Best of Boating

Seattle Boat Show Drops Anchor at the Qwest Field Event Center

SEATTLE, WA - The Seattle Boat Show drops anchor on Friday Jan. 29 and continues through Saturday Feb. 6. The West Coast’s largest boat show features 1,000 watercraft, seminars and the latest innovations in accessories at the Qwest Field Event Center, plus 150 world-class yachts in their natural habitat on South Lake Union, with a free shuttle running between both locations.

Unique to the Seattle Boat Show is the large variety of boats on display. At other shows, you may find yourself in a sea of bass boats or wakeboard boats. At the Seattle show, the boats on display are representative of the wide range of boating available in the region.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is an example of a company that is pulling out all the stops at the show, debuting a new 24-foot runabout, the 242 Limited S, that has already won Trailer Boats magazine's Excellence in Design Award; and three new WaveRunners priced under $9,000.  In addition, the company is offering special boat show promotions that can save you more money.

 

Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Begins Team Registrations

SAN ANTONIO, TX - Collegiate anglers throughout the country may begin registering online for the 2010 BoatUS National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. Registration closes on Saturday, May 1 and the final field will be announced on Monday, May 3.

The event will be held on May 24-29 and will once again be hosted by the City of Lewisville Texas. All activities will take place at Sneaky Pete's which is located on the shores of Lake Lewisville.

City of Lewisville Mayor, Dean Ueckert commented, "Competitive angling is the fastest growing collegiate sport in the country, and we are very excited to be home to the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship event. The teams coming here are among the best anglers anywhere and I'm sure some of them will become big names on the professional circuits one day."

Due to the growth in the number of contestants since 2006, the 2010 championship field will be capped at 150 two-person teams. Complete details regarding registration can be found at www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com.

The championship event will be nationally televised on the Versus network from August - October 2010. The television series will also feature coverage of the Stephen F. Austin Bucketmouth Bass Tournament, Arkansas Tech University Invitational, Southern Collegiate Bass Fishing Series Championship and the Collegiate Open Team Bass Championship.

For more information about the 2010 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series, visit www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com.

SAN ANTONIO, TX -The San Antonio Boat Show comes to the Alamodome Jan. 28-31, and according the boat show preview website, Officialboatshows.com, there is a lot to be excited about this boat show season with companies like Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA debuting three newly-designed personal watercraft priced under $9,000.

The new 2010 Yamaha VX models feature more spacious seating for driver and passengers and an expanded swim platform area. In addition, the VX Series receives improvements below the waterline that deliver a more fun, drier ride than competitive models that cost thousands more. For 2010, the VX Series includes the VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe, and the VX Sport.

The VX Series integrates the look and feel of Yamaha's more luxurious watercraft by creating a roomier cockpit for the operator. To do that, the seat length of the VX has been increased to provide more legroom for taller riders with the driver's compartment being expanded by 4 inches. The overall effect is not only more comfortable for the operator, but it also gives the VX Series a striking new profile that mirrors Yamaha's more expensive FX line. Completing the cockpit are new mirrors that have been repositioned for improved visibility, a larger glove box; and a larger, more convenient reverse lever.

For passengers, the seat of the three-person VX Series has been redesigned with a larger bolster for more comfort when riding with two or three people. In addition, the padded surface of the VX reboarding platform has been increased for added comfort and versatility.

 The new VX line received updates under the waterline too that make the VX models more fun to ride.  Refinements include a new ride plate, repositioned new sponsons and a revised weight distribution that combine to provide a much sportier feel. These changes strengthen the handling character of the new VX Series, making it more nimble on the water and more fun to drive than ever before.

"We created the VX Series to offer the entry level buyer a fun, fuel efficient and feature rich WaveRunner at an affordable price," said Scott Watkins, product manager for Yamaha's WaterCraft Group. "Since then, it has completely changed the personal watercraft industry, bringing new buyers into the lifestyle and raising the bar for entry level watercraft. With the launch of the new VX Series today, we are further raising that bar offering new levels of comfort, space, ergonomics and a fun ride that is unlike any other personal watercraft."

The Suggested Manufacturer Retail Price of the Yamaha VX Series starts at $7,999, making the line the most affordable line of PWC on the market today.

