seamanship training oct 5, 2021

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October 5, 2021

Boating
“Good luck.”

That was the response from a Massachusetts boat dealer this past summer when I asked for tips on finding a new boat in today’s market. And he’s not alone. That kind of response is typical from many dealers these days. From California to the Carolinas and Michigan to Mississippi, new-boat inventories range from limited to nonexistent, and demand is at an all-time high. READ MORE

ATTENTION ALL BOATERS: Protect yourself with affordable boat insurance rates

American Boating Association
Liability, cash value, predetermined amount, collision ... it can get confusing! How much insurance do I need? What type of insurance will benefit me most? Is boat towing covered? How about personal items kept onboard?

Get all of these questions answered and more when you access the ABA Boat Insurance Program, an easy-to-use and reliable resource for your boat insurance needs. It's fast and easy to request a no-obligation quote. GET A QUOTE TODAY!

Winterize!

American Boating Association
For boaters to whom the coming of cold weather means a seasonal reduction or hiatus in the activities they love, there are few less happy words than "winterize." But conversely, there is no better way to protect an investment or assure a trouble-free return to the water when the calendar swings back toward sunshine.

The following checklists are adapted from the maintenance manuals of Nauset Marine on Cape Cod, a part of the world where summer boating conditions are widely regarded as idyllic, and in a bad winter the Bay can freeze all the way to the horizon.

All lists end with the admonition: LEAVE YOUR BOAT CLEAN! READ MORE

Don’t delay – protect the furry members of your family with pet insurance

American Boating Association
Help protect you and your furry family members against unplanned vet expenses for covered accidents or illnesses with MetLife Pet Insurance.

Not sure if pet insurance is right for you? Here is why it is:

• A small monthly payment can help you prepare for unexpected vet expenses down the road
• More than 6 in 10 pet owners said their pet has had an emergency medical expense2
• 24% of pet parents have credit card or personal loan debt to cover pet health and vet costs3

To get a quote or enroll, visit metlife.com/AMERICANBOATINGPet or call 1-800-GET-MET8 and provide referral code: AmericanBoating.

.	SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

How to catch bass during the first cold front of the year

Wired2Fish
This is a weird time of year for bass fishing and if I'm being totally honest, I'm not a gigantic fan of it. The deep, summertime bass aren't really grouped up like they have been for the last several months and the shallow bite is dwindling as the bluegill begin vacating the shallows. Some folks call this a transitional stage but I just call it downright frustrating. It's just not very fun to go fishing for a full day and catch a 12-pound limit of bass. It may be different in your area but where I live, this time of year is a real snoozer. READ MORE

End-of-season checklist for boaters: Equipment inspection

Discover Boating
With the days getting shorter and the air getting cooler, you may be planning to wrap up your boating activities until next spring. But, don’t haul your boat just yet. Now is the best time to repair or replace a variety of gear. In fact, since their condition is fresh in your mind, you may already have a mental list going. That same reason is why you should act now.

Ensure these five items are on your end-of-season checklist so that the next boating season starts straight away, safely and happily. READ MORE

Facing heavy weather

Commander Bob
Your VHF radio weather forecast wasn’t so promising this morning when you decided to leave the dock for the next leg of your cruise, but you consulted with the wife and kids and the unanimous vote was to go. After all, you didn’t take this vacation to spend it sitting around an anchorage, and there are new adventures waiting at your next port-of-call. Sure, NOAA said there might be a fast moving front passing through later in the day, but skies were blue and the morning sun was warming. Now, several hours later and a couple or more dozen miles out, you begin to wonder if you made the right decision. The winds have changed direction, seas are building and the sky is darkening. It’s obvious that you’re going to be in heavy weather very soon, and you need to make preparations. READ MORE

5 reasons to buy a boat in the fall season

Boats.com
As summer passes into autumn like the turning of a page to a new chapter, the weather inevitably starts getting colder and boaters across the country begin to pack things up, forgetting about the water, at least for awhile. But, if you're in the Southern states, or still in the market for a deal - or perhaps just looking to upgrade for next boating season - the fall can be a great time to shop for new and used boats. In fact, there are still plenty of great deals to be had out there. Here are 5 reasons why this autumn has both obvious and unexpected advantages when searching for your next vessel. READ MORE

Boat fenders ("bumpers") 101: Tying, placement & usage

Discover Boating
Boat fenders, often referred to as "boat bumpers" by new or novice boaters, provide a cushion between your boat and a dock, jetty or another boat. They’re used by all types of boats from motor yachts and sailboats to small runabouts to prevent damage to paint, varnish, gunwales and hulls overall. A must-have boating accessory, fenders can help protect your boat (and your wallet) in case of a docking mishap or unexpected motion due to wind or current.READ MORE

Courtesy of American Boating Association

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