America's Boating Club Fort Vancouver

10/15/2026

Your boat may be on the hard for the off-season, but you can keep your skills fresh with our Weather course. Learn how to understand and access marine weather forecasts to be prepared for your next boating trip. With this course, you'll learn about

✅ basic meteorology
✅ U.S. weather systems
✅ weather dynamics fundamentals
✅ National Weather Service forecasting tools

Take our Weather course today and become a weather-wise boater! https://bit.ly/ABCWeather

Weather can make or break a day on the water. Learn how to be weather wise by understanding the basic science of meteorology, plus internet resources, weather apps, etc.

10/14/2026

Elevate your boating experience and save while you do it! 🛥️⚓

When you join America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons®, your membership pays for itself with exclusive savings on and off the water.

🎒 1. Course & Educational Savings: Discounted access to local classes, hands-on boating training, and online courses.

🧭 2. Marine Gear & Navigation Deals: Member-only savings on marine electronics, digital charts, safety gear, and boat equipment.

🛡️ 3. Insurance Rate Savings: Preferred rates on boat, auto, home, and pet insurance through major national carriers.

✈️ 4. Travel & Lifestyle Perks: Exclusive discounts on car rentals, hotel stays, UPS shipping, and medical travel assistance.

Ready to join a community of passionate boaters and unlock these perks today?

📲 Join now: https://americasboatingclub.org/index.php/join

10/12/2026

🚨 Exciting News for America’s Boating Club Members! 🚤🛡️
Safe boating education pays off—literally!

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new affinity boat insurance program in partnership with Core Insurance Group ⚓
What this means for our members:
🔹 Multi-Carrier Options: Compare coverage tailored to your boat and how you use it.
🔹 Education Discounts: Participating carriers offer savings and credits for completing safety courses. 🔹 Survey Flexibility: Select older vessels (20+ years, under $100k value) may not require a vessel survey, depending on underwriting.

Protecting your boat just got easier and more flexible. Stay tuned as we roll out full access to this new benefit!

📲 Learn more about current member perks: https://portal.americasboatingclub.org/ABC/ABC/News/Member-Benefits.aspx

10/09/2026

Safety first every time you hit the water! 🚤⚓

Whether heading out for early morning fishing or navigating to your favorite hunting spot, staying safe on the boat is what keeps the streak going.

In our latest video, we share essential safety tips, gear checks, and best practices every outdoorsman needs before casting off.

📺 Watch the full guide on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GKvOJZW4L3Q

💬 What’s the one piece of safety gear you never leave the dock without? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

10/07/2026

October is National Hunting & Fishing Month! 🎣🦆

Cold water, heavy gear, early morning low-light navigation, and sudden weather shifts make fall boating unique.

⚓ Essential Fall Safety Checklist:

🛟 Wear Your Life Jacket: Camo and low-profile life jackets fit comfortably over heavy hunting layers.

⚖️ Balance Your Load: Keep decoys, fishing tackle, dogs, and gear low and evenly distributed to prevent capsizing.

📝 Leave a Float Plan: Always tell someone onshore where you are going and when you expect to return.

💡 Check Your Lights: Ensure navigation lights work properly for those early dawn launches.

Stay safe, stay warm, and make every cast and hunt count this October!

🔗 Learn more safe boating tips & find local courses: https://americasboatingclub.org

10/01/2026

It’s fall y’all—time to cozy up with The Ensign’s Fall 2026 issue, which you can read online now!

