Boaters oppose more ethanol in their tanks - Sell Boats

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Bill Griswold remembers fishing in Rehoboth Bay with his family when his boat's motor sputtered and quickly died.

Stranded on the water, the Griswolds were towed back to the marina. A mechanic showed them what was wrong with the boat's four-stroke engine.

"The fuel line and filter system were completely clogged with a gum that looked like mayonnaise," Griswold said.

Griswold is like many boaters who say that gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol has damaged their boat's engines and spurred them to spend thousands in replacement costs. The boating industry and many states aren't happy about an ethanol industry request now before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to start allowing gasoline to contain up to 15 percent ethanol by volume.

Ethanol is a corn-based alcohol that has won federal support because it lowers carbon emissions and reduces the nation's dependency on petroleum. However, critics say ethanol burns at a higher temperature and is disruptive to a multitude of small engines, including aircraft, chainsaws, weed whackers and snow blowers.

Robert Gaudette, director of boating services for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said he remembers the roll-out of E-10 gasoline causing havoc among boaters. By now, he said, many of the state's 200,000 registered boaters have adjusted to the new fuel.

"Boat manufacturers can handle E-10. They're not exactly sure what (a higher blend) will do," Gaudette said.

E-10 requirement

The federal government requires marinas in many parts of Maryland and throughout Delaware, including Sussex County, to sell E-10 gasoline. The EPA has identified the places as "nonattainment" areas, which means they have poor air quality and only ethanol blends emitting fewer greenhouse gases can be sold there.

Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield is proud to sell fuel without ethanol -- even if it means boaters must pay 20 cents more per gallon to get it, said Lloyd Tyler, the facility's executive director.

Somers Cove had sold the E-10 gasoline, but in August went back to an ethanol-free blend, he said. He said it is becoming more difficult to find ethanol-free gasoline, as fewer refineries are now producing it.

"We had so many complaints from our boaters, particular the outboards, the smaller ones," he said. "They said it caused excessive condensation in the fuel tanks, and on the fiberglass or plastic tanks, it causes them to peel, and that mess gets into the fuel lines."

The Wicomico Yacht Club also switched back to selling gasoline without ethanol in it, said Scott McCurdy, a member of the Allen-based club.

"Most people are willing to pay 10 or 15 cents more on a gallon because that cost pales in comparison to repairing or getting a carburetor replaced," McCurdy said.

McCurdy, the owner of North Bay Marine in Fenwick Island, said while adding certain additives to the fuel can help, ethanol can cause water to build up in the gasoline and can damage a boat's fuel line. Furthermore, boaters who wait extended periods of time between using their boat tend to experience more problems, he said.

"In the last two summers, we have done more carburetor work than in the past 10," McCurdy said.

Joe Morris, who owns the marine store at Lewes Harbor Marina, said ethanol will degrade parts of older engines that aren't resistant to alcohol. For example, it will destroy rubber fuel lines and plastic gaskets.

Morris said ethanol acts as a detergent, scrubbing off soot that ends up clogging up filters and carburetors. Unless boaters put special additives into their fuel, they run the risk of the ethanol causing "phase separation." It occurs when gasoline, water and alcohol separate into layers within the tank, and the result is that the engine stalls.

"The engine literally starves for gasoline," Morris said.

Rise in ethanol by volume

Last March, Growth Energy, a national pro-ethanol group, and 54 ethanol manufacturers petitioned the EPA to allow gasoline to contain up to 15 percent ethanol by volume.

The deadline for the EPA to decide whether to boost the ethanol amount is Dec. 1. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told Reuters last week that it may work past the deadline because it is still reviewing test results on the higher blend's effects on engines.

Meanwhile, a bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, would try to ensure the new blend is sufficiently tested before entering the marketplace. Senate Bill 1666 would require EPA's Science Advisory Board to study the compatibility of the new fuel blend with current engines before any new standards are adopted. At this point, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Cardin released a statement in which he said that while he supports developing biofuels to help the U.S. decrease its dependency on foreign oil, the new products cannot harm boats, chainsaws, lawnmowers and other products.

"We need to let good science guide us in making sure that we are getting the clean air benefits and engine performance that boaters, lawn care companies and others who rely on smaller engines deserve," Cardin said.

Delaware's DNREC was among those who submitted materials to the EPA in which they opposed the E-15 request. DNREC submitted 17 pages of materials.

"Most cars are only equipped to handle ethanol at 10 percent. They'll experience performance issues, run hotter and see a drop in gasoline efficiency at E-15," said Majorie Crofts, acting director of DNREC's Division of Air and Waste Management.

Griswold is convinced that ethanol is to blame for the problems his boat had on the water. To counteract the effects of E-10, Griswold has spent thousands of dollars to modify his boat and use gasoline additives, he said.

"All of the sudden, an engine that had been flawless had two breakdowns while out on the water," he said.

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A look at the 10 best fishing products of the last 75 years. Used Boat Sales

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Last year, the American Sportfishing Association, the voice for the sportfishing industry, celebrated its 75th anniversary. Recently, they partnered with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to survey thousands of this country's most avid anglers to find out which products they feel have been the most instrumental in shaping the sport over the past seven and a half decades.

