BoatU.S. - August/September 2011

MEMBERSHIP NEWS atyourservice

Ensuring Eagle Soars
And Sails ... Again!

The dust has settled, our vessel Eagle has been restored to pre-accident standards, and my shattered ego is returning to my usual role as safety officer for two premier yacht clubs as well as marine safety officer in many capacities in the USCG Auxiliary. My accident was the most embarrassing event of the past 15 years or more.

Dealing with the realities of repair, insurance, and all the related issues surrounding my accident would’ve been monumental had I been insured with any other company. Of this, I’m certain! Your representative Joel Bernardo could not have been more timely, proficient, professional, or courteous. He, alone, made my mistake more bearable. Yours is a first-class operation, worthy of the highest-ever brand of integrity, follow-through, and help when needed, by your many members who are fortunate enough to know the difference between knuckle-dragging inaction and straightforward assistance in completing a case.

I’ve now written articles and spoken at a number of clubs in the Bay Area, and as a longtime PICYA delegate (Pacific Inter-Club Yachting Association) have spoken to many in our 100-plus-strong umbrella for all Northern California clubs, praising BoatU.S. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for being my insurance carrier. What happened to me could happen to anyone. However, the outcome was surely made far easier through Mr. Bernardo, a first-class asset at BoatU.S.

— Capt. Rick Saber (USCG-Aux Marine Safety Vessel Examiner, Safety Officer)

San Rafael, CA

REMEMBER OUR $25,000 WINNER?

Kerry Watts, a member from North Carolina who won our $25,000 Wave of Fortune Sweepstakes last year, has used the money to get a new boat! Watts and his wife Laurie (above) recently launched their new 2011 24-foot Chaparral on Lake Tillery, where the family enjoys spending time with friends. Watts’s old boat went to a close friend — who is also now a BoatU.S. member. With your help, BoatU.S. grows one member at a time!

Trailer Boating Just Got Easier!

Every state has its own law regarding boat trailer width. Most require a wide-load permit for boats with a beam that exceeds 8’ 6”. If your destination is a number of states away, you need a separate permit for each state through which you travel. Is that a hassle? Yes! Is there an easier way? You bet! BoatU.S. members get a 30-percent discount using Mercury Permits, a company that’s in the business of getting you a wide-load permit for every state on your itinerary. The discount applies only to the fee they charge to get the permit, not to the cost of the permit itself. For more information, go to www.MercuryPermits.net/BoatUS or call toll-free, 855-683-7749.

Custom Design With BoatU.S. Graphics

Ordering your boat graphics, lettering, and striping has never been easier or come with so many options. Choose from more than 100 fonts, and an assortment of effects and colors to create the perfect boat name or graphic. We make it fun to design the images that match you and your boat’s personality. Need some advice on a boat name? We’ve got an online boat-name directory with more than 5,000 names. Surprise your crew with personalized beverage koozies, or add on a floating key chain just for you. BoatU.S. members save 10 percent on every order so start designing and saving today. www.BoatUS.com/boatgraphics

Pack Up And Save With Budget Trucks

Whether your kids are headed to college, you’re moving your office across town, or you’re making plans to head south and escape the winter, be sure to keep as much money in your pocket as you can when you rent a truck with Budget Trucks. With your BoatU.S. membership, you earn significant savings when renting from Budget Trucks at their 2,800-plus convenient locations nationwide. Reserve your truck online today at www.BudgetTruck.com/BoatUS, pack your belongings into a cargo van or moving truck as large as 24 feet, and be on your way. Always be sure to mention BoatU.S. Promotion Code 56000134521.

Keep In Touch With BoatU.S.

Make every day you spend on the water better with your BoatU.S. membership. While you’re out enjoying your boat, we’re working for you, staying on top of important issues that impact you.