Category: News & Special Offers

First-Time Boat Owner?

Posted on by Randy Hobbs

If you’ve recently become a first-time boat owner, congratulations! There’s a lot to consider and learn when you buy your first boat. We’re here to help you out with a few tips. In brief, here’s a checklist from DiscoverBoating.com:

  1. Secure boat insurance.
  2. Learn how to trailer your boat.
  3. Learn how to launch and retrieve your boat.
  4. Determine where you will store your boat.
  5. Understand basic maintenance requirements.
  6. Stock your boat with the proper equipment.
  7. Follow a pre-departure checklist.
  8. Master basic on-the-water operating skills.
  9. Always practice safe and responsible boating.
  10. Enjoy your new boat!

Now, a bit more about these helpful tips:

Secure Boat Insurance

You need to insure your boat, both for liability and for damage to the boat, and in that regard boat insurance is similar to a policy that covers your automobile. But there are some types of coverage that are specific to boats. For example, a policy with specific fuel-spill liability protects you from clean-up claims or third-party damage caused by the accidental discharge of oil or fuel, if you boat were to sink in a marina. If you have an accident while towing, your boat policy pays to repair or replace the trailer. If your trailer causes injuries to people or damage to property your auto policy should cover the liability. Check both policies to make sure you are covered. Other factors to consider are special requirements for boats in hurricane zones, and boats leaving U.S. waters.

Learn How to Trailer Your Boat

Trailering you boat makes it possible to visit new bodies of water, but for many new boat owners towing safely requires another new skill set that is part of boat ownership. The first item to check is that your tow vehicle is rated to tow the boat you will buy. Check the vehicle owner’s manual carefully to find the maximum tow rating, and the Gross Combined Vehicle Rating (GCVR), which is the weight of the tow vehicle and the boat and trailer; and that weight should include the weight of boat fuel, water and gear. Don’t buy a boat only to discover you’ll need a new truck to tow it.

Learn How to Launch and Retrieve Your Boat

The boat launch ramp has its own etiquette, developed to keep things moving smoothly even on the busiest weekend morning. Knowing the drill will help you keep your stress level down and get your day on the water off to a great start.

Determine Where You Will Store Your Boat

You might store your new boat on its trailer, but where will you park it? Not all communities permit boats to be parked-long-term in a residential driveway. Will your boat trailer fit in your garage? Maybe you need a trailer with a swing-away tongue. There are many other boat-storage options, from a dry stack valet service to mooring in a marina.

Understand Basic Maintenance Requirements

Powerboats and personal watercrafts (PWCs) will require at least annual basic engine maintenance, usually an oil and filter change and a fuel filter change, a change of gearcase lubricant, and perhaps propeller inspection. If you live in a cold climate the boat will need to be “winterized” for off-season storage.

Stock Your Boat with the Proper Equipment

Of course, you’ll need a life jacket (also called a personal flotation device, or PFD) for every person onboard, but what other items are you required to keep on the vessel? Check out our Boat Safety Checklist & Safety Equipment. There are other items that often are not part of a new-boat purchase, including dock lines, and fenders to protect the side of the boat when it’s docked.

Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist

A pilot always files a flight plan before takeoff. You should file a “float plan” with family or friends ashore before heading out for the day, just so someone knows where you are headed and when you expect to return. Check out our Pre-Departure Checklist for more “pre-float” ideas designed to help make your day on the water safe and enjoyable.

Gas gauge getting low? It’s time to re-fuel your boat, which presents two areas of concern. The first is putting the correct fuel in your boat. Consult your owner’s manual for any fuel octane requirements, and note especially that marine engines may not use motor fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10).

Master Basic On-the-Water Operating Skills

If you buy a new boat, a good dealer should give you a thorough walk-through of the boat to show you how all the systems work. Some dealers will even take you out on the water for a demonstration run. But there’s more to operating a boat than knowing how to start the engine and steer the wheel.

Always Practice Safe and Responsible Boating

Safe boating is always fun boating for everyone. Consider taking a boating safety and education course such as those offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or by your state or local authorities.

Enjoy Your New Boat!

