BoatU.S. Theft Protection beefed up - At Your Service

Boat/US Magazine, May, 2003

To fight the alarming increase in boating thefts and vandalism, the BoatU.S. Theft Protection Program has been significantly improved just in time for this boating season. The value of the reward has been raised from a $1,000 to a $2,500 reward. Best of all, the service is still free for BoatU.S. members.

The $2,500 theft reward benefit is available to any member who displays the BoatU.S. Theft Protection decal on their equipment.

The cash reward is paid by BoatU.S. on the member's behalf. It is paid to the person who provides information resulting in the arrest and conviction of anyone stealing or vandalizing an active BoatU.S. member's boat or equipment.

Along with the Theft Reward and Theft Protection Decal, the program offers important theft prevention tips. They may sound like common sense, but it's amazing how many of us forget the simple things like:

* Keeping the boat locked when you're not aboard;

* Never leaving the boat unattended in a remote location;

* Using a wheel lock if you leave your boat on a trailer or removing one or more tires if it will be stationary for a long time;

* Keeping copies of ownership documents and photos of your boat and its equipment in a safe place - off the boat.

Displaying the theft protection decal can help lessen your exposure to boat theft. To request a decal for your boat, email Membership@boatus.com or call 800-395-2628.

Summer Savings At Marinas

When planning your annual summer vacation, you'll want take a look at the new BoatU.S. Guide to Towing Services and Marina Discounts. Inside, you'll find over 700 BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas that offer members substantial discounts to help keep down the cost of boating.

As one loyal member in Michigan put it: We have found the program to be most helpful. Not only does it provide us with lower prices for marina services, it also serves as a guide to the best run and customer-oriented marinas."

One of the most valuable discounts is on fuel - over 300 Cooperating Marinas give BoatU.S. members up to 10 cents off per-gallon. One fill-up alone could save you more than your annual membership dues. Make sure to plan your route to take full advantage of this BoatU.S. benefit.

And don't just stop for fuel -- stay the night. Over 400 BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas also offer up to 25% off their regular transient slip rates. And in the unfortunate event that you have a mechanical breakdown, you can save up to 15% off parts and labor at many BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas.

The BoatU.S. Guide to Towing Services and Marina Discounts explains it all and lists each member discount offered by all of our 700 BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas in 38 states and 18 foreign countries. We're adding new marinas to our program every day; for the latest listings, go to BoatUS.com/marinas. To request a printed copy of the Guide, call 800-395-2628.

Lodging, Car Rental Discounts

When traveling by land, your BoatU.S. membership can also save you money this summer on great vacation discounts with the RCI Holiday Network, with its diverse selection of rental properties. Call 800730-9981 to book and use BoatU.S. discount code 20650. Also save 15-30% at Ramada, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Super 8, Knights Inn, Villager, Amerihost and Wingate (be sure to mention BoatU.S. ID number 20650 when booking). For car rentals, members get discounts from Avis (AWD# A637200), Budget (BCD# V671500) or Hertz (CDPID# 13769).