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

(L to R, Row 1) BoatUS National Advisory Council members with BoatUS staff: K. Carroll, J. Alter, J. Ellis, L. Clark; (Row 2) D. Clarke, C. Hawley, M. Podlich, K. La, D. Rider, J. Flynn; (Row 3) C. Edmonston, T. Dammrich, B. Adriance, R. Longfellow.

Leaders Gather for BoatUS National Advisory Council

Annual Forum Looks at Recreational Boating Issues

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, December 17, 2015 ‘“ A panel of 11 distinguished national boating leaders that serve as a sounding board for Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) gathered with the senior BoatU.S. leadership recently in Williamsburg, VA to discuss key issues impacting recreational boating.

The 11 leaders attending the annual meeting included 1.) John Alter, Past Chief Commander, United States Power Squadrons; 2.) Kris Carroll, President, Grady-White Boats, Inc.; 3.) Lenora S. Clark, Former California Boating Commissioner, Former RBOC President; 4.) Dean Travis Clarke, Former Executive Editor, Bonnier Marine Group; 5.) Thom Dammrich, President, National Marine Manufacturers Association; 6.) John Flynn, Public Policy Advisor, Squire Patton Boggs; 7.) Chuck Hawley, Director, U.S. Sailing; 8.) Ralph Longfellow, President, Recreational Boaters of California; 9.) Darren Rider, President, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) 10.) Jim Ellis, Former President, BoatUS and 11.) Bob Adriance, Former Editor, Seaworthy. BoatUS leadership included CEO Kirk La, President Margaret Podlich and BoatUS Foundation President Chris Edmonston.

Topics on the day-long agenda included the Peer-to-Peer boat rental market, a new online fuel dock spill prevention course by the BoatUS Foundation, life jacket developments and a recent demonstrations of alternatives to flares, as well as state issues including boater user fees, uniform titling bills, boating safety education requirements and anchoring challenges. Also discussed was the threat that invasive species pose to recreational boat owners and how industry and agencies are working together to ensure boating access is preserved and waterways protected.

The day wrapped up with a look at national topics including the federal Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which uses existing boating and fishing taxes to fund related programs at the state level, the U.S. Coast Guard budget authorization (boating safety), the Water Resources Development Act (funding for dredging projects), and the Renewable Fuel Standard (changing the government’s ethanol fuel mandate).

Some takeaways from the discussions offered by BoatUS include:

New ownership/rental models make boating available to more people. Peer-to-Peer services such as Boatbound, boat clubs and fractional membership programs are transforming the traditional boat ownership model.
Stand-up paddleboard and other human powered craft are a growing water-user segment, but some of these paddler’s come to the water with little or no experience leading to user conflicts, not unlike during the growth of the personal watercraft (PWC) market.
Flares, required by federal law on many boats, expire every 3 years, but are deemed hazardous waste, creating a legal disposal quagmire across the country. There are multiple benefits but also limits to alternative devices to replace the pyrotechnic flares, and BoatU.S. will continue to work with others on long-term solutions.
Helping to shape smart laws and regulations dealing with boat ownership continues to matter to boaters and the businesses that depend on them.
The recent renewal of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund demonstrated how the boating and angling community is doing a better job of working together on common legislative concerns, and boaters and anglers are reaping the rewards.
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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

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.

NEWS From BoatUS

Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
Read this press release online at: http://goo.gl/3RnrrK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

A new, easy to take online course at BoatUS.org/courses helps boaters plan for their next summer cruise.

Boaters: Plan Your Summer Cruise Now With Online Course That Shows You How

ANNAPOLIS, MD, December 17, 2015 ‘“ While anxiously awaiting next summer’s boating season, boaters may endlessly roam barren marina docks or eerily quiet boat clubs anticipating the return of the season many months away. However, to provide hope for the sun-splashed days of summer, boaters can start planning their summer cruise now with a new online course that shows them how. `Planning Your Cruise’ is the newest online course that can be taken from the comfort of a warm home this winter and is offered at BoatUS.org/courses through a partnership with United States Power Squadrons (USPS) and the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. The cost is $30, while BoatUS and USPS members receive a 20% discount ($24).

Designed to help power and sailboat owners get more out of the trip and prepare for the unexpected, the online seminar is targeted for those who have a limited amount of time for cruising inland or coastal waters ‘“ typically a long weekend up to several weeks. It is appropriate for both first-timers as well as more seasoned cruisers, offering all of the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a voyage including discussions on crew selection and comfort, meals and provisions, chartering, cruising foreign waters, emergencies, medical care and security.

`Planning for Your Cruise,’ which follows `Weather for Boaters,’ is the second course of three planned that will, together, replicate the classroom course `Cruising and Cruise Planning.’ The Planning for Your Cruise course can be completed at you own pace ‘“ started, stopped, and picked up again where you left off at any time. All BoatUS specialized courses may be taken on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Said BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles Pérez, `Taking the course now will get you ready for the big trip and keep you happy while winter keeps us inside.’

For more information, go to BoatUS.org/courses.

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About 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.

About United States Power Squadrons:

Organized in 1914, United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 40,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions. Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. For more, go to USPS.org.

BoatUS remains the premiere advocate for boaters on all waters and SSECN is proud to have BoatUS as a SPONSOR!

NEWS From BoatUSBoat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304

The Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund has funded over 11,000 boat ramps since 2004.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

`Backbone’ of America’s Boating Safety and Angling Conservation Reauthorized

ALEXANDRIA, Va., December 7, 2015 ‘“ In a victory for boaters and anglers, Friday’s passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act also includes reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through the year 2020. After significant lobbying by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) along with other boating and angling organizations, in 1984 Congress passed legislation establishing what was then called the Wallop/Breaux Trust Fund. Now called the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, it continues to serve as the backbone of boating safety, infrastructure, clean water and fisheries conservation funding in the United States.

The practical `user pay, everyone benefits’ program uses federal boat fuel and fishing tackle taxes to protect natural aquatic resources, enhance boating safety and provide more recreational fishing and boating opportunities. Since its inception, more than $7.5 billion has been collected and allocated to the states. More recently since 2004, over 3.8 billion fish have been stocked, 11,000+ boat ramps and access sites have been created or renovated and over 1,100+ transient boating facilities built, 4.7 million students taught aquatic education, over 63,000 acres of fish habitat protected, and over half a million boaters, sailors and anglers have completed an approved state boating safety education course.

BoatUS, as a longtime champion of the Trust Fund along with other members of the Angling and Boating Alliance (ABA), has worked tirelessly to make certain it continues to be used for key boating and fishing programs. Said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich, `Some in Washington might have viewed these boater and angler tax dollars as a way to solve their own budget problems. BoatUS along with the ABA made certain this reauthorization ensures that the money boaters and anglers pay stays intact for the intended use: saving lives, keeping our fish stocks healthy and making it easier to enjoy the water.’

Podlich went on to state, `We appreciate the leadership of the multiple House and Senate Committees that included the Trust Fund in the FAST Act. Congressman Bill Shuster, Senator James Inhofe, Congressman Peter DeFazio, Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator John Thune and Senator Bill Nelson are all to be commended for their continuing support of America’s boaters and anglers.’

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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

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.