We've moved to a new home

After being active on Blogspot since 2008, I’ve finally made the decision to move the Freedom Boat Club, NH blog to WordPress. Simply put, the new platform will carry more benefits not just for myself, but also for our readers:

• More social media discussions - you’ll be able to see what other people interact with us, in real time. Our posts got way easier to share (if you like them, of course).
• Boating Community - you can now post threaded comments, so you can reply to us, or reply to other readers. Facebook community page, right in the side bar and so on.
• Looks friendly.

So please check out my new blog http://freedomboatclubportsmouth.wordpress.com/ I’m waiting for your feedback! If there are any topics you’d like me to cover as well, please let me know. I’d be happy to shed some light on any questions or concerns.

All You Need to Know About Pontoon Boats

Imagine the marine breeze, the serenity of the ocean, and the endless water reflecting the sunlight – it’s a perfect day on the water! The nautical season has just began and everyone is excited to launch their boats to explore coastal beauties, to feel the adrenaline of water skiing, to relax fishing or enjoy the sun and good drinks with friends and family.

No matter what you have in mind, the pontoon boat is the perfect alternative to normal skiing or fishing boats. Pontoon boats’ main features include large deck space that can be filled with living room-like couches, sunbathing lounges and swivel seats to sit back and enjoy the fresh breeze or the sunset. Pontoon boats can be either economic and have smaller engines offering a slow ride, or equipped with stronger engines providing the necessary speed for skiing and tubing.

When it comes to pontoon boats sizes, the general guidelines concerning the number of people that fit in are:

• 2-6 people = 18’ to 20’ boat
•  6-10 people = 22’ to 24’ boat
• 10+ people = 25’ boat or larger.

Also the engine size depends on your purposes and the boats size:

• On the 18’ to 22’ pontoon boats it is recommended a 60+ HP engine for pulling skiers, but also a minimum of 40 HP engine will do for just cruising.
• On 24’ pontoon boats, a 50+ HP engine is useful for pulling toys or cruising and 75HP for pulling skiers.
• On the larger 28’ boats, it is advisable to have at least a 50HP engine for cruising and pulling toys and 80HP for water skiers.

The main advantage of the pontoon boats in general is their price; they are the cheapest boats per square foot, and provide limitless customization possibilities. If you want speed, you can have a pontoon boat with a 220 horse power engine and 3 pontoons under the deck.

The inflatable pontoon boat is designed to comfortably and quietly take you to fish biting areas, and can be used for river rapids as well. Similar to a decked out canoe, this type of boat can hold 2-3 people, but unlike a canoe, the pontoon boat has an engine that powers it helping you get easier to a long distance place on your favorite lake or stream. Their increased popularity among fishermen is due to the fact that pontoon boats are small and fit into tight places on rivers and streams, that in a normal size boat, you may not be able to reach them. Despite their small size, they are versatile and extremely stable, and can usually hold a large amount of weight.

The motorized deck pontoons have 2 to 3 cylinder shaped pontoons attached to the deck determining the boat’s floatability and making it almost impossible to sink. Most motorized pontoon boats are made out of aluminum due to the fact that this metal is very light and will avoid rusting. The size of this type of pontoon boat depends on the number of the people you consider bringing on board and on the activities you have in mind. It can range from 16-28 foot in length and could fit in 6- 15 people depending on its size.

The motorized deck pontoon boats provide enhanced safety, having railings around the flat shaped boat, to prevent people, and especially children from falling over board. These boats are designed mainly for lakes and canals cruising, and they are not recommended to take to the ocean, as any waves above the bow of the boat can crash it.

If you’re living in a coastal city though and are looking to cruise the ocean, you should pay us a visit at the Freedom Boat Club of Portsmouth. You’ll get to experience the joy of boating with faster, sports boats that can get you where you need in record times. If you’re looking to get to your favorite fishing spot, or just go shopping in the New Hampshire area, or any other close coastal states, this is the place for you!

Five Tips for Cruising to the Great Bay

Cruising is one of the most popular choices for boaters. A great boat trip for you and your family is exploring the rich waters of the Great Bay. The Great Bay is a tidal estuary located in eastern New Hampshire. It is a branch of Maine Gulf, one of the oldest marine environments on the East Coast of the United States. Its waters have been an extraordinary resource for fishermen due to its productive water bodies, leading to the development of a wonderful area for tourists as well.

