The world of piracy and some of the characters in it seem to come from the movies or adventure novels instead of historical documents. But, these people really did exist and some of their exploits are so unbelievable that you’d swear it isn’t true.

Well, they are and they’re fantastic! We’ve combed the history books and found a few familiar names that you’ll enjoy learning more about, and more than a few names that you’ll be surprised to hear about for the first time.

Here are some of those characters.

The Barbarossa Brothers

Barba Rossa – meaning Red Beard in Italian – Aruj and Hizir built their fortunes by capturing and plundering ships in the Mediterranean. By 1516 the bothers were assigned control over the entire Barbary coast by the Ottoman sultan. The brothers became so fearsome that their Christian enemies formed a fleet known as The Holy League specifically to defeat them.

Sir Francis Drake

This Englishman is most famous for being the first captain to circumnavigate the globe. However, throughout his career he was licensed by Queen Elizabeth I to rob from the Spanish. He amassed quite a fortune, was enthusiastically Knighted, and later played a significant role in defeating the Spanish Armada.

L’Olonnais

This is perhaps the individual that caused pirates to have such a vicious reputation. In the mid-to-late 1600s it was documented that he would hack his Spanish victims to bits, tie ropes around their necks until their eyes bulged out, and was even once rumoured to have cut out the heart of his enemy and took a bite. Karma eventually got the better of him. He was captured by a tribe of cannibals in 1668 and never heard from again.

Sir Henry Morgan

This famous pirate sounds like he could have inspired a few of today’s politicians. After a series of violent attacks across Panama, Cuba, and Venezuela – using priests and woman as human shields – Henry Morgan eventually moved on to become the acting Governor of Jamaica between 1678 and 1682 passing anti-piracy legislature and actively prosecuting pirates.

And Yes. This is THE Captain Morgan

Captain Kidd

Captain Kidd’s story is short lived. Beginning his career as a pirate hunter in 1696 in the Indian Ocean, Kidd quickly turned to the dark side and became a pirate himself. This flip flop left him with very few allies, and the British East India Company quickly capture him and left his executed body on display of the River Thames as a warning to other pirates. He was, however, able to make a quick stop in New York’s Gardiner Island to bury treasure before his capture. Maybe it’s still out there somewhere.

Calico Jack , Anne Bonny & Mary Read

This story feels like it was tailor made for Hollywood involving not only John Rackam (Calico’s common name) but 2 infamous female pirates.

Mary Read had already made a name for herself at sea, so to speak. She was actually disguised as a man while she looted the Caribbean before joining Calico’s band or drunken pirates.

Not much is known about Anne Bonny except that she left her husband to be with Calico. Legend says that she was not fond of playing into the day’s gender roles, and would promptly stab a man in the gut for even insinuating that she didn’t belong above deck. Bonny and Calico plundered many ships, which is how they met Mary Read.

Eventually the group was overtaken by Jamaican forces in 1720. While the men hid in their cabins, the two women pirates fought tooth and nail. They weren’t successful, but they were the only 2 of the party to survive. The Jamaicans took pity on the women, as they were both found to be pregnant.

Charles Vane

Vane gained a reputation for cruelty as he raided English and French ships throughout the Bahamas.

Vane’s story is most notably as leader of the pirate rebellion including other Nassau pirates like Charles Yeates, Calico John Cockram, and Blackbeard. King George I extended an offer to pardon all pirates who wished to abandon the lifestyle. While many pirates took up the offer, Vane lead the charge for those who wanted to continue on as they are and managed several narrow escapes from the law and rival pirates while doing so.

Black Bart Roberts

Black Bart’s first act as official pirate Commander was to seek revenge for the death of the commander that came before him. Landing on his enemy’s Portuguese island in the dead of night, his group killed a significant percentage of the male population and made off with as much treasure as the men could carry. Soon after they overtook a Dutch ship followed by a British ship. This string of success resulted in Roberts’ reputation as being “pistol proof”.

Black Bart took his luck further by collecting a massive bounty of gold and jewels meant for the King of Portugal, but that’s where the luck stopped. His shipmate made off with the booty, and was shortly after attacked by a team of Barbados pirate hunters killing most of his mean and greatly damaging his sloop.

