Chris' BlogChris' Bloghttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/Default.aspxChrishttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/Default.aspxSubtext2010-09-02T09:34:21ZA Guide to Buying your Own Islandhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2010/09/02/a-guide-to-buying-your-own-island.aspx2010-09-02T09:34:21Z2010-09-02T09:34:21ZHave you ever dreamed on owning your own island? Follow these 4 easy steps from Iglucruise and it'll be yours in no time ;)
<p><a href="http://www.iglucruise.com/private-islands"><img border="0" alt="Private Islands /></a></p><p>Infographic by <a href=" www.iglucruise.com="" src="http://www.iglucruise.com/images/private-islands-600px.jpg" /></a>Iglucruise.com</p><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/633.aspx" width="1" height="1" />The Making of Discover Boating's Facebook Gamehttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2010/06/10/the-making-of-discover-boatings-facebook-game.aspx2010-06-10T11:55:08Z2010-06-17T08:51:59Z<p><img class="img" alt="" align="right" src="http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs562.snc3/30725_405203098838_8687733838_4284138_3140716_s.jpg" />Sneak a time-elapsed peek at the making of Making Waves, Discover Boating's new Facebook App. An actual model of "Discover Island" was build and filmed, then later animated over by the talented team at space 150. Music by Ratatat, Album: LP4, Track: Alps</p>
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<p><font size="3" face="Arial">A day on the water beats a day of most anything else. Head out from shore and leave it all behind on Saturday, June 12. <br />
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Join us as we celebrate Boat. Fish. Live. at National Marina Day! Kick off boating and fishing season at this inaugural event taking place at only 10 marinas across the country. <br />
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The marinas chosen to host this special event are: <br />
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Anchorage Marina – Baltimore, Md. <br />
Aqualand Marina – Lake Lanier, Ga. <br />
Bill Bird Marina at Haulover Park – Miami, Fla. <br />
Brisbane Marina – Brisbane, Cal. <br />
Callville Bay Resort & Marina – Lake Mead, Nev. <br />
Colony Marine at Algonac Harbor Club – Algonac, Mich. <br />
Harbourgate Marina–North Myrtle Beach, SC <br />
Marina Bay at Boston Harbor – North Quincy, Mass. <br />
New Rochelle Municipal Marina – New Rochelle, N.Y. <br />
Scotts Landing – Grapevine, Texas</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Arial">Activities vary by marina but may include: </font></p>
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<li><font size="3" face="Arial">Test Drives, Training and Demos</font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Arial">Live Music</font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Arial">Talk to local pros </font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Arial">Cook Outs</font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Arial">Games and Challenges</font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Arial">Boat Tours adn Rides</font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Arial">And Much More!</font></li>
</ul>
<p><font size="3" face="Arial">Visit <a href="http://www.takemefishing.org/boatfishlive/">Boat.Fish.Live.</a> for more information!</font></p>
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<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /></object><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/537.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/537.aspx73http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/537.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/537.aspxTax Breaks for Boat Ownershttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2010/03/24/tax-breaks-for-boat-owners.aspx2010-03-24T09:01:42Z2010-03-24T09:05:53Z<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana">Hey there!</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana"> </font></span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana">We’re in the midst of tax season and as the April 15 deadline approaches, there’s no better time to discuss potential tax breaks for boat owners. Many boaters may be unaware that there are several ways to write off some of the cost of your boat to minimize your taxes.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"> </font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana">Recreational boaters who purchased a new or used boat this past year could qualify for a tax deduction on paid state sales taxes. For those who have become boat owners within the last year, the Tax Extenders Act of 2008 continues to offer a federal tax deduction for state sales taxes. However, it’s important that boaters know that they must choose between state sales tax deduction and state income tax deduction when filing their 2009 federal tax returns.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana"> </font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana">For those owners with a secured boat loan, mortgage interest paid on the loan may be deducted from your federal income taxes. Taxpayers are able to deduct the mortgage interest on a second home in addition to their primary home mortgage interest tax deductible expenses. In order for a boat to be considered a second home for federal tax purposes, its basic living accommodations must meet IRS qualifications.</font></span></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana">Also, keep in mind that taxpayers can only claim one second home in addition to their primary home. With that said, if you already have a second home, you must choose between your boat or second home for the tax deduction.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana"> </font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font face="Verdana">Considering every tax situation is unique, it’s extremely important for boaters to contact a tax preparer or financial advisor for more information applicable tax deductions. For more details and information, visit </font><a title="http://www.irs.gov/" href="http://www.irs.gov/"><font face="Verdana">www.IRS.gov</font></a><font face="Verdana">. For the mortgage deduction, </font><a title="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html" href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html"><font face="Verdana">download Publication 936</font></a><font face="Verdana"> or the Fact Sheets. For state tax deduction, </font><a title="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p600/index.html" href="http://www.irs.gov/publications/p600/index.html"><font face="Verdana">download Publication 600</font></a><font face="Verdana">.</font></span></div><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/528.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/528.aspx83http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/528.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/528.aspx"One Mom, Two Teens, No Exit"http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2010/03/05/one-mom-two-teens-no-exit.aspx2010-03-05T16:25:08Z2010-03-08T11:45:48Z<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana" size="2">Each year, the membership of </font><a href="http://www.bwi.org/"><font face="Verdana" size="2">BWI</font></a><font face="Verdana" size="2"> conducts a writing contest recognizing top marine journalists around the world. Discover Boating is a BWI Supporting Member and sponsors the writing contest awards within the Boating Adventures category. This year the 17th Annual BWI Writing Contest was held, and Discover Boating was pleased to announce their 1st Place Winner, </font><a href="http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/article.aspx?id=503"><font face="Verdana" size="2">“One Mom, Two Teens, No Exit”</font></a><font face="Verdana" size="2"> written by Tania Aebi, youngest woman to sail around the world alone at 21 and author of an international best-seller. Tania was recognized for her inspirational, family bonding story that first attracted readers in the March 2009 issue of Boat U.S. Magazine. This moving story was created from first-hand experience when she set sail to the South Pacific with her two teens in hopes of giving them a world view and different sense of responsibility, all while spending time together. </font></div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Verdana" size="2">Prepare to be inspired!</font></div>
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<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face="Arial"><img alt="Tania and her sons" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4417635618_1319f2572f_m.jpg" /> <img alt="Shangri La under sail, leaving Saint Maarten" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4416871543_cb0757b0bb_m.jpg" /> <img alt="Hard at work" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4416871573_f64f43c13b_m.jpg" /></font></font></p><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/518.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/518.aspx93http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/518.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/518.aspxDo you know how to make a float plan?http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2010/03/01/do-you-know-how-to-make-a-float-plan.aspx2010-03-01T10:15:17Z2010-03-08T11:18:07Z<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hey There!</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Have you ever wondered what would happen if something went terribly wrong while out on the water? If no one knows where you are going, how many stops you are making along the way, and what time you are expecting to be back by, how will they know when/if they need to call authorities?</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A common rule before leaving the house is to say where you're going and when you'll be back. The same, simple rule goes for boaters too, except there's a name for it. Before taking a trip out on the water, you should always be sure to let someone on shore know your <strong>float plan</strong>, a detailed agenda of where you expect to be and how long you expect to be gone.</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A <strong>float plan</strong> can include any or all of the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader; name and number of all passengers, emergency contacts and any special medical conditions; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; a list of communication and signal equipment onboard.</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Here’s how to execute a float plan:</div>
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<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Designate two responsible friends and family members as your float plan guardians. </li>
<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Provide your float plan guardians with guidelines as to how long they should wait before contacting authorities when you do not check in as expected per your float plan. Use as many notes as possible to record this information. </li>
<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">If possible, provide your float plan guardians with contact information for the emergency personnel (US Coast Guard, marine patrol, etc.) where you will be boating. </li>
<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">As you fill in your destinations and estimated arrival dates (ETAs), take into consideration the predicted weather, realistic boat speed and your ability to contact your float plan guardians to update your float plan as you reach (or change) your planned destinations. </li>
<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Don’t neglect to fill in the crew and passenger information. Their ages, descriptions, medical information and emergency contacts are vital to search and rescue personnel. </li>
<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">If your destinations and plans change as you travel, update your float plan so your guardians can easily monitor your progress, avoiding needless worry and unnecessary calls to emergency personnel. </li>
<li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Remember to close out your float plan by checking in at your final waypoint. </li>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Be safe, don’t be careless!</div><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/513.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/513.aspx140http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/513.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/513.aspxWinterizationhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2010/01/15/winterization.aspx2010-01-15T14:10:54Z2010-01-15T14:10:54Z<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="">Hey There! Captain Chris Here!</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="">With the great weather that we have been having in the Great lakes, my neighbor across the street came over and asked me a great question that I wanted to share with you.</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="">His questions dealt with winterization.</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="">He wanted to know if he used his boat over the weekend would he have to re-winterize the engine and all of the boat’s systems. My answer…ABSOLUTELY! If the boat is placed in the water and the engine is started and water enters the boat or the engines, then it needs to be re-winterized, not matter how long it was used or how long it was in the water for.</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="">Newer boats are equipped with systems on their engines that assist with draining the engines installed in the boats. If you are not familiar with these systems, then an upcoming boat show is a great place to check out these systems. Stop by your local marine certified dealership display at the boat show and see what options are available. For a list of marine certified dealerships, please check out the list on our website. The link is <a target="_blank" href="https://mail.nmma.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.discoverboating.com/buying/certified/dealers.aspx">http://www.discoverboating.com/buying/certified/dealers.aspx</a> </span></font></p><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/486.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/486.aspx65http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/486.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/486.aspxThe Boat Show Bonushttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2009/10/28/the-boat-show-bonus.aspx2009-10-28T16:27:42Z2010-01-05T16:58:43Z<div>Hey There!!! Captain Chris Here!</div>
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<div>With the Boat Show Season fast approaching, I wanted to remind everyone that there is no better time to purchase your new boat, or upgrade your current one as we enter the boat show season.</div>
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<div>Finance rates are still at an all time low and new boats are selling at prices that we have not seen in years.</div>
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<div>In addition to purchasing your new boat, this is a great time to properly equip your boat as there are some great new items on the market. Whether you are looking to install electronics on your new boat or upgrade your existing system, there is no better place to do your research than at a boat show.</div>
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<div>To find a boat show near you, please check out the boat show locator on our website. The link is <a href="http://www.discoverboating.com/boating/events.aspx"><font color="#800080">http://www.discoverboating.com/boating/events.aspx</font></a>.</div>
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<div>I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at the shows this year. What shows will you be visiting? Why will you be visiting the shows? Are you looking for a new boat? Is it a family tradition? I look forward to hearing from each of you.</div>
<div> </div><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/448.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/448.aspx57http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/448.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/448.aspxFall Maintenancehttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/archive/2009/10/15/fall-maintenance.aspx2009-10-15T10:01:04Z2009-10-15T10:30:07Z<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Hey There! Captain Chris Here! </div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">While at the marina last night I had a fellow boater ask me whether or not they should perform yearly maintenance such as oil changes, water pumps, fuel filters, etc. on their engines in the fall or in the spring. After speaking with several industry <a title="First Fall, First Boat by PJ Nelson, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pjnelson/3640324481/"><img height="160" alt="First Fall, First Boat" width="240" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3640324481_79270a5fc0.jpg" /></a>professionals, I have concluded that the fall is the best time for all your boat’s maintenance needs.</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">A couple of the many reasons that I was given are as follows:</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span>·<span style="FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>The boat will be all set for the spring with only minor chores to do on the boat</div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span>·<span style="FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>While performing the routine maintenance, if you do identify an issue, you have all winter to address the issue. </div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span>·<span style="FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span>If you have water in the oil, lower unit gear lube or other various parts on your boat, you have a better chance of finding it and make sure that you do not have any freezing issues over the winter</div>
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<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Also, check out the <a href="http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/winterizing.aspx">winterizing tips</a>. Some good info. </div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">When do you like to perform your yearly maintenance and why?</div><img src="http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/aggbug/440.aspx" width="1" height="1" />http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/440.aspx107http://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/comments/commentRss/440.aspxhttp://boatingblog.discoverboating.com/ckourtakis/services/trackbacks/440.aspx