Marinas create a community of boaters...and sometimes conflict

ChicagoBusiness.com reports on the crowded conditions at marinas along Lake Michigan.

As boats pack into spaces, sometimes only eight feet away from each other, issues over privacy and personal space rise to the surface.

The article describes marinas similar to suburban neighborhoods: some boaters seek to be part of the community, others just want to be left alone.

Birdwatchters use boats to get up close

The PostBulletin.com features a story from the Associated Press on boaters and bird watching.

Birdwatchers are using boats to view bird species that are difficult to view close-up on land, or inaccessible due to property boundaries.

Birdwatching boaters prefer kayaks or canoes to travel quietly, so you might want to leave the high-powered bass boat at home.

Will fuel costs keep boaters drydocked?

The Virginian Pilot in Hampton Roads, Virgina features as story on the effect that rising fuel costs could have on boating.

Fuel costs affect not just the leisure boater out for a weekend on the water, but operators of tour and commercial fishing boats as well.

Not all boats are affected equally by the rising price of fuel. Smaller boats consume less fuel than a bigger boat equipped with powerful outboard engines.

While high fuel prices put the squeeze on boaters and boat dealers alike, the lure of the water and the boating life remains strong, no matter how much it costs.

The crushing end of old derelict boats

Just like old cars, old boats go to the scrapyard when their cruising days are over. What happens to old boats when they are junked?

A story in the Brandenton Herald tells the story of how old boats are crushed up by a boat demolition man, who smashes abandoned boats with a steel claw.

Due to the increase in derelict boats, the boat-smashing business is better than ever.

Boating with your dog

Families who enjoy boating together can bring their pets along for the ride. If you are planning to take your dog with you on a boating trip, check out the suggestions on DogFlu.ca, which features a story about dogs and boating.

Tips range from properly supervising your dog to making sure their paws don't slip on a fiberglass boat deck.

Do you take your pets with you when boating? Do you have any advice or safety tips? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

The "anti-Buffett bill" might restrict boat music volume levels

What kind of music goes with boating? Do you play rock and roll, hip-hop, or do you just like the sound of the engine and the water?

If you are boating with music in Florida, a new bill nicknamed the "anti-Buffett bill" (after musician Jimmy Buffett), might have you turning down the volume.

The WMBB TV web site reports on Senate Bill 1988, proposing limits on boating music volume. Any boater who plays music audible from 100 feet away would be charged with a non-criminal infraction.

Not all Florida residents think there needs to be a new law. Some boaters view the bill as more meddling by government officials.

What do you think? Should boats have music volume limits? Would your boat be affected by such a law when you play your music on the water? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of the "anti-Buffett bill", especially if you are a Parrothead.

Reliving a life of boating memories

DiscoverBoating.com has put a video on YouTube called "Good Run - A Boating Story" that has generated quite a reaction.



If you are a lifelong boater, this might bring back some memories of your own.