Interactio Launches Kickstarter Campaign for
New Fuel Saving Device and Mobile App
View real time boat fuel flow, consumption and range information using your Smart Phone or Tablet. New Optio Fuel wireless sensor from Interactio
November 16, 2015 (Victoria, BC) – Every once in awhile a deceptively simple innovation comes along that just makes sense. Optio Fuel is one such innovation.
Until now, the options boat owners had for monitoring their boat’s fuel consumption were either very expensive or difficult to retrofit, leaving boaters relying on instinct and math!
The Victoria, BC-based creators of Optio Fuel, Interactio Inc., will launch their first product on the popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter later this month.
This new device makes it easy for boat owners to directly monitor their vessel’s fuel use using a free app on their smart phone or tablet. The fuel sensor and the mobile app is all that is needed to monitor fuel flow and consumption. Further, current range and optimal speed are also displayed on the device’s map in real time.
Preliminary tests show fuel savings in the range of 10-30% or more*. David Burton, Interactio’s co-founder said “In many cases Optio Fuel pays for itself in a weekend of cruising”. (*Numbers will vary depending on your boat, how often it’s used and your cruising style).
“Our goal is to raise $25k to fund the production of the Optio Fuel,” commented Roger Lines, co-founder of Interactio.
With the funds and awareness raised through this Kickstarter campaign, Interactio will offer a series of new products leveraging “Internet-of-things” technology to bring products to the marine market. As a new technology startup company looking to do things in new ways, Interactio is using modern crowd sourcing from Kickstarter to bring Optio Fuel to market. In true Kickstarter style, being an early supporter gets you a big discount when it’s delivered. Lines reports that the retail price for the Optio Fuel will be just US$199, but on Kickstarter, the first 100 units will be $99, the next 200 — $149.
The project launches November 28th and will run until the end of December. You can find out more at: http://bit.ly/Optiofuel.
Join BoaterRated at the Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market and Seafood Fest
Exclusive Offer to BoaterRated Facebook Fans – Free Tickets to the Treasure Coast Nautical Flea Market, Vero Beach, July 23-24
BoaterRated.com is sponsoring the upcoming Treasure Coast Nautical Flea Market & Seafood Fest that takes place in Vero Beach, FL on July 23-24, 2011. For those of you in or near the Treasure and Space Coast areas, this is a nautical event that you don’t want to miss. The Flea Market is a wonderful destination for the whole family. You’ll be able to go shopping for tremendous deals on boating and fishing gear and apparel. There will also be a huge variety of great seafood to feast on. And don’t forget the terrific music from the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll! It’s the best way to spend a weekend off the water!
If you’re at the event, please make sure to visit the BoaterRated crew, under the pavilion in booth spaces 111 – 112. Take a minute to play the guessing game and enter to win some phenomenal prizes. They’re not giving away just any old prizes. They’re giving away valuable gift cards that you and your family can use to increase your boating enjoyment this summer! So be sure to stop by.
Now for the best part: BoaterRated has 15 FREE tickets to the Flea Market ready to give away. All you need to do to win a free ticket is to go to the BoaterRated Facebook page and “Like” us. The first 15 people to become new fans will be eligible for a free ticket. Not on Facebook and don’t want to be? You’re also eligible for a free ticket if you sign up as a new member on BoaterRated.com and then send them an email at info@BoaterRated.com to let them know you’d like a ticket. So there are two ways to win. Just be quick! There’s only 15 tickets to give away!
Become a fan on Facebook before July 23rd and you may win a free ticket to the Flea!
WHEN: July 23 – 24, 2011
9 AM to 6 PM
WHERE: Indian River Fairgrounds
7955 58th Ave
Vero Beach, FL 32967
ADMISSION: $7.00
Chlidren 12 and Under Free
WHAT’S THERE:
Luscious Seafood
50-60’s Live Music
Sizzling Summer Bargains
PUBLIC BOAT AUCTION! Over 100 boat repossessions, short sales, dealer trades, and private liquidations will be up for sale. The auction boat preview is all day Saturday July 23 and the sale starts at 11:00 AM Sunday July 24, 2011. To pre register to sell or buy a boat go to http://www.FieldsAuction.net/ or call (561) 844-0440.
