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    • May 21, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments 30.1936,-85.6839999

      TowBoatUS Expands into Panama City, Strengthening Assistance for Recreational Boaters


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      Media Contact: 
      Alisha Sheth, BoatUS PR Manager
      alisha@boatus.com 

       

      TowBoatUS Expands into Panama City, Strengthening Assistance for Recreational Boaters  

      Capt. Daimin Barth adds fourth TowBoatUS port to ownership portfolio along Florida’s Panhandle 

      An image of Capt. Daimin Barth and his wife Amber Zigadlo 

      PANAMA CITY, Fla. – May 20, 2026 – TowBoatUS, North America’s largest network of on-water towing ports, announced today that U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain Daimin Barth has opened his fourth TowBoatUS port, TowBoatUS Panama City, continuing the brand’s growth to service it’s more than 152,000 BoatUS members across the state of Florida. 

      Located in the heart of Panama City Beach, the port offers 24/7 on-water support to recreational boaters, including towing, fuel delivery, battery jumps, and soft ungroundings. Long-distance towing services beyond service areas listed on BoatU.S. member service locator may be available based upon conditions and availability. Separate from serving BoatUS Towing Members, the port also offers salvage, repairs, and prop disentanglement. 

      “As a captain-turned-port owner, I take pride in building on my experience responding to distressed boaters and know firsthand how fast response times can make all the difference,” said Barth. “With three existing locations across the Florida panhandle, we’ve strategically extended our reach geographically to better allow us to cover the region and respond to members quickly and when they need us most.”  

      The port will operate four TowBoatUS red response vessels crewed by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains, who are ready to respond to service calls. Vessels are strategically stationed at Sun Harbor Marina, Treasure Island Marina, a private dock in Parker, and on a trailer to service Deer Point Lake as well as other landlocked bodies of water. This distributed coverage allows the team to efficiently serve the entire Panama City Beach and Panama City area, reducing response times and ensuring help is always close by. The fleet ranges from 24 to 33 feet, enabling effective service in both shallow and deep-water conditions. 

      Much like an auto club for recreational boat owners, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers on-water towing memberships for $215/year for saltwater. In addition to a BoatUS Towing Membership, members also receive more than 25 valuable BoatUS benefits including a subscription to award-winning BoatUS Magazine, free DSC-VHF radio registration and more. 

      To request on-water assistance, boaters can call the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at 800-391-4869, download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain, call TowBoatUS Panama City directly at (850) 697-8909, or hail on VHF radio Ch. 16. 

      ### 

       

      About TowBoatUS  

      Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation’s leading advocacy, services and safety group for recreational boaters. We provide more than 740,000 members with a wide array of helpful services, including 24-hour on-water towing that gets boaters safely home when their boat won’t, as well as jump-starts, fuel delivery, and soft ungroundings. The TowBoatUS towing fleet is North America’s largest network of towing ports with more than 330 locations and over 630 red towboats, responding to more than 110,000 requests for assistance each year. To learn more about becoming a TowBoatUS member, visit BoatUS.com/Towing, and to find a TowBoatUS location closest to you, visit BoatUS.com/ServiceLocator. 

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    • May 21, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Celebrity Entrepreneur’s Death Spawns Insurance Shenanigans – Loose Cannon

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with saltwater in their veins will subscribe. $7 per month or $56 for the year; you may cancel at any time.

       
         
       
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      Celebrity Entrepreneur’s Death Spawns Insurance Shenanigans

      Hoverboarder Hit by a Center-Console Five Years Ago; Epic Lawsuit Continues

       
      		 
      		 
      		 
       

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      Aaron Hirschhorn died on March 28, 2021, while piloting his hoverboard in Biscayne Bay, Florida. He had collided with a center-console. (Instagram)

      Five years ago, the owner of a Chris Craft Launch 38 collided with a guy on an electric foil hoverboard, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Aaron Hirschhorn, a celebrity entrepreneur, was survived by his wife Karen Nissim and their three young children

      Insurance companies for the Chris Craft owners denied the Hirschorn family’s claim for compensation, spawning a legal battle so epic that it would rival the upcoming summer movie Odyssey with a legion of suit-wearing attorneys instead of helmeted Greek heroes. At stake is a $66 million arbitration award.

      “The insurers denied coverage for the subject accident, declined to pay any amount on the claim, and refused to defend their insureds in litigation,” Lawyers for Karen Nissim wrote. In other words, the lead insurance company tried to walk away from their own clients on the basis of a couple technicalities—a move barred under Florida law.