The tide’s turned again, and Roberts enjoyed a large string of successful attacks in Newfoundland, Brazil, West Africa, and throughout the Caribbean from 1719 to 1722.

His death came from a grapeshot to the throat after which he was buried at as as per his wishes. The news came as a shock to both the pirate community and Royal Navy. Both thought of him as invincible, and many viewed him as a hero.

Edward Low

Low burned the majority of the ships he captured, more than 100 throughout his short 3-year career as a pirate.

Hi claim to fame is, you guessed it, violence. But this was not your average pirate assaults. Low’s attacks were so obscene that Arthur Conan Doyle described the pirate as a  “savage and desperate,” and a man of “amazing and grotesque brutality”

Black Sam Bellamy

Black Sam’s reputation is the opposite of the majority of other pirates mentioned so far. Although his career as a pirate involved serving under Black Beard for a time, and capturing many ships, he was known as a gentleman. He was a tall and dashing figure, always well dressed, and ran his crew like a proper democracy. His men were so fond of him that they often referred to Black Sam as the “Robin Hood of the Sea”.

His good manner was also extended to his enemies. His largest fortune came about when he captured a state-of-the-art British ship measuring 300 tons, 102 feet long, and sporting a total of 18 guns. Rather than torture and burn, Black Sam traded his lesser boat for the crewman and captain to carry on in.

Madame Cheng

Madame Cheng was not your average pirate. While the “black beard’s” of the Caribbean held a healthy reputation and a modest crew, Cheng was Next Level.

Commanding an army of 1800 ships and 70,000 men, she thrived by collecting protection money from coastal cities and loot from ships in the South China Sea before living out her days as a successful large-scale opium smuggler.

BlackBeard

Less commonly known as Edward Teach or Edward Thatch, Blackbeard was an English pirate operating in the West Indies and the eastern coasts of Britain’s North American colonies. His gruesome appearance and habit of always being armed to the teeth and ship (the Queen Anne’s Revenge) armed with 40 cannons created quite the reputation – so much so that he rarely had to use any actual force.

His most famous battle involved the blockade of a port off of South Carolina, ransoming the port’s inhabitants. Blackbeard was eventually hunted down and killed by a group of soldiers in 1718.

Tales of his life have been exaggerated and has spawned the archetype of the tyrannical pirate that we’re all familiar with today.

Henry Avery

Henry Avery is the most famous pirate you’ve never heard of. Dubbed the “The Arch Pirate” and “The King of Pirates” by his peers, Avery was one of the very few pirates of note to retire with his fortune and life intact… and What a fortune!

His infamous raid, which spawned tons of literature and inspired many to take up piracy, involved a vessel making its annual pilgrimage to Mecca. He made off with over $66 Million worth of jewels and precious metals in today’s dollars. This resulted in a massive manhunt and bounty , but Avery managed to avoid capture and slipped into obscurity to live out the remainder of his days.

While we don’t condone the actions of any of these infamous pirates they all had one thing in common, their love of the water! If you are interested in getting on to the water you can take a look at what we have to offer.

Remember to share the fun on social and check back often for more great lists, helpful tips, and useful DIY guides.

Yours in boating,

The post 15 Real Life Pirates appeared first on Legend Boats.

What does this mean?

It is important to note that boaters are now required to take the following steps before transporting a boat or boat equipment overland. The new regulation reads as follows:

• remove or open drain plugs to allow water to drain from the boat or boat equipment
• take reasonable precautions to remove all aquatic plants (weeds), animals and algae from any boat, boat equipment, vehicle or trailer

Before reaching a launch site or placing a watercraft in any body of water in Ontario, boaters are required to ensure their boat, boating equipment, vehicles or trailers are free of all:

• aquatic plants
• animals
• algae

The new regulation does not require the removal of drain plugs for the following situations:

• drinking water systems, marine sanitary systems or closed engine cooling systems
• a livewell, if the person transporting the livewell overland is transporting live fish in the livewell pursuant to a licence to transport live fish issued under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997

In addition to Ontario’s update to the Invasive Species Act boaters with a livewell must make sure that their livewell is rinsed out before travelling to a new body of water. Cleaning your livewell with a 1:10 solution of bleach and water will help prevent the spread of fish-harming pathogens.

For further information visit Ontario’s Boaters Action Plan. It is important to always make sure that you are aware and up-to-date with your provincial and federal regulations.

The post 2022’s New Regulation for Ontario Boaters appeared first on Legend Boats.

What Does it Mean to Winterize Your Boat?

Boat winterization is the process of preparing your boat for the cold winter months to protect it from damage that could be caused by freezing temperatures, snow, ice, other winter conditions, and damage from critters looking for somewhere warm and sheltered to spend the season. It’s particularly crucial in colder climates, like Canada, where the temperatures drop significantly below freezing during the winter.

The Dangers of NOT Winterizing Your Boat

Of course, we all have friends who swear they never winterize their boats and that everything’s been fine. You, however, know better. Right? You know that failing to winterize your boat can lead to:

• Engine Block Cracking: Water can freeze in the engine block, expanding and causing the block to crack. This is one of the most severe damages and can be very expensive to repair.
• Exhaust Manifolds Cracking: Similar to the engine block, water can freeze and crack the exhaust manifolds.
• Frozen Pipes and Hoses: Water in the pipes and hoses can freeze, causing them to burst or crack.
• Fuel Degradation: Over time, fuel can degrade and separate, potentially leading to condensation and water in the fuel system which can cause engine problems when you attempt to use the boat again.
• Battery Damage: Cold temperatures can cause a battery to freeze, especially if it’s not fully charged. A frozen battery is likely to be damaged and may not work properly even if recharged.
• Corrosion and Rust: If you don’t properly winterize your boat and it’s not properly treated and protected, the engine and other metal components of the boat can corrode or rust during the winter.
• Interior Mold and Mildew: Without proper ventilation and/or dehumidification, the interior of the boat can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can damage the interior and create health issues.
• Pest Infestations: Without proper winterization and covering, boats can become a refuge for rodents and insects, which can cause a variety of damage and mess.
• Gelcoat Damage: The boat’s gelcoat can become damaged from prolonged exposure to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This damage can lead to more serious structural issues over time.
• Electrical System Damage: Moisture and cold can cause damage to the electrical systems of the boat, leading to potential safety hazards and expensive repairs. Unwrapped boats are also far more likely to attract critters who may chew on the wiring.
• Severe Upholstery and Canvas Damage: Cold temperatures and moisture can cause fabrics to become brittle, crack, or sustain other damage. Again, unwrapped boats encourage critters to move in, who may tear into your furniture for shelter and warmth.
• Insurance Claims: Some insurance policies may not cover damage caused by neglect or lack of maintenance, which may include failing to winterize the boat.

Each of these problems not only is a hassle to deal with but could also result in costly repairs or even the total loss of the boat. Hence, winterizing a boat in cold climates is a crucial maintenance task to ensure the boat remains in good condition and is ready for use when the boating season returns.

When Should I Winterize My Boat?

Winterizing your boat is a crucial task, but timing it right is equally important. Here’s a quick reference for understanding the optimal time frame for this essential upkeep:

• Before The First Frost: Ideally, you should winterize your boat before the first hard frost of the season. In many parts of Canada, this could be as early as late September or early October. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the specific region you are located in.
• Local Weather Forecasts: Keep a close eye on the local weather forecasts as fall approaches. When consistent freezing temperatures or a hard freeze are predicted, it’s time to get to work.
• End of Boating Season: Often, the end of the boating season aligns with the right time to winterize your boat. As your boating activities wind down, begin preparing your boat for the cold season ahead.
• Marina Schedules: If you plan on using marina services for winterization, be aware of their schedules. Marinas may have specific timelines or appointments for winterization services, and booking early ensures you get a spot before the cold hits.
• Customary Practices: If you are new to boating or new to the area, talk to fellow boaters. They can share customary practices on when it’s usually done in your locale.

Timing is key to effective boat winterization. A little preparation, attentiveness to weather changes, and consultation with local boating experts can go a long way in ensuring your boat is well-protected through the Canadian winter.

Winterize Your Boat: What’s Involved?

Taking proper care of your investment in your boat requires several steps. Rest assured, you can do this. Just take it one step at a time. Many of these steps are covered in the Legend Boats Owners Guide.

1. Engine and Fuel Systems:
   • Draining and Replacing Fluids: Drain water from the engine, and replace it with antifreeze to prevent freezing and cracking.
   • Oil Change: Change the engine oil to remove contaminants. See: How to Change the Oil On Your Outboard Motor. We also sell Mercury Oil Change Kits online or at your nearest Legend dealer.
   • Fuel Stabilization: Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from deteriorating and creating harmful deposits. Available online: Mercury Quickstore fuel stabilizer.
2. Water Systems:
   • Draining: Drain fresh water tanks, hot water heaters, and plumbing to prevent freezing and cracking.
   • Antifreeze: Run antifreeze through the system to ensure all water is displaced.
3. Batteries:
   • Removal and Storage: Remove batteries, charge them, and store in a cool, dry place.
4. Cleaning and Drying:
   • Interior: Clean and thoroughly dry the interior to prevent mold, mildew, and odors.
   • Exterior: Wash the exterior and apply a protective wax.
   • For all your boat cleaning needs, we recommend Babe’s Boat Care products.
5. Covering: Cover both your boat and motor with properly fitted covers to protect it from snow, ice, and other debris.
6. Ventilation and Dehumidification: Ensure good airflow and consider using a dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew.
7. Pest Control: Close openings and use deterrents to prevent rodents and insects from taking residence in your boat.
8. Inspection and Repairs: Inspect the boat for any needed repairs, and take care of them before the cold weather sets in.
9. Storing: Decide whether to store the boat indoors or outdoors. Indoor storage is generally preferable to protect the boat from the elements, but outdoor storage can be suitable if the boat is well-protected with a good-quality cover and is properly winterized.
10. Record Keeping: Keep a record of all the winterization steps taken, as well as any repairs or maintenance performed.
11. Shrink-Wrapping: Some boat owners opt for shrink-wrapping their boats, which provides a tight cover that protects the boat from the elements.

Following these steps will ensure your boat is protected during the winter and that you avoid any unpleasant surprises (and costly repairs) in the boating season.

Boat Winterization Services: Can Someone Do It For Me?

Of course, you didn’t get into boating in order to add more chores to your to-do list. You did it to create memories. Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to worry about this at all? If there was someone who would just take care of it?

The answer, naturally, is absolutely yes: We can take care of it all for you. Your nearby Legend Boats dealer can provide for all of your boat winterization and storage needs.

Should you winterize with a Legend Boats store (we currently have four: Sudbury, Barrie, Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, and Havelock), we can provide you with complete seasonal packages to remove 100% of the worry and stress from the winterizing process:

2023 Winterization Package Prices

If you’re not already working your nearest Legend dealer, find yours today and protect your boat for many years to come.

The post 2023 Boat Winterization Guide: Protecting Your Boat From Winter’s Wrath appeared first on Legend Boats.

“Your family will be proud to spend time together on the water, creating moments that matter together and your partner might even say you’ve hit a home run with this one.”

To read the full article on BoatDealers.ca here click here

To learn more about the 18 XTR Ultimate you can visit here : 2023 18 XTR Ultimate

The post 2023 Legend 18 XTR Ultimate Reviewed by Rick Layzell appeared first on Legend Boats.

“Legend Boats do an exceptional job of demystifying the purchasing experience by offering base model packages to which they include many of the most common, and most popular, consumer options. This really takes the guesswork out of the shopping experience.”

To read the full article on BoatDealers.ca here click here

To learn more about the Legend E-Series 23 Dual Lounge Sport you can visit here : Legend E-Series 23 Dual Lounge Sport

Download E-Series 23 Dual Lounge Sport Black Edition Spec Sheet

The post 2023 Legend E Series 23 Dual Lounge Sport Pro – Boat Review by: Rick Layzell of Boatdealers.ca appeared first on Legend Boats.

Reason #21: A double-decker pontoon boat with a slide.

The V-Series AquaTower‘s already-legendary upper deck and slide.

The V-Series AquaTower is one of the most exciting additions to our line of pontoon boats in years. With a 25 foot deck, this is the all-ages party barge you’ve been waiting for. It features an enormous lounge in the front. A dinette at the back. A second level. A ski tow bar. Swim platform. And a slide that shoots you out roughly 3 feet above the water.

Reason #20: Insanely great interest rates.

For a VERY limited time, we’re able to offer 2.99% O.A.C. financing. No interest. No payments. Until Spring.

