Make Summer Reservations Now

Finally some good financial news coming from Wall Street. The stock market is moving up and my IRA has doubled in the past couple of weeks. However, it would have to double three more times to eliminate my loss, but I am feeling optimistic in that it is going in the right direction. My broker assures me that it will surpass its previous high. He just doesn’t know in which year! Even so, I am now in a good, positive mood, and already thinking about the upcoming boating season. If gas and diesel fuel prices stay at this level, more boaters will be out on the water, and without a doubt, the Hingham Shipyard Marinas will become New England’s premier destination and place to keep a boat. Every day that I drive down Route 3A, I am amazed at the progress of the construction of the stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and homes. The "marina village" appears to be right on schedule and will be finished this summer, and although all those restaurants and shops are great amenities, let’s not forget about all the great virtues the marinas originally offered like deep water floating slips on a very protected river; easy access to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park and great swimming and fishing on the Back River and the World’s End Reservation and Nantasket Beach. If you have not spoken to the friendly staff to reserve your slip, you will miss out on all the fun and enjoyment of boat ownership. Experienced boaters know that summer plans and reservations must be made now or else you simply will not get in. Call now. Hopefully, you are not too late.

Listen to the live broadcast of "Nautical Talk Radio" with Capt Lou and crew, Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon (Boston time) on radio station 95.9FM WATD, Marshfield, and streaming around the world on www.959watd.com. You can also listen to a replay of the most recent show anytime during the week at www.nauticaltalk.com.

* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD * Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"

Spring Is Around The Corner

Spring is around the corner. It will not be long now before this long, snowy winter is history; a fleeting blur in our minds. I am tired of hearing about all the bailouts, even though the word "bailout" has a nautical connotation. I want to relax, have some fun, and put the world's problems out of my mind. Boating can do that for you. Put your snow boots and skis away and take out your boat shoes and shorts. After the Ides of March, winter covers will be removed, the boats' bottoms painted, the zincs replaced, and the boats launched. Am I pushing the season? You bet I am! I want to go boating. Especially after that 64 degree day that teased us last weekend. It is time to get the boat ready and it is nice to know that we have the services of the "professionals" right here at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas. Let them go through their checklist. Get the work scheduled now. There is nothing worse than having "downtime" when your time is so precious. If your batteries are more than three years old, consider replacing them. Don't wait until they are so weak you have to call Sea Tow. Have your engine's oil and fuel filters changed to remove the moisture from condensation. And don't overlook your safety gear. Make sure your lifejackets are dry and free of cracks and mildew. Check your VHF radio, but please do not ask for a radio check on Channel 16. Pick a proper working channel that does not interfere with the Coast Guard. Check the dates on your flares. Are the navigation lights working? Sound your horn. Then, after you think you have done it all, get a Vessel Safety Check decal from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron. That decal can save you a Coast Guard "boarding" on a Sunday afternoon. A warrant officer at USCG Station Pt. Allerton once explained it to me this way. "If we have to choose between two boats to board, and one of the boats is displaying the Vessel Safety Check decal, which boat do you think we stop?

"Let's think boating! Any comments?

Capt Lou, Host of "Nautical Talk Radio" Sunday mornings from 11 - 12 noon 95.9FM WATD http://www.nauticaltalk.com/.

* Winner of Mass/Rhode Island Associated Press "BEST TALK SHOW"
* Recipient of Joshua James Lifesaving Medal for public service
* Recipient of American Lighthouse Foundation's "LEN HADLEY AWARD"
* Winner of Boston's Achievement In Radio "BEST INTERVIEW" AWARD
* Nominated Boston's A.I.R. "BEST PRODUCED PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAM"