Gatto Cycle Shop and Marine Center Blog

Pontoons and Fishing boats for sale in Pittsburgh

Gatto Cycle Shop is bringing back G3 fishing boats in 2023. With the opening of its new Marine Center in Tarentum, the powersports and bicycle store now becomes a Pittsburgh Marine Center and Pittsburgh Boat Dealer as well.

New General Manager Dennis Peters says, "We are incredibly excited to be bringing back G3 Fishing Boats to Gatto Cycle Shop."

G3 boats are built with extra durability to limit their wear and tear. This makes it the perfect brand for any boater who wants to save money while maintaining quality. G3 offers premium pontoons that you can find at Gatto Cycle Marine Center, but the company is most known for their fishing boats. G3 fishing boats deliver outstanding hull durability, engine reliability, and cabin space. The extra space is particularly essential as all great fishermen know just how important things like a livewell, fishing gear, and rod storage can be for a great fishing trip on the water. That's why G3 fishing boats give you room for all of those things and more.

Gatto Cycle Marine Center will focus on Pittsburgh pontoons, jet skis, wave runners, fishing boats, and boat trailers. Brands at the marine center include Yamaha Starcraft and G3 Suncatcher. Currently, Gatto Cycle Shop has more new pontoons for sale in Pittsburgh than just about any other boat dealer.

Gatto Cycle Service Department is also now fully equipped to service pontoons and boats along with personal watercraft, such as jet skis and wave runners, in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Gatto's Parts Department is fully equipped with a vast variety of boating accessories. This provides one-stop shopping for your convenience. If you don’t see what you need, just ask!  Gatto's experienced staff will do their best to find what you are looking for.

 

 

What Do I Need For My Pontoon Boat?

Pontoons have improved vastly over recent years. They were once known as simply a boat that you could slowly cruise with, but have adapted to so many more uses. This blog will help you determine whether the pontoon is the right boat for you, and if so, what you will need to bring with you on your boat before you get out onto the water.

What is a pontoon boat good for?

Fishing - There are now pontoon fishing boats, complete with accessories and considerations for proper angling. The pontoon boat is also extremely stable, making it an ideal boat for fishing with the whole family.

Family-Friendly - Pontoon boats are great for family members of all ages. The deck makes boarding and exiting the boat easy as it sits level with the pier making it wheelchair accessible, The high rails aide in safety on the water for kids, pets, and more. And finally, there is tons of storage space for any and all personal belongings.

Easy Cleanup and Maintenance - Pontoon seating is fitted with marine vinyl, which is made to withstand outdoor elements and just needs a good wipe down after each use. The flooring and exterior are easily hosed down and cleaned. Depending on how often you use the boat, you’re looking at one or two service appointments a year. Keep in mind, however, winterizing your pontoon once the season is over is a must.

Keep Dry - Because of the higher profile of pontoons and being further away from the water, you will stay dry far more than you will on a boat that rides lower and closer to the water. Pontoons are designed with wave tamers and spray fins to aide in eliminating splash when hitting waves.

Watersports - You can partake in some watersports with your pontoon. Pontoons are great for skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing because they put off a small wake. Keep in mind, participants in all of these types of activities are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket. Inflatable life jackets are not acceptable for anyone towed behind a boat. Persons engaged in barefoot, jump or trick skiing, or wake surfing may elect to wear, at their own risk, a wetsuit designed specifically for that activity. In addition to the operator, a competent observer must be in the boat in a position to observe the progress of the person being towed. A competent observer is a person who has the ability to assess when a person being towed is in trouble, knows
and understands hand signals, and is capable of helping the person being towed.

What will you need for your new pontoon?

If you've decided the pontoon is the boat for you, there are a few supplies you'll need to bring onboard with you. If you're in PA, make sure to check out the Pennsylvania Boating Handbook. There are a limited number of hardcopies available for free at Gatto Cycle Parts Department.

Required By Law:

1. Life Vests (For every person on board, and they must all fit. Life jackets should be inspected regularly for tears and damage. If damage is present, do not repair the life jacket. Throw it away. Repairs to a life jacket may be the weak spot that causes a drowning.)
2. Life Preserver
3. Proper navigation lighting (All boats must show required running lights between the hours of sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog and heavy rain.)
4. Boating License, Insurance and Registration
5. Visual Distress Signals (In Pennsylvania, VDS devices are required only for boats operating on Lake Erie.)
6. Dock Line and Rope
7. Fire Extinguisher
8. Boat Numbering (Boats propelled by machinery and electric motors must be numbered, regardless of length and type of motor.)
9. Running Lights (All boats must show required running lights between the hours of sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog and heavy rain)
10. Sound-producing Devices (Motorboats less than 65 feet in length must carry some mechanical means of making a sound signal. This device may be hand-, mouth-, or power operated.)
11. Muffling Device (Boat motors must be equipped with an efficient muffling system or device in good working order. Most boats and motors that come directly from the manufacturer are adequately muffled.)

Items Highly Recommended But Not Required:

1. Boat Hook
2. Depth Finder
3. First Aid Kit
4. Jump Box and Tow Rope
(in case you run out of gas)
5. Chart Plotter
6. Extra Boat Key (and floats on your keys in case they get dropped in the water)
7. Portable Battery Jumper
8. Small Emergency Tool Kit with Spare Spark Plugs
9. Paddle/Oars
10. Long Arm Net
11. Extra Fuses and Bulbs
12. Bucket
13. Cooler
14. Flashlight
15. Towels (Paper or Material)
16. Pocket Knife
17. Binoculars (waterproof)
18. Radio or fully charged cellphone
19. Whistle
20. Line and Anchor

21. Dock Lines
22. Sunscreen and Sunglasses
23. Fenders
24. Gas Can
25. Charts and Compass

Gatto Cycle Shop has expanded their Marine Center to offer pontoons, tritoons, fishing boats, fishing pontoons, personal watercraft, and marine supplies and parts. Located at 117 E 7th Ave. Tarentum, PA 15084, call 724-22-GATTO or go online to GattoCycle.com. Gatto Cycle Service can also perform maintenance and upgrades on your boats and personal watercraft.

 

Gatto Cycle Shop offers Pontoons For Sale near Pittsburgh

As of 2022, Gatto Cycle Shop at 117 E 7th Avenue in Tarentum now sells pontoons near the Pittsburgh area. So far, Gatto Cycle Shop stocks G3 Suncatcher Pontoons and Starcraft Pontoons. If you're looking for Pontoons for sale near Pittsburgh, we've got you covered!

Since Gatto Harley-Davidson on 6th Avenue of Tarentum merged with Three Rivers Harley-Davidson on Glenn Avenue in Glenshaw, the Gatto HD store has been empty. However, moving forward, Gatto Cycle Shop will be taking over the Gatto H-D building to bring you the Gatto Cycle Shop Marine Center, a one stop shop for watercraft including jet skis, waverunners, pontoons, and parts and accessories for sale near Pittsburgh.

Gatto Cycle Shop stocks new and used jet skis and wave runners from brands like Sea-Doo, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and more. Whether you're looking for a one-passenger jet ski, two-passenger jet ski, or three-passenger jet ski, Gatto Cycle has you covered. You can shop jet skis for all skill levels, from novice to expert. Either visit our website at GattoCycle.com or call 724-22-GATTO to learn about our pontoons, wave runners, and jet skis for sale in Western Pennsylvania.

Looking for a trailer? Gatto Cycle Shop also stocks trailers for pontoons and watercraft for sale.

 

How to Choose the Best ATV for Your Kid

The first step is reading the reviews. There is so much to be said about other parents’ experiences. Plus, they don’t tend to sugar-coat their responses. This is especially true when it comes to their kids and if they’re unhappy or dissatisfied with the product. I also compared the features to the price point, because no one wants to overpay for a product, regardless of what they’re buying.

Consider these points when buying a youth ATV for your kids:

  • Consider their age, size, and weight.
  • Determine if a battery or fuel is best for your children.
  • Ask about safety and security features.
  • Determine if your kids have the appropriate equipment.
  • Consider the speeds at which the ATV for kids will travel.

Is the four-wheeler age appropriate?

Kids’ four-wheelers and ATVs come in different sizes designed with a specific age range and weight capacity in mind. Size matters. You must find an ATV that fits your child’s size and weight to avoid injury to the rider. To learn about the appropriate size for your child, read on.

What type of engine does it have?

Gas-powered engines are typically identified with a number followed by cc. CC stands for cubic centimeters. Most kids’ ATVs are 110cc engines. The size of the engine, we’ll go with the 110cc as an example here, refers to the total volume of air and fuel pushed through the engine by the cylinders. This is measured in cubic centimeters; therefore, a 110cc engine can displace 110 cubic centimeters of this air-fluid mixture.

Battery-operated four-wheelers usually come with either a single 24-volt battery or two 12-volt batteries, depending on the model.

