ShipStore.com Beacon: Spring Zeitgeist Despite Snowfall
Issue 108, April 13, 2007
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Spring Zeitgeist Despite Snowfall
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Spring Commissioning Sale Items
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Spring Zeitgeist Despite Snowfall
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Until yesterday it was actually beginning to feel like springtime had arrived in Westport. Sporadic sunshine, cloud streaked blue skies, droopy snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and indigo-violet crocuses (Crocus Vernus) blooming in the yard and foolhardy fishermen venturing out onto Lake Champlain's still frigid waters.

My Adirondack Life calendar claims that we're already three weeks past the Vernal Equinox which would suggest that spring is officially "open for business". But no! Like last year (did you recognize my frazzled prose as blurrily familiar?), the over exuberant meteorologists over at VPR offered a belated April Fool's trick instead: snow. Wet, sloppy, slushy snow. How's that for a bad joke? I bet the snowdrops are none too pleased.

Whoompf! Another load of the soggy stuff crashes onto the ground outside my window after a speedy slide off the pitched roof.

The Lake Champlain water level has risen 1-2 feet over the last couple of weeks, and--judging by the extended forecast--it'll continue to rise as we soak up more spring rain, sleet and snow in the days ahead. Not exactly a whole lot of encouragement for boaters chomping at the proverbial bit. (I know, I know, I'm treading on fragile don't-mix-your-metaphors territory here...) So, I recently opted for a little escapism, and what better destination than eBay? No, for once I'm not referring to our popular ShipStore eBay auctions:

http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/sale/salesevauction.html

For several weeks I've been monitoring eBay for a new set of sails for my Hobie Cat 16, and for weeks there've only been a couple of results for Hobie at all much less Hobie sails. All Hobie parts and rigging have required only a single page of search results. Maybe 15, maybe 20 different items. Suddenly in the last couple of days spring is on the mind of eBayers, and Hobie Cat results are plentiful once again. It's funny, eBay serves as a sort of a social barometer.

That spring phenomena is something that we obviously feel at ShipStore too. We've talked in the past about the Christmas sales ramp up, but the arrival of spring--if only psychologically--is quite apparent to us at ShipStore because the orders, phone calls and e-mails double, even triple. It's an exciting time for us. Our energy levels soar, an eager glimmer returns to our eyes, and our focus becomes even more clear: we are here to make your boating experience easier, more affordable and better. What can I say, we love our work!

And speaking of work, did we mention that our trusty webonaut and technophile, Mark Englehart, is moving to Vermont from California. The "down side" of the move is that nobody races Ultimate 20s in our neck of the woods, so Mark decided to sell Two Tuff to one of the buddies he raced with in California. Last month Mark and Too Tuff were featured on the cover of Latitude38, one of the biggest sailing magazines in California, while sailing in the California racing circuit this winter:

http://www.latitude38.com/LectronicLat/2007/0307/Mar02/Marchmag.jpg

After the hand over, Mark reflected, "Even though I am a little sad, it feels 'right'. Anyway, I may buy another U20 someday, maybe in 2008?" From cover boy to almost-boatless Vermonter, it's a big change for Mark, but he and his wife are excited for the move. And yesterday Mark mentioned that he's thinking of buying a Hobie 16 in the mean time to give me a run for my money. Anybody in the Northeast ready to sell their cat?

Snowing again. Better go shovel off the deck...

George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: Spring Commissioning Sale Items
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Rule-Mate Automatic Bilge Pumps, 500 to 2,000 Gallons per Hour
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/rul/rulrulemate.html

PROMO CHAIR Package with 15" PEDESTAL
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TOD/TOD780015.html

FOLDING DECK CHAIR
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SCP/SCP78501.html

Hand Held VHF Radio Mini
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/UND/UNDVOYAGER.html

Teleflex Quick Connect Steering Packages
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TEL/TELSS137.html

SPORT TABS 8 x 10 fits 17 to 20 foot Boat
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BEN/BENM80.html

TRIM TAB POSITION INDICATOR
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BEN/BENTPI2000.html

DESTROYER STEERIN WHEEL Stainless Steel
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SCP/SCP28551.html

METAL PAINT TRAY, 3 PIECE SET 9"
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/RED/RED679SET.html.html

9" CANDY STRIPE ROLLER COVER
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WBC/WBCR2099.html

3M TAPE FINE LINE 218 3/4 x 60 Yards
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMM04699.html

Life Calk Sealant in Tubes and Cartridges
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BTL/BTLLIFECALK.html

3M 5200 Sealant
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMM5200.html

GLASS PLEX GLASS CLEANER
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MKT/MKT3918.html

MILDEW STAIN REMOVER QUART
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MKT/MKT3732.html

FIBERGLASS STAIN REMOVER - FSR
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/DAV/DAV790.html

3M MULTI-PURPOSE BOAT SOAP 16 OZ
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/mmm/mmm09034.html

3M One Step Marine Fiberglass Maintenance Products
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMMonestep.html

3M MARINE PROTECTIVE LIQ WAX 16OZ
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MMM/MMM09026.html

NEW BOAT OWNER'S KIT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/MEG/MEGM6375.html

MARINE MATE BRUSH HANDLE SOFT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SHD/SHD1960.html