OVER 300 MARINE AND NAUTICAL VENDORS
SELLING NEW, USED, CLOSED OUT AND LIQUIDATED VESSELS
BOATING AND FISHING SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
The Marine Flea Market will also have antique collectibles and maps, marine artifacts, rods, reels, lures and lines, boating apparel, taxidermy, diving equipment, and much more. Come by for some super discounts on liquidation, closeouts, new, and used boating and fishing supplies.
Marine manufacturers, distributors, dealers and marine related businesses of all types will be selling new and used marine equipment as well as ‘scratch and dent’ merchandise or products that are overstocked or older models.
Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market and Seafood Fest Major Sponsors:
Prestige VW
Southeast Honda of Melbourne
Wells Fargo Bank
MarineMax of Stuart
BoaterRated.com
U.S. Boating News
Oldies 103.7 FM
Also, the festival will be raising money and supporting the Treasure Coast Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Today is World Oceans Day and on behalf of the world’s oceans and the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, I want to acknowledge the hard work these fine folks are doing and ask your support to help protect sea turtles and our precious oceans for all of us. Please join me and my fellow cruisers and help any way you can!
June is worth celebrating!
President Obama recently signed proclamations designating June as Great Outdoors Month and National Oceans Month.
“Both proclamations are an exceptional recognition for the value of our nation’s waterways and reinforce the vital role fishing and boating play in strengthening the U.S. economy and providing a means for Americans to ‘explore, play and grow together,” the National Marine Manufacturers Association said in a statement.
In his proclamation of Great Outdoors Month, Obama says, “This month, let each of us resolve to protect our great outdoors; discover their wonders; and share them with our friends, our neighbors, and our children.” You can Read the proclamation Here.
West Marine Grants $30K to non-profits who protect marine habitats
In honor of World Oceans Day, West Marine, the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, today announced the recipients of their annual Marine Conservation Grants program. Grants for a total amount of $30,000 are being awarded to non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. who are working to “improve and protect marine habitat,” which is part of West Marine’s mission. This year’s grant recipients are located in Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland and California. For more info and a list of the recipients, go to Conservation Grants.
Here’s a few things you can do…
to participate in World Oceans Day and to help celebrate World Turtle Day on June 16th.
Celebrate World Turtle Day June 16 with sea turtle scientists at the Cal Academy Night Life in Golden Gate Park. Pacific leatherback expert Scott Benson will reveal the latest findings about these rare and mysterious sea turtles. Join the Sea Turtle Restoration Project community at a party for the sea turtles at the incredible California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco! If you can help STRP and volunteer, send an email to info@seaturtles.org
“I pledge to protect myself against mercury”
Sadly, capture and drowning in shrimp trawl, swordfish and tuna fishing gear is the leading cause of deaths of sea turtles from human activity. By not eating this fish we can reduce demand for it and the need for more fishing. Much of this fish is also high in mercury. Join the over 1,100 ocean lovers and – Take the Pledge Here!
Visit Your Local Aquarium
Many aquariums do fantastic research an advocacy for oceans, and the funds they receive from patrons can help them keep afloat, so to speak. Not only that, but you learn so much about local and exotic sealife. It’s hard to visit an aquarium and not walk away with a soft spot for marine ecosystems and fish.
Donate to a Favorite Ocean Advocacy Group
There are a range of nonprofits working to help the ocean, and they need your help. Why not send a little something (or a lot something) to one or a few groups making a difference. I recommend SeaTurles.org, Conservation International, or Save Our Seas, just to name a few.
Sign the Care2 “Save Sharks” Petition
As many as 73 million or more sharks are killed every year for shark fin soup. Around the world populations of these important predators are collapsing and species are going extinct. Many species such as the oceanic white tip and great hammerhead have dropped by 99% in just the last 50 years. They may strike fear in many, but we really do need them in the big picture! Sign Care2’s petition to help save sharks today, and protect this vital species from extinction.
