For members who love their other recreational vehicles as much as their boat, BoatU.S. has teamed up with the American Modern Insurance Group to offer RV, motorcycle and collector car insurance at a special members-only price. For more information, call 800-491-0416 or log on to BoatUS.com/rv.

Boat owners have a big stake in what goes on in the community where they live and boat. Local ordinances passed in meetings that are poorly publicized or unattended by BoatU.S. members can have a major impact on boating. Is a ramp closure being considered? Is a municipal marina going to be sold? Does your town or county need boaters' support for funding a new project?

The reality is that if you want to do something about it, local BoatU.S. members are often in the best position to help because lawmakers listen first and foremost to their local constituents--and voters.

To give boaters the tools to fight these battles, the BoatU.S. Government Affairs team has developed the online "Grassroots Lobbying Toolkit" at BoatUS.com/gov/toolbox.

The toolkit won't solve every issue, but it will give you insight on how government works and what you can do to affect change. The site includes information on local lobbying tactics, Civics 101, writing to elected officials, forming coalitions, getting publicity, local success stories and other information.

So the next time a controversial or anti-boating effort crops up on your radar screen, take out the toolkit and use it--and keep us in loop.