21 Feb 2012

Charging Battery after it has set all winter

Nauticraft recommends using an AGM sealed marine grade battery in the electric boat models.  The AGM has advantages over other types of batteries being it is more stable under charge than a Gel Cell, it is less likely to lose it’s charge when setting unused as a flooded wet cell does and it is maintenance free.  Even so, it is possible to have some charging difficulties with the AGM battery.  If your battery has been sitting for a few months or if it was depleted to less than 25% on the LED  Meter it may be helpful to put it on a trickle charger for 24 hours.  When you connect the higher amperage charger to a less than charged battery, the charger is unable to read any level at all coming from the battery, and it won’t process through the cycles.  If you’ve used a trickle charger and give it a good boost, the 6 amp charger will recognize there is a battery connected to it and do what it is designed to do!

4 Jan 2012

Curt’s Corner: Summer 2011

Chelsea on Super Sprite

We get a variety of questions when folks call inquiring about the boats and often it’s to ask if it is big enough to fit a pet.  I say pet because, although it is mostly dogs, we do have a few folks ask about other 4 legged friends as well.  In this month’s narrative, read Curt’s version of “Chelsea’s Pedal Boat Adventure” from Summer 2011.

 

 

 

8 Dec 2011

Questions about Options

Nauticraft often gets asked about what is “needed” as far as options go, and we’ll be taking a look at those over the next few months.

Relating to the Christmas gifts which are being offered, customers ask if they need a Storage Cradle to store the boats on while out of the water.  The Storage Cradle was designed specifically for the Escapade pedal boat to accommodate the deep narrow keel of the boat.  The Escapade can’t sit on its keel as many flat bottom boats do, so when taken out of the water it lays on its side which may over time affect the shape of the hull.  The storage cradle is designed to fit the keel and also to hold the “belly” of the boat while keeping the boat upright.  It is also very useful during shipping, as supports are needed to keep the boat upright during the shipping process.  The Encore models do not need any sort of a storage cradle as it will set on the double keels and the bow of the boat without issues.

One thing about using a storage cradle is the challenge of getting the boat onto it.  The Escapade weights about 325 lbs, and is awkward to lift even with 4 people doing so.   Using a pulley system is a good bet when lifting the boat up onto the cradle.  For more specific instructions or for questions you may have contact Nauticraft directly at the factory.

27 Sep 2011

Winterizing your Encore Pedal Boat

As Michiganders, we are used to cold and ice…brrrr…feeling it already!  The coldness won’t harm the hull, it’s made of durable polyethylene so it won’t become brittle like other materials exposed to the elements.  Even so, there are things to do to ensure your boat is protected.  The first thing is to take it out of the water if you know it will freeze.  There are all sorts of reasons to do this including damage ice can do the pedal drive system, protecting the seats and other manufactured parts from snow, ice, sleet, etc. and stopping the hull from becoming misshapen by moving ice flows.  These are also good reasons to keep it covered.  If you leave it outdoors, use a support to keep the cover well above the windshield to protect it from the weight of snow accumulation.

  • ENCORE
    • Raise the bow end of the boat; set it on a large block of Styrofoam (12″ x 12″ x 12″)which is placed somewhere between the bow and the front compartment.  This will allow water within the channels and the drive shafts to run out.
    •  Remove the drain plugs to allow any water which may have accumulated within the hull to drain out.  There shouldn’t be much, if any.  MAKE SURE TO REPLACE THE DRAIN PLUGS AFTER THIS PROCESS!
    • Remove the battery if it has one.  Store it in a garage or something like it, off of the concrete.  You can put it on a trickle charger periodically during the cold season to protect it from becoming too depleted.

    Contact Nauticraft by email or phone at (888) 709-7097 with any specific questions you may have concerning this subject.

24 Jun 2011

Pure Michigan

With summer officially here, Nauticraft invites you to Michigan for a visit.  In looking at a US map you can’t miss it, it’s the state that looks like a mitten with all the water surrounding it.   There’s tons of stuff to do here, including fishing, boating, and watching the sunset over Lake Michigan.  There is golf courses that are nationally recognized, campgounds on the beach and fine dining.  Michigan hosts music festivals and county fairs, NASCAR  and Broadway shows.   We have our share of big cities and small towns, and some big cities with a small town feel. 

Go to Michigan.org to see all the great things going on in Michigan this summer!  And then take a look at Nauticraft Boats!

11 Mar 2011

Health Benefits from Using Nauticraft Pedal Boats

This is a letter we received from one of our owners in Arkansas~

“My initial interest in Nauticraft was to be able to exercise my 300+ pound body as anything like walking or running was too hard on my knees. Then I found out a new and far more important reason to ‘Peddle Peddle Peddle’..Diabetes.

After the iinitialshock had passed the reality set in that my Doctor’s words ‘lose 75 pounds or give me your feet now’ was a real threat. The USS Diabetes DRV-1 had a new purpose and became the tool for beating diabetes.
My diabetic diet when combined with 1 hour a day in the boat proved within 6 months that I could beat this illness if I just kept at it. I lost 70 hard fought pounds and found an exercise that I couldn’t wait to do and now that the diabetes is in check I still peddle every morning for 1 hour and enjoying the outdoors and better health.

If you want to be outside and exercise on the water and work on your tan, get a boat from Nauticraft…sure it’s pricey, but so are Doctors and weight loss programs and DIABETES.”

Loving my boat….Dave Scroggin

24 Jan 2011

Encore Fishing Boat

The Encore Electric fishing model needs a name, any suggestions?

I am asking once again for input in what options would be best used on the fishing boat.  Rod holders, electrical options, tackle organizers, bait holders just to name a few.  What would you recommend to include in the standard package as well as options most used and required for fishing on small inland lakes.  Thank you for participating!

28 Dec 2010

Holiday Greetings from Rogers Arkansas

Arkansas Cat and Dog on Encore

Dear Laurie and everyone there at Nauticraft:

  After 3 yrs, we still are still enjoying our pedal boat, thanks to you all!  The following pictures show some more additions John has built for the boat. There is the cedar console with storage and the cedar platform he built to go over the back seat for the dog to still fit in the boat. It is built around the extra battery we have in the back, and I sewed up a foam waterproof cushion for the animals.  We can also use it to sunbathe on if the animals don’t go with us.  The great dane puppy is still growing!  But, he and the cat love going boating. We get out every nice non-windy warmish day we can here on Beaver Lake in Rogers, Arkansas.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

from

John and Carolyn

6 Dec 2010

Happy Holidays!

Although many parts of the US are cold and even snowy, we are confident spring is coming!  Think ahead to warmer days this holiday season, give the gift of a Nauticraft boat!  And if you order prior to Dec. 31st, we’ll throw in a gift for you.  Purchase an Encore and we’ll include a bimini top

Encore Pedal Boat with Bimini Top

Purchase an Escapade and we’ll ship you a Storage Cradle at no charge to you.

Escapade Pedal Boat on Storage Cradle