BoaterRated launches a “Virtual Dockside” Review Web Site for the Boating Community
Stuart, FL., May 10, 2011 – It’s a common quandary…you need work done on your boat but don’t know who to trust with your pride & joy. Where do you turn? – BoaterRated.com – Where Boaters Speak is a “Virtual Dockside” where boating enthusiasts gather to share and rate their experiences using local boating businesses. Fellow boaters can then use this information to make informed decisions when selecting businesses to help them buy, sell, maintain or repair their boats.
“There are lots of companies and individuals offering quality services to boaters, and we’ve personally found it challenging to find quality providers,” said Carl Schellbach, Partner of BoaterRated LLC. “You can walk down any dock, ask boaters you see ‘Who does a good job?’ and you’re likely to get several completely different answers. So how do you choose? The investment made in people’s boats, both in time and money, deserves better research tools. Until now, there hasn’t been an easy-to-use, objective, no-cost source where boaters could turn to find consensus. BoaterRated.com’s ‘Virtual Dockside,’ with its one- to five-star ratings and reviews, is just that place.”
BoaterRated.com also offers marine businesses the opportunity to expand the reach of their customer referrals. Successful businesses recognize the importance of recommendations to generating new business. Many companies are posting testimonials on their own websites. BoaterRated.com offers an easily searchable, objective option for boating businesses to get their services in front of customers ready to commit.
“What has more credibility?” Mr. Schellbach asks. “A testimonial posted on a company’s website, or a helpful boater’s review posted on BoaterRated.com, a completely independent and objective site? We don’t make judgments about businesses – businesses can’t buy a favorable rating from us, they’ll earn it from their customers. We simply offer boaters a vehicle to share with and learn from the experiences of other boaters. Marine businesses can leverage our platform to get that ‘dockside buzz’ by asking their customers to post their reviews to BoaterRated.com using tools we provide at no cost. As the site grows to include more areas covered, more users, more businesses listed and claimed, the value for everybody on the Dockside will grow too.”
Do you have a boating or marine-based business? Get your business listed on BoaterRated.com today! For a limited time new business listings on the site can run a sales special free of charge. Find out how by contacting Carl @ boaterrated.com.
###
About BoaterRated:
BoaterRated, LLC owns and operates BoaterRated.com, an easy-to-use, independent review website where boaters can offer ratings and reviews of local boating businesses, and where those businesses can easily enhance their “get the word out” efforts. For more information visit www.BoaterRated.com and explore!
Marine Industry Grabs Hold As Boaters Buck Bad Economy, Welcomes Us to the Water
You can certainly tell that its boating season again. Even those hearty boaters up north are beginning to see a thaw in the frigid economic climate, in fact there’s more than enough water in most of the mid-west and south with the Mississippi River and tributaries at record flood levels. There’s even good news from the Government, promising lower fuel prices by Summer, If 2011 is anything like last year, we’ll be seeing record numbers of boaters hitting U.S. waterways again.
The marine industry is starting to see signs of recovery as we move past the recession,” said Jeff Malehorn, president and CEO of GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF).
Now we all know that if those that hold the purse strings see fit to share some, things will most likely improve all around. Times are tough for almost everyone. Most of us working folks don’t have the funds to fly somewhere for a vacation this summer. But if you’ve got a boat, well then you’ve got a reason to be happy! Heck, last year, even as the troublesome economic times hit, millions of Americans — 75 million to be exact — found the perfect way to relax and de-stress: a weekend of boating.
Recreational Boating Tide Rises
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), recreational boating saw numbers hit a record in 2010, when 32.4 percent of American adults participated in the leisure activity. That’s the highest percentage since 1999, even as other industries sank as the recession took hold.
Supporting this trend, results from a boating habits survey conducted in late April of a 4,200 person sampling of members of the nation’s largest boat owners group, BoatU.S., revealed that 95 percent of respondents said the current economy would not stop them from using their boat this summer and 23 percent noted they would go boating more often this summer than last.
