PHOTO CAPTION: Washington DC – On July 11, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) President Margaret Podlich (L) and Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy (R), delivered over 24,000 comments from recreational boaters to EPA Headquarters in Washington DC to urge the agency to stop adding more ethanol to the nation’s gasoline supply. BoatUS had asked the boating public to add their voice to a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply for 2017. If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level ethanol fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into gas pumps and at more gas stations.”A sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning for E15 gasoline,” said Podlich. Most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol, and it is illegal to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in any marine engine. The national boating advocacy, services and safety group has voiced its concern for the significant potential for misfueling, putting boaters at risk by using fuel that will damage their engines. Read more

Advanced human-powered fishing watercraft offers unrivaled hands-free boat control and fishability, including forward and reverseIn 2014 Old Town partnered with Minn Kota® to launch the Predator XL Minn Kota—an “Ultimate Fishing Machine” powered by 45 lbs. of stealth-quiet saltwater-grade power. Media and buyer enthusiasm was palpable, culminating in ICAST’s highest New Product Showcase honors—”Best Boat” and “Best of Show.” Since, the Predator XL Minn Kota has put anglers on fish faster in hard-to-reach waters. Read more

Columbia, SC – Hodgman® has a solid foundation of giving anglers confidence of sound footing while fishing. The Hodgman H-Lock™ Locking Interchangeable Sole System provides a wading boot system that anglers can trust, knowing they possess the ability to attack any terrain using the wade boot system. It’s the most innovative and intuitive wading product on the market and is available only on Hodgman Vion, Aesis and H5 wade boots.The Hodgman H-Lock Locking Interchangeable Sole System allows anglers to swap soles for ideal traction control in any terrain or aquatic environment. The dual lock system holds the sole securely in place. Once engaged the sole will not come off unless both the front and rear locks are disengaged simultaneously – rendering all other removable sole systems obsolete. Soles are available in felt, studded felt, WadeTech® and studded WadeTech. Read more

Boat Kill Switches Go Wireless, with FELL Marine’s MOB+POMPANO BEACH, FL – FELL Marine is in the business of saving lives. At this year’s ICAST Show, attendees will be introduced to the MOB+ (which stands for man overboard), a wireless cut-off switch that is packed with features to enhance safety, making the old cord-based system obsolete. Join the team from FELL Marine at ICAST in Booth #4060, in the NMMA Pavilion, to learn more about the MOB+.

Every year there are many boating accidents with tragic outcomes. Now one company’s aim is to make a difference. FELL Marine’s MOB+ stops the boat if the driver falls overboard. Created for maximum wearability, it can be worn as a wristband, in your pocket, clipped to your life vest/belt or around your neck on a lanyard – all designed with the mariner in mind.

It is well known that the cord-based system which exists in most boats today is rarely (or never) used. Read more

“It ruins their day, their boat and their entire boating experience”

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – When it comes to recreational boating and the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard’s requirement to put more corn ethanol into gasoline, those that see its negative consequences the most are the industry workers that build, maintain, store or sell boats.

A newly released survey by Boating Industry magazine points to ethanol as playing an even “bigger role” in service issues than it was just a year ago, with a remarkable “87% of our respondents reporting seeing boat engine damage caused by ethanol,” said Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Sweet. The magazine reported that was up from 73 percent in the same survey in April 2015. BoatUS, a member of the Smarter Fuel Future coalition, hopes to share the survey’s findings to help change the broken federal ethanol mandate.

“Dealers, manufacturers and marinas are clearly very concerned about the increased use of ethanol,” added Sweet. “According to our readers, ethanol is playing an increasing role in causing engine damage and other repair issues.” Read more

Night anglers understand the frustration of staring into forever darkness that precludes them from seeing the strike. Berkley® eliminated the frustration with the introduction of the Glowstik, to be displayed in the ICAST New Product Showcase in July. The highly visible problem solver is a great boon to fishing in the dark. The second generation Berkley Glowstik rod series gets a boost in upgrades, giving anglers more features to help them succeed during those evening sits.

The key component of the Glowstik is a one-touch battery operated red LED that is optimized with a fiber optic cable creating a consistent glow to the rod tip. This lets anglers see the strike.

Featuring a fiberglass blank construction, the Berkley Glowstik is perfect for big cats on the Mississippi or pier and jetty saltwater angling. Read more