Sorted by the date of introduction, these are the top 10 fishing products which span six categories: accessories, electronics, lines, lures, reels and rods:

Original Rapala Floater Minnow (1936). This hard body lure is one of the most successful and widely used lures in fishing history. It is still the "go to" lure of many of today's bass and trout anglers.

Nibble, Nabber Springloaded Bobber (1947). This red and white bobber replaced the cork as an indicator of a strike. In those days many anglers fished with live bait and the bobber made suspending them at a desired depth simpler and easier.

Mitchell 3000 (1949). This was the first commercially successful spinning reel and is one of the most common reels used today. Costing $18.95 in the 1950's, that was a good sum of money and out of reach for many of us. But it was the best spinning reel on the market. My first one was purchases overseas through a serviceman's rod and gun club and was shipped home, awaiting my discharge. It was a tough workhorse of a reel and millions
of casts were made with it. The only thing that ever went wrong with it was the bail spring, and fortunately, Dick Moon's Sporting Goods Store in Pittsfield had the capability of making and replacing them.
n Crème Plastic Worm (1949). It changed the sport forever as the first, and still famous, long lasting artificial worm that both looked and felt real. (It changed my tackle box forever, too because it interacted with the plastic tackle box and actually melted into and ruined it).

Zero Bomb Company Closed Face Spincast Reel (1949). Costing only $3 or $4, it made fishing easy and affordable to everyone, regardless of age, gender or expertise. I had a lot of entanglements with mine which contributed greatly to my vocabulary of profanity. It finally ended up on the bottom of one of our lakes, (accidentally dropped overboard of course). They have greatly improved since then and are currently manufactured by ZEBCO Brands.

Lowrance Fish Lo-k-Tor (1957). The Little Green Box introduced anglers to the use of sonar in locating individual fish.

DuPont Stren Monofilament Line (1958). Improved the durability, affordability and casting ability of fishing line while reducing its visibility to fish.

Minn Kota Trolling Motor (1958). This was the first electric gear-driven trolling motor that gave anglers the ability to quietly maneuver and position their boats. Originally manufactured by Minn Kota, it is now manufactured by Johnson Outdoors.

Fenwick High Modulus Graphite Rod (1972). Its super-sensitive carbon (graphite) fibers revolutionized the method of making fishing rods and how anglers fished. I never owned a Fenwick graphite but I owned and still fish with their excellent fiberglass rods.

The Shakespeare Ugly Stick (1976). With its special construction, it created an affordable, unbreakable and dynamic fishing rod still in use today. I like this rod so much that I own two of them in different sizes.

I'll bet some of you gray haired anglers owned and enjoyed many of these products and wonder if you, like me, still have them and dig them out of the closet or cellar from time to time. It is fun dusting them off and thinking back to the good old days, cherishing memories of lunker fish that were (or weren't) landed, where we were fishing at the time and with whom.

The Lake Garfield Association will be sponsoring a fishing derby for children 12 and under next Saturday (Aug. 8) at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Lower Pond on Hatchery Road in Mill River. The derby, which is free and open to the public, runs from 9-11 a.m.

Zebra mussels: It is encouraging to see the Lakes and Ponds Assn (LAPA), the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) and representatives from the bass fishing clubs meeting and attempting to establish a dialog on how to address the zebra mussel issue. Obviously, there is some common ground, that being that they all want to see the mussels contained and not spread to neighboring waters. They also agree that ramp monitoring is a good idea and issue a call to the fishing community to volunteer as monitors. They agree to work together to help increase the public's awareness to the perils of the mussels.

Other than Laurel Lake, many sportsmen do not agree on the closing of boat ramps. LAPA would like to see them all temporarily closed (45 days) to help curtail the mussel spread while experts figure out a course of action. Most fishermen that I know disagree. Their position is that Laurel Lake is the only local lake confirmed as having the mussels. If people are cleaning their boats and there are ramp monitors inspecting them, then why exclude the general public from using the other public waters. Besides, the ramp barriers have no effect on those who use canoes and kayaks anyways for they can just be carried anywhere and launched, which is currently happening in a lot of places.

Fort Lauderdale Boat Show dealers hope for rising tide. Used Boat Sales.

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There is cautious optimism that the giant Fort Lauderdale boat show will see an increase in sales.

With the stock market gaining momentum and luxury buyers beginning to emerge from their shells, area boating businesses are hoping this year's Fort Lauderdale International Boat show will be a boon for sales -- and not just a spectacle for frugal spectators.

The 50th installment of the world's largest boat show -- running Thursday through Monday in Fort Lauderdale -- comes after several trying months in South Florida's maritime industries, which have been hit particularly hard during the global recession.

But the recent stock market rally and an upswing in traffic at boat shops in the past few months has the show's organizers and some vendors feeling optimistic that consumers are once again confident enough to put down boatloads of cash on fancy yachts.

``Boats are purchased when people have a certain comfort level in terms of job security and their stock market portfolios,'' said Frank Herhold, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, which owns the show. ``We've seen some very economically significant increases in consumer confidence and an increase in the stock market. These are good bellwethers.''

