How to Save Money on Boat Insurance

BoatUS Insurance - Get Your Free Quote! ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 2, 2009 - Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has these tips to save money on boat insurance:

Reality check: Today's competitive boat buying market has likely reduced the value of your boat - which could allow you to reduce your premium.

Hold the small stuff: If you don't submit small claims and can handle a bigger deductible, ask your insurance company for a discount.

Check for duplication: If you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy it may cover things such as "sports equipment coverage" which is sometimes added to a boat insurance policy.

Go back to school: Many insurance companies give a discount for taking an approved safe boating class.

Join a boating group: Join the US Power Squadrons or US Coast Guard Auxiliary and earn an extra discount on your insurance while learning and participating in making our waterways safer.

Go liability only: If your boat is paid for and you feel comfortable with absorbing the cost of damage to, or the loss of your boat, consider a "liability only" policy that will still protect you and your other assets from lawsuits if you damage someone else's property or injure a third party. However, all liability policies are not alike - things like medical coverage for family and friends, salvage and wreck removal, fuel spill and uninsured boater coverage should be included.

Long lay-up? If your boat is in storage for an extended period consider a "port risk" policy that provides no navigation coverage but does cover your boat in cases of theft, fire or liability should someone get hurt.

Have the "right" type of policy: Most boaters have either an "Agreed Value" policy or an "Actual Cash Value" policy. The Agreed Value policy typically costs more but provides more reimbursement in the event of a partial loss by paying the replacement costof most items, and it will pay the value stated on the policy if the boat is a total loss. However, the Actual Cash Value policy costs less but also depreciates all losses - and will pay you less in almost every claim. Both kinds of policies have benefits but only you can decide which best meet your needs.

Understand what you're getting: Boat insurance policies can vary widely. For example, an insurance policy with $800,000 for fuel spill coverage may sound like a lot, while other policies may exclude this coverage completely. In plain English, if your boat starts a marina fire that destroys other vessels, will there be enough money to cover the resulting spill as well as the loss of neighboring vessels?

Some other coverages to ask about:

Salvage and wreck removal coverage: If your boat sinks, your insurer will write you a check for the value of the lost boat (hull value). But who pays to remove the sunken boat? Depending on your insurance company it could be your own wallet or a separate "bucket" of salvage money in your policy.

Consequential damage: If your boat sinks because of a failed part, is the resulting water damage covered? Or, does the policy exclude "any loss caused directly or indirectly, or resulting from" the failed part? If it does exclude it, you'll end up paying more for repairs out of pocket.

Contractual liability: Commonly needed by boaters who rent storage space or a marina slip, contractual liability satisfies a rental / slip contract's "hold harmless" provision. However, you may not need this coverage if you store your boat at home.

For more information or to get a free online insurance quote, go to BoatUS.com/insurance.

BoatUS ANGLER Pays Web Site Commissions

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 23, 2009 - Are you in the fishing business and would like to put a little more money in the cash register? With the BoatUS ANGLER Affiliate Program, fishing-related businesses, pro anglers, guides, and just about anyone with a boating or fishing Web site can now earn a commission helping the organization grow.

BoatUS ANGLER is a membership program from the nation's largest boat owners group that offers services such as boat insurance and towing, and helps protect the interests and improve the safety of boat owning anglers.  In exchange for hosting one or two BoatUS ANGLER-linked Web page banners, BoatUS ANGLER will pay up to $6 for each new member who joins, and $4 for every insurance policy application generated. 

"The program is simple," said BoatUS ANGLER Director Mike Pellerin, "When an angler clicks on the banner and goes to BoatUS ANGLER to join or complete an insurance policy application, you automatically make the commission."

Here's how to get started:

  • To enroll and place a BoatUS ANGLER membership application banner on your Web page, contact Porky Leitch at PLeitch@BoatUS.com .  Once approved, you'll be paid $3 when a new member joins by clicking on the banner and following the enrollment instructions.  If the new member also purchases on-the-water towing service or roadside assistance for trailer boats, you earn an additional commission of $2 and $1 respectively.
  • To enroll and place a BoatUS ANGLER Insurance banner on your Web page, contact Megan Hale at MHale@BoatUS.com Once you are approved, you'll be paid $4 for every BoatUS ANGLER Insurance application generated.