      Florida’s so-called “anti-technical” statute is “designed to prevent the insurer from avoiding coverage on a technical omission playing no part in the loss.”

      The recalcitrant insurance company is defendant Yachtinsure Services, a managing general agent and claims-management firm representing “actual insurers” Clear Blue Specialty Insurance and Aspen American Insurance Company, who each provided coverage to one of the two partners that owned Caprice.

      (At this point it should be noted that one of the owners himself died a few months before the accident.)

      According to the lawsuit, Yachtinsure refused to settle the claim against itself and the two companies or defend them in court.

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      Yachtinsure denied the claim under the dead owners’s policy because the live owner, who was operating the vessel, was supposedly an “unapproved operator.” This, even though the live owner’s separate policy—also administered by Yachtinsure— specifically listed live owner Randy Harmat as an operator.

         

      So how did Yachtinsure deny coverage under the Harmat policy listing him as an operator? Kissim’s lawyers take up the story:

      Coverage for the Harmat Policy claim was denied on the purported grounds that there was a “misrepresentation and failure to disclose material information related to a prior loss involving the Vessel.” The purported “misrepresentation” that justified its denial of the claim was the “fail[ure] to answer the question” on the insurance application whether “the vessel suffered any damage or undergone repairs in the last five years.”

         
      Which, of course, raised the question: If this were an issue, why was the policy issued to Harmat in the first place? Especially after the answer blocks appear to have been filled in, then erased.

      In May 2022, an arbitrator apportioned blame in the accident, deciding that Hirschhorn was 25 percent at fault, while the estate of the guy who died before the accident happened was 75 percent at fault. Based on Hirschhorn’s young age—he was 42 when he died—and the likelihood of future earnings, the arbitrator ruled that his family was entitled to $66 million even after factoring Hirschhorn’s own culpability.

      Then in January 2024, Harmat the living owner agreed to the same settlement under the ancient legal doctrine of any party not at the table is on the menu.

      Actually, it is called a Coblentz agreement, which refers to a negotiated consent judgment “entered into between an insured and a claimant in order to resolve a lawsuit in which the insurer has denied coverage and declined to defend.”

      The agreement guaranteed that Hirschhorn’s survivors would not go after Harmat or his dead partner’s estate for the settlement—only the insurers.

      Here’s where it gets interesting. Both insurance policies were limited to $500,000 payouts, but lawyers for the widow argued that, under Florida law. Yachtinsure’s “wrongful refusal to defend the claim” mean that those limits went out the window and the entire $66 million was at play.

      Through its lawyers, Aspen Insurance argued that the arbitration award agreed to by the plaintiff and the boat owners “was not reasonable and is the result of collusion, fraud or lack of ‘good faith’.”

      Aspen, which represented the dead owner, also argued that his policy died with him and that Aspen, therefore, didn’t owe Hirschhorn’s survivors a nickle.

      That’s just a quick and undoubtedly incomplete summary of just one of five federal lawsuits arising from the untimely death of Aaron Hirschhorn. Some have been settled, but the central case had 284 document entries as of last week—with no sign of letting up.

      Chief takeaways: Read your policy. Ask questions. Realize that Florida’s anti-technicality law may not be the case in your state.

         
      A sistership to the Chris Craft in question.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

      		  
        

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    • May 21, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999

      “Jazz on the Harbor” Saturday June 13, Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, FL


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      Fisherman's Village Marina and Resort, Punta Gorda, FL

      There is always plenty to do around Charlotte Harbor! While berthed at Fishermen’s Village Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, you are certain to enjoy visiting Western Florida’s beautiful Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.

       

      Kathy Burnam
      Special Events & Community Relations

      941.639.8721

      kburnam@fishermensvillage.com

      www.fishermensvillage.com

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Fishermen’s Village

       

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    • May 21, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments 26.0732,-80.15129999

      Ahead of hurricane season, disaster recovery experts tell of crucial lessons from past storms – SunSentinel


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      https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/05/19/ahead-of-hurricane-season-disaster-recovery-experts-tell-of-crucial-lessons-from-past-storms/?

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    • May 21, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      State readies for hot weather during Heat Safety Week – CoastalReview

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    • May 21, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments 26.0732,-80.15129999

      Boating safety urged in South Florida ahead of Memorial Day weekend – SunSentinel


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      https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/05/18/boating-safety-urged-in-south-florida-ahead-of-memorial-day-weekend/

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    • May 20, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      What is the Risk for a Super El Nino? Fred Pickhardt

      Fred Pickhardt’s Substack is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Fred Pickhardt’s Substack that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won’t be charged unless they enable payments.

