Information and Resources to help you navigate Covid-19
We here at US Harbors are collecting all the information we can to help you through these strange times.
The situation around the country, and the world, is changing at a rapid rate. We endeavor to keep our information up to date and relevant. Please be aware that regulations do vary from state to state. You can find all our Covid-19 related news under this tag /covid-19
Is Boating a Safe Social Distancing Activity?
In most circumstances, boating is a safe activity in terms of limiting infection. Please be aware of the specific rules at the local marina or town boat ramp – getting into the water can be the most high risk part of the boating trip, depending on how busy the boat launch area is. Please also take into consideration who accompanies you on your boat. It is advised to limit boat passengers to those already in your household. Some states have a limit on the number of people allowed on a boat.
Once out on the water, maintain distance from other boats, and be extra vigilant of those in the water around you. Boaters, as a type, are generally very safety conscious, and that attitude is just as important now as it ever is. Every prevented accident is one less thing that our brave key workers have tackle – keeping the resources available to deal with the covid-19 pandemic.
More rules, tips and advice can be found here: Must-Know Rules for 2020 Summer Boating During COVID 19
Where Can I Go Boating?
What Boat Ramps are Open in My Area?
What events are still going on?
Many events have been cancelled to limit spread of the coronavirus. Some are able to transition to a virtual. online version of the event, and some are postponed till later in the year, or the following year altogether. We are still posting events on our site, however we encourage you to check directly with the organizer before attending. You can see all the events here: usharbors.com/event-listings/
Help for Coastal Businesses
We are posting updates from any and all coastal business, organization or local authority. If you want to get word out to boaters in your area, you can submit news for our weekly update here: usharbors.com/supporting-our-coastal-businesses/
Health & Safety Filter
An Easy Fix for Faded Boat Registration Numbers on Your Dinghy
By Arnie Hammerman, best4boats.com. If your dinghy’s registration numbers are peeling, fading, or falling off entirely, you’re not alone — and there’s a better solution than trying to paint or stick individual decals back on. A hands-on gear column from Best4Boats walks through a practical, long-lasting fix using custom-made number… SEE MORE
Back Aboard Tres Hombres: Sailing an Engineless Cargo Ship Through Europe's Historic Trade Routes
By Jordan Harssen, best4boats.com. In an era of mega container ships and global supply chains, one 109-foot brigantine is making the case — voyage by voyage — that wind-powered cargo shipping isn’t just a relic of the past. The Tres Hombres, operated by Fair Transport out of the Netherlands, has… SEE MORE
Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week!
By fisheries.noaa.gov, fisheries.noaa.gov. Marine recreational fishing is a cherished American pastime and draws millions of anglers to support our coastal communities. Celebrate our nation’s love for fishing and boating during National Fishing and Boating Week. Cast a line and join anglers across the country in celebrating National Fishing and Boating… SEE MORE
Staying Connected on the Water: How Boaters Are Integrating Starlink With Onboard Internet Systems
By Arnie Hammerman, best4boats. Reliable internet access aboard has gone from a luxury to a near-necessity for many cruising boaters — whether for weather updates, navigation, communication with marinas, or simply staying in touch. While Starlink has been a game-changer for offshore connectivity, a practical guide from Best4Boats makes the… SEE MORE
LED Flares Are Replacing Pyrotechnics — What Boaters Need to Know
By Norris Comer, Best4Boats.com. A significant shift in boating safety equipment is underway. The U.S. Coast Guard is retiring traditional pyrotechnic flares from its own vessels by April 2026 and has issued new rules that make USCG-approved electronic visual distress signaling devices (eVDSDs) easier to carry and more widely available.… SEE MORE
New Boats and Marine Gear Debut at 2026 Miami International Boat Show
By best4boats.com, best4boats.com. The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show remains the marine industry’s premier stage for new product launches, and the 2026 edition didn’t disappoint. For boaters keeping an eye on what’s coming to marinas and harbors this season, Best4Boats has compiled a first look at some of the… SEE MORE
Solar Electric Yachts Extend Range
By YCC Team, Yaleclimateconnections.org. As solar-powered yachts become more prevalent, harbor and marina operators face new infrastructure considerations including electrical capacity for battery charging, appropriate dock assignments for vessels with rooftop solar arrays, and understanding the operational patterns of these emerging zero-emission vessels. The technology represents a shift that could… SEE MORE
2026 Seattle Boat Show: West Coast's Premier Maritime Event Returns
By Dawn Anderson, best4boats.com. The Seattle Boat Show represents a significant convergence point for Pacific Northwest maritime commerce, utilizing both indoor exhibition space and Bell Harbor Marina’s in-water facilities to showcase the region’s boating industry. For harbor operators and marina managers, the annual event demonstrates the capacity and economic impact… SEE MORE
