Winter - A Time to Take Stock

Here we are in the middle of a cold and snowy winter. Although I am sure you need no reminder of that. Just look outside your window. The view is probably much like what we see.

This time of year it’s fun to dream of warmer days aboard your boat. And although your boat is likely tucked away until spring, now is a good time to evaluate what is needed for the upcoming boating season. For instance:

- Does the boat require any maintenance? What about the trailer?
- What new gadgets are you thinking of adding?
- Are all the water toys in good working order and will they be ready to go once the summer fun begins?
- Are you planning any boating trips? If so, do you have charts of the new waters where you will be heading?
- What about your boat insurance?

Boat insurance? I know what you are thinking. Boat insurance is not something that tingles the boating imagination. However, now is a great time to consider if you are adequately covered should an unfortunate situation occur.

Here are some things to consider:

Liability – Are your limits high enough to protect you and your passengers should an accident or incident occur involving your boat? Even if your boat’s wake causes damage on shore, you could be liable.

Boat Value – If you have not updated your insurance for several years, you could be paying too much. Your boat has likely lost value over time and could possibly be insured for less. Or, ask your agent about an Agreed Value insurance policy. An Agreed Value is a value of your boat determined and agreed upon by both owner and insurance underwriter at the time the policy is purchased.

Deductibles – Are you able to afford slightly more out of pocket in the event of a loss? If so, you can lower your premiums with a higher deductible.

Personal Property Coverage – Your boat is insured, but what about the GPS Chartplotter, the brand new $600 wakeboard, and the new stereo system with subwoofer, amp, and tower speakers that you just added. Have you really taken the time to calculate all of the extra items that you keep aboard your boat? The amount might surprise you.

Navigational Area Coverage – When you first got your boat trailering to local inland lakes was your typical boating experience, but now you are keeping it at a marina at the Jersey Shore. Are you adequately covered to boat in a coastal environment?

Diminishing Deductibles - This new coverage option from BoatUS automatically discounts your deductible by 25% each year you remain claims free! Once your deductible reaches $0, it stays that way as long as you remain claims-free and insure your boat with BoatUS.

These are just a few of the many things to consider when comparing boat insurance policies. Do yourself, your family, and your boat a favor this off-season by taking stock of your insurance needs. It will provide the peace of mind necessary to enjoy all of those other fun activities of boating.

Here are some insurance providers that specialize in boat insurance. They all offer free quotes. Contact each of them to compare.

NBOA (National Boat Owners Association)
1-800-248-3512
http://www.nboat.com/

Boat US
1-800-804-2628
http://www.boatus-insurance.com/

Boater’s Choice
1-800-768-2121
http://www.boaterschoiceinsurance.com/

20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament

Sun, January 30th, 2011

Boating may be on hold until the ice thaws. But that doesn't mean that the fun on Lake Wallenpaupack has to wait. In fact, this cold, frozen winter - thanks to Mother Nature - brings back the annual golf tournament.

Check out 9 holes of golf atop frozen Lake Wallenpaupack! There will be prizes, giveaways, and more. There will be fun for golfers, non-golfers, and spectators!!

- “Fairways” are lined by this year’s Christmas trees given by locals and local nurseries
- Water hazards are carved into the ice and other “traps” are included on the course – including snow “bunkers”
- Players can bring up to three clubs, including a putter.
- Contests for Wackiest Hat, best sled, others will be given out
- Ice Bar carved from local ice carver will be available outside with full bar service, sponsored by Yuengling

To be held at the Waterfront at Ehrhardt's, Route 507, Lake Wallenpaupack. Presented by the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. Major sponsors include Ehrhardt's, Crystal Cabin Fever, Yuengling and Banko Beverage.

Tee times every 10 minutes between 9 am and 2 pm, awards ceremony at approximately 3 pm. Just $15 per golfer in advance or $20 at the door. Applications available by emailing visit@lakeregioncc.com or by calling 570-226-3191.

Trailering Your Boat - A USPS Seminar

Saturday February 12th, 2011 from 9 - 11am

Our seminar, Trailering Your Boat, explains how to select tow vehicles, hitches, and trailers. It also explains how to safely and securely trailer your boat, launch and retrieve it, and how to operate and maintain your trailering equipment. The seminar comes with an excellent new book Trailering Your Boat, written by Bruce Smith and published as a USPS Guide by McGraw-Hill. This book serves as an excellent reference on all of these topics. The seminar includes video segments provided by the US Coast Guard and excellent slide notes.

Spending a fun filled afternoon boating on Lake Wallenpaupack, Blue Marsh Lake, Beltzville Lake, or points beyond begin with a proper understanding of basic trailering skills.

Join us on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 from 9-11am for this informative seminar.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT - Call us today at 610-433-1606 or send us an email at ted@petersmarine.com

Instruction is FREE - Material is $25.

How To Use a GPS - A USPS Seminar

Optimize Your Boating Experience, Learn to Use Your GPS!

Saturday March 5th, 2011 - 9am to 11am

GPS has become a common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the water is distinctly different from a moving map display in your car.

This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation which you will use. It then shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts which provide essential information about what is around you.

The seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS – what all those crazy buttons do, what the screens show, and how to access the functions you need.

A handheld GPS is used as the demonstration model, but all GPS receivers function similarly. By the time you have completed the seminar, you will be able to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your choosing.

You’ll also get some tips for choosing a GPS if you don’t currently own one.

Participants will receive a copy of the USPS GPS Guide and a waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.

When: Saturday March 5th, 2011 9:00am - 11:00am

Where: Peters Marine's Boating Safety and Skills Classroom, 1402 Union Blvd, Allentown, PA

Cost: $27 Materials Fee (Participants will receive a copy of the USPS GPS Guide and a waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS.)

CALL US TODAY to RESERVE your seat: 610-433-1606
Or send us an email to ted@petersmarine.com