Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season. 1. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. With fewer other boats on the water (potential Good samaritans) after Labor Day, a float plan ensures rescuers wil... Full story
The versatile new Telescopic Shade 2500 from Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, Inc., market leader in marine roofing solutions, is an industry-changing accessory to provide boaters relief from the sun, whether they're relaxing in the bay or running out to the reef. Its patent-pending design focuses on easy installation on a T-top, arch or other overhead structure, where the electric-powered sunshade retracts discretely to be barely visible. Ideal as a standard or optional OEM upgrade, the... Full story
Buying a used boat is a great way to get into boating, and there are a lot of good bargains out there. When you check out a boat before buying, don't forget to examine the trailer. First, check to see if the trailer is NMMA-certified. That will mean that it meets industry guidelines for safety and quality. Then check the weight limit that the trailer can handle and make sure that the total weight of the boat, motor, and the gear you're putting in there doesn't exceed that number. Check the... Full story
Whether setting out for a day, week, or longer, you need a well-stocked first-aid kit on board. Here are the essentials. Words And Photo By Mark Corke Checking life jackets, VHF radio, and flares before setting out for a day on the water should be a standard part of your predeparture checklist. Butyour first-aid kit is likely stowed and forgotten - as it seems you never need it. If setting out for just a few hours, most boaters assumethey're unlikely to suffer amedical emergency. Or they reason... Full story
Here's how to get boaters to stay and spend. Many waterfront towns don't make it easy for visiting boaters to stay and spend. It's not their fault. Protected, safe harbors as well essential boating services such as fuel, utilities and bathrooms, are beyond the price tag for a local town, marina or boat club budget. However, a federal program first championed by Boat Owners Association of The United States in 1998, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, has proven effective in... Full story
Take this four-question true-false quiz; rental beacons available. The proliferation of personal locator beacons (PLBs), whose diminutive size belie their enormous on-water safety advantage, are no longer thought of exotic rescue electronics. "PLBs are user-friendly and easy to maintain, and we are seeing more boaters using them as a mainstream rescue device," said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner. However, do... Full story
Dog overboard! I heard the dreadful splash just seconds after our small dog slipped from the boat into the ocean below. Glancing over the side, I saw our tiny pug furiously doggie-paddling in the dark, cold sea. Kiang was struggling to reach the pier, but the frigid Pacific waters were quickly slowing him down and, despite the warm sun overhead, he was already shivering. Suddenly, a large green fishing net surged through the water, scooping the tired pup from the sea in a frenzy of splashing... 
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Come To The Fun Side; Come To The Fun Slide H2 Whoa! the world's tallest floating waterslide has opened at Lake Pleasant. At a height of 34 feet "H2 Whoa!" and recently recorded by The Guinness Book of World Records as the Tallest Floating Waterslide, a major new water attraction called "H2 Whoa!" is now open at Lake Pleasant. This mammoth water slide features three launch ramps and a blob jump for even more outrageous thrills.... Website
Gas prices are up. What can boaters do to prepare for a summer of boating? The 800,000-plus member Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has 21 fuel-saving tips boaters can do to help save on fuel and still enjoy a fulfilling season on the water. While some of these techniques may sound obvious, there may be some you never considered. Before Heading Out: 1. Tune your engine now. A once a year for a tune-up and service will help it run more efficiently. 2. Match the boat’s prop to... Full story
As any owner will attest, fiberglass boats are less than maintenance-free. Instead of waxing decks, hulls and outboards every month or more, savvy boaters use Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating. Its unique formula not only restores a showroom-like shine to older vessels, but offers a level of protection that lasts up to 18 months even in extreme environmental conditions, making it the ideal first project for a new boat. Glidecoat Marine Ceramic Coating uses nanotechnology. Equally effective on... Full story
PFD Bundles Get People (And Pets) On The Water New boaters and paddlers or those who want to upgrade their safety gear will find it hard to resist Bombora's new Bundles. Centered around its unique inflatable US Coast Guard-approved PFDs, they combine everything needed to get out on the water. Ideal for couples, families of four or those with a canine best friend, they're offered at a 30% discount over separate purchases. Extremely comfortable, the Bombora PFD is worn around the waist and... Full story
Even dogs that are bred to swim can struggle if tired or the water is cold and rough. Designed especially for canines, Bombora's line of Dog Life Vests is perfect for keeping pets safe whenever they're on a boat, SUP or kayak, or simply lounging poolside with their human companions. Bombora Dog Life Vests are available in four sizes to fit pets up to 90 lbs. and are designed for all-day comfort. EPE layered and segmented foam forms around the body while amply-sized leg holes provide even... Full story
The focus is on boating-centric inland lakes with distinction. There are 123,439 freshwater lakes – those water bodies generally larger than 20 acres – in the continental United States. Which ones may be best for recreational boating? BoatUS Magazine senior editor Rich Armstrong and contributing editor Fiona McGlynn consider the question in the magazine's February/March issue with the feature "Freshwater America," which highlights nine boating-centric lakes from New York to Washington. "Am... Full story