You’ve got your boat, and all of your gear. You’ve launched and are head away from shore…now what? There are dozens of ways to make the most of your time on the water—fishing, tubing, skiing and boarding, diving, cruising and camping. Or just drop the anchor in a secluded cove and hang out. The trick is to fit boating to your lifestyle, whether you’re a single with friends, a family, or just looking for a little peace and quiet. A boat a great way to get there.

Greenville Marine & Sport Center

For over 49 years, Greenville Marine & Sport Center has been serving Pitt and Beaufort counties and Eastern North Carolina. We are your local boat, motor, and trailer dealer. We offer many brands of boats and engines, and our experienced sales and service staff is excited to help you buy a new or used boat. If you’re looking to buy a new or used boat, look no further! Check out our boat inventory and let us know what catches your eye.

If you haven’t bought your first boat yet because you’re waiting to find the perfect boat, let us help! To contact our boat shop, please call (252) 758-5938. To contact our outdoor shop, please call (252) 758-5945. Come by and see us!

Buying A Boat

Posted on by Randy Hobbs

When is the best time to buy a boat? Each season has its own advantages, but understanding the different seasons for boat-buying can help you find a better deal. Whether you are buying in the height of summer or the chill of winter, knowing how the different seasons affect boat sales can improve your overall shopping and purchase experience.

  1. When is the best time to buy a boat?
  2. Buying new vs. used boats
  3. Why you should buy a boat

When is the Best Time to Buy a Boat?

Spring or Summer

If you were to take a poll of boat owners, you’d likely see that spring and summer are, in general, considered the worst times to buy a boat. These are, after all, the boating seasons—so more people are out buying a boat, driving demand and, in some cases, increasing prices. Because of increased competition for boats and a large pool of people shopping for their next craft, many people avoid shopping in the spring and summer.

However, there’s a reason that so many people want to buy a boat during these months. Summer is boating season, so buying in the spring allows you to prepare for your new activity, and buying in the summer allows you to enjoy the water right away.

Fall

Many people will argue that the fall is the best time for buying a boat. This is because most of the manufacturers start offering discounts around September and October. When demand begins to decline, dealers often provide incentives for buyers in the form of discounts and deep cuts in pricing. For both new and used models, you can often find some of the best prices by searching for a boat during the fall.

In addition to the superior pricing, if you buy a boat in the fall you can use the entire off-season to install equipment and accessories. You can also ensure that there is plenty of time to get the boat ready before the start of next boating season.

Winter, aka Boat Show Season

The winter might seem like an odd time to buy a boat, but many people feel that this is the absolute best time. Why? Because of boat shows! Boat shows bring together a large selection from the most popular manufactures from across the globe, allowing you to explore various models across all ranges of price, size, and style. Exhibitors show off new models and display the latest features, and you can look at many boats from different companies without going from one location to another.

“Boat-show season” usually starts around January and lasts through March, and you can often find great deals at these events. Even dealers in warm climates are trying to sell their year-end inventory, so there is usually a chance for a quality deal even if there is no off-season for boating.

Buy a Boat When You’re Ready

The truth is, there is never a bad time to buy a boat. The best time is when you’re ready for fun and adventure on the water! If you want more information on the best boats, contact us today. We’ll help you make a confident decision on your next boat purchase!

Buying New vs. Used Boats

Why to Buy a Used Boat

Price! You will likely get a much better deal on a used boat than a new one. If you’re buying on a budget, this may be the right choice for you. Like a used car, much of the depreciation value of a used boat has already happened before you’re considering buying it. So what this means: a used boat will hold its value better than a new one.

The disadvantage of buying used is that you can’t always know exactly what you’re paying for. Make sure you’re cautious when buying a used boat, and do a thorough inspection before you buy.

Why to Buy a New Boat

You’ll get exactly what you want. When you buy used, you take what you can get. But when you buy new, you may have the option to customize your boat perfectly to your desires. New boats are clean and shouldn’t have any mechanical issues. For these reasons, this is why many buyers choose to purchase a new boat – for reliability and quality. Manufacturer’s warranties also help!

The disadvantage of buying new is the price. You’ll almost always pay more for a new boat than a relatively similar used one.