 

Top Fishing Tackle Brands for 2008 Named
courtesy of AnglerSurvey.com

Southwick Associates' AnglerSurvey.com announced the brands and products that anglers preferred most in 2008. This list has been compiled from the 22,486 angler surveys received by AnglerSurvey.com last year.

In 2008, the top brands and activities included:

* Top rod brand: Shakespeare Ugly Stik (14.3% of all purchases)
* Top reel brand: Shimano (21.9% of all purchases)
* Top rod and reel combo brand: Shakespeare (24.9% of all purchases)
* Top fly rod brand: Sage (10.8% of all purchases)
* Top fishing line brand: Berkley (Trilene, Fireline, Big Game, Vanish (35.8% of all purchases)
* Top hardbait brand: Rapala (21.7% of all purchases)
* Top softbait brand: Zoom (17.9% of all purchases)
* Top spinnerbait brand: Strike King (22.4% of all purchases)
* Top sinker brand: Bullet Weights (18.2% of all purchases)
* Top fly line brand: Scientific Angler (23.4% of all purchases)
* Top fly brand: Orvis (9.8% of all purchases)
* Top GPS or radio brand: Lowrance (40.9% of all purchases)
* Top tackle box brand: Plano (44.9% of all purchases)
* Top fishing knife brand: Rapala (33.3% of all purchases)

Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com helps the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The list above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of information that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers.

Public / Private partnership To Spread "Ethical Angler" Message

BoatUS and US Fish and Wildlife Service Sign Agreement

BoatUS Chairman and Founder, Richard Schwartz, and US Fish and Wildlife Services Director H. Dale Hall, along with staff members of both organizations, sign a memorandum of understanding launching The Ethical Angler.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, Sept. 2, 2008 - Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service joined forces today to reinforce the values of sport fishing through a public information campaign called The Ethical Angler. The campaign is built around a simple code of responsible fishing practices developed by BoatUS that both organizations will promote.

BoatUS Chairman and Founder, Richard Schwartz, and US Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall signed a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to utilize the code as a public outreach reminder that recreational anglers are partners in fishery conservation.

"The Ethical Angler is designed as a tool to reach anglers, fishing clubs and the general public with this message," Schwartz said. "By upholding the code of The Ethical Angler, we remind ourselves that sport fishing is a great tradition, and that each of us has a role to play in conservation and responsible fishing."

BoatUS plans to make The Ethical Angler the conservation centerpiece for its BoatUS Angler membership program, which offers services, supports safe boating efforts and helps protect the interests of boat-owning anglers. The Ethical Angler campaign's seven-point code of responsible fishing practices is based on the word "A-N-G-L-E-R-S":


A void spilling and never dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants - on land or in the water.
N ever leave trash behind, including worn line, old hooks and bait, and practice recycling.
G ain knowledge about aquatic nuisance species and how to help prevent their spread.
L earn and abide by all fishing regulations and boating laws.
E ducate fellow anglers and especially new participants about fishing ethics.
R espect private property and the rights of other anglers and outdoor recreationists.
S ave fish for tomorrow by practicing conservation and learning proper catch-and-release     techniques.

Director Hall said, "Anglers and boaters are some of our nation's most avid conservationists, and the principles of The Ethical Angler creed are values that they live by everyday. By joining with BoatUS in this effort, the Service will help spread the word about the ways young and old alike can enjoy nature while helping conserve our fisheries and aquatic resources for future generations."

Boaters Should Prepare For America's Busiest Boating Holiday

Ten July 4th Boating Safety Tips

With American's busiest boating holiday, July 4th, upon us, the waterways will soon be brimming boaters. The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water says that making a few extra preparations ahead of time will go a long way towards increasing your family's and friend's safety and fun on the water.

Here are ten tips that will help you stay safe this July 4th holiday weekend:

1. Put safety into your weekend plan: The Foundation's free Online Boating "Toolbox" at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/Guide has helpful information on trip planning and preparation, boating equipment, emergency preparation, navigation, and quizzes to test your knowledge. The Foundation also offers a free NASBLA-approved online boating safety course for residents of more than 30 states at http://www.BoatUS.org/Onlinecourse

2."Little" guests need life jackets: Everyone wants to be on the boat this holiday weekend, but do you have the right-sized life jacket aboard for any visiting kids? The BoatU.S. Foundation loans children's life jackets for free at over 350 marinas, fuel docks, and other waterfront businesses and boat clubs. To find a location near you go to http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP

3. Take your time to get home: July 4th is the one time a year many fair-weather boaters - who may rarely navigate in the dark - venture out after the sun goes down. The most reported type of boating accident is a collision with another vessel so it's a good idea to keep your speed down, post an extra lookout, and ensure all your navigation lights work. A spotlight is a must, and ensure all safety gear is readily available and life jackets are worn. Be extra vigilant about not running over anchor lines in crowded fireworks viewing areas, and don't take shortcuts in the dark.

