/learning-center/

________________________
Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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Do you find or imagine that loading your boat onto a trailer at a ramp stressful? You are not alone, and because your might load your boat on a trailer 1-10 times a year, you don't have a lot of opportunity to practice. We do it every single day of the boat season so we want to help you get your boat on your trailer safely. In this video we will cover:

1. Neutral is your friend. 0:40
2. Shift in and out of gear. 1:04
3. How deep should the trailer be in the water? 1:15
4. Try to "push" the boat onto the trailer and not winch it up if possible. 1:32
5. Once the boat is on the trailer. 2:00
6. Turn the engine off before pulling the boat out of the water. 2:12
7. Securing the boat for transport on the trailer. 2:21
8. Remember to remove the drain plug! 3:04

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Boating Tips Playlist:
▶https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze

Check out our Boating Blog here and a boat docking article:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/blog/boat-docking-tips-think-curling-and-not-ice-skating
________________________
Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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Having the proper boat safety gear on board your boat at all times is important to keep your occupants safe, and to protect you from fines or tickets. In this video we will cover what boating safety gear you need and:

1. Are the regulations the same for every boat? 1:11
2. Boat size classes and areas for use. 1:18
3. What do I need on board for a typical boat? 1:41
4. What are the commonly issued fines? 2:17
5. What else should I have on board? 2:47
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Boat Care/Maintenance Playlist:
▶https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp6g0nknFqvHzaMaVgyolaze

Safe Boating Guide (Regulations):
▶https://www2.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/tp-511e.pdf?WT.mc_id=87y56&fbclid=IwAR1tjCIsTQOTJYcpIGonBtGsYFdYBm9hVqtj0GLw-9JwJOpOCi6W9KeRqyI

Licensing a Boat in Canada:
▶https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDD1S82KvUg&t=3s

Check out our Boating Blog here:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/blog
________________________
Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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This video is for you if you are shopping for a new or used boat and you don’t want to be fooled by a slick salesman? Or maybe you have recently bought one, and you don’t want to appear like a noob around the dock or ramp. Boating terms are different than cars and by the end of this video we want to help you learn them so you are more comfortable with the basic terms you will hear in the boating lingo world. Stick around to the end of the video when we provide a free download of a cheat sheet with these terms listed on a diagram. In this video we will cover:

1. The basic hull/bottom terms. 1:08
2. The basic boat locations/areas. 2:57
3. Basic boat measurements. 3:54
4. Other common nautical terms. 5:46
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Here is a video playlist with other help buying a boat:
▶https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYTkMUynMp4QaGI_lo5ys2YL5YOxgeGM

Check out the guide to used boat buying here:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/used-boat-buying-guide-resources-to-help-you-make-the-right-choices

Check out our Boating Blog here:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/blog

________________________

Connect with us!

▶https://lenscove.com

▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/

▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem

▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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You want to keep your boat investment safe and learning how to properly tie a boat to a dock is one way to do that. Whether you are using cleats or rings, we have you covered. In this video we cover:

Intro 0:00
How do I tie a boat line to a dock ring? 0:58
How do I tie a boat rope to a dock cleat? 1:50
What length should the bow line be? 2:27
What is a spring line and why is it important? 2:51
What are some boat tying up tips? 3:18
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Boat docking tips here:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/blog/boat-docking-tips-think-curling-and-not-ice-skating

Check out our Boating Blog here:
▶https://blog.lenscove.com/blog

Click here to set up a free no obligation phone conversation about boats:
▶https://app.hubspot.com/meetings/sean715?__hstc=58870066.d6a88c2efd87e7c2408c1edb209dccd1.1566589224649.1569412738116.1569415186025.129&__hssc=58870066.5.1569415186025&__hsfp=1037199243
________________________

Connect with us!
▶https://lenscove.com
▶https://facebook.com/lenscove/
▶https://twitter.com/lenscovem
▶https://instagram.com/lenscovem

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