Boating Services

Hurricane Alley

2005-12-02T17:40:00.000-05:00

Well the 2005 hurricane season has finally come and gone. Living here in South Florida we are beginning to see how people in the midwest feel who live in tornado alley. In the past two hurricane seasons my home here in broward county has been hit by a total of five hurricanes. Luckily they did little damage, with exception of Wilma. I must say however that building code improvements made riding out wilma much less stressful than huricane Andrew back in '92. Although Wilma was in no way comparable to Andrew, it was far more powerful than any other storm which had affected us in our new house here in broward county. I must admit i am kinda envious of storm chasers as even i found myself wanting to see the full power of wilma up close and personal. To those who choose to go outside in hurricanes, do so with the knowledge and expectation that flying debris can and will injure you when it hits you at 100 mph. Always be aware of the wind direction and keep an immovable object like a wall, between you and the wind. One thing i noticed while observing wilma as they eye past was that the winds were not even close to uniform. The winds came in channels usually about 100 feet wide with surrounding wind speeds significantly lower. I literally watched winds batter the house across the street while barely bothering the houses on either side of it, then abruptly change to one of the other houses leaving my neighbors with lessor winds.
In Andrew, back in '92, the winds never did that. They maintained even pressure on everything in sight and grew in intensity every few minutes in gust like fasion without any lulls or retreat. In a cat five hurricane the force of the wind load is unprecedented. In all hurricanes the force on a structure is calculated as the square of the wind speed so a cat 5 is exponentially stronger than a 4 which is exponentially stronger than a 3 and so on.
The best advice to all of us who live in areas at risk of hurricanes is to get out of their way if they are going to hit you as a major 3,4 or 5, because if a 2 can do the damage it did here, the building code improvements will not protect you from a 5 any better than the codes did back in 92.

A few tips for homeowners in the event of a hurricane.

Barrel tile roofs can not and will not stay on in 140+ mph winds, so don't find yourself at the wrong end of a bazooka.

Don't wait for a wet ceiling to fall on your head, use a broom handle to poke a hole and let the water out before it sags too much and falls(It will have to be replaced anyway if the insulation is all wet.

Don't park your car where a tree can fall on it, try to park it out of the wind.

If you study the storms path you can get an idea of how the winds are going to be at your house. ie: If the storm is moving east to west and your home is either in the path of the eyewall or to the north of it, winds will come from the N,NE,ENE,E,ESE and finally SE as the storm passes to your south. This will allow you to strategically park cars, boats etc out of the most severe winds as the eye passes mainly the ENE - ESE winds which will be during the peak of the storm.
If the storm is going north of you the winds will be from the opposite direction, namely NW,WNW,W,WSW,SW with the peak winds coming in the WNW - WSW directions. All this reverses if as wilma did , the storm approaches from the west, where the south side of the storm, usually the weak side is now the strong side.

Don Quina
http://www.us-boating.net

Bob Palmer, talks about conservation of seatrout and their future

2005-01-04T07:45:00.000-05:00

The past several weeks saw several feature articles in this slot surrounding the seatrout. That's not very unusual, given that seatrout are one of the favorite fish pursued by anglers over the winter months. That is not to say that they are not pursued in the warmer months, but over the winter, they can be easier to find and target, when other fish are, or appear to be almost non-existent.
Given the increased pressure on seatrout every year, I thought it would be interesting to hear from an expert about the health of the seatrout fishery, for the southern United States in general and more specifically for Florida.

I was working on a feature assignment for Florida Game and Fish Magazine when I spoke to Bob Palmer, Florida's Chief of the Bureau of Marine Fisheries Management. He was more than willing to answer several questions.

As it turns out, the seatrout fishery in Florida is in excellent shape.

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Palmer attributes the health of the fishery to several things.
As you may know, Florida instituted a net ban several years ago. It was a heated issue between the commercial fishing interests, the conservationists and the sport fishing industry. "The net ban has helped the trout stay in a stable and growing environment," Palmer said, "but the fishery was actually doing well before the net ban."

"We had changed the commercial regulations for seatrout to a hook and line only fishery several years prior to the net ban," he indicted. "Commercial fishing accounted for only about twenty percent of the total seatrout harvest, even prior to the ban."

Florida has a slot limit of 15 to 20 inches with one fish allowed over the upper limit, and a creel limit of four or five, depending on the area of the state. Most anglers identify these limits as being an effort to save a dwindling fishery. In fact, Palmer says the restrictions are not at all for that reason.

"We decided, with input from public hearings, to develop a quality seatrout fishery," he said. "While the fishery was healthy and within reproductive parameters, the average size of the fish was decreasing. The past five years of larger length limits have seen the average size increase. The folks on the Treasure Coast (Cocoa and Melbourne) are going to be able to brag about their "gator" trout again."

"Seatrout are very territorial, and very non-migratory," said Palmer. "They spawn from May through October, and seldom does any fish travel far from the bay or inlet where it grew up." For that reason, Palmer indicated that it is possible to over-harvest the seatrout in a particular area. Anglers should make note of that fact. Several of us have favorite inlets where we catch trout, and if we do not vary our fishing patterns, we could see the catch decline in those inlets.

Palmer also indicated that even in other states, the seatrout fishery is in good shape. It's one of the most stable fisheries, and if we manage it properly, it will continue to thrive. So, you see the reason I spend the time on seatrout. They are plentiful and catchable - even if I can't seem to catch one lately!

Roy Edwards, S&K Pro Staff and Guide Wins "Big Bass Of The Year Contest"

2005-01-04T07:42:00.000-05:00

Roy Edwards of New Jersey, a Pro Staff member, and professional bass guide with S&K Guide Service, destroyed the competition for "Big Bass of The Year" with several entries more than 2 pounds over the minimum weight needed to qualify.

(PRWEB) January 3, 2005 -- Roy Edwards, a professional bass guide from New Jersey, and Pro Staff member of S&K Guide Service, located in Delaware, has once again proved he knows his stuff when it comes to catching big bass. Roy is a professional trophy bass guide, and a member of the "Jackson Bass Anglers" located in New Jersey. He has caught numerous large bass, both largemouth and smallmouth from his home waters and in the lakes and rivers located on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland over the past few years. Roy began working as a member of the S&K Guide Service Pro Staff in 2004, and was hired as a full-time bass guide shortly afterwards.

He entered the "Biggest Bass Of the Year" contest at the last moment to qualify, and sunmitted a largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds, and a smallmouth bass weighing in at 6.6 pounds to take the lead among over 300 members eligible for the contest. Roy's fish gave him the win, and with it came a lure package valued at over $100.00, a new reel, and a beautiful Walnut plaque for his efforts. As if this wasn't enough to start the new year off the right way, Roy also won ober $300.00 worth of merchandise given away by S&K Guide Service and their sponsors, "Bearpaws handpoured Baits", "Tica" reels, "Daimon" Jigs, and "B&D Custom Lures".

Roy has had a banner year in 2004, and with the expansion of the new online store, and the backing of many new sponsors, I am sure we will be hearing more from Roy Edwards, and S&K Guide Service in 2005. Roy will be attending several trade shows with S&K this year in Buffalo and Syracuse New York, and at Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg, and if his guide duties allow the time, he will also attend the Bassmasters Classic this year with S&K Guide Service, where they will be broadcasting live from there as well on the radio.

Moore Receives Award for Flounder Conservation

2005-01-04T07:39:00.000-05:00

Best-selling fishing book author and conservation activist Chester Moore receieves awards for flounder conservation efforts.

(PRWEB) January 3, 2005 -- Texas Fish & Game magazine Saltwater Editor and best selling fishing book author Chester Moore, was presented an award by Texas State Representative Mike Hamilton (R-Mauriceville) for his flounder conservation work Dec. 15.

The certificate reads “The State of Texas House of Representatives salutes Chester Moore and his Project: Flounder Future in his work to enhance the Texas Flounder Fishery.”

“His lobbying and grass roots efforts to get a flounder stocking program in Texas started benefit all that pursue this wonderful sportfish,” Hamilton said.

According to Moore, receiving the award was flattering and he hopes if anything, it will help raise awareness to problems facing the flounder.

“We’re really close to having a full-blown flounder stocking program in Texas and if the anglers out there show support I believe we can make it happen and make the ‘glory days’ of flounder fishing be tomorrow,” he said.

In related news, Moore recently reached a lifelong goal of his, which is a bachelor’s degree of science in zoology with minors in marine biology and journalism.

“Wildlife, whether it swims in the ocean or runs through the forest, is my passion and since I was a little kid I wanted to be a zoologist so this is very thrilling for me,” he said.

“The main thing now is to concentrate even more on conservation and move toward a proactive future for our coastal fisheries. This degree will only help in that quest,” he added.

Moore is releasing a new book on flounder this spring through Texas Fish and Game publishing and plans to donate part of the proceeds to flounder conservation.

Split Season May Harm N.C.’s Turkey Hatch

2005-01-04T07:34:00.000-05:00

(PRWEB) December 3, 2005 -- The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will offer 42 proposed changes to hunting, fishing and trapping regulations for the 2005-06 seasons during its annual series of January public hearings.

Most of the proposals shouldn’t generate much heat; one probably will.

The WRC will ask hunters to consider a split, east-west spring gobblers-only wild turkey season. The proposed eastern N.C. season (east of Interstate 95) would the earliest in history, starting the first Saturday in April and running through the fourth Saturday thereafter. The western season (west of I-95) would begin the second Saturday in April and end the fourth Saturday thereafter.

East and west seasons still would be four weeks (including five Saturdays). For instance, if the proposal were in effect this spring, eastern season dates would be April 2-30, while western dates would be April 9-May 7 (which is actually the 2005 statewide season dates). If a hunter chose, he could hunt east and west and enjoy a five-week season (but still couldn’t harvest more than two birds per year).

However, season length isn’t at the heart of a potential problem. The problem might come in breeding success, and it could be worse in counties with relatively few birds.

Mike Seamster, the WRC’s upland bird/wild turkey specialist, said this change, if adopted, may make it more difficult for eastern N.C. wild turkeys to breed and produce offspring.

The proposal, which originated with a District 4 (eastern N.C.) WRC commissioner, was in response to earlier gobbling by male birds in eastern counties during the spring.

However, opening the spring season too early may take gobblers out of the population before they have a chance to mate with hens - creating a potential negative effect upon the spring hatch and possibly lowering turkey reproduction.

“The whole concept of a spring gobbler season is based on the biology of letting the hens get bred before you harvest the gobblers,” Seamster said.

He said several advantages exist in allowing gobblers and hens to get together before opening hunting season.

“If hens are allowed to breed with gobblers, they’ll be on the nests and not likely to get accidentally shot during the hunting season,” he said. “Statistics have shown the earlier the (spring gobbler season) opens, the more likely hens are to get shot.

“Also, if you have an area with a low density of turkeys and allow the male birds to be hunted, reproductive success can become an iffy proposition.

“For instance, what if you open the season in an area where there’s only three gobblers per square mile, and you harvest one gobbler and your neighbor harvests one. You could end up with unbred hens (and a depressed hatch).”

Seamster said in eastern N.C., some areas have thriving wild turkey populations while others don’t have many birds.

“Biologists looked at 58 studies (of wild turkeys) in 33 states and came to the conclusion the best (hunting-season approach) was to go with the biological concept of harvesting gobblers after the hens were bred,” he said. “They put together the average incubation dates and created a map to show across the entire range of wild turkeys when that occurred.

“When they compared it to the season-opening dates, they found most states already were opening their (spring) seasons a little too early.”

The WRC’s public-hearings schedule for comments on changes in game laws is: Jan. 11, Southwestern Community College, Sylva; Jan. 12, Morganton, Municipal Auditorium; Jan. 13, Boonville, Starmount High School; Jan. 18, Elizabethtown, Courthouse; Jan. 19, Graham, Courthouse; Jan. 20, Norwood, S. Stanly High School; Jan. 25, Edenton, Swain Auditorium; Jan. 26, New Bern, Courthouse; and Jan. 27, Nashville, Courthouse.

All hearings will begin at 7 p.m.

Wilmington Angler World's Top Long-caster

2005-01-04T07:31:00.000-05:00

(PRWEB) January 3, 2005 -- When his friends and rivals say Tommy Farmer of Wilmington can cast a country mile, they aren’t exaggerating. During the Sportcast USA World Long Casting Championship at Crisfield, Md., Farmer showed his skill by pacing the event with a cast of 819 feet.

Farmer, who is an avid fisherman, has been competing in distance-casting events for years. While still excited about his accomplishment, he said he had two goals at the beginning of 2004. “One of my goals was to beat 12-time champion ‘Big Lou’ McEachern of Texas, and the other was to break the American distance-casting record,” he said. Farmer achieved one of his goals and barely missed the other.

To win the title, Farmer had to beat McEachern, his rival and occasional training partner. The American distance-casting record of 821 feet, held by McEachern, was just out of Farmer’s reach when the event ended. Farmer’s 150-gram-class winning cast of 819 feet was the second-best American cast in the event’s history. He said he will try again to claim the world record during the 2005 tournament. On his way to the 2004 championship, Farmer advanced through the Southeast Regional competition at Wilmington and the U.S. national competition at Crisfield, Md. He competes in the Masters Division, the top level of distance-casting events.

In distance casting, there are two weight classes. In the 125-grams (about 4 1/2 ounces) class, competitors use 8-pound test or .28-mm monofilament line, plus a shock leader of 30 feet of 60 pounds or .75-mm mono is used between the end of the fishing line and the weight. The second class is 150 grams or about 5 1/4 ounces. In this class, competitors use 10-pound test or .31-mm monofilament line with the same shock leader.

Farmer said the heavier shock leader is necessary to absorb the power and whip of the cast. Farmer said his rod of choice is the Pendulum Cast, which originated in Great Britain. “With it, I begin with my back to the target and start swinging the sinker to begin loading the rod,” he said. “After working the rod to a fair bend with the swinging weight, I swing it all the way back and whip the rod over my head as I spin around. This final motion fully loads the rod and multiplies the strength I can put into it. If my timing and angle are correct, it will be a long cast.” If Farmer continues to improve, it’s possible he could repeat his 2004 championship this year.

New, All-Natural Mosquito Repellent Provides Better Protection Without Deet™

2005-01-04T07:27:00.000-05:00

Skedattle™, a new, all natural mosquito repellent, provides better protection without Deet™, based on independent lab test.

