How To... Archives | PumpupBoats.com

Wiring Trolling Motors Correctly & Safely

How to... / 7 minutes of reading

If you’re having trouble getting your trolling motor wired correctly, I’ve been in your shoes. Installing a new trolling motor is relatively easy, but it is not intuitive the first time around. In this article on wiring trolling motors, I will show you everything you need to get the job done and walk you through the process step-by-step. Things you’ll need to wire your trolling motor Here is a list of the parts that you will need for installation. Some of them will be included with your motor, but some you’ll need to get separately.

Bowline Knot – Steps, Uses, Tips

How to... / 3 minutes of reading

The bowline knot is a knot to turn the end of your line into a fixed size loop, or tie around a fixed object. It is a very useful nautical knot and has been termed “the most useful knot in the world”, with sailor references dating back over 500 years. You can use it not just during boating, but also camping, hiking, and even rescue situations. It does not slip under load and is actually impossible to untie when under pressure. However, it comes undone easily without load. In fact, shaking the knot without load can make it undone. The …

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Yak Back No More – Kayaking Back Pain Solution

How to... / 10 minutes of reading

Kayaking is a fun form of exercise, where you get to explore nature. However, if you are not careful, you will get “yak back” and curse at your kayak for days. Or even weeks. I have mild lumbar scoliosis (curvature of the spine), so I’ve had my share of back pain. You could say, I’ve been there, done that. This post will explore what causes kayaking back pain, how to avoid it, and how to make it better if you already have yak back.

How To Mount Accessories Onto Inflatable Boats Kayaks Sups

How to Mount Attachments Onto Inflatable Boats & Kayaks

How to... / 6 minutes of reading

We all love inflatable watercraft for their versatility and ease of transport, but attaching accessory holders is definitely easier on traditional fiberglass boats. Or at least that’s what you would think! Let me show you how simple it is to mount attachments to your inflatable boat, kayak, or even SUP. You can then use them to mount cup holders, bimini tops, fishing rod holders, fishfinder mounts, wrap-around rope holders, etc.

5 step DIY floor for inflatable boats

How to... / 10 minutes of reading

If you’ve got the skills and a few tools, you can convert your inexpensive inflatable raft to a full-fledged hard floored inflatable by building a hard floor. This popular mod requires some handy-man skills, but it is definitely worthwhile if you are looking for more stability on your raft. But why would you want to DIY a hard floor? It’s much cheaper than buying a hard floor dinghy. It adds stability. You’ll be able to use your raft in new ways, like fishing, long river boat trips, or just to have a cooler in your boat while you’re out on …

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The only correct (and safe) way to inflate an inflatable boat

How to... / 9 minutes of reading

Learning how to inflate your inflatable boat may seem evident at first. Just pump away, right? There’s a bit more to it than that. It’s not rocket science of course, but through my years boating with all types of inflatables, I’ve learned a lot about how to assemble them correctly. And how NOT to. In a worst-case scenario, not inflating the boat correctly can actually become a safety risk out on the water, as I’ve experienced on an island camping trip. But more on that later.

Winter Kayaking Clothes [Prevent Frostbite & Hypothermia]

How to... / 9 minutes of reading

Did you know that your body heat decreases 4x faster in cold water than in cold air at equal temperatures? Getting drenched without being prepared will lead to rapid heat loss, which can result in a cold shock, hypothermia, or even worse… But if you choose your winter kayaking clothing and gear properly (as you are about to learn), paddling in cold weather is a blast. This article will teach you how to dress for kayaking during winter.

The Only Safe Way to Inflate a Kayak

How to... / 7 minutes of reading

Inflatable kayaks are becoming more and more popular because they are fun and easy to transport thanks to their small size. Today, we are going to discuss how to inflate a kayak safely. I already wrote an article on inflating dinghies, but that process is a bit different. Now without further ado, let’s take a look at how to pump up your inflatable kayak properly.

Completely remove barnacles from inflatable boats (PVC and Hypalon)

How to... / 7 minutes of reading

Do you leave your SIB in the water over an extended period? Say, for the entire season? It’s more convenient than having to constantly assemble and disassemble your boat, that’s for sure. But there is a problem. Leaving your boat in the water for extended periods will result in biofouling. Nature is incredible. A marine ecosystem will start developing on a submerged object within 24 hours, starting with bacterial adhesion. In a week, microalgae forms. In 2-3 weeks, macrofoulizers attach. This process is what leads to the formation of marine growth and barnacles.

What to do if your inflatable boat gets punctured while out on the water

How to... / 5 minutes of reading

Before going on the water, it is important to check and inspect your inflatable boat to guarantee that there are no leakages, punctures, or damage that may result in mishaps during your boating trip. However, accidents do happen: You drop your utility knife while fishing. Your dog’s claws puncture the boat. A shark takes a bit out of your boat. Anything is possible. Except for the last one 🙂 Punctures and leaks can be very alarming away from shore, but thankfully they rarely happen. Nevertheless, it’s good to have a little knowledge about how to keep the inflatable boat afloat whilst …

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