Luxury spending jumped 29 percent in the third quarter of 2009 compared with the previous three months, according to a survey by Unity Marketing. And, since an average sized yacht can cost $1 million or more, boat show exhibitors are looking to luxury buyers to show up in full force with checkbooks in hand.

But unemployment and economic uncertainty remain high, and organizers admit they won't know whether the boat show will meet expectations until the numbers are tallied after the event.

Jay Reynolds, who chairs the boat show committee for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, said that while sales were originally expected to be down by as much as 20 percent, the last three months have showed encouraging signs. For example, advance ticket sales are up 16 percent over last year and vendor registrations have rallied recently, although they are still down 17 percent, said Skip Zimbalist, CEO of the show's producer, Show Management.

PRICING UNCERTAIN

Because the market has been so turbulent, many dealers aren't sure how to price their yachts in order to attract buyers during a boat show that can account for as much as 40 percent of annual sales.

``We have conversations almost every day with other brokers and no one really knows what the price of most boats are,'' said Loren Schweizer, a consultant with Wood Marines Group, a Fort Lauderdale boat vendor. ``Generally, it's what people are willing to pay. It's a really crazy market right now.''

To convince cautious window shoppers to make a purchase, dealers are offering deep discounts and free extras like iPods, TVs and expense-paid vacations.

At Fort Lauderdale-based Anchor Yacht Sales, consultant Forest Roberts is offering a free satellite television, tender or water maker with the purchase of a yacht. He said these perks, ranging from $7,000 to $11,000 in value, could help him seal the deal on the sale of a $2 million boat.

Roberts said that because most of his clients are multi-millionaires, his business hasn't been as troubled by the downturn as most of his industry colleagues.

``The difference is, the people who have $2 or $3 million of net worth are going out to buy a $300,000 or $500,000 boat -- those are the people that the economy has bothered,'' he said. ``The people that we're dealing with have $10 or $15 or $100 million of net worth. The economy has bothered them, but not to a great extent.''

Roberts plans to exhibit two new 58-foot yachts at the weekend show, a decision he made after quickly selling the single 58-footer he showed at the Miami boat show in February. He had to turn two potential buyers away during that show, he said. The boats, which come completely furnished and wired, are each listed at just under $2 million.

This weekend's show will feature boats that are much cheaper and others much more expensive than those 58-footers, including kayaks, powerboats and megayachts. More than 1,500 floating vessels will be on display at six locations in Fort Lauderdale, covering 3 million square feet, about the same as in years past.

VARIETY AFLOAT

Herhold expects the show's diverse array of boat types and price points to help it reach a wide swath of consumers -- from the budget-conscious first timer to the billionaire enthusiast.

``Attendees will see everything from kayaks to megayachts, with a boat to fit everybody's pocket books and boating agenda,'' he said.

At last year's show, frugality ruled the day, with most show-goers either opting for lower-priced boats or deciding to postpone their purchases until their portfolios were in better shape.

A year later, with many economists saying that the worst has passed, there's a cautious optimism at some boat dealers that this year might be better.

Schweizer said he's seen an uptick in sales in the last couple months, even selling a $2 million boat for close to the asking price -- more than he expected to get for it.

Roberts already has orders for two $2 million boats from buyers in other parts of the state. There's a possibility that he might sell all five of the boats that he's taking to the show and maybe even get orders for more, a result that would be ``dynamo,'' he said.

Based on website traffic, Herhold expects a large contingent of international consumers to attend the show this year -- meaning foreign high rollers from countries unaffected by the global downturn could prop up sales.

Usually about half of the attendees -- estimated at more than 100,000 this year -- come from outside South Florida and about a third come from other states.

A little more than 10 percent come from international locations, Herhold said.

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Brunswick Public Foundation donates $74,000 to FdL, Oshkosh United Way - Used Boat Sales

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Brunswick Corporation, parent company of Mercury Marine is donating $74,000 in support of the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh area United Way 2009 fundraising campaigns.



The donation brings to $389,300 the total funds contributed by the Brunswick Public Foundation to the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh Area United Way since 2005.



"The Brunswick Public Foundation has always supported the Fond du Lac community through United Way contributions, and we are extremely appreciative of that support," said Tina Potter, executive director of the Fond du Lac Area United Way.



Mercury Marine and its employees have traditionally shown strong support for the local United Way campaigns.



"Mercury and Brunswick have always felt compelled to do their part to assist Fond du Lac and surrounding communities, but that is especially true today with so many people struggling against these challenging economic times," said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. "Obviously, this is a difficult year for most families, and we understand we need to support the many important programs funded by the United Way.



"It's not only the right thing to do — our employees are sometimes the beneficiaries of the services and assistance offered by United Way. We are grateful that, through the Brunswick Public Foundation, we are able to make this very worthwhile contribution."



Potter acknowledged that corporate donations are more critical this year than in the past.