San Antonio Boat Show at the Alamodome

Thursday, Jan. 28: noon-9 pm
Friday, Jan. 29: noon-9 pm
Saturday, Jan. 30: 10 am-9 pm
Sunday, Jan. 31: 10 am-6pm

$8 for Adults
$4 for Children and Seniors
Show your Active Duty or Retired Military ID for a discount

NEW YORK CITY - The 2010 New York Boat Show is knee deep in great deals on new boats and personal watercraft.

According to show producer Jon Pritko, there’s been a substantial increase in affordable and customizable boat options offered by manufacturers, ground-breaking technologies and more efficient engines that reduce emissions.

“Buyers at this year’s show will not only be able to capitalize on unprecedented bargains but will be able to find one of the biggest and best selections of new items to enhance any boating lifestyle. It is an ideal time to buy," said Pritko.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is an example of a company that is pulling out all the stops at the show, debuting a new 24-foot runabout, the 242 Limited S, that has already won Trailer Boats magazine's Excellence in Design Award; and three new personal watercraft priced under $9,000.  In addition, the company is offering special boat show promotions that include 5 years extended warranty.

The 105th New York Boat Show features more than 1,000 of the newest and best in luxury motor yachts, cruising yachts, sport fishers, bass boats, performance boats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft, inflatables, fishing gear, engines, marine accessories plus the latest technologies and gear, all at the best deals of the year.

The five-day event takes place Wednesday, January 20 – Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

For more information, visit www.officialboatshows.com. Tickets are $12 for adults and youth 15 and under get in free.

By CC McConnell

The 2010 PWC line-ups are some of the best ever, and offer some serious value for the budget-minded consumer. The Sea-doo GTI SE and the Yamaha VX Deluxe are two of the top contenders in the "Value" category of PWC priced under $9,000.

First, let's be clear that "Value" does not imply "cheap" or "entry-level."  Both of these models are quality watercraft that are very popular with PWC owners because they deliver a big bang for the buck.  In fact, the Yamaha VX was the best-selling PWC in the entire boating industry for 2009; a feat that it has repeated for the past five years. 

The Sea-doo GTI SE is powered by a 130-hp, 1494cc Rotax engine.  Rotax is an Austrian company that builds engines for BRP.  The Yamaha VX Deluxe comes equipped with a 110-hp, 1052cc Yamaha MR-1 engine.  Unlike Sea-doo, Yamaha manufacturers the MR-1 engine, thus the name Yamaha Motor Company.

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show returns to McCormick Place Jan. 13-17 offering the largest selection of boats and marine accessories in the Midwest, and according to the boat show preview site Officialboatshows.com, there is plenty to get excited about with companies like Yamaha that are debuting new boat models that “deliver more for less.”

For 2010, Yamaha is introducing a new 24-foot open bow runabout line that is already an award winner. Honored by Trailer Boats magazine for “Excellence in Design," Yamaha’s 242 and 240 series boats feature the industry’s first “rumble seat” design that allows riders in the bow to enjoy a unique, front-facing point-of-view in the forward-most part of the bow when underway. New at the helm is Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist feature that will hold the engines at a specific RPM for effortless cruising or towing, as well as Yamaha’s signature No Wake Mode that now offers three different RPM settings to allow the driver to easily increase or decrease their no wake speed to find the optimum setting. Completing the helm is a new sound system with direct plug-in iPod connectivity inside the unit.

A signature feature of Yamaha boats is the award-winning two-tier stern lounge area and swim platform made possible by Yamaha’s internal drive system and compact engines. The stern area of the 242 and 240 series is larger and lower to the water line than ever before – just a few inches from the surface of the water - which makes reboarding easy and hanging out at the stern with family and friends more fun. The flagship Yamaha 242 Limited S model comes complete with seat cushions, cup holders, stereo remote control and speakers. Best of all for boat buyers, Yamaha boats come complete with trailer. Carpeting, Bimini top, and more are all standard features.

The Chicago Boat Show offers a unique opportunity to comparison shop for a new boat or personal watercraft; and the show provides plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission to the boat show is $10 for adults and $4 for children 13-15 years old. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.officialboatshows.com.

