| The story of boats is as old as the human | | | | dinette table, a roof, a cooler, and maybe even a |
| civilization. There's reference of a boat "Noah's | | | | head (toilet). |
| ark" in the Bible. Noah's ark was the boat built by | | | | A recreational boat is used for water sporting |
| the Biblical character Noah to save his family and | | | | activities or other recreational purposes. |
| animals from the Flood. Gondolas were the | | | | Boat Maintenance: |
| traditionally used boats in Venice. | | | | People fond of water sports or water adventures |
| Today, a boat is considered as one of the major | | | | keep their own boats. Taking good care of one's |
| tools of watercraft. A boat is a small vessel for | | | | boat is very important. Good care and |
| traveling on water. It comprises of one or more | | | | maintenance enhances the life of a boat and |
| buoyancy structures called hulls, and some | | | | saves a lot of money also. |
| system of propulsion such as a screw, oars, | | | | The following are some boat care tips:o The boat |
| paddles, a setting pole, a sail, paddlewheels or a | | | | engine should be flushed each time after it's used |
| water jet. | | | | in salt water.o The underneath of the boat should |
| The front of a boat is called the bow or prow | | | | be washed to prevent salt buildup.o The entire |
| and the rear of the boat is called the stern. The | | | | boat should be washed using soap and water, |
| right side is starboard and the left side is port. | | | | after every single use.o A non-skid cleaner should |
| The boat toilet is called the 'heads'. | | | | be used to scrub the deck.o The boat should be |
| A boat with a housing compartment is called a | | | | completely dried after washing.o The boat should |
| houseboat or barge. A pontoon boat is a | | | | be covered properly with a boat cover.o The |
| flat-bottomed boat that serves as a dock or as a | | | | boat should be waxed every few months to |
| floating structure to support a bridge. The | | | | protect the finish from stains and UV damage.o |
| pontoon boat is also known as a party boat. It is | | | | Boat parts and accessories should be checked |
| constructed of round tubes (called sponsons) that | | | | regularly, and defective parts should be replaced. |
| are attached to the outside, bottom edge of a | | | | A boat cover is a very important accessory. |
| large flat deck. It has a safety railing that | | | | When your boat is not in use, a cover will keep it |
| surrounds the deck from all sides. The helm | | | | protected from harsh weather and wearing. |
| station is placed either in the middle of the deck | | | | People use various boat covers and boat tops to |
| or off to one side. Pontoon boats may be | | | | protect their boats. Custom boat covers, bimini |
| furnished with lawn furniture, and some deluxe | | | | tops and canvas boat covers are some quite |
| pontoon boats may have upholstered seating, a | | | | commonly used covers. |