Buckeye Marine Hits the Dirt!

For the third year running Buckeye Marine and Mastercraft boats are proud to help support the AMA Supercross in its annual visit to the Rogers' Centre in Toronto. This year we featured our spectacular X-Star with the limited edition Sirlin Dragon Tattoo wrap and baller, trailer sporting 18'' KMC rims and stainless fenders. We are excited to be a small part of such a huge event, and the Buckeye staff was there in full force enjoying all the moto action. Our boat was featured on Speed Television and to the thousands of fans in attendance. But you can come and check it out in person here at the Marina. The limited Edition X-Star is still looking for a new home so come and have a look this now famous wake machine could be at your dock this spring!

Boaters Licences...Who needs them? How to get them?

We get calls daily from people asking about boating licences (or Pleasure Craft Operators Cards as they are officially called by the government). Not only are there a lot of questions about how to get a card, who needs a card and what to do if a card is lost, we also are asked a number of questions about rumours floating around out there...and there are a lot of them! So here are the facts folks...

Who needs a card?
All persons (regardless of age or experience) operating a power driven pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operators Card.* This applies to any craft fitted with an motor regardless of whether the motor is in use.
 *There are exceptions for non-residents and those renting vessels. If you are a non-resident operating a boat and are in the country less than 44 consecutive days you do not need a licence. For rental parameters see below.

 How can I obtain a card?
Buckeye is an approved course provider through the Canadian Yachting Association. We offer classroom style courses as well as offering the "challenge" option where in students would simply make an appointment to come into the dealership and challenge the exam at their leisure. We offer the course through Canadian Yachting as they have approved test specifically geared towards kids 8-12 , teens13-15 and adults 16+. We do not offer courses online at this time but strongly recommend that if you choose this method you make sure that the provider your find is accredited by Transport Canada. 

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen or if I have a change of name or address?
In the case that a card needs to be replaced or changed for some reason you have to go back to the party who issued your card. Most of these providers have websites and have parameters online for card replacement. Failing that you can call the provider directly. Most often you will be required to fill out a form and send a fee to that provider before a new card will be issued.

If you took a class at Buckeye your provider would be as follows:
2006 to present - Canadian Yachting Association (you can call Buckeye and we can send you the form)

Prior to 2006 we outsourced this service to different providers (see below) you will have to contact them directly.
2005 - BoatSmart Canada
1999-2004 - Canadian Power & Sail Squadron

How long is the test and should I study?
All accredited exams are 36 multiple choice questions. We do recommend that you study in advance specifically if you are opting to challenge the exam. If you are taking one of our courses we will teach you the information that you need to know to pass the exam however we still recommend you study the manual in its entirety before you come.

What age does my child need to be in order to operate a boat by herself?
The rules as they apply to child operators are as follows according to Transport Canada:

• Children under the age of 12 and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW).
• Youth between 12 years of age and under 16 years of age and not directly supervised by someone 16 years of age or older can operate a recreational vessel with no more than 40 hp (30 KW).
• Only persons 16 years of age or older can operate a personal watercraft (PWC) regardless of supervision.

Do I need a card to rent a boat?
No. When renting a boat however you will be required to complete a rental check list in order to full under this ruling. This check sheet will go through pertinent safety information and give you an understanding of safe operation. This is a standard form that is approved by Transport Canada and can be found on their website and should also be available at the facility from which you are renting the vessel.

Well, that is the Cole's notes version. If you have any specific questions that weren't answered here please feel free to contact us or check out the Transport Canada website http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/

Safe travels!

Boat Tops and Covers- Protect your investment

Hey! Its Deb from Lakeside Sewing, next door to Buckeye. We work with Buckeye to help keep you and your beautiful boats protected from the elements. Keeping your boat covered while not in use will help the interior stay clean and free from dirt and dust, tree sap and bird droppings as well as the powerful uv rays from the sun. Although most boats today are made with excellent uv resistant materials, continous exposure will eventually damage the fibres and threads, allowing moisture to eventually seep into the foam and the understructure. Exposure to drastic temperature change and excessive moisture can also harm the seats and carpet. Mold, mildew, and even moss can grow in those dirty damp conditions creating a nasty looking (and smelling) cockpit. Keeping your boat covered will lessen the upkeep time and costs. Taking a few extra minutes to cover up after a fun day on the water and when leaving the boat for any period of time will pay off in the long run. So think about having a custom cover made that will keep the inside dry and clean and looking beautiful for years to come.

five reasons why you should not to use your Personal Line of credit to pay for your boat

Here are some of the top reasons why you should not use your Personal Credit Line when purchasing a boat from your Finance Specialist at Buckeye Marine.

1. Floating interest rate that fluctuates with Prime: variable payment. Unknown interest rate and unknown term.
2. Credit lines should be left for Emergency or Investment Opportunity.
3. Secured Lines of Credit are secured by your home. Default of payment for any reason allows the bank to foreclose and take your home. Banks consider a line of credit a second mortgage.
4. Fixed term with Dealership allow you to pay off loan at any time, trade earlier, and save money. Open Loan .
5. terms of repayment are not designed for recreational purchases due to depreciation and the elongated / open ended term of the loan. Dealership financing provided fixed payment easier to budget.

If you would like more information regarding Finance & Insurance please contact Shirley Kimble-Grills at our toll free number 1-877-811-2628 ext 226.

This information is accurate to the best of our ability,and applies in the Canadian market, for further information on the subject please contact your local banking institution.

Great Savings On Water Toys

Hey Everyone, Tia Here from Buckeye Accessories Dept.
Just wanted to let you in on some water toys that we have discounted 40% off. These toys are on at such a great price because their packaging is slightly damaged but the toys in side are brand new! These are available on a first come first served basis and they won't last long!

Here is what we've got...
Sportsstuff: Wake Ryder Reg. $284.60
Bandwagon 1+1 Rider Reg. $320.00
Grandstand 1 Rider Reg. $320.00
Grandstand 2 Rider Reg. $470.00
Body Glove Side Car Reg. $259.99
Aquaglide Towable/Raft Reg. $600.00

Call Me Today to purchase as these will go very quickly: 705-738-5151 quote product code:27271 to take advantage of this great offer!

Welcome to our new and improved blog!

Thanks for joining us on our new blog site! We are looking forward to providing you lots of great boating tips and tidbits to help make your boating experience the very best that it can be. This blog is for you, our loyal boaters, so we want to give you the information that you are looking for. With this said we hope that you will give us your feedback and us your boating ask questions so that we can fill our blog with information that boaters want and need.

We look forward to hearing from you!