By Bill Trapman

ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Boat Show returns to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 13-17, where novice and experienced boaters can gather under one roof to find everything needed for outdoor fun.

The five-day event has grown into Georgia’s largest boat show, attracting thousands from the southeastern seaboard, filling 300,000 square feet with hundreds of the latest boats from the region’s top dealers, plus a wide selection of marine accessories and features.

Returning to the Atlanta Boat Show with a new fleet of personal watercraft is Yamaha WaterCraft.  Yamaha WaveRunners are manufactured locally in Newnan, GA and headquartered north of Atlanta in Kennesaw.  The big news for Yamaha WaveRunners is the complete redesign of the industry's best-selling PWC, the Yamaha VX WaveRunner.

The new 2010 VX models feature more spacious seating for driver and passengers and an expanded swim platform area. In addition, the VX Series receives improvements below the waterline that deliver a more fun, drier ride than competitive models that cost thousands more. For 2010, the VX Series includes the VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe, and the VX Sport.

The VX Series integrates the look and feel of Yamaha's more luxurious watercraft by creating a roomier cockpit for the operator. To do that, the seat length of the VX has been increased to provide more legroom for taller riders with the driver's compartment being expanded by 4 inches. The overall effect is not only more comfortable for the operator, but it also gives the VX Series a striking new profile that mirrors Yamaha's more expensive FX line. Completing the cockpit are new mirrors that have been repositioned for improved visibility, a larger glove box; and a larger, more convenient reverse lever.

For passengers, the seat of the three-person VX Series has been redesigned with a larger bolster for more comfort when riding with two or three people. In addition, the padded surface of the VX reboarding platform has been increased for added comfort and versatility.

The new VX line received updates under the waterline too that make the VX models more fun to ride.  Refinements include a new ride plate, repositioned new sponsons and a revised weight distribution that combine to provide a much sportier feel. These changes strengthen the handling character of the new VX Series, making it more nimble on the water and more fun to drive than ever before.

KANSAS CITY, MO - Today is the last chance for boaters to visit the Kansas City Sportshow at the H. Roe Bartle Hall where buyers will find some of the best deals of the year on a new boat or personal watercraft. According to the boat show preview site Officialboatshows.com, there is plenty to get excited about at the boat show with companies like Yamaha that are debuting new models that “deliver more for less.”

The 2010 Kansas City Sportshow, which began Thursday, opens this morning at 10 am and ends this afternoon at 5 pm. Companies like Yamaha have come to Kansas City with new boat designs packed bow to stern with innovative comfort and convenience features at a price that is $20,000 less than what consumers would expect to pay, says Officialboatshows.com.

For 2010, Yamaha is introducing a new 24-foot open bow runabout line that is already an award winner. Honored by Trailer Boats magazine for “Excellence in Design," Yamaha’s 242 and 240 series boats feature the industry’s first “rumble seat” design that allows riders in the bow to enjoy a unique, front-facing point-of-view in the forward-most part of the bow when underway. New at the helm is Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist feature that will hold the engines at a specific RPM for effortless cruising or towing, as well as Yamaha’s signature No Wake Mode that now offers three different RPM settings to allow the driver to easily increase or decrease their no wake speed to find the optimum setting. Completing the helm is a new sound system with direct plug-in iPod connectivity inside the unit.

A signature feature of Yamaha boats is the award-winning two-tier stern lounge area and swim platform made possible by Yamaha’s internal drive system and compact engines. The stern area of the 242 and 240 series is larger and lower to the water line than ever before – just a few inches from the surface of the water - which makes reboarding easy and hanging out at the stern with family and friends more fun. The flagship Yamaha 242 Limited S model comes complete with seat cushions, cup holders, stereo remote control and speakers. Best of all for boat buyers, Yamaha boats come complete with trailer. Carpeting, Bimini top, and more are all standard features.

The Kansas City Sportshow offers a unique opportunity to comparison shop for a new boat or personal watercraft; and the show provides plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission to the Kansas City Sportshow is $8 for adults, $5 for children 13-15 years old, and children under 12 are free.  For more information, visit www.officialboatshows.com.