Brevard, NC (PRWEB) January 3, 2005 -- An all new, natural oil based mosquito repellent called Skedattle has recently proven to offer better protection from mosquitos and other biting insects, without the use of Deet™ or chemical additives. The patented formula was developed by Gary Felkel, owner of a mosquito control company, in response to his desire to stop mosquitos without spraying chemicals on playgrounds and family backyards. "It occurred to me one day that I was fighting this battle on the wrong end of the equation" Felkel stated. "Instead of spraying huge areas of land and backyards with chemical substances, I wondered if there was a natural formula that could be applied to the skin. I saw it as a choice between combating nature with sprays vs. applying protection to the body. That way the environment and people wouldn't be subjected to these chemical sprays."

Armed with this idea and typical entrepreneurial determination, Felkel began researching natural ingredients, including numerous herbs and oils known for their bug repelling properties. After extensive testing, Felkel struck upon a unique combination of several all natural ingredients, that when combined, proved especially effective in repelling the mosquitos in this Western North Carolina community. He then began to share samples with friends and neighbors.

The results, according to Felkel, were nothing short of amazing. "We had a camp nearby that was so infested with mosquitos, they were considering closing early. They heard about this product and called us up. The director in charge later reported that the formula had worked so well,that camp would remain in session." Other reports included a young girl who would swell up when bitten by the bugs. Her mother applied the natural formula using the pump spray bottle, and the biting came to an immediate end.

In perhaps the most startling development, in an independent lab test of Skedattle vs. a product containing 100% Deet, Skedattle proved more
effective. According to the lab results, unprotected subjects received an average of 16 bites per hour. Subjects using products containing Deet received an average of 2.78 bites per hour, while the Skedattle test subjects received less than one bite per hour, (approximately 1/5 of one bite per hour). The test, conducted by BassFan Lab, (operated by BassFan LLC) involved three successive test periods over 72 hours. "They wanted to see for themselves how effective the product was" Felkel recounted. "I was as surprised as anyone. I knew the formula worked, but this really confirmed to what degree it worked."

Word of the product has spread fast, due in part to parental concerns about the use of chemical sprays on their children. "We also have a lot of interest from sportsmen as well, who tell us that chemical based sprays weaken or melt their fishing lines". Representatives have lined up to sell the product in Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii, as well as the continental United States. "What I feel best about" Felkel contined, "is knowing we are giving parents, families and outdoorsmen what they really want, an all natural product that will help protect them from West Nile and other mosquito borne illnesses, without the use of chemical additives."

Illinois company buys two SC fishing boat makers

2005-01-04T07:23:00.000-05:00

(Lake Forest, Illinois-Dow Jones/AP) Jan. 3, 2005 - Brunswick Corporation has purchased two South Carolina-based makers of salt-water fishing boats for about $51 million.

The Lake Forest, Illinois-based company acquired Sea Pro Boats Incorporated and Sea Boss Boats LLC on Monday.

The acquired companies are based in Newberry and had 2004 sales of about $80 million.

The Sea Pro, Sea Boss and Palmetto brands will join Brunswick's Boston Whaler to form a new Saltwater Boat Group, based in Edgewater, Florida.

Brunswick Corp. Buys Sea Pro, Sea Boss

2005-01-04T07:13:00.000-05:00

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - Leisure products maker Brunswick Corp. reported Monday that it acquired Sea Pro Boats Inc. and Sea Boss Boats LLC for about $51 million in cash to fill out its boating business.

Brunswick said it will fold the Sea Pro, Sea Boss and Palmetto boat brands with its Boston Whaler brand to form a new saltwater boat group based in Edgewater, Fla. Boston Whaler President Michael W. Myers will head the new group and will report to Dustan E. McCoy, president of the Brunswick boat group. Myers also will remain head of Boston Whaler until a successor is named.

BRUNSWICK CORP

NYS:BC
Updated: 2005/01/03 ET
48.57 -0.93
Tommy Hancock, founder and president of Sea Pro, will remain in that position and report to Myers, Brunswick said.

The deal has a $4 million earn-out provision based on performance objectives for the year. Sea Pro and Sea Boss had sales of about $80 million in 2004. Brunswick posted $4.13 billion in sales for 2003.

Shares of Brunswick fell 69 cents, or 1.4 percent to $48.81 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Yamaha questions Brunswick's purchase

2005-01-04T07:09:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Monday January 3, 2005

KENNESAW, Ga. -- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. reacted to Brunswick Corp.'s purchase of the Sea Pro, Palmetto and Sea Boss boat brands this morning saying the move casts doubt on Brunswick's claims of injury from Japanese engine manufacturers as the ongoing International Trade Commission investigation into engine dumping nears its conclusion.

"Brunswick's announcement that it has spent approximately $51 million to purchase Sea Pro, Palmetto and Sea Boss and expand its boat lines flies in the face of its injury claims pending before the ITC,” said Phil Dyskow, president of the Marine Group of Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. said this morning in a press release. “In the past year alone Brunswick has spent over $240 million to purchase boat companies rather than invest in producing motors that the market wants.”

Dyskow said Brunwick's move was “an outright contradiction of Brunswick's December 14, 2004 statement to the ITC that it is losing money on the sales of its outboard motors and needs to raise its outboard motor prices in order to make a profit.

"In fact it appears that Brunswick wishes to raise prices on outboard motors so that it can raise capital to purchase additional boat companies. We feel that this should cause significant concern to independent boat builders, which may be purchasing engines from a company that is also their competitor in the boat business.

"We hope that the boating public and the ITC understand that Brunswick's choice to continue to buy boat companies rather than investing in outboard engine technology is the cause of problems that it is having in the outboard engine market, not imports. Ultimately, no matter how many boat companies Brunswick controls, its success in the outboard engine market will depend upon its ability to supply the engines that the market demands.”

The ITC will rule at the end of January on the question of whether Brunswick has been harmed by Japanese engine dumping practices in the United States.

BOAT ACCIDENT KILLS ONE UNDER BENICIA BRIDGE

2005-01-04T07:06:00.000-05:00

01/03/05 3:55 PST
BENICIA (BCN)

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Solano County Sheriff's Office are investigating a boating accident that killed one person under the northern side of the Benicia Bridge this morning.

Coast Guard Lt. Kelly Thorkilson said the collision between a 70-foot crew boat Provider and a 14-foot pleasure craft was reported to Coast Guard Station Vallejo at 7 a.m. One person aboard the pleasure craft died and a dog was recovered from the accident scene in good condition, Thorkilson said.

There were six people aboard the Provider, which was taking bridge workers to work on the Benicia Bridge, and two people aboard the pleasure craft, Thorkilson said.

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Boating Accident Victim's Body Recovered

2005-01-04T07:04:00.000-05:00

A body believed to be that of a missing 28-year-old Leon County man was recovered Monday afternoon near St. George Island in Apalachicola Bay.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers recovered the body believed to be that of Bryan Brown at 3:15 p.m. near Rattlesnake Cove.

Brown was last seen holding on to a board after the 13-foot boat he and his brother were riding in capsized in rough water near Dog Island back on December 19.

The brother, Warren Brown, was wearing a life jacket at the time and was picked up by a passing boat.

In the Line of Duty

2005-01-04T06:52:00.000-05:00

The military says he died in the line of duty. But a new lawsuit says that duty was really a day of drinking and reckless boating on the St. Croix. Whether it was all voluntary or mandatory is the question.

Under a U.S. Supreme Court decision knows as the “Feres Doctrine,” families of the military are not allowed to sue for wrongful death if it's in the line of duty. Even if duty is really a day of partying on the St. Croix.

From all accounts, Lt. Nathan Nieber would've rather spent that July 4th weekend with his fiancee. But duty called. "This was a mandatory office social function on the St. Croix. They call it mandatory fun in the military."

His guard unit's day of mandatory fun, of drinking and sunshine, would turn into a horrifying tragedy. Two boats were cruising single file down the St. Croix, when a 36-foot cruiser, piloted by Nieber's commanding officer, literally ran over a smaller 18-foot fishing boat. Five people were seriously injured. The propeller decapitated Neiber. He was 26. "You don't follow in the wake of another boat, and this is the reason. If you're in the wake, you're too close."

Lawyers for his family have now sued both the U.S. Government and the pilots of the two boats. Both sides are pointing at each other.

"We've got the U.S. Government pointing to the private individuals saying on no you were off duty and we have the off duty officers and the insurance companies saying no you were on duty."

Yet the military has been hard pressed to explain its actions. This is a sample of the heavily edited reports the lawyers have obtained under the freedom of information act.

The one thing no one questions is Neibur's record. He was top of his ranger class. He was so accomplished, the guard named a new armory hall in his honor. His family's lawyers say the legal battle is the one thing that does not honor his name.

"Lt. Neibur was a military man from day one."

The pilots of the boats, both National Guard members, were drinking, but their blood alcohol level was well below the legal limit. No felony charges were filed.

But Col. Ronald Halvorson, the pilot of the larger cruiser, pled guilty to a gross misdemeanor of reckless boating. He paid a $300 fine and did 80 hours of community service. This is the first lawsuit, but others are expected soon from the five survivors who were seriously injured.

$600,000 Available for Fish Habitat Restoration

2005-01-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

FishAmerica’s partnership with the NOAA makes money available
Through FishAmerica’s partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Habitat Restoration Project, up to $600,000 is available to restore marine and anadromous fisheries habitat. This partnership emphasizes hands-on, grassroots approaches for on-the-ground restoration of marine, estuarine and riparian habitats, including salt marshes, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and freshwater habitats important to anadromous fish species such as salmon and striped bass that spawn in freshwater and migrate to the sea.
“FishAmerica is pleased to have NOAA’s Community-based Habitat Restoration Program as a longstanding partner,” said Johanna Laderman, Managing Director of the FishAmerica Foundation. “Since 1998, we have awarded more than $3 million for community projects to restore sportfish habitat in 25 states through this partnership. With local dollars and volunteer hours, these projects are valued at nearly $8 million.”

Boater education in effect Jan. 1

2005-01-01T18:27:00.000-05:00

On Jan. 1, 2005, Tennessee will implement its new mandatory boater education law across the state.
This new law passed by the legislature mandates that any person born after Jan. 1, 1989, must show proof of successful completion of a course in safe boating that is approved by the National Association of State Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) before they may operate any vessel subject to registration on any waters in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Boater Education Program involves two main components.
The first component is the course itself. There are many NASBLA approved courses for people to choose from.
The main courses that TWRA will accept will be the U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, www.boat-ed.com and the TWRA Boat Tennessee Home Study Course.
There is no cost for some of the courses, while others charge a fee to cover the cost of the materials needed for the course.
The second component of the Tennessee Boater Education Program is that once the student has completed one of the approved courses, he or she must take a 60 questioned monitored exam provided by the TWRA Boating Division.
To gain entry to take the exam the student must first go to any license agent and prepay a $10 fee and the receipt obtained from this transaction will be the student's "ticket" to take the exam.
This $10 transaction receipt is valid until the student passes the exam. If the student does not have this receipt, then the student cannot take the exam.
The 60-question exam takes an average of 40-50 minutes to complete.
When the student passes the exam, he or she will be issued a temporary certificate and a TWRA-issued wallet card will be received within a couple of weeks.
Student may also challenge the exam without having to take the course, but they are still required to pay the $10 fee to gain entry to take the exam.
Information for the location, dates and times for courses and exams can be found at the TWRA web site, www.tnwildlife.org, or call 1-800-837-6012.

Firefighter takes to volunteer work on water

2005-01-01T18:26:00.000-05:00

By Annie Thompson
(540) 981-3340
The Roanoke Times

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Ian Buchanan spent the day after Christmas in the waters of Smith Mountain Lake trying to raise a sunken boat.

That's not something most people would choose to do when the temperature is in the 30s.

But Buchanan volunteers for Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company and Saunders Volunteer Fire Company because he says it's important to help others.

He moved to Huddleston in 1999 and started volunteering for the Marine Fire & Rescue two months after arriving.

"Like every kid," Buchanan said, he always loved law enforcement.

He says his role with the Marine Fire & Rescue squad fits him even better than being a police officer would.

New year ushers in higher fees for boating, fishing

2005-01-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 01, 2005

By Martha Raffaele, The Associated Press

HARRISBURG -- Boating and fishing in Pennsylvania becomes more expensive today as the new year ushers in higher license fees for both activities.

Unlike a year ago, when the calendar change brought a range of new laws -- from a potpourri of higher taxes to the expansion of the state's low-cost prescription drug programs for seniors -- the higher boating and fishing fees are the only automatic change initiated by lawmakers for the start of 2005.

Many of the nearly 240 bills Rendell signed in 2004 have taken effect by now, such as a measure legalizing slot-machine gambling. Some new laws will take effect after Jan. 1, such as a provision allowing the expansion of Sunday liquor sales beginning in February.

And some cities may choose to exercise their new ability to collect a higher tax on workers.

Boating law highlights newest Illinois edicts

2005-01-01T18:23:00.000-05:00

By JESSICA PERSONETTE

jpersonette@nwherald.com

Increased penalties for people who flee the scene of a boating accident and more rights for grandparent visitation are two of 129 new state laws that take effect today.

A boat-safety law, written by Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry, and outgoing Rep. Rosemary Kurtz, R-Crystal Lake, makes it a felony to leave the scene of a boating accident, punishable by one to three years in prison. If a death is involved, the felony penalty increases to three to seven years in prison.

Recreational park on horizon for Brooklyn

2005-01-01T18:22:00.000-05:00

BROOKLYN-- First Selectman Maurice Bowen has dreams of hiking, boating and playing baseball.

They aren't dreams he has while sleeping, they are his ideas for a park that eventually will occupy 40 acres in East Brooklyn.

On Thursday, Bowen looked over an agreement for a $130,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Protection, which will be used to create the park that will include 3,550 feet of frontage along the Quinebaug River.

Bowen said the town will apply for a Community Block Grant to offset most of the cost.

The idea for the park started in 1999, when the town began finding opportunities to purchase land on the east side of town. The parcels, which are next to each other, soon showed potential of being more than empty lots. They include land the town already owned, land purchased around the same time and a parcel the state turned over to the town.

USCG Auxiliary Asks America's Boaters to Make Two New Year's Resolutions

2005-01-01T18:21:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is asking boaters to make a pair of New Year's resolutions. "The first of these is simple and is the most important thing you can do on a boat that may save lives," says Dean Payne, Commander of Flotilla 37, which serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

(PRWEB) December 27, 2004 -- That first resolution is "I promise never to get underway before everyone onboard has on a properly fastened lifejacket."

Statistics prove that those on a boat are eight times more likely to live and be rescued if they fall overboard and have on a lifejacket compared to those that are not wearing a personal flotation device.

Payne says the second resolution is also simple and can save time, embarassment and money. It is a pledge to get a free courtesy vessel examination in 2005.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary does free vessel examinations to insure boats are in compliance with all federal and state regulations. "This could save you money as some insurance companies will give you a discount on your insurance if your boat has passed a Vessel Safety Check," explains Payne.

Follow the Voyage of Hope Around the World on the Internet and at the Houston Boat Show

2005-01-01T18:20:00.000-05:00

Les Bissel suffered astroke in 2002 recovered and is now sailing around the world in a 28 ft sailboat on a crusade for stroke prevention.

(PRWEB) December 29, 2004 -- Les Bissell is a man on a mission – he calls it a “Voyage of Hope” – and thanks to 21st century technology, we can all follow along with him.

In early spring this year, avid sailor and athlete Bissell set sail in his 28-foot sloop, Hope, from Annapolis, Maryland, on a three-year voyage around the world. This is not one of those “just because I can” or “get away from it all” adventures. It’s more of a “because I still can” celebration.

Bissell, who at age 37 suffered a sudden, severe stroke in January 2002, is sailing the globe to heighten awareness about strokes – the signs, symptoms and recovery – and to give courage to all current and future stroke victims. Having won the hard fight to recover, he is partnering with National Stroke Association (NSA) to spread the message of hope.

Now Bissell is out there on the ocean, accompanied only by crew member Brian Murphy and an amazing global tracking and communications system donated by Houston-based Remote Knowledge, Inc.

MPX comments on unusual trading activity

2004-12-26T17:43:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Thursday December 23, 2004

ATLANTA -- Marine Products Corp. issued a brief release yesterday commenting on unusual trading activity in its common stock, and said there has been no material development in its business and affairs not previously disclosed publicly, or to its knowledge, any other reason to account for the unusual market activity.

The trading volume of Marine Products Corp.'s stock was about 168,000 shares on Wednesday and the closing price was $24.07, a decline of $3.18 or 11.7 percent from the previous day's closing price.

Marine Products manufactures fiberglass boats, including Chaparral pleasure boats and Robalo sport fishing boats.

Escape to the Swamp for the Holidays

2004-12-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

Visitors will find numerous ways to unwind during the busy holiday season at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Boating and paddling trails meander through open prairies past flocks of sandhill cranes. Hiking trails of less than one-half mile to four miles offer chances to see endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, pine warblers, black bears, and fox squirrels. Bicyclists may see alligators sunning along roadside ditches. The sounds of nature replace the noise of civilization in one of the largest wilderness areas east of the Mississippi River.

There are three main entrances into the Okefenokee Swamp. Entrance fees are required and may be purchased at each location. The main entrance to Okefenokee NWR is located 8 miles south of Folkston, Georgia, off Highway 121/23. Stop by the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center to plan your day. Walking trails, a ¾ mile long boardwalk and observation tower, boating trails, fishing, guided boat tours, motorboat, canoe, and kayak rentals, and a restored swamp homestead await visitors. This entrance is open from one-half hour before sunrise until 5:30 p.m. daily; but will be closed for Christmas Day. For additional information, contact the Visitor Center at 912-496-7836 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Located 17 miles east of Fargo, Georgia, on Highway Spur 177, Stephen C. Foster State Park offers a boardwalk, boating trails, fishing, guided boat tours, motorboat and canoe rentals, camping, cabins, and a museum. The State Park is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including Christmas Day. The new Suwannee River Visitor Center, located on Highway 441, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 912-637-5274 for more information.

The entrance to Okefenokee Swamp Park is located 8 miles south of Waycross, Georgia, on Highway 1. Visitors may enjoy the train ride past special lighted Christmas exhibits created throughout the Park. Normal visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Extended hours through 9:00 p.m. are in effect for the train and other exhibits from December 18th through 23rd and December 26th through 31st. The Park will be closed on December 24th and 25th.

New boating law becomes effective after New Year

2004-12-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

Owen Schroeder
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are approximately 260,000 registered boats in Tennessee and just about anyone who can crawl behind the wheel can operate them. That will all change January 1 as the state's mandatory Boater Education Law goes into effect.

Under the new law, any person born on or after January 1, 1989, and is 12 years of age and older, must possess proof that he or she has successfully completed a course in safe boating that is approved by the National Association of State Law Administrators and accepted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before they can operate any boat subject to registration on any waters in Tennessee without the supervision of an adult or someone possessing a safe boating certificate.

It's the season for giving and loving - and for making a difference

2004-12-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

The longer I live, the more I realize just how short life really is. I realize there must be more and that this life has to be just a dress rehearsal for something much bigger than any of us can imagine. I can’t explain it any other way.
I am waiting for my grandchildren to grow old enough to fish with me. Sometimes it seems they are stuck at a young age and I may never fish with them. Then there are times that I simply can’t believe how fast they grow.

I think we all reach a time in our lives that makes us look back at all we did, all we accomplished, and yes, all we could have accomplished. Talking to others, it seems we all reach that retrospective attitude at some point later in life. We all wish we had done something different, wish we had studied harder, or wish we had made some different choices.

For me, I think I am reasonably satisfied with my station in life. Oh, I could have studied harder, done some things differently, and not chosen to do some of the really stupid things I did. But, all in all, I think I’m happy.

I have a happy, successful family I love who loves me back, a mother and brother who love and appreciate me for who I am. I had a father who, while he was with us, taught me just about all I know about life. I’m able to enjoy fishing with my sons. I have a wife who understands, or at least tolerates the fishing passion inside me. All I can say is, wow! I could not ask for a whole lot more.

Retirement thoughts and decisions make the rounds every year about this time. Each year, they look a little better. Each year I say, maybe this year. Who knows, maybe it will be this year. Time, as it always does, will tell.

This holiday season is once again driving me to look back at my life. And the question I always end up asking myself is, did I make a difference?

As a Christian, I celebrate Christmas each year with my family. It’s a part of that something bigger I talked about. And as a Christian, I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas this year. For those of you of different faiths, I wish each of you a Happy Holiday season as well.

Whatever your faith is, this week I encourage you to take time to be with your family. Take time to mend a few of the broken things in your life. Swallow your pride at least this one time each year. You will be the better for it! You will be able to look back at some point and say yes, I did make a difference.

Thin ice on lakes poses safety risk

2004-12-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

By Jeff Bollier
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers

OSHKOSH — As Chris Freiberg watched the Green Bay Packers game Sunday on TV, part of him wished he could be playing on Lake Winnebago instead of being indoors.

“This would be excellent ice boating weather, but the ice conditions are rough,” Freiberg said. “The lake just froze over today, but if it stays cold this week, I’m sure people will be out boating in a week.”

The weekend’s single-digit temperatures went a long way toward solidifying the start of ice-related recreation season.

But Winnebago County sheriff’s deputy Steve Herman said it will take another five to seven days before ice on Lake Winnebago is thick enough to walk on, and even longer until snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and full-size vehicles can safely venture out.

“Citizens have to realize when they go out on the ice, they do so on their own and need to be aware of the potential problems that exist,” Herman said.

Winter sportsmen can’t wait to get out on the ice, but it’s an enthusiasm tempered by safety concerns.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there, but it’s not worth the risk of going out there just for some fish,” Oshkosh ice fisherman Greg Golliher said. “I’m not a person to sit around in the house and watch TV. I’d rather be out fishing or duck hunting.”

Golliher said anglers already have walked onto Lake Poygan and some of the other smaller lakes in Winnebago County. He said all Lake Winnebago needs before it can open up for what should be good winter walleye fishing is a few windless nights.

“Once you get a solid layer (of ice) out there, the wind can’t do much,” Golliher said. “I’m hoping to get out there before the end of the year, but safety’s the main issue.”

Otter Street Fishing Club president Scotty Engel and others said people shouldn’t walk on lake ice until it’s 4 to 6 inches thick, shouldn’t drive a snowmobile or ATV until the ice is at least 8 inches thick and shouldn’t drive a vehicle on the ice until it’s at least a foot thick.

Engel also recommended anyone unsure of lake conditions or new to ice activities should check with local anglers and fishing clubs, bait shops and boaters before heading out.

“The locals know what’s going on,” Engel said. “A lot of times visitors come in and do not check with local clubs or bait shops. It’s important because every lake is different.”

Freiberg said he’s hoping for the better part of a month of good ice boating weather before snow falls in volumes large enough to disrupt boating. He said he still gets a thrill out of getting his ice boat up to speeds of 60 mph on Lake Winnebago.

“I’ll be out there every weekend and after work, if I’ve got time before it gets dark,” Freiberg said. “In the past years, we’ve had about a month of good ice boating before the snow ruined it.”

Ariz. City Threatening to Shut Down Boating Company over Inadequate Insurance

2004-12-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

December 20, 2004

The city of Tempe, Ariz., is threatening to shut down a boating company operating at Tempe Town Lake without enough insurance.

Rio Lago Cruise Company has carried $1 million of insurance for the past two years despite a contract mandating the company carry at least $5 million.

The city plans on sending the rental company a letter this week notifying it to comply within 60 days.

If it doesn't, Tempe officials say they could close down the company and begin looking for a new vendor.

Donald Karner, a partner with Rio Lago, said he is negotiating with the city to reduce the amount of coverage because the threat of terrorism has caused insurance rates to skyrocket.

Rio Lago had signed a contract with the city in 1999, becoming the lake's largest vendor and only boat rental business on the water.

City records show that Rio Lago followed that contract until November 2002 when the rental company lowered insurance coverage without giving 60 days notice.

Bahnsen's set to close

2004-12-21T09:24:00.000-05:00

Bahnsen's Ski & Sport, an Omaha tradition in the skiing and boating business, will close early next year after losing its lease.

After 46 years, Bahnsen's Ski & Sport, at 7407 L St., will close its doors next month.

Owner Don Bahnsen said the store, at 7407 L St., is scheduled to close in mid-January after 46 years.

"There's no place to move to in this stage of the game," Bahnsen said.

If the business relocated, it would need more space than its current 11,000 square feet, he said. A "quitting business" sale, which began Nov. 18, is under way.

This year's cold, windy weather affected the boating season nationwide, Bahnsen said.

"That hurt financially, but the main cause of the closing was the loss of our lease," he said. When Bahnsen began in sports retail in October 1958, his store at 7529 Dodge St. was similar to today's national chains that carry general recreation and sporting goods.

In those days, the business - then known as Bahnsen's Sporting Goods - offered a wide range of equipment for sports and activities including tennis, bowling, camping, golf, basketball and basketball.

"You name it, we sold it," Bahnsen said. "We tried to do everything." In 1972, the business moved to 9201 J St. and concentrated its merchandise on skiing and boating.

Friends introduced Bahnsen to those outdoor water sports, and he began offering boats in 1958 and skiing equipment in 1965. The store name also changed to Bahnsen's Ski & Sport. The store moved to its current location in 1981.

Safe Boating Course Soon

2004-12-21T09:23:00.000-05:00

A Public Safe Boating Adult Course will be offered this winter at the Sequoya Middle School Cafeteria, 750 Waverly Avenue, Holtsville, beginning Tuesday, January 11, from 8 to 10 pm. Registration will be on the first night of the course, from 7 to 8 pm.

The course will be given on the following dates: January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, March 1 and 8, 2005.

The instruction given in the eight session course is the best way to learn the basics of safe boating for new, as well as experienced boaters. (Sign up for the course, whether you own a power, sail boat, or Personal Watercraft, are thinking about buying one, or enjoy boating with friends.) In addition to enhancing their boating and safety skills, many boat owners also receive boat insurance discounts for successfully completing the course.

The topics included in the course are: Personal Watercraft Instruction, boat handling and seamanship, boat types, equipment regulations and safe operation, state and local regulations, knots, weather, charts and plotting, aids to navigation, coastal and inland navigation, engine troubleshooting, piloting, sailing fundamentals, marine radiotelephone, and trailer boating.

The Safe Boating Course is being offered to the public by the Great South Bay Power Squadron of the United States Power Squadron, a non-profit organization of boating enthusiasts who have already taught over three million students how to make their boating safer and more enjoyable. The courses are offered to adults and teenagers in over 500 local areas nationwide. The course is free, but there is a fee of $40 for the Boating Book for adults and $25 for the "Boat Smart" book for ten to 14 year olds. In addition, the navigational plotters and dividers are $6 each.

Marine Mover – Boating Industry hires national account executive

2004-12-19T07:42:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Friday December 17, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS – Boating Industry magazine has increased its sales staff with the hiring of Marty Wolske to the position of national account executive, where he will be responsible for advertising sales for the Eastern United States.

Wolske will work to help customers create business development marketing plans in the print advertising, online interactive, custom publishing and direct mail media.

Prior to joining the Ehlert Publishing Group – which publishes Trailer Boats, Bass & Walleye Boats, and Watercraft World magazines in addition to Boating Industry magazine – Wolske was the director of sales and marketing for Feed Stuffs, a weekly trade publication owned by Minneapolis-based Miller Publishing Group.

“The reason that I came to Ehlert was because of the tremendous opportunity for growth,” Wolske said. “As the No. 1 trade publication serving the marine market,
Boating Industry has embarked on an aggressive growth plan that leverages its 75-year brand heritage. There's no greater time to join this publication.”

Local dragon boating team earns medal

2004-12-19T07:38:00.000-05:00

By SHAILA DANI
Bucks County Courier Times

A national dragon boating team comprised of mostly Philadelphia-area athletes has won several medals at an international competition in Shanghai, China.
The U.S. National Dragon Boating Team competed against teams from China, the Philippines, Germany, England, Poland and many others at the 5th International Dragon Boat World Championships from Oct. 22-24.

The 2,000-year-old sport of dragon boat racing involves 20 paddlers rowing in unison — sometimes as fast as 100 strokes a minute — to race a 40-foot boat a short distance.

The U.S. premiere open team won the gold in the 1,000-meter event, making it world champs for that race. The senior (over 40 years old) men’s team won the silver in the 1,000-meter and the bronze in the 200-meter events. The men and women’s mixed senior team won the bronze in the 200-meter race.