NMMA President , Thom Dammrich, likens it to “…that whole concept of a staycation. For what it costs you for one week in Disney World, you could be out on the boat every single weekend.”
The only segment of the industry that’s still not enjoying increases is new boat sales. Nationwide, 188,230 new power and sailboats were sold last year, down about 10 percent from 2009.
Used boats are still as popular as ever. There were 929,900 pre-owned boats sold in 2010, a decrease of 2.4 percent compared to 2009, a likely result of continuing pent-up demand for boats and consumers looking for lower price points in the pre-owned market, this according to NMMA’s findings from its annual Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract.
“Despite decreases in new boat sales last year, the industry remains alive and well as existing boaters took to the water in record numbers and had a willingness to spend on their boats and boating outings,” notes Dammrich.
Image courtesy of NMMA.org
Signs of a Recovery
Over the winter, NMMA – the largest boat show producer in the U.S., saw 70 percent increase in attendance at its 15 boat shows, an indicator that buyers were returning. Echoing these attendance increases, exhibitors at NMMA shows reported improved sales over last year, strong leads and more attendees looking to make a purchase.
Leading the way back to the water is Discover Boating, the industry’s premier PR campaign. Launched back in 2005, it is the industry’s official national public awareness effort to help Americans get started in boating. The industry credits its campaign with helping bolster boating participation in 2006, 2007 and 2008. As a result of the economic recession, Discover Boating was forced to scale back its PR efforts in 2009 and 2010.
This summer, however, the Discover Boating campaign is being re-ignited with a new theme titled “Welcome to the Water” designed to encourage the existing 75 million U.S. boaters to share their passion for boating by inviting their friends and family to the water. The campaign features a new and exciting Facebook app (their fan page has added 27,000 fans and now totals 68,245 fans as of today!), online advertising, TV, radio and of course, print ads and an inspiring new video short entitled “A Good Run.”
Regional Rebound
The report claims that the Great Lakes region has remained one of the strongest for new boat, engine, trailer, accessory and services sales in 2010 with six out of the eight Great Lakes states seeing growth and the remaining two seeing just single digit declines.
In order of sales growth:
Pennsylvania increased 11.9 percent from $202 million in 2009 to $226 million in 2010 Michigan increased 10.6 percent from $317 million in 2009 to $351 million in 2010 Ohio increased 5.5 percent from $222 million in 2009 to $235 million in 2010 New York increased 5.3 percent from $381 million in 2009 to $401 million in 2010 Illinois increased 5.2 percent from $234 million in 2009 to $246 million in 2010 Indiana increased .5 percent from $144 million in 2009 to $145 million in 2010.
The remaining two Great Lakes states: Minnesota decreased 5.5 percent from $305 million in 2009 to $289 million in 2010 and Wisconsin decreased two percent from $298 million in 2009 to $292 million in 2010.
NMMA’s Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract also shows two out of ten boaters live in the Great Lakes region which translates into nearly 17 million boaters residing in these states alone, making the Great Lakes region the top region for recreational boating in the U.S.
This year during National Safe Boating Week, and throughout the boating season remember to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear your life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water. By practicing these simple steps you can save your life as well as the lives of the people boating with you. Life jackets are now more comfortable and lightweight than ever, with many new styles to fit the style you want. Safe boating saves lives so for this year’s North American Safe Boating Week (May 21–27, 2011) and throughout the boating season remember to “Wear It!”
As in years past, the goal of National Safe Boating Week is to educate and inform the boating public about the need to follow safe boating practices. It doesn’t matter if you’re only going out for a short sail around the bay, fishing for an afternoon, paddling or a longer voyage, safety should always be foremost on your mind.
Best practices include:
Take a boating safety course
Get a vessel safety check
File a float plan
Designate a sober skipper
Wear a life jacket
Sea Tow and the nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation will help kick off National Safe Boating Week.
“Late May is the start of boating season in many regions across the U.S.,” Gail Kulp, executive director of the Sea Tow Foundation, said in a release. “But even in communities that enjoy year-round boating, this is a good time to remind boaters of some key boating safety practices.”
