Five Ways to Keep Winter From Taking a Bite Out of Your Boat & Trailer

It's already a brutal winter in parts of the country. If your boat and trailer are going to spend the snow season outside exposed to the elements, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has five tips to protect your investment and prevent winter's bitter effects from taking hold and causing problems down the road:

Water is enemy #1: Keeping the boat and trailer rig in a slightly bow-up position will allow water to drain. Don't forget to remove drain plug and tie it to the ignition key where you will find it in the spring. Yes, do this exactly as instructed. Now. You will lose it otherwise - trust us, we know. Also ensure that the boat's cover is tight and periodically check inside throughout the winter - just to make sure no water is accumulating and that no critters have moved in.

A little spray will do you good: Spraying water-and-dirt displacing lubricants such as Boeshield T-9 on metal trailer roller assemblies, winch gears and electrical connections will keep moisture away and rust at bay. Now may also be the time to take care of any rust spots on the metal trailer frame: sand, prime and paint.

Best boat theft prevention tip in the world: If you're storing your boat in the driveway, turn it around 180 degrees, with the tongue facing towards the house. Not only will this keep your neighbors guessing all winter long about that name on the transom, but it will make the job harder for a thief to steal your boat and that's the real name of the game here. Adding a lock on the trailer hitch only improves your odds the bad guy will look somewhere else.

What to do about boat trailer tires: In addition to being a theft deterrent, removing the tires and storing them inside the garage will keep the sun from damaging them. With the tires off, this may also a good time to repack the bearings. Block the trailer's frame and secure plastic (contractor grade) trash bags over the hubs and brakes to keep them dry. If tires won't be removed, position the trailer so that the tires rest on a piece of plywood or plank to prevent dry rot, as parking on grass can hasten a tire's demise. Cover tires (again with plastic bags or covers) to keep the sun off and hubs and brakes dry. To avoid flat spots from happening, move the trailer periodically a few inches throughout the winter.

Don't park under trees: Howling winter storms can snap off tree limbs. Besides adding unsightly stains, falling leaves and needles can make their way inside blocking transom drain holes, making your boat into a nice bathtub as it slowly fills with water over the winter.

How to Safely Truck Your Boat Over the Road

Last year, Steffen Schmidt wanted to move his 37-foot sailboat from Seattle to Rhode Island. Schmidt was not unfamiliar with hiring boat transportation services, and had done it once before with no issues. But this time was different: the boat was delivered in Wickford, Rhode Island with its mast gashed and mangled; the prop and cutlass bearing damaged. Then problems occurred in getting compensated for the damages. How can a boat owner looking to transport their boat over the road avoid an experience like Schmidt's? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has four tips:
 
1. Find a boat transportation specialist: It's best to use a shipper that specializes in boat transport. Request copies of DOT or state license documents and cargo insurance - reluctance to provide this information is reason enough to look elsewhere. You can also check a company's history of inspections, crashes and the status of commercial carriers' licenses at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/companysnapshot.aspx. Had Schmidt checked here, he would have found his shipper had high percentage of failed truck inspections - a red flag. All transportation agreements should be in writing, with complete information about costs, taxes, tariffs, scheduling, security, and pickup and delivery locations, as well as rules about refunds for cancellations or delays. Make sure you read and understand the shipper's contract.

2. Prepare the boat for shipping: "When shipping overland, most insurance claims come from poor preparation - not from hitting bridges," says BoatUS Director of Consumer Affairs Charles Fort. Consider that your boat may be traveling down the highway in hurricane-force winds and experience road vibration for days. To help prepare, Fort strongly advises boat owners use an experienced prepper and consider hiring a marine surveyor for the loading and arrival of the boat, as they know load points and can also document damage. Also take lots of pictures with the date imprinted, just in case you need prove your case for compensation.

3. If something does go wrong, document it: It's the boat owner's responsibility to document any damage upon arrival and unloading. Don't let a trucker depart without acknowledging in writing any damage on the "condition of cargo" documents and share copies. This is where more photos can help your case. And call your insurance company immediately if any damage is noted.

4. A word about online bidding websites: The BoatUS Consumer Protection Bureau has received numerous complaints from members who used bid-type clearinghouses to find transportation service providers. For a fee, the websites allow you to enter your information and receive bids from several transport providers. Unfortunately, the websites don't verify or validate the claims about experience, insurance coverage, and licensure made by trucking companies that are bidding for your business. They also won't help if you have problems with the shipper. If you decide to use such a service, use the same diligence you would if you called a shipper directly. BoatUS members have access to the BoatUS Consumer Protection Complaint Database and can also check for any record of complaints.

To see more detailed information on boat transport, go to: BoatUS.com/boattransport.

Incredibly 80% of DSC VHF Mayday Calls Have No Vessel Location

Now Is the Best Time to Get
Your DSC-Equipped VHF Hooked Up Right 

 

This time of year, life gets a little slower for recreational boaters, perhaps freeing up time to fix the important things like having a fully working VHF radio on board. If you have a basic VHF, checking the connections for corrosion, inspecting the antenna and doing a simple radio check may be all that it takes. But if you have a newer Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF, this is the time to ensure its life-saving, one-button mayday feature is fully working. This allows anyone on the boat to simply press a button that gives rescuers near pinpoint location and identification information, greatly speeding rescue times. 

 

However, the DSC functions on new radios only work if a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI) has been entered into the radio. Further, the US Coast Guard reports that approximately 80% of the one-button distress calls from DSC VHF radios it gets each year do not contain vessel position information, meaning that life savers cannot effectively respond. Boaters can take two simple steps to make sure their DSC radio will provide rescuers with the information they need, according to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

#1: Connect the DSC-VHF to the GPS/Chartplotter. While some of the newest handheld DSC VHF radios have GPS built in, most fixed-mount DSC VHF radios must be connected to an external chartplotter in order to broadcast location information. This single, critical wired connection increases your margin of safety a thousand times over by allowing rescuers to find you quickly

While there have been challenges with a uniform, industry-wide plug-in connector to make it easy for do-it-yourselfers, having both the radio and chartplotter of the same brand and each manufactured within several years of each other makes it easier. Taking the time to open up both operating manuals is also a good first step - you likely won't need to know how to read a wiring diagram as instructions are in plain text. Most electronics manufacturers also have customer support phone lines ready to help. And if you're still having trouble? Get a professional electronics installer to do the job. After all, aren't your family's lives worth a relatively small $150 service fee to have a pro do it right? To find one near you, ask at your West Marine store, local marine electronics retailer, marina or go online at http://www.nmea.org/content/nmeatrained/nmeatrained.asp.

