Boating.com

A new marina was recently opened in downtown Clearwater. With 126 boat slips ranging from 30 feet to 55 feet, the marina will be able to accommodate daytime visits and overnight stays. In addition, there will be 24-hour security, showers, electricity, pump-out service, and much more. Residents and non-residents will be able to bring their bass boats, center console boats, and motor yachts to the new marina. After a long process that started in 2003, city officials are looking forward to seeing how the new marina revitalizes downtown Clearwater.

In California, preparations are underway for the Long Beach Yacht and Boat Show. Taking place for the 42^nd year, the event is one of the largest in-water and outdoor boat shows in the area. Those who are interested in buying a boat can expect to see hundreds of boats from ski boats to cruisers to pontoon boats. There will also be companies with information on marine electronics, boat insurance and other boating necessities. In addition to viewing the boats, attendees will be able to get out on the water for demo rides. It will be a great event for boating enthusiasts and those new to boating.

As many may already know, the hurricane season is getting started on the U.S. eastern seaboard. Hurricane Earl is projected to head up the coast causing heavy rain and high winds, posing a threat to boats along the coast. To prevent and minimize the damage, all boat owners need to take measures well in advance of the storm. The Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends that boats be stored on land and removed from lifts. Should a boat be stored in a slip, BoatUS advises that extra dock lines and chafe protection should be added. Certainly, all drains should be clear and all windage should be removed. For more information about storm planning for boat owners and marinas, check out the BoatUS website. Anyone who owns a boat, a fishing boat or a motoryacht, should be well informed about what to do before and after a storm.

Boating can be a fun activity but a lot goes into maintaining and handling a boat that many boat enthusiasts may not be aware of. That is why the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a course that will cover boating skills and seamanship. This eight-week course will be held at the Del Rey Yacht Club and be useful to new and experienced powerboat owners and sailboat owners. Some of the topics that will be covered are boating safety equipment, weather, navigation, boat trailers, state requirements. There will also be a lines and knots workshop. Those who pass the final exam will receive a certificate that may be eligible for a discount on boaters’ insurance. Surely this is a great opportunity for all boaters.

In Michigan, the Boating and Outdoor Recreational Festival is coming soon. Set to take place on September 22-26 at the Metro Beach Metropark, the festival will promote boating and other outdoor activities such as water sports in Michigan. One of the highlights will be a boat show with different boat types in water and on land. There will also be other fun activities such as lawn olympics and live music. In addition, two crew members from the ‘Time Bandit’ on the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” will make a special appearance.

For Eerie residents, the inlet next to Presque Isle State Park’s North Pier is so popular amongst boaters that it is known as “The Boat Beach.” On any given summer weekend, there could be as many as 100 boats gathered in the shallow waters near the shoreline. While boaters socialize and share food and drinks, the children swim around and play. Other nearby places where boaters like to take their boats, such as Bayliner boats and other boat types like sailboats, are Sunset Point, and Beaches 10 and 11. Overall, it’s a great boating community for boaters in the area.

The end of the boating season is a great time for boating enthusiasts and amateurs to buy a boat. Many boat manufacturers and dealers are hoping that boat sales will improve from those in June and July. According to the Bellwether Report, sales of power boats 15 feet in length were down 14 percent while last year it was down 35 percent. For the outboard boat segment, sales were down 10 percent, which is up from 12 percent down last year. For the sterndrive and jet boat segment, sales were down 25 percent, which is down from 23 percent last year. The ski boat segment was down 22 percent.

Boaters may find that having a pet on board can be a fun experience. However, there are some steps that can be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. One of the most important tips is to have a Personal Pet Flotation Device or dog life jacket on hand. To prevent slips, you might consider having a rubber mat for your pet. Also, the deck can get hot so you should check the temperature of the deck often. As always, don’t forget to keep life jackets, signaling devices, and other safety equipment on board.

As the end of the boat season approaches, many boat dealers will make great offers. This is an ideal time to check out boat shows. At Cedar Point, the North American In-Water Boat Show will be taking place on September 15-19. Presented by Toyota Trucks, the boat show will feature over 50 area marine businesses and boat dealers. It is the largest in-water boat show on the Great Lakes this year. Those who attend will get the opportunity to test drive some models on the Demo Dock. There will also be free sailboat rides and a party barge. Visitors will be able to board different boat types including center console boats and motor yachts.

Many boating related fatalities can be prevented by having the right boat safety equipment such as life jackets on board. On August 28, the Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron will offer free boat inspections at the Dorn Boat Ramp at Thurmond Lake. The inspectors will check for required safety equipment and various criteria that fulfill federal and state recreational laws. Those whose boats meet the requirements will receive a Vessel Safety Check 2010 decal. Those with non-compliant boats will only receive instructions as to how to make their boats pass. Anyone who is interested in the boat inspection can have it done on the water or on a trailer.