Here are some tips for cruising to the Great Bay to make you trip more enjoyable:

1. Know how to pilot your boat
You must be able to navigate or pilot your boat no matter the distance you are going out to cruise. Get someone with experience to teach you and after you have learned how to sail, practice it a lot. Visualize your journey before you start it.

2. Use nautical charts
It is a must to have nautical charts of the area where you are planning to sail before you go cruising. These specialized charts are available at any National Geodetic Survey local offices or at some fishing, boat, and map stores. They are crucial because they show the exact depth of the water, dangerous and restricted areas, and notes of caution clearly marked on a typical chart.

3. Avoid risky actions
Personal safety is an important issue whether you travel on land or on water. Therefore is advisable not to adopt any risky behavior like excessive consumption of alcohol or attempting to experiment any extreme action while you are cruising. Also avoid admitting strangers to your cabin; you may not know their intentions and purposes. Before planning your cruising trip, it’s best to ask some local marine professionals about all the things you need to know in advance.

4. Be prepared for any weather conditions, especially winds
Gear-up all the cruise members with raincoats and windproof coats. Exposing to sun can also be dangerous so get prepared. Wear brimmed hats and cover your skin with sunscreen that has high SFP.

5. Remember the things to carry with you
Navigation instruments, first aid kit, proper medication for digestive problems or sea sick and suitable food on board, are a must for every boat trip. Take care of the details as well, and don’t forget to take an iPod to control the music on board, a camera - the scenery is spectacular- , and a pair of high rubber boots if you intend to explore the water-dominated habitats that make up the Great Bay. These amazing habitats host 162 bird, fish and plant species (23 of which are threatened or endangered) and countless invertebrate species.
I hope my tips are useful and will help you make the most of your time on your voyage to the Great Bay. If you’re decided to explore this water area, and you’re planning to make reservations, check The Freedom Boat Club of NH boating journeys. If you have already visited these places, don’t hesitate to share your impressions with us.

Exploring the Isles of Shoals

“Of all four parts of the world that I have seen not inhabited, could I have but the means to transport a Colony, I would rather live here than anywhere.” These are the words of Captain John Smith, one of the first European explorers of the island, suggesting the richness and the beauty of the coastal landscape. The first people who inhabited the islands made their living from fishing. Most probably the name of the Isles of Shoals originated from the large “shoals” of fish that the early settlers found in the waters around the islands.

The Isle of Shoals is a group of nine small islands bridging the border of the states of New Hampshire and Maine. The group is formed by Appledore Island – the largest, Star Island, Smuttynose and Malaga Islands and other small islands, including White Island. Smuttynose is not populated today.The main attractions of the islands are the old and historic buildings and lighthouses, boat rides and nature observations. From resort hotels to fishermen cottages, from picturesque rail stations to historical harbors, every place on the Isles of Shoals has a wonderful story to tell.

The Islands host one of the most beautiful grand hotels built throughout the 19^th century and early 20^th century, of which the Oceanic Hotel and the Gosport House on Star Island are the greatest. What is impressive about the Oceanic Hotel is its shape: a series of different buildings arranged in a row. In the past, these hotels allowed tourists to escape the large cities’ noise and heat to have a relaxing time on the sea coast. Nowadays the Oceanic Hotel is still standing and is used as a conference center.

The most prominent attraction on the Appledore Island is an observation tower built in World War II to hold a radar installation, no longer functional. At the base of the tower is a marine laboratory since this island is home of Shoals Marine Laboratory. On Smuttynose Island, the Haley House is believed to be one of the oldest structures in the State on Maine.

On the White Island, about 10 miles from the Portsmouth shoreline there is the Isles of Shoals Lighthouse. Despite the fact that this island is not open to public access, views of the lighthouse can be seen from Appledore Island, where travelers are allowed to explore.

Those who enjoy rather romantic rides will find adventurous the charter boat rides from either Portsmouth or Rye Harbor around the islands. It's exciting to hear the amazing history of these  places, especially the famous murder mystery that took place in the 1800s on Smuttynose Island, recalled in the story “A Memorable Murder”, by Celia Thaxter.

