America's Boaters Speak Up Loudly: Don't Give Us More Ethanol Without Testing It First

ALEXANDRIA, Va., October 12, 2010 – In the battle to add up to 50% more ethanol to the nation’s gas supply without first providing scientific evidence it won’t harm boat engines or cause serious safety issues, America’s recreational boaters have spoken. Of the over 22,000 Americans who have emailed President Obama in the last thirteen days urging him to stop the EPA from approving the increase, BoatUS reports that nearly three-fourths of those emails are from BoatUS members and other recreational boaters.

“On the very first day there were over 11,000 emails sent to the President that were generated through the http://www.FollowTheScience.org website attributed to BoatUS members and their friends,” said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. “This shows our boat-owning membership is very worried about this issue and wants to see independent testing completed first. We hope their grassroots activism has an impact on this decision.”

A wide-ranging coalition of groups behind FollowtheScience.org created the email campaign in anticipation of the EPA’s decision — expected in just a few days — that is likely to announce the authorization of increased ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.

Why are boaters speaking out so strongly?

Large numbers of boaters have been impacted by 10% ethanol in their gasoline, which was rolled out nationwide a few years ago. A solvent, ethanol can degrade fuel systems and harm boat engines. BoatUS members have reported engine breakdowns, some leading to expensive repairs and potential safety issues. 

“Boaters have already been left holding the bag once when ethanol was introduced at 10% (E10),” said Podlich. “With no recourse, our members were forced to use a fuel that affected the reliability of their engines.”

Working on behalf of over 500,000 members, BoatUS had previously asked the EPA to see the science first. However, to date no independent testing of marine engines with the use of “mid-level” ethanol blends (up to 15%) has been completed. Most boat engine warranties are void when using ethanol beyond the 10% blend level.

BoatUS continues to urge recreational boaters or anyone with gas-powered equipment or vehicles to go to www.BoatUS.com/gov and let President Obama know your concerns about ethanol and ask him to require the EPA to complete testing and get the science first.

BoatUS is part of FollowTheScience.org, a coalition of 46 motor sports, environmental, food and citizen advocate groups asking for “science first” before the EPA allows a new fuel on the market.  BoatUS is also a member of AllSAFE, the Alliance for a Safe Alternative Fuels Environment.

Partnership Allows Boaters to Find the Lowest Price on Fuel

 ALEXANDRIA, Va. For the half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), finding fuel at the lowest price just got a lot easier thanks to a new partnership with MarineFuel.com. For a discounted annual fee, the website offers the Association’s members continually updated prices for marine diesel and marine gasoline at 2,200 fuel docks in the United States, Bahamas and Caribbean. In addition, advanced searching can help locate ethanol-free fuel, additives, discounts and specific amenities at 8,700 marinas.

“Before heading out for the day or weekend, BoatUS members can easily comparison shop online and locate the best fuel and price when they need to fill their tanks,” said David Mann, manager of the BoatUS Cooperating Marina Program. “This is a real money and time saver.”

Fuel prices are continually updated by marina operators, spotters and MarineFuel.com’s internal resources.

“With today’s technology, economy and fluctuating fuel prices, boaters are turning to online and mobile tools to manage travel logistics,” said William McKenna, MarineFuel.com’s President. “We are dedicated to providing our customers with cost-effective access to real-time fueling information.”

BoatUS members receive a 20% discount on all paid MarineFuel.com membership levels, which start at $59.50/year (before the discount). BoatUS members can visit www.MarineFuel.com/BoatUS for more information.

51st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®

Draws Visitors and Exhibitors Worldwide From Oct. 28 through Nov. 1

Largest Boat Show in The World Is the Anchor of the International Marine Community

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Hundreds of thousands of boating enthusiasts and marine industry professionals worldwide will come together October 28 through November 1, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale for the 51st annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, the largest in-water boat show in the world. The show will feature more than $3 billion worth of boats, yachts, super yachts, electronics, engines and thousands of boating accessories from every major marine manufacturer and boat builder across the globe.