The fall 2026 issue of The Ensign magazine features stories on a canal cruise through The Netherlands, a boater's 50-year membership in America's Boating Club, a vessel safety check for a U.S. Navy wa

10/01/2026

There’s no better way to expand your boating horizons than with trailering. Especially with limited time, you can haul your boat to new and exciting destinations. Learn to tow, launch, and retrieve your boat like a pro with America's Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons' online seminar Trailering Your Boat. This seminar covers everything you need to know:

✅ Choosing the right trailer, hitch, and tow vehicle
✅ Essential safety checks before and during your trip
✅ The art of towing—maneuver with ease
✅ Boat ramp etiquette for stress-free launch and retrieval
✅ Maintenance tips to keep your equipment in top shape
✅ Key points about registration, titling, and insurance

Take Trailering Your Boat today and be ready to hit the road for your next boating adventure! https://bit.ly/ABCTrailering

Choosing a trailer, tow vehicle, and other gear, how to haul the trailer, launch and retrieve your boat, boat ramp etiquette, trailer maintenance, insurance, and registration. online course

09/28/2026

With no roads to follow, how do you avoid obstacles and get where you want to go on the water? Get the basic skills you need to navigate safely with our online Marine Navigation course.

Learn how to plan your route and follow it for a fun, safe journey. Sign up for Marine Navigation today! https://bit.ly/ABCMarineNav

A complete guide to planning and following a course to reach a destination on the water. Hands-on experience with electronic and paper charts for both coastal and inland waterways.

09/26/2026

Safety first every time you hit the water 🚤⚓️

Whether you're heading out for early morning fishing or navigating to your hunting spot, staying safe on the boat is what keeps the streak going.

In our latest video, we share essential safety tips, gear checks, and best practices every outdoorsman needs before casting off.

👇 Watch the full safety guide on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvOJZW4L3Q

What's the one piece of safety gear you never leave the dock without? Let us know in the comments! 👇

09/25/2026

Setting an anchor safely requires the right scope, proper technique, and clear communication from the bow! ⚓

Master foundational boating safety skills with America's Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons 🚤

Find a course or local squadron near you at https://americasboatingclub.org/index.php/join

[Image generated with AI]

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! 🌀💪

05/25/2026

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.

05/21/2026

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

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! 👇

05/08/2026

This , we’re taking a deep dive into history with this classic, monochrome shot of the original United States Power Squadrons emblem. ⚓️📰

Established in 1914, our mission of safe boating and nautical education has spanned generations of mariners. It’s a powerful reminder of how long we’ve been dedicated to making your time on the water safer and more enjoyable. What was your first USPS course?

05/05/2026

A beautiful day on the water can turn into a long day on a tow line if your engine isn't up to par. 🛠️🛥️

Here is why keeping those props spinning correctly matters:

Reliability is Safety ⚓ – An engine failure at the dock is an inconvenience; an engine failure in a busy shipping channel or during a storm is a genuine emergency.

Fuel Efficiency ⛽ – Clean props and well-maintained engines run smoother and burn less fuel, saving you money for more time out on the water.

Prevent "The Drip" 💧 – Regular checks help you spot leaks or worn hoses before they lead to environmental damage or a flooded bilge.

Protect Your Investment 💰 – Saltwater is relentless. Routine flushing and sacrificial anode (zinc) replacement prevent corrosion from eating away at your lower unit.

Propeller Health 🌀 – Even a small ding in your prop can cause vibrations that damage your transmission over time. Keep them true and clear of fishing line!

Don't wait for a breakdown to give your engine some love. A little time in the yard means more time on the horizon! 🌊✨

05/02/2026

May is both National Boating Safety Month and National Water Safety Month.

Whether your family is cruising on the deck or jumping off the swim platform, the goal is the same: coming home safe. This month, let’s focus on the basics:

- Life jackets on for the little ones (and the big ones too!).

- Constant supervision whenever kids are near the water.

- Learning to swim as a life-saving skill.

Let’s make some safe, happy memories this May! 🌊🧒

05/01/2026

May is National Boating Safety Month! 🚤 Before you drop the throttle and head out for a summer of fun, take a moment to make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a weekend warrior, safety never goes out of style. This month, we’re challenging every boater to:
✅ Double-check your life jacket fit.
✅ Test your VHF radio and EPIRB.
✅ Schedule a free vessel safety check.
✅ Refresh your knowledge on local navigation rules.

Safe boating is fun boating. Let’s make this season the best one yet! 🌊⚓️