Win a $58,000 Chris-Craft - At Your Service

Boat/US Magazine, July, 2002

America's legendary boatbuilder, Chris-Craft, and BoatU.S. have teamed up on a sweepstakes that will make someone, somewhere, the proud owner next spring of a 2003, 22-foot Chris-Craft Heritage Edition Launch, valued at $58,000.

The teak-decked and trimmed launch, designed by Michael Peters, has an eightfoot, six-inch beam and seats eight in comfort and style. It is powered by a Volvo 5.0liter 270 hp GXI I/O engine capable of propelling the boat to a top speed of 54 mph.

All new and renewing BoatU.S. members will be automatically entered in the sweepstakes. You may also enter online at BoatUS.com; at any of the 62 BoatU.S. Marine Centers around the country; or by sending a 3x5-inch card with name, complete mailing address, e-mail address and daytime telephone number to: BoatU.S. Chris-Craft Sweepstakes, 880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304. Members also get one automatic entry for each new member they bring aboard. No purchase is necessary and one entry is allowed per day.

"We are delighted to be associated with the owners of a newly independent Chris-Craft who are creating a line of boats for the 21st century that are worthy of the legendary history of the name," sai BoatU.S. Founder Richard Schwartz.

"This is the first time in our 36 years that BoatU.S. has been involved in a boat sweepstakes this big and we are thrilled that it's with a company committed to building top quality craft," he added.

The drawing will be held by BoatU.S. after the sweepstakes ends April 30, 2003.

Crime Pays ... For BoatU.S. Members

Who says crime doesn't pay? For BoatU.S. members Alan and Maria Roy, having a BoatU.S. Theft Reward decal displayed on their 28-foot Tanzer sailboat paid off when the vessel was recently vandalized. BoatU.S. awarded the Roys a $1,000 theft reward.

The vessel was stored at the Roy's home this winter when late one evening they heard loud banging noises of someone trying to break in the boat's cabin hatch drop boards. Immediately investigating, Mr. Roy found two juveniles on the boat pretending to be sleeping. Once "awakened," the teens claimed to have been chased by some unknown assailants and had merely used the boat as a hiding spot.

Mr. Roy called the police. The juveniles -- one with a long police record -- were arrested and convicted of breaking and entering and destruction of personal property.

Fortunately, by interrupting the duo, the Roy's prevented more serious damage. While their BoatU.S. Marine Insurance policy covered the broken hardware, splintered teak moldings and burnt halyards, the Roy's $1,000 Theft Reward was an additional BoatU.S. benefit. The reward is for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of anyone stealing or vandalizing an active BoatU.S. member's boat or equipment.

The program is not open to law enforcement, insurance company agents, marinas, or towing companies. To get a new or replacement Theft Reward decal for your boat, e-mail Membership@BoatUS.com or call the Membership Dept. at 800-395-2628.