Why You Should Buy a Boat

Regardless of what kind of boat you’re thinking about buying,  there are plenty of advantages to owning a boat. If you’re on the fence about buying, let us convince you! Here are several great reasons why you should buy the boat:

Boating reduces stress.

We all know how stressful daily life can be, especially over the last year. Being near water is an instant mood-booster for many people. What’s better than being near water? On it in your own boat! You’ll be happier after you buy that boat.

Boating provides exercise.

Another way to relieve stress, there are so many water sports that you might partake in once you buy a boat. Think water skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and even fishing. These recreational activities offer lots of exercise. Get out there!

Owning a boat requires mastering new skills.

You read that right – you’ll have to learn more skills when you own a boat.

Owning a boat can strengthen your relationships.

If you want to take your family out on the weekends, surely spending that quality time together will strengthen your relationships. Boating offers many fun experiences for friends, partners, and families.

Owning a boat makes you part of a fun community.

Being part of the boating community is a great privilege. You’ll meet lots of folks you may not have had a chance to meet without a boat. Make new friends!

There are many more reasons why owning a boat will bring more happiness to your life, but these are just a few. Go for it – buy the boat you’ve had an eye on, and get out into the water!

Greenville Marine

We are your local boat, motor, and trailer dealer. For many decades, Greenville Marine & Sports Center has been serving Pitt and Beaufort counties and Eastern North Carolina. We offer many brands of boats and engines—both new and used. Our awesome sales and service staff is excited to help you buy a new or used boat!

If you’re looking to buy a boat, look no further! We’re here to help you make the best decision for you and your future boating life. Check out our boat inventory and let us know how we can help you. To contact our boat shop, please call (252) 758-5938. To contact our outdoor shop, please call (252) 758-5945. Come by and see us!

Thanksgiving Hours

Posted on by Greenville Marine

We will closed for Thanksgiving to spend time with our families. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. We will reopen on Friday the 25th on both sides . The boat shop will be here to serve you and the tackle,archery,an gun building will be open also at 8:30.  Thanks for your business!

Boat side fall hours.

Posted on by Greenville Marine

Starting Monday November 14th , the boat side of Greenville Marine will close at 5:00 every day.  We will still open at 8:30 every day Monday through Saturday. We will be open til 12:00 on Saturdays till we go back to spring and summer hours.  The tackle, archery, and gun building side will not  change their hours.  Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5:30 and Saturdays 8:30 til 12:30 .  Thanks for your business!

Storing Your Boat

Posted on by Randy Hobbs

New boat owners and seasoned boat owners have something in common: they need to think through where and how to store their boats. Boat storage is very important when it comes to getting the most out of your new or used boat. You’ve spent money, time, and energy on buying your boat; why not store it so that it can last even longer?

The same goes for taking precautionary steps to protect your boat. What kinds of products can you put on your boat to make sure it stays in tip-top shape? Do you always need to cover it after you take it out for a spin?

In this article, keep reading to learn more about:

  1. Storing your boat during the winter
  2. Protecting your boat from UV damage
  3. Other ways to protect your boat

Storing Your Boat During The Winter

When the leaves start falling, it’s a smart idea to start thinking about where and how you will store your boat for the cold winter months. If you’re planning to store your boat outside, there are some things you should know. A couple of options include:

1. Parking your boat on your property

If you have room on your property and your homeowner’s association allows, some owners choose to store their boats at home on a trailer. It makes it easy to work on your boat, and you don’t have to drive to a storage facility to pick it up.

It’s not for everyone and not best for every type of boat, though. Unless you have a small boat or a large piece of property and space from neighbors, you’ll probably want more room.

Pros

  • You don’t have to pay storage fees.
  • Getting to your boat is easy, and you can hitch up quickly.
  • You can keep an eye on your boat yourself.

Cons

  • Neighbors and homeowners associations may not allow this option.
  • Your boat is still outside and exposed to more elements than indoor storage.
  • If you live in a high-traffic area, your boat could be at risk of burglary.