       

       
         
       
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      What is the Risk for a Super El Nino?

      The ENSO Diagnostic Discussion issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center on May 14, 2026, indicates that ENSO is transitioning toward an El Niño event.

       
      		 
      		 
      		 
       

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      Current Status: El Niño Watch

      While the system is currently in an ENSO-neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña), there are strong signals that this will change very soon.

      Key Highlights:

      • Emergence of El Niño: There is an 82% chance that El Niño will emerge between May and July 2026.
      • Long-term Outlook: The event is expected to persist through the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026–27, with a 96% probability during the December–February period.
      • Oceanic Conditions: Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the east-central Pacific are currently near average, but subsurface temperatures have been rising for six consecutive months. This “warm pool” below the surface is a precursor to the development of El Niño at the surface.
      • Atmospheric Coupling: Low-level westerly wind anomalies have been observed, which helps push warm water toward South America, further fueling the El Niño development.

       

         

       

      Strength and Impact:

      • Uncertainty in Intensity: While experts are confident El Niño will happen, its peak strength remains uncertain. This summer, a weak El Nino will likely become moderate during the late summer and early fall. Thereafter, there is significant uncertainty as the probability distribution is relatively evenly spread between moderate to very strong with no specific category having more than a 37% chance of occurring.

       

         

       

      Risk Assessment

      Based on the May 2026 ENSO Diagnostic Discussion, the following table provides the percentage probability for each strength level of El Niño (and Neutral conditions) for the upcoming seasons.

      The strength is determined by the Niño-3.4 Index (sea surface temperature departures in the east-central Pacific).

      El Niño Strength Probabilities (%)

         

      Analysis of the Data:

      • Peak Intensity: The forecast suggests a steady intensification throughout the year. While the event starts as “Weak,” the probability of a “Very Strong” El Niño (≥ 2.0°C) increases significantly toward the end of the year, peaking at 37% during the November–January period.
      • Winter Outlook: By the Northern Hemisphere winter (DJF), there is a combined 60% chance of the event being either “Strong” or “Very Strong.”

      As we move into early summer, the model uncertainties will diminish and we will be able to better predict the peak intensity.

      Ocean Weather Services

      Forensic Marine Weather Expert

      Climate Prediction Center ENSO Discussion

       

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    • May 20, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      A Checklist of Practical Gear For Boaters – CANADIAN BOATING

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    • May 20, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Venezuelan Coast Guard Recovers Sailboat Stolen from St. Vincent Anchorage – Loose Cannon

      Cruisers Net publishes Loose Cannon articles with Captain Swanson’s permission in hopes that mariners with saltwater in their veins will subscribe. $7 per month or $56 for the year; you may cancel at any time.

         
       
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      Venezuelan Coast Guard Recovers Sailboat Stolen from St. Vincent Anchorage

      Now, All Her Owner Has To Do Is Figure Out How To Get Her Home

       
      		 
      		 
      		 
       

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      Rudolpho Alexander of St. Vincent & the Grenadines was gratified to learn that his boat, stolen from the anchorage at Frigate Island on Saturday, has been recovered by authorities in Venezuela.

      Alexander, owner of the Famous Liquor & Smoke Shop, said the Venezuela Coast Guard had notified their St. Vincent counterparts that they have possession of the CS 40 sloop named Great Habit. And that’s about all he knows, not even her precise location in that troubled South American nation.

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      Today he was wondering what kind of bureaucratic hurdles and expense will face trying to recover his boat from a place that has long been a no-go for foreign sailors. Alexander does not speak Spanish.

      “Well, I’m just waiting for an update from the Coast Guard. I hope it’s not going to cost me too much now,” Alexander told Loose Cannon. “I may just have to leave it, or try to sell it or something.”

      Alexander said he found Great Habit on a dock in Carriacou where she lay with hurricane damage in 2024. He bought her from a man at the boatyard who had acquired the boat either from the previous Canadian owners or their insurance company. He kept the Great Habit name.

      Venezuela has several Coast Guard bases a one or two day reach from St. Vincent, including at La Iguana Island, Barcelona, La Guaira (near Caracas), Carúpano, and Margarita Island.

      LOOSE CANNON covers hard news, technical issues and nautical history. Every so often he tries to be funny. Subscribe for free to support the work. If you’ve been reading for a while—and you like it—consider upgrading to paid.

