American Boating Association

Watch for water in tank with ethanol

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Boats love water, but boat engines do not. Gasoline with ethanol in the boat's gas tank actually absorbs moisture, which increases the risk of water contamination in the gas tank. Automobiles have a closed fuel system and usually the gas in the tank is used faster than a boat. In the marine environment a boat with a vented fuel system is more susceptible to absorbing water.

Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson dead after America's Cup boat capsizes

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

A decorated British Olympic sailor died after a Swedish catamaran capsized while practicing for the upcoming America's Cup in San Francisco Bay. The crew on board the massive catamaran was on a training run near Alcatraz May 9 when the 72-foot boat flipped, landing on its side trapping two-time Olympic medalist Andrew "Bart" Simpson. Simpson, 36, a father of three, was freed from under the catamaran by rescue crews but died later on despite efforts to revive him.

Boating safety professionals make waterways safer

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Across the Arkansas River Valley, boating safety professionals work hard to make lakes and other waterways safe for a wide range of recreational water craft. National Safe Boating Week hoists its sails the week of May 18-24 and local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary examiners will be on deck to lend a hand to those who need a boating safety check-up.

NMMA releases new US Economic Impact Report at American Boating Congress

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) recently released updated economic impact data for the recreational boating industry during the American Boating Congress. The update reflects 2012 data across the United States and has been formatted as an easy-to-use infographic, reflecting data in a highly visual way.

10 of the best items to include with your boating gear

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

The sun is finally here, and marinas are starting to wake from a long winter slumber. Make sure you're ready for the new boating season with some of the best bits of boating gear on the market.

Beware of E15 fuels in boats

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Boaters who fuel their boats from the same pumps as their vehicle may be at risk of unknowingly or mistakenly putting 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline into an engine for which E15 has not been approved. Only one small label is required on the pump to warn boaters of the 50 percent increase in ethanol. The Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends only fueling boats from tanks at marinas.

Protect your boat and wallet with the ABA Boat Extended Warranty Program

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

With the purchase of your new or pre-owned boat or yacht, one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment, even before getting on the water, is to purchase an extended warranty protection plan through the ABA Boat Extended Warranty Program.

ABA has partnered with one of the most respected boat warranty companies in the nation to offer you warranty plans that are exclusively designed to enhance the manufacturer's limited warranty by providing coverage against the failure of nearly all the mechanical parts of your new or pre-owned boat or yacht.

Protect your investment for years of worry-free boating enjoyment with the most comprehensive mechanical breakdown coverage available in the marine industry. Learn more and request an online quote.

National Safe Boating Week — May 18-24

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Do you and your passengers wear life jackets? Can you get to them easily in an emergency? "Wear It!" continues as the 2013 National Safe Boating Week campaign theme. It's designed to promote life jacket wear to the approximately 78 million recreational boaters who take to North America's waterways each year. The campaign hopes to educate the boating community about the importance of always wearing a life jacket while on the water, along with the options that are available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight jackets.

The National Safe Boating Council consists of over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, including ABA, committed to boating safety, education and enhancing the boating experience. Since 1958, the North American Safe Boating Campaign has symbolized years of collaboration between boating safety advocates and partners to accomplish one ultimate goal — increasing awareness among recreational boaters about the importance of always wearing a life jacket.

Be safe, wear your life jacket and learn about National Safe Boating Week.

Join ABA on Facebook

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Access ABA through Facebook. You can read the latest news from ABA, network with other ABA members and connect with fellow boaters by sharing your favorite boat photos and boating destinations.

If you're not already using Facebook, it's easy to set up your own free account. Once you're on Facebook and accessing the ABA page, you can easily invite your friends to join you as well. Join ABA on Facebook and be sure to "Like" us today!

Debris makes boating hazardous after flooding; boaters cautioned

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Duke Energy compares debris filled lakes to icy roads in the winter, asking boaters to avoid the water after a flood until levels recede and some of debris floats down the river, sinks or washes up on shore. Beyond the hazard of hitting floating debris, there's the trouble of navigating the water without some important markers.

Tips for a fruitful fishing trip

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

While the success of a trip will depend much upon how well the weather and the fish cooperated, there is a lot that the anglers themselves can do to help or hinder the success and enjoyment of their trip. This list highlights a few details fishermen might want to consider before heading out on a trip.

New boating guidelines for the Everglades

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Proposed changes at Everglades National Park have put anglers at odds with environmental groups. Among the most talked-about features in the NPS' "preferred alternative" is one that would limit the use of certain motorized watercraft throughout shallow waters in the park, many of which are considered popular recreational fishing areas. Park documents specify the establishment of "pole/troll zones over most of the shallowest areas of Florida Bay in order to protect seagrass beds and other vulnerable marine habitats from being scarred by props.

Tougher boating under the influence law to go into effect in Georgia

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Some big changes take effect this week for anyone getting out on the water in Georgia. The state is stiffening its boating laws. A tougher boating under the influence law goes into effect on May 15. It lowers the legal blood alcohol level of a boat driver to .08 — the same level as a driver of a car. DNR Marine officers hope the new law makes Georgia's waterways safer.

Fishing stick worms for bass in the spring

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Stick worms for bass are widely regarded as one of the most simple, yet effective ways to catch more fish. In a time where many soft plastic baits look more like spaceships than bass cuisine, sometimes keeping your bait selection simple can pay big dividends.

Cruising in a vintage wooden yacht

13 May 2013 14:17:09 CDT

Over 47 years of marriage, Jim and Maila Cadd have owned 14 boats. "It's a terrible disease," Jim joked. None turn heads — or require as much TLC — as their newest acquisition, which is actually the oldest boat they've skippered. With its well-polished teak paneling and shiny brass fittings, the 50-foot wooden Rinta is a sleek tribute to a bygone age of boat building.