"This funding comes at a crucial time for our 17 partner agencies and the communities they serve," she said. "In 2008, 31,775 local men, women and children were served by United Way funding. As of Sept. 30, 2009, our partner agencies had already served 35,345 individuals, a 25 percent increase over year-to-date 2008. And we expect that number to increase over the next three months."



Potter thanked Mercury Marine employees, who recently launched a United Way fundraising campaign.



"The Fond du Lac Area United Way has established a $1 million goal for its current fundraising efforts," she said. "We knew there would be immense need this year given the economic climate, and we're deeply grateful for the giving campaign in which Mercury employees are currently involved to help us achieve that goal."



Between 2005 and 2009, Mercury employees raised $435,550 for the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh Area United Way funds.



The Foundation also donated $53,000 to the Stillwater, Okla., Area United Way.

Used Boats For Sale, LTD

A Boat Loan Broker makes getting loans easy.

A specialty boat lender can help you navigate the process better than a traditional lender who isn't familiar with marine loans.

A true boat loan broker knows the Boating Industry inside and out. He helps you find the best boat or yacht loan for your special situation by being marine lifestyle educated, fast, reliable and experienced. By delivering boat surveys, if necessary, boat value checks and boat history reports, he lets you know all of your boat loan options - not just the ones that are in the bank's or lending institution's best interest.

There are tons of financing and purchasing tips a boat loan broker can give you that the suit sitting behind a desk at your local bank can't (you know - the guy with the milky white complexion whose never stepped foot on the deck of a marine vessel before)!

Think of it this way. If you have a sharp pain shooting through your foot, are you going to go to an ear, nose, and throat doctor - or a podiatrist?

Make sure you get your boat loan through a credible boat loan broker, not someone posing as a marine lender who may not have your best boating or yachting interests at heart.

Don't fall victim to a lending practice called "Shotgunning" or "Shot Gun Lending"

Shot Gun Lending is when you're applying for a boat loan, or any loan for that matter, and your credit information is given out to all lenders at once.

This practice is used by sub-standard loan brokers, regardless of what type of financial institution they are, and can adversely affect your FICO Score on all 3 of your Major Credit Bureau's files.

To get more in depth, here's an example:

You're applying for a boat loan and you're using a service to get the best rate and term possible for your situation. The service takes your credit application and faxes it out to the 10 or 12 different lenders that they use. When each lender checks your credit file, your credit score lowers by 3 to 7 points for what's called a "CREDIT INQUIRY".

If your credit score goes down for each inquiry by 3 to 7 points, this could cause a FICO movement of 30 to 84 points! Needless to say, for every point your Credit Score goes down, the percentage rate for your loan could go up!... And, this could even cause a lender to decline you for your boat loan !

For more information or to buy or sell a boat, please call 888-306-BOAT or visit us on-line at Sell A Boat .Com

Buying A Cruising Yacht On The Internet With Sell A Boat .Com

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Have you ever dreamt that you would one day own a yacht of your own? I think everybody dreams of one day owning a shiny new boat. If you do get to the stage where you find yourself in a position to buy a new yacht, which being an accomplishment in itself, you should spend with-in your budget and be able to take it anywhere. When you buy a yacht, always look at what comes with the boat and decide if it's everything you want. There are many types of construction and we summarize them below for you:

1. GRP - Almost all cruising yachts out there today are made of GRP construction. GRP material is long lasting, strong, and easy to repair. Osmosis is the only real problem here, as the blisters it leaves can be sometimes costly to repair.

2. Steel - Steel is always a great a idea, as it is by far the strongest material. There have been steel boats ran into reefs and banks and received just a few mere scratches. Even though steel has many advantages, rust is the true enemy here. You must keep all surfaces thoroughly painted, primed, and ready to avoid all types of rust.

3. Aluminum - Although rare in the normal cruising market, aluminum is very popular with the construction of top quality custom built yachts. If you are looking for an aluminum constructed yacht, always make sure that it wasn't constructed by an amateur yacht builder - as this can cause major problems later on down the road.

4. Wood - Even though it's the most traditional building material, wood still has a lot to offer. If you get the right kind of wood, it can last just as long as any other type of material. The maintenance costs are very high with wood, especially if you do your own painting.

5. Ferro-cement - Concrete type boats have been around for a long time. A cheap method of hull construction, it was very popular in the 70's. If done properly, it can be a very strong method of yacht construction.

6. Rigs - The most popular choices of yacht rigs include sloop, cutter, and ketch - in that particular order. Sloop has the virtue of simplicity, while ketch and cutter rigs will split the sail plan into more easily managed areas. A ketch rig can sail under mizzen and headsail alone, while cutter rigs can offer a simple twin headsail with downwind option.

The main question you should ask yourself is "what is essential" and "what is desirable", it is a good idea before you begin looking for a yacht, to make a list of what you must have then make a list of what would be nice to have. There are many additions and add-ons you can get for yachts, although they can get very expensive if you do not plan carefully and purchase in a hurry. It is strongly recommended that when you shop for a yacht, you should always plan out your budget before you even start looking. A nice yacht can cost a lot of money, which is something you may need to save up for. Yachts are great to sail on, especially for those who have a lot of money to spare, so, in conclusion, good luck in your quest and we hope the above comments assist you in your search.

