Monday, April 15, 2013

Boats and Bikes

If you've ever considered bringing a bike on board for getting around when you visit various ports, this article from Knots and Boats is for you... 

Getting Around Town
By Peter Kozodoy, Knots and Boats

The first-mate and I are explorers - not only on the water, but at our destinations as well. I would bet good money that it's just in a true boater's personality to want to investigate the world at every chance!

We have had good luck in the past being able to walk around our destinations with varying degrees of ease. However, we have admittedly chosen our vacation spots based partly on that criteria to begin with. With impending trips to more spread-out locales, it's time to explore some options for getting around town more efficiently than just hoofing it. (continues after the pic...)

Bikes and boats
Photo courtesy of City of Charleston, SC, via USA.gov


Getting Around Town: Bikes and Scooters on Boats

Paul and Melanie Halvachs wrote a great article on general bike options, as they pertain to boats, which I highly recommend. This will give you a good overview of the types of bikes, basically dependent on wheel size and durability. In fact, I've gone ahead and picked out one of the best folding-bike buys out there today, based on usability and reviews: I-PED 26-inch Folding Bike on Amazon.

But what if you don't even have enough space for a folding bike, which still takes up 31"x35"x11", plus another one for the first-mate?  Well there's a solution for that too - albeit, a more athletic one.

For years now, personal kick-scooters have been slowly evolving to meet various demands of local transportation. There are now electric models that can propel you on fat, stable tires over varying terrain with ease. For those out there with severe space constraints, and who don't mind getting a little exercise, try the KickPed Kick Scooter.

Check out this video, and you'll see why they ask what some might consider an exorbitant price for a scooter:



So, basically you're buying an indestructible piece of equipment that will surely fit in any small space you can find on your boat. For a short jaunt between, let's say, Montauk harbor and Montauk town center, this might be just the solution to expedite your travel without having to hail a cab.

All of these options depend greatly on your personal preference for exercise. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, make sure you wear a helmet and bring a lock to keep your equipment secure while you're having a croissant in the town bakery. But don't wear a helmet if you choose to hail a cab - if you do, you might have some trouble getting one to stop for you!

Knots and Boats is a blog about the fundamental building blocks of a Captain in the Making. Follow author Peter Kozodoy as he learns about the maritime world.  Follow KnotsandBoats online! Twitter: @knotsandboats, Facebook: facebook.com/KnotsandBoats, Pinterest: pinterest.com/knotsandboats and at knotsandboats.com

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