Our friends at the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center are asking members of the Lake Champlain and Vermont communities to take some time completing their new survey . This survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about Lake Champlain and tell them a little about how you spend your time and how you use social media.

Burlington Boatyard is one many local lake stewards (LCI, LCSC, Outdoors Magazine to name a few) that understand the essential role social media plays in promoting environmental and ecological awareness in both our local lake community and other watersheds around the country. We ask that you take a moment to provide your insight, opinions, thoughts and concerns with ECHO via this survey, and appreciate your continued support for all of us who strive to make positive impacts on Lake Champlain and beyond.

Hi Guys-

A few minutes ago we had the pleasure of being interviewed by Tim Kavanagh, host of “Late Night Saturday”, which airs Saturday evenings at 11:30pm. 

He asked us about Burlington Boatyard in general and then we got to get into some specifics. We made sure to mention the most important aspect of our business…YOU GUYS. We spoke about our interactions with the boating and fishing communities, the features we provide to keep everyone connected, and also the issues that are out there now which need some attention.

This taping will air in the fall, and we will make sure to let you know the specifics so you guys can check it out!

His website can tell you some more about the show, and you can contact Tim if you want through http://www.latenightsaturday.com/index.htm

So, with that, we are going to sign off for today and go get some dinner and drinks at Splash. It’s been a long one, but a fun one, and we will get back at ya in the morning.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

Hey everyone- just a quick hello from the LCMF today here at the waterfront in Burlington. The weather is fantastic and the crowd is much larger than yesterday, so all is shaping up to be a great day.

Check out our video update below and stay tuned for more that will be coming out as the day goes on.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

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