4. Wear life jackets:   Almost three-quarters of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87% were not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can happen very quickly, sometimes leaving no time to don a life jacket.

5. Don't overload your boat: Resist the urge to invite more friends or family to the fireworks show than what your boat was designed to carry. Heavily loaded small boats, and those with little freeboard such as bass boats, are more susceptible to swamping from weather or wake action associated with heavy July 4th boating traffic.

Read More

PLB Leads to Rescue of Florida Fisherman's Gear

Courtesy of The Fishing Wire

Personal Locator Beacon Serves Second Purpose, Reunites Angler and Gear


The story starts early in the morning of October 19th, recreational fisherman Eric Pierce of Boca Raton returned to the dock after a night of swordfishing. While trailering his 31-foot sport fisherman, a fishing buddy grabbed Pierce's fishing gear and set it on the dock—some $6,000-plus in gear, including a recently purchased ACR PLB.

Pierce trailered his boat and drove home, none the wiser that he had left all of his gear sitting on the dock. Two days later he checked his boat and found no gear, and after some quick calls he learned it had been left behind at the dock.

After checking with the city's dock manager and leaving his contact information should anyone turn in the gear, Pierce called staff at NOAA to report a missing Personal Locator Beacon. NOAA dutifully took the information and suggested Pierce fill out and file a report with local police.

"I figured the gear was gone, but thought I would follow through the next day with the report," Pierce recalled.

As he sat down to fill out the police report, the phone rang and it was NOAA calling to say they had located Pierce's missing gear. The explanation was that around 3:30 am on that same morning, Captain Rick
Occhipinti of Snapperhead Fishing Charters in Boca Raton (561-441-4874) pulled up to the same Palmetto Dock in Boca Raton and found the gear.

"Captain Rick went through my bags and couldn't find any trace of the owner's identity, except for the PLB, which carried a unique identification code," said Pierce. "He knew that all beacons were required to be registered with NOAA and was counting on the fact that I filed my data, which I did."

Captain Rick said he first went back to the dock hoping that a note from the owner would have been left behind (Pierce later tried to put up a flyer but park rangers wouldn't allow it). Captain Rick then called NOAA and explained that he had found the gear, which included a PLB. NOAA pulled the registration data, which now included a report about the missing gear, and took Captain Rick's contact information.

"I told my friends that if another fisherman found the gear that I would get it back. We're a really close fraternity," said Pierce, who has been fishing South Florida waters for the past 35 years. So thrilled to get his gear returned, Pierce offered the captain a reward.

"I offered him cash or a fishing trip, and he took the fishing trip," said Pierce. "I certainly respect him for what he did and will tell everyone that I know how important it is to register those emergency beacons. They save lives, and in my case they saved my gear."

Upon hearing the story, ACR Electronics's management decided to also reward Captain Rick. They are shipping him a ResQFix™ 406 Personal Locator Beacon.

Upon hearing the news, Captain Rick quipped: "I really could have used one a few years ago when another boat I owned sank off Boca Raton and I had to swim ashore. I certainly will register it when it arrives so NOAA will know who I am and where I'm from."

A PLB/P-EPIRB/P-ELT is a satellite-signaling device of last resort, for use when all other means of self-rescue have been exhausted and where the situation is grave and imminent and the loss of life, limb, eyesight or valuable property will occur without assistance. All beacons must be registered following purchase-- a simple and quick process, now with a web-base internet filing option (www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages the registration database in the U.S. for all PLBs, EPIRBs and related beacons.

Additional Advice from NOAA if a beacon is lost or stolen:

Inform NOAA immediately at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283) that your beacon has been lost. NOAA will update your beacon registration information with the appropriate information.

If stolen:
-- Report to your local police department that the beacon has been stolen.
-- Contact NOAA at 1-888-212-SAVE (7283) with the following information so your beacon registration information can be updated with the following remarks:
--Police Department Name
--Police Phone Number
--Police Case Number

If the beacon were to be activated, the information provided will be forwarded to the appropriate Search and Rescue Authorities who will ensure the beacon is returned. If someone attempts to register a beacon reported as stolen, NOAA will notify the appropriate police department.

