BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

8 Ways To Avoid Problems at the Boat Repair Shop

ALEXANDRIA, Va. July 25, 2016 – For over 25 years the BoatUS Consumer Protection department has helped Boat Owners Association of The United States members resolve disputes with repair facilities. The vast majority of shops do the job right, but sometimes they – or boat owners – make mistakes. To see what went wrong and to possibly learn from others, BoatUS has surveyed its BoatUS Dispute Resolution files to identify eight trouble spots that boaters needing work done should know:

1. Finding a shop: Word of mouth is still king. Having American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) certifications are also two good signs. Boaters can also check out the BoatUS Consumer Protection Database for complaints filed by BoatUS members.
2. Get it in writing: Get a written estimate before work begins, and remember that it is based on an approximation of how much the job will cost. If work may go beyond the estimated price, you can always direct the shop to obtain your authorization before proceeding with unforeseen repairs. Remember, if it’s not in writing, there’s no way to confirm the work was requested.
3. Is there a guarantee for the work? 30-, 60-, or 90-days are all typical. Ask if parts and labor are included. Don’t wait until after the warranty expires to check the repairs.
4. Remove valuables: Bring small electronics, personal items and fishing gear home.
5. Take photos: It’s always good to take a few “before” time-stamped photos of your boat in the shop (your smart phone may have this feature built-in or there are Apps available). Accidents do sometimes happen, and you may need before and after damage photos to show the shop damage took place and possibly file an insurance claim.
6. Languish at your peril: Avoid having your job pushed to the back burner by staying frequently informed about ongoing repairs. While there are often legitimate delays due to seasonality, parts sourcing, weather, and personnel, if you think you are getting put off, you probably are. Cut losses and find another shop. (Tip: For larger jobs, ask the shop to periodically email you pictures of work in progress. It may help keep the job on schedule.)
7. Inspect, inspect, and inspect: When picking up the boat after completion of repairs, ensure each bit of repair work matches the actual invoice. If you do have a dispute with the final bill, you’re in better legal shape if you pay it in full, preferably on a credit card, and then file a complaint with the shop and/or your credit card company.
8. A note about end of season repairs: Sea trials must take place during the warranty period, which has sometimes caused problems for BoatUS members who put their boats away for the winter before ensuring the repairs are satisfactory. Any open issues found in the springtime will likely come out of the boat owner’s wallet.

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

This announcement from SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, International Marine Insurance Services, was posted by good friend, Wally Moran, on the Seven Seas Cruising Association website. Thank you Wally!

We at IMIS are proud to have the Jackline Insurance Program be at the forefront of facilitating the travel of U.S. cruisers to Cuba.

After discussion with the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Asset Control, it was acknowledged by the Office that U.S. insurance companies could insure vessels authorized to travel to Cuba and pay for the repair of insurance claims occurring there. This lead to new updates to the Frequently Asked Questions page published by the Office.

Additional information about travel to Cuba is published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Once the requirements of the Departments of Commerce and Treasury have been satisfied, an application may be made to the U.S. Coast Guard for permission to enter Cuban waters. The form to make that application is CG-3300. The underwriter of the Jackline Insurance Program will require a copy of that form once it has been approved in order to actually initiate insurance coverage for Cuba.

The cost to Caribbean cruisers for the typical one or two week stay in Cuba is just $200. Well worth it for the privilege to travel to Cuba and engage with its people in whatever manner of cultural exchange you have planned. Please bear in mind, though, that, as is the case for other places where travel is normally restricted by the Jackline insurance policy, special coverage for places like Cuba will not include coverage for theft of or from the vessel.

Information about theft risks and protections in Cuba, as well as information about navigating some of the special hazards of Cuban waters, is available at the excellent cruising resource NoonSite.com. As is the case in many under-developed countries, navigational hazards are not well marked or maintained and that is the case even for the most often visited harbor where Marina Hemingway is situated. Fortunately, NoonSite.com has a special page dedicated to Marina Hemingway. NoonSite.com also has references to other resources, like cruising guides, of which you may wish to take advantage.

This added second to our GPS clocks is certain to be of assistance when you are trying to reach that next bridge opening! LOL! Isn’t technology amazing?

All CGSIC:
Yesterday, 18 July, the Air Force entered, into the GPS MCS, a Future Leap Second to become effective on 31 December 2016. As Navigation Uploads are/were performed over the following ~24 hours, GPS satellites will, one at a time, begin broadcasting this Future Leap Second, along with its date of effectivity and the Current Leap Second count, in accordance with IS-GPS-200. When specific satellites will begin broadcasting the new information will depend on the contact schedule over the next ~24 hours, which is dynamic and subject to real-time operations. When specific users will begin seeing the new information will depend on a number of factors, including satellite visibility and user equipment design.
V/R
Rick Hamilton
CGSIC Executive Secretariat
GPS Information Analysis Team Lead
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center
703-313-5930

This report by Chris Landry in Soundings’ Trade Only Today describes two new Chris Craft models.

