Thursday, September 13, 2018
What is the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and why does it matter to you? Formed in 1979 when the Boating Industry Association of Chicago (BIA) and the National Association of Engine & Boat Manufacturers of New York (NAEBM) merged, the NMMA is the boating industry’s largest trade association, acting as aThursday, September 13, 2018
The autumn boating season has arrived, and with it comes cooler water temperatures. A fall overboard can get serious quickly, and wearing a life jacket could give you extra time to survive. While many boaters have traditional floatation-filled life jackets, an increasing number have switched to more modern inflatable life jackets,Thursday, August 2, 2018
For recreational boaters, sailors, and anglers, having a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio aboard to call for emergency help will always be the fastest way to summon assistance from your closest rescuers. That means that going without one can hurt your chances for a safe summer on the water. Here are three common mistakes boatMonday, July 30, 2018
Want to learn the basics of powerboating or brush up on your skills? The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water together with Freedom Boat Club Annapolis offer a choice of two fun on-water training courses taught aboard 21-foot powerboats: “Intro to Boating” and “Women Making Waves,”Thursday, July 19, 2018
More than 11,000 inland lakes, 3,200-plus miles of Great Lakes shoreline, and rivers that stretch over 51,000 miles – that’s a lot of reasons to love the Great Lakes State. In fact, there’s no spot in Michigan more than 6 miles from an inland lake or wetland. These inland waters, like other natural treasures, mustThursday, July 19, 2018
For the past 28 years, the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Consumer Protection Dispute Resolution Program has gone to bat thousands of times for BoatUS members seeking help after disputes arise with boat purchases, repairs, or other service issues. This free service offered to BoatUS members often gets successfulWednesday, July 11, 2018
Just about everything that drops on to the deck of your boat is apt to end up in the bilge, including excess water spray and rain water. However, regardless of the very important nature of the bilge, skippers often overlook checking it regularly. During my years of marine salvage experience, I had many calls to recover vessels thatTuesday, June 12, 2018
If you own a boat that’s trailerable, a major perk is the ability to take your vessel with you when you vacation. For Great Lakes boaters, if those travels involve a trip to the coast with the family boat in tow, a learning curve you will face is as inevitable as the setting of the sun. In fact, it is caused by the sun —Monday, June 4, 2018
Families often acquire a boat and enjoy using it near their home. However, it is not often that the purchase also considers taking the boat along on a vacation. But, with a little experience under the belt, one will find that there are many destinations to choose, and the outcome of the venture will change if you take your boat. IfTuesday, May 29, 2018
When trying to explain to people why the acrylic windows and hatches on their boat do not appear to keep the integrity it once had, I say: “It’s all in the care.” Allow me to explain. With over 30 years in experience with customized marine made parts, I often have clients come to me asking for advice on how to care