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New Requirement MSDS on Tankers

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The U.S. Coast Guard announced that it has submitted a Federal Register notice to the marine community containing guidance on new International Maritime Organization measures. These new measures require that all tank ships subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention carrying Annex I cargoes and all ships using Annex I marine fuels have Material Safety Data Sheets aboard. This Safety of Life at Sea Convention requirement will become effective January 1, 2011. It does not apply to inland barges or any other ship not subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

After January 1, 2011, nations party to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention can be expected to verify that ships subject to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention have Material Safety Data Sheets as required. After that date, all U.S. flagged vessels under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention traveling overseas should expect foreign administrations to ask for Material Safety Data Sheets for each Annex I cargo and marine oil fuel on board.

Also after that date, all foreign flagged vessels under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention in U.S. ports should expect the Coast Guard to ask for Material Safety Data Sheets in fulfillment of the United States' duties as a party to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. The Coast Guard expects that ship's personnel receive Material Safety Data Sheets in a working language or languages understood by them. The Coast Guard expects that occupational exposure limits referenced in a Material Safety Data Sheet be based on an internationally-recognized standard.

The International Maritime Organization has recommended a format for the Material Safety Data Sheet and the Coast Guard encourages the use of this recommended format and content, which is set out in the Federal Register notice. Some nations party to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention may require Material Safety Data Sheets to follow the International Maritime Organization recommendations for format and content.

In most cases, vessels will already have Material Safety Data sheets for all cargoes that usually will contain the recommended information. In some cases, certain recommended data may not apply to the bulk liquid in question (data not applicable should be so noted); however, some member nations may require all of the recommended information.

The notice is available at the Office of the Federal Register Public Inspection Desk at www.federalregister.gov. After publication, it will be available in the Federal Register and at www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2009-0553.

Northrop Grumman Contract, 10th Amphibious Ship

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The U.S. Navy awarded a $213.8m cost-plus-fixed-fee advance procurement contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) that will provide long lead materials for LPD 26, the tenth amphibious transport dock ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class.

The funds will be used to purchase long lead time materials and major equipment in support of the new ship, such as main engines and diesel generators. The work will be performed at the company's Gulf Coast facilities. The award of a contract for the detail design and construction of LPD 26 is anticipated in mid-2010.

The ten ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy's ability to project power ashore. Collectively, these ships functionally replace over 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113, and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships) providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable, and built to operate with 21st century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 ft long, 105 ft wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ship can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and EFVs, augmented by helicopters or vertical take off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22. These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st Century.

Assessment of USS Hartford and New Orleans. Used Boat Sales / Sell A Boat 888-306-BOAT

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The U.S. Navy submarine and U.S. amphibious ship that
collided in the Strait of Hormuz March 20, have been undergoing extensive engineering and damage assessments since pulling into Bahrain March 21.

Engineering and technical experts arrived in Bahrain to assess the damage to USS Hartford (SSN 768) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18). They will augment Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) Detachment Bahrain.

Twelve Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) personnel and two Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) experts are assessing the damage to Hartford and New Orleans and have begun initial in-theater repairs.

While overall damage to both ships is being evaluated, investigators believe Hartford rolled approximately 85 degrees during the collision.

Despite the roll, engineering investigations have confirmed the propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision.

However, Hartford sustained damage to its sail and periscope, as well as the port bow plane.

New Orleans suffered a ruptured fuel tank. Divers have determined the resulting hole is approximately 16 by 18 feet in size. There was also interior damage to two ballast tanks.

In addition to the engineering efforts, two formal investigations are currently underway: a Safety Investigation and a Judge Advocate General Manual (JAGMAN) Investigation. Capt. Craig Kleint, the Dock Landing Ship (LSD) Class Squadron commodore has been appointed as the investigating officer (IO) for the JAGMAN investigation. A senior O-6 submarine officer has been named as the senior member of the Safety Instigation Review, but his name is not releasable until the investigation has been completed.

The Safety Investigation Board is appointed to identify hazards and their causal factors in serious incidents. Their report is an essential tool to identify causes to prevent recurrence.

The JAGMAN investigation is intended to provide a critical and objective overview of what happened. Kleint, a nuclear-trained surface warfare officer, is joined by a post-command submarine officer. They are supported by a three-person legal team.

Naval Surface Forces (SURFOR) and Naval Submarine Forces (SUBFOR) are providing extensive support to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) for the Safety Investigation Board and JAGMAN investigation team.

Both investigations have a 30-day initial timeline, but extensions may be granted if more time is needed to complete the investigation process.

Hartford and New Orleans were on regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations conducting maritime security operations (MSO) when the accident occurred.

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U.S. brokers look north to sell rising boat inventory. Sell A Boat

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Faltering American economy and election-year jitters put Canadian buyers in the driver's seat.
Faced with a faltering economy and election-year jitters among consumers, American yacht brokers are looking north of the border to find customers for their growing inventory of boats.

The Canadian dollar reaching parity with the U.S. greenback piqued interest in cross-border boat shopping among Canadians, and even now with the dollar at a weaker 93 cents US, Allen Powell, president of the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association, said Canadians are still heading south in search of boats.

"We've had Canadians coming all the way down here," said Powell, who owns Capital City Yachts in Olympia, Wash., which primarily sells trawlers from 45 to 75 feet, ranging from $580,000 US to over $1 million. "We just delivered a brand new powerboat to a Canadian, and we just delivered a sailboat that was built in Canada and is going back to Canada.

"Our goal is to encourage your fellow countrymen to come and look and to look seriously because there is a lot of inventory that brokers are anxious to sell," he said. "Frankly, a lot of people, ourselves included, are looking at getting the '09 models in and not having to worry about the '08 models that are still here."

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Just as real estate here has switched from a sellers' to a buyers' market, boat buyers in the U.S. are now in the driver's seat. Powell said with election years traditionally weaker for those luxury purchases, the November presidential vote is only making it more difficult to sell boats to Americans.

"The dollar parity has helped for sure, and I think your economy has been more robust. It is certainly more stable," said Powell. "It seems to me that has helped, and I assume that has brought some people who might have been sitting on the fence to buy.

"The other thing that has been helpful to Canadian buyers is that there is more inventory, and so the choices are greater."

Like the auto business, gas guzzlers are the new pariahs on the water, and Powell said there has been a shift to more efficient powerboats and sailboats, driven by concern for the environment as well as concern for pocketbooks.

"The sailboat inventory is probably at one of the lowest [points], it is a lot lower than last year," he said, adding that the same cannot be said for twin gas-engine powerboats.

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"People can certainly afford the boat, but they would rather not spend $10,000 a year on fuel," he said of those 40-foot-plus gas-felled boats.

"People are looking for conservative purchases. They are concerned about fuel costs, but also about their carbon footprint," he said.

"We are educating our purchasers that they should look locally first, and if they want to buy something in Seattle or south of the border, we can act for them, just as a real estate agent does when they are buying a house," he said. "We use our expertise to help them import a boat."

Costs can vary, but generally Canadian buyers will be paying GST and provincial sales tax on boats they bring in from the U.S. And depending on where the boat was manufactured, they may also face costs for duty.

"Generally speaking, the selection is better," said Horne. "There is a perception that the U.S. economy is weak and there are bargains galore, but in reality the boats that are repossessed are older boats and they have been let go. The buys aren't phenomenal."

For more information or to Sell Your Boat on-line, please visit Sell A Boat.Com or call them at 305-936-2489

Gas Prices Pinching Some Boaters To Sell Their Boat

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- High gas prices have some small boat owners struggling to afford the fuel to keep their boats on the water.

Vendors at the Original Free RV and Boat Show at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Sunday said sales of smaller boats have been struggling this year.

Doug Duvall of Boat and RV World in Edmond said large boat sales are still OK, but his business is seeing a lot of people seeking to sell back smaller boats.

“A lot of them will have their motorcycle and their boat and their four-wheelers as their toys,” he said. “Well, they are streamlining toys that take gas.”

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Duvall said boat dealers in Oklahoma are weathering the situation better than their counterparts in California.

Mark Webster brought his wife Yvonne to the boat show, browsing for something they could use for fishing and skiing. Webster said fuel prices wouldn’t make or break his buying decision.

“It's a concern, because you've got your fuel expenses to and from the lake, plus the boat expenses, but it's not really a big factor,” said Webster.

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Selling A Boat - Learn the Basics of Boat Sales - Sell A Boat .Com 888-306-BOAT

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Do you want to sell your boat? Just like buying a boat, selling one is not easy either. You should give equal importance to both. While selling a boat, it is certain that you want to get a fair deal on your boat. You want to get the best price possible from the market, but at the same time you should not overprice your boat as that would be detrimental. This article will describe certain things you can do to help you determine your experience level as far as boat-selling is concerned.

First of all, you have to find out what a fair price for the boat would be. You will need to get an estimate of what the boat is worth. You can do this by consulting a professional and having the boat appraised or you can go by the marine blue book value and make an estimate based on the accessories included and the depreciation of the boat.

Making an estimate for boat sales on your own will require that you take the task seriously. Start by finding out the going price for the boat and then deduct value according to the age and the condition of the boat. Next, you will add any value according to the accessories that you have and the condition that they are in. Once you have done this you should be able to come up with a price that is fair to both you and the potential buyer.

Know When to Engage in Boat Sales

Knowing when to sell your boat is just as important as knowing how to set the price. Certain times of the year will make a difference in the amount of potential buyers that you will see. For example, trying to sell a boat in the middle of winter is not a good idea. This is especially true if you live in very cold regions. People are just not interested in boat sales during this time of the year. The offers that you do get may leave you a little disappointed.

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However, trying to sell a boat at the beginning of the boating season will have a completely different effect. This is when people are out searching for that perfect boat and many of them will be willing to pay a little more for the boat of their dreams. This also means that you will need to put less effort into selling your boat because more people will already be interested.