Reason #19: More triple-tune pontoon boats than ever before

Every one of our pontoon boat series feature triple-tube packages. Get the features, layout, and design you want. And then decide between two-tube or triple-tube performance packages.

Reason #18: Mood lighting

You know what’s better than a day on the water? A night on the water. Thanks to the mood lighting installed throughout our pontoon boat lines, your boat is ready for fun 24 hours a day.

Reason #17: Beautiful TeakWeave flooring

Available across both the Q-Series and V-Series of pontoon boats. This is vinyl flooring like you’ve never seen it. The illusion of real wood. The anti-slip qualities of grip tape. The softness of a smooth carpet. Combined with the easy maintenance of vinyl.

Reason #16: Admiral recliners and captain’s chairs

Standard seating for the captains’ of X-Series, V-Series, and Vibe boats.

We may live in an egalitarian world, where everyone is equal. But on your boat, you’re the captain. You’re in charge.

That’s why every one of our boats comes with a top-quality captain’s chair. Be that the Deluxe Reclining Ergomax Captain’s Chair on the X20 fishing boat. Or the Deluxe Captain’s Chair with Flip-Up Bolster of the Vibe deck boats. Or the Admiral’s High Back Recliner of the V-Series pontoon boats.

Ride in style, in comfort, and in command.

Reason #15: Ultra-fine upholstery

Anyone can take a soft and expensive piece of fabric, drape it over some furniture, and call it a day. But it takes a real attention to detail to find luxurious and plush materials that are also rugged, weather-proof, and easy to clean. It also happens to be our specialty.

Reason #14: Lounging areas galore

The under-appreciated joy of boat ownership is the ability to drop an anchor in any given lake and relax. Fishing is great. Water sports are fun. But there’s something special about doing nothing at all. Especially while surrounded by little more than water and tranquility.

We’re such fans of lounge areas that you can find them on our pontoon boats, deck boats and even our fishing boats.

Reason #13: All-Ages Boats With All-Ages Bars

There are very few joys in life that match a cold soda on a hot summer day. Across our boat lines you’ll find built-in coolers, dinettes, and even a few with bar tables and sinks.

Reason #12: The All-New Limited-Edition Q-Series LE

Last year, the Q-Series proved to be the surprise hit in our line of pontoon boats. So we decided to make it available and affordable to even more people.

The Q-Series LE is the affordable entry-level pontoon boat for the family who wants, well, everything. Fishing, lounging, water sports, cruising… these pontoons do it all, for less.

Reason #11: 2021’s Bold, Beautiful, and Brand-New E-Series

The E-Series

We’ve kept these bad boys of the pontoon world under wraps for a while now. You won’t find a bolder pontoon boat out there. This is the pontoon series for the boater who isn’t afraid to stand out in a crowd.

Reason #10: Convertible Benches

As a dedicated fisherman, you know you need a sizable casting deck. But as the head of the family, you also need to be able to take the whole gang and their friends out on the water.

Convertible benches, like the one on the XTR fishing boats, give you the versatility to do it all.

Reason #9: Bigger, faster, and more powerful deck boats

A few short years ago, we introduced the Vibe to our lineup, pushing Legend Boats into the realm of deck boats.

They are the dream boat for the performance enthusiast. And now, we’ve released even bigger models: The Vibe D21 and Vibe D23. Extended decks, more seating room, more available power.

Reason #8: Tilt steering

Most boat companies consider tilt steering to be a nice add-on feature. But for most of our lineup, tilt steering comes standard and at no extra cost whatsoever. (Because some ideas are so good that they deserve better than being optional.)

Reason #7: GPS and Depth Finders

Most of our boats now feature GPS and depth finders as standard features. Because knowing where you are is kind of important.

Reason #6: All-Weather Tops

We don’t know what it’s like in other countries, but in Canada the weather can be a bit… unstable. Beautiful one moment, torrential the next.

That’s why most of our boats come standard with an all-weather top.

Reason #5: Bluetooth AM/FM stereos

While we’re big fans of unplugging and getting away from it all, sometimes you need some tunes. Most of our boats (outside of R-Series utility boats) come standard with Bluetooth-enabled AM/FM stereo systems.

Reason #4: Pro-quality boats, entry-level prices

Shop around! You’ll find that we load up and price our boats more aggressively than the competition.

Reason #3: 2021’s Whole New Boat Show Experience

The No-Boat-Shows Boat Show, our answer to the question: How does one hold a boat show when it’s otherwise illegal to do so?

Thanks to the pandemic, all major boat shows have been cancelled for the season. Booooo!

No worries, however. We’ve decided to throw our own. Over 3 months. Entirely virtual.

Learn more about it: The No-Boat-Shows Boat Show

Reason #2: Hidden-storage geeks, rejoice!

When you see a bookshelf, do you start pulling on books in case it’s a hidden door? Do you regularly remove pictures from walls in the hopes of finding a secret vault?

Then you’ll love our boats. There are so many hidden compartments, storage areas, and tucked-away features that some of us spend years discovering them all.

Reason #1: The Legend lifestyle can be yours in 2021 for as little as $16/week.

For less than the cost of an average cell phone, you can get into a Legend of your own:

• Utility boats start at $16/week.
• Console boats start at $41/week.
• Pontoon boats also start at just $41/week.
• Deck boats start at $81/week.

There’s a Legend for everyone. Find yours!

The post 21 Reasons to Celebrate Boating in 2021 appeared first on Legend Boats.

Before diving into why you shouldn’t overlook non-current models, let’s first clarify what a “non-current” boat model is.

Non-current, or previous-year models, refer to boats from a past model year that haven’t been sold yet. Even though they’re from a previous year, these boats are still brand-new—they simply haven’t found their forever home yet.

Our Top 3 Reasons to Consider Purchasing a Non-Current Model

Enjoy Great Savings on a Brand-New Boat

Take Advantage of the Full Legend Boats 6-Year WOWranty

Your Boat Is In Stock and Ready to Go

Savings on Non-Current Models

At Legend Boats, we price our non-current models to sell! You can save thousands of dollars compared to buying a current-year model—without compromising on quality or going the pre-owned route.

Want more boat for your budget? These savings give you the flexibility to add upgrades and customizations. You can equip your boat with premium features like additional fish finders, upgraded seating, or even downriggers, all while staying within your budget.

Need inspiration for upgrades? 

Explore our accessories shop for ideas. Whether you want upgraded fishing gear, BoatBetter inflatables, or even a wireless phone charger, you can elevate your boating experience. You don’t have to choose between the model you want and the setup of your dreams. When you buy a non-current model, the savings let you transform your boat into exactly what you’ve envisioned.

Full Legend Boats 6-Year WOWranty

Our 6-Year WOWranty is an industry leader, offering extensive protection for your investment. Whether you’re fishing, cruising, or exploring, this warranty provides peace of mind.

When you buy a pre-owned boat, the warranty transfers but you can only enjoy whatever time remains. However, with a non-current model, you receive the full 6-year warranty period—just like a current-year model. That’s six full years of coverage from the date of your purchase, meaning you’re protected from unexpected repairs for years to come.

Our WOWranty is also tailored to fit the specific needs of different boats. From all-welded models to riveted ones, as well as pontoons and deck boats, the warranty adapts to each type. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach because every boat—and every boater—is unique.

Your Boat Is In Stock and Ready to Go

One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a non-current model is that your boat is in stock and ready for immediate delivery. You don’t have to wait for months, as is sometimes the case with current-year models, which can face manufacturing delays or backorders.

Choosing a non-current boat eliminates these delays, so you can spend more time on the water. Imagine being able to head out on your new boat this weekend, making memories with friends and family, instead of waiting for it to arrive.

Whether you want to get on the water now or plan to wait until spring, buying a non-current model ensures you’ll be ready to make the most of boating season. Why wait when you don’t have to?

Consider a Non-Current Legend Boat!

Non-current models offer an unbeatable combination of value, warranty coverage, and immediate availability. If you’re looking for a brand-new Legend Boat but want to save money, maximize your warranty benefits, and hit the water sooner, our non-current inventory is the perfect solution for you.

Ready to find your next boat? Explore your nearest dealer’s selection of non-current models today and get ready to make unforgettable memories on the water!

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Purchasing a Non-Current Model appeared first on Legend Boats.