The City of Fort Lauderdale lives up to its nickname as "Yachting Capital of the World" as host to the more than 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water, that the Boat Show will encompass. The show’s transportation network of bus shuttles, water taxis, and riverboats ensures attendees can easily navigate the city and its expansive waterways system.

The show spans five sites this year with exhibits ranging from yacht builders and designers to exotic cars and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will be on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary superyachts.

The Boat Show also will feature electronics, engines and thousands of marine products 
such as  fishing equipment, dive gear, financing and insurance options, yachting accessories, nautical clothing, jewelry and more.

Other activities at the Boat Show include marine seminars and youth fishing clinics presented by Hook The Future, a non-profit organization. Attendees also can enjoy refreshments and live musical entertainment at the show's floating cocktail barges and International Food Garden.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®  takes place this year at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, the Hall of Fame Marina, the Las Olas Municipal Marina, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, and the Broward County Convention Center.

To purchase tickets to the 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show®, please visit ShowManagement.com. Vendors interested in exhibiting at the Boat Show can call
(954) 764-7642 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (954) 764-7642      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (800) 940-7642 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 940-7642      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or visit ShowManagement.com, for more information.

To make travel arrangements, please contact the Boat Show's official travel partner, Identity Travel, at (866) 877-3083 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (866) 877-3083      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or visit IdentityTravel.com.

2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® Schedule and Ticket Info:

Show Hours
•    Thursday, Oct. 28 (Prime Time Preview)        10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
•    Friday, Oct. 29                        10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
•    Saturday, Oct. 30                    10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
•    Sunday, Oct. 31                        10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
•    Monday, Nov. 1                        10 a.m. – 5 p.m.


Admission
•    Prime Time Preview (Thursday, Oct. 28)        $32.00
•    General Admission (Adults)                $16.00 online, $18.00 at show site
•    Children (Ages 6-15)                    $3.00 online, $5.00 at show site
•    Children (Under age 6)                    FREE
•    Two-Day Ticket                         $32.00 online, $34.00 at show site

Onsite Box Office Locations
•    Bahia Mar Yachting Center
•    Las Olas Marina
•    Broward County Convention Center

Additional Box Office Location
•    Las Olas Riverfront

ABOUT THE FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW®:
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and managed and produced by Show Management. The 2010 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is presented by Intellian Technologies and co-sponsored by Yachts International, XM WX Weather Worx, Atlass Insurance Group, Budweiser, Seakeeper, The South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, and Hook the Future. For more information, call (954) 764-7642 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (954) 764-7642      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (800) 940-7642 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (800) 940-7642      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or visit ShowManagement.com.

BoatUS Reports Top Three Items Stolen from Boats Over the Winter

And How to Prevent an Unwanted "Visit" or Boat Theft

 ALEXANDRIA, Va.  Boats stored over the winter can be easy targets for thieves. Many boat owners don’t find out they have been a victim of theft until long after, often when spring preparations are being made. To help boaters, anglers and sailors deal with this consistent problem, the folks at BoatUS Marine Insurance have these tips for storing your boat this winter.

The top three most common items stolen from boats over the winter are:

1. Electronics: To avoid a theft, it is worth your time and energy to remove electronics and store them at home. If they are permanently installed, record ownership information including model and serial numbers.  Photos may also assist with a potential recovery or insurance claim.
2. Outboards: Small outboards should always be removed and stored in a secure location, such as your locked garage or basement. Larger outboards should have a lock installed.
3. Outdrives: Again, the best way to avoid this type of theft is to remove the unit and store in a safe location and ensure the serial number is recorded. If it will not be removed, install an outdrive lock.