Portsmouth Harbor is a unique working port with tugboats, tankers and the nation’s oldest and active naval yard. The landscape reveals the closed castle “the Alcatraz of the East”, the quaint Olde Port waterfront, a famous grand resort hotel, 5 historic forts and 3 lighthouses proudly guiding mariners safely through the waters.

For those of you who are very active, and need to feel adrenaline pumping, I suggest going kayaking. You can rent kayaks from the local kayaking shops or attend organized trips that will offer you a complete tour of the islands, kayak equipment and all you need to spend a lovely day on the sea. Keep in mind that, before renting a kayak it is recommended to know how to use it, especially since most of the expedition organizers require some experience from tourists’ part.

It is nice to take advantage of the whole day and start your trip early in the morning. Gear-up at sunrise to enjoy as much as possible the unique scenery. The highlights of the paddling trip are the bird watching and seal sightings activities. The Isles of Shoals is also an important Bird Area inhabited by threatened and endangered species, which you would definitely enjoy to observe.

Our exploration of the islands stops here for now. I hope that my trip guide was useful for those who plan to spend their next holiday on the Isles of Shoals and for those who look for exciting places to visit this year. Freedom Boat Club offers you a variety of boating journeys to different exciting locations around Portsmouth and Newburyport, allowing you to explore new waters when you are traveling. Feel free to share with us other ideas of activities you could find most enjoyable!

Yachting: A Sport For Pleasure and Relaxation Time

Yachting is perhaps one of the most relaxing water sports ever invented by men. Imagine the wind in your face, the water splashing against the boat, or the far away horizon that reassures how carefree you have become. Every detail makes the perfect setting for pleasure and relaxation.

Have you wondered what the history behind yachting is? This type of boat has a long historical background, not having been used for pleasure from its very beginnings. Initially, it was launched under the name of “Jacht” by the Dutch navy to pursue pirates and attackers of the Low Countries in the 16th century. Only one century later people began to rethink yachting as sport and pleasurable activity. The Brits transformed the “Jacht” vessels and designed boats for the leisurely racing called yachts. This sport became rapidly popular not only in England, but throughout the U.S. as well, where yacht clubs proliferated throughout the 19th and 20th century. The New York Yacht Club won the first regatta - yacht competition - in 1851, being a dominating winner in the America’s Cup competition until 1983.

Nowadays most people associate yachting with the sailing of dinghies, images of large boats or powerful motorized boats. Even if there are five main categories that the motor yachts generally fit into, we will talk about the pleasures of sailing with racing and cruising yachts.

Racing yachts are intrinsically connected to competitive yachting. Among competitive yachting sports, there are sailboat racing, motorboat racing, and other vessel races; the term also refers to the skill and the vessel or equipment contests. You may say it is a sport for the privileged that involves hard work, danger, and a bit of old-time historical romance.

Today’s yacht races, commonly known as “regatta”, take place over different water distances. Smaller races are aggregated and the boat that performs the best is awarded as the overall winner. The competition courses are often triangular and the courses’ lanes are marked by buoys.

Yachting enthusiasts will find delighting and exhilarating both water competitions and the journey of exploring the waters with their cruising yacht. These are the most common yachts in private use and usually have many cabins below deck. Cruising can refer to simply enjoying a one-day holiday sailing across local waters, or a long carefully planned voyage. However, proper maritime safety training is required; it is vital to know how to offer first aid, what is the suitable nutrition on board, how to navigate without instruments, or have general sailing know-how.

This passion for sailing drove many serious yachters to create yachting clubs where they share sea stories, memories, and pictures or videos with the best places to explore sailing across the world. These communities nowadays seem to be a contemporary version of the maritime stories of the old, who used to gather around and talk about their exploring journeys.

Some say that the ability to truly enjoy yachts is similar to the ability to enjoy a fine liqueur, a good cigar, or a well-tuned sports car: it takes a little bit of the refined, passion, and enjoyment. If you are looking for a boating adventure and you happen to be in New Hampshire area, take a moment to check the Freedom Boat Club of Portsmouth, and explore the wonderful waters around!

Just 4 weeks left and the boats will be in the water.

We are just weeks away from the start of our 2011 season. While the cold weather is sticking around a little longer than I would like, I am optimistic that we will have another great summer and will have great boating days well in to October just like last year. Please give us a call if you think 2011 is your year to get out on the water with Freedom Boat Club.