#2: Get a free Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number that identifies your boat. The MMSI number is a bit like a phone number for your boat. Having one helps verify an emergency, identifies your boat to rescuers, and cuts down on the instances of false alarms, ensuring that critical rescue resources will be available when you need them. BoatUS offers MMSI numbers for boaters (who remain in US waters) for free at www.BoatUS.com/MMSI, along with an easy to download tutorial on DSC VHF radios and how this drastically improved technology is saving lives as a part of the US Coast Guard's Rescue 21 System. If you boat in international waters such as Mexico, Canada, Caribbean or abroad, you'll need to get your MMSI from the FCC at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls.

The Top Ten Costliest Ways Boats Come To Grief

Putting Thousands of BoatUS Insurance Claims Files Under a Microscope

ALEXANDRIA, Va., October 23, 2013 - It's a cross between the CSI and Cold Case TV show crime dramas: taking a look back through the thousands of dusty, old settled boat insurance claims files to identify patterns that can teach today's boaters how to avoid becoming a statistic. That's exactly what the BoatUS Marine Insurance publication, Seaworthy, did in the recent feature, "Top Ten BoatUS Marine Insurance Program Claims," which appears in the October 2013 issue.

"The last time BoatUS did such a detailed analysis was in 2005, and this kind of information is not available from anyone else in the industry," said Seaworthy Editor Beth Leonard, "The time seemed right to revisit our findings and share them with boaters so they can learn from other's mistakes." Here's the list of the top ten claims in terms of dollar value over the last eight years, along with some tips that could help prevent becoming a statistic, or if you're simply unlucky, lessen the damage:
 
#10. Lightning: Make sure to haul out your boat after a lightning strike to check for "exit wounds" that can compromise the hull's integrity.

#9. Theft: 90% of boats are stolen on their trailers. Make it as difficult as possible to simply hitch up and run.

#8. Injury: Many injury claims involve inexperienced guests. Be sure to warn your non-boating friends about wakes, waves, slippery surfaces, and other hazards.

#7. Grounding: Accurate charts - whether paper, electronic, or on a mobile device - and a depth sounder are your best defense against grounding.

#6. Collision: Most collisions result from some combination of three factors: inattention, blind spots, and too much speed.

#5. Fire/explosion: Faulty wiring causes most fires; most explosions result from fueling issues.

#4. Striking a submerged object: If you hear a loud clunk from down under, stop and look in the bilge, and, if you find any water coming in, haul out the boat to check for structural damage as soon as possible.

#3. Weather/wind: Keeping your boat in a well-protected location away from trees is the best way to protect it from non-hurricane weather damage.

#2. Sinking: Check, squeeze, and tug all fittings below the waterline at least once a season to make sure your boat stays afloat.

#1. Hurricane: A well thought out hurricane plan can keep your boat safe in all but the most extreme storms (see www.BoatUS.com/hurricanes).

Go to www.BoatUS.com/toptenclaims for the full story.

New Jersey Announces Successful Completion Of Hurricane Sandy Waterway Debris Removal

More Than 101,000 Cubic Yards Of Debris And 360,000 Yards Of Sediment Removed From State Waters

The unprecedented clean-up of New Jersey waterways following Superstorm Sandy, which resulted in the systematic removal of more than 101,000 cubic yards of debris from storm-impacted tidal waters, is officially coming to a close, the Christie Administration announced today.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has notified impacted municipalities that all waterway debris removal performed by three state-hired contractors for this effort will cease on October 30.

“The success of this massive project is the result of a true team effort involving not just the DEP, but the hard work of our contractors, our sister state agencies, the federal government and local and county governments,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “With this enormous effort, we were able to clear debris from bays, inlets, wetlands and the ocean.”

While debris removal is ending, sediment removal from state waters will continue through the fall. To date, more than 360,000 cubic yards of identified Sandy-related sediment has been removed from marinas, lagoons and back-bays.

In addition, the state Department of Transportation is developing a separate plan to dredge state channels, some of which suffered impact from Superstorm Sandy.

Earlier this year, during the first 100 days following the storm, the DEP and impacted municipalities cleared more than 8 million cubic yards of debris from the streets of storm-ravaged communities. The materials, including more than 4.5 million cubic yards of construction and demolition debris from some of the hardest hit towns in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Cape May and Atlantic counties, were sorted and safely disposed or recycled.

Then the DEP turned its focus to the challenge of removing docks, bulkheads, pieces of boardwalks, boats, cars and even houses, and other storm debris from tidal waters from Bergen County to Cape May and up the Delaware Bay to the Delaware Memorial Bridge in Salem County.

The DEP hired three contractors through public bidding to focus the federally-funded water cleanup effort in separate coastal regions. The DEP separately engaged three debris monitors to provide FEMA-required oversight of the debris removal work, and a project manager, Dewberry Engineers, Inc., to manage this complex undertaking.

The firms surveyed nearly 195,000 acres by side-scan sonar and gathered and removed the following materials from New Jersey waters:

• 360,000 cubic yards of sediment (to date)
• 101,716 cubic yards of debris
• 6,019 submerged targets – which could be any type of storm-related debris
• 194 vessels and vehicles
• 4 mostly intact homes

The bulk of the debris removal work was completed by mid-summer. However, remaining wet debris and submerged material took longer to locate and remove.

“The waterway debris removal project represents the finest efforts of New Jersey, showcasing our ability to pull together the best resources available to get the job done safely, on time and with utmost respect and consideration for the environment and, of course, for our residents and businesses,” said DEP Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Management Jane Kozinski, who coordinated the water and land debris removal projects.

Agencies that worked with DEP on this concentrated effort include the state Department of Transportation's Office of Maritime Resources, the State Police Marine Services Bureau, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Earlier this month, municipalities were given until October 15 to notify the DEP of any remaining waterway debris removal requests. With the passing of this deadline, municipalities are again solely responsible for the safety of their beaches and public areas and hazards in the water.

For more information on the DEP’s Sandy recovery efforts and waterway debris removal visit: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/special/hurricane-sandy or http://www.state.nj.us/dep/special/hurricane-sandy/wwdebris.htm

Should nautical charts show a recommended route through the Intracoastal Waterways?

Should NOAA nautical charts have a recommended route through the Intracoastal Waterways? This route has been shown for decades as magenta line on nautical charts giving boaters a guide for safe travel. Now NOAA is looking to do away with the "magenta line". For more information and to make your opinion known click the following link.

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/09/26/2013-23440/intracoastal-waterway-route-magenta-line-on-noaa-nautical-charts

What You Need to Know About Ethanol and Boat Insurance Before You Put the Boat Away

Are you putting your boat away for winter soon? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says recreational boat owners need to take special precautions with E-10 gas and review their insurance policy before they put their boat to bed for a long winter's nap. Otherwise, they may be in for trouble next spring when they try to start the engine:
 
Keep ethanol at bay: Today it's highly likely that your boat's gasoline contains a mixture of up to 10% ethanol, which is known to damage engines and boat fuel systems, especially over the long winter storage season. If you have a portable gas tank on your boat, try to use as much gas as possible before you put the boat away at the end of the season. Any remaining gas or gas-and-oil mix that's left in the portable tank can be put in your car or outdoor power equipment, respectively. The goal here is to use it up as quickly as possible.

If your boat has a built-in gas tank that cannot be emptied, add a fuel stabilizer, and then fill the tank as much as possible, leaving just a smidgen of room for expansion. This will greatly reduce the amount of moisture laden-air that can enter through the tank's vent and potentially condense on inside tank walls over the long storage season. The goal here is to prevent water from being absorbed into the gas and ethanol mixture, which if left unchecked, results in phase separation and damage to the boat's fuel system and motor. For a more detailed look at ethanol and winter storage, go to www.BoatUS.com/seaworthy/ethanolwinter.asp.

Look for "ice and freeze coverage" in your boat's insurance policy: Many boat owners think they don't have to worry about freeze damage if they live in temperate states or if they keep their boat in an indoor, heated storage area in Northern states. But every year, BoatUS gets multiple freeze damage claims for boats in Southern states hit by a hard freeze and for boats stored in indoor facilities in Northern states where a storm took out the power. So the first rule of winter storage for any boat is to winterize it properly.

Even then, small winterizing mistakes like not draining all of the areas of the raw water system can easily destroy an engine. For that reason, BoatUS recommends ice and freeze coverage just in case something got overlooked when the boat was winterized. Typically offered as a policy "rider" to boats stored in northern climates, it's inexpensive (BoatUS offers the add-on coverage for as low as $20) and can go a long way toward protecting you from a catastrophic engine loss. Ice and freeze coverage may also be a smart option for do-it-yourselfers who want peace of mind, or for trailer boaters who store their boat in a heated garage or travel between warm and cold states.

However, there is a deadline to purchase this coverage as most insurers don't offer it once temperatures get cold, usually the end of October. BoatUS says that boats in warmer, temperate states often have this feature added to their policy automatically, but you should check with your insurer. For more information on boat insurance or ice and freeze coverage, go to www.BoatUS.com/insurance or call 800-283-2883 .

Two rescued by US Coast Guard after drifting for eight days at sea

A Coast Guard helicopter crew safely hoisted two Bahamian citizens from their capsized vessel east of Riviera Beach, Fla., Saturday.

Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders received a report of a capsized vessel with two people sitting on the hull in the vicinity of Riviera Beach Saturday afternoon. Watchstanders quickly diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Comorant and authorized the launch of an MH-65 rescue helicopter from Air Station Miami. The helicopter crew arrived on scene, assesed the situation and lowered a rescue swimmer to render assistance. The two people stated they had been drifting for eight days and had ingested salt water.

The rescue swimmer determined the people needed to be medically evacuated immediately and safely coordinated a hoist with the helicopter crew.

The two people were transferred to Del Ray Medical Center for further treatment.

The Coast Guard urges all boaters, especially those transiting offshore or to remote areas, to carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or a Personal Locator Beacon. EPIRBS and PLB's save valuable time during maritime emergencies by transmitting electronic distress signals and GPS coordinates. When EPIRBs are properly registered, they also provide first responders with owners’ contact information and vessel descriptions, which is vital information during search and rescue cases.

For additional boating safety tips, go to http://www.uscgboating.org.

Boating Infrastructure Grants to aid Sandy-impacted marinas

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) today announced the award of more than $370,000 to three recreational boating marinas through the federal National Boating Infrastructure Grant (NBIG) program.

The grants, provided through the U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, advance ongoing Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts along the Jersey Shore.

The three NBIG grants, awarded in August as part of a package of more than $6.9 million in competitive grants awarded to six states and one U.S. territory for projects to support recreational boating through the NBIG Tier II program, will help restore the marinas to their pre-storm conditions with safety and operational upgrades.

• Belmar Municipal Marina in Monmouth County will receive $270,059 to help fix and update damaged docks, gangways, utilities and other facilities. A new security system and WiFi service will be installed as well.

• Silver Cloud Harbor Marina, a privately owned marina in Forked River (Lacey), Ocean County will receive $65,710 to help renovate a section of existing bulkhead along the Barnegat Bay to provide six new boat slips. Additionally, the marina will install power, water and new lighting.\

• Grassy Sound Marina in Middle Township, Cape May County will receive $36,364 to help repair damaged gangways and utilities and rebuild the fueling facility. New bathrooms and showers will also be installed at the marina.

Since 2001, NJDOT’s Office of Maritime Resources (OMR) has accepted proposals from privately and publicly owned marinas for funding under the NBIG program, obtaining more than $3 million in grants to date.

NBIG funds are provided to states “to construct, renovate, and maintain tie-up facilities” for transient, recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length, and are distributed annually. Some examples of development and programs allowed under NBIG include navigational aides, one time dredging, breakwaters, dockside utility service, recycling and trash receptacles, marketing materials, and other services that serve to increase transient boating nationally.

NJDOT/OMR is currently accepting Letters of Interest (LOI) for FY 2014 NBIG funding. Once a LOI has been approved, draft NBIG applications are due to NJDOT’s Office of Maritime Resources by September 18, 2013 and final applications will be due by October 16, 2013.

NOAA mobile app provides free nautical charts for recreational boating

As recreational boaters gear up for a summer of fun on coastal waters and the Great Lakes, NOAA is testing MyNOAACharts, a new mobile application that allows users to download NOAA nautical charts and editions of the U.S. Coast Pilot. The app, which is only designed for Android tablets for the testing period, will be released on May 20.

MyNOAACharts, which can be used on land and on the water, has GPS built-in capabilities that allow users find their positions on a NOAA nautical chart. They can zoom in any specific location with a touch of the finger, or zoom out for the big picture to plan their day of sailing. The Coast Pilot has “geotagged” some of the major locations -- embedding geographical information, such as latitude and longitude, directly into the chart so it is readable in the app -- and provides links to appropriate federal regulations. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play™ app store. 

“Easy and workable access to nautical charts is important for boating safety,” said Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA Office of Coast Survey. “I’ve seen a popular t-shirt that has a ‘definition’ of a nautical chart splayed across the front: ‘chärt, n: a nautical map that shows you what you just hit.’ As creative as that is, a boating accident can kill. Keeping a nautical chart on hand – to avoid hitting something – can save lives.”

The beta test for MyNOAACharts will expire this Labor Day, Sept. 2. Coast Survey will then evaluate usage and user feedback to decide whether to release a finished version of the app. 

“Expanding the app across a multitude of platforms, ensuring easy accessibility to over a thousand charts and nearly 5,000 pages of U.S. Coast Pilot, will take considerable resources,” Glang said. “We can do it if the boating community likes the app. We truly want the users to let us know if the app meets their needs.”

Boaters without an Android tablet should not despair. The Office of Coast Survey provides free BookletCharts, which are 8 ½” x 11” PDF versions of NOAA nautical charts that can be downloaded and printed at home. The U.S. Coast Pilot is also available in a free PDF version. Those products, and information for purchasing other nautical products, are available at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov.

Important notice for commercial mariners: The mobile app MyNOAACharts and the BookletCharts do not fulfill chart carriage requirements for regulated commercial vessels under Titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, originally formed by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807, is the nation’s nautical chartmaker. Its hydrographers survey the coastal seafloor, respond to maritime emergencies and search for underwater dangers to navigation. Join Coast Survey on Twitter and check out the NOAA Coast Survey Blog for more in-depth coverage of surveying and charting.

Are You Buying a Hurricane Sandy Boat?

Boats damaged in Superstorm Sandy boats are being sold on the used boat market. The challenge for buyers is fully understanding any damage or repair issues, says BoatUS

With the fall boat buying season approaching, buyers looking for a pre-owned boat can often find deals as sellers, not wanting to take on the upcoming expense of winter storage fees, are in the bargaining mood. However, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) estimates that 65,000 boats were damaged or lost when Superstorm Sandy struck. Now, nearly a year later, some of those boats are being sold on the used boat market, either in “as is” condition, or after repairs have been made. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if the seller is truthful about any past damage. However, the problem exists when sellers fail to fess up to a boat’s true condition. So how does a used boat buyer go into a purchase with eyes wide open? The BoatUS Consumer Affairs Department has these used boat buying tips – each may be an indication the boat has experienced hurricane damage.

 

Trace the history:When a car is totaled, the title is “branded” as salvaged or rebuilt and buyers know up front that there was major damage at some point in the car’s history. But few states brand salvaged boats and some states don’t even require titles for boats. “Anyone wishing to obscure a boat’s history need only cross state lines to avoid detection, which can be a tip-off,” says BoatUS Consumer Affairs Director Charles Fort. Also look for recent gaps in the boat’s ownership, which may mean that it was at an auction or in a repair yard for a long time.

 

Ask the seller: In some states, a seller is not required to disclose if a boat was badly damaged unless you ask them. If the seller hems and haws, keep looking.

 

Look for evidence of storm damage. A boat you are looking at has an increased likelihood of having been badly damaged in a storm if you see two or three of the following:  

 

• Recent hull repair: Especially on older boats, matching gel-coat is very difficult. Mismatched colors around a repaired area are often a dead give away, and may signal nothing more than filler under the gel-coat, rather than a proper fiberglass repair. • New repairs or sealant at the hull-to-deck joint: Boats that bang against a dock or other boats during a storm often suffer damage here. • Evidence of sinking: Check for consistent corrosion on interior hardware, such as rust on all hinges and drawer pulls. You might be able to spot an interior waterline inside a locker or in an area hidden behind an internal structure. • Extensive corrosion in the electrical system: Corrosion on electrical items, such as lamps, connectors, and behind breaker panels might mean the boat sank recently. Does the boat have all brand new electronics? Why? • Evidence of major interior repairs: Fresh paint or gel-coat work on the inside of the hull and the engine room is usually obvious. All new cushions and curtains can be a tip-off too.

Again, having one or more of these indicators doesn’t always signal serious hurricane damage. The older the boat, the more likely some of these issues will pop up due to simple wear and tear. While something can be said about trusting your gut when seeing these red flags, make sure you have a professional inspect any used boat you’re considering. BoatUS offers a directory of surveyors at www.BoatUS.com/surveyors.

 

Want to Know What's Going On With Sandy-Hit Marinas? Get The Sandy Boater's Guide App

Includes Updated Information on Over 250 Boating Facilities Back After Superstorm

TOMS RIVER, NJ, July 23, 2013 - No matter if you're a regular weekend boater or just passing through, boaters along the New Jersey coast, Long Island and Hudson River have a new, free smartphone app that gives them updated map-based information on marinas, boating facilities, waterways and inlets along this heavily trafficked boating corridor. Available for iPhone, iPod and Android phones, the free Sandy Boater's Guide app is offered by Dozier's Waterway Guide, with support from Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), TowBoatUS, the Association of Marina Industries, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute and the Atlantic City New Jersey Boat Show. 

The app can be found at WaterwayGuide.com/superstorm-sandy, as well as iTunes and Google Play. Waterway Guide editors continually update information from boating business and facility managers via the Waterway Guide's Superstorm Sandy Resource Page, and through email: SuperstormSandy@WaterwayGuide.com .

"Everyone wants to help boaters and boating facilities get back to a successful season after so much devastation," said Waterway Guide News Editor Mike Ahart. "The rebuilding and clean up efforts have been astounding, and we hope this app helps inform the boating public that services are open for business throughout Sandy-affected areas."