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    • May 20, 2026by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      TowBoatUS and BoatUS Foundation Partner with Lynnhaven River N​OW​ to Remove 10 Abandoned Boats from Virginia Waters 

      BoatUS

      BoatUS is the leading advocate for boating safety in the US and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

      TowBoatUS and BoatUS Foundation Partner with Lynnhaven River N​OW​ to Remove 10 Abandoned Boats from Virginia Waters

       
       

       

      MEDIA CONTACT:
      Alisha Sheth
      BoatUS Public Relations Manager
       
       
      .  
       

      TowBoatUS and BoatUS Foundation Partner with Lynnhaven River N​OW​ to Remove 10 Abandoned Boats from Virginia Waters 

       

      Effort is part of larger initiative to remove up to 100 vessels and address growing abandoned and derelict vessel (ADV) issue 

       

      An image of an ADV removed from the Elizabeth River and crushed for disposal. 

      Photo Credit: BoatUS Foundation 

       

      SPRINGFIELD, Va, ​​May 19, 2026 – The BoatUS Foundation, a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating helped Lynnhaven River ​and TowBoatUS ​at ​ports Gwynns Island and Portsmouth​,​ remove 10 abandoned derelict vessels (ADVs) from waterways across Gloucester and Portsmouth, Virginia. This initiative is aimed at addressing navigational hazards and environmental impacts of ADVs on coastal Virginia waterways. The removals took place April 14–16 and are part of a broader effort to remove up to 100 ADVs in the area.  

       

      Lynnhaven River ​​NOW​​’s project brought together nonprofit, government and private partners to address the growing environmental and navigational risks posed by abandoned boats. This project is supported by a 2023 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program​.​​     ​ 

       

      “Abandoned boats don’t just disappear. They become a burden on communities, the environment and local economies,” said Alanna Keating, Director of Outreach at BoatUS Foundation. “By connecting trusted partners, we are addressing the issue of ADVs and making real progress toward cleaner, safer Virginia waterways.” 

       

      Removing abandoned vessels provides immediate benefits to local waterways and communities. Left unattended, these vessels can leak fuel, create navigation hazards, and harm marine ecosystems and shorelines. Their removal enhances boater safety, safeguards natural habitats, and helps prevent lasting environmental damage. 

       

      TowBoatUS operators Chris Parker of Gwynns Island and Donald Duck of Portsmouth were contracted to do the removals, volunteering significant time and resources while working through a wide range of vessel conditions. 

       

      “Every removal is different, and often more complex than people realize,” Parker said. “Some vessels can be refloated and towed, while others need to be taken apart piece by piece. It takes time and coordination, but the impact on the community and the bay is significant once removed.” 

       

      “These boats pose real risks to navigation and safety,” Duck said. “We see how they can break free, damage property, or require emergency response. Prevention through proper insurance and responsible disposal can make a big difference.” 

       

      BoatUS Foundation also has a broader ADV Program, which includes the Turning the Tide Summit and a national database to track abandoned vessels nationwide. 

       

      Local leaders in attendance during the local cleanups included Gloucester County Administrator Greg Gentry, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Zone Manager Jeff Flood, and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover.  

       

      Anyone who encounters an abandoned or derelict vessel on a waterway is encouraged to report it at https://boatus.org/adv-database.  

       

      ### 

       

      ABOUT THE BOATUS FOUNDATION: 

      BoatUS Foundation is supporting projects that were selected through their nationally competitive grant program for the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels throughout coastal and marine areas of the United States, including the Great Lakes, U.S. territories, and Freely Associated States. In an effort to help educate and prevent future ADVs, the Foundation create​d​ a national ADV database to track the scope of the challenge and measure success, document ADV prevention and removal activities to share with the public and support a national dialogue and education efforts on boating-related debris disposal. This ​​​​​​project is supported by a 2023 award from the NOAA Marine Debris Program.​​ 

       

      ABOUT TOWBOATUS: 

      TowBoatUS is the nation’s largest on-water towing and assistance service, with more than 300 locations across the United States. Captains are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed professionals who provide 24/7 on-water assistance including towing, soft ungroundings, battery jumps and fuel delivery. TowBoatUS also plays a critical role in supporting marine debris removal and response efforts in partnership with local and national organizations. 

       

      ABOUT LYNNHAVEN RIVER NOW:  

      Lynnhaven River ​​works with residents, businesses, faith communities, schools, and community leaders to restore and protect Virginia Beach waterways and natural resources. LRNow believes that every community should have pure water, clean air, and access to open spaces for recreation.  LRNow believes that every community should have pure water, clean air, and access to open spaces for recreation.   

       
       
       

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