Gas-powered ATVs are more durable and tend to last longer, even if used in difficult terrain. Reliability. A four-wheeler run by electricity can't go on a long trip as its power is limited; fully charged, it can go five miles, or perhaps more, before its charge runs out. However, a gas-powered ATV is more complicated because the assembly is slightly more advanced. It may require additional maintenance and concerns about servicing frequently. On the other hand, electric ATV’s are more economic and cost-effective. However, these ATV’s are not ideal for children over 12 years old. In that case, a gas ATV may be a more sensible choice. But to get an electric ATV at a young age has many benefits, like developing fine-motor-skills at a young age and becoming more self-aware. Since the handling is pretty much the same, as your kids grow older, you may want to invest in a gas ATV.

Does it have safety features?

It is important to have safety features on a kids' ATV. It’s also a good idea to find one that comes with a safety plug or a kill switch. Some might even have a roll bar, seat belts, a protective engine cover, or a speed limiting device.

How fast will the ATV go?

Speed is important when considering a youth ATV. You don’t want your riders getting on an ATV that will go faster than they can handle. They might lose control of the vehicle, possibly running into a structure or another person, or get thrown off and injured themselves.

What Age Is a 50cc or 70cc ATV For?

If you're looking for a gas ATV versus a battery powered ATV, the 50cc and the 70cc are for ages 6 to 11 years old. They are small size is light weight and come with automatic transmission, perfect for young riders while learning.

What age is an 89cc ATV for?

The 70-90cc four-stroke engines in models such as KAWASAKI KFX 90 produce smooth and predictable power, making it ideal for new riders ages 12 to 15.

What Age Is a 110cc ATV For?

Over 90cc is typically for children 16 years and older. Models such as the 2021 KAYO STORM 180 are perfect for these older youth riders.

What Age Is a 124cc ATV For?

At times, the manufacturer recommends different ages for engine size. The 124cc in models such as the KAYO PREDATOR 125 or KAYO BULL 125 are perfect for riders 10 and up. The 2021 KYMCO MXU 270I EURO and the 2021 KYMCO MXU 270I EURO have an age recommendation of 14 and up. Be sure to research the model and recommended age range. They can vary. Also be sure your youth can handle a higher cc range safely. This will depend on their skill level and experience.

What Age Is a 180cc ATV For?

177cc-200cc 180cc in models such as the 2021 KAYO BULL 180 or the 2021 KAYO JACKAL 200 deliver great power for teenagers and even adults.

Educate Your Kid

More importantly, you want to educate your child about outdoor safety and handling powersports vehicles.

Be sure you encourage them to wear proper gear when riding and to always ride under the supervision of an adult. Make sure they stick to the designated trails, control their speed, and avoid taking risks or going too fast.

Safety Tips for Kids on an ATV

It is important to educate your kids and yourself before they get onto their new ATV. Below are a few tips for every parent of a young rider.

  • Always, always be sure your children are wearing a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet. These helmets should include a safety visor or face shield. The appropriate helmets should be designed for motorcycle use. A bicycle helmet is in no way, shape, or form acceptable for ATV riding. Your kids should also have sturdy shoes and protective, reflective clothing. If there is no face shield or visor on the helmet, make sure they are wearing goggles to protect their eyes.
  • Unless the ATV vehicle has two seats, your kids should never ride double. Passengers can make the vehicle unstable and hard to control.
  • Never let your child ride an adult four-wheeler. These can reach speeds up to 80 miles per hour, sometimes more. The size and high speed of make them too dangerous for youth.
  • Don’t let your kids ride their ATV on public roads. Not only are these products not designed to ride on the street, but many places in the United States also forbid ATVs on the roadways without being properly registered and licensed.
  • Another safety tip to consider is nighttime riding. You need to make sure your kids are always using reflectors, lights, or flags when riding. This is especially important if it’s early morning or getting late in the day.
  • Pay attention to the details. Choose a kids ATV with safety features such as a seat belt, roll bar, engine covers, kill switch, and a speed control device.

We hope these tips will help you make a confident and educated purchase of a youth ATV for your kid.

Gatto Cycle Shop is stocked with youth ATVs for your young rider. Visit us at 117 E 7th Ave Tarentum, PA 15084 or call us at 724-22-GATTO. Gatto Cycle Shop serves Tarentum, Pittsburgh, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Plum, Natrona Heights, Fox Chapel, Kittaning, and beyond.

 

How Do I Winterize My ATV, UTV, or Motorcycle?