About Waterway Guide: 

Waterway Guide is the time tested, best known and most respected cruising resource available. For over 65 years, boaters have trusted Waterway Guide before making their cruising and buying decisions. Waterway Guide is the boater's choice for verified and accurate information on thousands of marinas, businesses and attractions along the way. All six print editions (Bahamas, Southern, Atlantic ICW, Chesapeake Bay, Northern and Great Lakes) of Waterway Guide, totaling 3,000 pages, are updated annually by on-the-water cruising editors, each possessing an average of 35 years active boating experience and by our professional production staff in Deltaville, Virginia. www.WaterwayGuide.com adds all the latest cruising news, navigational updates, fuel reports and other resources.

About BoatUS and TowBoatUS: 

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its over half-million members with government representation, services such as 24-hour on the water boat towing with the largest fleet in the nation, TowBoatUS/Vessel Assist, as well as 18,000 roadside assistance providers for boat trailers and tow vehicles, feature-packed boat insurance programs, money-saving benefits that include fuel and West Marine shopping discounts, and vital information that improves the boating, fishing and sailing lifestyle. Its member-funded BoatUS Foundation is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating.

Docks with Bad Wiring Continue to Prove Deadly

New Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center at BoatUS.com

"Tragic Deaths Were Preventable" - What You Need to Know

 

Last year over Fourth of July weekend, Alexandra Anderson, 13, and her brother, Brayden Anderson, eight, were swimming near a homeowner's dock on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when they started to scream. By the time the siblings were pulled from the lake, they were unresponsive and a short while later were pronounced dead. Two hours later on Cherokee Lake in Tennessee, 10-year-old Noah Winstead, died in a similar manner, while Noah's friend, 11-year-old Nate Parker Lynam, passed away the following evening. These were not drowning victims. In all four of these cases, 120-volt AC (alternating current) leakage from nearby boats or docks electrocuted or incapacitated swimmers in freshwater. This little-known and often-unidentified killer is called Electric Shock Drowning or ESD.

"Every one of these deaths was preventable," said Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Director of Technical Services Beth Leonard. "Any boater and every adult who swims in a freshwater lake needs to understand how ESD happens, how to stop it from happening, and what to do - and not to do - if they ever have to help a victim." To help them with this vital task, BoatUS has put together a new online Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center to educate and inform the public about ESD at BoatUS.com/seaworthy/ESD.asp, and offers helpful tips below.

"An effort to increase safety standards on marina docks has been underway for several years now, but few resources have been available for the general public," said Leonard. "ESD is a complicated subject, and what information has been available for boaters, private dock owners, and swimmers has, all too often, been inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading. Our Electric Shock Drowning Resource Center addresses this problem with a range of helpful articles and presentations, all of which have been vetted for technical accuracy. We'll continue to add to and update this material to ensure it remains a valuable source of information," she added.
So what should boat owners, private dock owners, and swimmers do to prevent ESD?

Electric Shock Drowning: What You Need to Know From BoatUS

A diagram of how Electric Shock Drowning occurs.
(Courtesy of David Rifkin. This image available at: BoatUS.com/pressroom/previewimg/hires/esd.jpg)

IN GENERAL:

• Tell others about ESD. Most people have never heard of it and are unaware of the danger.
• To retrieve a person in the water, reach, throw, and row - but don't go.
• Make sure your children understand the importance of not swimming anywhere there could be electricity. Don't let them roughhouse on docks. Tell them what to do if they feel a tingling or shock in the water (see below).
• ESD victims are good candidates for successful Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Learn to perform CPR and maintain your training.

IN MARINAS:

• NEVER swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or boatyard.
• Talk to marina owners or operators about the danger of ESD. Ask your marina operator to prohibit swimming at their facility and post signs.
• Ask marina operators if they are aware of and follow the guidelines in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 303 (fire protection standard for marinas and boatyards) and National Electric Code (NEC) 555.

IF YOU HAVE A BOAT:

• Have your boat tested once a year to see if it is leaking electricity, or buy a clamp meter and test it yourself. If you find any problems, have your boat inspected by a qualified electrician trained to American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.
• Have a qualified ABYC electrician install an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) on your boat (refer them to the ABYC E-11 Standard) or use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in the shore power cord. As an alternative, install an isolation transformer on the boat.
• Test the GFCI/ELCI at least once a month or per the manufacturer's specifications.
• Do NOT do your own 120-volt AC electrical work on a boat or hire an electrician who is not familiar with ABYC standards to do it. Many of the problems that lead to an electrical fault on the boat result from the differences between shore and boat electrical systems and standards.
• DO NOT use common household extension cords for providing shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use, shore power cords built to UL standards, ideally with a GFCI built in.
• NEVER dive on your boat to work on underwater fittings when it is plugged in to shore power, even in saltwater.

IF YOU HAVE A PRIVATE DOCK:

• NEVER swim within 100 yards of ANY dock using electrical power!
• If you have not electrified your dock or put an AC system on your boat, weigh the risks carefully before doing so.
• If you need electricity on your dock, hire a licensed electrician and make sure the wiring meets the requirements in NFPA 303 and NEC 555. If your dock is already wired, hire an electrician to check that it was done properly. Because docks are exposed to the elements, their electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year.
• Exercise your GFCIs/ELCIs as recommended by the manufacturer.
• If you normally run a power cord from your house or garage to charge your batteries, make sure the outlet has a GFCI and include a GFCI somewhere in the shore power cord.
• NEVER swim off your dock without shutting down all shore power to the boat and the dock.
• Even if you adhere to all of these rules, nearby docks can still present a shock hazard. Educate your neighbors and work together with them to make the waterfront safe.

IF YOU'RE IN THE WATER AND YOU FEEL TINGLING OR SHOCKS:

• DO NOT follow your instinct to swim toward the dock!
• SHOUT! When electricity is not involved, drowning victims cannot speak, let alone shout. Tell those around you exactly what you're feeling so they can help you while keeping themselves safe.
• Try to stay upright and back out of the area the way you came, warn any other swimmers in the area of the danger, and then head for shore 100 yards or more from the dock.
• Alert the dock or marina owner and tell them to shut the power off to the dock until they locate the problem and correct it.
• Go to the hospital, explain what happened, and ask to be checked over to be sure there are no adverse health effects.

IF YOU HAVE TO RESCUE AN ESD VICTIM:

• Know how to distinguish drowning from ESD (drowning victims cannot speak and look as if they are trying to climb a ladder; screaming, shouting and tingling, numbness, or pain indicate ESD).
• Fight the instinct to enter the water - many rescuers have died trying to help ESD victims.
• Call for help. Use 911 or VHF Channel 16 as appropriate.
• Turn off the shore power connection at the meter base and/or unplug shore power cords.
• Get the victim out of the water. Remember to reach, throw, row - but don't go.
• If the person is not breathing or you cannot get a pulse, perform CPR until the Fire Department, Coast Guard, or ambulance arrives.

 

Top 5 Ramp Etiquette Rules for Happy Launching

Impolite, self-centered behavior could well describe a kindergarten sandbox at recess, but it also fits the description of the mayhem that some boat launch ramps experience on a busy summer weekend. If America's famed etiquette expert, Miss Manners, were to visit a launch ramp, what lack of courtesy would she find? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has the answer with these top five launch ramp etiquette rules that can make the task go a lot easier and faster for all. 

Be talkative: The most surefire way to cause ramp snafus is to be silent with your guests. Speak up. Let them know they should avoid parking in spaces reserved for trailers/tow vehicles. Tell them how you will load and unload (more on that in a second). Before your return to the launch ramp dock, let your crew know what they can do to help. One more friendly tip: don't yell. 

Know where to load and unload: Unloading your gear at the bottom of the boat launch ramp, which could have been done while waiting in line at the top of the boat ramp, shows a lack of courtesy Miss Manners would detest. It also is an all-too-common mistake boaters make when launching and one of the biggest causes of delays. Plan ahead. Put a checklist on your sun visor. 

Don't be the launch ramp hog: Tying up your boat at the launch dock right next to the ramp, and then going to park the tow vehicle means the next person in line can't launch until you get back. Save everyone time by immediately moving your boat to the far end of the dock so there's room for the next person to launch or retrieve. 

Delay-of-launch penalty: Not launching the boat immediately when it's off the trailer and, instead, waiting for the crew to return from the bathrooms again adds delays and simmers tempers. This is true at the gas dock, too. Tie up at the dock, refuel the boat, and leave as quickly and safely as possible. Don't keep others waiting to refuel because your crew has walked to a nearby restaurant - that earns you a serious "delay-of-launch" penalty. 

Lend a hand: We all need help from time to time. Be kind to your boating neighbor.

About the BoatUS Trailer Assist: 

BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with a wide array of consumer services, including roadside "Trailer Assist" just for trailer boaters that provides 24/7 roadside assistance for trailer breakdowns and tow vehicles. Also included is an online launch ramp locator, two special editions of BoatUS Trailering magazine and six E-editions containing great solutions from the "Trailering Guys," valuable seasonal maintenance tips, useful trailering techniques and new product and destination reviews and more. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com/towing/trailerabout.asp or call 800-245-6923

Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names

Boat Owners Association of The United States' 23rd Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names is:

1. Island Time 2. Seas the Day 3. It's About Time 4. Liberty 5. Serendipity

6. Second Wind 7. Dolce Vita 8. Aquaholic 9. The Good Life 10. Nauti Buoy

More Than $14 Million Awarded In Clean Vessel Act Grants

Funding supports clean waters and recreational boating

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today that more than $14.7 million will be awarded to 23 states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program in 2013.

The first Clean Vessel Act awards were made in 1993. Since that time the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program has awarded more than $200 million to states for projects funding construction, replacement, renovation, and maintenance of facilities that assist recreational boaters in properly disposing of on-board septic waste.  The program also provides information and education on the importance, benefits, and availability of pump outs.

“Clean Vessel Act grants are essential to ensure clean water and healthy environments that allow for recreational boating opportunities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “The CVA program has a substantial economic impact on local communities, which is a win-win situation for conservation initiatives and businesses across America.”

Funds for the CVA program are provided annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust fund.  These funds are derived through the collection of fishing tackle manufacturer excise taxes and boat and fishing import duties as well as motorboat and small engine fuel taxes.  The program supports the user-pay, public-benefit cycle that has led to the successes of the Sport Fish Restoration programs. States apply for CVA funding and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects. Sub-grantees often include local municipalities and private marinas.

In addition to traditional on-dock pump outs, projects include pumpout boats that travel in designated harbors to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Some states  also install floating restrooms in areas where boaters congregate and no restrooms are available.

"The Clean Vessel Act is a critical tool in helping the states to maintain clean and healthy waters for people and wildlife alike," said Assistant Director Hannibal Bolton of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. "The pump outs built through these funds ensure that clean drinking water, sustainable ecosystems, and healthy recreational areas will be accessible to the American people."

For more information on the 2013 grant awards made today visit: 
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA2013Funding.pdf

For more information on the CVA program visit:
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA.htm

 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Awards more than $13 Million in Grants to Boost Recreational Boating

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced more than $11.2 million in competitive grants to 15 states for projects to support recreational boating through the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.  The Fish and Wildlife Service will also release approximately $2.4 million to 25 states, commonwealths, and territories willing to match a smaller, non-competitive grant program known as “BIG Tier 1” funding.
 
Grantees use Boating Infrastructure Grant funds to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. Grantees may also use funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating. 

“These grants, funded by fishing and boating enthusiasts, have helped communities across the nation build and enhance recreational boating facilities that provide recreational opportunities while supporting jobs and economic growth,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.  “This program is a win-win situation for recreational boaters, conservation initiatives and job creation.” 

“The BIG Grants have major impacts – not only do cruising boaters get the benefit of facilities that they help to pay for, waterfront communities and their small businesses also get an economic boost from visitors who enjoy boating,” said Thom Dammrich, chairman of the Sport Fish and Boating Partnership Council and president of the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association. 

For example, a BIG grant of nearly $1.5 million, matched with nearly $1 million in non-federal funding, will enable the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to partner with the Bucks County Riverfront Program to install 25 new day slips on the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey. The ADA-compliant project, part of a larger effort to improve the waterfront in Bristol Borough, will also include new educational signage, lighting, and breakwater structures to protect the facility. 

And in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a grant of nearly $1.3 million, matched by nearly $3.9 million in non-federal funding from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the City of Chattanooga, will go toward the construction or extension of guest dockage at four prominent locations along the south shore of the Tennessee River. Each location will include up to 10 slips, for a total of 40 new slips for eligible vessels. 

Funding for the Boating Infrastructure Grant program comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which boaters and manufacturers support through excise and other taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and gasoline. 

Projects receiving competitive grants are:

• Shoal Bay Marina Redevelopment, Logan County, Ark. – BIG grant: $1,215,841; non-Federal match: $721,175; total project cost: $1,937,016
• City of Rio Vista Guest Dock, Rio Vista, Calif. – BIG grant: $225,000; non-Federal match: $75,000; total project cost: $300,000
• Thamesport Marina Transient Docks, New London, Conn. – BIG grant: $1,430,975; non-Federal match: $502,775; total project cost: $1,933,750
• Gulfport Casino Dock Redevelopment, Gulfport, Fla. – BIG grant: $112,613; non-Federal match: $268,137; total project cost: $380,750
• Madeira Beach Municipal Marina Redevelopment, Madeira Beach, Fla. – BIG grant: $322,516; non-Federal match: $499,550; total project cost: $822,066
• Lahaina Roadstead Offshore Mooring Installation, Lahaina, Hawaii – BIG grant: $248,500; non-Federal match: $248,500; total project cost: $497,000
• Belfast Harbor Waterfront Rehabilitation, Belfast, Maine – BIG grant: $120,897; non-Federal match: $120,897; total project cost: $241,795
• Annapolis City Dock Improvement, Annapolis, Md. – BIG grant: $1,500,000; non-Federal match: $2,703,478; total project cost: $4,203,478
• Seaport Landing Marina Transient Boat Access, Lynn, Mass. – BIG grant: $267,700; non-Federal match: $100,000; total project cost: $367,700
• Port Austin State Harbor Dock Renovation, Port Austin, Mich. – BIG grant: $747,250; non-Federal match: $747,250; total project cost: $1,494,500
• Ironton Riverfront Boat Ramp and Docks, Ironton, Ohio – BIG grant: $636,000; non-Federal match: $212,634; total project cost: $848,634
• Port of Arlington Marine Fuel Station and Utility Upgrade, Arlington, Ore. – BIG grant: $190,191; non-Federal match: $129,809; total project cost: $320,000
• Bristol Borough Waterfront Improvement, Bristol, Pa. – BIG grant: $1,492,195; non-Federal match: $999,355; total project cost: $2,491,550
• Ann Street Public Pier Project, Newport, R.I. – BIG grant: $740,000; non-Federal match: $260,000; total project cost: $1,000,000
• Downtown Chattanooga Transient Docks, Chattanooga, Tenn. – BIG grant: $1,285,868; non-Federal match: $3,857,607; total project cost: $5,143,475
• Deltaville Marina Transient Pier, Deltaville, Va. – BIG grant: $743,891; non-Federal match: $261,367; total project cost: $1,005,258

For more information on each of the grant projects, visit http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/BIG/BIG_Funding.htm

Group With Annual Top Ten Boat Names List Asks for Help to Choose Name for Own Boat

For the nation's largest recreational boaters group with over half a million members, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) knows how difficult it can be to pick the right boat name. After all, naming or re-naming a boat often considers traditions - even superstitions. Then there is the type of name - is it a nautical theme? A play on words? A language other than English? In fact, BoatUS Boat Graphics and Lettering, which offers boaters the opportunity to design and purchase custom boat graphics online, has had over 9000 names submitted over the last two decades to help find the right choice.

But, just like most boat owners, BoatUS is having a hard time choosing a name for the recently donated BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water research and educational vessel, a 27-foot Albemarle berthed on the Chesapeake Bay. BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner explains, "We've been debating names for weeks and getting into some pretty heated discussions, so we figured we'd call a 'time-out' and ask the public for some help."

To help with this task, boaters have until March 18 to go online to the BoatUS Foundation's Facebook page to enter a prospective name. The boat names will then be posted for just three days beginning March 20 and the name with the most votes wins. Finally, on March 27, the Foundation will post a selection of graphic layouts of the winning name - all made with the Association's online boat graphics service - for a last round of voting before the name is applied to the boat. The winning entry will receive a personalized cooler from BoatUS Boat Graphics, and all entrants will receive a 10% off coupon for custom boat graphics, registration numbers or other personalized items.

Boat Owners Association of The United States' 23rd Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names is:

1. Island Time 2. Seas the Day 3. It's About Time 4. Liberty 5. Serendipity

6. Second Wind 7. Dolce Vita 8. Aquaholic 9. The Good Life 10. Nauti Buoy

Funded primarily by BoatUS members, the BoatUS Foundation provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe. To learn more, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

For more information on the BoatUS Graphics service, go to BoatUS.com/boatgraphics.

Kids' Life Jacket Loaner Sites Needed - Apply Today

Largest, Longest Running Nationwide Loaner Program

The sad truth about boating and kids is that children don't always wear a correctly sized life jacket, and some kids even go without simply because of poor planning. But it doesn't have to be this way. With a life jacket loaner site in your area, boating parents can borrow a properly fitting life jacket for the day or weekend at no cost. If you operate a waterfront business, organization or government agency, you can help by applying to become a new loaner site for the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water's Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids. 

The largest and longest running free nationwide life jacket loaner program offers a range of child and teen-sized life jackets at over 500 loaner sites nationwide. Since the program began nearly twenty years ago, at least three children's lives have been saved by wearing a BoatUS Foundation loaner life jacket and each year life jackets are loaned out over 140,000 times. The boating non-profit is looking to add at least 40 new life jacket sites this year.

There is no cost to host a loaner site, but applications will only be accepted until March 31st, 2013, and those that meet the program's guidelines will be posted to the Foundation's Facebook page for public voting. "We want applicants to help spread the word about keeping kids safe with our life jackets, and also draw positive publicity to their business or club," said Outreach Manager Alanna Keating. 

After public voting, each location that is accepted into the program will receive a life jacket loaner "kit" - a protective container that holds various sized life jackets for kids, signage, promotional materials and easy-to-use sign-out sheets to track usage. The program is simple for those hosting a location as well as for boaters, anglers and sailors needing a kid's life jacket. "All we ask for in return is that the life jackets are available for free to the boating public in a readily accessible but secure location, and hosts periodically let us know how the program is going," added Keating.

