Last month, the United States Coast Guard released their 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics Report.  According to the report, last year saw a decrease in recreational boating accidents from 2016. The Coast Guard reported over 4,000 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property.

As we near the official start of summer, it’s also the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June through November. Last year the United States and its territories saw major devastation, as hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria blew through and made landfall.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) 2017 watercraft theft report shows a 5 percent decrease in activity. This resumes the downward trend that was broken by 2016’s slight increase. 4,864 watercrafts were reported stolen in 2017, while most thefts occurred in May, June, July, August and September.

Read the full report here, and check out our article on theft prevention tips.

We’re halfway through spring—but that doesn’t mean you should only halfway prep your boat this season. Before getting back on the water, there are some important steps you should take to ensure you boat is seaworthy and safe. Having a set checklist can be useful to make certain you’re ready to head out on the water.

As we near the end of the season, those of us in “winter weather” areas are counting down the days to spring and summer—and to getting our boats back in the water! As we patiently wait for the start of our favorite season on the water, there is still plenty to be done on dry land; like brushing up on our navigation skills.

Winter is coming…so we want to make sure you’re prepared for what’s ahead. Winter weather can cause many problems to marine property if the right precautions aren’t taken. Boat ownership is a huge investment and we don’t want you to have any unpleasant surprises come spring time!

Fall is here! But that doesn't mean our boating activies need to end quite yet. To keep the fun going, we want to remind you to be proactive in avoiding theft by taking precautionary measures to ensure your vessel and the items left on it are secure. Unfortunately, theft happens—no matter the time of year or location. 

As we’re out on the water enjoying the summer boating weather, remember that we’re over one month into hurricane season. It’s time to start preparing for the weather ahead.

June 1 marks the start of Hurricane Season.  As you prepare to get on the water this summer,  take the time to properly prepare your vessel and other personal property, especially if you live in a Hurricane-prone area.  To help, and in recognition of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hurricane Preparedness Week, here is a useful checklist from BoatSafe.com to ensure you are ready to safely face stormy weather this hurricane season.

Spring is finally here and so is the beginning of the recreational boat season.  If you live in an area finally experiencing warm weather, it’s time to dewinterize your boat.  But before you get back into the water, be sure your boat is fully prepared after sitting immobile for so many months.  For more information, check out this article from “Boating” magazine about spring boat preperation.  And, as always, remember to have you boat inspected by a qualified marine mechanic before heading out on the water this season.