Chris-Craft debuts new models at dealer meeting
Posted on July 18th, 2016
Written by Chris Landry

SARASOTA, Fla. — More than 150 representatives from Chris-Craft dealerships in the United States and around the world gathered here during the weekend for the opportunity to test the boatbuilder’s entire fleet, including the new flagship Commander 42 and the new Calypso 30 dual console.
It was the first public showing for both boats.
“This is our biggest event of the year,” Chris-Craft marketing director Allison Scharnow told me as I waited my turn to test the Calypso. “It’s the only time we have all the models in the water at the same time. Dealers and customers get to touch, feel and drive them, and talk to the engineers. It’s important for our customers and dealers to see them here, at a special event for them, not just at a boat show.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT AND PHOTOS

BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

A Pokémon Go “gym” is located next to the iconic BoatUS Buoy at the recreational boating association’s national headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

Pokémon Go and Boating: Three Tips from BoatUS

ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 14, 2016 – The reality-game-meets-exercise app currently taking the nation by storm, “Pokémon Go,” now has 21 million users every day – reportedly the most successful mobile game ever in the US. The game features characters called Pokémon that players capture in the real world using a combination of GPS and augmented reality. That also means that Pokémon-mania has also come to the water and with it, BoatUS, the national boating advocacy, services and safety group has three tips for playing Pokémon Go while boating:

1. Be aware: The US Coast Guard reports “Operator Inattention” as one of the five main primary contributing factors in accidents. When searching for a “water type” Pokémon such as “Magikarp” on a waterway, let the first mate or friend handle the cell phone while the captain keeps a safe lookout.
2. Watch cell phone battery use: Users report the game eats up a smartphone’s battery charge. With many recreational boaters today relying on their cell phones for communication, it would be wise to bring along a spare charger, or use battery saving mode. BoatUS also reminds boaters that only a VHF radio can summon emergency help from the closest rescuers, ensuring the fastest response.
3. Have fun: The BoatUS National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia offers a Pokémon “gym” located next to the iconic BoatUS Buoy at 880 S. Pickett Street. At lunch, some BoatUS employees can be seen playing the game. (Insider’s tip: The yellow Pokémon Go BoatUS Marine insurance underwriting team often battles other BoatUS departments, and for a limited time, free boat insurance quotes will be available to all players.)

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com.

BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

BoatUS Delivers Over 24,000 Boaters’ Comments Urging EPA to Stop Adding More Ethanol to the Nation’s Gasoline Supply
PHOTO CAPTION: Washington DC, July 13, 2016 – On July 11, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) President Margaret Podlich (L) and Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy (R), delivered over 24,000 comments from recreational boaters to EPA Headquarters in Washington DC to urge the agency to stop adding more ethanol to the nation’s gasoline supply. BoatUS had asked the boating public to add their voice to a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply for 2017. If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level ethanol fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into gas pumps and at more gas stations.
“A sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning for E15 gasoline,” said Podlich. Most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol, and it is illegal to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in any marine engine. The national boating advocacy, services and safety group has voiced its concern for the significant potential for misfueling, putting boaters at risk by using fuel that will damage their engines.

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):
Celebrating 50 years in 2016, BoatUS is the nation’s largest organization of recreational boaters with over a half million members. We are the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We help ensure a roadside breakdown doesn’t end a boating or fishing trip before it begins, and on the water, we bring boaters safely back to the launch ramp or dock when their boat won’t, day or night. The BoatUS Insurance Program gives boat owners the specialized coverage and superior service they need, and we help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. BoatUS is a member of the Smarter Fuel Future.

BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters and boating safety on all waters and SSECN is proud to present BoatUS News.

Even twins can get a right-sized life jacket through the BoatUS Foundation kids’ Life Jacket Loaner Program.

NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

BoatUS: Largest Map of Life Jacket Loaner Sites in the US

ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 7, 2016 – If you need to borrow a kid’s life jacket for the day or weekend, chances are there is one near you at one of the over 1,500 life jacket loaner sites across the country at BoatUS.org/loanermap.

The website list is “the nation’s largest single source of life jacket loaner sites” according to BoatUS. It includes nearly 600 free BoatUS Foundation kids’ Life Jacket Loaner sites at marinas, boat clubs and firehouses, along with over 900 local community loaner sites to give parents and boaters more options.

Begun in 1997, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water’s kids’ Life Jacket Loaner Program is the nation’s oldest and largest loaner program (all 50 states + District of Columbia), making it easy for boaters to borrow a right-sized child’s life jacket for the day, afternoon, or weekend at no cost. Each year, the Foundation loaner sites lend out life jackets over 140,000 times.

About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the over half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the non-profit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 34 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/courses.