To apply or for more information on the program or the life jacket laws in your state, visit www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP.

The Trouble With Buying Kids' Life Jackets

"You'll Grow Into It" Doesn't Work!

Kids grow fast. That's why frugal parents often buy their kid's shoes a little bigger than the actual size. However, when buying a kid's life jacket that's too large - a common mistake - the results can be heartrending because children in a wrong-sized life jacket can easily slip out. 

"I've sent my own kids to school with slightly bigger shoes," says BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety President Chris Edmonston. "However, if a too-big life jacket slips off a child when their arms go above their head, there could be tragic results." Edmonston, himself a father of five, knows what he's talking about. Here are some tips on having the right-sized kids' life jacket:

• Kid's life jackets come in three sizes: infant (under 30 lbs.) which offer greater floatation for the head; child (30-50 lbs.) and youth (50-90 lbs.). Any child more than 90 lbs. should wear an adult life jacket. Only purchase life jackets that are US Coast Guard approved.

• "Every season I have my kids put on their life jacket to check for comfort and the proper size," said Edmonston. If you boat year round, it may be good to do this a couple times a year.

• To check for proper fit: 1.) Have the child stand with the jacket on and all buckles, zippers, crotch straps fastened. 2.) Grab the life jacket's shoulder area and pull straight up. The jacket should not move up to (or over) the child's ears. If it does, it's likely to be too big, and mom or dad need to find another one.

• The best fit for a kid's life jacket is one that fits snugly yet comfortably. If all of the fasteners cannot be attached, it's likely too small.

"If a child has a good fitting life jacket, they won't complain about wearing it," added Edmonston. "Better yet is to set the example and wear one yourself." 

A short video on how to pick a right-sized kid's life jacket is available at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP/fit_video.asp. BoatUS also offers a Kids' Life Jacket Loaner Program at 530 locations where right-sized life jackets can be borrowed for the day or weekend. To find a location near you, go to www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP/map.

"Towing" And "Salvage" Who Pays for Each?

On-the-water breakdowns, running aground or other mishaps can ruin a day of boating or fishing fun. But when the towboat arrives on the scene, do you know if the service is a "tow" or a "salvage" job? If you?re ever in doubt, the safest bet is to ask the towboat crew. That?s because there could be a big difference in the cost of each service, and it also determines who pays the bill, says Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS). 

While there is sometimes a fine line between the towing and salvage, there are a few clear indicators that point to each. "Salvage requires the existence of ?peril? to the distressed vessel or persons aboard, or peril to the rescue boat and its crew, or the marine environment," said Vice President of BoatUS Towing Services Adam Wheeler.

Historically and legally, salvage is any voluntary and successful rescue of a boat, its cargo, and/or passengers from peril at sea. Today that definition includes the successful avoidance of damage to a legally protected marine environment. 

Vessels hard aground, on rocks, taking on water or sunk are salvage, as are collisions, fires, breakaways or other types of immediate danger. Salvage also comes into play when specialized equipment such as pumps, air bags, or divers are called for - even if the boat is at the dock.

All TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist companies are committed to informing the owner of a boat - before beginning any work - if the procedure will be declared salvage. If the owner is not on board or the conditions are so perilous and the rescue of the boat requires immediate action, they?ll be notified as soon as possible after saving the boat. 

"On the other hand, when there is very little or no peril or damage to the vessel - you have a towing situation," said Wheeler. "A typical example is when you run out of gas or have a dead battery, and have subsequently dropped anchor to await assistance. Waters are calm, you?re no threat to navigation, your crew and boat are fine and there?s no peril to those on the response boat." Of the 65,000 requests for assistance made last year by boaters to BoatUS 24-hour Dispatch Centers, 98% were for routine towing services.

When it comes to soft ungroundings, BoatUS members enjoy a special agreement with the TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist on-the-water towing fleets which ensures that if there is little peril and no damage to the BoatUS member?s disabled boat, and only one towboat is needed to remove the softly grounded vessel from a shoal, it?s a simple towing job. Other commercial towing companies may or may not honor this agreement. 

The Costs
Nationwide, towing and soft ungrounding costs average about $600 and $800, respectively. These are either paid by an annual towing service plan or out-of-pocket by the boater. 

Salvage cases are usually covered by insurance - or out-of-pocket if self-insured - and are much more expensive than a tow. Salvage continues to be the way to award a rescuer who maintains a 24-hour state of readiness to risk life, limb and vessel for others, and often results in a charge based on the length of the vessel saved or a request for a percentage of the boat's post-casualty value. While it?s a reward for extraordinary service, the dollar amount awarded factors in the degree of peril as well as the risk to the salvor and their crew.

"There are significant expenses in operating and maintaining a professional towing operation," says Wheeler, "such as Captain?s and staff salaries, insurance, equipment maintenance and increasing fuel costs, not to mention capital expenses such as towboats and other specialized recovery equipment - and it all has to be ready to go at a moment?s notice," he added.

Time and circumstances permitting, Wheeler suggests that if it?s a salvage job, boaters should try to call their insurance company so they may attempt to negotiate with the salvor before the operation gets underway. If circumstances don?t allow this, ask the salvor for a fixed price and try to get it in writing. 

Wheeler also says that boaters should review their boat?s insurance policy to ensure it fully covers salvage. Some policies have limits, high deductibles, or may not include environmental damage - all of which would have to be paid out of pocket.

BoatUS also suggests having a copy of the BoatUS Open Form Yacht Salvage Contract aboard at all times, which assures that any salvage claim will go to local binding arbitration if negotiations between your insurance company and salvor fails. Designed to be more understandable, relevant to US laws and potentially money saving for all parties, the Open Form Contract is available free of charge at BoatUS.com/salvage or by calling 800-937-1937. 

For more information on BoatUS towing plans, go to BoatUS.com/towing or call 1-800-888-4869.

FOUR SALVAGE TIPS:

• Protect yourself by having both a towing service plan for basic towing assistance needs and an insurance policy that fully covers the costs of salvage.
• If you do have an incident, ask questions first, not later, to confirm whether the job is towing or salvage.
• Have your insurance claims department phone number aboard. If it?s salvage, you?ll want to try to contact them to help negotiate a fixed price.
• When all else fails, have a copy of BoatUS Open Form Yacht Salvage Contract aboard. You can get one for free at BoatUS.com/salvage.