“It was unbelievable,” said Montgomery County resident William Heffernan, a gold medalist and member of the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association, which sent 45 members to the international competition.

The U.S. team included Holland residents Ken Wong and his daughter, Christina. Ken Wong, who is president of the Philadelphia group, said the team would hold tryouts next in the spring for spots on the 2005 U.S. team. The team has already qualified for the next international competition, which will be held in August in Berlin.

He Took Away the Boats and Hooked the Anglers

2004-12-19T07:37:00.000-05:00

Source: Virginian - Pilot
Publication date: 2004-12-12
Arrival time: 2004-12-17

BY LEE TOLLIVER

THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

George Poveromo remembers the day all too well.

He was standing on a stage at a Miami boat show, trying to give a fishing seminar. There was a small audience. Poveromo noticed that most of the people in the stands were doing little more than shoving down hot dogs and pizza. They were in a hurry to get back to drooling over the boats.

Because of my relationship with the boating community, they were always asking me to come to the shows in Miami and give seminars, said Poveromo, a senior editor for Salt Water Sportsman magazine . Nobody was there to listen to fishing seminars. It was all about the boats.

Tired of the humiliation of a less-than-attentive audience, Poveromo and the staff at the magazine decided to try to let the seminars stand alone. So in 1988 , Poveromo started producing the Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series a daylong discussion of fishing tactics and techniques that is widely considered the largest and most comprehensive fishing educational course in the country.

Each year the tour visits eight cities. The series has had more than 90,000 anglers attend seminars since its inception.

The series has come to South Hampton Roads twice, but it has been several years since the last visit. Poveromo and his staff of angling experts are scheduled to return Jan. 15. Seminars will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Pavilion . Tickets are $55 . Admission includes a goody bag, a one -year subscription to the magazine and a one -year membership to the International Game Fish Association .

When the 2005 tour is complete, one attendee will win a Mako Marine 212 center-console fishing boat powered by a 225 -horsepower Honda four -stroke outboard motor.

Instructors include Poveromo and New England charter captain John Pirie , along with regional and local captains Jimmy Price , Harry Vernon III , Brant McMullan , Rom Whitaker , Andy Morris , Dr. Ken Neill , Ryan Overton and Craig Paige . The group will discuss subjects from offshore fishing to bottom fishing for both inshore and offshore waters. Nearly every species targeted by local anglers will be featured.

We try to bring in a group of nationally known and local angling experts who can talk about the area-specific species anglers in each area target, Poveromo said. We make the day as area-specific as possible.

Poveromo, a 46-year-old Florida native, is a powerful draw. He has been fishing since childhood. At age 23 he was named one of the top eight anglers in the country by Motor Boating and Sailing Magazine .

Aside from the series, Poveromo writes a monthly magazine column about tackle and tactics. He also produces a series of how-to videos.

Poveromo graduated from the University of Miami with a broadcast journalism degree . He joined the magazine staff in 1983 after taking a group of writers out fishing.

They have a Mako -owners tournament and they asked me to take a group of journalists out fishing for the event, Poveromo said. The magazine asked me to do a feature for them, and I did. They ran it and asked me if I wanted a job. The rest is history.

Marine Lenders Bank On Grow Boating Initiative

2004-12-19T07:35:00.000-05:00

by Dan Green, NMMA Staff
Page(s): 1
(Dec. 15, 2004 - CHICAGO, IL)... The National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) has contributed $10,000 to the Grow Boating Initiative Start Up Fund. The group has also announced that it has formed a task force to determine how lenders can financially support the campaign on an ongoing basis.

"We wanted to be one of the first to donate to the campaign for two key reasons: First, because we believe growing boating will grow the marine loan and related service businesses; and second, we wanted to encourage other non-manufacturing groups to support the initiative," says NMBA president Don Parkhurst. "We need to present a consistent and ongoing message of boating’s benefits to attract a growing number of new participants year after year."

The contribution is part of the $2 million Start Up Fund that will help pay for the creative development and production of the marketing campaign that will launch in 2005. The final marketing campaign will be introduced at a special All-Industry Meeting at the Miami International Boat Show, being held February 16 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

"It’s encouraging to see another segment of the boating industry supporting the Grow Boating Initiative, and proactively determining how to fund ongoing support. At the February 16th meeting in Miami, we are inviting associations from all industry segments to make presentations on how they will contribute to the long-term annual funding for the Grow Boating campaign," says NMMA President Thom Dammrich.

Registration for the All-Industry Grow Boating Update meeting in Miami is not required, but to help NMMA accommodate all who want to attend, contact NMMA assistant director of Communications Dan Green at (312) 946-6269; dgreen@nmma.org.

Boating industry divided in outboard engines trade dispute

2004-12-19T07:33:00.000-05:00

By Brian Tumulty / Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON -- Outboard engines used by recreational boaters are the latest example of the continuing consumers' dilemma of choosing between cheaper prices or keeping American manufacturing jobs.

Mercury Marine, the No. 1 U.S. maker of outboard engines, says 4,000 jobs at its Fond du Lac, Wis., factory hang in the balance.

The International Trade Commission is expected to decide by late January whether to make permanent a 22.5 percent import duty that has been charged on Japanese-made outboard engines since August.

That's when the federal government issued a preliminary finding that Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki were dumping their outboard engines in the U.S. market at prices lower than what they charge in Japan.

The price competition had been spurred by a drive to produce low-emission engines that will comply with new Environmental Protection Agency standards that take effect in 2006.

The Japanese manufacturers argue that they have been more nimble in the development of low-emission four-stroke engines.

Mercury Marine, on the other hand, put much of its research and development into complying with emission standards by producing a direct-injection version of the standard two-stroke engines that have been used by boaters for decades.

In fact, Mercury Marine has relied on Yamaha for parts of some of its four-stroke engines.

The trade dispute has created a rift among executives at independent American boat manufacturers and owners of boat dealerships. Nearly two dozen of them -- from California to Florida -- testified Tuesday before the International Trade Commission.

Those in the U.S. boating industry siding with Yamaha and the other imports fear that permanent duties will hurt the entire industry by increasing the price of a new boat, which is typically sold as a package with the engine already installed.

Mercury Marine officials made clear at the hearing that they will raise prices on their products to cover the higher costs of making a cleaner engine if they win their request for permanent duties on Japanese imports.

So whether it's a Japanese or a U.S. outboard engine, buyers would have to pay more.

Most of the independent boat builders that already use Mercury Marine engines in their boats sided with the American manufacturer at the trade commission hearing.

"It is not technology or quality issues driving the market today," said Ed Renken, executive vice president of Sea Fox Boat Company in Moncks Corner, S.C., which puts Mercury engines on 95 percent of its boats when they are shipped with factory-installed outboards. "In our opinion, price has more effect on the consumers' decision than any other factor."

Although the vast majority of boats are built so that they can be equipped with different brands of outboard engines, the manufacturers said it's increasingly rare for the customer to choose the engine.

That means that engine pricing is critical on the wholesale level where the manufacturer and boat builder strike their supply deals.

Regardless of whether it wins the import duty case, Mercury Marine will be shifting production of its 40-, 50- and 60-horsepower outboard engines to Suzhou, China, in the spring of 2005.

Should Mercury Marine lose the case, future plans for production in China could be accelerated, costing U.S. jobs.

Shannon Yachts Appoints Massey Yacht Sales Exclusive Florida Sales Agent

2004-12-19T07:32:00.000-05:00

Shannon Yacht, LLC has announced the appointment of Massey Yacht Sales as its exclusive sales agent in the state of Florida and coastal Georgia.

SOUTH TAMPA BAY; PALMETTO, FL (PRWEB) December 17, 2004 -- Shannon Yacht, LLC has announced the appointment of Massey Yacht Sales as its exclusive sales agent in the state of Florida and coastal Georgia.

"Ed Massey and his staff have demonstrated a high level of integrity and professional knowledge in the sale of fine yachts for over 25 years. As Shannon’s growth has required us to venture outside our traditional factory-direct approach of selling our semi-custom yachts, Massey Yacht Sales was the most obvious choice for our first agent relationship.

Ed and his staff will represent the entire Shannon line from our time honored Blue Water Yachts, to our exciting line of new SRD power cruisers. They will also have our new 35 Shoalsailor available for demonstration at their docks in the spring 2005. A perfect yacht for sailing the shallow waters of the beautiful Florida west coast," said Tom Patterson, Partner in Shannon Yachts.

"We are delighted to be a part of Shannon’s future and heritage. We look forward to introducing Shannon’s renowned quality and performance to the Florida market. The power line is ideally suited for all areas in the state, the Blue Water Shannon’s will meet the needs of the market’s most demanding cruising sailor and the Shoalsailors are made for our backyard," said Ed Massey.

Massey generates over 18 million dollars in annual sales volume and anticipates continued growth with the addition of the Shannon line. Those searching for Shannon yachts will now be able to inspect them at Regatta Pointe, Palmetto; Centennial Harbour Marina, downtown Ft. Myers and the Harborage Marina in St. Petersburg. The Massey service department is headquartered at the Palmetto location. The Massey Mobile Marine team is available to extend warranty and after sale service solutions at the yacht owners dock.

Last Minute Gift Ideas from the Coast Guard & Coast Guard Auxiliary

2004-12-19T07:31:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary would like to offer a few last minute holiday gift ideas for the boater in your life. Some of the most valuable gifts don't cost anything but time, such as scheduling a free vessel safety check with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. An auxiliarist will ensure compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements before getting underway.

(PRWEB) December 18, 2004 -- The U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary would like to offer a few last minute holiday gift ideas for the boater in your life.

Some of the most valuable gifts don't cost anything but time, such as scheduling a free vessel safety check with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. An auxiliarist will ensure compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements before getting underway.

For more information visit: http://safetyseal.net/

Another gift idea is to sign up for a boating safety course. Course topics include basic boating knowledge, laws, navigational rules and problem solving. To learn more, visit the USCGAUX Boating Safety Class page at: http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/classes/master.shtml.

Some other gift ideas which can be found at any
boating supply store include:

- Sleek, light-weight, inflatable personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- A carbon monoxide detctor
- Emergency signaling kits -- flares, signal mirror, whistle, etc.
- Kill switch leash -- kills the engine if the boater falls overboard
- Up-to-date navigational charts
- Navigation tools and calculators
- Hand-held VHF marine radio with extra batteries
- Personal emergency position indicating radio beacons
- Tool kit and spare parts for boats
- First Aid kit, sun screen, sunglasses, food and
water.

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary recommend such gifts in the effort to save lives and reduce mishaps on America's waterways.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the
volunteer civilian component of Coast Guard Forces. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941, the 35,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.

Carry The Comfort and Warmth of Your Living Room to the Action

2004-12-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

Now you can enjoy any outdoor event in comfort with the new compact designed Sports Cushion. It also converts into a Body Warmer.

Burleson, TX (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) December 14, 2004 -- New, this space age, compact designed Sports Cushion, instantly converts into a Body Warmer. Now you can enjoy any outdoor event in comfort. The Sports Cushion is also perfect for hunting, fishing and as a general survival companion for traveling in cold climates.

Warm poly fill insulation is quilted between an inner and outer shell of tough rip-stop nylon. Inner and outer shells are specially coated for a complete barrier to cold winds and moisture. A durable rubber molded base completely protects feet from wet surfaces. One size fits all.

Attending a football game, or any event in cold weather can be a bone chilling experience. Sitting in a stadium, around the campfire or your favorite fishing spot without at least a seat cushion and a blanket is uncomfortable to say the least.

Bob Gibson, an entrepreneur and inventor, along with his son in law, George Heffner developed this new compact, patent pending, space age innovation to add convenience and comfort to virtually all sporting events in any weather.

Bob, an avid Sports fan, used to attend football games with his family and friends during the Fall. Blankets, foam cushions and heavy jackets were bundled up and lugged to the Stadium and to their tailgate parties outside.

Discover The Secrets to Fly Fishing with the “Fly Fishing” Guidebook

2004-12-15T07:36:00.000-05:00

"Introducing an Amazing New Guide to Learning the Art & Craft of Fly Fishing, and Catching the Big Ones that All Anglers Dream About!"

(PRWEB) December 13, 2004 -- The “Fly Fishing Guidebook” contains all the necessary tips and techniques you need to become an experienced fly fisherman or fisherwomen. Learn more about Fly Fishing http://tinyurl.com/5btvz

You'll learn fly casting techniques, trout fishing techniques, how to tie fishing knots, and other great fishing secrets from pros that earn a living fishing. The “Fly Fishing Guidebook" covers every aspect of this exciting sport. It explains the basic techniques so that anyone can understand them. But it goes beyond that and shares the subtle tricks and mystical elements that fly fishermen have enjoyed for hundreds of years.

Here are just two testimonials from satisfied anglers:
"As a beginner, I really appreciated your detailed descriptions of the various gear and equipment needed for fly fishing. The information on the best types of flies and leaders for Trout helped me know exactly what to buy before my trip to Elk Lake. I caught four beautiful Rainbows!"
-Benjamin Saddleman, Allentown, PA

"I was having a hard time with my casting. After reading your instructions, I discovered what I had been doing wrong (bending my wrist). I corrected this and after a little practice, I was finally able to place the fly right where I wanted…near the fish! It's made me a much better (and better fed) fisherman."
Robert Jenkins, Trenton, NJ

Much of Atchafalaya Basin Off Limits, New Map Shows

2004-12-15T07:33:00.000-05:00

This story may be printed for free in any on-line or print publication. Tagline found at the end of the story must be included.

(PRWEB) December 15, 2004 -- To look at a map of the Atchafalaya Basin is to see an unlimited number of fishing and hunting opportunities.

In reality, however, most of that expanse of water and swampland is off limits to the public.

That has been made crystal clear with the release of a map by the State Lands Office that details exactly what the state claims.

“We’ve finished inside the levees — only inside the levees,” the agency’s Clay Carter said.

The 42-inch-by-72-inch map can be purchased by mailing a request and $40 check to Records Section, State Lands Office, P.O. Box 44124, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. Or go to the agency’s Web site (www.state.la.us/slo) and download a copy for free.

Publicly accessible waters and lands are indicated by an array of colors, depicting the extent of the state’s claim. Some areas are partially claimed by the state, while others are fully claimed.

All of these areas, however, are open to public use.

Take Duck Lake, for instance. This large lake has produced some of the largest bass in the Basin, and it is shown to be publicly accessible.

However, the fact that the entire lake is open to public use is due to the State Lands Office, with the state Attorney General’s backing, being aggressive in its claims.

The southern half of the lake was ceded to private ownership by a court in 1951, and that would seem to indicate the state could make no claim on the waterway.

However, Carter said the matter didn’t end there.

“Both sides agreed in that case that the waters were navigable in 1812,” he said.

And then the issue came up again in 1975 in a separate case in a state Supreme Court case.

“It basically said navigable waters are not susceptible to private ownership,” Carter said.

So the map shows Duck Lake shaded in two colors: one for the part that falls under public ownership and one that is open to navigation because of the 1975 Supreme Court ruling.

“That is the last expression by the Supreme Court,” Carter said.

And there is a vast amount of land and associated waters that are claimed as public on the western side of the lower Basin.

These areas are shaded in green, and are shown on the legend as being “vacant lands.”

Carter explained that these are all publicly accessible.

“In 1849, the Congress said the state could have all the swamplands in the state,” he said. “That was 10 million of the 27 million acres of land in the state.”

N.J. Angler Pulled Overboard by Bluefin

2004-12-15T07:32:00.000-05:00

Several anglers discovered an empty boat 13 miles off the Beaufort/Morehead City coast Dec. 8, a harpoon line trailing in the water.

(PRWEB) December 15, 2004 -- Several anglers discovered an empty boat 13 miles off the Beaufort/Morehead City coast Dec. 8, a harpoon line trailing in the water.

One of the anglers who jumped aboard the empty vessel and retrieved the line found a live-but-speared bluefin tuna attached to the harpoon - and the captain’s body entangled in the line.

Bruce Bartlett of South Plainfield, N.J., apparently harpooned the fish, but his left leg was caught in the 200-foot line, Coast Guard officials said. When the powerful fish tried to escape, Bartlett was pulled into the ocean.

The National Marine Fisheries Service reopened the commercial bluefin tuna season at 12:30 a.m., Dec. 8. The season had been closed since Nov. 19. Bluefin tuna, purchased by Far Eastern buyers at the dock, can be sold for several thousand dollars per fish, depending upon the tuna’s size and its condition.

Bartlett was a commercial fisherman who traveled the coast with a group of seven other boats from the N.J. area. He was alone in the 35-foot boat, Flat Calm, when he died, fighting a fish that can weigh from 200 to 500 pounds.

Friends of Bartlett said he normally fished with a partner but couldn’t find anyone to go with him Wednesday morning before he left Beaufort.

“(Bluefin tunas) aren’t easy to handle by yourself,” Coast Guard ensign Andy Greenwood told a reporter.

Greenwood said Bartlett’s was one of several fishing vessels that left Morehead City early Wednesday. He was last seen at 8 a.m. Other tuna anglers found his boat, the tuna, and Barlett's body at approximately 9:30 a.m. The tuna dropped off the harpoon as the angler pulled Bartlett’s body to his boat.

Anthony Ng of Winterville, a commercial fisherman who was also in the area that morning, told a coastal newspaper reporter that 6- and 7-foot swells were battering the boats. Ng said many fishermen often work alone, hauling in tuna on giant rods, then using harpoons to impale them and chase the fish until the fish expire.

The Coast Guard advises anglers to use multiple crewmembers and never to fish alone.

The commercial bluefin tuna season ends Dec. 20 in N.C. waters.

For the latest in outdoor features, news and columns, subscribe to North Carolina Sportsman magazine by calling (800) 538-4355 or visiting www.northcarolinasportsman.com.

Abandoned boats clog waterways

2004-12-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

CHARLOTTE COUNTY— Charlotte County has one of the most active boating populations in the state, but traffic has slowed dramatically since Hurricane Charley because abandoned boats have clogged the local waterways. State and county investigators have launched a major effort to make abandoned boat owners pay to have the boats removed.

As a captain for Sea Tow, Scott Trecartin helps out boaters whose boats are less than seaworthy. Hurricane Charley made him a busy man.

Even though Hurricane Charley hit four months ago, the remains of abandoned boats are scattered throughout local waterways.

The boats may be abandoned but the owners are still responsible for them. State and county investigators have launched a major effort to make abandoned boat owners pay for the cleanup.

Fish and Wildlife is working with Charlotte County to track owners of the boats. When they're found they're going to get a letter telling them to pay for the cleanup, or they'll have to go to court.

3M Dedicates Part Of Annual Sales To Grow Boating Fund

2004-12-15T07:28:00.000-05:00

by Dan Green, NMMA Staff
Page(s): 1
(Dec. 13, 2004 - CHICAGO,IL)... The Grow Boating Initiative received a significant boost today, as 3M Marine announced that it will be dedicating a percentage of its annual sales to NMMA boat manufacturer members to the campaign.

"A half percentage point of all our sales to NMMA boat manufacturer members will be earmarked for the funds and distributed to NMMA at the end of the calendar year," says Joseph E. Parks, business manager for 3M’s marine business.

The contribution is the first annual commitment made to the Initiative. Their annual contributions will help cover costs for the estimated $10 to $15 million that will be needed to fund the annual Grow Boating campaign.

3M is a diversified manufacturer of over 60,000 products, and represents a wide range of products to the marine market, including surface finishing, masking and protecting, all elements of safety and respiratory health, adhesives, chemicals and more.

3M’s decision to contribute to the Initiative was made after Parks attended, and was impressed by a presentation on Grow Boating made by NMMA president Thom Dammrich at IBEX.

Boat parade leaves river

2004-12-13T06:50:00.000-05:00

By Tracie Troha
Times-Journal Writer
Sunday, December 12, 2004 6:21 PM CST

Strong currents and high waters prevented boat owners from putting their Christmas-decorated boats in the Alabama River Saturday night before the Christmas On the Alabama River Parade, so organizes found another way to get on water.

Five boats participating in the parade lined up along Water Avenue in front of the St. James Hotel, giving citizens an up-close and clear view of the unique and festive creations.

"I'm very pleased with the crowd," said Ralph Jones, president of the Selma Boating Association. "The boats look good. I only wish we could have had more participants."

Those who braved the cold to see the boats also agreed that the owners could not have done a better job with the decorations.

Dexter Russell Fillet and Fish Knives Available Online

2004-12-12T08:12:00.000-05:00

Commercial grade fillet and fishing knives now available to consumers.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2004 -- ChefKnife.net introduces Dexter-Russell Fillet and Fish Knives, now available on-line. Dexter Russell is the oldest and largest manufacturer of professional cutlery in the United States. Dexter Russell produces the broadest line of professional cutlery made by any single manufacturer in the world, and they are located in the state of Massachusetts.

The Dexter Russell Fillet and Fish Knives are from the Sanisafe line of cutlery, with an impervious seal of stainless steel blade and slip-resistant white molded handle, perfect for the kitchen, restaurant, or the boat. ChefKnife.net offers a line of clam knives, oyster knives, fish splitters, and fillet knives. The fillet knifes with leather sheaths or poly sheaths are perfect for the fisherman in the family, and a great buy.

If you need a clam knife or an oyster knife, you can't beat the Dexter Russell quality and craftsmanship. You can order these knives online at http://www.chefknife.net ChefKnife.net also offers free shipping on orders of $100 or more.

Jon Woolley, ChefKnife President and founder, said "If you are a fisherman or love to make seafood, you have to try these knives. Once you've used a Dexter Russell knife, you'll never want to go back to the retail store brands. These are the sharpest, finest quality knives - and they are made in Massachusetts."

Avalon Gets $100,000 Federal Grant For Harbor Upgrades

2004-12-12T08:10:00.000-05:00

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Log News Service - The City of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island will receive a $100,000 federal grant, which it will use to upgrade its fuel, dock, replace an existing dinghy dock, and add a public restroom in Avalon Harbor.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways said in a Dec. 2 release that Avalon will receive a National Boating Infrastructure Grant.

“The federal government provides these funds to states for projects that will improve recreational opportunities and safe harbors for transient boaters. The facilities also help the economies of waterfront communities,” said Cal Boating Director Ray Tsuneyoshi.

Boating Infrastructure Grant funds are provided to states for projects to install or upgrade visitor tie-up facilities for 26-foot or longer recreational boats at marinas.

The grant program is open to all marinas as long as there is public access.

Eligible project categories under the program include the renovation or construction of visitor docks, restrooms, gangways, and dockside utility hookups.

Boating a boon for New York

2004-12-12T08:09:00.000-05:00

Friday, December 10, 2004
J. MICHAEL KELLY
OUTDOORS WRITER
Boaters spend big bucks to pursue their sport on the Empire State's lakes and rivers.

According to the results of a study commissioned by New York Sea Grant, recreational boating had a total statewide economic impact of $1.8 billion in 2003 - enough to support 18,700 jobs and generate $728 million in wages.

Cornell University's Department of Natural Resources, which conducted the research, came up with the numbers by surveying a representative sample of the state's half-million registered boaters.

The study showed New York boaters spent $431 million in the state last year on trip-related items such as launch fees, lodging, meals and fuel. Some $173 million of that amount changed hands in counties bordering Lake Erie, Lake Ontario or any of the various Finger Lakes; $162 million in the New York City-Long Island metro area, and $54 million in the Hudson River region.

Non-trip spending was highest in the New York-Long Island region, at $907 million. The Great Lakes and Finger Lakes counties together took in $661 million in the non-trip category, while the Hudson region racked up $194 million in non-trip revenues.

This data comes on the heels of another survey, carried out for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, that listed New York as sixth among the 50 states with its total boat and boat-related purchases of $542 million in 2003.

Teleflex Marine Pledges $25K To Grow Boating Initiative

2004-12-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

by Dan Green, NMMA Staff
Page(s): 1
(Dec. 09, 2004 - CHICAGO, IL)... Responding to the Grow Boating presentation at IBEX 2004, Tom Douglass, the vice president of the Sales & Marketing group at Teleflex Marine has decided to support the program with a leadership contribution of $25,000 to the Grow Boating Start Up Fund.

Teleflex Marine, an NMMA member, is already contributing to the Fund through the 33 percent dues assessment approved by the NMMA board. But, Douglass says he thought that if his company could offer an additional contribution on top of its member assessment, it might inspire other companies to do the same thing.

"We just feel that this is too important for the NMMA and the boating industry. By Teleflex Marine and other supporting NMMA members contributing bridge funding, the membership can show their collective power at work," says Douglass. "As suppliers to the marine industry, we all must show some level of support as an investment into our future."

Teleflex Marine’s contribution to the $2 million Start Up Fund will be used to help pay for the creative development and production for the marketing campaign. The final marketing campaign will be introduced at a special All-Industry Meeting at the Miami International Boat Show, being held February 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

USCG Auxiliary Crew Saves Boater from Wing Dam

2004-12-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

Several members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Facility "Sar Trek" have become the latest crew in northern California to demonstrate the motto of the Auxiliary: "America's Volunteer Lifesavers." While patrolling the upper Sacramento River, on the afternoon of Nov. 28, several miles north of the I-80 Bridge, the crew of the "Sar Trek" observed a small 18-foot boat with three persons aboard rapidly drifting toward a wing dam.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) December 9, 2004 - Several members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Facility "Sar Trek" have become the latest crew in northern California to demonstrate the motto of the Auxiliary: "America's Volunteer Lifesavers."

While patrolling the upper Sacramento River, on the afternoon of Nov. 28, several miles north of the I-80 Bridge, the crew of the "Sar Trek" observed a small 18-foot boat with three persons aboard rapidly drifting toward a wing dam.

Wing dams are used by the Army Corps of Engineers to divert a river into the center channel. If a boat were to go over a wing dam, the propellers, out drives or the hulls would sustain damage, at a minimum. In addition the vessel would run the risk of getting stuck on the wing dam, which could cause it to capsize.

The crew of the "Sar Trek", using a loudspeaker to communicate with the stricken craft learned that it was having engine trouble and had no anchor.

Coxswain and owner Davis Bogue, from Granite Bay, Calif., said those onboard the boat had no idea they were approaching a serious navigational hazard.

Dinghies and Formula Windsurfing to be Introduced to 2005 BVI Spring Regatta

2004-12-12T08:05:00.000-05:00

The organizers of the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival presented by Nanny Cay Marina are planning a major expansion of the one design course. Introduced in 2003 for the IC24s, the course hosted both IC24s and beach cats this year and witnessed twenty-three races in two days. Building on this success, the IC24s and beach cats will be joined by three classes of Lasers (radial, standard, and 4.7s) and a Formula Windsurfing class for 2005.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands (PRWEB) December 10, 2004 --
According to regatta chairman Bob Phillips, the BVI Spring Regatta is working towards becoming a more inclusive event: "I’m excited that we will be able to host groups of sailors that are being left out of the other regattas - dinghy sailors and windsurfers. Dinghies and windsurfers are accessible and fun to sail and this further opens the BVI Spring Regatta up to junior sailors and those who prefer to sail dinghies or windsurfers. We’re uniquely placed to add this element to our regatta. The one design course is set inshore just south of the entrance to Nanny Cay Marina and perfect for smaller craft and the related fleet control and safety issues.”

Bob Phillips has big plans for this one design event. “We have had many Olympians at Spring Regatta over the years and it's our dream to make this event a stepping stone to future games. It may take a few years, but our goal is for the one design course to become a qualifying event for the Central American & Caribbean and Pan American games."

Competitors may compete with their own Lasers or boats will be available for charter through the Royal BVI Yacht Club at $400 for a four-day rental. A boat tuning and set up clinic will be held on the Nanny Cay beach Thursday (March 31) afternoon. For Laser rental and to book a place on the clinic, contact the Royal BVI Yacht Club: e-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots, web: http://www.rbviyc.net, Tel: + (284) 494 3286.

Outcome of Oyster Suit an Opportunity to Save Louisiana’s Coast, Activist Says

2004-12-08T22:48:00.000-05:00

This story may be printed for free in any print or on-line publication. The tag line at the end must accompany the story.

(PRWEB) December 8, 2004 -- By Andy Crawford - Mark Davis had mixed emotions when the state Supreme Court threw out the $1.3-billion award in the Caernarvon oyster lawsuit. (Victory, J.:2003- C-3521 Albert J. Avenal, Jr., et al. v. The State of Louisiana and The Department of Natural Resources (Parish of Plaquemines))

“We were not surprised — but we were pleased,” the head of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana said.