 

HOUSTON, TX - The largest boat show on the Gulf Coast with more than 1,000 powerboats, luxury yachts, sailboats, and personal watercraft opens Jan. 8 at Houston’s Reliant Center, and according to the boat show preview site Officialboatshows.com, there is plenty to get excited about with companies like Yamaha that are debuting new boat models that “deliver more for less.”

The 2010 Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, which begins Friday through Jan. 17, annually attracts more than 125,000 visitors and doubles as Houston's biggest boat sale. Companies like Yamaha are coming to Houston with new boat designs packed bow to stern with innovative comfort and convenience features at a price that is $20,000 less than what consumers would expect to pay, says Officialboatshows.com.

For 2010, Yamaha is introducing a new 24-foot open bow runabout line that is already an award winner. Honored by Trailer Boats magazine for “Excellence in Design," Yamaha’s 242 and 240 series boats feature the industry’s first “rumble seat” design that allows riders in the bow to enjoy a unique, front-facing point-of-view in the forward-most part of the bow when underway. New at the helm is Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist feature that will hold the engines at a specific RPM for effortless cruising or towing, as well as Yamaha’s signature No Wake Mode that now offers three different RPM settings to allow the driver to easily increase or decrease their no wake speed to find the optimum setting. Completing the helm is a new sound system with direct plug-in iPod connectivity inside the unit.

A signature feature of Yamaha boats is the award-winning two-tier stern lounge area and swim platform made possible by Yamaha’s internal drive system and compact engines. The stern area of the 242 and 240 series is larger and lower to the water line than ever before – just a few inches from the surface of the water - which makes reboarding easy and hanging out at the stern with family and friends more fun. The flagship Yamaha 242 Limited S model comes complete with seat cushions, cup holders, stereo remote control and speakers. Best of all for boat buyers, Yamaha boats come complete with trailer. Carpeting, Bimini top, and more are all standard features.

The Houston boat show offers a unique opportunity to comparison shop for a new boat or personal watercraft; and the show provides plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission to the Houston Boat Show is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 years and under. The show is offering a $2 discount coupon for adults good Jan. 11 through Jan. 14. For more information, visit www.houstonboatshows.com.

Everyday, the U.S. Coast Guard is involved in amazing rescues, national security operations and drug interdictions. Whenever possible, Coast Guard crews capture those operations on video.

For the past several years, the Coast Guard has recognized the top videos of the year and this year the list has been narrowed down to 11 finalists. The Coast Guard is now looking for the public's help in deciding which one is the “Coast Guard Video of the Year” for 2009.

To vote, users simply sign-in to YouTube using their user account, watch the videos in the playlist and then cast a vote using the rating system of one to five stars directly below the video.

Votes will be accepted until Jan. 8. The Coast Guard units with the top three videos will receive a Flip video camera to enhance their ability to capture and share imagery of their operations.

For updates on the contest, check the Coast Guard Facebook fan page or follow the Twitter hashtag #uscgtopvideos.

San Antonio Boat Show Comes to the Alamodome Jan. 28-31

SAN ANTONIO, TX -The San Antonio Boat Show comes to the Alamodome Jan. 28-31, and according the boat show preview website, Officialboatshows.com, there is a lot to be excited about this boat show season with companies like Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA debuting three newly-designed personal watercraft priced under $9,000.

The new 2010 Yamaha VX models feature more spacious seating for driver and passengers and an expanded swim platform area. In addition, the VX Series receives improvements below the waterline that deliver a more fun, drier ride than competitive models that cost thousands more. For 2010, the VX Series includes the VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe, and the VX Sport.

The VX Series integrates the look and feel of Yamaha's more luxurious watercraft by creating a roomier cockpit for the operator. To do that, the seat length of the VX has been increased to provide more legroom for taller riders with the driver's compartment being expanded by 4 inches. The overall effect is not only more comfortable for the operator, but it also gives the VX Series a striking new profile that mirrors Yamaha's more expensive FX line. Completing the cockpit are new mirrors that have been repositioned for improved visibility, a larger glove box; and a larger, more convenient reverse lever.

For passengers, the seat of the three-person VX Series has been redesigned with a larger bolster for more comfort when riding with two or three people. In addition, the padded surface of the VX reboarding platform has been increased for added comfort and versatility.