To help kick-off the week-long event, and to showcase the wide array of available inflatable life jacket options, the National Safe Boating Council, in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council, is inviting boating safety professionals and members of the boating community to participate in this year’s “Ready, Set, Inflate!” Inflatable Life Jacket World Record Day on Saturday, May 21. Throughout North America and around the world, participants will inflate life jackets to try and beat last year’s world record of 1,154 participants.
A pledge the public can live with. Use this handy, downloadable pdf file in conjunction with your event life jacket giveaways. The total size is 8.5″ x 11″ when folded in half. The file also has form fields for easy, on computer processing. Not only does the pledge underscore an obligation by the recipent, but it also serves to be a useful promotional tool. To download the pdf, click on the thumbnail image below.
Events – “Wear it Florida”
– Youth Boating Safety Class – May 21, 2011 (9am to 1pm)
Free boating safety class for kids age 10 and up
Elks Lodge 1676, 6304 SW 78 Street, Miami, FL . Contact: Elena Cohan, 305-804-9630, elena.flotilla65@gmail.com
– Presentation: Suddenly in Command, Can You Hear Me?, Rescue 21, Marine Radios, Good Mate Program, Ocean Conservatory, How to Use Flares, Water Way Watch from Homeland Security, Let’s go Boating 1 & 2, Keep Your Boat Storm Ready, Vessel Examinations demonstrated on Auxiliary Vessel.
May 21, 2011, (10:00-3:00) 3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton,FL
Contact: Tom Kegan, 561-391-3600, tom@blossomflower.com
– In commemoration of National Safe Boating Week, a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) event has been planned in concert with local County (Clay County Sheriff’s Office) and State (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) marine authorities. Vessel Examiners (VE’s) from Flotilla 14-5 have asked VE’s from throughout Division 14 to participate with us in concurrent VSC missions at five different boat ramps across Clay County over the 2-day weekend.
Saturday, May 21st at Knight’s Marina. (0700 – 12:00)
Contact:Helen Russette, 904-278-1811, helenruss@bellsouth.net
– “Wear It” Boat Parade(with a Fly-over by the USCG helicopter – pending) – May, 21st (Noon). Crystal River, FL
Kings Bay – passing by the Ale House, Pete’s Pier, Ft. Island Trail boat ramps/park and more listed below
This will be our second “Wear It” Boat Parade around Kings Bay, up the Crystal River, passing Crystal River State Archaeological Park and the Crystal River State Preserve Park, to Shell Island and back, ending in Kings Bay. Contact Information: Linda Jone -Vice Flotilla Commander 352-503-6199, LJones1501@gmail.com
10 Green Boating Tips for Cruisers, Alternative Cleansers, Protecting the Waterways
1. Choose Green Products: Look for the EPA-certified “Design for the Environment” (DfE) label, which assures you that the product has minimal environmental impact and is safer for the person using it. Benefit: Safer products. Reduce water pollution.
2. Use The Right Prop: Use a prop with the right pitch so your engine reaches its designed wide-open-throttle RPM. An adjustable-pitch propeller allows you to dial in the optimum pitch angle in single degrees. Modular props, let you swap props while keeping the same hub. Benefit: Reduce fuel consumption, improve performance. [ flexofold.com ].
3. Add Alternative Energy: Solar panels and wind generators are getting more affordable and smarter. Most systems can be self-installed and will reduce your fuel costs significantly. Benefit: Reduce Carbon footprint & Reduce fuel consumption. Go to www.emarineinc.com for good comparison of the two options.
4. Keep The Bilge Clean: Avoid the accidental discharge of oily water by using a sorbent in each bilge area. Consider a bioremediation product designed to convert hydrocarbons into safe compounds. Benefit: Safer products. Reduce water pollution
5. Retire That 2-Stroke Outboard: Although it may be possible to get a few more years out of your old-technology outboard, you’ll be much happier with the reduced noise, fumes, fuel consumption, and pollution of a modern injected four-stroke outboard. For an even quieter ride, try an electric outboard. Benefit: Save gas and reduce water pollution.
