At Hall’s we carry a full line of boating equipment, everything from bumpers to boat hooks, anchors, aluminum ladders, and marine antennas. Skis, sonar, and shore power cords. For the avid fisherman or woman we have low-tech fishing nets and high-tech fish finders! Among our most popular items are anchors, tubes, pontoon fenders and flares. And don’t forget the life jackets!
Hall’s Sport Center carries the latest models from the industry leaders in the boating industry. They inclide Bennington, Four Winns, Scarab, and Wellcraft. We also carry a large selection of used boats.
At our Grand Haven location we have added a marina where you can rent a slip for the summer and be on the water anytime with great admities.
At Hall’s we carry a full line of boating equipment, everything from bumpers to boat hooks, anchors, aluminum ladders, and marine antennas. Skis, sonar, and shore power cords. For the avid fisherman or woman we have low-tech fishing nets and high-tech fish finders! Among our most popular items are anchors, tubes, pontoon fenders and flares. And don’t forget the life jackets!
There’s more to anchoring than just throwing out a big metal hook at the end of a line. There are actually several types of anchors (fluke, mushroom, plough, etc.) and you want to choose the right one for the type of boating you do and the bottom conditions that include rock, clay, grass, mud, sand, shoal and coral.
Talk to us about your boating environment and we’ll be happy to advise you on the proper anchor for your boat.
Also known as a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), life jackets or life vests are not only essential safety items for your boat, they’re required by law in all states although the specifics vary, and they must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Michigan law requires one PFD for every person on board and they must be the appropriate size for your passengers. They must be in serviceable condition and easily accessible. Children under age 6 must wear their PFD at all times when riding on board. There are several types of PFDs to choose from, including inherently buoyant or inflatable, and you’ll want to know how to select the appropriate style and sizes for your family members. Hall’s can help you decide which type of life jackets or vests will best suit your needs.
If you have a recreational power boat longer than 16’, federal law requires that your boat be equipped with some type of U.S. Coast Guard approved Visual Distress Signal (VDS). Among the most common are navigational flares. The three basic types include the handheld flare, the parachute or rocket flare, and the smoke canister.
Talk with our knowledgeable staff about any of these common flares to determine which type and how many you’ll need for safe boating and peace of mind.
These are only a few of the accessories that are available at Hall’s Sports Center. For an even bigger selection of any accessory you can think of, from deck chairs to dry bags to hydraulic jack plates, check our online catalog. Make your boating life easy, convenient, and fun with all the right equipment!
We recommend that you use a few basic accessories and docking methods to secure your boat safely at its mooring. Among them are:
First, make sure the cleats on your boat are made of strong metal and that they’re firmly attached to your deck. The best boat cleats are made from aluminum, stainless steel, or bronze, as opposed to plated ‘white-metal’ cleats. For small boats, plastic cleats are acceptable.
Cleats should be through-bolted with locknuts and washers to handle both the axial and vertical stress. Using a backing plate diffuses the load and can minimize the potential for stress cracks in the deck. Decks with laminated backing material or made of plywood-core can go without a backing plate.
The size of the cleats should be able to handle at least two lines that are the appropriate diameter for your boat. Cleats with four-bolt feet, a narrow-waist horn, and rounded form not only mount strongly, they help the line snug up and reduce any potential for chafing the lines. If you need advice on your cleats, Hall’s is ready to help.
Dock lines made of the right material and the correct diameter for the size of your boat are critical for keeping your boat safe in your absence. Dock lines must be sturdy enough to handle the stress without breaking; durable enough to withstand the heat and UV exposure from sunlight and constant exposure to water; and pliable enough to handle easily without kinking.
When choosing your dock lines, first consider the type of docking or rafting that you do most often. Do you primarily go out for day trips and then come back to your slip at the end of the day? Or do you take extended, overnight trips where you have to tie up to temporary mooring or tie off of other boats? There’ll be much more stress and demand on your lines if you do the latter.
You also may want to have two sets of dock lines: one set to keep at your dock site and another set to keep on board for use when you’re away from your home mooring. Of course, you’ll need safe, secure storage when you leave your home port so your dock lines can’t be stolen. Top quality dock lines are as good as gold in the boating world.
The two most popular materials for dock lines are nylon and polypropylene. Nylon lines are strong, they can ‘give’ and flex under the load to absorb energy and stress, and they’re fairly inexpensive. They’re also durable, resisting the long term effects of UV rays and water well. The two most common types of nylon dock lines are Laid and Braid construction.