2. Outdoor boat storage at a self-storage facility

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where winter never gets too harsh, you may want to opt for an outdoor self-storage facility to store your boat. They’re usually the most cost-effective option and still offer better security than storing your boat on your property.

Pros

  • These facilities are the most cost-effective, especially for larger boats that would otherwise have high slip fees.
  • Security systems and guards help dissuade people from messing with your boat

Cons

  • Even with a good cover, your boat will still be exposed to the elements to some degree.
  • These facilities can sometimes have rodent problems, and curious raccoons and mice can make themselves at home in your boat during the offseason.

3. Covered boat storage at a self-storage facility

A step above completely exposed storage facilities, covered storage lots are still accessible and allow you to keep your boat more protected from the elements. These facilities can usually accommodate boats of all sizes and are also a good choice if you have limited space on your property.

While they’re still technically outdoors, these types of storage offer structural shelter from sun and rain and are a good in-between option for those looking for a little more protection.

Pros

  • More protection from outdoor conditions than only your boat’s cover.
  • Most facilities have a surveillance system, and your boat won’t be exposed to as much foot traffic as in a neighborhood.
  • These types of facilities can be less expensive than entirely indoor boat storage options.

Cons

  • Without full indoor storage, your boat is still somewhat exposed to outdoor conditions.
  • These types of facilities are not everywhere, and there may not be one close enough to where you like to boat to be worth the other benefits.

Protecting Your Boat from UV Damage

Just like you should protect your skin from powerful UV rays, you should think about protecting your boat from UV damage as well. Constant exposure from the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to different parts of your boat, resulting in avoidable repairs and costs.

One of the costliest ways UV light damages your boat is by deteriorating the boat’s gel coat. The gel coat is a layer of resin that acts as the outer skin to your boat’s hull or deck and is often pigmented to give your boat its color. Its main purpose is to protect the fiberglass layers underneath from any water or moisture. Even the best gel coats will require maintenance since they are the first layer of defense from the elements. UV rays will break down the pigment in gel coats and cause your boat’s color to fade to a dull shade of its former self. They can also cause the outer surface to turn chalky and deteriorate your gel coat over time. The best way to maintain and protect your gel coat is by regularly cleaning and waxing your boat.

Sunlight and UV rays are also very damaging to your boat’s interior. The most common form of interior damage is discoloration. Nothing is sadder than seeing your once vibrant upholstery now look dull, faded, or cracked. The light from the sun causes chemical reactions to the pigments in vinyl and fabrics, causing them to fade. Depending on what fabric is used for your upholstery (vinyl, leather, suede, etc.), the rate of fading will differ, but they all will eventually lose their vibrance after prolonged exposure to the sun. The best way to protect your interior is to use a boat cover when your boat is not in use.

Owning a boat is a big investment, so it is important to take care of it as best as you can. Even though being out on the water on a sunny day can be a great joy, those sunny days can add up and become an invisible threat if proper maintenance is not performed. Regularly cleaning, waxing, and covering your boat will allow it to look as good on its fifth year as it did on its first. The time and energy you put into taking care of your investment will save you from having to burn cash on reupholstering or applying a new layer of gel coat to your boat.

The intense heat can lead to cracked and chipped paint, warped floorboards and railings, and melted plastics. On top of the heat, the summer sees a lot of storms, especially in this part of North Carolina; severe rain can also damage your boat’s surface. 

Other Ways to Protect Your Boat

There are a few ways to make sure your boat is in pristine condition this season.

  1. Full scale clean: Make sure you deep clean your boat at least once a season to get rid of any large particulates and other debris that can cause the surface to chip.
  2. Protectant: This will protect the boat’s material and gel coat. It will prevent them from fading or oxidizing under the torturous heat of the sun. You should always use a heavy-duty product such as a polymer. You will need to reapply the protectant each time you take your boat out on the water.
  3. Rinse after Every Outing: If you’re out in the ocean, make sure to rinse your boat out with freshwater. This gets rid of any abrasive salts and stops the spread of invasive species. 
  4. Cover! Cover! Cover!: You should always cover your boat when you are not using it. Leaving it exposed to the weather elements is a bad idea. The heat from the sun will increase the oxidation process. And harsh weather like hail can damage glass and plastic. 

