Author Archives: Tom McHugh

Tips for Buying Lakeshore Property

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Tips When Buying Lakeshore Property

Tips When Buying Lakeshore Property

 

Purchasing real estate is always a big decision, but when you are looking at buying lakeshore property, there are other important considerations.

Purchasing a lake home is an important decision, and future value will be determined mostly by the quality of the lake and the lakefront land. Here some tips that you should keep in mind when you’re looking for the perfect waterfront property.

 

 

  • Don’t buy any kind of land without setting foot on it first; of course, this applies to any real estate purchase. Take the time to look it over closely and inspect it personally. Locate a copy of the plat map and find exactly where the property lines are.

 

  • Tips to Buying Lakeshore Property

    Buying Lakeshore Property

    See if there are any flood plain restrictions. If you build or buy a lake home in a flood zone it may be difficult to get insurance.

 

  • Talk to the neighbors. Ask what they think of the area and the lake. Are they happy with the neighborhood? If they love living on their lakeshore property, they’ll let you know – if they hate it, they’ll tell you that too.

 

  • If you want to build a lake home, be sure the lot will support a house of the size and setback you want. What are the shoreline restrictions?

 

  • If you’re buying lakeshore property in a remote location, know who is responsible for maintaining the road. Some banks need a road maintenance agreement before they  lend on remote properties.

 

  • Determine if the lake is constant level. If it’s not a constant level lake, then the water levels could fluctuate drastically.

 

  • Learn how this lakeshore property will change in the different seasons or when the weather changes.

 

  • If you’re planning on building a lake home, make sure you’ll have access to electricity, water, sewage and other utilities. Never assume that you can just “hook up”.

 

  • What size boat or boats do you plan to have? Is there adequate docking for it? If not, are there covenants that restrict you from getting it?
Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan
Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan
Price Disclaimer
  • Interested in building a boat house or other structure after buying lakeshore property? Then make sure that there are no restrictive covenants preventing you from doing so. Many lake areas have limits on the building of new boat houses and/or docks.

 

  • Are you into fishing? Recreation? Swimming? Learn everything you can about the lake. Some lakes do not allow any motorized watercraft. Some lakes are great for swimming or fishing, and others are not. If you’re really into sport fishing, be sure to check which lakes have the best fishing for the particular species you like to fish.

 

  • Lastly, before you make the purchase offer on any lakeshore property, always make it conditional on an inspection of the land, its improvements, and any other specific items that apply. For example, if you don’t have access to sewage lines, make the offer conditional on your ability to get permits for a septic system. Of course, always make your offer for buying lakeshore property contingent on your ability to get financing for this lakefront property.

 

 

With these practical tips, you should be able to find and purchase the perfect lakeshore property, and enjoy if for many years to come!

Other Lakeshore Property Articles:

 

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Solar Dock Lights: Keeping Your Dock Safe At Night

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Solar Dock Lights

Solar Dock Lights - attractive and safe

As alternative energy sources continue to increase in popularity, companies continue to expand the applications for these alternatives. Self-contained solar panel lights are now being used on docks.

These solar dock lights are inexpensive, attractive and add to the safety of your dock.

 

Dock Lights

Safety is the most important consideration when boating. This is especially true at night, when the simple act of docking your boat can be tricky. Whether your boat is large or small, motorized or human-powered, you need to light your way to your dock. Solar dock lights are a great way to light your way back.

solar dock lightsDock lights need electricity to power them, usually either alternating current (from an outlet) or direct current (from a battery). Both options are fine, but batteries can be annoying to constantly replace and expensive to buy. Hooking into an outlet may be a better choice, but you’ll need to pay a high electric bill, and deal with wiring to the site.

Solar dock lights are superior to these other choices, since they are safer and cheaper to use.

