Non-profit summer camps, schools, or local non-profit organizations providing
on-the-water programs for kids have a strong need for safety, and having
right-sized life jackets for
kids is key. Now, the BoatUS Foundation’s Kids Afloat Program is offering
kid/teen-sized, vest-style life jackets for just $5 each. However, supplies are
limited and groups need to apply online at www.BoatUS.org/Kids-Afloat by Friday,
February 28, 2014. The Foundation will then choose those applications that best
match program guidelines and post them to the Foundation’s website and Facebook
page for public voting in the spring. Those with the most votes will have the
opportunity to purchase the deeply discounted life jackets.
Said BoatUS Foundation Outreach Manager Alanna Keating, “We hope that by
involving the public in selecting the sites that receive the jackets, it will
help promote these programs in their own communities.”
The life jackets are Type-II and Type-III vests – the most comfortable
non-inflating type available today that normally retail for about $30 each.
Applicants are allowed to request up to a total of 50 life jackets in infant,
child, youth and teen sizes.
The Kids Afloat program is for groups currently offering on-the-water
programming, such as educational boat trips, fishing trips or canoe and kayak
excursions that include safe and clean boating in their curriculum. However,
groups that don’t currently include safe and clean boating education may also
apply if they commit to add these topics to their program.
For more information, go to www.BoatUS.org/Kids-Afloat.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Have a Hassle-Free Summer by Doing Seven Winter Boat Projects Now
Boaters can get frustrated when a
repair or upgrade takes a long time, but delays are often a simple result of
supply and demand. “Spring and summer can be the most challenging times to get
work done on a boat because everyone else wants their work at the same time,”
said BoatUS Director of Consumer Affairs Charles Fort. But with a little
foresight boaters can get the services they need — sometimes at a better price —
now. And some things on a winter “to do” list don’t require outside help. Here
are some common projects boaters should be looking at doing now, before the
spring rush:
Engine and Prop: Getting your boat’s motor worked on in June is like waiting to buy Billy Joel tickets at the door. Get your mechanic on it now if you have a project in mind. It’s also the time to have the dings taken out of the prop – your prop shop guy will be glad to see you.
Canvas and Sails: Canvas and sail lofts are notoriously cyclical businesses so don’t feel guilty about asking for a discount on winter work. Now is the time to get the new bimini top made, repair the camper canvas, or get the sail stitched up.
Wiring: Every boater needs an extra 12V outlet at the helm, or knows of a corroded wire or two somewhere on the boat that needs fixing. If you want to take on this project yourself, here are some tips on wiring: http://www.BoatUS.com/boattech/articles/choosing-cabels-and-terminals.asp.
Paint and varnish: Generally you need warm weather for these projects – but consider taking home hatch boards, tiller handles or wood trim projects and working on them now in well ventilated basement or heated garage.
Line splicing: Maybe it’s an extra long spring line you’ve always wanted, or dock lines that will actually fit your boat’s cleats. Curl up by fire, sing a sea chantey, and start splicing because you will never want to do this in the summer. Here’s how to do it: www.BoatUS.com/boattech/casey/rope.asp
Chart and Electronics updates: Does your chartplotter use an old chip or are you using the same paper chart you had 10 years ago? Your helm electronics software may also have downloadable updates that make them perform better.
Do a winter tacklebox overhaul: You’re never going to want to do this once the fish start biting. BoatUS Angler pro Steve Chaconas shows how to get your tacklebox into shape at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMzNtCkVbic.
Engine and Prop: Getting your boat’s motor worked on in June is like waiting to buy Billy Joel tickets at the door. Get your mechanic on it now if you have a project in mind. It’s also the time to have the dings taken out of the prop – your prop shop guy will be glad to see you.
Canvas and Sails: Canvas and sail lofts are notoriously cyclical businesses so don’t feel guilty about asking for a discount on winter work. Now is the time to get the new bimini top made, repair the camper canvas, or get the sail stitched up.
Wiring: Every boater needs an extra 12V outlet at the helm, or knows of a corroded wire or two somewhere on the boat that needs fixing. If you want to take on this project yourself, here are some tips on wiring: http://www.BoatUS.com/boattech/articles/choosing-cabels-and-terminals.asp.
Paint and varnish: Generally you need warm weather for these projects – but consider taking home hatch boards, tiller handles or wood trim projects and working on them now in well ventilated basement or heated garage.
Line splicing: Maybe it’s an extra long spring line you’ve always wanted, or dock lines that will actually fit your boat’s cleats. Curl up by fire, sing a sea chantey, and start splicing because you will never want to do this in the summer. Here’s how to do it: www.BoatUS.com/boattech/casey/rope.asp
Chart and Electronics updates: Does your chartplotter use an old chip or are you using the same paper chart you had 10 years ago? Your helm electronics software may also have downloadable updates that make them perform better.
Do a winter tacklebox overhaul: You’re never going to want to do this once the fish start biting. BoatUS Angler pro Steve Chaconas shows how to get your tacklebox into shape at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMzNtCkVbic.
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