2011 New England Boat Show runs 2/26 - 3/6

The Freedom Boat Club has signed on to participate in the 55th annual New England Boat Show being held at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center starting on Saturday, February 26th and running through Sunday, March 6th. All 10 of the MA and NH clubs will be represented and have staff on hand to answer any questions you may have about our hassle-free approach to boating.

Please visit www.newenglandboatshow.com for more information/directions to the show. I hope to see you there!

A few more reasons why FBC is better than ownership

I wanted to share the above photos from the last storm we had here in MA/NH. These are a few of the jobs we got assigned to with our marine towing and salvage business (TowBoat/US). All in all I know of over 12 boats that were knocked over and another few that sunk. The smaller powerboat survived without much damage but the unfortunate owners of the other boats have a number of repairs to make and one will most likely have to junk the boat. Ahh, the pleasures of boat ownership. This is just one of the headaches you can avoid when you join the Freedom Boat Club.

New England Boat Show

We are just one week away from opening day of the New England Boat Show which runs from February 20th-28th at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center. A number of the other shows from around the country have seen a large increase in turnout for their events from te past few years so we look forward to another great show. This is the point when the wheels start turning in the New England maritime industry and the countdown to the boating season begins. All 13 locations of the Freedom Boat Club from New England will be represented at the show this year so if you attend the show, please stop by and say hello. We will be in booth #2338.

Freedom Boat Club to sponsor an evening with The Wailers

The Freedom Boat Club is proud to announce that they have signed on to sponsor an evening with reggae legends The Wailers at the Portsmouth Music Hall as part of their Intimately Yours concert series at 7:30pm on February 3rd, 2010. What better way to beat those winter blues and get ourselves back in the boating mindset than bring those warm reggae vibes to us.

About The Wailers

Bob Marley transformed reggae music from a regional Jamaican phenomenon into a sound and style that captured the attention of the world. Today, The Wailers consist of seven members who recorded and/or toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Wailers live show consists of Bob Marley and the Wailers songs such as: "Buffalo Soldier," "Lively up Yourself," "Is This Love," "One Love," "I Shot the Sheriff," "Satisfy My Soul," "Trench Town Rock," "Get Up Stand Up," "Jamming," "Who the Cap Fit," "Exodus," "Roots Rock Reggae," "Kinky Reggae," "War," "Redemption Song," "Stir it Up," "No Woman No Cry," and "Could You Be Loved" as well as new original Wailers songs.

The Portsmouth Music Hall is one of the great treasures of the Seacoast and I encourage you to try to make it to the event as it should be a great evening and you may never catch a performance by these greats in such an intimate setting again.

You can find more information about the event at themusichall.org and The Wailers at wailers.com.

Freedom Boat Club is moving to the Newburyport waterfront

While this really does not apply to FBC Portsmouth, I thought it was a worthwhile post to make. Starting on March 15th, 2009 FBC Newburyport will be operating out of Hilton's Marina (pictured above) on the Newburyport Waterfront . Hilton's Marina is located between Michael's Harborside and The Black Cow Restaurant which is just a short stroll from the activities of downtown. Hilton's is the ideal location for our club and we are very excited about this move. We are now able to offer our members restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a coffee shop and a number of great restaurants, all within steps of our fleet. Just think how nice it would be to take a day trip out to the Isles of Shoals, return to the marina to freshen up, dine within feet of the marina, then overnight on one of our cabin cruisers, just to wake up the next morning to do it all over again. And since members of the Freedom Boat Club - Portsmouth receive unlimited use in Newburyport as well, this is all just another day in a FBC member's paradise....please call us at (978) 499-0899 to find out how you can get in on the fun.

The Boat is Waiting! Why are you?

Freedom Boat Club celebrates 20th year in business

“How do we make boating simple and hassle free?” was a question posed by the founders of Freedom Boat Club (FBC) twenty years ago. With this question a unique idea was born. A membership club for boating enthusiasts that reduces their cost of boating, provides expert training, eliminates the physical strains such as maintenance or cleaning, allows access to a fleet of boats for any excursion, and ultimately creates more opportunities for time on the water. Since its inception, FBC has grown to forty-five locations throughout the United States due to the concept’s popularity.

