News items

[AstroDiver]

Saw these two items in the latest BoatTest e-mail:

Florida Boating Deaths Rise 08/02/06

Unfortunately, boating deaths are rising at a record rate in Florida. Florida has had a 19% increase over prior years, the highest in a decade. 38 people perished in the first six months alone. The typical fatality is an avid boater with lots of experience in a vessel under 20 feet in an area they are familiar with. Average age is over 30. Drowning accounts for over 70% of the fatalities, 21% by trauma. 77%, as usual, were not wearing life jackets and 40% were alcohol related. Boating, like driving, seems to be most dangerous in the areas were we are most comfortable. It seems we let our guards down as we are complacent in an area we know. Like the old Florida Tag used to profess, “ARRIVE ALIVE.”

Honda Extends True 5-Year Warranty 08/02/06

Alpharetta, GA - Honda Marine will extend its industry-first True 5-year, non-declining limited factory warranty through March 31, 2007. Initially offered during the 2006 boat show season, the program offers true Honda factory backing in comparison to outsourced, extended service contracts typically provided by other manufacturers.

The warranty is available on Honda engines ranging from the BF40 through the BF225 purchased between August 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007. As with Honda Marine's standard warranty program, coverage for the True 5 non-declining limited warranty is the same on the last day as it is on the first.