The name of the game in preventing theft is deterrence — anything to make your boat or equipment less attractive to thieves is the goal. Here are some general tips:

1. If you are storing your boat away from home, ensure the yard or marina is secure with fencing and cameras.
2. If you are storing your trailerable boat at home, if possible don’t leave the trailer tongue facing the street. Block the trailer and remove the tires, storing them inside, or add wheel locks. Put a lock on the hitch receiver.
3. Adding personalized markings to equipment can help identify and recover stolen items. By making them obvious, it also makes the items less “marketable.”
4. Don’t leave your dinghy on your club’s or marina’s rack unlocked or for long periods of time.
5. Make periodic visits to your boat over the winter. If you can’t get to it, get a friend or yard worker to make a monthly visit.
6. Don’t leave liquor out in the open where it can be seen.
7. Leaving a “for sale” sign posted all winter attracts the wrong kind of attention and gives someone an excuse to get aboard and look around.
8. BoatUS members can benefit from the BoatUS Theft Protection Program.
9. What’s the most common type of boat stolen each year? Personal watercraft.
10. Don’t forget that four-legged “bandits,” such as raccoons and other critters, will enjoy your boat as much as spring breakers hitting the beach, so ensure winter covers are tight and remain securely attached. Don’t store your boat in a place that makes it easier for animals to get aboard, such as near trees or building overhangs. Cover large exhaust ports. Don’t leave a ladder affixed to the boat.

Boating Safety Starts at Home

Boating Safety Starts at Home
With New BoatUS Foundation Online Learning Center

Includes No-Cost Boating Safety Course Approved in Over 30 States

 

ALEXANDRIA, Va., October 25, 2010 – Learning about boating safety from the comfort of your own home just got a lot easier with the new BoatUS Foundation Online Learning Center at www.BoatUS.org. The website offers a no-cost online Boating Safety Course that makes learning easier and retention stronger with the use of new animations, videos and interactive activities.

The course is great for boaters or anglers who need to take a boating safety course — it’s valid proof of boater education in over 30 states — and it’s also a great option for those wanting to brush up on their boating safety.  It is designed so you can start, stop and continue where you left off at any time, making it easier to fit today’s busy schedules.

“We believe in reducing the barriers to boating,” said BoatUS Foundation Director of Boating Safety Chris Edmonston. “Some boating safety courses can cost over $100, which can present a big hurdle, especially if several family members want to run the boat. Also, in some parts of the country it may be hard to find a classroom course near you or that fits your schedule. By making our course free, available at home and doable on your own time, we hope to ensure your boating remains fun and everyone makes it home safely.”

 

The difference between the BoatUS Boating Safety Course and other online courses — beyond the cost issue — is the scope of the material. “We don’t just tell you basics,” continued Edmonston. “We go beyond the minimum amount information you need to know.” 

“For example, most boats must have a fire extinguisher aboard. But if you have a larger vessel, we’ll show you why it is wise to have more than the minimum requirements and understand what to do in the event of a fire on your boat,” added Edmonston. “We also will tell you, for example, not only how many life jackets you need to have aboard, but demonstrate in a short video how to actually fit a life jacket to a child so they won’t slip out.”

Upon completion of the course, you can also print your own certificate to provide your state’s boating agency as proof of boater education (for states that accept the course). In addition to the certificate, a few states require a small fee to issue a boating safety card or document. As an option, the Foundation can also provide a certificate suitable for framing for a nominal $5 fee.

For more information, go to www.BoatUS.org.

Lack of Concern among Boaters about Accuracy of Navigational Tools

Survey Reveals Significant Lack of Concern among Boaters about
Accuracy of Navigational Tools

Only One-third of Respondents Regularly Update Navigational Data

St. Paul, Minn. – The Alliance for Safe Navigation, whose mission is to raise boater awareness about the importance of up-to-date navigational information, today announced the results of a recent survey of 7,570 recreational boaters. The survey revealed that an alarming 64 percent of respondents are not concerned enough about the accuracy of their navigational aids to seek out or make updates.

Intended to measure the use and awareness of available updates to navigational tools, the survey revealed a general lack of concern among recreational boaters regarding the accuracy of their navigational data. While most boaters use aids such as GPS, electronic charts and paper charts, 79 percent fail to track the updates—issued weekly by the United States Coast Guard—that are necessary to maintain the accuracy of their
navigational aids. These updates, called Local Notice to Mariners, contain critical information about changes such as shifting shoals, moving buoys and newly submerged obstructions, and they can be easily accessed by boaters.