Kids "Catch" the Spirit with Bassmaster Elite Anglers


by Mary Jane Williamson, courtesy of Future Fisherman Foundation

Alexandria, VA— It was a weekend like none other for 21 novice anglers from Boys & Girls Clubs around the country who paired up with Bassmaster Elite anglers for a morning “fun tournament” co-hosted by BASS and the Future Fisherman Foundation.

On Sunday morning, August 12, Bassmaster Elite Anglers Kurt Dove, Steve Kennedy, James Kennedy, Jim Murray, Ben Matsubu, Peter Thliveros, James Charlesworth, Dave Wolak, Rick Morris and Kevin VanDam led pairs of boys and girls out onto the water in search of Potomac River bass. The pro anglers and the novice anglers were in the Washington , D.C. area for the Capitol Clash, the La Plata , Maryland , stop on ESPN's Bassmaster Elite Series Tournaments.

Grand prize winning team

The grand prize winning team, showing off their prize-winning catch, led by Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament Pro Angler Steve Kennedy, far right, included Ingrid Camberos, left, and Suzette Martinez, right, from the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Bay (Calif.). Trip Weldon, tournament director, is at the far left.

The Future Fisherman Foundation, the angling education arm of the American Sportfishing Association, is currently in the first year of a partnership with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Law Enforcement and Youth Partnerships for Crime Prevention to implement a national program that brings fishing and aquatic education to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country through the Future Fisherman Foundation's Hooked on Fishing–Not on Drugs® program. Each Club selected its youth participants based on solid leadership, good behavior and demonstrated angling skills.

“The kids had a fantastic experience fishing with these pro anglers that they can take back and share with their fellow Boys & Girls Clubs members,” said Future Fisherman Foundation National Program Coordinator Anne Danielski. “The excitement in the kids' eyes and the smiles on their faces were incredibly heartwarming. It was one of the highlights of my career. The Foundation looks forward to participating in more events like this in the future.”

Elite Series Pro Anglers

Elite Series Pro Anglers Dave Wolak, left, led Brooke True, middle, and Josh Ogg, right, from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Green County ( Okla. ) to a second place win during the Bassmaster Elite Pro Series' Capitol Clash held on the Potomac River .

Although the pros had spent the previous days focused on winning the Capitol Clash, come Sunday morning, all their experience and fishing savvy were devoted to helping the boys and girls improve their angling skills. Many of them said it reminded them of the first time someone took them fishing, and they were happy to pass along the tradition of sportfishing to the next generation. "We talked about football, we talked about fishing and we ate a little," said Pro Angler Peter Thliveros. "It just shows how well it can go when you just go fishing."

The grand-prize-winning team led by Steve Kennedy included Ingrid Camberos and Suzette Martinez from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Bay (Calif.), with a total catch of 13 pounds-9 ounces. The girls received tournament shirts signed by Sunday's Top 12 Bassmaster Elite anglers. Dave Wolak led Brooke True and Josh Ogg from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Green County ( Okla. ), to second place with third place going to Kisumu Griffith and Demaria Bradley from the Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi, led by Peter Thliveros. All participants took home trophies and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of learning angling skills from the best of the best. Timothy McNeill from the Boys & Girls Club of Sanford/Lee County, North Carolina, who fished with VanDam, summed it up the best by saying, “It was the greatest experience of my life.”

Third-place team members

Third-place team members Demaria Bradley, left, and Kisumu Griffith, right, from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi, led by Elite Series Pro Angler Peter Thliveros, proudly display their prize-winning catch.

"This event wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the hard work and donations of so many people and companies,” said Foundation Executive Director Mike Bolinder. “Our thanks go to ESPN and the Bassmaster Elite Series pro anglers for providing these young anglers with this chance-of-a-lifetime opportunity. This is something they will never forget.”

BoatUS ANGLER provided the Association with life jackets, fishing lures, hats, gear bags, patches and decals. Other ASAssociation members who provided equipment and support are: Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, Zebco/WC Bradley, Plano Molding Company, Boat US, Gemini Sport Marketing, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and TTI Blakemore Fishing Group.

The participating Boys and Girls Clubs are: Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Bay, Harbor City, CA; Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley, Pomona, CA; East Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, Los Angeles, CA; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Silver Spring, MD; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN; Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi, Jackson, MS; Boys & Girls Clubs of Sanford Lee Co., Sanford, NC; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Three Affiliated Tribes, New Town, ND; Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, Pryor, OK.

Click Here For More Information about the Future Fisherman Foundation

National Spotlight Shines on "10 Waters to Watch"

April 30, 2007 - Courtesy of FishHabitat.org
Today, on the banks of the Potomac River, the National Fish Habitat Board, a group of the nation’s leading authorities on aquatic conservation, unveiled its list of “10 Waters to Watch.” The waters featured on this list demonstrate the results of conservation efforts under the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a bold new initiative to reverse persistent declines in our nation’s aquatic habitat.

“Thanks to an approach that teams federal, state and local partners, these 10 waters soon will begin to heal,” said John Cooper, Chair of the National Fish Habitat Board. “These and other projects across the country mark the beginning of an unprecedented effort to prevent the further decline of aquatic habitat across the country.” Read More on "10 Waters to Watch"

Tom Mann PhotoBy Jeff Cochran, The Gainesville Times - When Tom Mann Jr. describes what he does for a living, he leaves a few of the harsher details out.

"I chase little green fish around the country," the Buford resident said. "It doesn't get much better than that."

But he knows as well as anybody that there is more to it than that.

The life of a professional fisherman is not as simple as dropping a line in the lake and chasing "little green fish." Not even close. While it may be more exciting than sitting in a cubicle for nine hours a day, it can certainly be just as much of a grind.

Dealing with sponsors, going on long road trips, exposure to long hours in the sun and fishing in the worst conditions are just a few of the less-than-glamorous aspects of living on a professional angler tour.  Several anglers who live within a cast of Lake Lanier, including Mann, spend enough time on professional tours to catch big paydays and fish with the best.

"It is an everyday job," Mann said. "If I don't produce, I don't make money."

Mann is well-established on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour and Series and has made his fair share of money in doing so. He started on the now defunct Hungry Fisherman Circuit in 1982 and proved he can compete with the top competition in the mid-1980s.

Click Here to Read More

 

RBFF Study Reaffirms Link Between Boating and Fishing

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A study released this week by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has found that promoting both boating and fishing is good for the market and fishing is a strong pathway to boating, RBFF said.

The marketing research, conducted by Market Strategies, Inc., evaluated three market segments - Boater Only (those who currently participate in boating but not fishing), Angler Only (those who currently participate in fishing but not boating), and Boater + Angler or "Boating Angler" (those who currently participate in both boating and fishing).

Boating Anglers fish significantly more frequently than those who only fish (41.7 times compared to 21.6 times in the last 24 months) and boat more frequently than those who only boat (27.5 times compared to 11.9 times in the last 24 months). Boating Anglers also enjoy boating for both recreation and fishing with a majority (84.6 percent) having gone boating for the purpose of fishing at least once in the past 12 months and a majority (84.4%) having also gone boating for recreational purposes.

Boating Anglers spend more money on fishing equipment and boating accessories ($500 or more each year) compared to those who only fish or only boat and they are significantly more likely to own a boat (54.3 percent) compared to those who only fish (27 percent) or only boat (25.8 percent).

Boating Anglers who don't currently own a boat represent a greater potential for boat sales compared to those who only fish or only boat, and are more likely to report that how they look at the environment was influenced by their fishing and boating experiences.

A second key finding reveals the directional relationship is stronger for fishing as a pathway to boating than vice versa. Nearly half of Boating Anglers (44.9 percent) said that fishing influenced their decision to get involved in boating and the reason they purchased their first boat was to fish (67.7 percent). By contrast, less than one third (30.4 percent) of Boating Anglers said that boating influenced their decision to get involved in fishing.

"We know that fishing motivates many people to get out on the water in a boat,” said NMMA president and RBFF Board chairman Thom Dammrich. “We also know that half of all boats sold are used primarily for fishing, with another quarter for occasional fishing. These two activities and their futures are strongly linked and RBFF has done a terrific job in getting its boating and fishing stakeholders to work together to create a brighter future for both."

The national telephone survey of about 1,000 people also collected data about early experiences with fishing and boating, current activities, fishing license sales and more.

"We want to help our stakeholders increase participation in boating and fishing," said RBFF President Frank Peterson. "This is a comprehensive study with a lot of great data. Stakeholders can use it to their advantage by focusing on the analysis that's most important to their organization and pulling out the keyfindings and implications."


 
 
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