Late Spring Thaw Could Lead to Trouble for Boaters

With some of the waters in the northern US still choked with ice, the opening of the season has been delayed for famed tourist boats such as Niagara Falls’ Maid of the Mist and the ferries to Michigan’s Mackinac Island. The brutal winter is also delaying the start of the season for the $121.5 billion recreational boating industry, and Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says the late spring thaw – or “ice-out” as it’s known to some – could lead to trouble for boat owners.

“Boaters want to be in the water by Memorial Day, and this year they will have less time for spring commissioning work,” said BoatUS Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Croft. “That unfortunately leads to more engine troubles or other lack of maintenance issues. Requests for on water assistance to our 24-hour towing dispatch call center could be up a bit as a result.” BoatUS has these tips for boat owners to ensure a smooth launch:

Springtime sinkings: Boats sink in the springtime for specific reasons – but they all generally fall under the category of simply “rushing to get it done.” Take your time inspecting engine hoses and hoses clamps, keep a path clear for water to drain off the boat (ex. leaves in scuppers); inspect any seacocks or sea strainer for cracks. On larger boats with stuffing boxes, check for leaks and adjust nut if necessary. Go to www.BoatUS.com/springchecklist for a full Spring Fitting Out Safety Checklist.

Have the right safety gear: While the air temperatures are warming up, water temperatures are likely to remain cool longer than usual – a real hypothermia threat, especially for owners of small boats according to US Coast Guard fatality statistics. Do you have a way to get back into the boat if you fall off? See how BoatUS staff fared when testing boarding ladders on small boats at www.BoatUS.org/ladderlessons
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Be prepared for breakdowns: After you’ve done everything you can to get her going, stale or ethanol-laden fuel can be a problem in the spring, as is the simple wear and tear of another new boating season. Get yourself an affordable on the water towing plan for the unexpected breakdowns. BoatUS has choices available at BoatUS.com/towing, including a roadside assistance plan for boat trailers and tow vehicles.

Springtime Boat Buying Tips

With the number one boat buying season of the year kicked off, springtime boat buyers are on the prowl. The nation’s largest recreational boating advocacy and services group, Boat Owner Association of The United States (BoatUS), has some must do tips before you sign on the dotted line.

• The Internet is your friend and foe: Of course it’s always good to research a boat you’re considering online, first. While the Internet is not always 100% accurate, you may learn about serious problems other owners have had. Check owners group chat boards or online boating, fishing or cruising discussion groups for the kind of boat you’re looking at. BoatUS has the only national consumer complaint database for boats as well, searchable by members. Also be aware of Internet scams if you’re buying online. Any whiff of something odd and you should proceed with caution.
• Always get a professional marine survey: Surveys will uncover potential problem spots and can help with price negotiations. On a boat with expensive engines or generators, a separate engine survey could save huge headaches later. Make any purchase contingent on the survey. For a list of accredited surveyors, visit BoatUS.com/surveyors.
• Take the boat on a sea trial: You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a drive, and you should treat buying a boat the same way. It doesn’t matter whether it’s 16- or 60-feet.
• Give yourself some reasonable protections: Make sure that any deposit is 100% refundable if any contingencies such as a survey, financing or insurance are not met. Get it in writing. If there is a warranty or promise to fix something as part of the sale, get it in writing. Did we say get it in writing?
• “Who am I talkin’ to?”: Before getting too serious about a boat, verify that the owner (or brokerage/consignor) has the title and registration on hand. Any liens will have to be paid before transferring title.
  

BoatUS has additional resources at BoatUS.com/guide including a free buying guide and boat evaluation checklist.

Annual List of Top Ten Boat Names

If a car’s vanity license plate can tell you a lot about the person behind the wheel, what can a boat name tell you about the person behind the helm? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) just released the national boating organization’s 24^th Annual Top Ten Boat Names List and may have the answer.

The BoatUS list of Top Ten Boat Names:

1. Serenity
2. Second Wind
3. Island Girl
4. Freedom
5. Pura-Vida
6. Andiamo
7. Island Time
8. Irish Wake
9. Happy Hours
10. Seas the Day

“We’ve had indicators that a boater who names their boat Second Wind may have rebounded from a misfortune such as divorce, health or other major issue, while someone who names their boat Island Girl or Island Time may enjoy a more carefree spirit and need an escape from everyday life,” said Greg Edge of BoatUS Boat Graphics. “And you can guess that boats with names like Happy Hours may be the most popular boats on Friday night at the marina or Saturday afternoon raft-up – their more outgoing owners celebrating with family and friends.”

Need a boat name? BoatUS has over two decades of top ten boat name lists and over 9,000 names in its online Boat Name Directory, a checklist to help pick a name, christening ceremony information and an easy-to-use online design tool to make your own boat name, all at BoatUS.com/boatgraphics.