BoatUS

[GordMay]

BoatU.S. puts complaint database online:

The BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau has launched an online nationwide database of consumer complaints and safety information for BoatU.S members.

The database, previously available by phone or fax, contains thousands of reports about boats, engines, boating products, dealers, marinas and related boating services. The information is reported by boat owners, the Coast Guard, manufacturers, marine surveyors and marine technicians.

“Whether you’re buying a boat, trying to determine if a problem on your current boat is widespread, or just curious, we can help,” said Caroline Ajootian, director of the Consumer Protection Bureau, in a statement.

BoatU.S. members can search the database by boat and engine make, model, year, hull number or serial number, or by the type of problem. They also can register a new problem. The database has been used by the Coast Guard to issue defect recall notices.

Boaters can sign up for a BoatU.S. membership on the site at a special online rate of $14 — a $5 savings.

www.boatus.com/consumer

[o_q]

Are you a member, and if so, what do you find useful about this site?