Know How to Engage in Boat Sales

Be sure to keep everything you need in order so that you can quickly engage in boat sale without wasting any time. Keep all the documents you need in one place. One of the worst things that can happen to you is not knowing where the title is or not having all the things you need in order to sell the boat legally. Believe me, this is the quickest way to lose the sale!

Also make sure you polish and clean up your boat before selling it so that it looks clean and bright. Make sure the battery is charged and ready for show. Basically, you need to get prepared to sell your boat and you will see that everything else will automatically fall in place.

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By the way, I have dedicated a whole website to boat selling. If you are interested to learn a little more about selling boats you are welcome to visit my website. Simply click on the link below !

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This warning is for anyone trying to sell something

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Selling Your Boat ?

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We heard from Doug in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida who was selling his boat. He says when he ran a newspaper ad she was swarmed by scammers. He says "The basic scam is they want me to cash a large money order, deduct a payment for my boat, then send them the rest. When all is said and done the money order is, of course, no good."

Whether selling a dog, a boat or a piece of furniture you'll likely get a similar come-on.

In the e-mail the first red flag to this scam is a buyer willing to pay for something sight unseen. Secondly, wanting to pay by money order through a third party.

Be warned if you do cash a money order and it turns out to be no good the bank will hold you accountable for paying the money back.

For more information or if you receive a specious e-mail, call our fraud department at Sell A Boat Dot Com at 305-936-2489

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Selling Your Boat ?

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Boat companies offer deals in midst of housing slump. Sell A Boat / Used Boats Sales

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As the economy suffers in the wake of the national credit crisis and housing slump, local boat buyers should expect thousands of dollars in incentives when the famed Annapolis Boat Shows get under way next month.
Tidewater Marina and Annapolis Yacht Sales are both offering consumers "fractional ownership" options, allowing them to split the cost of boats. Tidewater's even throwing in free equipment packages - with stereos, flat-screen TVs and in-mast furlings - worth as much as $25,000.

Meanwhile, Offshore Performance in Grasonville is offering service winterization packages, free storage over the winter and a free tanks of fuel.

The Annapolis Boat Shows take center stage next month as the international spot for manufacturers to show off new models. The sailboat show runs from Oct. 4-8 followed by the powerboat show Oct. 11-14.

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While tighter lending requirements have made borrowing harder, exhibitors are encouraged by the Federal Reserve's recent decision to lower interest rates by half a percentage point. The rate lowers the amount banks charge to each other for overnight loans, creating more liquidity in the market.

"Clearly, softening in the housing market has contributed to softening in the first half of this year in the boating industry," said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. "I think with this interest-rate cut, it's going to position us for a recovery in 2008."

Rates will be down in terms of boat financing, said Paul Matrangola, Tidewater's sales manager whose marina features Hunter sailboats ranging in price from $100,000 to $450,000 and Dufour Yachts running from $150,000 to $600,000.

"We're optimistic," he said. "We're fortunate to be selling to customers who have managed their (finances) in a good fashion, particularly with sailboats."

Garth Hichens, owner of Annapolis Yachts Sales, which sells Beneteau models and is holding an open house this weekend, acknowledged a "shift in the market" but said it's because people have less time on their hands, not less money.

"People still buy high-end boats," he said.

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A person "buys a Porsche because he loves driving around in a Porsche. That's what these boats are."

But to help busy families that don't have time or money to invest in a large yacht, the company is for the first time offering a fractional ownership incentive for its Beneteau boats ranging in price from $150,000 to more than $400,000. For example, a 40-foot Beneteau for $220,000 could be split between four people at $55,000 each.

Customers also can add the cost of "concierge" maintenance service to monthly payments, he said.

The company is also selling "day sailor" Alerion boats that range in price from $35,0000 to $350,000 and are designed to be taken out for two or three hours, not the entire weekend. The Sabre Spirit, a cross between a day sailor boat and a cruiser, is priced at $250,000.

While dealers say high-end customer are unaffected by the ups and downs of the stock market, economist agree that many will be more hesitant about purchasing boats this year.

"People from all walks of life are feeling squeezed by the housing downturn," said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com. "That's left a lot of question marks about the economy."

While the Fed's rate cut was designed to lower borrowing costs so consumers are more likely to make those big-ticket purchases, credit requirements will still keep some from getting a loan, he said.

Bill Proctor, owner of OffShore Performance, said financing for powerboats has gotten so tough for some consumers that a bank turned down one customer down "because he has three homes."

Mr. Proctor said he'll have a better idea of how customers are feeling between November and up to December, when the company sells most of its boats. But he said his company's goal was to sell $8 million in boat sales by year's end and he expects to be short about $1 million.

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Meantime, offshore is going back to its manufacturers to get better discounts.

"They are going to pay interest for nine months to a year or I won't buy the boat," he said. "Five years ago, your sales were good, your margins were more, you didn't worry about that."

Joseph Cater, president and chief economist of Market-Economics in Annapolis, said he expects many consumers took increased equity from their homes and bought big-ticket items like boats and cars but have seen that equity drop as home values declined.

"They (were) snapping their suspenders saying they're a millionaire," he said. "All of the sudden it's like, 'I'll keep that old Volvo. I'll keep that old boat we've got.'"