 The new VX line received updates under the waterline too that make the VX models more fun to ride.  Refinements include a new ride plate, repositioned new sponsons and a revised weight distribution that combine to provide a much sportier feel. These changes strengthen the handling character of the new VX Series, making it more nimble on the water and more fun to drive than ever before.

"We created the VX Series to offer the entry level buyer a fun, fuel efficient and feature rich WaveRunner at an affordable price," said Scott Watkins, product manager for Yamaha's WaterCraft Group. "Since then, it has completely changed the personal watercraft industry, bringing new buyers into the lifestyle and raising the bar for entry level watercraft. With the launch of the new VX Series today, we are further raising that bar offering new levels of comfort, space, ergonomics and a fun ride that is unlike any other personal watercraft."

The Suggested Manufacturer Retail Price of the Yamaha VX Series starts at $7,999, making the line the most affordable line of PWC on the market today.

San Antonio Boat Show at the Alamodome

Thursday, Jan. 28: noon-9 pm
Friday, Jan. 29: noon-9 pm
Saturday, Jan. 30: 10 am-9 pm
Sunday, Jan. 31: 10 am-6pm

$8 for Adults
$4 for Children and Seniors
Show your Active Duty or Retired Military ID for a discount

New York Boat Show is Knee Deep in Great Deals

NEW YORK CITY - The 2010 New York Boat Show is knee deep in great deals on new boats and personal watercraft.

According to show producer Jon Pritko, there’s been a substantial increase in affordable and customizable boat options offered by manufacturers, ground-breaking technologies and more efficient engines that reduce emissions.

“Buyers at this year’s show will not only be able to capitalize on unprecedented bargains but will be able to find one of the biggest and best selections of new items to enhance any boating lifestyle. It is an ideal time to buy," said Pritko.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is an example of a company that is pulling out all the stops at the show, debuting a new 24-foot runabout, the 242 Limited S, that has already won Trailer Boats magazine's Excellence in Design Award; and three new personal watercraft priced under $9,000.  In addition, the company is offering special boat show promotions that include 5 years extended warranty.

The 105th New York Boat Show features more than 1,000 of the newest and best in luxury motor yachts, cruising yachts, sport fishers, bass boats, performance boats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft, inflatables, fishing gear, engines, marine accessories plus the latest technologies and gear, all at the best deals of the year.

The five-day event takes place Wednesday, January 20 – Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

For more information, visit www.officialboatshows.com. Tickets are $12 for adults and youth 15 and under get in free.

Yamaha Offering 3 Three-Passenger Watercraft Under $9,000

By CC McConnell

The 2010 PWC line-ups are some of the best ever, and offer some serious value for the budget-minded consumer. The Sea-doo GTI SE and the Yamaha VX Deluxe are two of the top contenders in the "Value" category of PWC priced under $9,000.

First, let's be clear that "Value" does not imply "cheap" or "entry-level."  Both of these models are quality watercraft that are very popular with PWC owners because they deliver a big bang for the buck.  In fact, the Yamaha VX was the best-selling PWC in the entire boating industry for 2009; a feat that it has repeated for the past five years. 

The Sea-doo GTI SE is powered by a 130-hp, 1494cc Rotax engine.  Rotax is an Austrian company that builds engines for BRP.  The Yamaha VX Deluxe comes equipped with a 110-hp, 1052cc Yamaha MR-1 engine.  Unlike Sea-doo, Yamaha manufacturers the MR-1 engine, thus the name Yamaha Motor Company.

Chicago Boat Show Returns to McCormick Place Jan. 13-17

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show returns to McCormick Place Jan. 13-17 offering the largest selection of boats and marine accessories in the Midwest, and according to the boat show preview site Officialboatshows.com, there is plenty to get excited about with companies like Yamaha that are debuting new boat models that “deliver more for less.”

For 2010, Yamaha is introducing a new 24-foot open bow runabout line that is already an award winner. Honored by Trailer Boats magazine for “Excellence in Design," Yamaha’s 242 and 240 series boats feature the industry’s first “rumble seat” design that allows riders in the bow to enjoy a unique, front-facing point-of-view in the forward-most part of the bow when underway. New at the helm is Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist feature that will hold the engines at a specific RPM for effortless cruising or towing, as well as Yamaha’s signature No Wake Mode that now offers three different RPM settings to allow the driver to easily increase or decrease their no wake speed to find the optimum setting. Completing the helm is a new sound system with direct plug-in iPod connectivity inside the unit.