6. Recycle your Lead-Acid Batteries: 12V batteries are among the most recycled products in the world. Benefit: Save money and conserve resources. [ earth911.com ].
7. Prevent Fuel Spills: Use or install a device to prevent overboard discharges from your tank vent. Benefit: Save gas and reduce water pollution
8. Use an autopilot: Modern autopilots can steer better than most helmspersons—and they don’t have a limited attention span. Benefit: Reduce fuel consumption
9. Recycle Your Monofilament Fishing Line. If your harbor doesn’t have a recycling location, see the website [ fishinglinerecycling.org ].
10. Eat Responsibly Harvested Seafood: Choose sustainable seafood at a restaurants or grocery stores to ensure that the fish stocks are plentiful for your children and for generations to come. Go to eartheasy.com/eat_sustainable_seafoods.htm for informational guide.
Product➛ Alternative Bleach ➛ Borax Detergent & Soap ➛ Elbow grease Scouring Powders ➛ Baking soda, or rub area with one-half lemon dipped in borax, then rinse General Cleaner ➛ Baking soda and vinegar, or lemon juice combined with borax paste Floor Cleaner ➛ One cup vinegar in 2 gallons of water
Window Cleaner ➛ One cup vinegar + 1 qt. warm water. Rinse and squeegee Aluminum Cleaner ➛ 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar + 1 qt. of hot water Brass Cleaner ➛ Worcestershire sauce, or paste made of equal amounts of salt, vinegar and water Copper Cleaner ➛ Lemon juice and water, or paste of lemon juice, salt, and flour Chrome Cleaner/Polish ➛ Apple cider vinegar to clean; baby oil to polish Stainless Steel Cleaner ➛ Baking soda or mineral oil for polishing, vinegar to remove spots Fiberglass Stain Remover ➛ Baking soda paste Mildew Remover ➛ Paste with equal amounts of lemon juice and salt, or white vinegar and salt Drain Opener ➛ Dissemble or use plumber’s snake, or flush with boiling water + one-quarter cup baking soda + one-quarter cup vinegar Wood Polish ➛ Olive or almond oil (interior walls only) Hand Cleaner ➛ Baby oil or margarine Head & Shower ➛ Baking soda; brush thoroughly Rug/Upholstery Cleaner ➛ Dry corn starch sprinkled on; vacuum
Support Sailors Without Borders
Protect the Oceans!
According to the Ocean Conservancy, there are five general ways boaters can protect our oceans and waterways, and conveniently enough, each of the five tips starts with a letter that ends up spelling the word “BOATS”.
Be a leader in your community. Talk about marine litter prevention with members of your boating community, from your neighbor in the next slip to boating clubs and marina managers.
Offer your time. Volunteer in boat and marina cleanup programs, especially at sites only accessible by boat. And participate in Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup, the largest volunteer effort of its kind for the ocean.
Accidents happen. Be prepared with absorbent pads to clean oil or fuel spills. Dish soap doesn’t work. It just causes those liquids to sink and contaminate the bottom.
Take it all back to shore. Don’t allow cigarette butts to go overboard; small but significant, they are the most prevalent marine litter item found during the International Coastal Cleanup. Dispose of them properly onshore.
Set the pace. Recycle everything you can, from beverage containers to propeller-snarling fishing line or plastic bags.
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) was honored today for innovative achievement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International(BWI) at the 70th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami. RBFF received an Honorable Mention in the 2011 Innovation Awards for its Take Me Fishing Boat Ramp App.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) honored eleven marine products with 2011 Innovation Awards on Thursday and one as an Honorable Mention. The recognition took place during a State of the Industry Breakfast at the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami.
The Innovation Awards, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of award receipt.
Among the winners for the Consumer Electronics and Software category, NMMA bestowed Honorable Mention to the Take Me Fishing Boat Ramp Mobile App. Available on iTunes and in the Droid Market, the FREE app allows users to search an impressive database of more than 35,000 launch points by city or zip code and even offers turn-by-turn directions. It’s already been downloaded by more than 27,000 mobile users.
