BOATING

Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit announced the marine technicians who successfully earned Yamaha Master Technician Certification during 2025. To earn the certification, experienced marine technicians must complete six week-long courses covering outboard engine operating systems, proper installation, service and maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting skills.

North Dakota watercraft owners should note that 2026 is the first year of a new three-year registration period. The price to register motorboats under 16 feet in length in North Dakota, and all canoes, is $30; motorboats from 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length is $45; and motorboats at least 20 feet in length is $60. Fees are prorated.

Idaho Fish and Game’s Frank C. Jones King Hill fishing and boating access site is now open after being closed since Oct. 20 while crews have been completing necessary upgrades to the parking area. The closure has been part of an ongoing effort to enhance fishing and boating access for anglers and other recreational users.

The boat ramp at Gallatin Forks Fishing Access Site will be closed during construction scheduled for Dec. 8-9. The rest of the site will remain open during the project.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, at approximately 4:15 p.m., the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island was struck by the ferry Katie Underwood. A total of forty-one (41) occupants were on board at the time of the incident. No injuries have been reported.

Winter paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing winter beauty. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends that paddlers be prepared to paddle in cold weather.

The boat ramp at Verdel Landing Wildlife Management Area in Knox County will close temporarily Nov. 20 for a renovation project, with expected reopening sometime next spring.

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has reopened the Gordon Public Boat Ramp on the Chattahoochee River in Houston County. The boat ramp is located just off Boat Landing Road near Gordon, Alabama.

At its November meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule establishing a year-round slow-speed minimum-wake boating restricted area in Broward County within a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway between Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge and Sunrise Boulevard Bridge adjacent to Lauderdale Beach.

Through a partnership with the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program — approximately $1.5 million in funding was made available for 10 new boating access improvement projects planned for 2026.

November is Manatee Awareness Month, highlighting a time when Florida’s manatees are starting their seasonal movements to warmer waters around the state. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that Floridians and visitors should be extra mindful this time of year to watch for manatees when on the water.

Yamaha Rightwaters will repower and support The University of Georgia’s® (UGA®) Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant fleet, which works to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension, over a 5-year period.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a final rule establishing a boating restricted area in Broward County within a portion of the Intracoastal Waterway between Oakland Park Boulevard Bridge and Sunrise Boulevard Bridge adjacent to Lauderdale Beach.

Boat ramps will be closed temporarily this week at Mallard’s Rest and Gallatin Forks fishing access sites while maintenance staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks repair the ramps.

When boating season ends and it’s time to pull the boat out of the water, your Norsk Lithium batteries deserve a little attention before you call it a year. Winter storage is the perfect time to take advantage of Deep Sleep™ Mode, a built-in feature that protects your batteries all season long without the need for maintenance charging or disconnection.

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will temporarily close the Moundville Public Boat Ramp for renovations on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Customers who purchase eligible, new Yamaha four-stroke outboards between October 6, 2025, and December 8, 2025, have more options than ever to help add value to their purchases depending on horsepower range.

The Maine Warden Service is assisting the Windham Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office with the investigation of a death of a 78-year-old Windham male. The initial investigation indicates that Allan Ryder was refueling his boat that was tied to the dock when vapors ignited, and Ryder either jumped or fell into the water.

Many avid anglers are outfitting their boats to professional specifications with this available technology, which raises questions of the best way to power all of it. Norsk Lithium® also recognizes there are still anglers who haven’t made the leap and they have electronics power needs, too.

The Maryland DNR is hosting “Women on the Water,” a free introductory workshop on boating and fishing for women and girls 12 and older, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, at Sandy Point State Park. While designed for women and girls, this program is open to anyone 12 and older.