A signature feature of Yamaha boats is the award-winning two-tier stern lounge area and swim platform made possible by Yamaha’s internal drive system and compact engines. The stern area of the 242 and 240 series is larger and lower to the water line than ever before – just a few inches from the surface of the water - which makes reboarding easy and hanging out at the stern with family and friends more fun. The flagship Yamaha 242 Limited S model comes complete with seat cushions, cup holders, stereo remote control and speakers. Best of all for boat buyers, Yamaha boats come complete with trailer. Carpeting, Bimini top, and more are all standard features.

The Chicago Boat Show offers a unique opportunity to comparison shop for a new boat or personal watercraft; and the show provides plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission to the boat show is $10 for adults and $4 for children 13-15 years old. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.officialboatshows.com.

Georgia's Largest Boat Show Returns to Atlanta Jan. 13-17

By Bill Trapman

ATLANTA, GA - The Atlanta Boat Show returns to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 13-17, where novice and experienced boaters can gather under one roof to find everything needed for outdoor fun.

The five-day event has grown into Georgia’s largest boat show, attracting thousands from the southeastern seaboard, filling 300,000 square feet with hundreds of the latest boats from the region’s top dealers, plus a wide selection of marine accessories and features.

Returning to the Atlanta Boat Show with a new fleet of personal watercraft is Yamaha WaterCraft.  Yamaha WaveRunners are manufactured locally in Newnan, GA and headquartered north of Atlanta in Kennesaw.  The big news for Yamaha WaveRunners is the complete redesign of the industry's best-selling PWC, the Yamaha VX WaveRunner.

The new 2010 VX models feature more spacious seating for driver and passengers and an expanded swim platform area. In addition, the VX Series receives improvements below the waterline that deliver a more fun, drier ride than competitive models that cost thousands more. For 2010, the VX Series includes the VX Cruiser, VX Deluxe, and the VX Sport.

The VX Series integrates the look and feel of Yamaha's more luxurious watercraft by creating a roomier cockpit for the operator. To do that, the seat length of the VX has been increased to provide more legroom for taller riders with the driver's compartment being expanded by 4 inches. The overall effect is not only more comfortable for the operator, but it also gives the VX Series a striking new profile that mirrors Yamaha's more expensive FX line. Completing the cockpit are new mirrors that have been repositioned for improved visibility, a larger glove box; and a larger, more convenient reverse lever.

For passengers, the seat of the three-person VX Series has been redesigned with a larger bolster for more comfort when riding with two or three people. In addition, the padded surface of the VX reboarding platform has been increased for added comfort and versatility.

The new VX line received updates under the waterline too that make the VX models more fun to ride.  Refinements include a new ride plate, repositioned new sponsons and a revised weight distribution that combine to provide a much sportier feel. These changes strengthen the handling character of the new VX Series, making it more nimble on the water and more fun to drive than ever before.

Kansas City Sportshow Wraps Up Today at the H. Roe Bartle Hall

KANSAS CITY, MO - Today is the last chance for boaters to visit the Kansas City Sportshow at the H. Roe Bartle Hall where buyers will find some of the best deals of the year on a new boat or personal watercraft. According to the boat show preview site Officialboatshows.com, there is plenty to get excited about at the boat show with companies like Yamaha that are debuting new models that “deliver more for less.”

The 2010 Kansas City Sportshow, which began Thursday, opens this morning at 10 am and ends this afternoon at 5 pm. Companies like Yamaha have come to Kansas City with new boat designs packed bow to stern with innovative comfort and convenience features at a price that is $20,000 less than what consumers would expect to pay, says Officialboatshows.com.

For 2010, Yamaha is introducing a new 24-foot open bow runabout line that is already an award winner. Honored by Trailer Boats magazine for “Excellence in Design," Yamaha’s 242 and 240 series boats feature the industry’s first “rumble seat” design that allows riders in the bow to enjoy a unique, front-facing point-of-view in the forward-most part of the bow when underway. New at the helm is Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist feature that will hold the engines at a specific RPM for effortless cruising or towing, as well as Yamaha’s signature No Wake Mode that now offers three different RPM settings to allow the driver to easily increase or decrease their no wake speed to find the optimum setting. Completing the helm is a new sound system with direct plug-in iPod connectivity inside the unit.