So whether you’re out on the lake or taking your boat for a spin on the great sea, make sure you take protective measures for your boat. A damaged boat can lead to serious consequences. 

At Greenville Marine & Sports Center, we are your local boat, motor, and trailer dealer. For over 50 years, we’ve been serving Pitt and Beaufort counties and Eastern North Carolina. We offer many brands of boats and engines, and our experienced sales and service staff is excited to help you buy a new or used boat.

Boats, boats and more boats!

Posted on by Greenville Marine

We have a great selection of G3 Aluminum boats , Nautic Star boats, Robalo boats, Tidewater boats, Sundance Skiffs, Lookout Skiffs, Cypress Cay Pontoons  and a super fast Allison bass boat in stock now. If you need to repower your favorite boat , we have engines for sale. We have Yamaha 4 stroke outboards for sell F150hp and under. We do a some aluminum jons in stock too for sale. We have loose trailers for sale also. Don’t wait til your trailer falls apart. Come on to see us. We have been in business for 50 years. We have an experienced sales and service team to serve you. We love helping people buy boats and also help you fix your boat too. Come on in !

Your Guide to Bows | Boat Dealers | Greenville NC | Rocky Mount NC

Posted on by Randy Hobbs

Picking up a new hobby? Archery might be the one for you! We can help you with all your bow and arrow needs. At Greenville Marine & Sport Center, we are your local boat, motor, and trailer dealer. For over 46 years, we’ve been serving Pitt and Beaufort counties and Eastern North Carolina. We offer many brands of boats and engines, and our experienced sales and service staff is excited to help you buy a new or used boat.

There are four main types of bows for archers. They vary in size and skill level. 

Recurve 

Crafted for both the beginner and the expert, the recurve bow is the most commonly used bow. Both limbs curve away from the archer, which can lead to confusion while stringing the bow. The bend in the limbs provides more energy to be released into a shot than other straight-limbed bows, which means it’s capable of a lot of power.

Recurve bows are often made from several layers of fiberglass, carbon, or wood, with a wood or composite riser. For this reason, as with all bows, dry firing (firing without an arrow) can be extremely dangerous. Any bow can experience damage from dry firing, and that damage can hurt you in the process. Avoid it at all costs.

On the plus side, a recurve is the perfect bow to both learn and advance with. Recurves are currently the only bow allowed in the Olympic Games, so if sport shooting is your goal, then a recurve is what you need.

Crossbow

The crossbow has taken the traditional style of archery, turned it on its side, and added a trigger release mechanism.

The simple point-and-shoot method can be applied with crossbows much easier than with other bow types. Because the crossbow takes on this style of shooting, it’s easy to use for people who want to get into bowhunting but don’t have much time to practice.

Crossbows have much shorter limbs and a nearly nonexistent riser, as the grip is elsewhere on the bow. The shorter bow requires a much higher draw weight, so a crank mechanism is used to pull back the bowstring. Once the arrow is nocked, it’s simple to aim and pull the trigger.

Longbow

The longbow excels in its simplicity. Essentially, it’s a long wooden pole with a string on both ends. Due to the lack of technological advancements, the longbow is the most difficult of these four types to handle and shoot accurately. As the bow gets longer, the draw weight also increases. These bows required incredibly strong archers in warfare and provided deadly power. The longbow is most often used for target shooting. But skilled hunters still take longbows and recurves into the field. And they can take down any type of game with them.

Compound

The compound bow is probably archery’s greatest technological advancements. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the compound bow was born.

Applying a system of pulleys, cams, and cables to the bow allows the archer to hold heavy draw weights with little effort. This means that once you get past the strain of the initial draw, you can hold your bow steady and take more time to aim effectively.

While you can find a much more traditional wooden look with recurves and longbows, the compound bow is almost exclusively made from composite materials. Wood often changes in flex and strength when the weather changes. On the opposite end, these composite materials are durable, long lasting, and strong.

At Greenville Marine & Sport Center, we’re here for all your archery needs. So come on down and chat with one of our experts! Contact us today at http://greenvillemarine.com/contact-us/!