Portland Boat Show - Opening Day

Fellow Guardians,Today was the first day of the Portland Boat Show and Flotilla 73 was there.Gayland Rogers, FSO-PV, and Lynn Easton were among the Auxiliarists working hard to spread the word about boating safety. I asked Gayland to provide a brief report on his experience there. (more on that in a moment).

First, let me say that it's not too late to help out. Daren and John still have openings available and we need your help. Please take a moment to view the boat show calendar (located here) and see if you have time to help during any of the remaining slots.

Contact Daren or John directly and they will cut you orders for the event.

Now on to Gayland's Report:

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Worked the show for about five hours. Lynn Easton “jump started” his PV effort by visiting many program members and updating his contacts.

Some of the most favorite questions and interesting questions were:

1. Inquiries for when, where, and content for both BSS and ABC classes.

2. Are boater safety cards issued by the State good in other states, i.e. is a Washington card good in Oregon ?

Answer: Yes. All states are reciprocal.

3. Interest in receiving VE’s (obtained contact info)

4. If a hydrostatic (Mustang or equivalent) PFD has its hydrostatic device disabled, but the manual function

remains operational, does it remain a valid PFD ?

Answer: No, because it was altered.

5. If an IO is converted to an outboard with offshore bracket, how does one determine the legal maximum

horsepower for the converted craft ?

Answer: Referred to USCG manual for “backyard boat builders” that provides all calculations.

We had steady traffic during the five hours I worked the show. Booth looks pretty good with adequate handouts. Experience was enjoyable. I don’t know why more AUX members aren’t involved.

Gayland Rogers

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

SO-PV, FL-73

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Lastly, please accept my sincere thanks to all of you who are helping to make this years boat show a success by supporting the Coast Guard and the boating public!

Brian Rollins

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Commander, FL-73