The court’s decision, handed down in October, effectively put an end to the oystermen’s attempts to make the state pay exorbitantly for its efforts to save the marshes southeast of New Orleans. “It clearly settled once and for all that the state has the right to protect itself, but it went on to state that the state has a duty to protect the coastal areas … vital to the survival of our way of life,” Davis said. “In that way, I think the case is truly tone-setting.”

Davis said his only regret is that it took years for a court to take action to end the case. “The amount of confusion the lower courts sowed in this case is unfortunate,” he said. “The lower courts did not do (the plaintiffs) any favors by creating in their minds the hope that the law was anything other than what the Supreme Court said it was.”

And that was, to Davis, the whole point of the case.

“This was not about putting anybody in their place,” he said. “If the state was correct in the law, we thought that as a matter of law, (oyster fishermen) were not due anything. “It’s not to say that people should not be treated fairly, it’s a matter of what you ought to do compared to what you are legally obligated to do.”

The Supreme Court decision sets up the state for aggressive action. “It basically gave the state as much rope as you want to give it,” Davis said. “We can’t be paralyzed by doubt and undue liability if we’re going to save this place.”

Media sponsors sign on for NMD 2005

2004-12-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Tuesday December 7, 2004

WASHINGTON – Boating Industry and Marina Dock Age magazines will serve as the joint 2005 National Marina Day Media sponsors, the Marina Operators Association of America reported in a press release today.

“We are extremely pleased that Marina Dock Age and Boating Industry have agreed to serve as joint media sponsors of the 2005 National Marina Day program,” said Jim Frye, MOAA executive director. “Media sponsorship is essential to the continued growth and success of the NMD project. The sponsorship of these two great publications increases MOAA’s ability to explain the value of participating in the National Marina Day program to marina operators.

National Marina Day is produced by MOAA and is an annual nationwide celebration of America’s marinas. The Fourth Annual National Marina Day will be observed on Aug. 13, 2005.

Boating Industry, a publication of the Ehlert Publishing Group, is headquartered in Maple Grove, Minn. Marina Dock Age, a publication of Preston Publications, is headquartered in Niles, Ill.

Edson makes Grow Boating donation

2004-12-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Tuesday December 7, 2004

CHICAGO – Edson International is contributing an amount equal to 100 percent of its annual National Marine Manufacturers Association’s member dues to the Grow Boating Start Up Fund to help the industry reach its goal of raising $2 million dollars by Feb. 1, NMMA said in a release this morning.

The money contributed by Edson International will help pay fees incurred by Carmichael Lynch, the marketing agency of record for the Grow Boating Initiative, which is a cooperative effort among leaders in the recreational boating industry to increase participation in boating.

“In the past it seemed that smaller businesses sat on the sidelines while the big guys stepped up to the plate to carry the ball for the industry,” said Will Keane, president of Edson, which is one of the more than 90 percent of NMMA member companies that bring in less than $10 million a year. “This is the best program I’ve seen NMMA launch in my 20 years as a member. Small business should be playing a bigger role in the industry and should support this initiative, and I felt that it was my responsibility to set an example for other companies to follow.”

Marine Mover – Go Boating hires new managing editor

2004-12-08T22:35:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Tuesday December 7, 2004

IRVINE, Calif. – The Duncan McIntosh Co. recently hired Michael Telleria to be the new managing editor of Go Boating magazine, a national special-interest consumer glossy targeting owners of trailer boats.

“I waited five years for an opening to become the managing editor of Go Boating,” Telleria said. “Now that I’m in the captain’s chair, I plan to work with the publishers and listen to our readers in order to continue to bring an insightful, entertaining and relevant mix of editorial content to our 100,000+ boaters every month.”

In addition to a degree in journalism and nearly seven years experience as a professional boating writer, Telleria also has an unlimited tonnage 3rd Assistant Engineer’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard as a degree in marine systems engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Coast Guard Auxilary stays in top form

2004-12-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Want to spend some time on the water with people who know what they are doing? Be a volunteer for Charlotte Harbor Flotilla 98, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

You will know them by their boats. When under way, the auxiliary prominently displays patrol signs featuring the familiar Coast Guard 'Operational Ensigns' (The Red Diagonal Bar).

More than 100 Auxiliary members participate in the weekend safety patrols, both on the water and from the air. While the Flotilla's 15 boats are member-owned, their craft have been specially equipped, inspected and certified to assure both reliable communications and full compliance with Coast Guard standards. Their mission includes safety patrols, inspection of both hazards and aids to navigation (buoys and markers), harbor cleanup efforts, assisting or towing disabled boats, air transport of equipment for the Coast Guard and several forms of assistance to law enforcement, including air patrols.

Contra Costa Supervisors Continue Ordinance to Clean Up Delta

2004-12-08T22:32:00.000-05:00

Source: kcbs
Publication date: 2004-12-08

(KCBS) - The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is working to find a way to clean up the Delta. The two major issues on the table are boat abandonment and sewage.
KCBS reporter Dave Padilla says residents support cleanup of the waterway, but some do not like the way the government is going about it.

For three years, supervisors have been working on a plan to improve conditions on the Delta.

Sheriff's Sergeant Doug Powell, a Marine Patrol officer, said abandoned boats are a real problem.

"Through the state grant process, the sheriffs removed well over 300 vessels our waterways," he said.

Contra Costa supervisor Federal Glover has proposed an ordinance that would establish vessel sanitation and mooring regulations.

"We have a lot of violations that take place in our Delta in terms of sanitation issues and mooring issues," he said.

One long-time Delta resident would like to see something done. "I am greatly aware of sanitation issues and things that have gone on in the Delta. In this 22 years, I've seen some horrific things go in the deposit of sewage."

But a Delta boater said he thinks county supervisors are moving too fast. "Take a step back, get the boating community involved in this, and let's put forward a law that we can all live by."

Several Delta residents say they support the concept of the proposed ordinance, but they do not like the way it is written.

The matter has been continued until January, 2005.

Trustees get no wake options

2004-12-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

By MATT SANCTIS
Staff Writer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sandusky Township trustees have options to control boating on the Sandusky River short of establishing a no-wake zone, according to a representative of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Watercraft.

The official, David Miller, met with the trustees Tuesday night to go over possible solutions to a potential safety hazard near the Fremont Yacht Club. About 30 residents also attended the meeting to oppose a no-wake zone.

Members of the yacht club requested the no-wake zone last summer to prevent liability if someone gets injured on the river. Opponents think it would unnecessarily restrict recreational use of the waterway.

They also contend trustees Mike Hetrick and Phil Willis, who are also members of the club, are trying to use their position as trustees to push their own agenda. The proposed zone would stretch along the east side of the river near the club's docks.

Phil Miller, of the Division of Watercraft, discussed numerous options but cautioned that the final decision will rest with the trustees.

Beverage Companies & Governments Ignore Bottle-Cap Lure Inventor

2004-12-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

Canadian vows to continue recycling salvage caps creating employment.

(PRWEB) December 7, 2004 -- Canadian inventor Norm Price, is on a crusade to keep recycling bottle caps from bars, pubs, retaurants, trade shows and so on. His mission to create a cleaner environment and create employment for college students. Hoping to create over 100,000 jobs within the next twelve months.

In existance since 1891, the bottle cap is made of metal. A recycled product, taking years to decompose. Norm Price makes functional bottle cap fishing lures with these recycled bottle caps. Andy Vander Ploeg, 3 time Canadian National Sport fishing Champion endorses this product. Vander Ploeg presently working to make it 4 years in a row using the bottle cap lure. Some beverages companies have sent Price letters, faxes and e-mails stating to no longer use their trademarks, calling it a Cease and Desist letter. Who's bottle cap are they?

"Once a product is sold it is no longer a claim to the beverage industry but to the consumer".

Price has recycled caps coming in Canada coast to coast and for the moment a few states in the U.S. The U.K is looking to take part in this also. Price says, " Governments, public affairs, beverage industries have ignored this issue for too long."

In order to keep his crusade known, Price has put together "The Battle of the Brands" fishing contest. Where any brand could be a winner! The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company is in need of the media to make this known to the world. Together we can create a cleaner environment.

For more information contact Norm through his websites http://www.bottlecaplure.com & http://hookedonrecycling.tripod.com

Hatteras wins two awards

2004-12-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Monday December 6, 2004

NEW BERN, N.C. – Hatteras Yachts received two separate awards of excellence this fall for its advertising and literature, the company said in a recent release.

Most recently, Hatteras was named "Best of Issue" by an independent study that measures the effectiveness of print advertising through the polling of magazine readers, conducted by Power & Motoryacht magazine.

The results are posted in two primary categories, one for basic recall of the ad, and a second for the level to which respondents read and associated with the advertisement. Hatteras finished at the top of both lists with an ad based on its 54 Convertible.

Hatteras was also presented with a 2004 “Benny Award” for print excellence in its product catalog for the 82-, 86- and 90-foot sportfishing convertibles, the company said.

ODNR's 2005 calendar features Mullins boats

2004-12-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

By LARRY SHIELDS/Salem News staff writer

Three boats manufactured by the W.H. Mullins Co. in Salem are featured in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft 2005 calendar.
The month of April features photos of the Steel King and the runabout inboard boat, Sea Eagle.

The month of October features a Duplex Hull Red Arrow.

The Mullins boats are the only ones spotlighted twice in the calendar which also includes the division's 2004 annual report.

According to Rob Lucas of the ODNR Division of Watercraft, his department wanted to highlight historical boat manufacturers in Ohio and contacted David Dufresne, president of the Mullins Boat Club of Salem, Ohio, Inc.

The club has an extensive website at www.mullinsboats.com.

Lucas said he also visited the Salem Public Library to acquire information on the Mullins boats.

"We just knew Mullins was a boat manufacturer in Ohio," Lucas said. "We thought they it was great we could actually use them for two months."

He added, "We usually just put out a calendar with activities, but this year also has the annual report."

Lucas said the annual report is sent to legislators and boating safety partners like the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Power Squadron.

Boater sentenced in 2001 death

2004-12-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

Man's girlfriend died when boat hit marker

By MIKE HOYEM
mhoyem@news-press.com
Published by news-press.com on December 7, 2004

A Matlacha man whose girlfriend died in a boating accident was sentenced Monday to a year in jail and 15 years of probation for boating under the influence of alcohol/ manslaughter.

Dennis Plourde, 55, was arrested after crashing his boat into a slow-speed zone marker in Matlacha Pass on May 26, 2001.

Jill Carl, 47, was killed.

An investigator wrote in his report that Plourde admitted he was driving the boat when the crash happened. But after he was charged, Plourde began claiming Carl was driving.

Plourde admitted his guilt Monday as part of a plea agreement with the state.

Lee Circuit Judge James R. Thompson gave Plourde a 15-year suspended prison sentence, which means after Plourde is released from jail he'll be on probation for the remainder of the 15 years.

Driver in boat death admits to drinking

2004-12-07T21:14:00.000-05:00

By Steve Silverman
ssilverman@pantagraph.com

BLOOMINGTON -- A rural Hudson man admitted Monday to drinking while operating the boat from which his friend fell overboard and drowned.
McLean County Associate Judge William DeCardy sentenced Jacob Graybill to 100 days in jail and ordered him to spend 24 months on probation for being under the influence June 13 while in charge of a pontoon boat at Lake Bloomington.

Boating Latest Super Gnat is super

2004-12-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

Sloop owns three major titles in less than a year
By Bill Center
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
December 7, 2004

If Cliff Thompson wanted to restrict his sailing to the coastal waters between Marina del Rey and San Diego, there would have been no reason to trade in his Schock 35 sloop Super Gnat.

After all, that Super Gnat earned the coveted Boat of the Year honors at San Diego Yacht Club last year for sweeping nearly all the events in the local Performance Handicap Racing Fleet season.

"But I wanted to do more distance racing," Thompson said yesterday. "And to do that, I needed to jump up to a bigger boat."

Last June, Thompson christened his third boat to carry the distinctive Super Gnat logo – a Beneteau 40.7.

And the Super Gnat operation, which

Duck hunters should be wary of hypothermia

2004-12-05T07:38:00.000-05:00

LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas waterfowl hunters should pay close attention to boating safety this duck season. Bagging a limit of mallards is important, but hypothermia can ruin a perfect day of waterfowl hunting.

Hypothermia is a real possibility in the lakes and rivers of the state as temperatures begin to drop during the winter, according to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officials.

"Many times waterfowl hunters consider their boats a way of getting to their blinds or setting out decoys," said Bob Cushing, boating education coordinator with the AGFC. "But several factors make boating a risky activity during colder weather," he said.

Cold water temperatures, sudden weather changes, a lively retriever and the added gear that waterfowl hunters carry in their boats can all increase the chances that they'll end up in the water and in trouble. That means it's even more important to wear a personal floatation device.

Florida boat sales are bouncing back

2004-12-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Friday December 3, 2004

ATLANTA – Florida's boating industry is rebounding well from the just-ended Atlantic hurricane season, which saw four storms strike the state, according to a Reuters story published yesterday.

"Boat sales are coming back everyday," David Ray, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Florida, told the news service. "Until November, it was kind of slow."

Ray said the economic impact of hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne in August and September would be in the billions of dollars and believes total marine losses in Florida could top $5 billion once the costs from destroyed marinas, canceled boat shows and scuttled sales are tallied.

"It's probably going to take 2 years to rebuild some of the marinas," Ray said. "We've never seen a year like this and I hope we never do again."

National Marine Manufacturers President Thom Dammrich said he does not expect the Florida damage to douse overall U.S. boat sales, which rose in 2003 after falling 6 percent in both 2001 and 2002, Reuters reported.

Officials hope online safety course benefits watercraft operators

2004-12-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

By MARK FREEMAN
Mail Tribune
State marine enforcement officials hope a new online safety course designed for personal watercraft operators will curb a rash of violations of Oregon’s boater-education requirements.

During this year’s boating season, operators of Jet Skis, Wave Runners and other personal watercraft accounted for half of the 587 citations issued for boaters not carrying a boater-education card, according to the Oregon State Marine Board.

The hefty percentage of tickets come despite the fact that the watercraft make up just 7 percent of Oregon’s registered boats, according to the Marine Board.

Most of the citations were issued to people who borrowed the craft, said Tony VanMeter, the Marine Board’s law-enforcement training coordinator.