This simple idea has proven to have timeless benefits as well. Amidst the credit crunch, environmental concerns, and fuel consumption awareness, FBC has been able to expand and increase its membership base. Since FBC is a membership club based on monthly dues, no long-term financing or credit is required. This has proven useful as home equity and the stock market has declined. The idea is also an inherently “green” or environmentally friendly form of boating. By members sharing a fleet of boats, they are using less shoreline for dockage and putting fewer hulls into landfills long-term. Lastly, by scaling the size of a boat to their needs for the day, members ultimately use less fuel. Imagine being able to adjust the size of your car each trip based on the number of passengers!

Staying true to its roots after twenty years, FBC wants to make the joy of boating available to all who are interested. If you are new to boating and lack training, an avid fisherman looking for more time on the water, a busy young professional or family trying to fit it all in, or a retiree tired of the strains of boating, FBC welcomes you to learn more about what the club can do for you. Visit www.freedomboatclub.com or call Jake Goodridge at (978) 499-0899 for more details.

2009 Boat Shows

The Freedom Boat Club will be exhibitor's at both the Rockingham Fishing & Hunting Exhibition and the 2009 New England Boat Show this winter. We will have boats from our fleet on display at each show as well as our 20th Anniversary special pricing available. This pricing will only be available through the end of February so try to make it to one of these shows or contact us directly to take advantage of this offer.

The Rockingham Expo is being held on January 10th-11th at the Rockingham Park Racetrack in Salem, NH (across the street from the Mall at Rockingham Park). We will have our Sailfish 2360 on display for the fishing enthusiasts and our crew will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can find more information about this show at www.rockinghamexpo.com

The New England Boat Show will run from February 14th-22nd at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. We will be in booth #3300 this year and will have two boats from our fleet on display. This is truly an event that the boating enthusiast will not want to miss! The New England Boat Show also has over 350 exhibits of marine accessories for your boating needs. You can visit www.naexpo.com/boatshow for more information about this show.

These are two great shows and we hope to see you there.

Article on FBC in the Portsmouth Herald

This was an article that was written about our club earlier this summer. I wanted to post it here for those who missed it.

Rocking the Boat
New business changes Seacoast pasttime

By Adam Leech

aleech@seacoastonline.com

June 23, 2008 6:00 AM

PORTSMOUTH — The Port City's working waterfront is working a little differently on Sagamore Avenue.

Sea lovers who love to boat but hate the hassle of maintenance, can't afford mooring fees or can't find a marina slip now have another option. For a $5,900 entry fee and $299 per month, Freedom Boat Club offers unlimited use of its boats in Portsmouth and Newburyport, Mass., and four visits at 42 other locations in the United States.

After finding success with the franchise in Newburyport, Mike Goodridge and his son, Jake, opened the 44th Freedom Boat Club at 955 Sagamore Ave. — formerly the Sagamore Creek General Store & Lobster Pound — two weeks ago.

"We had no intention of being here this quick and open, but when this piece of property became available, we couldn't resist," said Mike.

Members must get their safe-boating certificate and complete six hours of training. Then all they have to do is call the club, tell it when they need a vessel, and the boat is ready to go whenever they want.

Because the Goodridges own the Newburyport club, Portsmouth members get full use of that fleet as well. The membership also comes with four visits per location in other clubs in Michigan and on the East Coast, from New Hampshire south. One could spend a year going from location to location, paying only the monthly fee.

"It's a concept that's growing very rapidly," said Mike. "I think it's catching on now because the cost of boating and maintenance is getting to the point where people are saying, 'I can't be bothered.' This is a practical, affordable way to go boating — especially in an area like this with a limited amount of marinas and moorings."

So far there are five members in Portsmouth, most of whom signed up prior to the club opening or even before the new pier was installed. There are 20 members in Newburyport, which has been open for a little over a year.

All the vessels are top of the line, and members have the option of taking out the cruiser boat or the center console fishing boats. For some people, Mike said, the convenience just works.

"For people who own boats, it's very hard for them to go for a two-hour ride because of all the time it takes to put the canvas down, open up the boat, go ride, come back, wash down, clean it up," said Mike. "We do all that, so their actual time boating is boating. ... The headache is gone."

Copyright © 2008 Seacoast Media Group, a subsidiary of Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.