“Unfortunately, these survey results indicate that boaters simply are not aware of how often conditions change and how those changes can affect their safety,” explains President Ron Walz of OceanGrafix, a founding member of the alliance. “The truth is that waters do change—and inaccurate chart information can turn a safe and enjoyable cruise into a dangerous situation.”

“Boaters cannot assume that their data is current: changes on and under the water happen, and they are significant and frequent,” says David Enabnit, technical director at NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. The Alliance for Safe Navigation strongly suggests that updated navigational tools are the best approach to safe navigation.

Unlike commercial mariners, who are required by law to carry up-to-date charts, recreational boaters are not held to the same regulation. In fact, recreational boaters aren’t required to have any charts onboard.

To see the latest USCG Notice to Mariners for your location, visit Notice to Mariners. For more information or to find out how many changes have been made to your charts, go to www.allianceforsafenavigation.org.
About the Alliance for Safe Navigation

The Alliance for Safe Navigation (www.allianceforsafenavigation.org) consists of industry leaders that all share a commitment to boating safety. The goal of the alliance is to raise the boating community’s understanding of and appreciation for up-to-date navigational information. The alliance encourages mariners to recognize the high number of changes made to their charts and to keep their electronic and paper charts accurate, which is inexpensive and easy. Sponsored by NOAA, the alliance is made up of BoatU.S., Jeppesen, OceanGrafix, the Sea Tow Foundation for Boating Safety and Education, and the United States Power Squadrons.

FLW Outdoors and Mercury Marine Announce Major Partnership

MotorGuide, Brunswick Zone complement sponsorship package

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- FLW Outdoors and Mercury Marine have signed an extensive agreement, marking Mercury's return as a sponsor of the world's largest tournament-fishing organization. Through FLW Outdoors' lucrative bass and walleye tournaments, Mercury will showcase its marine propulsion systems – the largest lineup in the industry. In addition, MotorGuide and Brunswick Zone will have a strong presence across the FLW Outdoors platforms. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Along with Mercury, Evinrude will continue to serve as one of two official outboard-engine sponsors of FLW Outdoors in 2011.

"We are very pleased that Mercury has rejoined the ranks of FLW Outdoors," said Trisha Blake, president of the FLW Outdoors Marketing Division. "With our aggressive programs, we're confident Mercury will see considerable market-share growth. They're making a strong statement of support to professional fishing, and our anglers are sure to respond enthusiastically."

Mercury Marine officials said the FLW sponsorship offers great opportunities to support tournament anglers, in both the bass and walleye arenas.

"Mercury Marine and MotorGuide are extremely excited about this opportunity to work with the FLW and Ranger Boats," said Mike Shedivy, vice president of marketing at Mercury Marine. "We feel Mercury represents the heart of tournament fishing, and we will continue to support the various species of competitive angling.

"We recognize that the FLW has traditionally offered very lucrative prizes, and Mercury and MotorGuide will support the FLW in its continued efforts to provide the highest payouts possible. Also, we want to invite all FLW anglers currently driving Yamaha engines to take a demo ride on our fishing-boat engines – especially the 250 Pro XS and the new Verado Pro FourStroke."

In addition, Mercury and MotorGuide will be featured in a variety of media formats, including the weekly "FLW Outdoors" television program on VERSUS, FLW Outdoors' multiple websites and its bass and walleye magazines. Mercury will also be a major supporter of FLW Fantasy Fishing, which has offered the largest awards in fantasy sports history, with various prizes in cash, products and promotions.

The properties will also have the opportunity to display their products, promote their anglers and provide promotional offers to fans at the FLW Outdoors Expo, held in conjunction with the Walmart FLW Tour; and the College Fishing Festivals, held in conjunction with National Guard FLW College Fishing.

ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world and is offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 189  tournaments in 2010. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with the world's richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing. Sign up for an FLW Outdoors Membership featuring Player's Advantage to get your edge and win. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (270) 252-1000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FantasyFishing.com.
FLWOutdoors.com
SOURCE FLW Outdoors

Cold Weather Boating "Wear It!"

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) strongly encourages boaters to wear their life jackets on Pennsylvania waters.