Laid line is made with three or more twisted strands of nylon. It’s very strong and resists snagging and abrasion. However it can be difficult to coil due to kinking. Braided line is made from many small strands, so it’s very strong and very flexible, and resists chafing from cleats and pilings.
Polypropylene lines are commonly used for towing skiers, tubes, wakeboards, and dinghies. It floats so it’s perfect for water sports like these, as well as other marine activities. However, even though polypropylene is nearly as strong as nylon, it doesn’t resist the effect of the sun’s UV rays. It will disintegrate visibly after awhile, so you’ll have to replace it far more frequently than nylon.
Your dock lines must be the correct diameter to handle the stress they’ll endure when your boat is tied to its mooring. As a general rule:
If your boat has significant freeboard or is heavier than usual, you might choose the next larger diameter than normal just to be safe. As a good rule of thumb, your dock lines should be equal to two-thirds the length of your boat, e.g., if your boat is 30’ long, your dock lines should be 20’ long.
For normal conditions a bow line and a stern line are sufficient, supplemented by at least two spring lines. If you’re going to be away from your boat for long periods, make the lines a little longer rather than snug to allow for changing tides and turbulent waters during storms.
Here at Hall’s, we carry dock lines of various materials, lengths, and diameters, and we can help you choose the right lines for your boat and your type of boating.
Having the right dock lines isn’t enough. You have to use them effectively. Tying your boat to a cleat or piling isn’t difficult, but an incorrect tie can expose your boat to damage. And nothing looks worse than a sloppy, haphazard tie! Learn to tie the standard Cleat Hitch, which is nothing more complicated than wrapping the line around the base of the cleat and then looping it around the cleat horns in a basic ‘figure 8’; and then inverting the last loop, tucking the tail length of the line underneath. This way, the pull of the boat actually tightens the hitch.
If you’re tying your boat to a piling, you’ll want to use a Clove Hitch, which employs the same principle as the Cleat Hitch. You create a loop and drop it over the piling, snugging it tight. Then create a second loop but this time, you invert the loop so that the tail of the line is underneath, then drop it over the piling and snug it down next to the first loop. Like the Cleat Hitch, the inverted loop ensures that the hitch tightens when the boat pulls against your line. This is a quick, easy tie to use if you’re docking for a short time, but for more permanent mooring, you’ll want to use a more secure tie, like a Double Half Hitch. Any one of our friendly, experienced staff at Hall’s will be happy to show you how.
Bumpers and fenders both serve the same purpose, to protect your boat from damage by rubbing or bumping against a dock or against other boats when several boats are tied together
Bumpers are cushions or pads secured to the dock. Their location depends on the type of dock, how it’s used, and what type of boat you have. If you have a floating dock or if the pilings are underneath, you should mount edge bumpers on the dock to protect your boat’s hull. If your dock has exposed pilings, you’ll need to put bumpers on the pilings to go with some protective edge bumpers.
The style of bumpers can vary from specialty-molded, composite materials that look sleek and high-tech, to something as simple as old tires hanging off the pilings and sides of the dock – which is actually a very traditional nautical look.
There are two basic types of fenders: inflatable and non-inflatable. Inflatable fenders are made with a soft, vinyl shell with an inflatable bladder (or bag) inside. Usually they’re cylindrical or spherical, and come in a variety of colors, but the most popular is white. You can inflate them to be as hard or as soft as necessary using a hand pump, other hand or foot operated pumps, an air compressor, or a service station air pump depending on the make of your fenders. Initially, you should Inflate them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Non-inflatable fenders are made of molded plastic or closed-cell foam. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are more versatile than inflatable cylindrical fenders. They’re popular with pontoon boats, as well as fishing and bass boats, and ski boats that all sit low in the water.
Whatever you do, don’t stint on your boat fenders and dock bumpers. You have a considerable investment in your boat and it can be severely damaged if your fenders or bumpers aren’t adequate! Also, remember to hang your fenders over the side when you start idling toward the dock before you get too near. And when you head out to open water, be sure to pull them up and stow them away. Otherwise, you’ll look like a boating ‘newbie’ when you’re cruising down the lake with your fenders blowing in the breeze.
If you have any questions, talk to us here at Hall’s. We carry a full line of bumpers and fenders and we’ll help you ensure that your boat is protected to the max.
At Hall’s we carry a full line of boating equipment, everything from bumpers to boat hooks, anchors, aluminum ladders, and marine antennas. Skis, sonar, and shore power cords. For the avid fisherman or woman we have low-tech fishing nets and high-tech fish finders! Among our most popular items are anchors, tubes, pontoon fenders and flares. And don’t forget the life jackets!