How Solar Dock Lights Work

solar dock lightsSolar dock lights collect solar energy during the day in small solar panels, usually positioned on the top of the dock light. This energy charges a battery located inside the dock light (usually this is a standard NiCad rechargeable battery). The recharged battery then powers an LED light. LED’s are small lights that are very bright, but use a minimal amount of energy to run. Therefore, the energy collected during the daylight is enough to power the dock light through the night. Some dock lights automatically turn on when the sun sets – automating the process and making them even safer.

Some solar dock lights use different color LED’s inside the lamp. With these you can use different colors – red and green to mark the left and right of your dock. You can also use the dock lights to line the path to your dock in bright white light. These dock lights are made to fit all standard docks and posts, so you can be sure they’ll fit on your own dock.

How solar dock lights workRemember,  safety is the key to boating fun. Knowing that these solar dock lights are working for you after sunset is a great comfort. Knowing that they are  inexpensive to buy and run is an added bonus. To check out a variety of solar dock lights at Solar Dock Lights (Click Here).

 

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Lake Property Tips: Do You Prefer A Lake Camp or A Lake Home?

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Buying a Lake Property Tips…A Lake Camp or Lake Home?

Buying a Lake Property Tips

Lake Property Tips…A Lake Home

Many lake property buyers begin thinking about owning a place on a lake after visiting a friend or family member’s lake property. It was probably great weather, lots of fun on the water, and an overall wonderful time. You spent quality time as a couple, or the family enjoyed being able to play,and have fun together. It was truly a getaway, and soon you were dreaming about your own place on the lake.

Should you jump in and move to the lake year-round, or buy a seasonal camp or cottage? There are benefits and drawbacks to both lake homes and lake camps or cottages; let’s examine the pros and cons:

Lake Homes: PROS

  • As a rule it costs less to own just one property.  Typically it will cost more to actually live on the lake full-time, because you will need extra space and amenities you might not need in a camp.
  • It’s easier to keep up a single property.
  • You are always there, so there’s no need to drive to the lake property on weekends saving gas and time.
  • Since you’re at the lake property all the time, you’ll have a built-in neighborhood of people around the lake who you may become friends. Many lakeshore property owners like the idea of getting to know others on the same lake.
  • You don’t need to tote tools, supplies, and boats back and forth, and you don’t need to have two sets of everything.
  • You’ll have a lot of company!

Lake Homes: CONS

  • You might not feel like you’re really getting away.  At home there are always day-to-day chores that don’t really go away just because it is the weekend. Going to the cottage can be a getaway from this routine.
  • You might have neighbors on the lake who use their lake property as camps. When they are there for the weekend – with their friends – they want to have a good time.  Lake living, especially on the weekend in the summer,  may not be as quiet as living off the water.
  • There maybe times when you will want to go to another lake – or just somewhere else – but you’ll feel a bit tied to this lake place.
  • Besides the regular chores that go with owning a home, you will have the extra maintenance of the shoreline, dock, and other items staring you in the face every day… where at the cabin you only see them when you get there.
  • You’ll have a lot of company!

Lake Camps, Cabins or Cottages: PROS

Lake Property Tips…A Lake Camp

  • You are away from it all… the whole time you’re there.
  • It probably feels more like being on vacation than it would being at your lake home.
  • Many of your neighbors are also there for a limited time, so they will tend to be more upbeat and relaxed.
  • When company visits, they’re more inclined to help out with food and supplies, along with pitching in on chores and clean-up than they would at your home.
  • Most people can get by with a little less when they’re at camp, so you won’t have to worry as much about putting all the finishing touches on the place, or making sure everything is super tidy.  Lake cottages are meant to offer a break from all those chores so that you can enjoy the lake… and fishing, reading, conversation, and recreational activities…without having to feel like the chores are hanging over your head.
  • If you like working on projects, you can be a little more relaxed and creative at camp.
  • Often you can buy a cabin within your budget and on a higher quality lake, than you would be able to afford to live full-time on.
  • Camps, cottages and cabins offer a unique atmosphere for bonding of family and friends.  The world slows down a little when you are at the cabin, and relationships become easier.  It is hard to place a value on this benefit!

