For Boaters, Skip the Socks and Underwear for Christmas

ALEXANDRIA, VA - From Esquire to Redbook, socks and underwear always make a showing on lists for the best Christmas gift ideas. For about the same price, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) suggests giving the boater in the family a BoatUS or BoatUS Angler gift membership. "We don't hate socks and underwear - they're necessary for most of us - but I think a lot of boaters would like something more meaningful than a new pair of skivvies," says BoatUS spokesperson Scott Croft.

For boaters and sailors, there's BoatUS membership, and for the serious angler in the family, there's BoatUS Angler membership. Each is an affordable $24 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-395-2628.

Both come with a subscription to BoatUS Magazine or to BoatUS Angler Magazine (respectively), and include 24/7 nationwide dispatch with $50 of on the water boat towing assistance and $50 of roadside assistance for a disabled boat trailer and tow vehicle. Exclusive fuel, transient slip and repair discounts, savings on boating gear, fun online learning opportunities and access to lots of "how-to" information is also included. Being a member also means a bigger voice for your boater on Capitol Hill when government unfairly targets boaters with anti-boating legislation.

Want to upgrade? Adding BoatUS' roadside "Unlimited" Trailer Assist to a membership for an additional $14 provides 100 miles of free road towing for both the disabled boat trailer and its tow vehicle to a safe location or repair facility. This means your boater will thank you for not having to leave their prized rig unattended while they try to find a new tire. Lockout, flat tire, battery jump and fuel drop-off services are included in this low price.

Another upgrade is adding an on-the-water towing plan: Freshwater boaters can add "Unlimited" on the water towing to their membership for just $43 additional, while saltwater boaters can add it for $125 annually. Soft ungroundings, jump-starts, fuel delivery and tows back to a marina, home dock or launch ramp are included for any boat that is owned, rented, chartered or borrowed.

To see more on the service levels offered, go to www.BoatUS.com/towing/services.asp.