Find out the one thing that 60 percent of boat owners admit they forgot. You made it through your long to-do list of spring commissioning items and you're ready to go in the water during the summer boating season. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says don't forget these three often-overlooked steps that could bring your season to a screeching halt. 1. Don't get hosed. Aged hoses and fittings below the waterline are the single most common cause of sinkings – especially e... Full story
Whether it's a single small outboard on the back of a runabout or quads on an offshore center console, it's important to maintain engines in showroom-like condition. Keeping cowlings clean not only makes the entire boat look better, but adds to their overall resale value. Shurhold offers some Clean-N-Simple tips for helping outboards look their best. Unlike the deck and hull that are typically made of gelcoat, the engine cowling is likely painted and therefore softer than other onboard... Full story
From A Note At Soundings Online Gas prices are up, so the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) has collected 21 fuel-saving tips to help boaters save money. Some of these methods may sound obvious, but some are novel. They include things you can do before heading out, at the dock, and while on the water. Tips range from engine-tuning and prop optimization to finding good deals on gas, lightening your load, improving boat efficiency and even "buddy boating". Whether it's money... Full story
Just forty-five minutes from downtown Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, serves as a one-stop recreation spot for lakeside fun. Pleasant Harbor is open 365 days a year and operates 24 hours a day. Do you want to rent a boat, show-off on water skis, wake board or lake surf? Jet Ski, kayak, paddle board or sail? Did we mention, Pleasant Harbor is home to the World's Largest Floating Waterslide - H2Whoa!? Another popular activity for all ages at Pleasant... Website
Lake Pleasant Is Not 'Just Another Pretty Place' In addition to concerts, special events, fun activities and water sports, and great fishing, recreational boating is often the highlight of two local sailing clubs at Lake Pleasant. Check out Pleasant Harbor Marina and RV Resort. Welcome To The Arizona Yacht Club! Sailing is alive and well in the greater Phoenix area. Since our humble beginnings in 1958, AYC has continued to create the region's best sailing opportunities for its members and... Full story
After washing a boat, it's important to dry it before unsightly water spots develop. Old towels and chamois cloths are a traditional method, but they're slow, require exhaustive wringing and tend to smear the finish. The fast and easy solution is the Flexible Water Blade from Shurhold. It quickly removes droplets before they harden into stubborn mineral deposits and reduces drying time by a third or more. Made of durable silicone, the 12" Flexible Water Blade molds to flat and curved surfaces.... Full story
When Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products debuted the Torcello by Stella, the polyurethane marine steering wheel reset the bar for quality, customization and pure good looks. Now, along with NMMA certification, the popular component is CE marked (Conformitè Europëenne) to conform with EU safety, health and environmental requirements, making it even more attractive to European OEMs and distributors. The three-spoke 14" Torcello series is all about trim enhancements. By offering a wide range of c... Full story
Here are some suggestions for kayak and canoe safety and equipment. AZGFD Paddlesports Training Course Is First The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for offering the nation's first paddle-sports class that meets the national standard for "On-Water Recreational Boating Skills – Human Propelled." AZGFD's "Paddlesports Arizona" course teaches fundamental paddlecraft skills that entry-level recreational boaters should be able... Full story
As Scorpion Bay Marina continues to expand and diversify offerings, marina concessionaire Desert Troon Companies is pleased to announce it has enhanced its leadership team with the hire of Lynn Lovelady as Scorpion Bay's marina operations manager. Primary Point Of Contact Lovelady is an experienced marina manager who focuses on storage, regular rental boat projects, member services and other operational and human resources-related responsibilities at Scorpion Bay. She is the members' primary... Full story
Twelve-year expiration for disposables and different carriage requirements for older, newer model year vessels announced. A rite of passage for every boater is the annual spring commissioning. Newly added to the boat owners to-do list this spring will be to check all disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher dates of manufacture, as well as the label for their U.S. Coast Guard classification. That's because a new U.S. Coast Guard regulation beginning April 20 for disposable fire... Full story
Here Are Some Lifesaving Acts By TowBoatUS Captains Captains from Calif., Fla., N.C., N.J., Mich., S.C. are honored at annual gathering. For the red boats of TowBoatUS, the on-water towing and assistance fleet for recreational boaters, a routine day typically includes towing disabled boats back to the launch ramp, providing battery jumps, dropping off fuel, or offering a gentle tug out of the shallows. For each of these 12 towboat captains and crews, however, one workday was far from routine.... Full story
And Cats Chances are he or she should wear a life jacket. The last thing we want is for Fido to fall overboard, creating panic onboard, and a potential safety nightmare. Fitting him or her for a life jacket is easy - really! - if you follow a few simple tips. "Some of the most important safety items on any boat are the life jackets - for you, your passengers, and of course your "best friend." Since our last report on this topic years ago, the canine life jacket market has taken off by leaps and... Full story