Boating emergencies not only can happen to your watercraft, they can happen to your passengers, as well. If you’re going on an extended cruise with guests, it’s wise to be informed of any major medical conditions they’re dealing with. If any of their health problems are serious, it may be wiser to forego the trip, especially if weather conditions aren’t ideal.
First, we help you narrow down your choices by deciding what type of boating you want to do! We ask questions like:
Once we determine what your ideal day on the water looks like, that will tell us what type of boat you should consider, be it a powerful, fast bowrider, a spacious, comfortable pontoon, a cabin deck boat, or a fully-outfitted fisherman.
The next factor we’ll help you hone in on is how much you want to spend on your new boat. With our great prices, and fast, easy financing, you’ll be surprised at how much boat will fit your budget. You’re sure to find your ideal top quality new or used boat in our huge selection of top brands, including Four Winns, Manitou, Scarab, Wellcraft, Bennington, and more!
When you’ve finally found your perfect boat and are ready to buy, our top financing professionals will take you through the paperwork quickly and smoothly, so there’s no stress, no fuss, and no surprises! Often, we can complete the entire process and have you on the water in your new boat the very same day! So come in and see us at any of our three convenient locations so you can enjoy your very own boat as soon as possible!
Pontoon and tritoon boats have become increasingly popular in recent years. Their unique design gives them several distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other watercraft and have made them very popular.
The tubes, or pontoons they ride on give them substantial stability on the water, and they have large deck areas that make them spacious and that can accommodate both a variety of deck furnishings and several passengers.
They’re also well-suited for fishing, providing comfortable seating and they can accommodate many types of fishing accessories like high-tech fish finders and a variety of fishing rod holders.
Due to their unique design, spacious decks, and increased stability, pontoons and tritoons make the ideal choice for several different boating activities.
In the past ten years or so that pontoon boats have risen in popularity, they have proven to be very economical to own and operate. Their design makes the deck and furnishings easier to clean and maintain, and they use less fuel than traditional power boats. The only real maintenance demand will be to clean the algae off the pontoons regularly to maintain their performance on the water. Since demand for these types of boats has risen over the years, they hold their value better than other types of boats, making them a good investment.
Ongoing costs will include things like monthly payments if your pontoon is financed, insurance coverage, registration, docking, and storage fees, as well as engine maintenance and servicing. Advances in design and manufacturing have reduced ownership maintenance costs significantly.
After our discussion on the specific characteristics of pontoon and tritoon boats, you can imagine that they are popular with a wide array of buyers. Among them are:
Thinking about a pontoon or tritoon boat for you and your family? At Hall’s we carry the top brands from Manitou and Bennington, two of the best manufacturers in the world. Come in and see them for yourself. Any one of them would make a great investment in your family’s boating fun!
The alternative to pontoons and tritoons is the traditional speedboat or powerboat. These boats are incredibly popular among boating enthusiasts with many makes and models to choose from. On the whole, they deliver more performance on the water than a pontoon or tritoon in terms of speed and handling, especially in rough water. Many boaters also prefer the line and aesthetics of power boats. They look sleek and sexy, where a pontoon or tritoon lacks the same kind of dramatic lines and visual appeal. While originally constructed with steel or wooden hulls, fiberglass has replaced these substances as the material of choice due to its strength, durability, and ease of manufacturing.
The three most popular types of pleasure boats to choose from for water sports today are the bowrider, the deck boat, and the jet boat.
The bowrider is very popular for many boaters from the novice to the very experienced. They’re versatile and highly maneuverable. Bowriders are designed with an open bow area forward of the helm that has extra seating (hence the name). Most bowriders are 17′ to 30’ long. They’re powered by either an inboard/outboard or an outboard engine and are popular for:
Bowriders are a good choice for smaller families and those new to boating.
Deck boats are usually between 25’ to 35’ long, making them an excellent choice for larger families and more extensive boating activities. They have wider bows, a wide beam, and a V-shaped hull (or a tri-hull-type configuration up front that transitions into a V shape amidships) which provides for crisper turns and better handling in rough water than a pontoon boat. Some deck boats also employ a catamaran hull design. Their abundant deck space offers lots of room, as well as ample storage and seating for families and friends. Powered by an outboard or an inboard/outboard engine, they’re made with fiberglass, although some are made with aluminum. Their size and speed make them versatile enough for an array of activities, including:
While jet boats used to be considered an undersized bowrider or an oversized personal watercraft (PWC), today they’re full-sized and include practically all the amenities of many inboard/outboard boats. Instead of the standard propeller, jet boats have single or multiple jet drives (an impeller built into the hull in a recessed cavity) for propulsion. At around 14’ to 24’ long, these boats are generally used for many popular water sports, such as:
They’re highly maneuverable, even in shallow water since they have no exposed propeller that can be damaged on rocks or shallow lake bottoms. They’re fast, responsive, and fun to drive, providing the best handling of any power boat at high speeds.