BoatU.S. Mobile App
The app was developed by Derek Trauger & Associates who have a number of useful apps available for boating enthusiasts on both iPhone and Android phones. Traugers’ most recent: The BoatUS app that helps members call for a tow and includes helpful location and tracking features just for boaters, sailors and anglers. The moment you hit the App’s ‘Call Now for a Tow’ button, it automatically provides TowBoatU.S. with critical information before their crew even answers the phone.
Traugers’ other apps include Padi, Dive Spots, Bait Shops and iBoatShows. With over 60,000 downloads to date, Derek is on his way to becoming the top App Developer to the Marine Industry.
Finally there’s an App For That! iBoatShows™ delivers boat show information on iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad
Sept. 30, 2010 – iTapTouch, LLC, a mobile applications development company, announced that their first app – iBoatShows™ — has been approved and is now available in the Apple App Store. The application was designed in response to the growing demand for key information on boat shows and other marine-industry events. iBoatShows, available today as a free download at the Apple App Store or through the company website, www.iboatshows.com, helps boaters locate a show near them or anywhere in the world. The app also features a quick-search function allowing users to discover what each show or event has to offer and obtain tickets. The app also includes an “Extras” section that allows users to take advantage of special offers by exhibitors, or access social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to tell others about what they’ve found.
The application is the first of several planned applications by iTapTouch, including iBoatShows Custom®, which will focus on individual shows, allowing boaters access to detailed, real-time show information. Customized for any and all shows that want to offer a personalized, dynamic, multi-faceted solution, the apps will provide attendees with convenient mobile access to expo, destination, and exhibitor/vendor information, as well as promotions and sales. iBoatShows Custom will be rolled out later this year.
iTapTouch is the first mobile-only company to join with the Mad Mariner Network, which now includes nine websites, DIY Boat Owner magazine, and the largest social network in the marine industry. iBoatShows for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch will expand Mad Mariner’s ability to connect advertisers with an audience of enthusiastic boaters.
About iTapTouch, LLC
iTapTouch, LLC is a privately held, woman-owned company formed expressly to develop mobile applications for the marine industry. iTapTouch, LLC is owned and managed by Nancy Birnbaum, a long-time boater, U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Captain, and writer/editor in the marine industry. More information about iBoatShows can be found at www.iboatshows.com. iBoatShows can be downloaded at the Apple App Store.
A non-profit organization in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has launched a new website and fund-raising effort to help physically challenged anglers get back on the water. The stated mission of Armchair Anglers is to provide world-class fishing trips for the physically challenged on a fully accessible, stable catamaran boat, in an effort to bring the healing that only time spent on the water can provide.
Executive Director and Founder, Jim Hargaden, who helped design this unique and customized fishing boat, did so in order to make this dream a reality.
“Our goal, to provide a safe and comfortable day of fishing and to provide education and smart catch & release techniques promoting conservation of our most valuable resources to this over-looked segment of the Disabled Community, is unique,” said Mr. Hargaden. “Our Fund Raising efforts have begun in earnest and we will be working on gathering sufficient funds for the construction and rigging of this exciting venture with your help.”
“We encourage you to join our efforts by visiting www.armchairanglers.org and supporting this worthy Non-Profit in any way you can!” added Hargaden. “Your donation, no matter what level you choose, will serve to provide lasting memories for those with physical challenges.”
Founder, Jim Hargaden
Those interested in receiving the Armchair Anglers Newsletter can sign-up on the website and receive $10 worth of tackle as a Thank You Gift!
All donations are Tax Deductible. To donate go to www.armchairanglers.org and click on the “Join Us” tab.
Armchair Anglers, Inc is a part of the Network for Good by GuideStar – “Give with Confidence”. Donations can be made safely online via PayPal using any credit card or your PayPal account. You can also download a donor form to mail in a check.
Your Cruising Editor 