Dammrich to keynote IMC ’05

2004-12-04T16:00:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Friday December 3, 2004

WASHINGTON – National Marine Manufacturers Association President Thom Dammrich is scheduled to provide the keynote address Jan. 10 at the International Marina Conference 2005, announced Marina Operators Association of America Executive Director James L. Frye, CMM, in a recent release.

IMC ‘05 will be held Jan. 9-12 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.

Frye said Dammrich’s remarks are expected to outline the important role marinas play within the larger framework of the recreational boating industry as gateways to boating, as well as provide a preview of the industry-wide Grow Boating initiative expected to be presented at the Miami International Boat Show in February.

“We are really excited Mr. Dammrich will be addressing IMC '05,” Frye said. “Throughout his tenure at NMMA, he has shown himself to be a consistent supporter of the marina industry and of boating access. We are pleased to offer a forum for his remarks.”

MBIA conference attracts 158 registrants

2004-12-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Friday December 3, 2004

LIVONIA, Mich. – The Michigan Boating Industries Association’s Recreational Boating Education Conference – scheduled for Dec. 8 -10 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Mich. – will feature several general sessions focusing on growth for the industry, challenges and setting an agenda for the future, MBIA said in a release today.

The general sessions will include an analysis of Michigan’s dedicated boating trust funds, which are intended to provide more water access and improve marine facilities. Attendees will be briefed on where these funds are derived, how they are being spent and how they might be put to better use.

MBIA said several of the industry’s most “seasoned and successful individuals” will be sharing their perspectives on the current state of the boating industry and what they believe the most pressing challenges and opportunities for the future are. They include Herb Eldean of Eldean’s Marine Group, Dave Irish of Irish Boat Works and Pete Beauregard, Sr., of Colony Marine Sales and Service.

Valrico man goes to police in boat matter

2004-12-04T15:58:00.000-05:00

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 3, 2004

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TAMPA - A Valrico man turned himself in to police after media reports about a boater who jumped over a water skier and his passengers, causing minor head injuries to two children.

Donald Alexander Murray, 48, contacted Tampa police marine units and told them he was involved in the boating incident near Harbour Island on Saturday, Tampa police said Thursday.

Murray's boat came barreling through the Seddon Channel, possibly hitting a small wave when it flew up and over the rear corner of a second boat, said Tampa Sgt. Alan Draffin.

In the second boat were Thomas Martin, 36, and Nancy Rivera, 43, both of Valrico, who had gone boating in Seddon Channel, accompanied by Rivera's son, 14-year-old Joseph Rivera, her nephew Aaron Sauliner, 14, and niece Sara Sauliner, 10.

Phoenix man dies on Colorado River

2004-12-04T15:57:00.000-05:00

GRAND CANYON N.P. — A boating party’s craft capsized on the Colorado River Nov. 22, and one passenger died after falling into the water. Park officials say they don’t know whether fast-running water from the controlled flood conducted through Glen Canyon Dam last week may have contributed to the fatal accident.
The victim was a 62-year-old Phoenix man. Park officials have not released the man’s identity. Leah McGinnis, management assistant with Grand Canyon National Park, said Nov. 29 that park officials still were trying to locate and notify the man’s next of kin.
The tragedy took place about 3 p.m. on Nov. 22, according to park service reports. One of four boats in a noncommercial boating party overturned at river mile 77. Two of the boat’s three passengers safely swam to shore, but the third individual didn’t make it back to land. His body was recovered by other group members near mile 78, but their attempts to resuscitate him using CPR were unsuccessful.

Tournament Anglers Can Fish For Free Now

2004-12-04T15:54:00.000-05:00

New information on how any tournament angler , at any level can get sponsored to fish tournaments. A 13 page booklet comes with easy to understand and easy to apply instructions. Learn the key for potential sponsors - making it almost impossible for them to say no.

(PRWEB) December 1, 2004 -- Until now, tournament anglers would hope that proven fishing success might bring sponsors, but that is not necessary any longer.

A NEW 13 page report-style booklet called HOW TO GET SPONSORED FOR TOURNAMENTS is now available to fishing tournament anglers.

The information can be easily applied to any type of fishing tournaments, whether it is for Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Musky, Redfish, or Marlin. In addition, it is applicable to just one tournament or 50.

The booklet comes with easy to understand AND easy to apply directions on how any tournament angler, at any skill or experience level can get sponsored to fish tournaments.

North Carolina Had Good Spring Wild Turkey Hatch

2004-12-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

This Spring's wild turkey hatch will surely have North Carolina hunters' interest piqued. This story may be printed for FREE in any publication. The tagline must be printed along with the story.

(PRWEB) December 2, 2004 -- Mike Seamster can breathe a sigh of relief - for a little while, at least. Seamster, the N.C. Wildlife Commission's upland game-bird biologist, recently released the results of the 2004 wild turkey summer brood survey report, and there was good news - especially after the general failure of the 2003 hatch.

“The news is good, really good,” he said. “I guess I'd anticipated it being a little better than what it really was, but it was a good hatch. We needed it after last year.“ Seamster said approximately 1,200 participants reported their observations of summer turkey movements, and more than 5,000 turkeys were seen, with hens averaging around three poults each.

“Anytime you can get above 2 1/2 and close to three poults per hen, that’s a good hatch,” Seamster said. “If we can get two like that in a row, that puts in pretty good shape.” The survey indicated nearly 70 percent of all hens observed had poults, with an average of around four poults per hen. But the 30 percent of hens that didn’t have poults - many of them juvenile hens - lowered the overall per-hen total of 2.8 for the state. The best hatch was in the Piedmont, with 3.0 poults per hen, compared to 2.8 in the coastal region and 2.7 in the mountains.

Mercury Contamination Poisoning Louisiana Anglers

2004-12-04T15:52:00.000-05:00

Louisiana Sportsman Magazine investigates the presence of Mercury found in some Louisiana bodies of water and the effects this will have on Louisiana anglers. This story may be printed for FREE in any print publication. The tagline must be printed along with the story.

(PRWEB) December 2, 2004 -- Mercury contamination has become a major battle cry nationwide for environmental groups. With some of the highest mercury emissions in the U.S., Louisiana is at the forefront of this controversy.

Industry giants, the chlorine-making plants and coal-fired power plants, contend that their mercury releases are within the legal limits, and are low enough not to affect public health.

National environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council dispute this, claiming there is evidence that the chlor-alkali plants are underreporting the amount of mercury they are releasing into the environment. They also claim that the mercury released from these plants is raising the concentrations in our waterways to dangerous levels.

“There have been significant discharges of mercury over the last 50 years, and that’s the mercury that’s in the soil,” says Barry Kohl, geologist at Tulane University and chair of the New Orleans Audubon council.

Bassfishingweekly.com Offers Ohio Bass Fishermen Online Fishing Reports, Lake Maps, Fish Cookbook, Tackle and a Weekly Newsletter.

2004-12-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

Bassfishingweekly is about bass fishing in Ohio, you have access to Ohio lake maps, a weekly newsletter, bass pictures,cookbooks,a bass blog and lots more. If it has to do with bass fishing in Ohio we have it.

(PRWEB) December 3, 2004 -- Residents of Ohio are getting online to find the bass fishing information they want to catch trophy fish at bassfishingweekly.com. Ohio bass fisherman are able to get pinpoint fishing reports,Ohio lake maps,articles on fishing in Ohio,fish cookbooks,bass pictures and fishing tackle. If it has to do with catching bass in Ohio then it is likely at bassfishingweekly.com.

The convenience of bassfishingweekly.com is amazing. You have all the information you need about bass fishing in Ohio at your finger tips.

The website is an affiliate for Bass Pro Shops, so now you have access to thousands of name brand fishing tackle items. Customers are uged to get their Christmas and spring fishing tackle now at discounted prices to avoid delays.

bassfishingweekly.com is owned and operated by Charles E. White and Lisa Fielder.

Tournament Anglers Can Fish For Free Now

2004-12-01T21:34:00.001-05:00

"Lighting the Way" Partners License Their Innovations For Use in Illuminated Boxes

2004-12-01T21:34:00.000-05:00

In April 2004, Brooks & Baker, LLC signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Flambeau, Inc. The four products that Flambeau, Inc. licensed are the Patented Lighted Fishing Tackle Box, The Lighted Automotive Tool Box, The Lighted First-Aid Chest (For the paramedical Industry)and the Lighted Utility Box. All boxes are available on the Official Night-Ranger TM Website www.nightrangerlightedboxes.com .

(PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Todd C. Baker and Penny Brooks, business partners out of Pfafftown, North Carolina who formed Brooks and Baker, LLC (Formally Baker Innovations, LLC)that develops and patents products. When Baker and Brooks were last profiled in the Winston Salem Journal in 1998, Baker had a US Design Patent on products under the Trade Mark of "Night-Ranger TM" Lighted Fishing Tackle Box and the Lighted Tool Box.

The Company now has 15 US Utility Patents (With 20 more claims on the way) to cover every lighted box in the growing "Night-Ranger TM" product line which now consists of the Lighted First-Aid Chest for the retail markets as well as the Paramedical Industry, the Lighted Utility Box for the commercial market all of the boxes come equipped with a state of the art Patented Super Bright LED Lighting System which lasts 150,000 hours and is powered by 3 AAA batteries that will consistantly give you 125 to 150 hours of continuous burn time.

Thorlo Socks Buy 3 Get 1 Free Sale announced by Muck Boots Online.com

2004-12-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

Thorlo Socks for hiking, walking, gardening, work, winter activities, horse riding and hunting are available at www.muckbootsonline.com as part of their annual Buy 3 Get 1 Free sale.

(PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Muck Boots Online.com announced that their annual Thorlo Sock, Buy 3 Get 1 Free sale runs from November 26th through December 31st, 2004.

"We have a broad selection of Thorlo Socks for hiking, hunting, winter sports, work and walking." says, Pete Yeager of MBO.

"We have the new Lamb's Wool Blend socks, Extreme Cold Weather socks, western boot and riding socks, Thor-lon hiking socks, Cool-Max mini-crew socks, something for nearly every use.

"It's a great opportunity for our customer's to stock up on the best socks that Thorlos offers, and at this time of the year, this offer allows people to gets socks for everyone on their Christmas list."

CMMA joins opposition to Canadian tariffs

2004-12-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Tuesday November 30, 2004

OAKVILLE, Ontario – The Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association will oppose tariffs proposed by the Canadian government that would apply a 100-percent tax to imported products from the U.S., including pleasure vessels such as yachts, sailboats, motorboats, inflatables and canoes, CMMA said in a press release late yesterday.

The tariffs – which the Canadian government proposed Nov. 23 – were created in response to the Byrd Amendment, a law originally passed in 2000 to help the U.S. steel industry. The amendment allows funds collected from antidumping fines and countervailing duties to be given to U.S. firms that petition for tax relief.

The Byrd Amendment was challenged by a number of countries, including Canada, at the World Trade Organization, which subsequently ruled the Byrd Amendment violates international trade laws. The ruling provides each of the WTO countries involved with the right to implement a tariff on selected U.S. manufactured products.

“This tariff would be completely devastating to the Canadian boating industry,” said Sandy Currie, CMMA executive director.

Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Father, Son

2004-12-01T21:30:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Coast Guard saved two stranded boaters Wednesday south of Pascagoula on Round Island.

Coast Guard Station Pascagoula received a call about 3 a.m. from a woman reporting that her husband John C. Trussell, and son John III, both from Gautier, had not returned as scheduled from a boating trip the night before.

Counce Marine Inc., Memphis, Tennessee Awarded an Authorized Dealership for G3 Boats

2004-12-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

by Stephen Matt
Page(s): 1
(Nov. 29, 2004 - Lebanon, MO)... Counce Marine Inc, located at 1919 Watson Street in Memphis, Tennessee has recently been awarded an Authorized Dealership for G3 Boats, one of the fastest-growing boat companies in the U.S.

Eric Counce of Counce Marine said, “We are happy that we can provide our customers with the quality of G3 Boats. Give us a call at 901-744-2160 or stop by and see our knowledgeable and friendly staff. We will be happy to assist you with all of your boating needs.”

G3 Boats, a Yamaha boat company, features over 80 models of quality aluminum fishing boats and pontoons, including HP High Performance bass boats, Mod V’ s, Deep V’s, Sun Catcher Pontoons, and “Gator Tough” Jon’s.

Mark Wilson, National Sales Manager for G3, states “We are pleased to add Counce Marine Inc. to our group of quality nationwide dealers and we look forward to serving the needs of all boaters in Western Tennessee and Eastern Arkansas.”

USCG Auxiliary Asks the Boating Public to be Careful When Buying Nautical Charts

2004-12-01T21:27:00.000-05:00

There have been several reports that retail chart sellers have been selling out-of-date nautical charts to the boating public.

(PRWEB) December 1, 2004 -- There have been several reports that retail chart sellers have been selling out-of-date nautical charts to the boating public.

Proper up-to-date nautical charts are the first step in taking any cruise, whether its around the local bay or from San Diego to Catalina Island. Without accurate charts, the boat, its crew and passengers face increased risks from the ever-changing ocean.

Each week, the United States Coast Guard's Navigation Center (www.navcen.uscg.mil) issues nine regional Local Notice to Mariners. These Notices detail specific changes in the waters within the region.

NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration is charged with producing Nautical Charts. Before purchasing any Nautical Chart, boaters should stop by their website and check on the latest edition of their chart. This page is located at: http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/dole.htm.

Government Settles Beaver Lake Boating Suit For $1 Million

2004-12-01T07:29:00.000-05:00

By Ron Wood
The Morning News

FAYETTEVILLE -- The federal government has settled for $1 million a lawsuit filed by a Texas man who suffered severe injuries in a 2001 boat accident on Beaver Lake.

Aaron Matthew Holleb was thrown from the front of a boat in which he was a passenger Aug. 2, 2001, when the boat struck a submerged obstruction near the U.S. Highway 412 bridge. The boat then ran over him.

Holleb, who was 20 at the time, sustained severe injuries when struck by the boat's propeller. His left arm was almost severed, he suffered a collapsed lung and he had extensive lacerations and injuries to his back, buttocks and other areas of his body, according to the suit that sought $10 million in damages.

Never Come Home From a Fly Fishing Trip Empty Handed Again!

2004-11-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

You’ll never come home from a fly fishing vacation without catching a nice bass or trout with FlyFishingTricks.com. - Whether you’re a fly fishing amateur or a seasoned angler, FlyFishingTricks.com has something for you.

(PRWEB) November 27, 2004 -- You can use this site to hone your skills or learn how to get started so you can take your son or daughter out on their first fly fishing trip and build their life-long passion for the sport. Achieve better results on your next fly fishing trip as you master these timeless skills even if you go fly fishing 1 or 2 times a year.

Learn about the ideal bass, trout, and dry fly rods. Find out how to care for and repair your fishing rods. Discover how to select the best reels, flies, tackle, and more. Get help from an expert fly fisherman who used these techniques and strategies from the 1960s.

Strategies you will learn about include: wading a stream, where to cast, floating a stream, fishing a lake, wet fly trouting, and dry fly trouting.

Boaters urged to follow safety rules

2004-11-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

Lake Okeechobee and the local waterways offer a tremendous variety of different boating activities to our residents and winter visitors.

With the winter season starting, there will be a large increase in the number of boats on the water and an increase in the number of responses by the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) Marine Unit and the Search and Rescue volunteers to disabled and lost boaters.

NMMA partners with Scout programs

2004-11-29T21:12:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Monday November 29, 2004

CHICAGO – The National Marine Manufacturers Association, which organizes the Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show, has partnered with Chicago-area Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs to offer kids the opportunity to earn the industry’s Discover Boating patch during the 2005 event, it reported in a statement today.

Separate partnerships with each organization will allow as many as 10,000 youth the opportunity to experience the boating and fishing lifestyle during the show’s 75th anniversary, January 19-23, NMMA stated.

The Discover Boating patch was created as a fun way to educate both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts on the benefits of outdoor recreation, according to the association.

“The Discover Boating patch is an excellent way for Girl Scouts to discover how much fun there is to be had outdoors,” said Brooke Wiseman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Chicago. “Engaging these young girls in interactive boating and fishing activities is a great way to help them develop skills that will be useful for years to come.”

BWI kicks off annual writing contest

2004-11-29T21:11:00.000-05:00

Boating Industry
Monday November 29, 2004

WILMETTE, Ill. – Boating Writers International (BWI) is now accepting submissions to its 12th Annual Writing Contest, which recognizes excellence in boating and fishing journalism, the association reported in a recent release.

The contest has expanded to encompass 14 categories, which makes the contest applicable to the broadest spectrum of boating and outdoor writers and makes available $19,000 in cash awards that will be paid to 42 winners in 2005, the association stated. First place receives $500, second $300 and third $200.

All winning stories are entered into a "Phase II" competition which culminates in a single selection honored with the West Marine Writer's Award and $5,000 prize at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in the fall of 2005.

You do not have to be a BWI member to enter. Details about the contest are posted on the homepage of www.bwi.org, where a click-thru directs to a downloadable PDF image of the contest brochure, rules and entry form.

10 lessons for the new boater

2004-11-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

Posted on Mon, Nov. 29, 2004
BOB BESTLER ON THE LOOSE

I see BoatU.S. Foundation for boating is offering grants for safe-boating programs.

Well, I don't have a swell grant, but I like to think that, in the past 10 years, I have learned enough about boating to give a few lessons. For free.

Lesson 1 | Boats do not have brakes. Usually, you learn this the first time you pull up to a dock. Don't fret. That ding in your lovely new hull is a sign of experience. Me, I have so many dings, other boaters are starting to look at me like I know what I'm doing.

Lesson 2 | Never, ever take a cell phone with you on a boat. A certain newspaper guy has dropped two cell phones into the Intracoastal Waterway so far. I can't afford to lose any more.

Lesson 3 | Big boats always trump smaller boats. Always. If you see a big boat heading your way, slow down. If you decide to challenge it, make sure you have a bailing bucket.

PlayingTag.com Launches New Site; Welcomes Upscale Living Magazine...Game On!

2004-11-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

The PlayingTag.com "Tag Team" wishes to welcome Upscale Living Magazine to the client family. With Printing. Distribution, Graphic and this magazine is on the money. PlayingTag.com is pleased to be on their team.

(PRWEB) November 29, 2004 -- Upscale Living Magazine has enlisted PlayingTag.com to support the Magazine in reaching new marketing partners and defining the final advertising identity.

Through a combination of strategic advertising partners and highly focused distribution, the magazine is reaching an upscale reader with monthly frequency.

Travel, Living, Arts & Entertainment, Health, and the "finer things in life" will be regular features for this publication. Unpretentious, but certainly upscale.

In an effort to create a long-term (and elegant) presence in the area (Metro Boston/Providence initially) the magazine has placed high demands on the first year of publication:
60 full color pages on heavyweight (70#) glossy paper, life enriching articles, and worldly sensibility with hometown intimacy.
This "local" magazine is a portal to a wider lifestyle community... (specific attention given to the Florida/Boston travel & lifestyle correlation).

Ivan proves Louisiana coast on its last leg, researcher says

2004-11-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

After many decades of destruction from the most fierce forces of nature, Louisiana's Candeleur Islands are on the verge of vanishing. This story may be printed for FREE in any print publication. The tagline must be printed along with the story.

(PRWEB) November 29, 2004 -- In 1998, Hurricane Georges left the Chandeleur Islands in tatters when it roared past the island chain, but University of New Orleans researcher Shea Penland said they had regenerated and were in better shape than ever by this year.

“The islands had reconnected,” said Penland of UNO’s Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Studies. “They were a continuous chain. It was amazing to see how rebuilt the islands were since Georges.”

And then Ivan blasted by about 100 miles east of the spits of sand marking Louisiana’s eastern-most boundary.

“It was devastating,” Penland said. “Islands were there one day and gone the next. It was that dramatic.”

The chain was torn asunder again, with 35 to 40 percent of the visible islands disappearing. Curlew and Gosier islands were lost.

“It was a phenomenal storm,” Penland said. “If Ivan had come through (New Orleans), there’s no doubt that I would not be living in my house right now.

“If that eastern eye-wall would have come through Louisiana, we would have used body counts to measure its intensity.”

With new magazine, couple fill void for boaters

2004-11-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

A husband and wife team gear their new publication to helping pleasure boaters explore new areas.
By PAMELA GRINER LEAVY
Published November 27, 2004

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LARGO - Oliver Kugler conceived his big idea while boating on Father's Day 2003. He and his wife, Bethann, decided Tampa Bay boaters didn't need another fishing magazine, so last June the couple launched Boaters i, a quarterly publication targeting pleasure boaters in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

The "i" is the international symbol for information. "I'm not a fisherman by any means," said Kugler. "I joke with people that I tend to feed the fish. I don't catch anything."

The Right Hook

2004-11-27T10:43:00.000-05:00

Choose the one that fits your need

Go to any tackle shop and look at their selection of hooks. In a good shop, that selection can be mind boggling to the novice angler. Online tackle shops can be even more daunting to anglers, because there is no one to answer questions about certain styles of hooks and their use. What’s an angler to do?
Knowing the sizing and naming conventions of the major categories of hooks can help make your selection an easier task. Yes, Virginia, the type of hook you select does make a difference, and hook selection depends on the species of fish being sought.

Wildlife Digest

2004-11-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

NDOW director named president

Terry Crawforth, director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, has been elected president of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA).

Crawforth will serve in his new position at IAFWA through 2005.

IAFWA develops, supports, and defends legislation and regulations that safeguard and improve the well being of North America's fish and wildlife. IAFWA represents every state fish and wildlife agency in the country.

The organization helps state fish and wildlife agencies to develop effective and complementary policies and regulations, and also participates in the development of international treaties and laws, regulations and policies concerning the welfare of North America's fish and wildlife.

Crawforth has participated in IAFWA for nearly 20 years, and has been an official state member for six years. He has served and chaired several IAFWA committees throughout his years of involvement. Crawforth is also an active member of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA).

PA Fishing License/Boat Registration Fee Increase Passes General Assembly

2004-11-26T20:47:00.000-05:00

By TSN
Nov 25, 2004, 6:50pm

HARRISBURG, PA-In an effort to preserve Pennsylvania’s fishing and boating programs and resources, the general assembly passed legislation to increase operating revenue for these areas, according to Senator Charles Lemmond (R-20).

According to Lemmond, the legislation provides the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) with operating revenue to support daily operations through increased fees for fishing licenses, boat registrations, and the addition of new forms of licenses.

Lemmond noted that the PFBC, unlike most state agencies, does not receive General Fund revenue to support daily operations. Instead, it relies on revenue generated by registration and license sales.

New HawkEye Portable Fish Finder By NorCross Makes it Possible For Millions of Anglers to Electronically Find Fish Without a Boat

2004-11-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

NorCross Marine Products announced the launch of HawkEye Portable Fish Finder FF3355P, which wires together a sonar sensor that can be tossed into the water and a pocket-sized LCD, giving all anglers the advantages of a fish finder.

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) November 25, 2004 -- NorCross Marine Products announced the launch of HawkEye Portable Fish Finder FF3355P, which wires together a sonar sensor that can be tossed into the water and a pocket-sized LCD, giving all anglers the advantages of a fish finder.

The FF3355P helps those fishing from shorelines, docks, bridges, canoes, and ice by providing fish readings, depth readings, weed and bottom contour readings. This information is displayed on an LCD screen measuring two inches.

“Our new portable fish finder opens up a world of fishing opportunities for all anglers,” said Greg Lentine, president of NorCross.

The sonar sensor is attached to a foam float and 35 feet of cable but also can be attached to a boat for trolling. The sonar sensor can read through boat hulls and through ice. It can also be attached to a broomstick handle to search underneath docks, weeds, and ice with its pivoting sensor.

The Department of Wildlife offers online boat renewals

2004-11-26T09:04:00.000-05:00

By Don Quilici

According to a recent press release by Edwin Lyngar of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, boaters can avoid leaving home, long lines, and mailing material when re-registering boats for this year's boating season by renewing the vessel registration online with a credit card at www.boatnevada.org, anytime day or night.

This option is available for boats re-registering within the state of Nevada.

"We have built this system as a service to our customers Ð the boating public," said Steve Bremer of the NDOW license office. "This allows individuals to register boats 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And, unlike mail or in-person registration, boaters can use a credit card for the transaction."

Manatee protection zone is established

2004-11-26T09:02:00.000-05:00

A slow-speed zone will be in effect from April 1 to Nov. 15 along the shores of Safety Harbor and Oldsmar.

By LESTER R. DAILEY

PINELLAS COUNTY – The County Commission last week passed an ordinance needed to implement the Pinellas segment of a plan to establish slow-speed boating zones.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, hoping to protect manatees, has imposed seasonal slow-speed boating zones from April 1 to Nov. 15 each year in parts of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

Dock permits out of limbo?

2004-11-25T08:32:00.000-05:00

Officials say having new manatee boating rules will mean boat dock requests will get a look

SCOTT RADWAY
Herald Staff Writer

MANATEE - New boating rules to protect manatees in the county
could clear the water next year for some long-awaited new boat docks, county and state officials said.
A backlog of more than 100 dock-building permits in the county are currently waiting review, hostages of drawn-out discussions on how strict new state and county regulations should be. Some have been in limbo since early 2003.

Small Wonder

2004-11-24T18:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes big things come in small packages, and that’s just what Jim Timmerman discovered about his 1956 Aristo Craft Torpedo.
The drive always seemed to take forever. Jim Timmerman remembers thinking to himself that they’d never get there. The annual childhood fishing trips to Wisconsin with his father were what great memories are built around. The drive and the wait were always worth it. For this Indiana youngster, fishing from a small aluminum skiff was as close to heaven as it got.

Marine Retailers Network For Profits

2004-11-24T18:03:00.000-05:00

With website promotional costs in the stratosphere, many companies have resorted to non web advertising or have limited their pay per click budgets, which have resulted in less traffic and lower sales. To take back the internet from the shark infested waters in which we swim, we need a bigger boat, with a better captain, and a new course. Networking vendors together under a common umbrella provides a more powerful presence and why boat shows attract more visitors than single dealerships.

(PRWEB) November 24, 2004 -- Costs for achieving top search engine rankings in a given category have become too high for the small and midsized company. Today there are few choices available to businesses wishing to have an online presence. You must pay to have your site designed, then pay regularly to have your site optimized for the search engines and keywords which best fit your targeted audience. Then pay for search engines to list your site, usually in a pay per click format. Pay per clicks are easily surpassing $1.00 per click on the major engines, which adds up in a hurry. All this so you can sell an item with a fifteen percent profit margin. In short, we want to give the marine retailer the ability to focus on their product, instead of the medium of delivery.

New Tackle Dealers Make Big Splash in Tackle Market

2004-11-24T06:45:00.000-05:00

S&K Guide Service, has now combined it's resources with Basschamp.com, and Yamamoto and Daiichi baits to become a major player in online tackle sales.

(PRWEB) November 23, 2004 -- A new bass fishing tackle dealer is making a big splash in the tackle industry this year. S&K Guide Service's owner Steve vonBrandt, a professional angler, guide, radio and tv personality in the northeast, and member of the N.A.F.C. "Hall Of Fame", has combined his resources with Bob Popp, tournament angler and New York Director of Angler's Choice, the nations largest and most important Team Tournament Trail, to form Delaware Tackle.com, soon to be the largest source for high end and exclusive bass fishing tackle and DVD's in the United States.

Delaware Tackle has some of the largest and best known tackle manufacturers behind them in this effort, including Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, TTI,(Daiichi, Tru-Turn, and X-Point hooks), Tica and Okuma reels, Strike Pro USA baits, featuring premium hard baits, and Delaware Valley Outdoors radio and tv where they have several radio talk shows, and television shows. In addition, they are now reveiwing bass fishing tackle with unbiased, independent guides and tournament anglers giving their unbiased reviews on all types of bass fishing products at the newly opened BassLureReview.com. They also feature some of the nations largest and highest quality hand poured plastic baits in their store.

Town plans for Frisco Bay Marina 2005 season

2004-11-24T06:43:00.000-05:00

By JULIE SUTOR
summit daily news
November 23, 2004

FRISCO — Town officials are heading into the uncertain waters of Frisco Bay as they launch their plans for the 2005 boating season.

Officials expect the marina will fund itself in the long run, but it will require a substantial initial investment from the town, most likely in the form of a $900,000 loan from the general fund.

“This budget is intended to create a seamless transition from Osprey to the town of Frisco,” said town manager Michael Penny.