BOAT MAINTENANCE KIT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/GAR/GAR65025.html

ANTENNA RATCHET MOUNT Stainless Steel
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SCP/SCP19531.html

WEATHER DECK PANEL 4 POS GRAY
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/BLU/BLU4304.html

SPORTFISH 450 Free Fall Anchor Windlass P77727
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/PWR/PWR77727.html

MOORING BUOY,12"BLUE STRIPE
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TAY/TAY22170.html

HULL GARD FENDER 3-1/2 x 13
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TAY/TAY1020.html

ANCHOR DELTA FASTSET 14 pound
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/LEW/LEW0057406.html

Hooker Economy Anchor, 5HQ QUIK-SET 4 pound
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TIE/TIE95006.html

Attwood Sahara Bilge Pumps, 500 to 1,100 Gallons per Hour
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/ATT/ATTSAHARA.html

30A 125 V, Twist Lock, Yellow Shore Power Cable, 50 feet
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HUB/HUBHBL61CM08.html

Y ADAPTER, 2 30A female to 1 50 A male
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HUB/HUBHBL64CM54.html

ADAPTER Y 2 30A 125V RECP
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/HUB/HUBHBL64CM56.html

BILGE PUMP, 1500GPH, 12V 4.8A
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/RUL/RUL02.html

BILGE PUMP 2000GPH 12VDC 12A, 6 x 4-1/4
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/RUL/RUL10.html

Stainless Steel ADJ DROP DOWN ROD HOLDER
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TAC/TACF162650POL1.html

ULTRA6 PORTABLE Fuel Tank, 6 GALLON
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TEM/TEM620049.html

CHILDS HEADS UP VEST PATTERNS
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/STE/STE3002JAM.html

CHILD WATERSPRT VEST SPIDERMAN
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/STE/STE3040SPD.html

FIBERGLASS BOTTOMKOTE wth Irgarol Anit-Fouling Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/int/intbottomkote.html

Pettit Horizons Anti-fouling Bottom Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/PET/PETHORIZONS.html

Pettit Unepoxy Anti-Fouling Bottom Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/PET/PETUNEPOXY.html

Z-Spar Captain's Varnish - all sizes
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/ZPR/ZPRCAPTAIN.html

Trilux Prop and Outdirve (Lower Unit) Aerosol Antifouling Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTTRILUX.html

Brightside Polyurethanes in Various Colors
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTBRIGHTSIDE.html

Interlux Brightside Boottop Polyurethene Paints
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTBOOTTOP.html

Tempo Motor Color Acrylic Spray Lacquers
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/TEM/TEMENGINEPAINT.html

EPIGLASS EPOXY QT MIXING KIT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTHT9000KIT.html

BRUSH EASE Quart
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INT433Q.html

Interlux InterProtect System
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTINTERPROTECT.html

EPOXY RESIN #105, QUART
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WSY/WSY105A.html

FAST HARDENER #205, .44 PINT
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/WSY/WSY205A.html

BOATERS CHOICE RESIN, GALLON
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/FIB/FIB105501.html

MICRON CSC EXTRA Anit-Fouling Bottom Paint
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INT/INTMICRONCSCEXTRA.html

DOCK BOX LARGE
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/BWP/BWP426.html

DOCK BOX EXTRA LARGE
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/BWP/BWP625.html

ULTRA6 PORTABLE FUEL TANK, 6 GALLON
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TEM/TEM620049.html

JERRY JUG, 6.6 GALLON,#81062
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/WED/WEDW620.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 12"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46370.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 15"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46371.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 18"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46372.html

SUR MOOR BUOY W/ BLUE STRIPE 24"
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/TAY/TAY46374.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 15, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031215.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 20, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031220.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 25, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031225.html

DOCKLINE 1/2 X 30, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA031230.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 10, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033810.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 15, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033815.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 20, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033820.html

DOCKLINE 3/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA033825.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 25, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035825.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 30, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035830.html

DOCKLINE 5/8 X 35, NYLON TWIST
http://www.shipstore.com/ss/HTML/SEA/SEA035835.html

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com. To be eligible for future "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawings all you have to do is subscribe to the Beacon. All current subscribers are eligible for the random drawing. If you're not already subscribed, then visit http://www.shipstore.com and click the "Win a Shopping Spree!" link along the top of your screen.

Once you subscrive you'll be sent a confirmation email which you must respond to in order to activate your subscription and be added to our mailing list. This double opt-in procedure enables us to prevent accidental subscriptions and spam. As soon as your confirmation is confirmed, you will be entered into the "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawing for a $100.00 free merchandise from ShipStore.com. Good luck.

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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COPYRIGHT 2007 ShipStore.com (tm) ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Permission is granted to electronically copy, print or forward this newsletter for use as a shopping, boating or travel resource as long as it is not altered in any way and sent in its entirety. Any other use of materials on this Web site--including reproduction for purposes other than those noted above, modification, distribution, or republication--without the prior written permission of Westport Marina, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
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ShipStore.com
6039 Route 9N
Westport, NY 12993
Telephone: 518-962-2700
Toll Free: 877-SHIPSTORE (US and Canada)
Fax: 518-962-4582

E-Mail sales@shipstore.com with any questions.