You can spend anywhere from $17,000 to $150,000 for a 30’ bowrider, depending on the features and amenities you want. You can find them from less than 20’ long with minimal equipment and accessories to 30’-plus luxury models with a cabin amidships, a berth, and an inside head. Modern manufacturing has reduced the maintenance requirements of these power boats, but you’ll still need to change your engine’s oil every 50 to 100 hours. If you’re in Michigan, you’ll need to winterize your boat, as well as perform spring prep. Some experts suggest you plan on between $1,000 to $2,000 a year for maintenance costs, depending on the age and requirements of your boat. Ongoing costs will include your monthly payment, your insurance, your registration fee, as well as storage and winterizing expenses.
Depending on the size and the amenities included, you’ll pay anywhere between $16,000 to over $100,000 for a luxury deck boat. Like most other boats, you should plan on changing your engine’s oil every 50 to 100 hours, depending on the type of oil you use (fossil or synthetic) and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Experts also advise you change to your gearcase fluid every 100 hours. That’s also a good time to inspect the thermostat, fuel filter, anodes, drive belts, and spark plugs. When you reach 300 hours of use, you should replace things like drive belts, spark plugs, and the rubber water pump impeller.
Monthly costs can include your payment (if you financed your deck boat), insurance, and fuel (during boating season). Other costs will encompass any maintenance performed, storage fees, and your boating registration fee.
Prices on a new jet boat range from around $21,000 to around $66,000. You’ll also need standard boat insurance and storage. Expect to change your oil every 50 to 100 hours as the manufacturer recommends and depending on whether you use regular engine oil or synthetic. You’ll also need a professional inspection of your fuel filter, thermostat, anodes, drive belts, and spark plugs. Like any sterndrive (I/O) or inboard power boat, you’ll have regular costs that include your monthly payment (if you financed your jet boat), fuel, insurance, your boating registration fee, and storage fee.
Due to their generally smaller size, bowriders are popular with new boaters and young or small families that enjoy towable water sports, day cruising, and fishing. For even more specialized water activities, many manufacturers produce a bowrider that is either distinctly designed and equipped for towable water sports, or designed and outfitted specifically for fishing.
Because they’re larger in size, as a rule, and have lots of deck room and seating, deck boats are well-suited to larger families, experienced boaters, and older boaters. They’re very comfortable which makes them perfect for day cruises, extended fishing trips, and pretty much every popular water sport.
Jet boats are smaller and designed for speed and maneuverability, with greater fuel economy. Today’s models also have much better slow speed maneuverability, useful when docking. As such, they’re a popular choice for younger boaters who enjoy speed and performance for faster skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and more. They’re perfect for open water swimming, a favorite activity of young boaters.
At Hall’s we carry a large selection of bowriders, deck boats, and jet boats from the top manufacturers like Four Winns, Wellcraft, and Scarab. Come in and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. We have a passion for boating and we’ll help you discover which type of boat is best suited to your boating dreams and get you and your family on the water fast!
Always keep a close eye on your boat’s engine. It’s the most critical component of your boat and you should routinely inspect it so you can enjoy trouble-free time on the water.
Keeping your engine clean is important. You may even want to do it after every outing. A clean engine means longer life and better performance.
You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of the lake only to discover your propeller is loose, bent, or missing.
You don’t want to lose the better part of a day on the water cleaning out mold, mildew, dirt, and clutter. If you get in the habit of doing a few simple things every time you go out, you’ll spend more time on the water.
These lights are required, especially for nighttime boating
Whether securing your boat at your dock or to another boat, protective fenders and strong lines are indispensable.
There are two steps to follow when launching your boat. Following these guidelines will ensure that you can launch your boat quickly and safely, while being courteous to your fellow boaters.
Don’t pull up to the ramp and park there while you get your boat ready to launch. You’ll block other boaters who are ready to use it. It’s extremely discourteous among boaters. Instead, park your boat away from the ramp area to prep it.
When you’re boat is prepped and ready to launch, then approach the boat ramp and when it’s your turn, back the trailer into the water.
When the time comes to take your boat out of the water, be sure you have someone to spot for you, especially when dealing with a steep boat ramp. Both of you should make sure there are no other boats or pedestrians in the area. Then:
Pontoon boats have two tubes, while tritoons have three tubes for added stability and performance. Tritoon boats can support larger engines and provide a smoother ride in rougher water.
