Since 2006, when Congress deemed it necessary that the EPA organize a permit system for the operational discharge of every vessel, recreational boaters have been stuck in limbo as to whether the activities they adore the most on the water would be regulated further or not. This permit system, which was targeted at large commercial boats and refineries near large bodies of water, would not only have added to the annual cost of operating/registering your boat, but also would have continued the growing list of other tough regulations on recreational boating, such as the Clean Vessel Act and Oil Pollution Act.

Two years later, on July 30^th President Bush signed the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (only 8 days after Congress passed the bill), “[restoring] a 35-year old Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exemption for water-based, non-polluting incidental discharges that occur in the normal operation of a recreational boat, such as weather deck run-off and engine coolant water. The legislation recognizes that discharges from recreational boats, which are operated on average 31 days a year, are completely distinct from commercial ship discharges. To help protect the health of the nation’s waterways on which recreational boaters and anglers depend, the bill also pursues whether reasonable best management practices need to be put into place for some recreational boat discharges.”

This new bill is not only a landmark victory for recreational boaters all over the country, but is also a testament to the strength and relentless spirit of the boaters everywhere.

- Jimmy

For more information on the Clean Water Act of 2008:

• Read this article from Boatus.com
• And another from MarketWatch.com

When thinking of boating accidents, many will automatically assume “boat fire, capsize, collision” and other various misfortunes that happen on the water. However, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary notes, “a successful boating outing begins when you leave home and ends when you safely return home.”, and thus we should all be aware for the numerous accidents that can happen during transit and at the launch.

Despite the type of boat you have, it is important to take as much care in the transportation of your vessel as you do in using it on the water. It is a fact that 9 out of 10 trailing glitches and accidents can be linked to user neglect and oversight. Many elements of the trailer need frequent maintenance. From lights, suspension parts and wheel bearings right down to the common hitch, it is imperative that those towing their boat understand the immense responsibility they have to themselves, their equipment and most importantly, the others sharing the road.

If you think about it, there are no special licenses or requirements needed to trail your watercraft. Any “John & Jane Smith” can head to the marina, purchase their boat and trailer, hitch it up and take off, where as that same person would need training and specific qualification to use a motorcycle, Mack truck, and the like. And yes, driving at a slow speed, on a nice familiar road down to your local launch may be easy. But there are those times where you may want to take a road trip and will be faced with highway speeds, unfavorable weather, breaking and passing, backing up, and other variables that now change the whole dynamic of getting that boat to where you need it.

The US Coast Guard provides many resources such as a website dedicated to boating safety tips, as well as the chance to register for boating safety courses and get a free vessel safety check. Here are the listings of examiners who can perform this safety check:

Located within 30mi of Burlington:

Everett Stebbins – Burlington, VT

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

Lacey Williams – Willsboro, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

Hugh Conners – Plattsburgh, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

Frank Williams – Plattsburgh, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

Located within 30mi of Rutland:

Robert Baker – Middletown Springs, VT

Examiner from United States Power Squadrons

Click to Email This Examiner

Scott Siwek – Hague, NY

Examiner from US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Click to Email This Examiner

 So be safe when traveling both to and from the water and enjoy your time out!

-Guy

With summer in full swing, many travelers have already reserved their beach homes, and flights or modes of transportation months in advance. Set up that trip to Cancun, Jamaica, the Bahamas…and so on. So where does that leave you?

With gas prices soaring on and off the water, many travelers have had to rethink their summer activities because of such harrowing realities. The days of filling up your gas tank for $15 and your boat for less than $100 are long gone…in fact, about 10 years gone.

However, don’t fear…if you still are wondering what you might be able to do that will keep the kids in the water and adults enjoying the quiet and relaxation that comes attached to any summer excursion – a boat may be that very answer.

Many people this summer have found the idea of a low-cost getaway comes in the form of a boat at a marina. Take a Brooklyn family for instance – they quickly decided the price of waterfront property was just too exorbitant for their mild tastes and thought: where else better could you experience the water than on a boat. When you think of boat prices and marina fees, a boat can make a lot of sense for people who don’t mind being ‘close’ to each other.

A boat offers all the luxuries of a hotel, and can travel at will as well! The Brooklyn couple own a 31-foot Chaparral that can sleep four in two double berths – and docked at a small, friendly marina in Montauk, NY, with full services, including all utilities and winter storage for about $6,500 a year, making it an experience you can’t beat.

Boats are now cheaper than ever, as fuel prices have rose over the past five years. And with some boaters searching for an exit strategy on that investment they can no longer afford, many boat classified sites all over the Internet are resembling such figures, one being Burlington Boatyard.

Many people are saying NO to waterfront lake property, and instead investing in a boat, which if bought used, could still include warranties, marina amenities, storage, and possibly more.

And don’t think marinas don’t recognize this change in tastes either. Marinas are boosting their amenities as well for you and your guests that go well beyond the dual dock showerheads of old days. Indoor kitchens, restaurants, swimming pools, picnic and barbecue areas are all beginning to show up at some marinas to accommodate the influx in using the boat as a less expensive summer and year-round excursion.

Hi All-

This past weekend Burlington Boatyard held a free raffle while taking part as a sponsor in the LCI Angler Night at Centennial Field. This morning, three tickets were picked out of a hat and the winners of the $25 gift certificates to West Marine are:

1. Michael Tutt     –  Ticket Number 7310003
2. Travis Desilets –  Ticket Number 7310021
3. Bob Bolyard    –  Ticket Number 7310006

Congrats! You should be receiving an email from us soon and we will confirm where to send your prize.

To everyone who signed up, thanks for interest and it was great getting a chance to meet all of you. We appreciate you stopping by to learn a bit about BBY and hope you spend time here around the site to find out more!

Go ahead and leave any comments or share any stories about BBY & the LCI Angler Night below, we always look forward to hearing from you.

Enjoy your day!

Guy