Lake Camps, Cabins or Cottages: CONS

  • Distance from home can be a negative, so make sure you don’t get further away than you can comfortably travel.  For people with more flexible schedules, they can sometimes find a bit better deals by going an extra hour from home.
  • Finding contractors and others to help keep up your cottage can be difficult since you have to find them while you’re there. You also have to be a bit more trusting that these people will get the jobs done right, since you can’t always be watching over them.
  • Maintenance issues such as leaky roofs and bad furnaces can happen when you’re not there, so it is good to have someone you trust check on the camp occasionally.
  • Added costs(heat, electric, taxes, maintenance, etc.). But lake property also can be a good investment for the future, overshadowing the negatives.
  • You might want to travel to other places; having a lake property might cause you to think twice about travelling.  People go through different phases in their lives, depending on a variety of factors such as: children’s ages. grandchildren; their health; relationships with friends and family; and wanderlust.  Be sure it is the right time in your life to have a lake camp before you buy one.

One last note:

Know what exactly you’re looking for; it makes it easier to know when the right place is available, and will prevent buying into a lake property, house or camp that isn’t really the dream that you thought it would be. We made a list of everything that we wanted, and probably scored about 95% of what we wanted, even though it took almost two years.

These items should help you think about what is important to you when it comes to choosing between a lake home or a lake cottage.  We chose to move to our lake house full-time for the reasons listed above.

Carry A Canoe? Do It Right!

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How To Carry A Canoe

Get Your Canoe to the Water

How to Carry a CanoeUnlike larger boats, which can be moored or put up on boat-lifts to avoid damage from wind and waves, canoes are typically stored out of the water. they need to be moved to the water to be used. Here’s how to carry a canoe.

First, be sure that the canoe is empty. Although most modern canoes are made of aluminum or plastic, one person usually can’t carry it alone, so two or three people should help move it to and from the water.

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Two Person Carries

Some modern canoes have handles fore and aft. If there are two people and the carry distance is fairly short, this offers a simple way to carry a canoe. If there are no handles, it is still possible to move the canoe by each person standing on opposite sides of the canoe and lifting the canoe by the gunwhale (the reinforcing strip running along the top edge of the hull) at the center of the canoe. Then,  simply walk the canoe to or from the water. This, too, works best for short carries.

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The Portage

How to Carry a Canoe

The more traditional portaging technique should be used for longer distances, or carries over uneven terrain or around obstacles like trees. In this case, the canoe is turned upside down and one-person lifts the bow off the ground. The second person (the one who’ll do the carrying) walks underneath and positions himself, allowing the yoke to settle on his shoulders. If there’s not a yoke in the canoe, one can be fashioned by securely lashing the paddles to the thwarts with the painter. The painter is a line (rope) attached to the painter rings fore and aft in the canoe. It is used for “lining” (walking) the canoe or for tying up.

With the yoke resting on her shoulders and one hand on either side of the canoe, the person carrying the canoe lifts it with their legs and balances it. The weight  of the canoe is carried on the shoulders; the hands are used strictly for balance and steadying the canoe. When doing a solo carry, keep the canoe balanced. Let it ride a little down at the stern; it will be easier to see ahead.  There’s no hurry,  take your time, and be sure to watch where you step! The canoe is then carefully walked to the desired place, and the entire process is reversed.

Are you looking for an easier way to move

your kayak or canoe to and from the water ?

Canoe & kayak carts offer a safe and easy way

to walk your craft to the launching site.

Check out this comparison of the top canoe & kayak carts.

Let’s Do Launch

Where possible, load your canoe while it’s floating in shallow water. If that’s not possible, load it on the beach – as close to the water as you can get. If you load your canoe in the water, tie a painter to a tree along the shore to keep the canoe controlled. On the other hand, if loading on the beach, don’t over-pack. You’ll need to be able to carry the loaded canoe the last few feet to the water. Modern materials are certainly strong, but dragging a loaded boat over sharp rocks won’t do it any good. Treat your canoe as if your life depended upon it. It does.


Other Canoeing  Articles:

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Hammock Buying Guide

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Hammock Buying Guide

There is wide variety in types of hammocks and the materials used to make them. Here are some of the major differences and advantages and disadvantages of each:

Rope Hammocks

– Shop all Rope Hammocks

Hammocks on a tropical beach.

Rope hammocks are the most recognized style of hammock as well as the most traditional. Rope hammocks feature spreader bars. The spreader bars separate the sides of the hammock, keeping it open to lie in, and support weight from the bed of the hammock when it’s used. Rope hammocks may be hung between two trees or used on a stand.

Rope hammocks are generally made of cotton or polyester.

Cotton is slightly more comfortable because the rope will stretch and contour to the body; however, cotton rope absorbs moisture which makes it more susceptible to mold and mildew.

Polyester is more durable and withstands high humidity, salt water air and UV rays. It’s less susceptible to mold and mildew, which means it will last longer. although it is slightly less flexible than cotton, it is not necessarily any less comfortable.

Rope Hammock Tips:

  • Most rope hammocks are 13′ in overall length so unless you choose to use a stand, your trees should be 13-17′ apart.
  • Rope hammocks are not recommended where there are small children due to the large space that the rope weave creates.

Quilted Hammocks

– Shop all Quilted Hammocks

Quilted hammocks offer full-bodied comfort and are perfect for cooler climates. A quilted hammock is similar in style to that of a rope hammock and also includes wooden spreader bars. Instead of using a woven bed like rope hammocks, quilted hammocks consist of two layers of fabric with a fiberfill between the layers. Its feel is similar to a light comforter. Quilted hammocks  are made from various weather and fade resistant fabrics. Like rope hammocks, quilted hammocks may be hung between two trees or used on a stand outdoors. This is a great option for families as there are no holes or gaps for small hands and feet to slip through.

Quilted Hammock Tips:

  • Quilted hammocks are reversible, usually with a pattern on one side and a solid on the opposite. It’s like purchasing two hammocks in one!

Mayan Hammocks

– Shop all Mayan Hammocks

Hammocks

Mayan style hammocks are thin string hand woven hammocks that originated in Central America and are known for their bright colors and unique aesthetic appeal. The Mayan weave is very flexible yet incredibly supportive. Many Mayan hammocks are made in the Yucatan province in Mexico and are of exceptional quality. Most Mayan hammocks are non-spreader bar style and are made of either cotton or nylon. The cotton Mayan hammocks are softer and also contour more to your body. Because the string is natural cotton fiber, the cotton Mayan hammocks are less durable if used outdoors. Nylon Mayan hammocks are more durable and less susceptible to mold or mildew. Their colors are also slightly brighter due to the sheen of the nylon string.

Mayans are great for backpackers, rock-climbers and campers. They are extremely light weight but have the ability to hold large amounts of weight. Mayan hammocks may be used outdoor on a stand or between two trees. they may also be used indoors by inserting hooks in wall studs or ceiling beams. They are great for all climates, and are especially convenient for small apartments and dorm rooms.

Mayan Hammock Tips:

  • String hammocks are amazingly strong, but can be easily damaged. Sharp objects, buttons and zippers can damage the intricate weave so take this into consideration.  The Thick String Mayan Hammock offers the same comfort but with much thicker string, making it a more durable choice.
  • Mayan hammocks do not typically last as long as Rope or Quilted hammocks because of their intricate weave

Brazilian Hammocks

– Shop all Brazilian Hammocks

Brazilian hammocks are crafted from cotton fibers that are hand woven tightly into beautiful thick fabrics; they are extremely comfortable and better for cooler climates. Traditionally known for their wide variety of colors as well as elaborate fringe that offers a unique look, most Brazilian hammocks are a non-spreader bar style. These hammocks are especially great for families with children, because the bed of the hammock is solid with no gaps so there is no worry for small fingers and toes getting caught or tangled in the hammock. This also means there is minimal air flow through the hammock, so they are most comfortable when used in cooler climates or on cooler summer nights. Our Brazilian hammocks are made from cotton and can be used either indoors or outdoors.

Brazilian Hammock Tips:

  • If you are interested in a Brazilian hammock but are wary of the non-spreader bar “cocoon” style, we suggest the Large Brazilian Hammock w/Spreader bars. This allows you the comfort of the Brazilian cotton hammock with a more open bed similar to that of a rope or quilted hammock.

Nicaraguan Hammocks

– Shop all Nicaraguan Hammocks

Our Nicaraguan hammocks are uniquely hand crafted hammocks that offer wonderful comfort and beauty. they are crafted in Central America by artisans, using soft spun cotton cords and a double weave technique. The weave is similar to that of the Mayan hammocks although much tighter, meaning the weave is more durable and harder to snag. Nicaraguan hammocks are typically non-spreader bar style. These hammocks are great for couples and can be used in any climate. The unique weave allows just the right amount of air flow for maximum comfort. Many of the Nicaraguan hammocks are also available with unique macram? fringe. Nicaraguans can be used indoors or outdoors but should not be left outside for extended periods of time when not in use.

Nicaraguan Hammock Tips:

  • The Nicaraguan weave is tighter than that of a mayan hammock but can also be easily damaged, so remove any sharp objects or items on clothing that could snap or harm the hammock.

Poolside Hammocks

– Shop all Poolside Hammocks

A self supporting Hammock in a backyard.

Our Poolside hammocks are made just for those that want a nice place to relax by the pool, ocean or on the beach. These hammocks are made from exceptional fabrics, which is why our poolside hammocks are our most durable option. A poolside hammock is a great option for anyone in warmer climates or those who are close to salt water areas. These hammocks are made to be more fade resistant and less susceptible to mold and mildew damage and are primarily meant to be used outdoors. They also are quick drying which is perfect for a poolside area. All of our poolside hammocks are spreader bar style and are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Due to the toughness and durability of the fabric the poolside hammocks are less comfortable than other spreader bar styles such as the quilted or rope hammocks. These hammocks can be used between trees as well as on one of our stand options.

Poolside Hammock Tips:

  • For easy clean up, wash with a solution of liquid soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. One cup of bleach per gallon of water may be added to the above solution for mildew stains.

Camping Hammocks

– Shop all Camping Hammocks

Our Camping hammock selection offers a great option for anyone from an occasional vacationer to an avid outdoorsman. Camping hammocks are lightweight, portable and some are also great protectors from the elements. Camping hammocks are typically hung between two trees and some even have a built-in stand. All of our camping hammocks are made from extremely durable materials such as parachute nylon.

Camping Hammock Tips:

  • To protect you from insects and mosquitoes on a hiking or camping trip, we suggest purchasing a style that includes a net, such as the Mosquito Free Bliss hammock.
  • If you are looking for maximum convenience, we suggest the Ultra-light Travel Hammock which includes a stand and backback for carrying.
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Kayaking Safety

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Kayaking Safety

Kayak

This article is intended to cover the basics of kayaking safety. Additional training will not only make your kayaking safer but will increase your enjoyment of this great outdoor activity.

Start with forming good habits. It’s easier to learn the correct way to do something than to have to relearn it later after a mishap. Time spent preparing can make the difference between a great day of kayaking day and a bad or dangerous experience.

Training

  • A basic kayaking safety course by a certified instructor, including self and assisted rescue skills is necessary to be prepared for emergency situations.
  • A First Aid class- including CPR. Many hospitals and high-school adult education programs offer this training.

Preparation

  • PFD– Personal Flotation Device… Rule #1.
  • Check the weather forecast. This seems common sense. Remember that conditions can change very quickly.
  • Prepare a Float Plan– let someone know what you’re planning and where, even for short trips. This is simple kayaking safety.

For longer excursions, leave a more detailed plan. If you plan to make stops, list those stops in the order  that you’ll visit them. Leave a second copy on your car seat … and call when you’re back on shore.

  • Drinking Water. Bring enough water for each paddler (extra in extreme heat)- about one gallon per day per paddler.
  • First Aid Kit. A small water-tight and air-tight container for a first aid kit. Placing the kit inside a couple of Ziploc bags will insure that the contents stay dry.

Suggested kit-  Aspirin or other pain reliever, Antacids, Antiseptic Cream, Band-Aids, Bandages or gauze, Burn Cream for skin, Sugared Candy, Energy food bars. For longer trips, add: Change of warm clothing – fleece, Thermal emergency blanket, Type IV PFD for throwable float, Disposable lighter to make a fire.

  • Practice– Practice how to upright an overturned kayak. Mentally prepare for what you’ll do in an emergency.
  • Awareness. Be aware of where you are and where you are going. Stay alert.

Safety Tips

  • Kayaking Bright Colors– When you buy your kayak and any gear, choose bright colors. Consider bright orange,  yellow,  bright green. Red is not as visible at long distances.
  • Flotation Bags- If you’re going to spend any money in gear, float bags are worth consideration! Float bags are inflatable cone shapes that fit inside the front and back ends of a kayak to keep it afloat if capsized. You can get two standard kayak floats for under $100… well worth the investment.
  • Other Items– Whistle or air-horn, Float line- used for towing, Paddle float to assist capsize,  Spare paddle, Sun protection sunglasses, hat, sunscreen.

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[important]

Are you looking for an easier way to move your kayak or canoe

to and from the water?

Canoe & kayak carts offer a safe and easy way

to walk your craft to the launching site.

Check out this comparison of the top canoe & kayak carts.

[/important]

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Self Rescue and Assisted Rescue

Recreational kayaks are made for calm water, close to shore usage. They have a large open cockpit and generally don’t have enough flotation to be paddled ashore when they are swamped. They’ll float but not supporting your weight in it. (Here’s where floatation bags help).

Don’t panic.

  • Stay with your kayak.
  • Find your paddle – hold on to it.
  • Float on your back so you can push off any objects with your feet.
  • Stay upstream in currents – don’t get caught between the kayak and rocks.
  • Focus on getting back into your kayak.
  • Using self rescue skills, you need to first upright the kayak. Next you will need to re-enter the swamped cockpit using your paddle float to stabilize the kayak. (In an assisted rescue a second kayak acts as a stabilizer.) Then the swimmer kicks to propel their self onto the deck and into the swamped cockpit. Next, secure the paddle – grab the hand pump to get the water out. After the water is out, it can then be paddled to shore.
  • If you or another cannot re-enter the kayak you will have to tow it.

Alcohol & Kayaking

Alcohol does not mix with water sports. First, alcohol will dehydrate your body and impair your judgment, as well as accelerate hypothermia. You need to be alert and sharp – leave the alcohol behind.

 

Are you looking for an easier way to move

your kayak or canoe to and from the water ?

Canoe & kayak carts offer a safe and easy way

to walk your craft to the launching site.

Check out this comparison of the top canoe & kayak carts.


Other Canoeing and Kayaking Articles:

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History of Hammocks

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History

A Hammock on a tropical beach.

Hammocks have been around for about 1000 years. The indigenous people of Central and South America, probably the Mayans, designed a web-like hammock that is still in use today , and considered the most ingenious and comfortable of all hammocks. The earliest hammocks were woven from the bark of the Hamack tree. Later, the Sisal plant replaced the Hamack bark, because it was more abundant. The use of cotton in hammocks is a relatively new, having been adopted only in the past fifty or so years. Continue reading →