Ethanol & cold-weather engine care

With winter layup upon us, many boaters need to know how to avoid long-term storage problems with fuels containing 10 percent ethanol. This E-10 fuel can attract more water and “phase separate” over time, causing internal engine damage and possible engine failure. BoatU.S. offers these tips to prevent engine damage:

Top off your boat’s fuel tanks to about 95 percent full, leaving room for expansion. An almost full tank limits airflow through the vent, which reduces the chance of condensation adding water to the fuel. If you boat over the winter, topping off ... More

Protect your inflatable PFD

Boaters who prefer inflatable personal flotation devices to Type III life jackets often feel that their comfort far outweighs their added expense. However, many may not know how to properly maintain these effective safety devices. More

As a 5-year-old French girl, I had an unforgettable adventure with my parents one evening, cruising along Paris’ River Seine aboard a “bateau-mouche.” More

Your contributions fund the future

When you donate to the USPS Century Fund, you help USPS make the waterways safer for everyone.

What’s more, your contributions will be invested in the Century Endowment Fund, and the principal will be preserved, allowing USPS to build a solid foundation for the future.

Only income from the investments will be used to support activities such as vessel safety checks, Cooperative Charting, membership building and retention, and other squadron development efforts. Last year, the fund made a significant grant to develop a Leadership Development Program, which is currently being taught in districts across USPS. More

Thanks to Ocean Grafix for sponsoring this issue of Compass

Boost meeting attendance

Many USPS members have been voicing the same concern: How do we increase squadron meeting attendance?

First, initiate exceptional program planning. Consider appointing a program committee to locate speakers who specialize in subjects that appeal to your members. Many companies and organizations are eager to demonstrate their wares or share valuable knowledge with interested audiences. Start your search with the USPS Speaker’s Bureau. More

Click here for some questions and answers about the USPS Speaker's Bureau.

Leadership workshops making waves

The Train the Trainer Leadership Development Workshop program is off to a successful start. Fifty-five trainers representing 22 districts have already completed the program and are ready to offer the workshops to USPS members in their districts.

Safety mascot
attracts crowds

District 5 members have extended the service arm of their USPS triangle by reaching out to children and parents at local boat shows with the Sea Vester boating safety program.

Sea Vester is a fully interactive robotic bird who can wink, blink and turn his head while teaching youngsters about the importance of water safety. More

Click here for the
Crew Corner.

Buy & sell online with The Ensign classifieds

Looking to sell your boat? Need renters for your beautiful waterfront property? Now you can have a new and convenient way to place and view classified ads online!

Check out the new Ensign classifieds today to post, edit and pay for your ad. Set up your account and enjoy the freedom of personal online ad management.

Invest in warmth

$48 Unisex reversible nylon/fleece vest comes in sizes S to XXXL. Item #55-227–232

To order, call 888-367-8777
or visit www.shopusps.org.

Plan now for the 2008 Annual Meeting

Click here for details about the many activities you can choose from. Then register online here.

Hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency are sure to book up early, so don't delay; register now. Click here for hotel information.