Longtime cruiser and Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Contributing Editor, Captain Jim Healy, offers thoughts on his and his wife Peg’s favorite spots along the Atlantic ICW. Some of these ports are probably on your list as well and, of course, there are a number of SSECN Sponsors in these stops. And if this will be your first trip along the Atlantic Waterway, you will do well to heed Jim’s advice and visits and navigation.

Elizabeth City, NC, and the “Albemarle Loop:“ Elizabeth City is the anchor town on the Dismal Swamp Route of the ICW southbound from Norfolk/Portsmouth.  Elizabeth City has a marvelous small museum dedicate to the region.  The Elizabeth City Public Wharf is the Harbor of Hospitality.  Docks are free, albeit without services.  This is a favorite stop for us to relax and refresh.

The Albemarle sound is a shallow body of water; the “deep water” range is 12′ – 18′.  These waters are home to many crab fishermen; crab pot floats are to be found virtually throughout the sound.  The sound lies geographically East-West, and the prevailing winds are from the West and Southwest.  Winds greater than 15 kts can raise uncomfortable beam seas for North-South crossings.  Winds greater that 20 kts can produce uncomfortable chop in all directions.

While not technically part of the ICW, this “loop” is centered around the ICW Routes from Norfolk/Portsmouth to the southbound ICW at the Alligator River in North Carolina.  The “Albemarle Loop” [see /154885] is a cruising route that touches some wonderful and oft-overlooked venues.  On the Crystal Coast, the towns of Manteo and Ocracoke are excellent stops.  On the Western Albemarle, the towns of Edenton and Plymouth are delightful.  The history of the Albemarle dates to the earliest English colonists.  At Manteo, visit the Lost Colony Plantation.  At Edenton, visit the revolutionary period Chowan County Courthouse, St. Paul’s Church, learn of the ladies of the Edenton Tea Party, and visit many other historical sites.  Here is a link to information on the Albemarle Loop: http://albemarleloop.com.

Beaufort, NC: This is a seaport town near Morehead City; it’s a very pleasant, laid-back, “chillaxin'” place with a small but well done Maritime Museum, many shoppes and some nice local restaurants.  For those who might enjoy a short off-shore (maybe 10 miles) cruise, depart the Beaufort Inlet and head out the the bight at the Cape Lookout National Seashore.  It a large, well protected anchorage, with access to the beach for campfires and swimming.  The bight itself is well protected from winds and ocean sea states, but the trip out and back can be too much for some if the wind offshore is up. Plan accordingly.

Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA: magnificent old southern cities with many points-of-interest and fine restaurants; our strategy is to take a tour bus around the city.  Look for a tour company that has same-day on-and-off privileges.  (We do this every time we arrive somewhere we’ve not been before, including Canada).  We take the entire tour circuit first, then go back to places that we think we’d like to know more about.  At Charleston, start at the Welcome Center.  Or, take the tour boat to Fort Sumter; nice aquarium near the Ft. Sumter ferry docks.  In Charleston, there is a water taxi from the Charleston Maritime Center that goes back and forth to Patriot Point, which is where the USS Yorktown is located.  In Savannah, there is a nice stage theater within walking distance of the downtown waterfront (http://www.savannahtheatre.com).  The Savannah waterfront is very interesting, with a large riverwalk, wonderful park overlooking the River, and large shipping and commercial traffic as well as every kind of small-boat and pleasure craft.  There are several architecture tours in both cities, and both have lots of weekly and seasonal activity for visitors.  From Savannah (there are marina options in downtown Savannah on the Savannah River or at Thunderbolt and Isle of Hope), boaters can also visit Tybee Island (light house and Fort Pulaski).

Fernandina Beach, FL: City is easy walking distance right at the foot of the docks at the Fernandina Harbor Marina.  Take the tour to Fort Clinch.  Visit the house where the Pippi Longstocking movie was filmed.  Visit Billy Burbank’s trawl net factory; they make shrimp nets; they’re open to the public for tours, and it’s a very interesting afternoon.

St. Augustine, FL: The St. Augustine light house is open to the public; the Catholic Cathedral Basilica would be of architectural interest to all; the Fort itself (Castillo de San Marcos) is wonderful, and the docents that do the historical interpretation are excellent.  There are many restaurants within walking distance of the St. Augustine City Marina.  We like the a1a Ale House.

In this article from SAIL magazine, writer Donald McLennan describes and makes recommendations on 15 electronic chart apps.

In recent years it has become more feasible than ever to navigate using a smartphone or tablet. Apps have improved to the point where they rival paper charts and chartplotters. With so many good navigation apps available, the question is: which is best for you? There are free apps with basic chartplotting capabilities; reasonably priced apps with advanced waypoint and route management features; and apps with community-authored databases that include points of interest (POI). Ultimately, choosing an app comes down to evaluating which features are important to you and what you’re willing to pay for them.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE