America's Boating Club Central Ohio

05/29/2026

Looking forward to seeing the Alum Creek boaters at either one of these events!

05/28/2026

Here are some tips on how to protect your vessel during a hurricane:

1️⃣ Strip the Deck 🌬️
Remove all canvas, cushions, and sails. In hurricane winds, these act like giant parachutes that can rip cleats right out of your deck. If it’s not bolted down, it’s a projectile!

2️⃣ Double Lines + Chafe Gear 🧵
Use oversized nylon lines for extra stretch. Most importantly, add chafe gear (like a heavy-duty hose) wherever lines touch the dock. Friction from a storm surge can melt a bare rope in minutes.

3️⃣ Center the Boat (The Spiderweb) 🕸️
Don't tie it tight! Use long spring lines to center the boat in the slip. This allows the boat to rise with the storm surge without getting pinned against the dock or pulled underwater.

4️⃣ Clear the Drains 🌧️
Hurricane rain is relentless. Ensure your scuppers (deck drains) are crystal clear. If they clog with debris, your cockpit fills like a bathtub, adding thousands of pounds that can swamp the boat.

5️⃣ Grab the "Go-Bag" 📸
Take your electronics and paperwork home. Pro Tip: Take "before" photos of your expert tie-down job. It’s your best evidence for insurance if the dock itself fails.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and watch the weather! 🌀💪

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸⚓️

As we gather with friends and family on the water this holiday weekend, let’s carry their legacy with us by being responsible, safe, and respectful mariners. 🌊

Pause: Take a moment for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time.

Honor: Fly your ensign with pride and respect.

Protect: Look out for your fellow boaters and keep our waterways safe.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and safe Memorial Day weekend.

05/23/2026

Wishing you all a safe and fun Memorial Weekend!

Our squadron commander, Jason Mack, was interviewed and quoted in the article below.

As a reminder, we are offering Free Vessel Safety Checks at the Cheshire boat ramp on Saturday May 30th and at the New Galena ramp on Sunday May 31st from 10am to 2pm.

We hope to see you soon!

05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to summer, and that means the waterways will be busy! 🇺🇸🚤
A little prep goes a long way in making sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.

Here are our top tips for a safe and stress-free weekend out on the boat:

Assign a "Sober Skipper" 🍺🚫 – Designate someone to stay 100% sober to navigate. BUI is just as dangerous as DUI, and the heat and sun can amplify the effects of alcohol.

Check the Crowd 👥 – Busy holiday weekends mean lots of wakes and new boaters. Keep your eyes on a swivel, maintain a safe speed, and be extra patient at the fuel dock and boat ramp.

Audit Your Life Jackets 🛟 – Ensure you have enough Coast Guard-approved vests for everyone on board, and make sure they are easily accessible (not locked in a cabin!).

Weather Watch ⛈️ – Afternoon thunderstorms can pop up quickly. Check the forecast before you leave the dock and keep a weather app handy.

File a Float Plan 📝 – Let someone on land know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. It’s the easiest way to ensure help can find you if you have mechanical trouble.

Fuel Up Early ⛽ – Avoid the holiday morning lines at the marina by fueling up a day or two in advance.

Let's honor the weekend by looking out for one another. See you out there! ⚓️✨

05/18/2026

Looking for a fresh way to grow your Squadron? 💡

Check out this idea: Host a "Paddle Smart" Community Day! 🛶✨

Paddle sports are booming, and many new kayakers and SUP enthusiasts are looking for a community just like ours. Hosting a relaxed, fun-filled Paddle Smart event is the perfect "soft opening" to introduce your Squadron to a whole new generation of water lovers.

Why this works for your Squadron:

- Low Barrier to Entry: It’s less intimidating than a full navigation course and brings people right to the water’s edge. 🌊

- Showcase Your Expertise: Simple demos on life jacket fit or "how to stay visible to powerboats" prove our value immediately. 🛟

- Fun Recruitment: It’s easier to talk about the perks of membership while hanging out at the beach or a local launch ramp! 🤝

What a "Paddle Smart" day could look like:

- The "Cool Gear" Station: Show off the latest safety courses and equipment 🔦

- The Re-entry Challenge: A fun, wet demo on how to get back on a board or kayak. 💦

- Social Paddle: End the day with a group sunset paddle to build those community ties. 🌅

Let’s bridge the gap between power, sail, and paddle! It’s a great way to keep our traditions alive while welcoming new faces into the America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons family. ⚓️🙌

Share your ideas below! 👇

05/16/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The National Safe Boating Week Kickoff is here (May 16th–22nd).

This is the perfect time to refresh your skills and get your vessel summer-ready before the Memorial Day rush. 🌊⚓️

Here’s what’s happening during this safety campaign:

Life Jacket Check: Ensuring the whole crew has a proper fit. 🛟

Vessel Safety Checks: Get a free inspection for your peace of mind. ✅

Float Plans: Learn why "telling someone where you’re going" is a lifesaver. 📝

Skill Sharpness: From engine cut-off switches to navigating weather changes. 🚤

Safe boating isn't just a week, it’s a lifestyle. Let’s start the 2026 season on the right note!

05/12/2026

Join us for this weekend for a FREE event to ensure a safe boating season for everyone!

05/12/2026

Nothing beats the adrenaline of a ride like this! 🍌🌊 At America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, we’re all about maximum fun on the water.

Towing friends and family is a blast, so here’s how to keep the good times rolling:

- The Dedicated Spotter 👥 – Always have an observer facing aft. The captain watches the path ahead; the spotter watches the riders!

- Life Jackets are Non-Negotiable 🛟 – High-impact sports require properly fitted, high-visibility vests for everyone on the towable.

- Master the Signals ✋ – Ensure riders and the crew know the hand signals for "Faster," "Slower," and "I’m OK" before hitting the throttle.

- Kill Switch Ready 🔌 – Always use your Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS). If the captain leaves the helm, the boat needs to stop instantly.

- Watch the Prop 🚤 – Never board or exit while the engine is in gear. Keep it in neutral or OFF when swimmers are near the platform.

We love the thrill of the ride as much as you do! Stay smart so the smiles stay big. ⚓️✨

What’s your favorite towable? Tell us below! 👇