When Rig Comes Crashing Down, Rental EPRIB Calls for Help

SOUTHPORT, NC — Last Saturday morning, the 36-foot catamaran “Cata-Tonic” was 80 miles southeast of Southport, NC in a 20-knot breeze when without warning, the boat’s mast and rig suddenly crashed down on deck, dangerously spilling sails, mast and rigging into the sea. While none of the three sailors aboard were injured, the tangled mess soon became more than a simple inconvenience when it began to drag underneath the boat, its sails catching the sea, threatening to capsize the boat or punch a hole in the hulls.

The loss of the mast also meant the loss of the boat’s VHF radio antenna. The captain then did what most sailors hope they never have to do: he activated the BoatUS Foundation rental Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), and grabbed a handheld VHF to call a mayday, knowing that the little radio may not have the power or range to be heard from so far out to sea. “Redundancy is essential for offshore passagemaking,” said owner Jon Rodnon. “But we didn’t see any vessels on the horizon, and we were 40 miles offshore and 80 miles to the nearest port.” Read more

Brunswick Boat Group, Mercury Marine Lend Support to E15 Fight

FOND DU LAC, WI – Brunswick Boat Group and Mercury Marine are encouraging boaters and dealers to follow the lead of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) as they continue to advocate the “Look Before You Pump” campaign aimed at the prevention of E15 in marine engines. E15 is gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol and is extremely harmful to marine engines. Read more

Browning Featherweight Knives

Morgan, UT –New for 2014, Browning’s Featherweight Knives offer heavyweight performance. The line of Featherweight Knives will include seven different models to meet the needs of virtually every hunter and outdoorsman. All of the models feature a stylish retro design.

Models in the Featherweight line include a Fixed Drop Point, Fixed Semi-Skinner and Fixed Drop Point with Guthook. A Large Folder, Small Folder, Big Game and Multi-blade with scissors are also offered. The Big Game model features a drop point blade, guthook blade and saw. Read more

The 544 Warhawk

Monticello, Arkansas-Team Ward, Inc., makers of the well-known War Eagle Boats, announces the addition of the 544 Warhawk to their line. The 544 Warhawk is built on a 6Ëš Vee hull, offering great maneuverability. The 544 model has a low front deck and a rear cross-seat for tiller operation. The 21″ wing design transom and Vee bottom give the hull more lift for shallow running, great turning ability and a smooth ride. The 544 Warhawk has a sharp bow and turns on a dime, making navigating through the flooded timber and marshes nice and easy. Read more

You Don’t Need a License for This

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the 2014 Summer Kickoff, with a variety of recreation activities across the state. During Summer Kickoff, fees will be waived for some of the state’s most Father and son on the shore fishingpopular outdoor activities, making it a great time to grab a fishing pole, ride an ORV or enjoy a day in the outdoors at a state park. The DNR Summer Kickoff includes:

  • June 7-8 is Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees are waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
  • June 7-8 is Free ORV Weekend, when ORV license and permit fees are waived for off-road vehicles. Anyone (resident or nonresident) may ride an ORV for free, but all ORV laws still apply. Find a trail at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.
  • June 8 is free entry to all 102 Michigan state parks; no Recreation Passport required. Pack a picnic, bring some sand toys and make a day of it. This is the only day of the year when there is no vehicle entry fee for the state parks. Camping fees still apply for overnight visitors. Find a park near you at www.michigan.gov/stateparks

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Mitchell’s Sweepstakes

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mitchell has been making quite the splash over recent years, introducing the reinvigorated Mitchell 300 and 300 Pro. Now, the legendary company is running a sweepstakes contest that runs through July 31, 2014. Grand prize winners will receive one of 100 limited edition Mitchell 300 reels. Read more

KA-BAR Acquires EK Commando Knife

OLEAN, NY – KA-BAR Knives is proud to announce the acquisition of legendary knife brand Ek Commando Knife.

Ek Commando Knife was created in 1941 by John Ek in Hamden, Connecticut. During World War II, Ek Commando Knives were restricted to military personnel. The knives featured serial numbers that were recorded and kept for tracking and identification. Luminaries ranging from General George Patton, President Franklin Roosevelt, and actor turned soldier Clark Gable owned Ek Knives during the Second World War.

Ek Commando Knives have served our military in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other hotspots around the globe. Today, Ek continues to be a staple of the United States military.

Ek Commando Knives made by KA-BAR will be available for purchase in 2015.

Anglers and bait dealers reminded of minnow use regulations

The Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers and retail minnow dealers of the baitfish regulations that need to be followed in Michigan. Although the requirement for state-licensed bait retailers to provide customers with receipts upon purchasing live minnows was recently removed, all other regulations with respect to minnow use continue to be enforced.

Baitfish regulations were enacted in 2006 to reduce the potential for baitfish to move fish diseases as the state saw multiple fish die-offs in lakes Erie and Huron from viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv).

“While fish kills from VHSv have become less common, we do not want this fish pathogen to spread across Michigan,” said DNR fisheries biologist Tom Goniea. “Our regulations are designed to prevent this from occurring.” Read more

Berkley Experience Trailer Rolls into Michigan

COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 14, 2014) – The Berkley Experience trailer is poised to set up in Kalamazoo, Mich. Consumers are encouraged to flock to the D&R Sports Center April 17 – 19. Each year the Berkley Experience Trailer continues to bring new and exciting things to consumers. This year is no different, redesigning the entire trailer for a better experience all around. In its 9th consecutive year, the Berkley Experience is on the road giving families the full Berkley experience. Read more

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