The easiest way to Winterize your Motorcycle is to consider storing it with Gatto Cycle Shop's Winter Storage. Space is limited as well as first come first serve. But, for one low price, you can store your motorcycle or trike at Gatto Cycle Shop in Tarentum, PA this winter.

Gatto Cycle Shop's Winter Storage starts on October 1st and runs through April 1st. You can sign your motorcycle or trike up for winter storage in between those two dates. While it's here, we will give it a secure storage, bike cover, 25 point inspection, and tender rotation. When you come to pick up your bike in April, it will be ready to ride for Spring.

However, if you choose not to store your bike at Gatto, or if you cannot get a spot, or if you are looking to store something bigger like an ATV or UTV, we want to share some helpful tips for winterizing your vehicle.

Here's how to winterize your ATV, UTV

1. Check Your Fuel Tank/Carburetor

One of the critical aspects of winterizing a powersports vehicle is tending to its fuel tank and carburetor. Make sure you empty the fuel tank by letting the engine run until there’s no gas left. This will prevent your fuel from becoming stale during storage.

2. Detach the Battery

Next, you want to detach your battery and put it on a battery tender when storing your powersports vehicle. This will prevent it from dying and help prolong its lifespan. Battery tenders are easily purchased at Gatto Cycle Shop's Parts Department.

3. Replace Air Filter

You must service the air filter when winterizing your powersports vehicle. When doing so, replace the old filter and block the inlet ports to the air box. This will help prevent small critters from entering. Make sure you remove these blocks when you bring your vehicle out of storage.

4. Tend to Your Tires

Allowing your powersports vehicle to sit on its tires for a long time can affect them. To prevent this, try to elevate your machine and relieve some of the stress off your tires.

5. Clean & Cover

Finally, you want to clean your powersports vehicle and use a breathable cover to protect it in storage. This will keep your model ready for use when you bring it out after the cold season. Ensure there are no holes in the cover to prevent dust and moisture from creating corrosion and small abrasions to the paint.

Here's how to winterize your motorcycle

1. Top off with fuel

As you’re driving your motorcycle into the garage to park it for the season, swing by the gas station to top it off with fuel. Making sure your fuel tank is full allows for less moisture buildup on the walls of your tank which could lead to rust and, consequently, those particles being pushed through your carbs. Also, don’t forget to add a fuel stabilizer when filling your tank up. This step is very important as fuel becomes stale after sitting for a time and the heavier elements drop to the bottom of the tank which will then enter the carbs.

2. Properly store your battery

You don’t want to come back to your motorcycle in the springtime and finding out your battery is completely drained. Make sure your battery is removed from your bike and hooked up to a battery tender. Leaving your battery hooked up to your motorcycle will naturally drain your battery, but hooking it up to a battery tender will ensure the battery stays at full charge throughout the winter.

3. Deep clean your bike

Riding your motorcycle will inevitably led to bug stains and dust. Not knowing if any damage has come from these incidents, it’s best to deep clean your bike and make sure it looks like it came off the showroom floor. Using an automotive detergent along with a wash mitt, scrub down the surface of your bike making sure to remove all bug guts and dust, and finish your surface off with a wax protectant. Along with cleaning the body, lubricate all chains and moving parts with a solution like WD-40 to avoid corrosion and binding of these parts.

4. Change your oil and filter

The last thing you want to keep you from your first springtime ride is a 30-minute oil change. The easiest way to solve this problem is to do it as you’re prepping for winter storage and using a heavier 5W30 oil. Dirty oil creates deposits and these particles, when sitting over the winter months, can cause corrosion to the metal parts.

5. Top off fluids

When checking all of your motorcycle’s fluid levels, pay close attention to your antifreeze/coolant. Coming back in the spring to a cracked head is a nightmare and will cause your first ride to be delayed by a few days. To combat the possibility, top off or replace your antifreeze to prevent water corrosion or freeze damage to your coolant system.

6. Cover your Motorcycle

Finally, protect your motorcycle with a sealed covering. Making sure your motorcycle cover has no holes in it can be very important especially if you have to store your bike outside. Keeping dust and moisture away can help prevent corrosion and small abrasions to the paint. Additionally, placing a plastic bag over your air intake and exhaust pipes are a great way to lessen the possibility of mice entering into those small, warm spaces.

We hope you find this guide handy when storing your ATV or UTV. If you need more advice or assistance in winterizing your powersports vehicle, contact Gatto Cycle Shop's Service Department.