“According to Pennsylvania’s boating accident reports, almost 80 percent of all boating fatalities happen to boaters not wearing a life jacket,” reports PFBC Boating & Watercraft Safety Manager Ryan Walt. “During the cold weather months boaters are especially at risk due to the water temperature and the risk of sudden cold water immersion.”

Cold water immersion is one of the main reasons people drown during the cold weather months. When a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water below 70ºF, the body’s first response is usually an involuntary gasp. This is something no one can control and ruins the ability to swim because the person hyperventilates.


“There is a wealth of new research on cold water survival which states that wearing a life jacket significantly increases a person’s chance of survival,” Walt said.


Without a lifejacket, a victim may inhale while under water (involuntary gasp) and drown without coming back to the surface. This can only be prevented by wearing a life jacket at all times while on the water.

Life jackets are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to fit every person and recreational opportunity. Inflatable life jackets fit easily over fall jackets and don’t interfere with casting a fishing rod or reeling in a late-season lunker. Float coats provide extra protection from the wind and cold while providing the same buoyancy as a more traditional life vest. Inflatables and float coats are often available in camo patterns for fall hunting activities involving boats. Children’s life jackets come in fun colors and designs with extra straps to ensure a secure fit.

"Remember, life jackets are the most important piece of safety equipment on a boat and there’s no excuse not to wear it," added Walt.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania. Visit their website at www.fishandboat.com.

New York's Long Island Sound "No Discharge Zone"

You would have thought that this would have happened along time ago but yesterday New York State officials announced today that they are calling for New York's portion of Long Island Sound to be designated as a marine vessel "No Discharge Zone" by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

A "No Discharge Zone" (NDZ) designation means that boaters can't dump their sewage into these waters. Instead, boaters would dispose of their sewage at designated pump-out stations. Sewage from boats sometimes contains harmful levels of formaldehyde, phenols and chlorine, which are a risk to human health, and hurt marine life and habitats.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), along with the state Environmental Facilities Corp. (EFC) and the Department of State (DOS), has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting the designation to protect Long Island Sound. The petition calls for a one-year phase-in for commercial vessels to comply with the No Discharge Zone to allow time for pumpout stations serving such boats to be built.

"With this request, we are taking an important step to protect and improve the quality of Long Island Sound's waters," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "In addition to making the water cleaner, this move will help in the on-going efforts to restore the Sound's aquatic habitat and make recreational opportunities in the Sound more enjoyable. This action will provide benefits for generations to come."

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) President and C.E.O. Matthew J. Driscoll said: "Designating the Long Island Sound an NDZ will be a watershed moment for environmental protection in New York. For decades, the Sound's waters have had to cope with boat-related pollution. In requesting the NDZ designation, we recognize its invaluable recreational and commercial benefits, estimated at roughly $8 billion per year. At the same time, we are pleased to work closely with our state partners and coastal communities to provide boaters the services needed to restore and protect this remarkable waterbody."

Since 1976, New York State has established 12 other No Discharge Zones, including five on Long Island Sound: Mamaroneck Harbor (1997), the Greater Huntington-Northport Bay Complex (2000), the Port Jefferson Harbor Complex (2001), the Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor Complex (2008), and Hempstead Harbor (2008). In May, DEC announced that it had set 2012 as a goal to establish No Discharge Zones for all water bodies in New York State.

In 2006, Connecticut declared all of their Long Island Sound waters as a No Discharge Zone. While New York State had been focusing on establishing No Discharge Zones for individual bays in the Sound, a more recent evaluation shows there are enough pumpout facilities to establish a No Discharge Zone for the entire Sound.

"New York State is blessed with some of the most incredible water resources in the nation which we treasure as both environmental and economic assets," Commissioner Grannis added. "Every step we take to protect and improve these resources is important for to ensure a step forward in creating healthy, vibrant, successful communities."

An chance for the public to comment will be announced in the Federal Register. After that the EPA will decide as to whether there are enough vessel pumpouts to support the No Discharge Zone. If EPA agrees, the No Discharge Zone would be enforced by DEC law enforcement, State Police and local authorities.