If you’re new to the scene;

Here’s How To Clean A Fish

1. Get a bucket or other container to hold guts, bones and scales.
2. Snip the dorsal fin with a pair of scissors starting from the back and working towards the head. Do the same with other fins.
3. Remove scales – for thicker-skinned fish like bottom feeders, you may want to skin the fish.
4. Cut a shallow incision along the belly of the fish. Start at the tail and end just under the gills. Don’t cut too deep, you don’t want to hit any organs.
5. Scoop out the innards. There’s no clean way to do this. You’ll have to toughen up and get messy.
6. Remove the dark red inner membrane if your particular species of choice happens to have one. It smells gross, and it tastes gross.
7. Chop the head behind the gills.
8. Quick rinse with cold water. Don’t use an excess of water otherwise you’ll risk leeching the flavour.

That’s about it.
Once cleaned, it’s time to filet. There are almost as many ways to filet a fish as there are species in the water. Since there are so many ways to do it – and the fact that a lot of us are more visual learners – check out this how-to-filet-a-walleye video:

Now that we have the basics covered, it’s time to kick it up a notch with something more interesting. These videos showcase some unique and unexpected ways to get the scales off of your fish.

Right or Wrong, these next examples are definitely impressive.

You see some people putting “marketing ninja” on their LinkedIn profiles, but this guy is the real deal.

Not overly glamorous, but it’s pretty impressive what this man can accomplish with his DIY stick and a few bottle caps.

We’re not exactly sure what this man is saying, and the product he’s using seems like a standard scaling product at first glance. But just look how quickly it works, how clean it leaves the fish, and how little cleanup there is after.

These gentleman takes mere seconds to scale a fish using a handheld drill and a common kitchen item. It’s a little messy, but sure beats the knuckle-knicking grater method!

If you enjoy the laborious process of grating away scales inch by inch, you’ll have to move on. This video takes shows you how to take the pressure off of cleaning your fish. We’re not sure of the health and safety risks here so we can’t officially recommend this technique – but it sure looks fun!

Once you’re done de-scaling your fish it’s time to toss out the leftovers, right?

Well, not if you’re at the edge of medical progress. As a bonus, check out how this patient reduced suffering and healing time with a creative use of fish scales.

So how about you? Do you have a DIY device that you use? Is there a secret or crazy way that you use to clean fish? As always, share your stories on social! and don’t forget to use #legendboatsmemories

If you are interested in this content you will really enjoy our Brand Ambassador series on your YouTube page.

Yours in Boating,

The post 5 Impressive Ways To Clean A Fish appeared first on Legend Boats.

1. The perfect way to enjoy the beautiful fall colours 
2. The thrill of fall fishing 
3. Enjoy different activities than you would in the summer 
4. There’s less on-water traffic 
5. Get more use out of your boat!

The Perfect Way to Enjoy the Beautiful Fall Colours 

There’s no better way to admire the beautiful fall colours than from the comfort of your Legend Boat! 

Your boat is the perfect vessel to immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall season. Fall boating is the perfect way to spot wildlife, and enjoy the tranquillity of quiet waters. 

Photo courtesy of Brand Ambassador Kenny

The Thrill of Fall Fishing 

Every angler will tell you: that there’s just something about fall fishing that’s exciting! 

The cool fall weather will give you opportunities to try out new techniques, and really hone your angling skills. Fish are likely to make their way to warmer water, so you might have to be more intentional with your approach than you are in the warm summer months. This is a great opportunity to research new techniques, or learn how to get the most out of your tools and gear. 

In the middle of summer, you can expect there to be traffic on the water, no matter what time of day you’re out. In the fall, most people resume their regular work schedules, so you can expect fewer people to be on the water. This means that you can get first dibs on the best fishing spots, and fish without having to worry about sharing the water with too many other anglers. 

Enjoy Different Activities 

During the Summer, it’s easy to get caught in the thrill. Tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and treating your boat as your own personal floating dock to jump into the water from are all must-do activities for many boaters. As the weather cools down, this is the perfect opportunity to use your time on the water to relax. Curl up with a blanket and a good book, or enjoy a hot coffee with your friends. 

Learn a new skill while you’re enjoying the freedom of being on the water. This is a picturesque time of year, and perfect for learning about photography! You’ll never run out of beautiful scenery, so it’s the perfect time to become a shutterbug for the season. 

As they’re gearing up for the winter, the wildlife is always active in the fall. When you’re out on the water, you have the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife from a safe distance. 