But Zoltan Pozsar, senior economist with Moody's Economy.com who covers the Maryland and Washington economies, said he expects the some consumers to be unaffected by turmoil in the market.

"Not all consumer are created equal," he said. "If you are at the lower half of the income distribution, things are pretty bad right now ... You're probably not benefiting from stocks. But on the other hand, if you're in the top half things are fine. Things are not falling apart in any case."

Joe Thompson, a yacht broker with Crusader Yacht Sales in Annapolis, said his company, which prices yachts between $18,000 and $400,000, is not seeing the pressures of the credit market.

"The yachts that we sell are long-term investments," he said. "Our customers tend to be more experienced. They come to us looking for a good quality boat and they have the expectations that the boat is going to hold its value."

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Walker Bay Boats Extends Its Hull Warranty To 10 Years Sell A Boat Used Boat Sales

Sell-A-Boat.Com - Yakima, WA, – Walker Bay Boats Inc. announced today that it has extended their factory backed warranty on all injection molded hulls, including the Original and Genesis lines to 10 years. By using proprietary High Impact Marine Composite in the injection molding process, Walker Bay hulls are exceptionally strong and impact resistant. “We have put the hulls through rigorous testing and have even hit it with a sledge hammer and driven over it with a truck to illustrate the extremes that our hulls can withstand as opposed to aluminum or fiberglass hulls” said Michael Carroll, Director of Marketing for Walker Bay Boats. “Although we don’t expect or warranty our hulls against sledge hammers and trucks, we are confident that our hulls are going to be around for many years,” concluded Carroll.Walker Bay boats are manufactured using a state-of-the-art injection molding process. Precisely pre-measured UV-protected polypropylene resin is injected with a massive force of over 8000 tons into a mold that can weigh up to 82 tons. It is then cooled to take the shape of the mold with a finish that is flawless. The one-piece hull has no seams or joints to crack or leak which contributes to its impact resistance and durability.

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Unlike a hard fiberglass hull that is vulnerable to corrosion or delaminating when it gets scratched, the Walker Bay hull is a single color solid material that requires no fixing for scuffs and scrapes. Walker Bay’s manufacturing process is environmental friendly with zero emissions and all hulls are 100% recyclable.Walker Bay Boats continues to win awards in innovation and is committed to maintaining the quality of its product to exceed customer expectations. It is important to note that this warranty is specific to the injection molded hull and not components and accessories. Those items have separate warranties that are described in the owner manuals or on the web which also has the specifics on hull coverage. To see video footage of what the Walker Bay hull can take in abuse, go to http://www.walkerbay.com/media/media_ideas.php

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TowBoatUS Bay St. Louis Opens On The Mississippi Gulf Coast

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TowBoatUS, part of the nation’s largest on-the-water towing service for boaters, has returned to an area of the Gulf known as “Hurricane Katrina ground zero.” Capt. Matt Caldwell has opened TowBoatUS Bay St. Louis on Mississippi’s “West End” on St. Louis Bay adjacent to the Bay Waveland Yacht Club. The news follows the recent opening of TowBoatU.S. Lake Pontchartrain, LA, and brings the total number of TowBoatUS in the Gulf (from the Keys to the Mexican border) to 51.

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Captain Caldwell, a USCG veteran, said “I’ve wanted to open my own on-the-water towing port for a long time and I believe this is the right location and right time to do it. This region will grow significantly and I want to be there when boaters need assistance.” Before returning to his home state, Capt. Caldwell was a towboat captain in the Charleston region, ran a dive boat and also worked in the oil service industry.
Caldwell has equipped TowBoatUS Bay St. Louis with three vessels: a 20-foot Boston Whaler Guardian center console, a 21-foot Impact pilothouse and a 27-foot Boston Whaler pilothouse. “We use the 20-footer when we need to trailer to a location or when bridges are problems,” said Caldwell. All three vessels can be identified by their distinctive red hulls with white bow stripes and “TowBoatU.S.” lettering along its side.

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Onboard each boat is a full complement of towing and salvage equipment including extra fuel, pumps, airbags and battery “jump packs” to handle every breakdown from running out of fuel to running aground.
Hurricane Katrina changed the topography of many local waterways says Caldwell, which can lead to groundings. “Many of our barrier islands and shoals have shifted since the storm. But I want boaters to know they can rely on us – I enjoy being able to help them,” he added.
Similar to a roadside auto club, BoatUS offers on-the-water assistance plans starting at around $37 a year. Without a towing plan, boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident. Boaters in need of towing assistance can reach TowBoatUS Bay St. Louis by calling the company directly at 228-217-4439 or 800-315-6206; by VHF radio on channel 16; or through the BoatUS toll-free Dispatch Service at 800-391-4869 or visit http://www.BoatUS.com for more information.

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Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 670,000 members with a wide array of consumer services, including on-the-water towing assistance provided by TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist. These two fleets combined offer North American boaters the largest network of US, Canadian and Bahamian towing ports with over 270 locations and nearly 500 towing assistance vessels - twice that of any other service provider.