Popular pontoon features include comfortable seating, Bluetooth audio systems, shade canopies, swim platforms, and powerful outboard engines for watersports.
Yes. Many pontoon and tritoon boats with 150 horsepower or more are excellent for tubing, wakeboarding, and other water activities.
Most pontoon boats can comfortably seat 8 to 14 passengers, depending on the boat size and seating layout.
Pontoon boat speeds typically range between 20 and 40 miles per hour, depending on the size of the engine and whether the boat has two or three pontoons.
The most popular pontoon boat size is 22 feet, offering plenty of space for passengers while remaining easy to transport and dock.
Pontoon boats are popular because they provide comfort, stability, versatility, and space for entertaining family and friends on the water.
Yes. Many pontoon boats are designed for both fishing and relaxing cruises, making them one of the most versatile boats available.
Pontoon boats are ideal for Michigan lakes because they provide stability, comfortable seating, and plenty of room for families and friends.
Boating allows families to spend time together outdoors, explore lakes, swim, fish, and enjoy water sports.
West Michigan has many popular boating destinations including Lake Michigan, Spring Lake, Muskegon Lake, and numerous inland lakes.
Pontoon boats are great for cruising, swimming, fishing, tubing, sunset rides, and entertaining guests on the water.
Families often choose pontoon boats because they offer more seating space, easier boarding, and a smooth ride for relaxing lake days.
With proper care and maintenance, pontoon boats can last 20 to 30 years or more.
Most pontoon boats use engines between 90 and 250 horsepower, depending on how the boat will be used.
Yes. Pontoon boats are known for being stable, predictable, and easy to control, making them great for new boaters.
Pontoon boats handle normal lake conditions well, and tritoon boats provide even better stability and performance.
Yes. Pontoon boats are considered one of the safest boat types for families due to their wide decks and stable design.
Aluminum docks are popular because they are durable, lightweight, and easy to remove during winter months.
Most pontoon boats require lifts rated between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds, depending on the boat size.
Hydraulic boat lifts are popular because they are easy to operate, reliable, and require minimal maintenance.
Yes. Many dock systems are modular, allowing homeowners to design layouts that match their shoreline and boat size.
Most docks are installed in early spring after ice melts and removed in late fall before freezing temperatures.
Yes. Many boat dealerships offer flexible financing options with monthly payment plans.
Boat loans commonly range from 10 to 20 years depending on the boat price.
Many dealerships accept boat trade-ins that can be applied toward the purchase of a new boat.
Boat financing allows buyers to enjoy boating now while spreading payments over time.
Yes. Many financing plans allow accessories, upgrades, and warranties to be included.
Boat dealerships serving Grand Haven offer new and used pontoon boats along with service and financing options.
West Michigan has several boat dealerships offering pontoon boats, recreational boats, docks, lifts, and service.
Marine service centers in Muskegon provide maintenance, repairs, and seasonal service for many boat types.
Many marine dealers offer dock installation and waterfront equipment services.
Boat lifts are available through marine dealers specializing in dock and lift systems designed for Michigan lakes.
Pontoon boats are often considered the best boats for relaxing because they provide comfortable seating, shade, and plenty of room to socialize.
Pontoon boats are ideal for entertaining because they have open seating layouts and plenty of deck space.
Pontoon boats are perfect for sunset cruises thanks to their smooth ride and comfortable seating arrangements.
Yes. Pontoon boats are widely considered one of the easiest boats for beginners to operate.
Pontoon boats combine comfort, stability, and versatility, making them perfect for families and relaxing days on the water.
Look for a dealership with strong customer reviews, knowledgeable staff, and a reliable service department.
Common boating essentials include life jackets, sunscreen, water, snacks, and safety equipment.
Start by checking weather conditions, ensuring safety equipment is onboard, and reviewing basic boating rules.
Many buyers shop during spring and early summer, when dealerships have the largest inventory available.
West Michigan offers beautiful lakes, scenic coastlines, and excellent boating conditions throughout the summer.
Popular accessories include Bluetooth sound systems, comfortable seating upgrades, swim ladders, and shade canopies.
Common upgrades include larger engines, lighting packages, upgraded seating, and advanced electronics.
Providing shade, comfortable seating, music, and refreshments can make a day on the water more enjoyable.
Great boating days include relaxing cruises, swimming, tubing, and spending time with family and friends.
Local dealerships provide service support, knowledgeable staff, and ongoing assistance throughout boat ownership.