With the sun setting earlier, you can take up stargazing from your boat. With minimal light pollution, this is the perfect time to take in the beautiful view. 

There’s so much to explore with your boat! Don’t limit your sense of adventure to the warm months. 

Less On-Water Traffic 

With the kids back in school and the weather cooling down, there’s less traffic on the water. While there are some obvious benefits like additional safety due to fewer hazards, there are a few more that you may not have considered. 

Things like watersports are slowing down, so this means that you can enjoy serenity all day long – not just at the break of dawn. Cut your engine, and enjoy what nature has to offer, with fewer disruptions than you would experience during the summer months. 

With less on-water traffic, you have the freedom to explore more areas of the lake during your fall boating adventures. Plus, you can enjoy the benefit of more dock space, so you don’t have to feel rushed at the beginning or end of your day. 

Get More Use out of Your Boat!

Who says you should only use your boat during the hot summer months? At Legend Boats, we believe that “boating season” is any time you want it to be (so long as your preferred lake isn’t frozen over)! 

This is the perfect opportunity for your family to create even more lasting memories, and build upon new traditions. Whether you’re trying out fall fishing for the very first time or playing board games together on your boat, there are so many activities to choose from. Plus, even if everyone’s doing something a little different, at least it’s still a reason for the whole family to be together. 

Your boat is an investment and a tool to help you create memories with your favourite people! There’s no need to place restrictions on yourself and limit your time on the water. We have many months of open water, so why let that go to waste? 

Don’t Play by the Rules! 

Don’t listen to the naysayers who think that the boating season ends when school starts! In fact, boating is the perfect way to wind down after a long day or week. Studies show that spending time on the water is beneficial for your mental and physical well-being. 

The fall is also a great time to reconnect with nature. The cooler weather makes being outside more welcoming for some. Shut off your engine, drop your anchor, and surround yourself with all of the sounds of nature. You’re sure to see or hear something that you might miss during the excitement of summertime activities. 

Here’s to a fall of not playing by the rules, creating memories, and making the most of the open water! 

The post 5 Reasons to Enjoy Fall Boating appeared first on Legend Boats.

When it comes to pontoon boats, bigger isn’t always better.

Over the last few years, the way people use pontoon boats has changed dramatically.  The age of the older, large, clunky, pontoon boat has long gone. Boaters of all ages around the world are using pontoon boats to fish, ski, tube, cruise and more.

Although you can buy a luxury, triple-tubed, pontoon that will do pretty much anything you want, the price tag on some of these luxury models can limit access to those looking to start their pontoon adventures.

Although a larger, high-horsepower pontoon, like the V-Series, is pure luxury on the water, here are 5 reasons why smaller pontoon boats are the hottest trend and provide a great way to get on the water to spend quality time with your family and friends:

1. Lighter

With some smaller pontoons weighing less than 1900 pounds, they’re actually very easy to manoeuvre on the water and handle when docking.

2. Easier to Tow

Most people don’t realize that pontoon boats are actually much easier to tow than they think, especially smaller pontoon boats.  Most small SUVs have more than enough towing capacity to get your smaller pontoon boat to the water for launch.

3. More Efficient

Smaller pontoon boats require less horsepower and as result less fuel to operate which means you’ll spend more time enjoying family time, catching fish, swimming or taking an evening cruise and a lot less time at the fuel pump reaching for your wallet.

4. More Affordable

While Legend Boats smaller pontoons don’t compromise on build quality and comfort the smaller form factor makes getting on the water more affordable.

5. Simpler Maintenance

A smaller, simpler boat means less to maintain and less that can go wrong.  Smaller consoles, less furniture, and less fencing means more time to spend enjoying your new pontoon boat lifestyle.

So if you just want an easy, affordable, low-maintenance way to get on the water to spend time with your family and friends, a small pontoon boat may just be the right choice for you.

Legend’s famous, value-packed, pontoon packages focus on fun for the whole family. The all-new Fun Series has everything you need for an incredible day on the water. If your family is just getting started with the pontoon lifestyle, the Fun Series is made for you.

To learn more: Fun Series

Download: 2023 Fun Series eBrochure

The post 5 Reasons Why Small Pontoon Boats Are the Hottest Trend in Pontoons appeared first on Legend Boats.