Come on down! Where? To the Tampa Boat Show. This coming weekend at the Tampa Convention Center, (Sept. 10,11,12) I'll be one of several speakers in a track combining the ABYC, Best Buy and the Power Squadron that we think will cover some topics of interest to every boat owner, or prospective boat owner.

 I'm going to be giving a 1/2 hour presentation throughout the show covering the top four things that can trash the performance of your marine electronic systems. I'm not going to tell you here, so if you're in the Tampa area next weekend, stop in and check it out. To find out more about the show and get a speaker's schedule go to the show website at: http://www.tampaboatshow.com/

We're really hoping for good attendance at this show because if its successful, we'll bring the show on the road and we can get to other cities around the country.

Tomorrow, I'll post here and let you know what I'll be checking out at the show so we can compare notes. In the meantime I'm checking out the exhibitor list to see what's hot.

Regular visitors to Ed's Boat Tips may notice some changes to the header today. One of the companies I report on periodically, Mastervolt, is a new sponsor for the site.

Im really quite excited about this because over the years I've followed Mastervolt closely as they have developed new and innovative products for the marine industry. I have truly admired their attention to detail, the quality of their products and the innovative approach they have taken from an engineering perspective with many of their products . So, a big welcome to my friends at Mastervolt!

Over the next year you can count on some really interesting and helpful entries here that I'll be working on with the Mastervolt team.

For example, over the next few months you can look for more "how to" tips for things like sizing a new battery charger to fit your boating habits and needs, how to wire a battery bank properly, and in that category, how to install and deal with some of the newest battery technology available today and coming our way. Mastervolt is one of the leaders in this area and there is a lot to know and learn about these new battery types. Count on Ed's Boat Tips to keep you on top of what's going on in this exciting area of marine technology.

For now, since I live in RI, I need to get ready for the incoming hurricane/tropical storm Earl that's heading my way. My boat Fly Zone is out of the water and secured in my back yard so I'm good on that count. I need to deal with the deck furniture, bird feeders and such next. Have a great Labor Day weekend! 

Continuing with some of my findings in the San Juans, this one falls into the great idea category for marina operators. Another first for me. A life jacket loaner station:

The life jacket loaner station works just like a book lending library. Actually at this marina at Friday Harbor, the hut the life jackets are hanging on is a book lending library. I've seen those before at cruising destinations, but never the life jackets. This is a great idea for when your guests show up with little kids and no life jackets. Its important to to remember that life jackets are sized and just tossing a small child an adult sized PFD might make you feel responsible, but might actually be doing more harm than good because it will not fit properly, in an emergency, the child may actually slide out of the oversized PFD.

Hats off to the marina at Friday Harbor! 

Does using ethanol blended fuel make you feel green? Or, do you worry about the fuel's impact on your engine or boat's fuel tank?

Every boater has read one article or another about the horrors of alcohol in their fuel and its impact on such things as fiberglass fuel tanks, its overall lack of stability and propensity for attracting water into your fuel tank.

 Most of you have probably heard or read that the EPA has been trying to up the allowed blend from 10% to 15% and the boating industry, primarily the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Assiciation) has been pushing back on this, for good reason.

The truth is, most folks have probably not considered how mis-guided this whole ethanol thing really is. Truth is, all we are really doing his helping out a segment of the farming community, and of course their lobbying people are all for increasing the blend to 15%. Not because these folks are super green tree huggers either, but for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ involved.

Well today a link came in over the wires that helps to explain some of this madness and I have to share it: http://www.followthescience.org/

Check it out if you are interested in a dose of reality regarding Ethanol blended fuels.

It was announced earlier today that Boston Whaler has cut a deal with Costco that will offer buyers an opportunity to save up to $2000 toward the purchase of one of Boston Whaler's small boat models.

You won't actually find the boat sitting on the floor at a Costco store. The company will be working with nearby dealers as a part of this promotional effort and will offer cash certificates that can be turned into the savings as I understand it.

This is not the first boat company to team up with Costco. Sea Ray has had a program in place with them for some time.

The Whaler deal is being run on a trial basis through this September so if you're interested in one of Boston Whaler's great small boats, get to a Costco and check it out.