A signature feature of Yamaha boats is the award-winning two-tier stern lounge area and swim platform made possible by Yamaha’s internal drive system and compact engines. The stern area of the 242 and 240 series is larger and lower to the water line than ever before – just a few inches from the surface of the water - which makes reboarding easy and hanging out at the stern with family and friends more fun. The flagship Yamaha 242 Limited S model comes complete with seat cushions, cup holders, stereo remote control and speakers. Best of all for boat buyers, Yamaha boats come complete with trailer. Carpeting, Bimini top, and more are all standard features.

The Kansas City Sportshow offers a unique opportunity to comparison shop for a new boat or personal watercraft; and the show provides plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission to the Kansas City Sportshow is $8 for adults, $5 for children 13-15 years old, and children under 12 are free.  For more information, visit www.officialboatshows.com.

Houston Boat Show Comes to the Reliant Center Jan. 8 - 17

 

HOUSTON, TX - The largest boat show on the Gulf Coast with more than 1,000 powerboats, luxury yachts, sailboats, and personal watercraft opens Jan. 8 at Houston’s Reliant Center, and according to the boat show preview site Officialboatshows.com, there is plenty to get excited about with companies like Yamaha that are debuting new boat models that “deliver more for less.”

The 2010 Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show, which begins Friday through Jan. 17, annually attracts more than 125,000 visitors and doubles as Houston's biggest boat sale. Companies like Yamaha are coming to Houston with new boat designs packed bow to stern with innovative comfort and convenience features at a price that is $20,000 less than what consumers would expect to pay, says Officialboatshows.com.

For 2010, Yamaha is introducing a new 24-foot open bow runabout line that is already an award winner. Honored by Trailer Boats magazine for “Excellence in Design," Yamaha’s 242 and 240 series boats feature the industry’s first “rumble seat” design that allows riders in the bow to enjoy a unique, front-facing point-of-view in the forward-most part of the bow when underway. New at the helm is Yamaha’s exclusive Cruise Assist feature that will hold the engines at a specific RPM for effortless cruising or towing, as well as Yamaha’s signature No Wake Mode that now offers three different RPM settings to allow the driver to easily increase or decrease their no wake speed to find the optimum setting. Completing the helm is a new sound system with direct plug-in iPod connectivity inside the unit.

A signature feature of Yamaha boats is the award-winning two-tier stern lounge area and swim platform made possible by Yamaha’s internal drive system and compact engines. The stern area of the 242 and 240 series is larger and lower to the water line than ever before – just a few inches from the surface of the water - which makes reboarding easy and hanging out at the stern with family and friends more fun. The flagship Yamaha 242 Limited S model comes complete with seat cushions, cup holders, stereo remote control and speakers. Best of all for boat buyers, Yamaha boats come complete with trailer. Carpeting, Bimini top, and more are all standard features.

The Houston boat show offers a unique opportunity to comparison shop for a new boat or personal watercraft; and the show provides plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission to the Houston Boat Show is $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 years and under. The show is offering a $2 discount coupon for adults good Jan. 11 through Jan. 14. For more information, visit www.houstonboatshows.com.

Vote for the U.S. Coast Guard Video of the Year

Everyday, the U.S. Coast Guard is involved in amazing rescues, national security operations and drug interdictions. Whenever possible, Coast Guard crews capture those operations on video.

For the past several years, the Coast Guard has recognized the top videos of the year and this year the list has been narrowed down to 11 finalists. The Coast Guard is now looking for the public's help in deciding which one is the “Coast Guard Video of the Year” for 2009.

To vote, users simply sign-in to YouTube using their user account, watch the videos in the playlist and then cast a vote using the rating system of one to five stars directly below the video.

Votes will be accepted until Jan. 8. The Coast Guard units with the top three videos will receive a Flip video camera to enhance their ability to capture and share imagery of their operations.

For updates on the contest, check the Coast Guard Facebook fan page or follow the Twitter hashtag #uscgtopvideos.