I am in the process of arranging for seminars at the upcoming National Houseboat Expo. If you are planning to attend, please let me know if there is something you'd really like to see/learn more about at the show-
Lindee

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Editor
Houseboat Magazine

How about "How to Comunicate with persons in Paducah, KY"

:-)

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Banana Tom

how about one on tools you should carry on your boat and emergency repairs to get you back to the dock.

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UC FANS
1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme
Port of Aurora IN

I always used my Boat US card for that.

I have the Tow Boat service, but I do like the twin engine, one to break, one to come home on, but that has not happened, yet, I am ready however.

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Banana Tom

well that is only good if there is a service close to where you boat, for the rest of us we make do

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UC FANS
1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme
Port of Aurora IN

So far, "How to communicate with persons from Paducah" (nice one, Tom) and "Tools to keep aboard." Any other suggestions?

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Editor
Houseboat Magazine

Millertyme,

If you do have a tow boat service on your lake, I think a good subject would be

" What size paddles and how many does it take to get you back to the dock"

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Banana Tom

don't boat on a lake, not enough area to roam, boat on the Ohio River, and try rowing around a 52" houseboat.

PS an oar is not required coast gaurd equipment on a boat that size

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UC FANS
1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme
Port of Aurora IN

Lindee,

In response, I submit the serious reply:

One of the most important topics that are brought up in the Forums here are:

"What about this used boat and it is a good one????".

A good seminar subject would be how to purchase a good used boat. The title takes some thinking. Like:

"Find Happiness, not Sadness, in your Purchase of a Used Boat".

or

"Squeezing the Lemon out of the used vessel purchase".

Another could be

"Knowing what type of Happiness you desire in a boat".

New houseboat people do not know what type of vessel suits their lifestyle. On the forum here, we advise them to rent a few times, before just running out and buying one.

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Banana Tom

What does a surveyor look at (do) when he surveys a boat. What should you expect and not expect from your surveyor. what should you expect to pay for a survey. Why should you have a survey.

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OLD HOUSEBOATER

Where is the show being held in 2008? Perhaps a silly question, but won't they only be showcasing new boats vs used boats? I think the topic suggestions are very good regarding used boat purchases and used boat ownership.

BamaBoater on the Tennessee River

Bam Bam,

Go to the home page here and click on HOuseboat Expo to learn all about it. It is Louisville, KY. But do not go to Puducah.

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Banana Tom

Edited: 01/08/2008 at 09:25:21 AM by BananaTom

Thanks BananaTom. I found it. Right there in front of me! We'll find a way around Paducah from now on! In support of fellow houseboaters if nothing else!!

BamaBoater on the Tennessee River

Judging from the questions I've seen on this and similar forums, maybe some of these would be well-attended:

1. Heads up-- an all-star panel (Peggie Hall and Vic Willman, dream-team) on houseboat plumbing problems and odor control, book-signing and free sample jugs of whatever that stink-preventer stuff is.

2. What to do until the repairman comes: Most common maintenance headaches, and how to deal with them- leaks, mildew, electrical problems-- sort of an everyman's simpleminded tool kit. Maybe even, borrowing from AirVenture, Oshkosh's famous airplane-building forums, a hands-on workshop on working fiberglass or other technique where seeing and doing makes a lot bigger impression than just reading or watching.

3. Goin' places- What you need to know in order to have a safe and fun weekend on the hook. A check-list approach, for when you're going to be a long hike from the nearest convenience store. A confidence-building attempt to entice timid houseboaters away from the dock.

4. Weather-wise. Where to find and how to read or understand a forecast, how to deal with sudden storms, high winds, chop, lightning, fog, rain, and other weather phenomena. Cautionary tales, survival tips, and reassurance.

5. The Great Loop-- find someone who's done this epic voyage around the eastern half of the US, set 'em up with a video projector, and a big map, and let 'em tell tales.

6. I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you: Surviving an official inspection boarding. What you need to know, have aboard, NOT have aboard, say, and probably NOT say. Would be great if you could have Coasties or other water cop team come with their 'you wouldn't BELIEVE what we've seen and heard!' stories and pictures.

7. Boat handling like a pro. Smooth maneuvering in close quarters, no matter what the wind and current's doing to you. How to educate your crew so they're more help than hindrance. A compilation of America's funniest "how not to drive a boat" videos would add greatly to this seminar.

8. Wired! Get some of your advertisers and exhibitors to present a program on getting the best Internet, phone and TV reception money can buy. What's coming town the technology pipeline in the next year or three.

9. Dinks: How to choose, build, buy, store, and tow a dinghy. Might be able to expand into other water toys, too. What's worth carting along, what's more trouble than it's worth, and the like.

10. Great solutions: Adding storage, clever ways to get more bang for your buck, make do with less stuff, and cut housekeeping duties with domestic shortcuts. Maybe illustrations of ways to keep the boat shipshape, with lines and fenders stowed, and in general, looking like a skipper who knows which end is the bow.

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Amelia
Edenton, NC

Wow, thanks for the ideas. Ask and ye shall receive-- I've got a few of those in the works with vendors but some of the others would be great to try and include. Even if it takes a year to round up presenters. In past years we've done seminars on purchasing a used boat and what to look for but I'm not sure we'll be repeating it again. If any of you are going to be attending and think you've got something great to share, though..... I'll be there are a few forum members willing to tell some tall tales? ha. Thanks for your feedback, I really appreciate you taking the time to come up with all these great ideas!
-Lindee

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Editor
Houseboat Magazine

Edited: 11/27/2007 at 03:12:52 PM by Lindee

Lindee

Will there be anything on coast guard documentation vs state registration and stickering. I remember there was a seminar in the past on documenting your boat but recently there has been a lot of questions about the advantages and disadvantages of both procedures.
Also, I live in Louisville,KY. If I can be of any help to you with the expo let me know. Thanks,




------------houseboatKC---------------------
Kevin

Kevin,
We don't have Coast Guard scheduled but I have been in contact with the United States Power Squadrons and have tentatively scheduled to have them cover a variety of safety concerns. Whether or not they plan to cover documentation, I can't say. I will forward that question to them and see if they can address the topic. Thanks for the suggestion and if you have further ideas, let me know.
See you in Louisville!
-L

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Editor
Houseboat Magazine

The Expo is in LOUISVILLE Ky I believe not Lexington.

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16 X 80 1996 Summerset on Dale Hollow

Thanks Southern Cross, I edited it to show the correct town up North.

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Banana Tom