BOAT/U.S. Trailering Club on a Roll

With more than 24,000 ramps across the country, finding the perfect place to launch a boat might seem a bit daunting. But the 40,000 members of the BOAT/U.S. Trailering Club don't have to worry. By calling our toll-free ramp locator line, at 800-245-6923, M-F, 8:30 to 5:30 EDT, they'll get information on ramp conditions, trailer parking, fees, operating hours, directions and showers and restroom facilities. The operators even have tips on nearby shopping, lodging and restaurants.

Membership in the Trailering Club is free to any BOAT/U.S. member, and includes a number of benefits. Members receive five free ramp fee rebate coupons, each worth up to $8 credit on a purchase of $35 or more from any BOAT/U.S. Marine Center, the equipment catalog, or on-line at www.boatus.com. And members get another rebate coupon if they send in a ramp location that isn't already in the database.

Members can also opt for Trailer Assist & Tow, which provides on-the-road assistance for boat trailer breakdowns -- something auto policies don't cover. The program costs $10 a year and provides up to $150 per incident.

Hot off the press is a new edition of "Roll, Roll, Roll Your Boat," a special handbook by the BOAT/U.S. Technical Services division on operating and maintaining boat trailers.